So the thing is, I’m a knitter now.
I decided that I wanted to learn how to knit in mid-2024. I got the supplies, tried, struggled, failed, and then didn’t attempt it again until all the way in November. But I think the time away was actually just what I needed because I came back stronger and actually successfully knitted myself a jumper. Was it a bit presumptuous to go from never having held knitting needles in my life to knitting myself an entire sweater? Possibly, but I am nothing if not ambitious.
Anyway, one knitting project under my belt by mid-December and I was ready to charge full steam ahead. I bought better yarn, I bought more supplies, I bought patterns. I planned out more projects than I have the time or fingers to complete in any near conceivable future. And while on a week-long cruise over the holiday break from work, I started on a beanie. I don’t wear hats really, but it seemed a quick and portable enough project so I gave it a shot.
The vibes were immaculate knitting by the sea and I had a fun time. However, I did underestimate how much time it would take me to complete and didn’t finish knitting this until a week after returning from the cruise. I have since sewn in a satin lining into inside of the beanie because split ends are real people.
Next came a more refined version of the first sweater I ever made in a fun striped-sleeve pattern. My knitting had greatly improved by this point and I was getting faster (at Stockinette knitting at least) so it only took me 2 weeks to complete compared to my first version which took me about a month and a half despite being a size smaller than version 2.
Finally, the big Kahuna; a textured cardigan. This is the current project that has followed me into February and I am having a lot of fun and learning a ton. Excited for what else February has to offer in terms of knitting projects.
Books
Though knitting has taken up a better portion of my free time in what I like to call the honeymoon stage of any new hobby, reading is my first love and that has never wavered since I discovered a love for it as a child. So in January, despite knitting essentially consuming my entire life, I read a modest 10 books. Another thing that’s great about knitting? Getting to listen to audiobooks while needling away. It’s hobby-ception.
2024 was a really good reading year for me and I won’t lie, there is a bit of pressure to continue riding that wave. My reading tastes have been changing recently (as it often does in 3-year cycles) in very interesting ways. What I’m discovering is that my mid-20s come with a thirst for older classics, and poignant literary fiction.
Here’s what I read in January,
Playing House: Started out the year with a short and simple read. Not memorable, very meh.
A Map For The Missing. I actually started this back in December. It was a beautiful and poignant read and I realized just how little I knew about China of the late 20th century.
Murder on the Orient Express. A classic that didn’t disappoint. What I’m finding that I enjoy about Agatha Christie novels is that I’m not rushing to figure out the mystery before it is revealed, I’m having too much fun just strutting along with the engaging narrative and the eccentric characters.
The Satsuma Complex. The truth is that I had attempted to read this a few years ago. I knew I would enjoy it so I put it down as a maybe later and not a complete dnf. I don’t remember what compelled me to pick it up again now (mood reader that I am, it will remain a mystery) but I’m glad that I did. It was fun, quick, and had the signature Bob Mortimer humor I eat up.
The Hotel Avocado. The reviews seem to not have liked this one as much as the first book but I can’t say understand why. I really enjoyed this; not any more or less than The Satsuma Complex but I think it was a well-done sequel. I specifically love the narrative perspective in this, it was so very Bob.
The Ex Vows. I really related to the main character in this, so much so that it felt like the author was in my head. And I had a fun time with the story in general. However, weeks later, I can’t say that it is very memorable. It’s worth a read though because despite my thoughts following it, I was very much hooked throughout the entire reading experience. I practically inhaled it. What can I say, I feast on angst.
Daydream. This was in the upper echelon of 4 stars. I very nearly gave it the full five but the last few chapters did not do much for me. I loved the characters and reading about Henry was almost cathartic, I loved him so much. I can see myself rereading this in the (maybe nearer than you think) future.
The Count of Monte Cristo. Okay, this was the big-un, the chonker. I am so incredibly proud of myself for having started and finished this within a month (16 days!). This lived up to it’s glory and I’m sort of upset for myself for procrastinating reading it for so long. I mean, to be fair to me, 1200+ pages is fairly intimidating. I expected to experience some fatigue and/or boredom at some point during the 47 hour audiobook but this story (and the truly stunning writing) had me thoroughly engaged through every minute. If you’re hesitating, don’t!
Gulp. It was the last week of the month when I realized that I hadn’t picked up a nonfiction at all so far. I’m a heavy mood reader and never know what I’m reading next. But even so, my reading interests vary wildly enough that I’m reach for an intriguing nonfiction soon enough, but not in January 2025 apparently. I guess I needed very badly to escape into other realities to get through it. Gulp was a quick afternoon read, more humorous than I found Stiff to be. I expected to be more grossed out than I was but I think Mary Roach balances all her cards right so that all her books leave you as entertained and enlightened; an elusive combo.
Just A Heartbeat Away. This is a reread while I impatiently for the next Cara Bastone release I’m an addict, I’ll read her grocery list at this point. This book and these characters specifically just bring me so much comfort and warmth that I’m tempted to reread it yet again just from typing this.
Overall, I’m not mad at January as a reading month. I had some good books in there. I even managed to sneak in a non-fiction at the end of the month too which I’m very glad to have done. My nonfiction reading continues to remain strong.
Media
I pretty much exclusively consume Youtube. But I’ve been wanting to branch out and actually make use of the subscriptions I pay actual money for so this month, I tried some new stuff.
The Penguin. Penguin was decent. It was suggested to me by a friend that I share an HBO Max subscription with. I wasn’t in the mood for a gritty dark show–I rarely am these days–but I had a decent enough time. It was engaging and well done.
Squid Game (S2). I was very concerned that this would not live up to season 1. I really did not want a second season but I’m really glad we got one anyway. I had no reason for concern. Even though it ended a bit weirdly and abruptly, it had me just as enthralled as Season 1. Can’t wait for the final installment.
The Golden Girls (Up to S4). My Golden Girls journey continues. I don’t know what I expected going into this show but season 1 blew me out of the water and it very quickly became my go-to watch. I haven’t had as many laugh out loud moments as I had during Season 1 but the 4 ladies continue to keep me coming back and entertained nonetheless.
A Man on The Inside. This was a quick fun watch. I love Ted Danson, and Michael Schur has never left me wanting. It was funny, witty, and heartwarming. I will for sure be tuning on to season 2 if there is to be one.
Love Next Door. I finally completed the finale of Love Next Door. It hit all the childhood-best-friends-to-lovers spots. I never wanted it to end and my weekend has been hollow without new episodes to look forward to.
Abbott Elementary (Up to S4). Not much to say here. I continue to watch the episodes as they premier, I continue to love this show.
Typing all this out, I’m realizing that I watched a lot more in January than I thought. It was a long month indeed.
So yes, that was my January. I’m a knitter now and I continue to live up to the Nick Miller quote of aging into my personality. Do I have too many hobbies already? Yes. Is that going to stop me from continuously picking up and trying more random ones? No. Though the time management of them all is beginning to be a hobby all on its own.
If you’d like to know more details about my knitting, I document all my projects (including the patterns I followed, the yarns I used, etc) on my Ravelry
How was your January? Let’s chat!
Haliyah 
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