making progress

Top: Eric likes to stretch
Middle Left: Dahlia scarf is finished
Middle Center: Pork chops with sweet potatoes and apples
Middle Right: Garth cheats
Bottom Left: Progress shot of the Sea Dragon Shawl
Bottom Center: I wanted to spruce up our bathroom so I got some wall decals
Bottom Right: A drawing for a new challenge I’ve started

Mostly today will be a goals update, because mostly I’m doing awesome. I’ve managed to not start any new knit/crochet projects and have been focusing my efforts this month on trying to finish things I had already started. Dahlia was one of those. My full list at the start of the month was:
* Cross stitch cat
* Sugar Stick knit cowl
* Sea Dragon knit shawl
* Cable It Up scarf
* Dahlia scarf
* Fingerless mitts
I managed to finish the last three items; the first three are still in progress. I am making a good dent in the Sea Dragon Shawl and the cross stitch cat. I have not touched the Sugar Stick cowl this month. It’s lovely, but it’s half black yarn and hence a bit difficult to see. I feel good about what I’ve gotten done though.

The drawing is for The 100 Day Project, a challenge to do something creative – dealer’s choice – every day for 100 days. Since I had identified drawing as something I want to do more of this year that seemed like a natural fit and a way to encourage myself even more. So far, so good.

As for my other goals, I finished a book this morning so my count for the year is up to two – making me half way to my goal of four. I completed 14 creative projects this month, well over my goal of at least five and that doesn’t even count the drawings. I officially completed a professional development certificate this month and am making good progress on another. And I’m working on finding/creating healthier meals for us.

The pork chops pictured above was last night’s attempt, and it came out amazing. I’ve decided to write up the recipe to share.

Cast Iron Pork Chops
Boneless pork chops
Sweet potatoes, about 2C peeled and chopped
2 apples, whatever kind you like, chopped
2/3C apple cider vinegar
1/3C brown sugar
1 Tbsp Garam Masala (plus some to season the chops)
1 tsp kosher salt (plus some to season the chops)
1 Tbsp oil (I used sunflower because that’s what I had)

Pre-heat oven to 375. Season the chops on one side with kosher salt and garam masala. Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer add the chops and brown on both sides. Mix the vinegar, brown sugar, 1 Tbsp garam masala, and 1 tsp salt. Once the chops are seared add the sweet potatoes and apples and pour the vinegar mix over everything. Bake in the oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the chops are cooked to your preference.