Quarterly update

A quarter of the year is gone. Time to evaluate the goals for this year. 

Read 52 books. I have read 6 so far, so I have some catching up to do. I find two big culprits for not reading are the television and my phone. I never considered myself a big TV watcher, but I do watch while I craft. 

Recently I have been doing embroidery and cross stitch. These are hard to do while reading. I will not say impossible but definitely difficult. Audiobooks make it possible, but I have trouble with them as mentioned before. 

I have started reading before bed though. This has given my brain a good rest and I am making progress on a book. 

Declutter and organize each room twice. I made a dent in the living room, and I have struggled with energy for the girls' room. I have a plan now for it, provided that I actually put it into action. I would like to say that I can get it done by the end of April, but I doubt that is realistic. I may be able to catch up a bit over the summer, when things hopefully slow down.

Walk more days than not. After having three rounds of antibiotics to get rid of a sinus infection, pollen season started. That will cause more problems health wise, so I am postponing this one. To have a related health goal, I am trying to sleep more. I feel like some days all I do is sleep, eat, and basic chores. However, when you need to recover from a long illness or season of stress, you do what you need to do. The sleep helps me stay healthy, and I am optimistic that during the summer (when pollen season is over), I can start to walk again. 

When I made these goals, the year looked different. Sometimes what we get is not what we expect, and we have to adjust. I am adding more joy with little things and trying to think things through before starting on them, to avoid hiccups. I have also added some responsibilities that are short term, like the musical, and some that are long term. 

How are your goals for the year going? 

Little things add up

Ever wonder why we hesitate to do little things, even though we know it will help in the long run? I do. I know it would help if I would wipe down the bathroom daily, or dust weekly, and yet I don't do it. Sigh. Building those habits is tough for me. Maybe they are for you as well.

I have had my hands full so far this year. January was punctuated with sickness, and rehearsals started. Did I tell you that I am in The Sound of Music? Our local community theater group is performing it in April, and I am Mother Abbess. I am really excited. My youngest is also in it, as part of the ensemble. My middle child decided she wanted to help and she is part of the crew. 

Both of the girls have had surgery to correct their toe walking. It is an outpatient procedure, but takes six weeks in walking casts, then a couple of weeks in air casts. But once it's done, it should be done. We have physical therapy to do, but everything so far is working. The youngest had her surgery at the end of January and the middle child had hers this week. 

On to goals! Because of this first quarter being full of everything else, I honestly have not made much progress on my goals for the year. 

Read 52 books. I finished 4 so far. I have finished:

The Sherwood Ring, Elizabeth Marie Pope

Shadow of Sacrifice, Michael Webb

Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine, Caroline Rose Starr

Rob Roy, Walter Scott

I finally finished Rob Roy! That was indeed a triumph. It moved really well in the last 30-40 pages, but it was a long, slow set up. It was a good story, but just took a while to really get going. 

This week, while my older daughter is convalescing at my in-laws' house and I am with her, I am attempting to finish a few other books. We will see how that goes. I finished a few craft projects, as I can focus better on those than a book at night. I have been in to embroidery and cross stitch recently. I finished the piece in the first picture, Just One More Chapter, and an Easter stitch-a-long in the picture below. 

I am not sure why Blogger keeps turning my photos. Sigh. 

Declutter and organize each room twice. I am really behind on this one. I have done a few things here and there, but the living room is mostly done. The second room to get attention is the girls' room. I have not spent as much time in there as I would have liked, but I have managed to get in front of the armoire cleared and the armoire holds only clothes they can wear. As it is March already, I should be on to the third room, my son's, but I have not finished the girls' room yet. I barely made a dent in it. His room is actually one of the better rooms, but I don't want to neglect it. This is where establishing habits is important and also where I fail.

Walk daily more often than not. This goal is also suffering. I managed to walk once for about 25 minutes on a random day. I had to take the car in to a shop for service, and the shop was really close to our house. I thought about calling a friend to pick me up, but realized that by the time whoever got to me, I could have walked home. So I did. It was a good walk, and took me longer than it should have but I wasn't trying to race. I had my earbuds with me, stopped and put them in, and then continued home. It was mostly uphill, so I had to take it slow. I still want to make progress on this one. Something that has helped my activity is rehearsals. We're walking and singing and being active for a couple of hours twice a week. That counts, right?

Still Looking Forward

January was a different kind of month. We tried to catch up on doctor appointments, dentist appointments, and basic life tasks. This was made harder by everyone being sick over the holidays. The flu turned bad, giving me a sinus infection that I still cannot shake, and my husband pneumonia. Just as we are clearing this hurdle, my oldest comes down with strep on his birthday. Then my youngest just had surgery. Life happens.

So far, here is the progress I have made on my goals:

Read 52 books. I have only finished 2 so far, but I am making progress on several at a time. I have finished:

The Sherwood Ring, Elizabeth Marie Pope

Shadow of Sacrifice, Michael Webb

I am close to being done with Rob Roy, but I find it hard to pick up sometimes. 

Declutter and organize each room twice. I decided to start with the living room, as it was the "easiest" room to do and I could use it as a staging area for donations during the week. I only got about halfway through what I wanted to, and will continue to finish a few things there before I tackle the next space, which is bedroom #1. Again, January was a different kind of month.

Walk daily more often than not. Being ill has really put a dent in this one so far, but the 15 pounds I lost over the holidays (thanks, Flu) has stayed off, even without walking. The weather also was loathe to cooperate, as it alternated between freezing temperatures and pouring rain. I did manage to walk once this past week, so I have not forgotten about it. Getting back into the swing of things takes some time.

We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary last month, which was wonderful and low key. How was your January? 

A New Year of Goals

As it is the first of the year, it is time to look forward to the coming year and set forth some intentions. You could call them goals, but being intentional is more than that. It is more vague in one sense, but not in another. Here are my intentions for this year.

Read 52 books. That puts it as an average of a book a week, which sounds like a lot. Maybe it is, but it means I have to be intentional with my reading, and make it a priority every day. I believe it was Teddy Roosevelt who read a book a day, by finding pockets of time to read. While he didn't homeschool his children, cook three meals a day, wash clothes and dishes and other household chores, he did keep busy and he was intentional.

Declutter and organize each room twice. This may sound like an odd goal, but there are six major rooms (three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen). If I take a month in each one, declutter what I can and organize it, realizing that I may need to see how it best functions for a time, and then I can go back through it and reorganize or re-declutter later. I accept that I will reach a stopping point in each room where I just do not know what else to do. This allows me to take a break from it and focus on another area. I may be able to pull some things from one place to solve a problem in another.

Walk daily more often than not. I started walking and listening to audiobooks last year and I actually enjoyed it. It will help me reach my book goal, and improve my health. I find our meals are usually healthy, but I could use more movement. I could say "walk 3 times a week", but I would rather try to walk more than that. I want to follow the principle of "never miss twice" when it comes to this. 

I think I overloaded myself last year with my goals. This year I am keeping it a little simpler, so maybe I can make better progress on them. Do you have any goals for the new year?

A Year of Goals

As the year winds down, I am reflecting on my goals for this year. I made progress on all of them, which is great, but I did not do as much as I had hoped. Part of that was my expectation for myself and my goals. Part of it may have been I took on too much (a common problem I have). 

Blog more.

I managed to accomplish this one. This was an easy goal to reach, and I am glad I was able to do it. Low hanging fruit, right? 

Keep the food budget to $400 per month.

This one was a lot harder than I expected. Inflation definitely did not help with this goal. We have started using more and more from our pantry, which helps. It is very hard with a family of five to keep fresh items (bread, milk, eggs, cheese, etc) on just $400. I am trying to get it to $500, so maybe that is more realistic.

Start a garden.

I tried - I really did. It just did not work. I think I over reached on this one. There just was not enough time or energy to put into that. Plus the weather this year made it really hard. I wasn't the only one who struggled. It was hot and dry, which isn't usually the case. We're used to hot weather in the summer, but the lack of rain hurt many gardens. I also think my time is spread too thin for this one. Maybe just yard work next year?

Pay more attention to my health.

While I have been paying more attention to my health, some of the best visible ways have yet to progress. My weight is still an issue. I saw a few pictures of myself in the past several weeks, and they were quite... eye-opening? Upsetting? Jarring? Definitely unflattering. And very discouraging. 

There have been a lot of minor issues that keep me from achieving this goal. Sometimes it is always little pebbles and not big stones that block the path. So you have to learn how to sweep them aside, and that's where I am. I am getting more sleep to fill my sleep deficit and starting to walk most days. I have been making better food choices, because SLEEP. It is amazing what little sleep can do. I definitely feel more in control since getting more sleep. However, now that I finally can sleep, I need so much of it! I feel as though half my day is resting. But sometimes that is what you need. 

Read 50 new books this year.

I made a little progress the past two weeks, but I was busy with appointments and planning for camp with my girls, and I just didn't have enough time to read much. I have been prioritizing reading at night, which has helped. Also, during my walks I am listening to audiobooks. It's about the only time I can listen and can focus my attention on the book. I made it through 27 books, so it was over half my goal. I may get through another one or two before the year ends, if I keep walking with audiobooks.

How to Use a Planner Without Wasting Time, Mystie Winckler 

Poor Richard, James Daugherty

The Empowered Wife, Laura Doyle

Fortress of the Lost Amulet, Michael Webb

Different, Sally Clarkson

Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe

The Convivial Homeschool, Mystie Winckler

The Out-of-Sync Child, Carol Stock Kranowitz

How to Manage Your Home without Losing Your Mind, Dana K. White

The Nemechek Protocol, Patrick Nemechek 

Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood, Danny Trejo

The Magnolia Table, Joanna Gaines

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith

Legend of the Golden City, Michael Webb

The 4 Hour School Day, Durenda Wilson

The Unhurried Homeschooler, Durenda Wilson 

The Professor, Charlotte Bronte

Shadow of Betrayal, Michael Webb

Christy, Catherine Marshall

A Fall of Marigolds, Susan Meissner

Catch That Cookie!, Hallie Durand

The Adrenal Thyroid Solution, Aviva Romm

Living The Christian Year, Bobby Gross

Awaking Wonder, Sally Clarkson

Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Agatha Christie

Declutter our home and make it hospitable.

This one is up for debate. I do keep making small adjustments here and there, and that's progress. The boxes I brought from the storage unit are almost taken care of - I have another to go through. The things removed are mostly put away. I did make some progress in this as well. 

Complete 12 craft projects in progress.

I believe I am up to 5 of these. There are still many more to go. But I am whittling away at it. I also have boxes upon boxes of fabric in our storage unit to go through, along with patterns and various other things. 

All in all, not a great achievement year for me, but it was still progress. Next year I may trim the number of goals and make them more achievable. A lot of these were vague, which leaves room for movement but denies the ability to truly mark it off the list. I hope to take some time after Christmas and map out next year, with clearer goals and a plan for all the extra things that I should anticipate (birthday parties, Christmas gifts and extra events, somewhat spontaneous fun things). For now, I am going to enjoy the Christmas season and start baking! My joy for this time of year has returned (for several years I was just muddling through and not really enjoying it - but not this year!). 'Tis the season! God has been so gracious this year with struggles that have led to blessings. He has surrounded us with so many loving friends who have grown so close and dear to us, because of our challenges. Our family has become stronger through our trials, and we are looking forward to seeing the growth and fruit from the pruning. 

What about you? Are you enjoying the season? Or are you reflecting on this past year already? Do you look back to look forward? 

Addendum

In my post this morning, I mentioned about not getting help. This has been the case in the past, at school and at work. I want to revise this. Recently, God has placed some amazing people in my life, that do whatever they can to help. I do not want to disregard them, or deny God's great provision. I have some terrific friends, a lovely church family, and my own family that do as much as they can to help whenever it is needed .

I have been deeply blessed with a tremendous church family, who truly demonstrate God's love and act as His hands and feet. We are a mismatched, rag-tag lot held together by a common love of Jesus. We are far from perfect - we all have vices, flaws, sins, and hang-ups. We are traveling together down this road of life, helping each other where we can, sharpening each other in the love of Christ. We make many mistakes, both on our own and to each other. We ask forgiveness, give it, and move on. 

If you have never experienced this, I am sorry. It is a shame that not every church is like this. I have been in those as well. Unfortunately, not all church members are really followers of Christ. This makes a huge difference. When you are surrounded by true authentic followers of Christ, it is an amazing, unbelievable group of people. 

If you have ever read Pilgrim's Progress, you know that Christian travels from the City of Destruction to the Heavenly City. Along the way, he meets several people, many who become friends. They don't all travel the entire distance with him, and many are fake. This is the truth of the Christian walk. There are many times I have seen those who are not truly authentic followers, and they cause others to stumble. At times, I have been one of those as well. In all honesty, most Christians have. It's a sad truth, but we are all human and make mistakes (mistakes = sin, in case there was any doubt. In an effort to be real, I want to be clear about that. I sinned. There - I said it). 

If I have offended you, that was not my intention. If you feel called out, that was also not my intention. If you don't have this kind of community, but want one, let me help. If you are local to me, please message me and we'll meet up. If not, we can still connect and I would be glad to help find this type of family near you.

Sick

Just when you start to get back on track, something happens. This past week I got sick. It wasn't just a cold or sinus issue, like I normally have during the changing seasons. This came like a bulldozer. I had a "mild" case of pneumonia, called "walking pneumonia". It has really knocked me for a loop. It has taken more out of me than expected. I could push through a lot of this, but I just don't have the wherewithal to do that. There was a time when I would, but this isn't it. Perhaps it's selfishness on my part. I will admit that I am getting a bit selfish, because I do a lot for others and when I need help the most, hardly ever get it. I have been "strong, able-bodied, and independent" so much that now when I ask for help, my request is ignored or pushed aside. Does that sound like whining? It's not meant to be. 

I have been slowly getting back into the swing of things, but I have also been taking more time for myself. I started reading - I wasn't able to read much this summer, so I am making up for lost time. This summer was much faster than I expected, and not a real break like I hoped. Barreling down life at breakneck speed isn't for everyone. And everyone needs a break now and again. I hope that this short break will help me get back on top of things. 

Finished books:

Christy by Catherine Marshall - this is a book I read ages ago, but the book club my daughter was in read it in August. I am keeping up with their booklist, as it's beautiful this year, and I could use the beauty. If you haven't read this one, I highly recommend it. It's a beautiful story of a young woman, full of ideals, who goes to teach in the Appalachian mountains in Tennessee. While fictionalized, it is based on a true story. I marked several places to put into my common place book, once I start that again (I am really behind on that one). 

Shadow of Betrayal by Michael Webb - I went to high school with Michael, so I know the author, which could lead you to believe that I am biased. I will say that although I may be, I try to be objective when reading and truly evaluate the story on its own merits. I have read just about everything Michael has written, and I have passed them on to my son. I don't hand my 16 year old junk books! Michael's books are solid, well crafted stories. He's a native Georgian, so if you want to read a local author, grab one! His books are fantastic fantasy, classified as Young Adult fantasy, but I have never been bored with them. I honestly don't read a TON of fantasy - fiction, yes, but not usually fantasy - but I love his series. 

Picking back up and starting:

Awaking Wonder by Sally Clarkson - this was supposed to be a Mother's book club book, but it got pushed aside (the book club, not the book). I was reading it before and I got distracted with other books, as normal for me, and I am back at it. 

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner - this is my daughter's book club September selection. I had seen it and wanted to read it, so I am picking it up now.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie - this is the October selection for her book club. I love Agatha Christie books. I have wanted to read more of them, but never picked them up. Until now. I have introduced my son to her writing with And Then There Were None and he loved it. 

Behind

Ever feel behind before you even get started? Yeah, I am kinda there. I feel like I need at least a week when nothing is required of me, so I can just cover the basics. Unfortunately, life doesn't work like that. What I do know is this: feelings change. I read a response Stephen Frye once wrote to a fan who was depressed and he said that feelings are like the weather. You have to accept them, but also know they will not last forever. So, that is where I am. I have my umbrella, but I am hopeful that the sun will shine again. 

I have been doing bits and pieces of things, but not making significant progress on anything. 

My health is a little stagnant, but I am trying a new supplement to lower cortisol. It's all natural, with few side effects, which is always nice. I am attempting to get more sleep and not put quite so much pressure on myself to hurry and get things done, but instead to move steadily. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

Crafts have been plodding along, but again, no major changes there either. Reading is the same - I spent most of the summer NOT reading, as there were many random things happening that did not allow me to focus for long. I am getting back into the swing of it though. The consequence of not reading over the summer means I am behind on some pre-reads, and behind on my goals. 

The garden failed, if not from the intense heat, then from not being weeded (my fault) and being partially mowed (not my fault). I found my jalapeno plants were actually banana pepper plants, part of Peppergate 2023. From what I understand, I wasn't the only one this happened to; something happened in the supply chain to confuse the seedlings and lots of people had this issue.

The house is still in process - some places are better than others. 

This chair is now mine. It was a pain to get in the house, but we did it. It is amazingly comfortable, even if it was a massive pain to move. It was worth every penny. I am still working on many spaces,