Can You Believe It's November?

We know these last two months are going to zoom by.  They always do.  That's just how it goes.  So, before that happens - let's take a moment to appreciate November. 

As it has for more than 50 years now - November started off with all the joy and fun that is my birthday. Nothing grand was done to celebrate this year.  At my request, the Man of the House brought home take-out from Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack for dinner. On Saturday, the kids and grandkids were here for dinner and cake. I received some lovely presents and cards.  It was a nice weekend and I appreciated every minute of it.

The Man and I will also be celebrating 32 years of marriage this month. That's right... 32 years!!  We've planned a little getaway to the coast later this month to celebrate the occasion.

Of course, here in the US - November means Thanksgiving and I'm already beginning to plan for our feast.  I find it's easier to start picking up things here and there rather than trying to remember it all in one big shopping trip. Especially with all the other busyness of the month. 

Usually on Black Friday, the Female Offspring and I get together and go out to start our Christmas shopping.  We enjoy spending the day together and the fun of searching for some bargains. 

My Goals for November:

• Do knee exercises every day 
• Have Christmas cards ready to mail by December 1st
• Decorate for Christmas

What are your plans for November?

Hello, September

It's here!!  September has finally arrived!  Fair warning - I am breaking out ALL the Autumn-ness.  Yes, I know it's technically still summer until later this month.  But I have been stifling the urge for all things pumpkin for the past couple of weeks. So, now that it's September, I am letting it run wild. 

September is always a quiet month for us.  We don't have any immediate family birthdays this month.  And no major holidays.  It's the quiet before the storm.  A shirt break before the months that are jam packed with our birthdays, anniversary, and the holidays begin.

With that in mind, I plan to use this month to Prepare for the upcoming months.  That's why I have chosen Prepare as my word for September.  It's time to take care of some things before life potential gets crazy during the last three months of the year. 

The only books on my Reading list for September are "Tangled Hearts" by Sara McClaflin and "Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone" by Benjamin Stevenson.  I am taking part in the virtual book tour for "Tangled Hearts". "Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone" is our book club selection for September.  After that, I'm going to do a little mood reading and open whatever my little book heart desires.  

My big project for September is getting my Etsy shop ready to reopen next month. I'm switching up my business model just a little. And hoping I can avoid the stress and anxiety it was causing me when I shut things down a year ago

My Goals for September:

• Decorate the house for Autumn
• Prepare Etsy shop for reopening in October 

What are your plans for September?

August Begins

Oh, August.  That month which is most definitely still firmly set in summer with all the heat and  humidty, and yet we find ourselves leaning forward and squinting just a bit as we think "I'm pretty sure I can see autumn from here". 

August is another month of medical appointments. I have a follow-up visit for the endoscopy I had in July.  I am scheduled for an MRI on my knee, and a follow up for that. I also think Max is due for a one of his semi-annual checkups at the end of the month. (I should probably double check that and get something scheduled)

My dad's birthday is this month.  I know I've said it before - but every birthday we get to celebrate with him has extra meaning ever since we came close to losing him to a heart attack almost five years ago.  Every birthday since then feels like a bonus.

August has always felt like a month for fresh new beginnings to me. Maybe that's because it's back to school season.  All the new school supplies and clothes as well as a new school year with different classes and teachers.  What better time for reset? Which just happens to be my word for August.  (more on that in a future post)

My reading list for the month of August includes finishing "Normal Women" by Philippa Gregory, "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman, and "I Did a New Thing" by Tabitha Brown.  I started "Normal Women" some time back, but was unable to finish it before it had to go back to the library. I happened to see that the Kindle version was on sale during Prime Days and snagged a copy.  "The Thursday Murder Club" is the Book Club selection for August.  And "I Did a New Thing" is from my endless TBR list. 

My August Goals include:

• Clean out and reorganize linen closet
• Create a new morning routine 
• Journal/Write everyday 

What are your plans for August?

Welcome to June

I enjoy the month of June.  It marks the beginning of summer. It's hot - but usually not the kind of heat and humidity that we experience in July and August.  The days stretch out well into the evening hours. The lightening bugs reappear from where ever it is they've been hiding all winter, giving us a little show right after dusk every evening.

June is a quiet month. Lazy, even.  It's a month that invites picnics, cookouts, and long walks with the dogs. It calls for open windows to welcome the morning breeze. And it provides time with my grandson while school is on summer break. 

The only book that is definitely on my reading list for June is "Killing Floor" by Lee Child for book club.  It's another book I probably never would have chosen for myself.  But, there are a couple of ladies in the group who are apparently HUGE "Reacher" fans, and they talked the librarian into adding it to our reading schedule. Other than that, I'm just going to pull a few things from my To-Be-Read pile and see where that leads me.

My word for June is Flourish.  Over the last couple of months,  I have often felt like I have been floundering. This month I am striving to shake off the dust and truly make the most of midlife.  We'll talk more about that in week or two.  

My Goals for June:

• Complete the top I am crocheting 
• Clean out and reorganize linen closet 
• Clean out and reorganize medicine cabinet
• Journal every day 
• Meditate three days per week 

What are your goals and/or plans for June?

Hello, May!

Here we go again.  Another new month stretches out ahead of us, full of hope and promise.  May feels like a month for fresh starts and new beginnings. 

May is always a joyful month for me. It is the month we celebrate the birthday of my second born and only son. He may be turning 26 this year,  but to me he'll always be my baby boy.  (I'm sure he would love to see me saying that.  Haha)

The Man of the House and I have a short getaway planned to the beach this month.  A long weekend just outside of Charleston,  South Carolina.  And it can't come soon enough.  I need some time by the ocean to calm my spirit. 

My reading list for May includes: The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez,  finishing Normal Women by Philippa Gregory,  and The Gunseller by Hugh Laurie.  Yes, that Hugh Laurie.  That last one is the selection for book club.  It's not one I probably ever would have picked up for myself,  so I'm very curious to see what I think of it.

I'm in the last stages of crocheting a granny square sweater vest for myself.  It feels as if this ribbed edging is going to take forever. But when it's done I will have another fun item to wear that I made with my own hands.  I am also about to begin a cute crossbody bag for my daughter.  I knew I wanted to make it,  and it seemed like a perfect accessory for her style.

My word for the month of May is "Nurture". It's a great word,  one I need so very much right now. But we'll talk more about that soon.

If you read yesterday's post,  you know that April completely threw me off my goal completion game.  Because of that,  most of May's goals are things I didn't accomplish in April.  

May Goals:

• Clean out and reorganize pantry 
• Finish sweater vest 
• Meditate for fifteen minutes at least three days per week 
• Walk three days per week 

What are your plans and goals for the month of May?

Hello, April!

March was a rough month, especially the last couple of weeks. I am happy to put it behind me and move on to April.  Hopefully this month will be kinder and gentler than the previous 31 days.

Things are well and truly starting to warm up here in North Carolina.  I am hoping to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather for some walking and  a hike or two.  Hopefully the pollen levels cooperate and don't make it too miserable to get outside.

My "baby" sister has a birthday this month.  I probably won't be able to celebrate with her in person this year.  That won't stop me from celebrating and appreciating her, though! 

My reading list for April is still very much up in the air. I have already read the book club selection for the month (The Maid by Nita Prose).  I will be completing Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross over the next day or two, and beginning  Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward. After that,  I may try to finally read a few of the books that are piled up on my nightstand. 

April is going to be a month of doctor appointments.   I have lab work scheduled and my yearly well check.  My dog, Ziggy, is scheduled for a checkup this month. 

In the last days of March, I completed the cardigan I had been crocheting.  I'm working on a character hat for my daughter to wear to a comic convention this month.  After that, I can't decide if I want to work on another sweater or try something completely different. 

March saw mixed results for my goals.  I did purge and reorganize my purses, and, as I already said - I completed my crochet project.  I did not, however,  walk three days per week.   If I'm being completely honest - I don't know that I set a foot on my treadmill for the entire month. 🫤

My goals for April:  

• Clean out and reorganize pantry
• Switch out winter clothing in closet for warmer weather items 
• Meditate 3- 5 days a week for 15 minutes 

What are your plans for April?

Welcome March

Happy March, y'all!!  This is going to be a good month.  I can feel it in my soul.  The blog has a new name and I have some new ideas be brewing for the next few weeks.  Spring is right around the corner, and Easter is coming in early this year.  

My mother is celebrating a big milestone birthday this month.  It can be challenging to see our parents age, especially if they have health challenges. But I know that I am incredibly blessed to still have mine here with us! Happy early birthday, Mom!

I had high hopes that our renovations on the exterior of the house would finally be completed in February.  They were not.  In fact, there was no new progress.  This month marks a year since we started this process.  And, to be honest, it's starting to get a little tiresome. 

My dachshund, Max, needs to be scheduled for his semiannual exam with the veterinarian this month. And I am extremely nervous about it.  He's due for a rabies vaccine.  The last time he had one, it didn't go well. He had a reaction - vomiting, hives and his little eyes swelled up.  We ended up at the emergency vet for a steroid shot and left with a round of prednisone.  So... Yeh, I am so worried about him having to get another!

My reading list for the month starts off with Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.  I also need to read Incredibly Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt by the 11th for book club. Other than that, well - who knows. Maybe I'll look through my TBR list for a book set in Ireland in honor of St Patrick's Day.

I am crocheting a new cardigan for myself and looking at a couple of more projects to start when this is done. I started playing with my embroidery machine in February and plan to create a few more items in March.

I had mixed results for my February goals.  I did get the bedroom closet cleaned out and reorganized, but I didn't get to the closet in the craft room at all. That one will have to wait for another month.  I attended my first book club and enjoyed it very much. I did not exercise three times a week.  In fact, I exercised less than I did in January.  I'm not proud of that, but it is what it is.

My goals for March:

• Purge and reorganize purses
• Finish crocheting  current project
• Walk at least 3 days per week

What are your plans for March?

Hello, February 2024

After a January that went by in a complete blur - we have arrived at the month of all things love-related.  February is upon us and Valentine's Day is just a few weeks away.  (If you're not feeling the love, be sure to check out my post "Love Someone" from Valentine's past.)

At the moment, February is looking to be another quiet month.  Actually, less than January turned out to be.  

Today is Groundhog Day.  I know that many of you are hoping that the fuzzy little creature does not see its shadow, forecasting an early spring.  At my house, we have seen no measurable snowfall this year. So, I'm kind of hoping for at least one good winter storm before warm weather arrives.  

I'm not sure what - if anything - the Man of the House and I will be doing for Valentine's Day.  We usually try to have a little date night on a day other than February 14th to avoid the crowds and long waits at all the restaurants.  I usually plan a nice dinner at home for the actual day of Valentine's. 

This month our youngest grandson is going to be a whole year old!  Watching him grow and learn new things over the past year has been so much fun.  His mom is planning a cowboy-themed party, and I can't wait to celebrate his birthday with the family!

The new gutters were finally installed in January, but thanks to a delay on an order and uncooperative weather conditions - we're still waiting for the trim on the front door to be completed.  Fingers crossed that February is the month this project finally gets put to rest. 

I don't have a clear idea about my reading list for February.  I am currently reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, and plan to read the sequel The Housemaid's Secret next.  I have a couple of holds at the library that I'm hoping will become available this month.  If not, I'll just read whatever strikes my fancy from my incredibly long To Be Read list. 

I did well on my January goals. The home office has mostly been cleared up and is a workable craft/guest room now.  There are still a few things to take care of.  I'd like to come up with a better guest bed than the current inflatable, but that's pretty low on the list. And I need to clear out and reorganize the closet.  I purged my dresser drawers and have them all nice and organized.  I'm still working on being more consistent about getting in some sort of exercise every day.  But I am doing better than I was - even if it's just a short session on the treadmill a couple of times a week.  It's all about progress. 

My goals for February include:

• Reorganizing the closet in the craft room
• Purge and reorganize bedroom closet
• Exercise at least 3 days per week

What are your plans for February?

January 2024: Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!

Most of December was a blur.  That month always seems to speed by like a rocket.  At least until Christmas.   That last week between Christmas and New Years seems to last as long as the entire rest of the month. It's like a black hole of time and energy.  Did anyone else live in a blur of leftovers and lost days between Christmas and now?

January is a quiet month.  For those of us in the northern hemisphere, nature is tucked in and resting in its winter slumber.  The days are shorter. January seems meant for long evenings by the fire, cozy blankets, warm beverages, and good books. It's a cozy month.

In January, we celebrate our oldest grandson's birthday. He'll be 12 this year. I'm baffled as to how that can be possible. I'm certainly not old enough to have an almost teenage grandchild. Except that, apparently, I am. 

As I said before, thanks to the cold days and long evenings -January is a good month to settle in and read some good books.  My reading list for the month includes "The Private Lives of the Tudors" by Tracy Borman, , "Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross and "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James.  How's that for an eclectic blend of genres? I do like to mix it up a bit.

We're hoping that January will be the month that all the refurbishment projects on the outside of the house will finally be completed. We're still waiting on the new gutters to be installed and the trim around the front door to be done.  After that, we'll be ready to look at submitting the plans for permitting to build our new deck. Which at this point, that may wait a few months until we head into spring.

I closed up my Etsy shop at the end of last year and am still trying to figure out what my next chapter is going to look like. It may take the form of a slightly different craft business, I could return to crochet but focus exclusively on local markets and craft shows rather than online sales, or it might be something completely different.

I am skipping my usual One Word for this year in favor of a Word of the Month. This came about after last years experiment with doing both. I found that I liked the freshness of a new word to focus myself on for each month.  My word for January is Begin. More on that in another post. Stay tuned.

My goals for 2024 are:

• Work my way up to exercise/movement 5 days per week
• Health: Pay less attention to the numbers on the scale and focus more on the numbers of my lab work and how I am feeling
• Focus on crochet projects that will use up the bulk of my yarn stash instead of requiring me to purchase more
• Read at least 36 books

My goals for the month of January include:

• Reorganize my home office to be a craft/ guest room
• Purge and reorganize my dresser
• Exercise/Movement 3 days per week

What's new for you in January?

Hello, October

 Welcome to October!  We have officially moved into my favorite months of the year. And also the busiest months of the year. 

This month we'll be celebrating my husband's birthday. It's next weekend, as a matter of fact. Which means I should get my rear in gear to finalize birthday celebration plans

As of yesterday, I put my Etsy shop on vacation for at least the rest of the year. This was not an easy decision, but I feel it is the right one at this time. Recently, the running of the Etsy shop has become more of a stress instead of something I enjoy. I need time to rediscover my love for crochet and work on some personal projects, as well as to explore some new hobbies. I don't know if this break will be permanent or if I will return after the first of the year, perhaps with new products and a little rebranding. We'll just have to see where the next three months lead me.

Last month, I had just the most wonderful trip to Canada to meet some relatives. There were some stressful hiccups as I headed back to the states, but all's well that ends well, as they say. And it wasn't enough to deter me from looking forward to some future travels planned for this fall.  

October is considered "spooky season". And that means my October reading list has some spine-tingling books to match the mood of the month.  The list includes: "The Woman in Black" by Susan Hill, " The Southern Book Club's Guide to Vampire Hunting" by Grady Hendrix, and "The Girl in Cabin 13" by A. J. Rivers. 

Goals for Oxtober:

• Decorate for Autumn during first week of month
• Make Halloween costumes for dogs by October 19
• Have family birthday dinner for my husband
• Take boxes in craft room to Goodwill by October 15

What are your plans for October?

September 2023

Finally... September! After the long, hot days of August - I am hoping for some cooler days and nights and seeing the leaves start to change colors. But let's be honest - here in North Carolina, September can feel more like a continuation of Summer instead of the first days of Autumn.

I'll be doing a little solo traveling in September. I'm incredibly nervous and excited about this trip. And while I don't want to discuss details about it right now - I look forward to sharing the whole story with you later this month.

Football season begins this month. And that means lots of Sunday afternoons in front of the television, relaxing and rooting on our favorite teams. As much as it pains me to say it - I'm not expecting much from my Carolina Panthers this year. But I will still enjoy watching games. And we're looking at plans to see a game at another stadium later in the season.

This month is slow when it comes to celebrations. One of my nephews and a brother in law each have a birthday. But mostly, for us, it's a quiet month. 

I plan to continue doing some "mood reading" through September. I enjoyed the relaxation of just reading whatever stirs my interest or curiosity. And it gives me time to plan some spooky reads for next month! (Suggestions are welcome)

Speaking of scary - but also exciting - I'll be making some big decisions and changes in regards to my Etsy business over the coming weeks. I don't have any details to share right now. But those plans will be coming together and going into action sooner rather than later. 

My Goals for September:

• Take boxes in craft room to Goodwill
• Go hiking at Biltmore Estate
• Run an inventory reduction sale in Etsy shop
• Select 2 patterns to crochet as Christmas gifts this year
• Start one of those crochet gift projects

What are your plans for September?

August 2023

 It's August, y'all - and you know what that means.  It's almost fall!  Sure, there's still over a month until the official start of my favorite season.  And if you live in the southern portion of the US, It's going to feel like summer for a while yet.  But, once August arrives, I find myself starting to long for cooler days, colorful leaves, and all things pumpkin. But first - we have August.

July was a challenging month for our family. Most of the things we faced aren't my stories to tell, so I'm not going to go into details. Fortunately the month ended on a high note. The Man of the House had a work conference in California,  so I tagged along and we took a few extra days to do some sight seeing.

This month we'll be celebrating my dad's birthday. Every birthday is special. But ever since his heart attack and surgery in 2019, each one we get celebrate with my father is even more precious to me.

I haven't set a reading list for August.  Instead, I'll do a little mood reading - just whichever books strike my fancy. I have a few books that my daughter loaned me, as well as more than a few that have been on my nightstand forever. The plan is to work through some of those this month.

There are some major changes coming to our home in August.  We're scheduled to have new windows installed throughout the entire house, followed by new siding and gutters. I am so excited. These renovations have been a long time coming and are really going to change the look of our home!  

Scaling back my goals and to-do lists worked out nicely for July. I'm going to continue working on and refining this new system. Keeping things simple certainly made it easier to accomplish the things on my list. It also helped when plans needed to be changed for various reasons.

My goals for August:

• Complete sweater I am making for myself
• Add 6 new items to Etsy shop
• Launder all window treatments
• Schedule vet appointment for dog

What are your plans for August?

Hello, July

Here we go y'all! It's officially July. If there was ever a single month that called out for cook outs, days by the water, road trips, and vacations - it was this one. I hope you have at least something planned from that list. I certainly do!

This month is when America celebrates it's freedom from the British and our formation as an independent nation.  Even after almost 250 years, we still have some work to do - but I believe that with the right attitude, kind hearts and open minds we can continue to become a better country.

July is the month when my husband and I first became parents, oh-so-many years ago.  We will definitely pause to celebrate our daughter's birthday in the middle of this month. The years have certainly flown by! And my sweet youngest niece also has a birthday in July.

I didn't make a reading list for last month. Instead, I chose to read just whatever fit my mood and a couple of holds that came available at the library.  This month, I plan to read Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros,  Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, and By A Thread also by Lucy Score. I'm also still slowly working my way through The Menopause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter.

I have been evaluating and rethinking how I set and manage my monthly goals.  I'm scaling back for July - breaking goals into smaller steps and focusing on only one or two steps per week.  I will see how this works for the month and decide what (if any) other changes I need to make.

My goals for July are:

• File 2nd quarter sales tax
• Go through stock of cotton bath puffs and make sure all are currently listed in Etsy shop
• Create a schedule and start prep to begin Frugal Friday posts in August
• Journal everyday

What are your plans for July?

May 2023

 May Day! May Day!

That works both ways for me today.  

Obviously, it's  the first day of May - aka May Day (or Beltane).  

But it is also a distress signal.  And since I've been feeling a little overwhelmed, scatter-brained, and out of sorts for the past couple of weeks and didn't get far on most of my April goals I could probably use a little help!

Hopefully May will be a little slower paced and more relaxed than April was.  it wasn't necessarily busy in a bad way. There was just a lot going on.  And (like I mentioned before), I had a lot of trouble staying on task and accomplishing goals. 

So far, it's looking good. There's not a lot on the calendar this month. We'll be celebrating Mother's Day weekend.  And our son turns 25 at the end of the month.  (25!? How in the world did that happen?)

I'm hoping to get in one or two weekend day trips with the Man of the House. Last weekend we spent Saturday exploring a couple of nearby Revolutionary War battle fields. We learned a few things about local history and got in some fresh air and exercise!

The "cleaning out and reorganizing my home office" saga continues.  I'm still making progress.  Slow, slow progress.  But progress, nonetheless.

The one thing I did manage to rock in April was my reading list.  I completed the entire April to list along with a couple of extras. My May reading list is short and sweet:  Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz, How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix, and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.

My goals for May are:

• Finish clearing out and organizing main area of office
• Declutter and organize shoes
• Journal everyday
• Meditate 3 times per week
• Exercise of some sort each day

What are your plans for May?

April 2023

Can you believe that the first quarter of this year has already come and gone?  That was quick! At least from my perspective.

Welcome, April!  I think it is going to be a busy month.  

My "baby" sister's birthday falls on Easter this year. I can't spend the holiday with her, but she'll be on my mind that day.

The Man of the House and I will be getting away together for a couple of days this month. One of my favorite British comedians is touring the US, and we have tickets to one of her shows.  I can't wait!

This is going to be a health and fitness focused month.  I have appointments for my yearly physical and a dental cleaning (both were rescheduled from last month). Once I have my physical, there's a good chance that I'll also be getting my mammogram before the end of the month. And Ziggy has his semiannual vet appointment for vaccines and well check.

I'm still working on getting my home office organized.  Yes... Still! You may remember that last month I was feeling stuck The good news is that I was able to have my sister put fresh eyes on what was going on in there. She helped me figure out what I needed to do next and set a plan to move things forward.

My reading slowed down a little last month. I'm still reading the third book from my March reading list, The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman. My April Reading List includes: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn, Not A Happy Family by Shari Lapena, and Book Lovers by Emily Henry. 

My goals for April are:

• File 1st quarter sales tax for Etsy shop
• Organize packing and shipping supplies in office
• Set up sewing/embroidery section in office
• Clean out and reorganize pantry
• Journal everyday

What are your plans for April?

March 2023

 February was a whirlwind of a month, and March is also shaping up to be a good - but busy - month. 

During February, the Man of the House was gone most of a week for work, but I was able to visit with my younger sister during that time. We spent a lovely day at the Biltmore Estate where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and the DaVinci Experience exhibit.  The husband and I celebrated a low key - but very nice - Valentine's Day. And we put plans into motion to begin some major - and much needed - renovations to the exterior of our house. 

The best day of February was obviously the day our second grandson entered the world!  Our daughter's family was over the night before to have dinner and leave our older grandson with us, since they were scheduled to be at the hospital at 5am the next morning for a scheduled induction.  I awoke at 4:30am to a text from our son in law that she had gone into labor and Henry had already been born!  

I did not manage to complete my monthly reading list during February. So The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood will be added to the TBR list in an upcoming month.  My list for March is: The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman, The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, and A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd.  

The work we plan to do on the outside of our home should be progressing this month, starting with replacing the roof.  There will then be a pause in the work while we wait for the new windows and patio doors to arrive since those will need to be installed before they start work on the new siding and gutters.  It's a lot of work, but I am so excited about what the end result will look like!

Inside, I am still slowly chipping away at getting my home office cleaned and reorganized.  I've reached this awkward place in the process where I'm not really sure where to go from here. I go in, look around, shuffle a few things, then get discouraged and overwhelmed.  I think I have reached a tipping point where it's gone past purging and minor organizing and it's time to make some major decisions and changes. 

Yesterday was my mom's birthday.  And next weekend our son in law celebrates his birthday. 

Lots of appointments are scheduled for this month.  Max has his semiannual exam and vaccinations.  I'm scheduled for a dental cleaning, as well as my annual physical. Oh... And my car is scheduled for its suggested maintenance.

Like I said... a busy month!

My goals for March are:

• Clean out the drawers in my bathroom
• Journal everyday
• Clear the work table and desk in home office
• Move futon out of home office
• Walk stairs every day for a little exercise

What are your plans for March?

  

February 2023

So long, January! Don't let the door hit ya on the way out!  Whew... I am more than a little bit glad that month is over with.

January was a mixed bag - and mostly a blur.  I experienced the joy of celebrating my grandson's 11th birthday, a frustrating experience trying to switch my cell phone carrier, having to cancel a short trip to see my mom, and a whole lot of dental drama.

Let's start with the dental drama...

On the 12th, I went in for a dental implant to replace a molar, and all seemed well.  On the 21st, my pain levels suddenly increased. The dentist suspected possible infection and put me on an antibiotic.

I went in on Tuesday the 24th to have it checked.  He removed the upper part and cleaned the implant, applying antibiotic ointment to everything. From there, my pain levels kept increasing,  so on the 26th, I was back at his office.  

That time, when he went to remove the upper portion,  the entire implant came out with it! It hadn't even begun to integrate with the bone. So, the space was cleaned out and refilled with material for a bone graft and sutured. 

This all happened just as I was supposed to go spend a day with my mom. Which explains why I had to cancel on her. The good news is that other than some soreness from the injections for local anesthesia,  my pain was 1000%  better.  Now, the graft has to heal for 6 months, and then we can try to place the implant again. (Which, right now, I'm not so sure I want to do).

I am ready to put all of that behind me and move forward to better and brighter things in February.

Our second grandson is expected to make his grand entrance at the end of the month. Which is just about the best thing I can think of. We've waited a long time for more grands, and I can't wait to meet this little guy!

My work cleaning and reorganizing my home office is going slower than I expected. It seems as if it is a case of two steps forward, one step back. I get an area done and feel good about that. Then I start a new section, and all of the sudden it looks like a bomb went off and I feel like you can't tell that I've done anything or made any progress at all. But, I keep plugging away at it and hope to have things completed by the end of February.

I am pleased to say that I completed my entire reading list for January.  February's list is a little longer. This month I plan to read: The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore, Mini Habits: Smaller Habits, Bigger Results by Stephen Guise, Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune, Simply Tuesday by Emily P Freeman, and The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. 

My goals for February are:

• Finish organizing home office
• Complete crocheting set for new grandbaby
• Walk the stairs for 2 minutes each day
• Post at least 5 new items to my Etsy shop
• Schedule vet appointment for Max

What are your plans for February?

January 2023

Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2023!

For me, there's something extra special when a new year, a new month, and a new week all start at the same time. It's like the ultimate "fresh start". Just me? That's ok. I said it, and I don't regret it.

I don't know about you, but I am so excited for 2022.  The Man of the House and I are already floating some ideas for trips we'd like to take this year. We will be keeping our travels within the states this year while probably planning for another bigger trip next year. And our new grandbaby is due this winter.  Obviously, I can't wait to meet him! 

Speaking of grandchildren - January will find us celebrating Grandson #1's birthday. I can hardly believe that he is going to be 11. He's getting so big.  He's already almost as tall as I am! 

I received a small embroidery machine for Christmas. I am looking forward to learning how to use it and making some fun new thing.  Embroidered burp cloths, bibs, and blankets for Grandson #2?  Definitely!  I also have some ideas for items to compliment the crocheted pieces I sell in my Etsy shop.

I have created myself a reading list for January.  This is something I plan to do for each month this year. My list for January is: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I also hope to be able to finish The Next Right Thing by Emily P Freeman just as soon as I can get it from the library again. (My loan expired and someone else had put a hold in it so I couldn't renew it).

January is typically a month for purging the old and trying to get organized.  I'm no different when it comes to this. I'm back at it - working to decorate and organize my home office and create a pleasant workspace for myself. I also have some projects planned for the dining room.

My goals for the month include:

• File sales taxes for shop by January 10
• Put away all Christmas decor
• Create a pleasant workspace
• Create a plan with the Man of the House to take at least 2 trips this year
• Create some items for the grandkids while learning to use my new embroidery machine 
• Read at least 3 books

What are your plans for January?

Currently: September 2022

August was SUCH a great month!  

Last month got off to a beautiful start when we were told that grandbaby #2 is expected to make an appearance early next year.  Y'all know that I adore being Oma - and now I'll have another grandkid to love on and spoil! 

The Man of the House and I did a little traveling in August. He had a conference for work in Washington, DC. I tagged along and did a little solo sightseeing until his conference let out for the day when we could explore the city together. I adore wandering around museums, so all the different ones available in Washington made me feel like a kid in a candy store. 

We also made a weekend trip to Nashville, Tennessee to catch the Titans playing an NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. We have a goal to watch a professional football game at every stadium. We made it to two in 2019 before having to take a break for a couple of years (thanks Covid). Oh, how much I have missed watching games in person! We explored Nashville some while we were there.  Downtown has very much a "party city" feel to it. But there's also lots of history and interesting things to see.  Who knew that Nashville has a full-size replica of the Parthenon? I sure didn't!

In fact, after all the joy, fun, and excitement of August  -  I'm kind of sorry to see it come to an end. But, I am equally excited to see what September has in store!

Working On: Planning for the last three months of the year.  I've got to get my Etsy shop ready for the holiday season.  We have got a big trip planned for later this year, so we're working on plans and the itinerary for each city we'll be visiting. 

Celebrating: This month is my youngest nephew's birthday. Football season starts.  And I'm very excited that I get to see my baby sister and hang out some this month!

Wanting/Needing: Is it too much to ask to find a cute pair of boots that are waterproof and comfortable for lots of walking? Preferably ones that don't cost a small fortune?  I certainly didn't think it would be so difficult. 

Eating: Recently, I have been eating a lot of oatmeal for breakfast.  I have it with protein powder, hemp seeds (for fiber and more protein), walnuts, berries, and a sprinkle of oatmeal. Delicious and packed with nutrition. 

Loving: That it's September!  Fall is almost here.  Football season is starting.  Soon the leaves will be changing and the air will be cooler.  I love everything about fall.

September Goals:

• Post new lip balm holders to the Etsy shop
• Create Thankful and Sunday post templates for the 4th quarter
• Set goals for the 4th quarter
• Clean out the spice cabinet
• Clean out pantry
  
  

 

Currently... August 2022

Once August hits, I find myself thinking ahead to Autumn. Wondering exactly when it's ok to put out my fall decor, thinking about pumpkin spice everything, looking forward to football season, and dreaming about comforting soups and stews. 

Too soon? Maybe.  Probably. There's still plenty of summer left to savor.

But, after the extreme heat we had to endure during July, I'm guessing that I am not the only one who is already longing for the crisp Autumn days to come!

Until they arrive, let's enjoy what August has to offer!

Working On:  My health.  The husband and I have been walking 2 to 4 miles with the dogs every Sunday (weather permitting)and I am slowly trying to increase my activity levels during the week.  I'm also getting my nutrition back under control.  We'll discuss this in just a minute.

Celebrating: August is a quiet month for celebrations. My dad celebrates his birthday on the 10th.  I'm also going to go ahead and say that I am celebrating a few personal experiences that are going on.  But, we'll talk more about those later this month.

Wanting/Needing:  As I'm trying to increase the stock of ready to ship items for my shop, I find myself needing a different way of storing and tracking my inventory.  I'm considering a couple of different options, but haven't decided yet what is going to be the best way of managing things.

Eating: I have been focusing on lean protein, lots of fiber, and nutrient dense fruits and veggies. It's been amazing to me how a few simple changes can help you feel fuller and reduce snacking.

Loving: Our Sunday walks. I love getting out in the sunshine and fresh air, watching the dogs explore a little, and - most of all - spending the time with my husband.

Goals for August:

• Update blog appearance and layout
• Add 10 new listings to my Etsy shop
• Sort and reorganize 2 boxes of inventory

What are your plans and goals for August?