Goal: De-clutter
I've worked on de-cluttering my lifestyle, if that makes sense. I have really focused on only keeping what I really want, and not adding to clutter. I haven't gotten rid of a darn thing in weeks, but that is okay. We are using this move as a good reason to declutter, especially because we just picked up several huge boxes of Jeff's stuff from his sisters house that has been collecting dust since he moved in (back in 2010). When we move to the new place, we will go through and select what we want, and what we don't need. Example- I opened one box and saw a pastry brush- it was much cooler than the brush I have, so I know for certain we will get rid of that.
We also got some free furniture from Jeff's sister-- including a beautiful shelf I have to repaint, but it will display my GWTW collection (well, a small fraction of it). This saved money since we didn't have to buy a nice piece of furniture, and I can actually make use of the collection I am keeping. I can't possibly part with this collection, so I might as well display it and enjoy it.
Goal: Lose Weight
Stress eating is the worst.
I left my sneakers in my car, and the car was at the garage for 3 days last week. So I didn't run.
I quit my gym because it wasn't making me happy anymore, and it was annoying me that it cost $35 a month.
So, I failed.
I did stop a medication that is proven to cause weight gain...so.....we can see what happens?
I also have been scheduling myself out on the grounds a lot. I'm hoping that wearing a lot of clothes in the heat can just help me sweat the pounds off.....
Goal for next week: Stop eating ice cream so much. Drink more water. Keep being outside.
Goal: Debt
My husband and I have been doing soo good planning our budget and really figuring out how much we have to spend- and then we got a little ahead of ourselves (and excited about the move) that we started planning all these big purchases (when I say "big" I mean a couple hundred for this, and possibly a couple hundred for something else- all in all it was way more money than we should have even thought about). We didn't actually get anything- so that is good. We came to our senses and realized we have more than we need in our lives- and we don't need any of that stuff we were looking at. My husband got mad at me when I got home because I had been looking up the furniture we wanted on craigslist. Sure, its cheaper, but its still money!!!
We came home and reevaluated our budget - and *gasp* we actually transferred money to our savings account. We have a plan that could really put us in a better place in as little as 4-5 months. We just can't get carried away.
Also this week BOTH our cars needed taken in to the shop. Not fun. But, now we have two working cars.
Goal: Career
I am happy to have a job that lets me be creative. I am also happy to have a job that I can be outside all day and work with little kids. I am excited for the next few weeks of working outside and doing programming. If I take things day by day, or week by week, it is much easier for me to figure out.
My personality doesn't really think like that, though. So, I'm just going to have to work on it. I am also excited to meet with J about our conference this fall. I actually was brainstorming my presentation yesterday and *gasp* got excited.
I told the COA last week that I was worried I lost my passion for this- but I have moments where I get excited about an idea, or when I get a kiss on the cheek from a senior citizen visitor who told me I should be very proud of myself-- that I realize I still have the passion.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Julie's Progress Report IV
Subtitle: The Flesh is Weak
One quick programming note: I think we all skipped the fourth week of progress reporting. We had our Second Sunday meeting on Monday and didn't use the blog to report out. Here's a recap. For 2/3 of us, our jobs are getting us down. The other 1/3 is off to a short sabbatical but completely understands our work woes. Other strategies were plotted and progress (or lack thereof) was reported. Wine was drunk.
Now, back to me.
Fitness: I had a short business trip to Omaha last week. I had a few goals for the week and fell short in almost all of them. I intended to go for a couple of runs while in Omaha. Downtown Omaha is a great place for a run, I imagine. Great architecture, open spaces, proximity to water: all the things I like on a jog. My back was even feeling pretty good. However, I forgot to pack one necessary piece of running gear--my sports bra. I don't need a sports bra because I'm well endowed...I even contemplated running in my regular bra. But then I remembered that I didn't have any other bra and I stink after a run. I nixed the idea because I didn't want to have to smell my bra or feel self conscious about others thinking that I smelled.
I got home, slept a few nights in my own bed, mowed the yard and my back feels terrible. I can't even imagine trying to go for a run in this state. I have to go get checked out, realigned, therapy, whatever the doctor orders. Until I have a go-ahead for more running, I'm putting that goal on hold. I'd rather be able to run/hike as a sixty year old than to accomplish a goal with an arbitrary deadline. So my fitness goal is now to focus on my back. I haven't given up on my marathon goal completely, but I will shelve it if necessary.
Career: While I didn't have any real career goals coming into this week, I think my business trip helped me to begin to conceptualize a new path for me, within my current organization. Over the summer, I'm going to move offices and look at restructuring my job description (I am responsible for writing my own job description and those of everyone but the Executive Director.), shifting some duties to the other staffer, creating some project-based internships, and writing a job description for a new position. While I feel somewhat stressed about having to shift my mindset about what I do in the office, I also feel energized by the potential for creating growth in my position.
Finance: Oh, Lordy. These past two weeks have represented the accumulation of one big-ticket expense after the other. Here they are in no particular order. I've probably missed one or two:
1) Refinancing the house. I thought we settled on a solution. Then I thought we settled on a different solution. Then my father-in-law (whose name is on the mortgage--long story) found out that his heart is only working at 40% or 50% of what it should be. Therefore he has other priorities right now that don't include refinancing. (Understandably. And yes, we are more concerned about his health than refinancing, too. But also, this refinancing question has been dragging on for about three years. It's hard not to feel stuck and powerless.)
2) Truck transmissions. About a week and a half ago, Tim's truck transmission gave up or something. He can drive forward, but not in reverse. His truck is currently at our mechanic's and we are waiting for the verdict. (Actually, he's waiting to find out what is wrong. I'm waiting to find out how much this is going to cost us.)
3) Foundation cracks. Last year we had a record drought. Tim spent part of the summer watering the foundation to try to prevent cracks. I didn't even know this was a thing and, unfortunately, his effort didn't pay off. We have two very long cracks in our foundation that will need fixing sooner rather than later. We think we can do most of the work ourselves, so it may not cost too much. But it will likely mean delaying other necessary repairs. I'm beginning to wonder why This Old House doesn't have an expletive in the title.
When faced with these big ticket items, pinching pennies is that much more difficult. Seriously, there have been studies done that back me up on this. I can't find them now, but they appear every year around Black Friday.
Adultiness: I finished my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. It includes things that are in some of the other categories here. After I finished my list, I added due dates and pulled out a list of things to do in 2013. Then I pulled out a list of things to do in June, some of which are portions of larger goals. They are featured below. Some of the things on it might not make much sense. Maybe I'll describe them when I accomplish them. Maybe I won't mention them again. Maybe I'll write about them on my other blog. I've already figured out that some of them will have to be altered because they are no longer feasible. (I'm looking at you "Run 50 miles.")
Run 50 miles Knit 20 rows
Fix striped shirt Make bread
Finish Night Circus Get out French CDs and start listening to them
Save $ for bbq grill Use reusable shopping bags
Set up Tim's blog Select pictures for vacation scrapbook
Sort box of CDs Kahlo exhibit
Have a picnic Clear space in front of filing cabinet
Mother's day Save $ to paint house
Make landscaping plan Read/get rid of 2 magazines
Save $ emergency fund Read book of Old Testament
Make a list of mantras
One quick programming note: I think we all skipped the fourth week of progress reporting. We had our Second Sunday meeting on Monday and didn't use the blog to report out. Here's a recap. For 2/3 of us, our jobs are getting us down. The other 1/3 is off to a short sabbatical but completely understands our work woes. Other strategies were plotted and progress (or lack thereof) was reported. Wine was drunk.
Now, back to me.
Fitness: I had a short business trip to Omaha last week. I had a few goals for the week and fell short in almost all of them. I intended to go for a couple of runs while in Omaha. Downtown Omaha is a great place for a run, I imagine. Great architecture, open spaces, proximity to water: all the things I like on a jog. My back was even feeling pretty good. However, I forgot to pack one necessary piece of running gear--my sports bra. I don't need a sports bra because I'm well endowed...I even contemplated running in my regular bra. But then I remembered that I didn't have any other bra and I stink after a run. I nixed the idea because I didn't want to have to smell my bra or feel self conscious about others thinking that I smelled.
I got home, slept a few nights in my own bed, mowed the yard and my back feels terrible. I can't even imagine trying to go for a run in this state. I have to go get checked out, realigned, therapy, whatever the doctor orders. Until I have a go-ahead for more running, I'm putting that goal on hold. I'd rather be able to run/hike as a sixty year old than to accomplish a goal with an arbitrary deadline. So my fitness goal is now to focus on my back. I haven't given up on my marathon goal completely, but I will shelve it if necessary.
Career: While I didn't have any real career goals coming into this week, I think my business trip helped me to begin to conceptualize a new path for me, within my current organization. Over the summer, I'm going to move offices and look at restructuring my job description (I am responsible for writing my own job description and those of everyone but the Executive Director.), shifting some duties to the other staffer, creating some project-based internships, and writing a job description for a new position. While I feel somewhat stressed about having to shift my mindset about what I do in the office, I also feel energized by the potential for creating growth in my position.
Finance: Oh, Lordy. These past two weeks have represented the accumulation of one big-ticket expense after the other. Here they are in no particular order. I've probably missed one or two:
1) Refinancing the house. I thought we settled on a solution. Then I thought we settled on a different solution. Then my father-in-law (whose name is on the mortgage--long story) found out that his heart is only working at 40% or 50% of what it should be. Therefore he has other priorities right now that don't include refinancing. (Understandably. And yes, we are more concerned about his health than refinancing, too. But also, this refinancing question has been dragging on for about three years. It's hard not to feel stuck and powerless.)
2) Truck transmissions. About a week and a half ago, Tim's truck transmission gave up or something. He can drive forward, but not in reverse. His truck is currently at our mechanic's and we are waiting for the verdict. (Actually, he's waiting to find out what is wrong. I'm waiting to find out how much this is going to cost us.)
3) Foundation cracks. Last year we had a record drought. Tim spent part of the summer watering the foundation to try to prevent cracks. I didn't even know this was a thing and, unfortunately, his effort didn't pay off. We have two very long cracks in our foundation that will need fixing sooner rather than later. We think we can do most of the work ourselves, so it may not cost too much. But it will likely mean delaying other necessary repairs. I'm beginning to wonder why This Old House doesn't have an expletive in the title.
When faced with these big ticket items, pinching pennies is that much more difficult. Seriously, there have been studies done that back me up on this. I can't find them now, but they appear every year around Black Friday.
Adultiness: I finished my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. It includes things that are in some of the other categories here. After I finished my list, I added due dates and pulled out a list of things to do in 2013. Then I pulled out a list of things to do in June, some of which are portions of larger goals. They are featured below. Some of the things on it might not make much sense. Maybe I'll describe them when I accomplish them. Maybe I won't mention them again. Maybe I'll write about them on my other blog. I've already figured out that some of them will have to be altered because they are no longer feasible. (I'm looking at you "Run 50 miles.")
Run 50 miles Knit 20 rows
Fix striped shirt Make bread
Finish Night Circus Get out French CDs and start listening to them
Save $ for bbq grill Use reusable shopping bags
Set up Tim's blog Select pictures for vacation scrapbook
Sort box of CDs Kahlo exhibit
Have a picnic Clear space in front of filing cabinet
Mother's day Save $ to paint house
Make landscaping plan Read/get rid of 2 magazines
Save $ emergency fund Read book of Old Testament
Make a list of mantras
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Julie's Progress Report III
Or: Not Dealing Well with Setbacks
The subtitle of my progress report for last week pretty much sums it up...
Finance: Spend less, save more, pay off credit card. Week's focus: Save my mad money and score keeping.
I cut off part of my finger so I decided that was a good excuse for subsisting on fast food. Also, I allowed Tim to go along on a trip to Target...never a good idea when trying to save a buck.
We did have a big talk about score keeping and my inability to not do it. Basically, we decided (I think) that every time he thinks about buying something big for himself, he should double the cost because I am allowed to spend the same amount on myself. There just isn't any other way to keep myself from being resentful when he comes home with a new toy. If you have a better idea, I'd be open to it.
Goals for next month: Shop at Aldi for all my groceries--except of course the CSA that Jennifer and I split. I want to see if shopping at Aldi saves me money.
Goals for next week: Don't spend mad money. This will be a continuing goal until I can actually accomplish it.
Fitness: Train for marathon. Week's goals: Go the distance, walk less, explore soft surface trails, core/back exercises.
I didn't run all my miles last week. I skipped two of my short runs. (Did I mention that I cut off part of my finger...that's why I skipped. Also, my back hurts.) Somehow, I did run (no walking) all of six miles of a long run on Sunday morning. It was awesome except my legs felt weird and I could tell my back was tight when I hit an uphill.
I found some exercises for my hips/back/core that I can do to try to rehab. The trick will be knowing when to push a run and when to back off. I can't let myself skip short runs because my muscles are sore like I did this week but I also shouldn't push it if my hip joints hurt or my legs feel numb. I'm holding off on the chiropractor until after I get back from a business trip next week.
Goals for next week: Do my self-imposed "rehab" exercises every day. Run all the miles.
Career: Have a better attitude. Week's goals: Extreme nice.
Sorry, I can't do that. I cut my finger. Actually, Monday, was a holiday. Tuesday, my boss was out. Thursday, I took a half day for a doctor's visit. Friday, I did some field work. So I was very nice on all those days.
On Wednesday, I made myself a reminder.----->
Goals for next week: I DON'T KNOW!!! How about I'll try to get 200 emails out of my inbox. Maybe I'll just back up and think smaller. Fewer emails in my inbox does make me feel better.
Adultiness: Accomplish home repair, waste time better, don't focus on bad feelings. Week's goals: Straighten kitchen cabinets, read the books I've started, do a chore when I feel moody.
So Tim and I made a list of chores for each day of the week. I did none of them. I also didn't straighten the kitchen cabinets and I don't think I read any books. I cut my finger and my back hurts. See a pattern here? I don't do well with set-backs--even minor ones. I'll spare you the picture of my finger, but it's not bad. It is a little bit misshapen and very difficult to type with the bandage on, but not bad.
I've been reading a new Appalachian Trail blogger this week and she mentioned, in an off-handed way, that she loves lists. One of the lists she mentioned having was "101 Things to Do in 1001 Days." I'm making one. When I do, I'm changing my adultiness goal to "Do one of the 101 things every day."
Goals for next week: Make my list. Blog it here. Do something to accomplish one of the 101 things every day.
The subtitle of my progress report for last week pretty much sums it up...
Finance: Spend less, save more, pay off credit card. Week's focus: Save my mad money and score keeping.
I cut off part of my finger so I decided that was a good excuse for subsisting on fast food. Also, I allowed Tim to go along on a trip to Target...never a good idea when trying to save a buck.
We did have a big talk about score keeping and my inability to not do it. Basically, we decided (I think) that every time he thinks about buying something big for himself, he should double the cost because I am allowed to spend the same amount on myself. There just isn't any other way to keep myself from being resentful when he comes home with a new toy. If you have a better idea, I'd be open to it.
Goals for next month: Shop at Aldi for all my groceries--except of course the CSA that Jennifer and I split. I want to see if shopping at Aldi saves me money.
Goals for next week: Don't spend mad money. This will be a continuing goal until I can actually accomplish it.
Fitness: Train for marathon. Week's goals: Go the distance, walk less, explore soft surface trails, core/back exercises.
I didn't run all my miles last week. I skipped two of my short runs. (Did I mention that I cut off part of my finger...that's why I skipped. Also, my back hurts.) Somehow, I did run (no walking) all of six miles of a long run on Sunday morning. It was awesome except my legs felt weird and I could tell my back was tight when I hit an uphill.
I found some exercises for my hips/back/core that I can do to try to rehab. The trick will be knowing when to push a run and when to back off. I can't let myself skip short runs because my muscles are sore like I did this week but I also shouldn't push it if my hip joints hurt or my legs feel numb. I'm holding off on the chiropractor until after I get back from a business trip next week.
Goals for next week: Do my self-imposed "rehab" exercises every day. Run all the miles.
Career: Have a better attitude. Week's goals: Extreme nice.
Sorry, I can't do that. I cut my finger. Actually, Monday, was a holiday. Tuesday, my boss was out. Thursday, I took a half day for a doctor's visit. Friday, I did some field work. So I was very nice on all those days.
On Wednesday, I made myself a reminder.----->
Goals for next week: I DON'T KNOW!!! How about I'll try to get 200 emails out of my inbox. Maybe I'll just back up and think smaller. Fewer emails in my inbox does make me feel better.
Adultiness: Accomplish home repair, waste time better, don't focus on bad feelings. Week's goals: Straighten kitchen cabinets, read the books I've started, do a chore when I feel moody.
So Tim and I made a list of chores for each day of the week. I did none of them. I also didn't straighten the kitchen cabinets and I don't think I read any books. I cut my finger and my back hurts. See a pattern here? I don't do well with set-backs--even minor ones. I'll spare you the picture of my finger, but it's not bad. It is a little bit misshapen and very difficult to type with the bandage on, but not bad.
I've been reading a new Appalachian Trail blogger this week and she mentioned, in an off-handed way, that she loves lists. One of the lists she mentioned having was "101 Things to Do in 1001 Days." I'm making one. When I do, I'm changing my adultiness goal to "Do one of the 101 things every day."
Goals for next week: Make my list. Blog it here. Do something to accomplish one of the 101 things every day.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Liz's Progress Report 3
Goal: De-Clutter
Not so bad this week. Again, I didn't go through my GWTW plates- but I certainly didn't add to my clutter. I was in Wal-Mart buying things for work and I saw a coupon someone left for a huge amount of razors. I don't usually consider them clutter- but when I already have enough razors, and the price wasn't thaaat good- I knew if I bought them they would just be clutter under the sink. I also packed up a package for my sister of clutter that I think she will enjoy, and I don't want. Some religion textbooks from the one religion class I took in grad school- some jewelry that was really hers to begin with- and some tshirts that I don't want to wear anymore, and a nice wooden box that she gave me as a Christmas present back in 2003.
Goal for next week: Skip the GWTW plates- we signed the lease this morning for our new place. We will have 300 more sq. ft- and 4 more closets than we have right now. We have 3 closets right now- and one of them is the old coat closet/GWTW home. I am so excited to have more space for our belongings. I will no longer have my collection shoved into a small closet. I will be able to go through the collection and put it on display. This is not a reason to have clutter- but when things have a home we will be less likely to have clutter everywhere in view. So, for the next three weeks- I will be packing. I would like to cut back on the number of books I have. Not sure how to write this as an attainable goal. Maybe get rid of at least 10 books.
Goal: Lose Weight
Hey!! I started my Couch to 5k training program!!! I enjoyed it! I did not burn as many calories as going to Curves- but at Curves I am not getting enough cardio. I'm also very bored with it. I am going to cancel my membership come July- it will also not be on the ride home to the new place. We are contemplating a membership to the community center near us- or just be more active! Jeff even mentioned getting BIKES?!? We'll see. But, I am going to give this a good 9-week try. So, for my fellow COA members, what about this race?
http://www.therivalryrun.org/event_details.php
Of course- as a facebook friend posted, we could do the Elvis 5k but we'd have to go to Elvis Week. If I didn't just drag you both to Memphis last year, I'd suggest it. But then that goes against our savings goal too. :)
Also, I've done some more research into a certain medication I am on right now. Luckily it is not one for the Crohns, or I would have no choice but taking it. But- a lot of web forums are talking about how weight gain is a definite side effect. Without going into too much detail on this blog- this could quite possibly be a reason for not losing weight. So, I made an appointment with my doctor to discuss alternatives.
Goal for next week: Complete week 1 of couch to 5k. Go to Curves at least once and cancel membership (or put on hiatus) for July.
Goal: Debt
Jeff and I sat down and really mapped out a budget. One that could actually give us an emergency fund and get us out of debt! We know that moving will cost us more money- so we are being a bit flexible with our budget right now- but for our personal spending and food/drink we are sticking to it.
Our new place is also going to be within our budget, in a big way, and we are excited.
Goal for next week: Don't eat out until the weekend.
Goal: Career
I failed on that one this week.
This week starts a lot of my summer programs- so I'll be outside a lot. That's all I really have to say about this goal.
Goal for next week: Bring up this goal with the COA next weekend at coffee.
Not so bad this week. Again, I didn't go through my GWTW plates- but I certainly didn't add to my clutter. I was in Wal-Mart buying things for work and I saw a coupon someone left for a huge amount of razors. I don't usually consider them clutter- but when I already have enough razors, and the price wasn't thaaat good- I knew if I bought them they would just be clutter under the sink. I also packed up a package for my sister of clutter that I think she will enjoy, and I don't want. Some religion textbooks from the one religion class I took in grad school- some jewelry that was really hers to begin with- and some tshirts that I don't want to wear anymore, and a nice wooden box that she gave me as a Christmas present back in 2003.
Goal for next week: Skip the GWTW plates- we signed the lease this morning for our new place. We will have 300 more sq. ft- and 4 more closets than we have right now. We have 3 closets right now- and one of them is the old coat closet/GWTW home. I am so excited to have more space for our belongings. I will no longer have my collection shoved into a small closet. I will be able to go through the collection and put it on display. This is not a reason to have clutter- but when things have a home we will be less likely to have clutter everywhere in view. So, for the next three weeks- I will be packing. I would like to cut back on the number of books I have. Not sure how to write this as an attainable goal. Maybe get rid of at least 10 books.
Goal: Lose Weight
Hey!! I started my Couch to 5k training program!!! I enjoyed it! I did not burn as many calories as going to Curves- but at Curves I am not getting enough cardio. I'm also very bored with it. I am going to cancel my membership come July- it will also not be on the ride home to the new place. We are contemplating a membership to the community center near us- or just be more active! Jeff even mentioned getting BIKES?!? We'll see. But, I am going to give this a good 9-week try. So, for my fellow COA members, what about this race?
http://www.therivalryrun.org/event_details.php
Of course- as a facebook friend posted, we could do the Elvis 5k but we'd have to go to Elvis Week. If I didn't just drag you both to Memphis last year, I'd suggest it. But then that goes against our savings goal too. :)
Also, I've done some more research into a certain medication I am on right now. Luckily it is not one for the Crohns, or I would have no choice but taking it. But- a lot of web forums are talking about how weight gain is a definite side effect. Without going into too much detail on this blog- this could quite possibly be a reason for not losing weight. So, I made an appointment with my doctor to discuss alternatives.
Goal for next week: Complete week 1 of couch to 5k. Go to Curves at least once and cancel membership (or put on hiatus) for July.
Goal: Debt
Jeff and I sat down and really mapped out a budget. One that could actually give us an emergency fund and get us out of debt! We know that moving will cost us more money- so we are being a bit flexible with our budget right now- but for our personal spending and food/drink we are sticking to it.
Our new place is also going to be within our budget, in a big way, and we are excited.
Goal for next week: Don't eat out until the weekend.
Goal: Career
I failed on that one this week.
This week starts a lot of my summer programs- so I'll be outside a lot. That's all I really have to say about this goal.
Goal for next week: Bring up this goal with the COA next weekend at coffee.
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