The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: Raenia on March 30, 2021, 12:35:01 PM
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Getting ready for the coming month!
My goals are changing a lot this month, because we have made the decision to sell our house and move. So all the home renovation tasks are off the list, replaced with tasks related to selling, decluttering, and packing. I'm also backing off on some of my general goals, to leave more space for these suddenly urgent tasks.
General:
1. Read
a. At least 4 books total
b. 1 Nonfiction book
c. 1 Philosophy/Spirituality book (Bonus)
d. 1 from TBR list
2. Keep House Tidy
3. Exercise or Walk Outside
Projects:
4. Leaving this open for whatever comes up
Home Sale/Packing:
5. Declutter/Organize
a. Basement
b. Library
c. Kitchen
d. Clothes
e. Hobby Materials
6. 2 Trips to Donate
7. Communication with Broker
8. Find New Place
9. Schedule Move
10. Pack
a. Kitchen
b. Library
c. Basement
d. Bathroom
e. Bedroom
f. Dining Room
g. Walls/Pictures
It's going to be a crazy month, here's hoping we come out the other side in better shape, at least mentally.
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
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start 1 home improvement project
read 4 books
walk or hike 20 of 30 days
journal 2x week
stretch daily
weigh in below 190lbs
knit a toque
-
-walk, hike or ski tour 4-5 days/week
-yoga twice weekly
-read 4-5 books
-open an investing account
-have at least 10 no-spend days
-tune up my bike
-spring clean house (deep clean)
-sew at least one wearable item
-work on a creative project
-
@Raenia thank you for the April thread. Good to see quite a few here already - and I believe some of you are new here - great!
Raenia, exciting with selling and moving (I am a person that loves to move, it's always exhausting but I love the new beginnings), but I assume a lot of work as well. Is this bc it is too much work with the house? (you know I moved from house to apartment, and I really love not having the "taking care of the house"-tasks any more). Also the house was a lemon, more work, and cost, than expected.
What is your timeline?
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@Raenia thank you for the April thread. Good to see quite a few here already - and I believe some of you are new here - great!
Raenia, exciting with selling and moving (I am a person that loves to move, it's always exhausting but I love the new beginnings), but I assume a lot of work as well. Is this bc it is too much work with the house? (you know I moved from house to apartment, and I really love not having the "taking care of the house"-tasks any more). Also the house was a lemon, more work, and cost, than expected.
What is your timeline?
Yeah, this house was our first home purchase, and it turned out to have way more problems than we can handle. If it was only the internal renovations that I've been listing here on the monthly threads, we'd have soldiered through, but there is also a 13 ft retaining wall in the back yard that is in dangerous condition, and because of the local topography, is going to be $$$ to fix, plus legal issues in accessing other properties, possible liability from multiple parties, it's a mess. After speaking to a real estate lawyer, we decided we cannot handle the inside renovations, this massive construction/legal project, plus our full time jobs. So we are getting out.
Time frame is undetermined, but I have a meeting with a real estate agent and broker next week to discuss timeline and what they think we can get for it. We expect to take a big financial hit in order to pay the mortgage and clear the title to sell, but fortunately years of saving and investing diligently means we can afford it, and we have an open offer from my MIL to assist financially as well. It will set our FI timeline back several years, but the construction/legal work probably would have set us back just as far, while destroying our mental health and possibly our marriage at the same time.
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April will be two separate parts for me, 1) during continued bathroom renovation and 2) after renovation is completed (when builders have left the building :-) ). I hope it will switch over somewhere around mid-month, possibly weekend April 17th-18th.
So the goals will be set accordingly. I will start the month with a four day weekend, without kids, hope to make progress on taxes then.
Blue = good progress
Orange = at risk
Red = did not happen
Green = completed
- Focus goal: DS1 birthday! It will be different also this year, but at least I want to make sure I order the sleeping bag etc he will get as a gift well in advance.
- Focus goal: Decide on summer holiday and make arrangements.
- Better sleep, at least 7 hrs/night, while still getting up early in the morning. I still want this to be on the list, even though March was much better, it is not a habit yet.
- Get paper clutter and other important information in order. Especially anything related to old house bc tax time - need to complete in April. A lot is already done with the tax calculation for the sale of the house last year. I will try to finalize my part this longer weekend. Not happy about having to work w/ex on this, will be so pleased once it is completed.
- Get the bathroom finalized w/o having a nervous breakdown. Can't do much about the progress, but I will be kind to myself. Take-out is ok when I don't have the energy to cook. Have planned two nights hotel stay w/the kids for other reasons. If this falls through, I think we will stay in a hotel anyway.
- Clean up once the reno is final. I will make a detailed list later on, including decluttering and putting things back in their proper place, vaccuming, mopping the floor, wiping all surfaces, window cleaning, touching up paint on the hallway walls etc.
- Unpack and organize balcony and basement storage. These are linked together as items will move between them in both directions.
- Walk 240 000 steps. I need to plan for days I have kids, so I have some buffer, and I also want to further decrease the backlog from Jan-Feb.
- Set up finances for the future and a renovation plan. Plan 2021 in Trello and calendar (timings, kids, exercise, eating, friends and relatives, work, events, money, travel, apartment plans).
- Make progress on the photos. This is a specific task, where I will need some help, I think my sister can help me.
- Declutter and clean the apartment and set up a routine for this going forward. Use Flylady and the Tody app. This will be once I have cleaned up after the bathroom is completed.
- Sort out the kids room better. At least start planning. I will sort it out a bit this weekend, then I will probably not be able to do anything until after bathroom is done.
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Yeah, this house was our first home purchase, and it turned out to have way more problems than we can handle. If it was only the internal renovations that I've been listing here on the monthly threads, we'd have soldiered through, but there is also a 13 ft retaining wall in the back yard that is in dangerous condition, and because of the local topography, is going to be $$$ to fix, plus legal issues in accessing other properties, possible liability from multiple parties, it's a mess. After speaking to a real estate lawyer, we decided we cannot handle the inside renovations, this massive construction/legal project, plus our full time jobs. So we are getting out.
Time frame is undetermined, but I have a meeting with a real estate agent and broker next week to discuss timeline and what they think we can get for it. We expect to take a big financial hit in order to pay the mortgage and clear the title to sell, but fortunately years of saving and investing diligently means we can afford it, and we have an open offer from my MIL to assist financially as well. It will set our FI timeline back several years, but the construction/legal work probably would have set us back just as far, while destroying our mental health and possibly our marriage at the same time.
Ooh not good. Sounds a bit like our house, for us it was the basement and water, but still. From my point of view, you are doing exactly the right thing. We ended up w/divorce, and while I don't blame the house as such, I think if my ex had been able and willing to discuss the feelings and stress (so we could have done something about it, maybe selling), we might not have ended up that way.
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On to April, starting with what was not completed in March!
(1) Taxes!
(2) Stretch 3/week
(3) baby book for first year - want to get the first three years done by May as a gift for the grandmas. need to get on that.
(4) Finalize life insurance
(5) close on HELOC
(6) plant hydrangeas
(7) practice camping locally in preparation for national park trip in May
(8) reserve anniversary trip for next year (using points)
(9) get rain barrels connected
(10) ramp up in new job
Bonus based on seeing other's goals: go on more bike rides with family. We got one of those used bike trailers and our son loves getting pulled in it. I also hope to bike him to daycare in April!
That's enough!
We also got an estimate for a bathroom remodel. Less than I thought, but I'm not excited about it after reading the tasks here. Hoping to put that off for at least a year.
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immediate update on April's goals :)
-walk, hike or ski tour 4-5 days/week
-yoga twice weekly
-read 4-5 books
-open an investing account DONE!
-have at least 10 no-spend days
-tune up my bike
-spring clean house (deep clean)
-sew at least one wearable item DONE! one very funny tank-top out of a pillowcase
-work on a creative project
*adding
-do taxes
-
First time putting monthly goals out here, let's see how it goes:
- Read four books
One parenting
One fiction from a new author
One leadership
One spiritual
- Schedule carpet replacement
- Paint hallway doors & trim
- Change oil in all three vehicles
- Campervan
Bed lowered
Furnace fixed
Batteries & solar panels ordered
- One overnight camping trip with my wife in campervan
- One training hike with sons & nephew for Yosemite trip
- Four mountain bike rides
- One run per week
- Order e-bike conversion kit
- Fund IRA and spousal IRA for 2020
- File taxes
- Build compost bin
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
-
On to April, starting with what was not completed in March!
(1) Taxes!
(2) Stretch 3/week
(3) baby book for first year - want to get the first three years done by May as a gift for the grandmas. need to get on that.
(4) Finalize life insurance
(5) close on HELOC
(6) plant hydrangeas
(7) practice camping locally in preparation for national park trip in May
(8) reserve anniversary trip for next year (using points)
(9) get rain barrels connected
(10) ramp up in new job
Bonus based on seeing other's goals: go on more bike rides with family. We got one of those used bike trailers and our son loves getting pulled in it. I also hope to bike him to daycare in April!
That's enough!
We also got an estimate for a bathroom remodel. Less than I thought, but I'm not excited about it after reading the tasks here. Hoping to put that off for at least a year.
Supplemental post-vaccine goals: have a beer with a new friend, play hockey with my buddies, swim in the same lane as my swim friends, go on a date with my husband, meet an old work colleague for lunch, work out of a coffee shop for an entire morning, and have drinks with my gay friends. I'll have a little over a week between the end of the two week period after my second shot and the end of April. It's ambitious but I'm worth it!
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@LinneaH mildew smell persists, but at least clothes come out clean and smelling nice. In April I will step up my assault on the mildew.
April goals in priority order:
Goal#1 - defeat mildew
Goal#2 - physical therapy 5x per week
Goal#3 - substantial progress on the kitchen cabinets
List for crossing off:
cupboard upper 3 - part done in March
cupboard upper 4
cupboard upper 5
cupboard upper 6
cupboard upper 7
cupboard upper 8
cupboard upper 9
cupboard upper 10
cupboard lower 1
cupboard lower 2
cupboard lower 3
cupboard lower 4
cupboard lower 5
cupboard lower 6
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April goals:
1. Save 10k
2. Plant veggie garden : )
3. Eat out 3x (we have been out of control this year)
4. Read 4 books
I'm planning to FIRE mid-June so I'm trying not to make work goals.
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I’d like to do the following in April:
1. Lose at least 3 pounds.
2. Exercise at least 3 times per week.
3. Achieve a lengthy alcohol abstinence streak
4. Dress up for work 3 days of the week (currently working from home full time).
So far doing well for #2 as I’ve exercised for at least 45 minutes 3 out of the last 4 days.
For #1 and #3, today is day 1.
First full work week of April starts on Tuesday for me, so will report back at end of week.
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I'm planning to FIRE mid-June so I'm trying not to make work goals.
congrats! :)
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My goals for this month:
1. Work out at least 5x per week (weights at least 3, aerobic exercise all 5 days).
2. Eat better.
3. Reduce alcohol intake.
4. Do at least 2 lessons per day for learning Spanish (at least one lesson from Duolingo and Busuu each day).
5. Get second covid vaccine shot.
6. Complete apprentice plus cave diver training.
7. Plant my garden for this year.
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April will be two separate parts for me, 1) during continued bathroom renovation and 2) after renovation is completed (when builders have left the building :-) ). I hope it will switch over somewhere around mid-month, possibly weekend April 17th-18th.
So the goals will be set accordingly. I will start the month with a four day weekend, without kids, hope to make progress on taxes then.
Easter weekend came and went, Friday was travelling back and forth to see my dad, in total fours hours in the car, together w/my sister. We had a really good trip, but it was tough to see dad. He is old, and he's not younger now... But it was nice weather and I also took a short walk in the woods. Saturday was tired from the trip (in car and then we were only outdoors). Sunday-Monday some more energy, got some things done, but not a lot-
Blue = good progress
Orange = at risk
Red = did not happen
Green = completed
- Focus goal: DS1 birthday! It will be different also this year, but at least I want to make sure I order the sleeping bag etc he will get as a gift well in advance. I really need to spend some time w/thinking and online research and ordering. Needs to happen today.
- Focus goal: Decide on summer holiday and make arrangements. No progress, needs to happen in the next few days.
- Better sleep, at least 7 hrs/night, while still getting up early in the morning. I still want this to be on the list, even though March was much better, it is not a habit yet. I think it's going pretty well, but not all nights.
- Get paper clutter and other important information in order. Especially anything related to old house bc tax time - need to complete in April. A lot is already done with the tax calculation for the sale of the house last year. I will try to finalize my part this longer weekend. Not happy about having to work w/ex on this, will be so pleased once it is completed. No progress on tax calc. Small progress on other papers. Have not had the energy.
- Get the bathroom finalized w/o having a nervous breakdown. Can't do much about the progress, but I will be kind to myself. Take-out is ok when I don't have the energy to cook. Have planned two nights hotel stay w/the kids for other reasons. If this falls through, I think we will stay in a hotel anyway. Slow progress from the builders, but still progress. Had a delivery today and managed that really well. Need to buy a tap and research glass panel.
- Clean up once the reno is final. I will make a detailed list later on, including decluttering and putting things back in their proper place, vaccuming, mopping the floor, wiping all surfaces, window cleaning, touching up paint on the hallway walls etc.
- Unpack and organize balcony and basement storage. These are linked together as items will move between them in both directions.I made some progress during Easter. This also included picking up my sisters old balcony furniture (which now sits in my living room due to some unexpected snow days...)
- Walk 240 000 steps. I need to plan for days I have kids, so I have some buffer, and I also want to further decrease the backlog from Jan-Feb.
- Set up finances for the future and a renovation plan. Plan 2021 in Trello and calendar (timings, kids, exercise, eating, friends and relatives, work, events, money, travel, apartment plans).
- Make progress on the photos. This is a specific task, where I will need some help, I think my sister can help me.
- Declutter and clean the apartment and set up a routine for this going forward. Use Flylady and the Tody app. This will be once I have cleaned up after the bathroom is completed.
- Sort out the kids room better. At least start planning. I will sort it out a bit this weekend, then I will probably not be able to do anything until after bathroom is done.
-
start 1 home improvement project - blew this away, I've painted in the kitchen, relacquered the coffee table, touched up a few spots on the hardwood floor, and done my raking and spring hedge trimming. There are a few outdoor paint jobs to do as well as some caulking in the kitchen. That'd be a good month if I can cross those off.
read 4 books - finished two by Anthony Horowitz, The Word is Murder and Forever and a Day. Both a bit disappointing after his Magpie Murders. I think I'm done reading him (there are no more of his at the library anyway). I was half way done one of them at the start of the month, so I guess I have 2.5 books left to read.
walk or hike 20 of 30 days - on track.
journal 2x week - on track.
stretch daily - on track.
weigh in below 190lbs - saw 191 on the scale last week but I've indulged quite a bit in the last week. Was 193 this morning, probably mostly water though.
knit a toque - no movement here.
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Update time!
-walk, hike or ski tour 4-5 days/week --walking daily/except today since it's pouring rain
-yoga twice weekly--for this week--done but will do some this afternoon!
-read 4-5 books finished one, onto another
-open an investing account DONE!
-have at least 10 no-spend days .. two so far
-tune up my bike
-spring clean house (deep clean) bedroom done
-sew at least one wearable item DONE! one very funny tank-top out of a pillowcase and one long sleeve turned into a t-shirt
-work on a creative project
*adding
-do taxes successfully avoiding this
-
Update:
- Read four books
One parenting
One fiction from a new author
One leadership
One spiritual
- Schedule carpet replacement
- Paint hallway doors & trim
- Change oil in all three vehicles -One down, two to go!
- Campervan
Bed lowered
Furnace fixed
Batteries & solar panels ordered
- One overnight camping trip with my wife in campervan
- One training hike with sons & nephew for Yosemite trip
- Four mountain bike rides
- One run per week
- Order e-bike conversion kit -Working to buy a complete e-bike from a friend!
- Fund IRA and spousal IRA for 2020
- File taxes
- Build compost bin -Almost finished!
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
-
Week 1 update:
April goals in priority order:
Goal#1 - defeat mildew - disappointing progress
Goal#2 - physical therapy 5x per week - none :( But I've got the instructions and elastic bands set out now
Goal#3 - substantial progress on the kitchen cabinets
List for crossing off:
cupboard upper 3 - part done in March
cupboard upper 4 - good start
cupboard upper 5
cupboard upper 6
cupboard upper 7
cupboard upper 8
cupboard upper 9
cupboard upper 10
cupboard lower 1
cupboard lower 2
cupboard lower 3
cupboard lower 4
cupboard lower 5
cupboard lower 6
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I'm a little late to the party for April, but intended to post sooner. Here are my April goals:
1. Put in my resignation notice!
2. Figure out what's up with our clothes dryer and fix (new belt maybe)?
3. Finish last two professional credits for recertification & submit (will extend me three years, just in case I want to do something PT/Contract work, etc.)
4. Order replacement knobs for kitchen cabinets and install
5. Get garden set up, veg plants, etc.
6. Continue purging/donating clothes that do not fit me well, are worn out, or not needed for early retired life!
7. Make a list of local day trips we want to take this summer when we aren't traveling
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Week 1 update:
General:
1. Read
a. At least 4 books total - 1/4
b. 1 Nonfiction book - 1/1
c. 1 Philosophy/Spirituality book (Bonus) - In progress
d. 1 from TBR list - In progress
2. Keep House Tidy - 7/9
3. Exercise or Walk Outside - 6/9
Projects:
4. Leaving this open for whatever comes up
Home Sale/Packing:
5. Declutter/Organize
a. Basement - Progress
b. Library
c. Kitchen
d. Clothes
e. Hobby Materials - Progress
6. 2 Trips to Donate - First box loaded in car
7. Communication with Broker - Done!
8. Find New Place - We have a list of places to contact
9. Schedule Move
10. Pack
a. Kitchen
b. Library
c. Basement
d. Bathroom
e. Bedroom
f. Dining Room
g. Walls/Pictures
Today I plan to try on everything in my closet to see if I still like it enough to keep. Should be able to cull at least a few things for the donation box.
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
-
I’d like to do the following in April:
1. Lose at least 3 pounds.
2. Exercise at least 3 times per week.
3. Achieve a lengthy alcohol abstinence streak
4. Dress up for work 3 days of the week (currently working from home full time).
Doing really well so far:
1. Have lost 0.8 pounds so far (I’m a slow loser).
2. Got out for a walk 4 of the last 5 days, and plan to do something more vigorous tomorrow.
3. Haven’t had any alcohol (wine is my drink of choice) since setting this goal.
4. Done for week 1 of work this month.
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start 1 home improvement project - done but will spring clean upstairs.
read 4 books - 2 deep now, currently reading Glass Hotel. The Dispossessed is next. Recommendations welcome (non-US authors preferred).
walk or hike 20 of 30 days - a bit behind.
journal 2x week - a bit behind.
stretch daily - on track.
weigh in below 190lbs - 189.6 today.
knit a toque - no movement here.
-
1. Put in my resignation notice! -- Resigned (but at least 6 weeks left of working, boo)
2. Figure out what's up with our clothes dryer and fix (new belt maybe)? -- Tried to fix it, but ending up buying new one, done.
3. Finish last two professional credits for recertification & submit (will extend me three years, just in case I want to do something PT/Contract work, etc.) - 1 down
4. Order replacement knobs for kitchen cabinets and install
5. Get garden set up, veg plants, etc.
6. Continue purging/donating clothes that do not fit me well, are worn out, or not needed for early retired life! - a few things out, and a few things on the donate pile
7. Make a list of local day trips we want to take this summer when we aren't traveling
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mid-month check up:
(1) Taxes! - still waiting on husband's business reports but promised them by Monday.
(2) Stretch 3/week - mmmm not happening. My 3 year sees me stretching as an opportunity to tackle me. it's a good trade off.
(3) baby book for first year - some progress
(4) Finalize life insurance - frustrating bait and switch experience with first life insurance company so shopping around now
(5) close on HELOC - moving forward
(6) plant hydrangeas - done
(7) practice camping locally in preparation for national park trip in May - not yet
(8) reserve anniversary trip for next year (using points) - waiting on points to post
(9) get rain barrels connected - not yet
(10) ramp up in new job - definitely!
-
April will be two separate parts for me, 1) during continued bathroom renovation and 2) after renovation is completed (when builders have left the building :-) ). I hope it will switch over somewhere around mid-month, possibly weekend April 17th-18th.
So the renovation is not going as planned and will not be completed before end of April. It is slightly driving me crazy, but I just have to live with it.
I have been very tired and low on energy, it is now noon Saturday, I have gotten absolutely nothing done this week due to work and kids, and nothing done today due to very low energy and motivation levels. Decided to update here to get the weekend going.
Blue = good progress
Orange = at risk
Red = did not happen
Green = completed
- Focus goal: DS1 birthday! It will be different also this year, but at least I want to make sure I order the sleeping bag etc he will get as a gift well in advance. I have made some progress with this. I will buy/order gifts tomorrow. Still more to do though.
- Focus goal: Decide on summer holiday and make arrangements. I have finally agreed w/ex on holiday/summer schedule, and I am pretty confident I will get it approved at work. Now I will start making arrangements for travel. Luckily my relatives that we want to visit have all gotten their first shots and have the second ones scheduled, so we will be able to visit. Also - I bought a tent that we will try if the weather is nice - we will start by sleeping in the garden in the summerhouse. Should be interesting :-).
- Better sleep, at least 7 hrs/night, while still getting up early in the morning. I still want this to be on the list, even though March was much better, it is not a habit yet. Not good, not good at all. My sleep is messed up from kids wandering and taking up space in my bed. Also the reno stress is disturbing me. I need to get to bed earlier.
- Get paper clutter and other important information in order. Especially anything related to old house bc tax time - need to complete in April. A lot is already done with the tax calculation for the sale of the house last year. I will try to finalize my part this longer weekend. Not happy about having to work w/ex on this, will be so pleased once it is completed. Still no progress! Only two weeks left! Need to do it.
- Get the bathroom finalized w/o having a nervous breakdown. It is tough. There is almost a standstill. Sick builders etc. Not happy, the place is a mess. Can't do much about the progress, but I will be kind to myself. Will maybe stay in hotel one more night next week if needed. I hope for some progress next week. Still need to buy a tap and research glass panel.
- Clean up once the reno is final. I will make a detailed list later on, including decluttering and putting things back in their proper place, vaccuming, mopping the floor, wiping all surfaces, window cleaning, touching up paint on the hallway walls etc. No progress, not much I can do, but what I can do, I haven't done...
- Unpack and organize balcony and basement storage. These are linked together as items will move between them in both directions.I made some progress during Easter. This also included picking up my sisters old balcony furniture
(which now sits in my living room due to some unexpected snow days...). which I asswmbled and put out on the balcony. Weather is better so hope for some more progress this weekend. - Walk 240 000 steps. I need to plan for days I have kids, so I have some buffer, and I also want to further decrease the backlog from Jan-Feb.
- Set up finances for the future and a renovation plan. Plan 2021 in Trello and calendar (timings, kids, exercise, eating, friends and relatives, work, events, money, travel, apartment plans). This is weird, no progress although it is something I really want to do. I think I will start with pen and paper. At least I have the current finances well under control, and am saving well :-)
- Make progress on the photos. This is a specific task, where I will need some help, I think my sister can help me. Not prioritized at all right now.
- Declutter and clean the apartment and set up a routine for this going forward. Use Flylady and the Tody app. This will be once I have cleaned up after the bathroom is completed. I really want to make some progress even before bathroom is finished.
- Sort out the kids room better. At least start planning. I will sort it out a bit this weekend, then I will probably not be able to do anything until after bathroom is done.
In addition to this, I have meade some progress with the car. It will need its yearly inspection beginning May, and I knew of two things to fix, one of them is sorted, and I need to research the other. Also summer tires are on! Happy!.
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Congrats on the resignation, @Need2Save ! Those 6 weeks will likely both drag on and also whiz by!!!
Week 2 update (delayed 1 day in order to report progress, lol):
April goals in priority order:
Goal#1 - defeat mildew - at least it's not worse
Goal#2 - physical therapy 5x per week - twice (askmeevery.com is helping)
Goal#3 - substantial progress on the kitchen cabinets
List for crossing off:
cupboard upper 3 - part done in March
cupboard upper 4 - good start One side of kitchen done! :)
cupboard upper 5
cupboard upper 6
cupboard upper 7
cupboard upper 8
cupboard upper 9
cupboard upper 10
cupboard lower 1
cupboard lower 2
cupboard lower 3
cupboard lower 4
cupboard lower 5
cupboard lower 6
Future: tops and undersides of upper cabinets
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Week 2 update:
General:
1. Read
a. At least 4 books total - 3/4
b. 1 Nonfiction book - 2/1
c. 1 Philosophy/Spirituality book (Bonus) - 1/1
d. 1 from TBR list - 2/1
2. Keep House Tidy - 13/16
3. Exercise or Walk Outside - 6/16
Projects:
4. Leaving this open for whatever comes up
Home Sale/Packing:
5. Declutter/Organize
a. Basement - Progress
b. Library
c. Kitchen
d. Clothes - Almost done
e. Hobby Materials - Progress
6. 2 Trips to Donate - No movement, still in car
7. Communication with Broker - Done!
8. Find New Place - Visited first place, it's a no. Back to the list.
9. Schedule Move
10. Pack
a. Kitchen
b. Library
c. Basement
d. Bathroom
e. Bedroom
f. Dining Room
g. Walls/Pictures
Visit to the first rental was very disappointing, the unit we were interested in had leased already and they tried to show us the next one up, which was both over budget and less appealing (loft instead of standard).
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
-
On Sunday I blew out my Achilles tendon while at the trampoline park with my kids. This means some of these won't be completed and I'll have to re-think my goals in May...
Update:
- Read four books
One parenting
One fiction from a new author
One leadership
One spiritual
- Schedule carpet replacement
- Paint hallway doors & trim
- Change oil in all three vehicles -One down, two to go!
- Campervan
Bed lowered
Furnace fixed
Batteries & solar panels ordered
- One overnight camping trip with my wife in campervan -Maybe still possible with a boot on my foot?
- One training hike with sons & nephew for Yosemite trip
- Four mountain bike rides -Did get two rides in before I broke myself.
- One run per week
- Order e-bike conversion kit -Ordered a complete e-bike from a friend, although now I won't be riding it for several months ;(
- Fund IRA and spousal IRA for 2020
- File taxes
- Build compost bin -Done!
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
-
Haven't updated in a while
-walk, hike or ski tour 4-5 days/week have been doing well with this..some days I take it easy, other days, big adventures
-yoga twice weekly--was doing good but have gotten off track
-read 4-5 books--on track
-open an investing account DONE!
-have at least 10 no-spend days --stopped tracking at a certain point..will commence
-tune up my bike--done
-spring clean house (deep clean)--did some areas quite thoroughly but am not motivated to clean these days...things are kind tidy but it's not a priority
-sew at least one wearable item DONE! one very funny tank-top out of a pillowcase
-work on a creative project--DIY patio shade curtain is in the middle of being built; holds some promise, I also deconstructed and reconstructed a baseball-cap with a collaged fabric.A very odd project, fiddly but felt good to actually get it put back together
*adding
-do taxes --YES. just had these filed today so I will pay them all up on Friday :)
-
Update for the final week push...
1. Put in my resignation notice! -- Resigned! (Now at least 4 weeks left of working, boo - looks like I may help out for June as well but a couple more paycheck wouldn't hurt. This is still TBD.)
2. Figure out what's up with our clothes dryer and fix (new belt maybe)? -- Tried to fix it, but ending up buying new one, done.
3. Finish last two professional credits for recertification & submit (will extend me three years, just in case I want to do something PT/Contract work, etc.) - 2 down, and recert. fee paid and application submitted!
4. Order replacement knobs for kitchen cabinets and install - Ordered, and 12 have arrived and been installed, waiting on other 25.
5. Get garden set up, veg plants, etc. - Cleaned up bed today, pulled some aggressive weeds. Too early to plant yet. On track.
6. Continue purging/donating clothes that do not fit me well, are worn out, or not needed for early retired life! - a few things out, and a few things on the donate pile. I could be doing more on this to be honest
7. Make a list of local day trips we want to take this summer when we aren't traveling - a few ideas percolating, but haven't started list yet.
-
Week 3 update:
General:
1. Read
a. At least 4 books total - 5/4
b. 1 Nonfiction book - 2/1
c. 1 Philosophy/Spirituality book (Bonus) - 1/1
d. 1 from TBR list - 3/1
2. Keep House Tidy - 16/23
3. Exercise or Walk Outside - 10/23
Projects:
4. Leaving this open for whatever comes up
Home Sale/Packing:
5. Declutter/Organize
a. Basement - Progress
b. Library
c. Kitchen
d. Clothes - Almost done, should finish today
e. Hobby Materials - Progress
6. 2 Trips to Donate - 1/2
7. Communication with Broker - Done!
8. Find New Place - Visited second place, it's a maybe. Visit 3 scheduled for Monday.
9. Schedule Move
10. Pack
a. Kitchen
b. Library
c. Basement
d. Bathroom
e. Bedroom
f. Dining Room
g. Walls/Pictures
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
-
End of April Update!
1. Put in my resignation notice! -- Resigned! (At least 3 weeks left of working. Highly likely to spill in to June, I'm too nice.)
2. Figure out what's up with our clothes dryer and fix (new belt maybe)? -- Done.
3. Finish last two professional credits for recertification & submit (will extend me three years, just in case I want to do something PT/Contract work, etc.) - Done.
4. Order replacement knobs for kitchen cabinets and install - Done.
5. Get garden set up, veg plants, etc. - Done and visiting nursery today for baby plants.
6. Continue purging/donating clothes that do not fit me well, are worn out, or not needed for early retired life! - About 15 items discarded or on the donate pile. Will continue this into May
7. Make a list of local day trips we want to take this summer when we aren't traveling - a few ideas percolating, but haven't started list yet. Will continue this into May.
-
Not a terribly productive month :-( A combination of a big uptick at work as a result of the job change and a terrible spring cold made the last half of the month difficult. Here's to a better May!
(1) Taxes! - no
(2) Stretch 3/week - no
(3) baby book for first year - no
(4) Finalize life insurance - no
(5) close on HELOC - YES! at the wire (yesterday)
(6) plant hydrangeas - YES
(7) practice camping locally in preparation for national park trip in May - no
(8) reserve anniversary trip for next year (using points) - no
(9) get rain barrels connected - no
(10) ramp up in new job - YES
Post-vaccine goals (yay for being fully vaccinated!)
have a beer with a new friend - YES
play hockey with my buddies - YES
swim in the same lane as my swim friends - YES
go on a date with my husband - YES
meet an old work colleague for lunch - no
work out of a coffee shop for an entire morning - no
have drinks with my gay friends - no
-
I’d like to do the following in April:
1. Lose at least 3 pounds.
2. Exercise at least 3 times per week.
3. Achieve a lengthy alcohol abstinence streak
4. Dress up for work 3 days of the week (currently working from home full time).
Not a bad month overall.
I lost 2 pounds, dressed up for work a decent amount and most importantly have had no alcohol for 28 days straight! Yes, decent streak and I don’t intend to stop!
On to May, my friends!
-
start 1 home improvement project - success
read 4 books - success
walk or hike 20 of 30 days - success
journal 2x week - fail
stretch daily - fail
weigh in below 190lbs -success
knit a toque -fail
-
End of April update:
General:
1. Read
a. At least 4 books total - 6/4
b. 1 Nonfiction book - 2/1
c. 1 Philosophy/Spirituality book (Bonus) - 1/1
d. 1 from TBR list - 3/1
2. Keep House Tidy - 22/30
3. Exercise or Walk Outside - 15/30
Projects:
4. Leaving this open for whatever comes up
Home Sale/Packing:
5. Declutter/Organize
a. Basement - Progress
b. Library - Barely started
c. Kitchen - Not started, but planning for tomorrow.
d. Clothes - Done!
e. Hobby Materials - Done! Both sewing and jewelry supplies sorted, purged, and reorganized.
6. 2 Trips to Donate - 1/2, new box not yet full
7. Communication with Broker - Done!
8. Find New Place - Application approved!
9. Schedule Movers - Not yet
10. Pack - Not started
a. Kitchen
b. Library
c. Basement
d. Bathroom
e. Bedroom
f. Dining Room
g. Walls/Pictures
Decluttering, packing, and moving will be carried over to next month.
Complete
Progress/On Track
Behind Schedule
Did Not Meet
-
On to May!
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/may-2021-goals/
-
It is May 1st (or actually May 2nd, as it is 45 minutes past midnight). I have just sent in my taxes, we have until May 3rd in Sweden.
So it wasn't final in April, but tomorrow (today after some sleep), when I do my final update, I will mark it as done in April bc most of the job was completed then. Am tired and happy it is done. What a way to spend a Saturday evening! :-D
-
Haven't updated in a while
-walk, hike or ski tour 4-5 days/week have been doing well with this..some days I take it easy, other days, big adventures
-yoga twice weekly--was doing good but have gotten off track
-read 4-5 books--on track
-open an investing account DONE!
-have at least 10 no-spend days --stopped tracking at a certain point..will commence
-tune up my bike--done
-spring clean house (deep clean)--did some areas quite thoroughly but am not motivated to clean these days...things are kind tidy but it's not a priority
-sew at least one wearable item DONE! one very funny tank-top out of a pillowcase
-work on a creative project--DIY patio shade curtain is in the middle of being built; holds some promise, I also deconstructed and reconstructed a baseball-cap with a collaged fabric.A very odd project, fiddly but felt good to actually get it put back together
*adding
-do taxes --YES. just had these filed today so I will pay them all up on Friday :)
Pretty happy to say I ticked off everything but the deep cleaning & regular yoga off the list.
:)
-
April goals in priority order:
Goal#1 - defeat mildew - at least it's not worse no progress
Goal#2 - physical therapy 5x per week - twice (askmeevery.com is helping) limited progress
Goal#3 - substantial progress on the kitchen cabinets limited progress
Lost momentum in the second half of the month, but did get taxes done, so I guess it's a wash.
-
Final update, finally!
So the plan was to get the bathroom finished, and then clean up the place. Bathroom still not finished, life has been a bit tough, but ok. Lots of frustration from my side, but the end is near now.
Red = did not happen
Green = completed
- Focus goal: DS1 birthday! It was different this year, due to divorce and due to Covid, but it went really well.
- Focus goal: Decide on summer holiday and make arrangements. All the big stuff decided/completed.
- Better sleep, at least 7 hrs/night, while still getting up early in the morning. Not good, not good at all. My sleep is messed up from kids wandering and taking up space in my bed. Also the reno stress is disturbing me. I need to get to bed earlier.
- Get paper clutter and other important information in order. Especially anything related to old house bc tax time. Taxes actually not fully completed in April but most work done, and now completed. Will deal w/paper clutter in May.
- Get the bathroom finalized w/o having a nervous breakdown. Not completed but suddenly lots of progress.
- Clean up once the reno is final. I will make a detailed list later on, including decluttering and putting things back in their proper place, vaccuming, mopping the floor, wiping all surfaces, window cleaning, touching up paint on the hallway walls etc. No progress, not much I can do, but what I can do, I haven't done...
- Unpack and organize balcony and basement storage. Not completed, partly due to bathroom stuff taking up space, but good progress.
- Walk 240 000 steps. Yesss. Weather has been co-operating.
- Set up finances for the future and a renovation plan. Plan 2021 in Trello and calendar (timings, kids, exercise, eating, friends and relatives, work, events, money, travel, apartment plans). This is weird, no progress although it is something I really want to do.
- Make progress on the photos. This is a specific task, where I will need some help, I think my sister can help me. Not prioritized at all right now.
- Declutter and clean the apartment and set up a routine for this going forward. Use Flylady and the Tody app. This will be once I have cleaned up after the bathroom is completed.
- Sort out the kids room better. Nothing until after bathroom is done.
-
My goals for this month:
1. Work out at least 5x per week (weights at least 3, aerobic exercise all 5 days).
2. Eat better.
3. Reduce alcohol intake.
4. Do at least 2 lessons per day for learning Spanish (at least one lesson from Duolingo and Busuu each day).
5. Get second covid vaccine shot.
6. Complete apprentice plus cave diver training.
7. Plant my garden for this year.
1. Made that goal all but one week
2. Completed
3. Completed
4. Made it most of the month, but not every day
5. Completed
6. Completed
7. Completed