September goals

[LinneaH]

Starting off for September, I am so happy to be back (been away from forums for some months) because it helps with my procrastrination :-D

[LinneaH]

My goals for September are pretty similar to the ones I had in August:

• Continue good food habits. Less sugar and alcohol. Bring lunch everyday I am in office. Maintain when kids are here, focus when they are not.
• Walking part of the way to work, to the train. Also walk more on days not in office or when train is not running properly.
• Go to the gym once a week.
• Get DS1 sorted for his new hobby. Some clothes and stuff needed. Also make sure I have everything I need.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes.
• Plan, plan, plan the evenings and weekends for activities, studies, friends. Absolutely necessary for me to be able to handle this semester.
• Sort out my bedroom. This will include: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, decide on wall colour, buy wall papper for accent wall, sort out with painter friend, contact carpenter, trip to IKEA to buy bed and storage solution, build cupboards (maybe not all of this will happen in August but I need to make progress)
• More sleep. I will not quantify this for now.

I track with colors:
Green: completed
Blue: progress
Orange: at risk
Red: did not complete

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Thanks for kicking us off, @LinneaH

My list also looks similar ish:

Finances:
-Stick to budget
-Update CDs renewing in September
-Freezer/pantry challenge (use up 3 hard to use items)
-Get car sold

Family:
-Get DS18 successfully moved in & transitioned to college!
-Help DS17 with college application & essays, & get all school college tasks complete
-Adjust menu plan based on 3 diners vs 4

Fitness:
-Follow the No S diet 15 days
-Complete PT exercises
-Strength train & stretch 15 times
-Have a successful hiking trip in Moab, with no injuries/pain from glute issue

Personal:
-Complete daily tasks 15 times (meditate, journal, Farsi lesson, declutter 1 item, etc)
-Continue volunteer work
-Pivot job search to focus on what I'd like to do, and invest 90% of job search time on that
-Play pickleball 3x

[Raenia]

Thanks for starting the thread!

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs)
  a. 2 from TBR
2. Go outside (20/31)g
3. Do yoga once a week - I'm optimistic about this month, the gym at work is offering a class

Frugality:
4. Food Budget
  a. Pack Lunches
  b. Meal Plan / No Waste
  c. Eat from Freezer / Bulk Cooking for Freezer

House Stuff:
5. Drywall repair
6. Baseboard
7. Beadboard
8. Hang Bathroom Cabinet
9. Hang Baby Gate

Garden:
10. Weed
  a. Patio
  b. Front Bed
  c. Back Ivy

Social:
12. Host Friend Lunch
13. Dad's Visit
14. Attend Concert

[10dollarsatatime]

As hubs and I are getting ready to become full time nomads, we're wishing on getting our house in order to sell or rent. We'll decide eventually. My goals for this month:

1. Bathroom
    A. Replace the vanity
    B. Strip and repaint the door
    C. Finish the wainscot and trim
    D. Deep clean the fiddly bits of the sliding shower door.
    E. Reseal the grout
    F. Put in some kind of backsplash.

2. Office
    A. Finish packing/donating/emptying
    B. Remove carpet
    C. Find a replacement closet door
    D. Patch plaster cracks appropriately
    E. Skim coat, re-texture, and paint
    F. Install new flooring

Storage room
    A. Finish packing/donating/emptying
    B. Remove carpet
    C. Replace window sill
    D. Patch plaster cracks appropriately
    E. Skim coat, re-texture, and paint
    F. Install new flooring

If I can get all three rooms done this month, I'll be thrilled.  I'd like to think I can get the bathroom done this first week. I suppose that will depend on whether I need to fix some plumbing. There's a soft spot in the sheetrock behind the vanity that has me concerned. I also hate, loath, and despise shimmying under the house.  I'm hoping anything I need to do can be done from above, but I may need to move a water supply line to the other side of a stud.

[TheFrenchCat]

Sorry I'm late!  I've already made some progress.  I've applied to one job so far, and I made 2 embroidery patterns for ornaments.

Work Related:   
        -apply to 4 jobs
   -Chapter a week of Python for Everybody
Creative:
   -Make at least 6 embroidered ornaments
   -Stretch goal-make snowflake embroidery pattern in Vectr
Health:
   -see doctor about foot
   -exercise at least twice a week
   -schedule at least one more hangout with a friend
Household:
   -3 sessions of decluttering the basement, 20 minutes minimum each time
   -Make all school lunches, no buying
   -Finish daily chores for at least 20 days
   -Finish all Monthly chores

[LinneaH]

Progress report, it's Sunday afternoon, time to start cooking dinner.
I have added two more goals, on top. One of them absolutely has to be finished before September 25th, as I am going abroad (short holiday trip) and I need to prepare for that. And the other is related to a course I am taking, I have realised it will take a lot more time than expected.

• Prepare for trip. Packing list, sort out what computer to bring for work, do I need a converter, how to get from the airport to city center and what will I do during the days? No progress yet. Will think about this tomorrow.
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes. Some progress, need a lot more before Thursday - next class.
• Continue good food habits. Less sugar and alcohol. Bring lunch everyday I am in office. Maintain when kids are here, focus when they are not. Doing rather well.
• Walking part of the way to work, to the train. Also walk more on days not in office or when train is not running properly.
• Go to the gym once a week.
• Get DS1 sorted for his new hobby. Some clothes and stuff needed. Also make sure I have everything I need.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes.
• Plan, plan, plan the evenings and weekends for activities, studies, friends. Absolutely necessary for me to be able to handle this semester.
• Sort out my bedroom. This will include: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, decide on wall colour, buy wall papper for accent wall, sort out with painter friend, contact carpenter, trip to IKEA to buy bed and storage solution, build cupboards (maybe not all of this will happen in August September, but I need to make progress)
• More sleep. I will not quantify this for now. Some progress but not a lot.

I think I have finally realised that I need to be proactive this fall, I need to do well at work, I need to keep up w/the course, I really want to do better w/my kids, and I have to sort out the flat. So planning is really essential, and there is some progress there, and also with really doing things, but there is always some area that I miss out on...



I track with colors:
Green: completed
Blue: progress
Orange: at risk
Red: did not complete

[Raenia]

One week in, some things progressing, others not.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - None yet, I've got a hefty one about mid-way.
  a. 2 from TBR - None yet
2. Go outside (20/31) - 6/8
3. Do yoga once a week - Woohoo! Went to the class last week. 1/4

Frugality:
4. Food Budget
  a. Pack Lunches - so far so good
  b. Meal Plan / No Waste - Going ok. No waste so far, but I'm not used to meal planning around what the baby is able to eat
  c. Eat from Freezer / Bulk Cooking for Freezer - Going well, resisted takeout and had soup instead one night, then made chili to restock

House Stuff:
5. Drywall repair - Done! I pointed out to DH that we had all the supplies for this just sitting around, and asked him to get me when he wanted to work on it. Instead he just snuck off and did it himself. Yay! Just need to sand and paint.
6. Baseboard
7. Beadboard
8. Hang Bathroom Cabinet
9. Hang Baby Gate

Garden:
10. Weed
  a. Patio - Significant progress, but will need a few more days
  b. Front Bed - Mostly done, forgot a strip along the side
  c. Back Ivy

Social:
12. Host Friend Lunch
13. Dad's Visit
14. Attend Concert 1 - Done! It was just ok, but it was free so no complaints
15. Attend Concert 2 - Need to line up childcare coverage

[Raenia]

Another week done, this month is going by fast.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 1/4, next one is also huge so it might be a 2 book month
  a. 2 from TBR -  started
2. Go outside (20/31) - 11/15
3. Do yoga once a week - 2/4, class is continuing well

Frugality:
4. Food Budget
  a. Pack Lunches - so far so good
  b. Meal Plan / No Waste - Going ok. No waste so far, but I'm not used to meal planning around what the baby is able to eat
  c. Eat from Freezer / Bulk Cooking for Freezer - Still going fine, made a butternut squash soup

House Stuff:
5. Drywall repair - Done! I pointed out to DH that we had all the supplies for this just sitting around, and asked him to get me when he wanted to work on it. Instead he just snuck off and did it himself. Yay! Just need to sand and paint.
6. Baseboard
7. Beadboard
8. Hang Bathroom Cabinet - Need a trip to Home Depot
9. Hang Baby Gate - Done! This was far more difficult than it should have been due to spacing issues, masonry walls, and bad hardware, but it's finally done.

Garden:
10. Weed
  a. Patio - Looking very good, just needs a little tidying on one side but the worst part is done
  b. Front Bed - Done! I mean, never really done, but one full pass completed, which I'm going to count as the goal for the month
  c. Back Ivy

Social:
12. Host Friend Lunch
13. Dad's Visit
14. Attend Concert 1 - Done!
15. Attend Concert 2 - Still working on a childcare plan

[LinneaH]

I agree with @Raenia , this month is going way to fast. Quick update:

• Prepare for trip. Packing list, sort out what computer to bring for work, do I need a converter, how to get from the airport to city center and what will I do during the days? Still no real progress.
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes. I am ok for the moment, I was really good during last weeks' seminar and feel ok for the one tomorrow as it is a smaller one. But I really have to start reading all the material for next week, it is a lot.
• Continue good food habits. Less sugar and alcohol. Bring lunch everyday I am in office. Maintain when kids are here, focus when they are not. Doing rather well.
• Walking part of the way to work, to the train. Also walk more on days not in office or when train is not running properly. Not all days, but pretty good.
• Go to the gym once a week. No progress here
• Get DS1 sorted for his new hobby. Some clothes and stuff needed. Also make sure I have everything I need. Good progress here, I have scored several deals for DS1, and he has most of what is needed. I am also pretty ok.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes. Not enough.
• Plan, plan, plan the evenings and weekends for activities, studies, friends. Absolutely necessary for me to be able to handle this semester. Planning rather good, execution not so much. Low energy -> procrastrinating.
• Sort out my bedroom. This will include: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, decide on wall colour, buy wall papper for accent wall, sort out with painter friend, contact carpenter, trip to IKEA to buy bed and storage solution, build cupboards (maybe not all of this will happen in August September, but I need to make progress). There has been a little bit of progress. Really need to get an a electrician.
• More sleep. I will not quantify this for now. Some progress but not a lot.

I think I have finally realised that I need to be proactive this fall, I need to do well at work, I need to keep up w/the course, I really want to do better w/my kids, and I have to sort out the flat. So planning is really essential, and there is some progress there, and also with really doing things, but there is always some area that I miss out on...

Planning is still good, but I really need to DO things. I struggle a lot with just starting, and then I don't get stuff done. Also, when I get something done, there is still so much on my list, so there are always something that doesn't get done... and more things are added to the lsit.



I track with colors:
Green: completed
Blue: progress
Orange: at risk
Red: did not complete

[Raenia]

Goodness, another week gone.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 1/4, next one is also huge so it might be a 2 book month
  a. 2 from TBR -  started
2. Go outside (20/31) - 17/23
3. Do yoga once a week - 3/4, class is continuing well

Frugality:
4. Food Budget
  a. Pack Lunches - Supplemented once, but still ok
  b. Meal Plan / No Waste - Still going ok
  c. Eat from Freezer / Bulk Cooking for Freezer - Giant batch of chili

House Stuff:
5. Drywall repair - Done! I pointed out to DH that we had all the supplies for this just sitting around, and asked him to get me when he wanted to work on it. Instead he just snuck off and did it himself. Yay! Just need to sand and paint.
6. Baseboard
7. Beadboard
8. Hang Bathroom Cabinet - Need a trip to Home Depot
9. Hang Baby Gate - Done! This was far more difficult than it should have been due to spacing issues, masonry walls, and bad hardware, but it's finally done.

Garden:
10. Weed
  a. Patio - Gonna call it done
  b. Front Bed - Done!
  c. Back Ivy

Social:
12. Host Friend Lunch - Done!
13. Dad's Visit
14. Attend Concert 1 - Done!
15. Attend Concert 2 - Childcare arranged

[MaybeBabyMustache]

This month! It's killing me. Or, my lack of productivity is kicking me in my own butt. Something like that.

Finances:
-Stick to budget - it was a bumpy month, with college move in costs, and continuing costs for DS17's senior year/college applications.
-Update CDs renewing in September - have an appt this week
-Freezer/pantry challenge (use up 3 hard to use items) - absolutely, crushed this one
-Get car sold - definitely no progress on this

Family:
-Get DS18 successfully moved in & transitioned to college! - done, and he seems to be doing great!
-Help DS17 with college application & essays, & get all school college tasks complete - all applications that are open have been completed! This is a huge milestone. Three are not yet open, and we have some scholarship work to do, but the bulk of work is done.
-Adjust menu plan based on 3 diners vs 4 - I've been focused on eating down the freezer for now, but I will also need to adjust our purchasing & menu planning.

Fitness:
-Follow the No S diet 15 days - I've done terribly with this
-Complete PT exercises - also done terribly on this one
-Strength train & stretch 15 times - meh. I've done "okay"
-Have a successful hiking trip in Moab, with no injuries/pain from glute issue - hiking trip was a huge success

Personal:
-Complete daily tasks 15 times (meditate, journal, Farsi lesson, declutter 1 item, etc) - it's not been the most consistent month, so not on track
-Continue volunteer work - yes
-Pivot job search to focus on what I'd like to do, and invest 90% of job search time on that - I have a couple of interviews this week, and am ramping up my networking
-Play pickleball 3x - 0/3, but plans to play this weekend

[TheFrenchCat]

Not doing too great.  I have a few goals I've failed at, and some I haven't started yet, but I think I've found my motivation to start those.  We'll see!

Work Related:   
   -apply to 4 jobs-Done!
   -Chapter a week of Python for Everybody-Nope, this has been really boring, so it's hard to keep up with.
Creative:
   -Make at least 6 embroidered ornaments-Finished 5 so far
   -Stretch goal-make snowflake embroidery pattern in Vectr-Haven't tried yet
Health:
   -see doctor about foot-Done
   -exercise at least twice a week-Decided not to do because of my foot, though I'm hoping to slowly start again soon.
   -schedule at least one more hangout with a friend-Done!
Household:
   -3 sessions of decluttering the basement, 20 minutes minimum each time-None yet, but I have a plan
   -Make all school lunches, no buying-Failed at this one two days after posting the goal.  But only bought once so far
   -Finish daily chores for at least 20 days-Only done 5 days so far, so not possible at this point.  However, I think I've learned which chores are really necessary every day and which can be done every week.  The house is still in a pretty decent state.
   -Finish all Monthly chores-Only a handful left

[LinneaH]

@MaybeBabyMustache - this part is so good, you should be really happy with this amount of progress!

Family:
-Get DS18 successfully moved in & transitioned to college! - done, and he seems to be doing great!
-Help DS17 with college application & essays, & get all school college tasks complete - all applications that are open have been completed! This is a huge milestone. Three are not yet open, and we have some scholarship work to do, but the bulk of work is done.
-Adjust menu plan based on 3 diners vs 4 - I've been focused on eating down the freezer for now, but I will also need to adjust our purchasing & menu planning.

[LinneaH]

I needed to go on penicillin, needed to get rid of somehing before I got severely ill. I wasn't really sick but the penicillin is so tough for me (bad stomach ache and really bad sleep), therefore some lack of progress.

• Prepare for trip. Packing list, sort out what computer to bring for work, do I need a converter, how to get from the airport to city center and what will I do during the days? Well, I don't know... I leave from home tomorrow at 9.30 am, have not packed fully yet, but I think I am good. Computer, bag and converter sorted. Will do final packing just after this.
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes.. I just had a seminar, I was ok, even though I hadn't prepared that much. I need to bring some reading on my trip to prepare for next week.
• Continue good food habits. Less sugar and alcohol. Bring lunch everyday I am in office. Maintain when kids are here, focus when they are not. Some slacking this week, due to me being so tired, but no real harm.
• Walking part of the way to work, to the train. Also walk more on days not in office or when train is not running properly. I am doing ok.
• Go to the gym once a week. No visits to the gym at all.
• Get DS1 sorted for his new hobby. Some clothes and stuff needed. Also make sure I have everything I need. We are good enough for now.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes. Not enough, we haven't been to the gym or pool. But we have been walking and talking, so nice.
• Plan, plan, plan the evenings and weekends for activities, studies, friends. Absolutely necessary for me to be able to handle this semester. I am ok, but it is close to too much to handle. Still very low energy.
• Sort out my bedroom. This will include: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, decide on wall colour, buy wall papper for accent wall, sort out with painter friend, contact carpenter, trip to IKEA to buy bed and storage solution, build cupboards (maybe not all of this will happen in August September, but I need to make progress). Some progress. Still no electrician. I have sold/given away some things, very happy about that.
• More sleep. I will not quantify this for now. Absolutely not enough this week.

I think I have finally realised that I need to be proactive this fall, I need to do well at work, I need to keep up w/the course, I really want to do better w/my kids, and I have to sort out the flat. So planning is really essential, and there is some progress there, and also with really doing things, but there is always some area that I miss out on...

Planning is still good, but I really need to DO things. I struggle a lot with just starting, and then I don't get stuff done. Also, when I get something done, there is still so much on my list, so there are always something that doesn't get done... and more things are added to the list.


A couple of days ago, I was very close to breaking down. I was sure I should quit the course. I just let it be for a couple of days, and now I want to keep trying. It is not neccessary that I finalise, I could do it another semester , or not at all. But I have decided that I will keep on a little while longer.

But tomorrow I leave for a few days of holiday, I am so looking forward to it.



I track with colors:
Green: completed
Blue: progress
Orange: at risk
Red: did not complete

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Thanks, @LinneaH. I hope the holidays are really relaxing & rejuvenating for you.

[TheFrenchCat]

This was actually pretty motivating.  I got a bunch of less urgent things done simply because I wanted to be able to say that I finished them.
I'll have to think of some good things for next month.

Work Related:   
   -apply to 4 jobs-Done! -And I hit 5 for this one!
   -Chapter a week of Python for Everybody-Nope, this has been really boring, so it's hard to keep up with.  -I think next month I may make a goal to work on a coding learning tutorial instead.
Creative:
   -Make at least 6 embroidered ornaments-Finished 5 so far -Got my sixth done 45 minutes ago, and I'm almost done my ornaments for the season.
   -Stretch goal-make snowflake embroidery pattern in Vectr-Haven't tried yet -Didn't get to this one, but I think I will soon.  I'll probably punt this to October.
Health:
   -see doctor about foot-Done
   -exercise at least twice a week-Decided not to do because of my foot, though I'm hoping to slowly start again soon.
   -schedule at least one more hangout with a friend-Done!
Household:
   -3 sessions of decluttering the basement, 20 minutes minimum each time-None yet, but I have a plan -My plan worked!  I did the last session today, but it did make a difference.
   -Make all school lunches, no buying-Failed at this one two days after posting the goal.  But only bought once so far -Finished with only having bought once, so not too bad.
   -Finish daily chores for at least 20 days-Only done 5 days so far, so not possible at this point.  However, I think I've learned which chores are really necessary every day and which can be done every week.  The house is still in a pretty decent state.
   -Finish all Monthly chores-Only a handful left -Also finished the last one today!

[Raenia]

I hope everyone had a strong finish to the month.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 1/4, I sure picked some chonkers this month. Next month should be better.
  a. 2 from TBR - 0/2, started 1, one on hold
2. Go outside (20/31) - 21/31
3. Do yoga once a week - 4/4, class is great, and hopefully will continue in Oct.

Frugality:
4. Food Budget
  a. Pack Lunches - Mostly good, taking it as a win
  b. Meal Plan / No Waste - Good
  c. Eat from Freezer / Bulk Cooking for Freezer - Freezer is well stocked going into Oct

House Stuff:
5. Drywall repair - Done! I pointed out to DH that we had all the supplies for this just sitting around, and asked him to get me when he wanted to work on it. Instead he just snuck off and did it himself. Yay! Just need to sand and paint.
6. Baseboard
7. Beadboard
8. Hang Bathroom Cabinet - Need a trip to Home Depot
9. Hang Baby Gate - Done! This was far more difficult than it should have been due to spacing issues, masonry walls, and bad hardware, but it's finally done.

Garden:
10. Weed
  a. Patio - Gonna call it done
  b. Front Bed - Done!
  c. Back Ivy

Social:
12. Host Friend Lunch - Done!
13. Dad's Visit - Done!
14. Attend Concert 1 - Done!
15. Attend Concert 2 - Done!

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Finances:
-Stick to budget - it was a bumpy month, with college move in costs, and continuing costs for DS17's senior year/college applications, but in the end, we came closer to our savings goals than I thought we wold. We did pretty well.
-Update CDs renewing in September - done
-Freezer/pantry challenge (use up 3 hard to use items) - absolutely, crushed this one
-Get car sold - Car is listed & has been shown to 2 people

Family:
-Get DS18 successfully moved in & transitioned to college! - done, and he seems to be doing great!
-Help DS17 with college application & essays, & get all school college tasks complete - all applications that are open have been completed! This is a huge milestone. Three are not yet open, and we have some scholarship work to do, but the bulk of work is done.
-Adjust menu plan based on 3 diners vs 4 - I've been focused on eating down the freezer for now, but I will also need to adjust our purchasing & menu planning.

Fitness:
-Follow the No S diet 15 days - I managed 9 days
-Complete PT exercises - I need to decide which workout I want to do, and just start completing it a few times/week
-Strength train & stretch 15 times - I did 13/15
-Have a successful hiking trip in Moab, with no injuries/pain from glute issue - hiking trip was a huge success

Personal:
-Complete daily tasks 15 times (meditate, journal, Farsi lesson, declutter 1 item, etc) - done
-Continue volunteer work - yes, & I'm loving mentoring my three students
-Pivot job search to focus on what I'd like to do, and invest 90% of job search time on that - I've done a few interviews, increased my networking & I've been trying to hone in my focus
-Play pickleball 3x - 0/3. The courts were full the one time we went, it's been hot, we forgot, &/or we were busy. So, maybe October?

Overall, I feel pretty good about the month. Looking forward to a great & productive October!

[LinneaH]

Final report for September as I have been travelling. I had a magical trip, much better than expected. But I did not sleep well, and I have a bit of a stuffed nose now, so I am tired/low energy.

• Prepare for trip. Packing list, sort out what computer to bring for work, do I need a converter, how to get from the airport to city center and what will I do during the days? It all turned out well in the end.
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes.. I could have done so much better, but I am still hanging in there.
• Continue good food habits. Less sugar and alcohol. Bring lunch everyday I am in office. Maintain when kids are here, focus when they are not. Did good, then I went travelling, I had chosen beforehand to enjoy everything and I did. But I also walked soooo much.
• Walking part of the way to work, to the train. Also walk more on days not in office or when train is not running properly. Including the trip, I have done so well.
• Go to the gym once a week. No visits to the gym at all.
• Get DS1 sorted for his new hobby. Some clothes and stuff needed. Also make sure I have everything I need. We are good enough for now.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes. Not enough, we have been walking and talking, but I have to do better.
• Plan, plan, plan the evenings and weekends for activities, studies, friends. Absolutely necessary for me to be able to handle this semester. Ok but not much more.
• Sort out my bedroom. This will include: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, decide on wall colour, buy wall papper for accent wall, sort out with painter friend, contact carpenter, trip to IKEA to buy bed and storage solution, build cupboards (maybe not all of this will happen in August September, but I need to make progress). Very little progress. Still no electrician. I have sold/given away some things.
• More sleep. I will not quantify this for now. Absolutely not enough this week.

All in all I am rather pleased about the month. Onwards to October!





I track with colors:
Green: completed
Blue: progress
Orange: at risk
Red: did not complete