October Goals

[Raenia]

New month, new to-do list.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs)
  a. 2 from TBR
2. Go outside (20/31)
3. Do yoga once a week

Frugality:
4. Keep "Consumables" under $700
5. No unplanned 'Personal' spend

House Stuff:
6. Drywall repair
  a. Sand
  b. Paint
7. Beadboard
8. Baseboard
9. Hang Bathroom Cabinet

Garden:
10. Yard Work
  a. Weed Patio
  b. Clear Ivy
  c. Rake Leaves
  d. Mow Lawn

Social:
11. Visit MIL
12. Wedding
13. Date Night
14. Halloween Costumes

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Thanks for starting us of, @Raenia

Here are my goals for the month:

Financial
-Save $2500
-Sell car
-Get car for special needs aunt handed off
-Eat 1/2 of the pizza in the freezer + use up cranberries in muffins
-Update CD that's renewing
-Sell watch & DS18's old bike

Family:
-Get last 3 college applications completed, achieve all school deadlines. Help DS17 start applying for scholarships
-Continue adjusting to meal plan for 3 vs 4 diners
-Have a great trip to Costa Rica

Fitness:
-Strength/PT for hip
-15 strength workouts
-Follow the No S diet 15 days & track calorie daily
-Successfully run the 10k with sister & friend
-See the doctor about lack of energy, overall health issues
-Lose 2 lbs

Personal:
-Complete daily tasks 20 times (meditate, language lesson, journal)
-Get together with friends
-Declutter 25 items
-Network 2 times
-Apply for two jobs in a "pivot" field
-Spend time on volunteer role
-Play pickleball 3x

[TheFrenchCat]

This was really motivating last month.  I've scaled back on some things and added a few new ones.  I finished strong last month, but I think I need to work on starting strong and keeping up with things through the month.  I may check in a little bit more frequently than last time to try to keep myself accountable.

October to do’s:

Work Related:   
        -Apply to 4 jobs-unless I get a new one
   -Work on futurecoder on at least 10 days

Creative:
   -Make at least 3 embroidered ornaments (that should be enough for this year)
   -Make snowflake embroidery pattern in Vectr
   -Make a plan for the detailed drawing DD wants me to embroider (pick fabric, thread colors, decide which stitches, etc)
   -Decide, plan and start any other embroidered presents

Health:
   -Exercise at least twice a week
   -Schedule at least one more hangout with a friend
   -Follow No-S diet for 15 days (stolen from @MaybeBabyMustache - Thanks!)

Household:
   -3 sessions of decluttering the basement, 20 minutes minimum each time
   -Make all school lunches, no buying without planning in advance (pizza days)
   -Finish all Monthly chores
   -Do 2 Seasonal chores

Good luck everybody!

[LinneaH]

Me sliding in a bit late, as I was travelling over the month end. Had a marvellous trip but a bit tired now. So happy it is Friday night here, it's going to be a rather slow weekend.

I am actually looking forward a bit to October, as I did pretty well in September. My focus this month will be finances, apartment/bedroom and sleep.

• Sleep more. I need to sort out my evenings and go to bed earlier.
• Be mindful with money. I am debating w/myself whether I should pay down a smaller part of my mortgage. It's a specific loan, interest rate good at the moment, but will probably go up in January, and the tax laws are changing for this type of loan, making it much less interesting to keep.
• Continue with my bedroom. Plan for October: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, find an electrician.
  Possible additional tasks: decide wall colour, buy wall papper, 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).
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes.
• Go to the gym once a week.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes.
• Continue planning but also focus on doing!
• Make a decision on the car situation and execute.
• Sort out the balcony for winter.
• Sort out the storage before the semi-yearly trash pick-up day.

Quite a few goals, but some are possible to finish rather quickly.





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

[Raenia]

First week gone, and for some reason I keep having trouble remembering it's October. This week was very busy - DH had an all week training at work and was home late every day, so I didn't expect to get much done.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 1/4
  a. 2 from TBR - 1 in progress, one on deck
2. Go outside (20/31) - 5/5, great start
3. Do yoga once a week - 1/1

Frugality:
4. Keep "Consumables" under $700 - This will be harder than planned, I forgot our Costco membership re-ups this month
5. No unplanned 'Personal' spend - So far so good, did get some things on my "planned" list

House Stuff:
6. Drywall repair
  a. Sand
  b. Paint
7. Beadboard
8. Baseboard
9. Hang Bathroom Cabinet

Garden:
10. Yard Work
  a. Weed Patio
  b. Clear Ivy
  c. Rake Leaves
  d. Mow Lawn

Social:
11. Visit MIL
12. Wedding
13. Date Night
14. Halloween Costumes - Theme was sent out, we know what we want to do, next is thrifting for needed items

[TheFrenchCat]

I can't believe it's a full week into October.  It was a pretty busy week, but I've managed to mostly be on track. 

October to do’s:

Work Related:   
        -Apply to 4 jobs-unless I get a new one-haven't applied to any new ones yet.  Nothing interesting has popped up, and I've got a pretty good feeling that I'm going to get the job I interviewed for on Friday
   -Work on futurecoder on at least 10 days-Three days so far, so right on track.

Creative:  I haven't had time to touch my embroidery this week:(  But I should be able to catch up.  I did decide to do a craft exchange with another online community I'm a part of, so that should be fun!  I have been doing some thinking about that present, but no solid planning yet.
   -Make at least 3 embroidered ornaments (that should be enough for this year)
   -Make snowflake embroidery pattern in Vectr
   -Make a plan for the detailed drawing DD wants me to embroider (pick fabric, thread colors, decide which stitches, etc)
   -Decide, plan and start any other embroidered presents

Health:
   -Exercise at least twice a week-I exercised twice, once I went for a walk and then we cleaned up the cemetery for an hour or so. 
   -Schedule at least one more hangout with a friend-I just had lunch with a friend today and got coffee with another last Thursday!
   -Follow No-S diet for 15 days (stolen from MaybeBabyMustache - Thanks!)-I've done 3 days so far, so it's still possible.

Household:
   -3 sessions of decluttering the basement, 20 minutes minimum each time-not yet
   -Make all school lunches, no buying without planning in advance (pizza days)-On track, made all the lunches so far and have a plan through this week.
   -Finish all Monthly chores-not yet, but I plan to do some this week
   -Do 2 Seasonal chores-ditto above

[LinneaH]

One week and some... I have somewhat of a cold, just a stuffed nose during night but it makes me sleep badly and I feel very tired all the time.
Still, I have managed some progress

• Sleep more. I need to sort out my evenings and go to bed earlier.
• Be mindful with money. I am debating w/myself whether I should pay down a smaller part of my mortgage. It's a specific loan, interest rate good at the moment, but will probably go up in January, and the tax laws are changing for this type of loan, making it much less interesting to keep. I sold an old toy, just $10 but it was a big item so good to get rid of it.
• Continue with my bedroom. Plan for October: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, find an electrician.
  Possible additional tasks: decide wall colour, buy wall papper, 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). I have contacted a friend of a friend who is an electrician, he had no time, but will ask someone else at his company. So a tiny progress :-)
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes.
• Go to the gym once a week. I actually went once during the weekend so I am on track.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes. Some during weekend. Hope for tonight.
• Continue planning but also focus on doing! A bit behind as being so tired.
• Make a decision on the car situation and execute. A little bit of progress made. Need to settle on a date for moving the car.
• Sort out the balcony for winter. Nothing yet.
• Sort out the storage before the semi-yearly trash pick-up day. Some progress but I need to focus this weekend as the date is now set, all has to bed done mid next week. I have sold one thing and gave away another. I have two bigger things I want to try to sell, will photograph them today.

All in all, some progress.
I am lacking in the sleep and study, but better in other areas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, I just realised now that I need to empty out my bedroom including the built in storage part this weekend as some of it has to go in the skip on trash pick up day next week. So the weekend is now fully planned :-D




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

[LinneaH]

Almost two weeks in. I haven't been perfectly well, which means I am still sleeping badly and I am low on energy, but I am getting better.

• Sleep more. I need to sort out my evenings and go to bed earlier. No progress. 10 pm here and work tomorrow. But will go to betd soon.
• Be mindful with money. I am debating w/myself whether I should pay down a smaller part of my mortgage. It's a specific loan, interest rate good at the moment, but will probably go up in January, and the tax laws are changing for this type of loan, making it much less interesting to keep. Have put up a few more things for sale. Just made a huge lasagna for lunches this week.
• Continue with my bedroom. Plan for October: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, find an electrician.
  Possible additional tasks: decide wall colour, buy wall papper, 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). Still no electrician. Have emptied out a littlle bit more.
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes. This is tough. I'm not studying enough.
• Go to the gym once a week. Nothing this week.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes. He joined for DS1 practise, great fun. So a little bit of progress but not enough.
• Continue planning but also focus on doing! Some progress this week/weekend.
• Make a decision on the car situation and execute. Still need to settle on a date for moving the car, but assume it will be in early November. Need to contact the tyre shop this coming week.
• Sort out the balcony for winter. A lot of progress! Have removed tomatoes and decided on most of the rest.
• Sort out the storage before the semi-yearly trash pick-up day. Not a lot of progress this week. I have given away some pots though.

Not enough progress on what needs to be done before the trash pick up day next weekend. Really have to do it in the weekday evenings even though I will be tired.




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

[TheFrenchCat]

Work Related:   
   -Apply to 4 jobs-unless I get a new one-I applied to one more, but more importantly, I got the new one! So this one's a success.
   -Work on futurecoder on at least 10 days-Only added one more day, so 4 total.  But still doable.

Creative:  Still haven't gotten to my embroidery yet, but once I get a tad more settled with the new job, it should be better.
   -Make at least 3 embroidered ornaments (that should be enough for this year)
   -Make snowflake embroidery pattern in Vectr
   -Make a plan for the detailed drawing DD wants me to embroider (pick fabric, thread colors, decide which stitches, etc)
   -Decide, plan and start any other embroidered presents

Health:
   -Exercise at least twice a week-Only exercised once so far last week, so I should do something tomorrow.
   -Schedule at least one more hangout with a friend-Saw family this weekend.
   -Follow No-S diet for 15 days (stolen from MaybeBabyMustache - Thanks!)-7 days so far, so I'm right on track

Household:
   -3 sessions of decluttering the basement, 20 minutes minimum each time-did 1 this past week
   -Make all school lunches, no buying without planning in advance (pizza days)-On track, made all the lunches so far.
   -Finish all Monthly chores-Only got to a few of these so far, need to plan for more.
   -Do 2 Seasonal chores-ditto above

[Raenia]

Still not getting much done, busy week at work, then baby came down with a cold, and now I think I'm getting it. Ugh! No progress on house or garden.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 2/4
  a. 2 from TBR - 1/2, 1 in progress
2. Go outside (20/31) - 12/13, it's been really lovely out
3. Do yoga once a week - 1/2, missed class due to a schedule conflict

Frugality:
4. Keep "Consumables" under $700 - 478/700, but we just did a Costco trip (stocked up on formula and diapers) and we're not having a produce delivery this week
5. No unplanned 'Personal' spend - I did eat out for lunch once, oops

House Stuff:
6. Drywall repair
  a. Sand
  b. Paint
7. Beadboard
8. Baseboard
9. Hang Bathroom Cabinet

Garden:
10. Yard Work
  a. Weed Patio
  b. Clear Ivy
  c. Rake Leaves
  d. Mow Lawn

Social:
11. Visit MIL - Done
12. Wedding
13. Date Night
14. Halloween Costumes - Thrifting success, some sewing needed
15. Plan November Events/Coverage - Adding this one to get ahead on next month

[LinneaH]

Work Related:   
   -Apply to 4 jobs-unless I get a new one-I applied to one more, but more importantly, I got the new one! So this one's a success.
   -

Congratulations @TheFrenchCat! Well done!!

[TheFrenchCat]

Work Related:   
   -Apply to 4 jobs-unless I get a new one-I applied to one more, but more importantly, I got the new one! So this one's a success.
   -

Congratulations @TheFrenchCat! Well done!!

Thanks @LinneaH! I started last Friday, and it's been wonderful so far.  I think this one is a much better fit than a lot of ones I didn't get, so it really worked out well.

[Raenia]

Congrats on the new job @TheFrenchCat! Very exciting.

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 3/4
  a. 2 from TBR - 2/2, plus 1 in progress
2. Go outside (20/31) - 17/19, beautiful weather continues
3. Do yoga once a week - 3/3, caught up with an extra session this week

Frugality:
4. Keep "Consumables" under $700 - 499/700, might actually make it
5. No unplanned 'Personal' spend - just the one lunch out so far

House Stuff:
6. Drywall repair
  a. Sand
  b. Paint
7. Beadboard
8. Baseboard
9. Hang Bathroom Cabinet

Garden:
10. Yard Work - this list got longer instead of shorter...
  a. Weed Patio
  b. Clear Ivy
  c. Rake Leaves
  d. Mow Lawn
  e. Plant Bulbs

Social:
11. Visit MIL - Done
12. Wedding - Done
13. Date Night - Not sure we'll have childcare, might have to skip
14. Halloween Costumes - Did a bit of work on this, but still some to do
15. Plan November Events/Coverage
  a. Halloween Party (Bub comes with)
  b. Bub's Birthday (Mom hosting)
  c. DH's Birthday (Bub comes with)
  d. Apple Picking? Date TBD
  e. Date Night (Coverage needed)
  f. Dad's Concert (Bub comes with?)
  g. Thanksgiving (We host)

Goodness November is looking busy! Really need to make more progress on this month's list to prepare.

[LinneaH]

@Raenia I think you are also doing very well!
I hope to do an update post later tonight (but not to late, currently 8pm here). I have made some progress in some areas.

[Raenia]

@Raenia I think you are also doing very well!
I hope to do an update post later tonight (but not to late, currently 8pm here). I have made some progress in some areas.

It's nice of you to say so, but I haven't done any of the home or garden tasks yet! Some of those have been on there since spring :( Really don't want to roll over the year with the same house tasks still waiting. But at least spending and self-care are on track.

[Raenia]

Last full week! Finally got some yard stuff done

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 4/4
  a. 2 from TBR - 2/2, plus 1 in progress
2. Go outside (20/31) - 24/27,
3. Do yoga once a week - 4/4

Frugality:
4. Keep "Consumables" under $700 - 670/700, gonna be close but maybe
5. No unplanned 'Personal' spend - second lunch out, been having trouble keeping up with cooking

House Stuff:
6. Drywall repair
  a. Sand
  b. Paint
7. Beadboard
8. Baseboard
9. Hang Bathroom Cabinet

Garden:
10. Yard Work - this list keeps getting longer...
  a. Weed Patio
  b. Clear Ivy
  c. Rake Leaves - Done! Will need to do again next month
  d. Mow Lawn
  e. Plant Bulbs - Done!
  f. Winterize Raised Bed - Done!

Social:
11. Visit MIL - Done
12. Wedding - Done
13. Date Night - Skipped, couldn't get childcare
14. Halloween Costumes - Done! Just in time
15. Plan November Events/Coverage
  a. Halloween Party (Bub comes with)
  b. Bub's Birthday (Mom hosting)
  c. DH's Birthday (Bub comes with)
  d. Apple Picking? Date TBD
  e. Date Night (Coverage needed)
  f. Dad's Concert (Bub comes with?)
  g. Thanksgiving (We host)

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Oof. October was mostly a month of dealing with my health condition, and wasn't super productive. But, here we go.

Thanks for starting us of, @Raenia

Here are my goals for the month:

Financial
-Save $2500 - saved $1684, and paid for DS17's orthodontia
-Sell car - nope, but DH has shown it to a bunch of folks
-Get car for special needs aunt handed off - done
-Eat 1/2 of the pizza in the freezer + use up cranberries in muffins - nope
-Update CD that's renewing - yes
-Sell watch & DS18's old bike - sold bike, no progress on watch

Family:
-Get last 3 college applications completed, achieve all school deadlines. Help DS17 start applying for scholarships - all but one application is complete. No progress on scholarships.
-Continue adjusting to meal plan for 3 vs 4 diners - did okay on this
-Have a great trip to Costa Rica - it was fantastic

Fitness:
-Strength/PT for hip - barely, but hip is definitely improving
-15 strength workouts - 14/15
-Follow the No S diet 15 days & track calorie daily - I probably managed half of this
-Successfully run the 10k with sister & friend - it was great, and I PRd over last year
-See the doctor about lack of energy, overall health issues - three doctor's appts, a CT scan & a ton of labs
-Lose 2 lbs - stayed even this month

Personal:
-Complete daily tasks 20 times (meditate, language lesson, journal) - I completed maybe half of this
-Get together with friends - a girls trip, coffee & hikes with friends
-Declutter 25 items - 24/25
-Network 2 times - yes
-Apply for two jobs in a "pivot" field - well over 2
-Spend time on volunteer role - yes
-Play pickleball 3x - nope, but we should get back out there

[Raenia]

And a final update to close out the month!

Self-Care:
1. Read 4 books (include DNFs) - 5/4
  a. 2 from TBR - 3/2
2. Go outside (20/31) - 28/31,
3. Do yoga once a week - 5/5

Frugality:
4. Keep "Consumables" under $700 - 689/700, huzzah!
5. No unplanned 'Personal' spend - finished the month with a third lunch fail :(

House Stuff: Total fail, no progress
6. Drywall repair
  a. Sand
  b. Paint
7. Beadboard
8. Baseboard
9. Hang Bathroom Cabinet

Garden:
10. Yard Work - this list keeps getting longer...
  a. Weed Patio
  b. Clear Ivy
  c. Rake Leaves - Done! Will need to do again next month
  d. Mow Lawn
  e. Plant Bulbs - Done!
  f. Winterize Raised Bed - Done!

Social:
11. Visit MIL - Done
12. Wedding - Done
13. Date Night - Skipped, couldn't get childcare
14. Halloween Costumes - Done
15. Plan November Events/Coverage
  a. Halloween Party (Bub comes with)
  b. Bub's Birthday (Mom hosting)
  c. DH's Birthday (Bub comes with)
  d. Apple Picking? Date TBD
  e. Date Night (Coverage needed)
  f. Dad's Concert (Bub comes with?)
  g. Thanksgiving (We host)

[LinneaH]

Finally reporting for October. I ended up doing things, but also being stressed out, low energy, not studying, not reporting here, not being happy. Decided to make some changes and set some boundaries. I now feel much better.

• Sleep more. I need to sort out my evenings and go to bed earlier. Not really but maybe a tad bit better so I can hopefully continue to improve.
• Be mindful with money. I have made some changes and I have decided what to do about the smaller mortgage loan. Have been bringing lunches etc even though I have had low energy.
• Continue with my bedroom. Plan for October: empty out everything, take away built in wardrobe and shelf, find an electrician.
  Possible additional tasks: decide wall colour, buy wall papper, 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 October, but I need to make progress). Managed to get out the built in wardrobe and have gotten rid of all the trash. Still a lot to do and no electrician but happy w/progress. .
• Keep up with the history/litterature course. Progress needed every week, prepare for classes. I decided to not do it this semester, it is only for fun, and it wasn't fun. This may fit in next year, or another year, or maybe not at all, which is also fine.
• Go to the gym once a week. Not at all. Disappointed.
• Activities w/DS2, so he gets some exercise and also gets parent time. Indoor pool every weekend, and walks/hikes. Not enough, I could have done better, but it is hard with him.
• Continue planning but also focus on doing! Some progress but the latter part of October was tough overall.
• Make a decision on the car situation and execute. Oh my - so happy! Almost all is taken care of. Waiting to hear back from car company on a small issue, and I am pretty sure I will have to chase them, but should be ok.
• Sort out the balcony for winter. Not all completed but this is bc it has been really warm so some of the plants are still thriving so I am where I want to be. I also have a plan for the remaining and can be sure I don't have to do anything until next weekend or even later.
• Sort out the storage before the semi-yearly trash pick-up day. Yay me and DS1. I paid him $10 to help me for an afternoon, both deciding and disposing of trash. This was for sure a winning concept.

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

[TheFrenchCat]

Finally posting after dragging my feet, since this month's goals kind of went by the wayside.

Work Related:   
   -Apply to 4 jobs-Still at the new job, and I still love it, but adjusting to it is the biggest reason why I didn't make much progress this month.
   -Work on futurecoder on at least 10 days-4 total, didn't make any more progress on this one. 

Creative:  Still haven't gotten to my embroidery yet, but once I get a tad more settled with the new job, it should be better.
   -Make at least 3 embroidered ornaments (that should be enough for this year)-Didn't make any more, but got enough supplies to finish them.  I'm not worried about doing this before Christmas/Hannukah
   -Make snowflake embroidery pattern in Vectr-nope, didn't even try.  Never had the patience to try.
   -Make a plan for the detailed drawing DD wants me to embroider (pick fabric, thread colors, decide which stitches, etc)-This also just didn't happen, and I think DD has forgotten it for now.  It's on the back burner till after the holidays.
   -Decide, plan and start any other embroidered presents-I did finish a birthday present for a month out, and started another big one.  And I'm doing an art swap, so I've begun planning for that one.

Health:
   -Exercise at least twice a week-Averaged about once a week, definitely need to do better on this one.
   -Schedule at least one more hangout with a friend-Also saw my friend and her family at a trunk or treat, so bonus time!
   -Follow No-S diet for 15 days (stolen from MaybeBabyMustache - Thanks!)-Just got to 15, so at least there's this one. And I've maintained the weight loss so far, and I think I'm slowly trending down.

Household:
   -3 sessions of decluttering the basement, 20 minutes minimum each time-Only did 2, but the second was much longer than 20 minutes.
   -Make all school lunches, no buying without planning in advance (pizza days)-Made all the lunches! Proud of this one.
   -Finish all Monthly chores-Only got to a few of these total, and a lot of cleaning got abandoned or put off till the weekend because of working more.  I'm really going to have to find a new balance here.
   -Do 2 Seasonal chores-ditto above

Not sure quite what to focus on for November, but I'll see what I come up with.