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Category: Blog365

List of Twenty-Three Update

23listfor2023 Blog365 4 Comments

I’ve been in a list making mood lately. Or list thinking mood? Today’s post is the overdue check in on my list of 23 things I want to do this year.

Coming on Thursday, a bit of a fun but slightly more serious list. I’m answering these questions from this post from Daniella over at Dana handmade if you want to join. Taking my time to consider a few of the questions.

Finally, not a post but today I’ve decided I need to just make a list of all that’s on my mind. Things to do, things I’ve been putting off, things worrying me a bit (might borrow the 20 minute worry rule from Aritha at Miracle of the Ordinary for that), and see if it settles my mind a bit.

Let’s just get to the March list update. Not much progress I’m afraid.

PROGRESS UPDATE

  1. Clean our basement a tub at a time (I’ve already told my husband of the plan) *We’ve stalled out on this.  However, we’re now working on a much needed backyard cleanup*
  2. Participate in every Happy Homemaker Monday for 2023 *Going well so far*
  3. Read 92 books *7 books ahead of schedule according to Goodreads*
  4. Create a cozy, inviting home filled only with things I love (though I’ll probably have to allow my husband/kids to keep their things as well) *In progress, I do have a couple boxes to take to the donation bin*
  5. Get my ears pierced (again, I had them done a long while ago but haven’t had them in years) *I almost did this yesterday but chickened out. Time was a factor as well.*  
  6. Get tubs to store the Christmas books *Still need to do this*
  7. Unsubscribe from at least 3 junk newsletters every time I clean my email *I really need to do better here.*  
  8. Throw away any broken or worn out items! *In progress, why is this hard?*
  9. Re-watch the David Tennant episodes of Doctor Who, old school style…just one episode a week *I’ve been doing this and really enjoying it, not sure why I can be so disciplined about a tv show and lack it in so many other areas in my life*
  10. Rediscover the lighter, fun-loving open to (almost) anything adventurous side of my personality *Trying*
  11. Celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in August with either a trip or a party *We have a trip destination*
  12. Join in for the Blog365 challenge and post every single day in 2022 (in progress already!) *In progress!*
  13. Buy 2 Christmas presents for the boys each month (and one stocking stuffer for myself) *Not doing great on this one though I did buy 2 presents for the boys in February, nothing yet this month*
  14. Be better about reaching out to friends/family members. Make an effort to call/text someone once a week.*Really need to up my efforts here, doing more and thinking about it less*
  15. Put space between the holidays to make each one feel more special (example: don’t eat Valentine’s Day candy/treats until it’s actually Valentine’s Day) *Need to do better with next set of holidays than we did with Easter*
  16. Make individual binders for our bank statements *Have binders made!*
  17. Frame the photos from when J was in the all-district bands *Not yet*
  18. Leave a review for things I purchase (I’m so bad about doing this and yet, I always read them before I buy things) *Need to be better*
  19. Figure out a way to either subscribe or keep all the blogs I enjoy reading in one place (Bloglovin’ isn’t really working for me anymore) *Still need to take the time to actually do this*
  20. Take at least 2 people photos at each holiday/special occasion *In progress*
  21. Get storage containers for our DVD collection, sort, and store them *Not yet though I know the storage containers I want*
  22. Accept that a some family situations aren’t likely to change and realize I’ve done enough.*This is hard, I don’t like to giving up*
  23. Invite people to our home (family, friends, etc…been too long since I’ve done this) *Still working on this*

Thoughts On My Progress

I always think if I made my list in March, would it be any different? A little different perhaps. Lots of room for improvement but I’m happy to see I did manage a few things so far this year even if it is mainly related to reading and watching tv.

Did you make a list of things for 2023? How is your list going?

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Day 85/365

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Goodbye March!

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 15 Comments

I was a bit shocked yesterday realizing this is the last week of March. However, I’m excited to see what good things April brings. Hoping it is going to bring the warm spring weather on a more consistent basis.

Today’s a busy Monday around here. I’ve already been to the grocery store, started a roast in the crock pot for dinner, and am now working on this post. In just a bit, I’ll take J for the second part of his testing. Once he’s done with that, he should be ready to graduate. Just a few small things to check on for that. Later tonight, I’ll also be taking him to his baritone lesson.

So far the rest of my week seems fairly open. Let’s join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan the week.

The Weather 

Trampoline? Bounce House? Warm, then cold. Rainy, then sunny. Today we get cold and sunny though it’s supposed to warm up later. Currently 34 degrees, we woke up in the 20’s though. No complaints as I know some of you have snow covering your ground. Supposed to be in the 50’s and gradually warm up the rest of the week. Chances of rain tomorrow and bigger chance on Friday.

As I Look Outside My Window

Birds at the bird feeder out the back.

Thinking And Pondering

Still thinking about yesterday’s church service a bit, the sermon was on compassion. Also, thinking about our Easter plans though we have 2 weeks. We’ll have church as J plays in the 11 am service but not sure what we’ll do after. The flower and vegetable gardens….my mind is all over the place today.

On My Bedside Table

The usual, just the lamp and phone charger though in the early morning hours a certain cat likes to sit on it and “talk” to me until I get my lazy self out of bed.

On My TV Tonight

Probably just The Voice.

Listening To

I can hear a few birds outside this morning.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, J’s testing is right around lunch time

On The Dinner Plate

Roast is in the crock pot for dinner tonight

On My Menu This Week 

Every time I think it’s time for lighter spring suppers, the weather turns cold again…

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot

TUESDAY: Grilled chicken, asparagus, maybe with  fettuccine

WEDNESDAY: Korean BBQ meatballs with chive pancakes (we have chives coming up wild in the yard and I thought it might be fun to use them)

THURSDAY: Turkey sausage and zucchini skillet

FRIDAY: Pizza of some sort, salad

On My Reading Pile

Just started reading Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. It’s more mystery than scary at this point and I’m okay with that. Last week I read a series of books by Rosemary Whittaker, a bunch of escape/feel good romance books. The last one was my favorite, The Feijoa Tree. While the books are presented as a series, they are all slightly different with different characters so could be read in any order, I think.

On My To Do List 

  1. Enjoy the sunny days!
  2. Pay a few bills
  3. Take back library book (way overdue, hangs head in shame)
  4. Put away winter sweaters (almost done)
  5. Put out some Easter decor
  6. Clean out fridge
  7. Laundry
  8. Cancel a few subscriptions we no longer use/need
  9. Take J to renew his driver’s permit
  10. Spring cleaning chores (walls, living room curtains hopefully, windows)
  11. And of course, posts for the Blog 365

Plans This Week

Spring cleaning, yard work, it’s our Saturday dinner out/game night with friends

What I’m Creating

I bought a new diamond art of a Tuscany Village scene but I’ve yet to start. Garden areas outside.

Simple Pleasure

Spring Flowers. Dreaming of Summer flower and vegetable gardens.

Looking Around The House 

As much as I love my plants, I am ready for the outside ones to go back out there, just a few more weeks. And of course, I need to clean.

From The Camera

I bought hot pepper suet to discourage the squirrels. Not sure but I think he’s looking for his margarita to go with the new spicy food. SIGH. Our squirrels don’t mind the hot pepper suet.

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers, the homeless, J to successfully graduate, more peace and kindness in the world.

Quote For The Week

Found this one on Pinterest.

A kind word is like a spring day. (Russian proverb)

 

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Day 84/365

 

 

Spring

Blog365 Just Photos 5 Comments

Today feels like winter again but yesterday was a glorious spring day! I know soon we’ll get more of those and fewer of these cold, winter feeling ones. A few photos from a sunny and warmer spring day.

Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring? (Neltje Blanchan)

Where flowers bloom so does hope. (Lady Bird Johnson)

No matter how chaotic it is, wildflowers will spring up in the middle of nowhere. (Sheryl Crow)

This is the day the lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

More quotes about spring can be found here on Bliss Quote as well as on Pinterest.

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day 83/365

Things I’ve Done Today

Blog365 Chitchat 2 Comments

It was another lazy day today. The sun did make a brief appearance though so that was nice. Other than that, today really wasn’t too exciting. Here let me tell you all about it. First, I’ll add it’s supposed to be nicer out tomorrow and I’m really hoping to get out and get some decent photos to share for upcoming posts.

Meanwhile, here’s a picture of the final amaryllis bloom.

See the tape? I accidentally knocked it when taking it outside on a nice day and the stem broke. However, a little tape fixed things enough for it to go ahead and still bloom.

(Oh my, ignore the dirty windows, please. They are on the spring cleaning list.)

The Short List of A Slow Day

  • Woke up very early, 5AM for no reason. Then, fell back asleep until about 7. However, I was up to ask my husband about the drivability of G’s car. He had car issues last night.
  • Made a protein shake for breakfast, coffee and chocolate.
  • Ruined the progress later by eating too many cookies. (Clean out the pantry cookies but I did make them with whole wheat flour and not much sugar so maybe not that bad?)
  • Took J to school.
  • Spent some time visiting a few lovely blogs/answering comments here
  • Thought about writing a post called Listmaker as I have more than 3 list type posts to do
  • Ran to the grocery store to pick up a few items for dinner. And accidentally took a screenshot of the recipe ingredients:

  • Picked J up from school
  • Made lunch: turkey, salami, and mozzarella melts on sourdough bread
  • Unloaded/Loaded Dishwasher
  • Vacuumed kitchen floor and living room rug
  • Cleaned up cat puke, joys of pet ownership though who owns who is up for debate.
  • Did the social media tour: Instagram, pretty pictures, then Facebook, why?
  • And now I’m getting this post done before my husband decides he wants to come down here and nap.

Tonight’s Plans

Tonight’s plans are that there are no plans. Well, other than attempting the pasta dish. The recipe for Penne Rosa is here if your interested. It’s new to us but I was intrigued. I’ll be using rigatoni instead of penne because I already had some in the pantry.

What are your plans for tonight?

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Day 81/365

 

No Motivation Today

Blog365 2 Comments

It’s another cold, gray, and cloudy day here. I’ve had no motivation all morning. And now I barely have time for a post before heading into work.

Mostly, I’m over here dreaming of more flowers for warmer days. And glancing back through my January through June garden journal. Wondering why I didn’t make one for July through August. Still time, I guess.

Planning to catch up with everyone tomorrow. And write another proper post then as well.

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Day 80/365

 

Ten Over

Blog365 Wellness Wednesday 8 Comments

So winter is over, no more winter Wednesday posts. It helped me to have a theme for something on Wednesdays so I’m starting a new one today.

Inspired by Rachel over at Living Better One Day At Time , I decided to do Wellness Wednesdays. She does Weigh In Wednesdays. Sorry, I am not going to share my weight each Wednesday. I’m not that brave.

However, I’m going to share my wellness goals and small steps I’m taking (or planning to take) to get there. Sometimes I’ll share physical (let’s not say diet) things and sometimes emotional things. Maybe it will motivate me a bit. I hope so anyway.

Today to quote an old Olivia Newton John song “Let’s Get Physical” and talk about the weight.

Ten Over

Oh, if I was just 10 over my goal weight, how happy I’d be. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I’m currently 10 lbs over my “do not pass” number. Ugh. Definitely, time to take action.

Trying something new (and not new): This morning for breakfast, I had a protein shake from a new company. I signed up for a trial with a company to see if I liked their shakes. I was pleasantly surprised that the taste wasn’t too nasty. Of course, I did use one of their recipes to make it a “caramel mocha” shake. Coffee and protein all together? Yes, please. Cheaper than Starbucks? I’ll let you know. More on the company after I’ve had more time to decide if it’s a keeper.

Goal For The Next Two Weeks

So, my short and sweet goal for the next two weeks is to simply get back to the scary scale number. Obviously, long term it’s to get to healthier weight. How am I going to do this?

Going Way Back!

I’ve been thinking about the days when I was 25 and in amazing shape. The things I did then. (Aside from not having a husband and 2 fantastic sons always wanting snack food!). Went to the gym every night. However, I also lived by myself and ate a bit healthier. Actually, I didn’t eat quite so much. (Hey, just call me Oprah but I do love bread! And pretty much all food!)

Then and now (well, the now was from February):

Back then, I ate a breakfast bar in the mornings, a big lunch, and then not much dinner really. Honestly, I don’t think I even thought about food all that much. So I’ve decided to try and replicate that eating pattern. Shake for breakfast. Bigger lunch/I might eat breakfast food for lunch as breakfast is actually my favorite meal. Then, much smaller dinner. And I’ll probably have a snack here and there, it’s not like I ever ignored the “candy jar” when I worked an office job.

Stopping here for today. So I can go back to spring cleaning. One thing I did do this morning to help with this goal is a little pantry redoux:

Sorted everything, moved things, wiped down all the shelves, and updated the ant baits (I’m on the offensive this year!). I’ve decided I’m not buying anymore junk unless someone specifically requests it.

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Are you working on any wellness goals?

 

Spring Cleaning

Blog365 Decluttering/Organizing 7 Comments

My plan for today is to do some spring cleaning. However, right now I’m reading about it. Why actually do the cleaning when you can peruse a million different ideas about it on the Internet?

My thoughts for a quick spring cleaning this year are really to just do a top to bottom cleaning and clearing of the entire house.

The top part usually presents challenges as I’m not super tall. So, the ceilings and ceiling fans might not get the treatment they deserve. A little is better than none, I think.

Some of the spring cleaning I’d like to do in the coming weeks:

Top

Clean the vent fan in the bathroom

Dust some light fixtures/ceiling fans

Clean off the top of the fridge (maybe the cabinets as well *if* I can get my husband to help)

Clear the ceiling corner cobwebs

Bonus item: I’d love it if I could talk my husband into repainting a few of our ceilings but that’s low odds

Middle

Wipe off all the kitchen cabinets

Dust pictures

Clean windows/curtains (I know I have this on my to do list for the week for some reason)

Clear off some cluttered surfaces/clean them when clear/hopefully get rid of some stuff

Refresh the mattresses

Bottom

Finally, we are almost to the end of the spring cleaning!

Wash all the floors and vents and add a drop of peppermint oil to them

Basement Bonus

Last one, clean off the desk down here and go through more tubs

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Before I leave here to actually go do this cleaning, tell me do you do a full spring cleaning? What’s on your list?

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Day 78/365

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Spring Has Sprung!

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 6 Comments

Been a busy first day of spring around here so I’m a bit late getting to things today. Are you excited for the new season? I know I am so happy and ready for warmer days, green grass, and flowers.

Let’s just get straight to joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for this planning post.

The Weather

It’s currently 60 degrees and sunny. We couldn’t have asked for better first day of spring weather. Maybe a little less windy but I don’t mind as I’m too busy soaking up the sunshine and warm temperatures. There are chances for rain the rest of the week until Friday, cooler tomorrow with a high of only 48 but then, we bounce to 67 before leveling off in the 50’s for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window 

I see a robin! A sure sign of spring. All the winter birds are still here but I I’m thinking they should be packing their suitcases soon (looking at you little snowbirds!)

Right Now

Trying to get this post done before I have to throw together dinner and take J to his lesson tonight.

Thinking And Pondering

Too much on my mind. One of the things: I was just in the grocery store thinking how sad it is that my go-to cheap meals are now some of the more expensive ones. French Toast used to be such an easy thing but now the bread, eggs, and milk make it cost as much as a “normal” meal. And still with the random things they don’t have at times. I just want my normal taco seasoning packet (and yes, I know I can make my own but I like this kind)

On My Bedside Table

Currently the camera bag. I should have my phone on the charger but just remembered it.

On My TV Tonight

Probably just The Voice. 

Listening To

Nothing at the moment. Earlier the cat was meowing mad at me for forgetting her outside when I came back inside. I got an earful of meows! Ha.

On The Lunch Plate

The boys and I had McDonald’s, one of those days.

On The Dinner Plate

No idea, grocery store chicken, leftovers (pork chops or tacos), cereal. We ate lunch kind of late. My husband had a root canal so is not super excited about eating. It’s an on  your own type of night, I think.

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: OYO *J had to take a test for school off-site at 9:30* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes *I might go to Bunco*

WEDNESDAY: Homemade sub sandwiches, chips, fruit

THURSDAY: Might make fajitas or finally the pepper steak I keep moving around on the menu *I work 2:30-5 and then, have CPR training, I think…need to make sure*

FRIDAY: Pancakes (might switch this with Wednesday depending on how my husband feels)

On My Reading Pile

Just the spring magazines. I really need to find a book for tonight.

On My To Do List

  • Spring cleaning
  • Grocery store 
  • Pay a couple bills
  • Get some seeds started
  • Other stuff…?

Plans This Week

wash living room curtains, shower curtain, (all the curtains!), clear off a few tall surfaces, go to Bunco depending on how tomorrow goes, work

What I’m Creating

Way too early but I’m anxious to get the garden going. Also, I did buy a new diamond art painting to try.

Simple Pleasure

Warm spring days with sunshine, birds, flowers, and bees!

(See that little yellow ball on the bee? I had to look that one up as I’d never noticed that on my early spring bees before. Interesting explanation of it all in this article about why bees have pockets.)

Looking Around The House

Ugh. Let’s do that after a bit of spring cleaning happens. We did get a new dresser for J’s room at Ikea but I forgot to take a photo before we set it up in there. I’ll have to sneak in one day when he’s not home.

From The Camera

Last sunset of winter over a local lake.

 

On My Prayer List

A peaceful, positive spring season for all. J to graduate high school, we’re inching closer. My husband to not be in too much pain after his dental work. Friends, family, strangers.

Quote For The Week

Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

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Day 77/365

 

Daffodils

Blog365 Just Photos 2 Comments

This seemed like a good thing to share on the last day of winter.

     daffodils,

That come before the swallow dares, and take

The winds of March with beauty…

(From A Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare)

(I happened upon the quote while browsing Pinterest.)

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Day 76/365

 

 

 

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