Dog Days

It has been so long since I've posted. Just seems like I can't find rhythm, pace. Seems like I let so many things interfere with what I want to do/know I should be doing. Most days, I don't have anyone holding me accountable, so I know that is part of the problem. Self-accountability is very hard. We believe our own excuses and lies.

Old Business:

• Writing desk in living room has ups and downs, but for the most part, it has been good.
• With the end of school, there is now another HUGE stack of memorabilia to put away. Sad.
• Sometimes wish I was back on Medical with Gadget here to sit on me to take a nap. Sigh.
• Second Arrendale's room open. Many big changes coming in that department. More info to follow.
• 018's graduation and party went off without a hitch. It was so wonderful to have everyone here in the backyard to celebrate. Gadget brought down 2 popup canopies. Worked out great!
• Combined family vacay is in the books! All 6 of us had a great time! Went down to the Ohio River and stayed in a cabin for a long weekend.
• 018 worked at B Walter over the summer.
• 015 worked at the cemetery over the summer.
• My dad had a stroke. He's fine, NO deficits. He got very lucky. Still seems surreal. But he may quit working. He hasn't decided. I got to make friends with his dog. Ended up going better than originally thought.
• Been working a lot in the gardens. I had done a sinking fund (envelope system) to save up over the fall/winter and that worked out really well. Was able to get A LOT of bushes for the foundations of the beds. That's really going to change things. And a lot of flowers too. So I've been able to extend the outside of the fence beds down the whole east side, and even start on the alley. Super crazy! And I've found that I really like using straw instead of clippings or much so that has saved some time (being able to use the rider is cool!) and is not super expensive. Sad plant table at walmart and lowe's has also been helpful.

New Business:

• Always planning for the business.  Need to get memberships up and going. And work on the super secret stuff that I'm not ready to release yet.
• Read books and magazines more consistently.
• Study - needs to be a habit.
• Work on flow/pace/rhythm. I hate the "my hair's on fire" all the time.
• Move 018 into Trine. I am sad and happy.
• Get quotes on house damage. Major hailstorm. Roof, siding, windows. Wondering if it is time to talk to bank about refinancing (was going to do next year) and maybe get a little extra to put a second bay on the garage (currently 1 car). I've got lots of equity, so it shouldn't be a problem.
• Figure out how to be content in this season.

Gadget and I did an impromptu bike ride yesterday over to Allegan yesterday. Lots of contrruction and detours. But it was so much fun. The restaurant was great, the steak was amazing! It's called the Grill House. My bum's a bit sore today from riding (it is not the most comfortable, and it ended up being almost 2x as long) but so worth it!