December 2017 Flickr Upload

My faves...

016 Shoveling the driveway...

016 Getting his Letterman's jacket

014 Getting his numerals

My dad

016 practicing driving

016 and 014 being goofy

014 being goofy - we were assembling his desk chair and he said "look, it's a booster seat!"

All done...

Back to Winter? I'm getting whiplash....

So, after almost 2 weeks of near-60 degree days, we've plummeted!  Last night it was in the 20s!  What the heck!  I had to go out in my winter gear and cover up my lilacs. I'm worried about the peonies, but hope they will be hardy! Next week is supposed to be better.

Old Business:

• Small stack of memorabilia needs filed.
• Been reading 2-3x a week, so that is getting there.
• Been studying the Trail Guide 2ish times a week, so that has been good too. 016 is a good body model for me!
• Been good at reading magazines, at least an article a day. That is very good.
• Still not getting anything serious on the new hire. Suggestions??
• No more movement on the garage.
• Getting a LO done every week, pretty much. That's been fun!
• Pace has been better!  LOL Now I have to be careful that I'm not getting sucked into black holes that are not worthwhile.
• Directory updates are done, printed out, and 016 helped me fold and staple them. Will have to mail them out this year, but that is OK. Guess it is a good thing I saved all of those old shipping envelopes!
• Heart and Soul still on hold. At least until 1 May. But, I'm not really expecting to be able to go back to work then. It will depend on the governor.  
• Water softener still needs hooked up. Gadget has not been able to get down here to do it.
• Flowerbed look so much better!  Haven't gotten along the alley yet, but soon! I've ordered new flowers, but not sure if they will be able to fulfill the orders. Garden Centers are closed. But I'd like to hold off on the alley until I can start planting more back there...
• Was able to get the newsletter done and mailed out to everyone!
• Relief bill has been frustrating! No one know what's going on!

New Business:

• Keep up with family
• Keep up with blog writing and posting
• Keep searching for ways I can help people - my neighbor and one couple I go to church with have needed grocery shopping
• Not focus so much on myself
• Looking forward to sunshine, getting massages (myself) again, and of course giving massages
• Keep working on leads from the Wabash salon
• Maybe work on house project list
• Keep hoping that all keep peace and calm in their hearts. And that we come together and forget the political craziness that all of this has stirred up. Love to all of you!

Spring has Sprung!

Well, somehow I missed February and March.  So much to catch you up on! Gadget and I went on our first ever cruise early February.  So much fun! We are going again next February!  Can't wait!!!

Old Business:

• Still putting away memorabilia as it comes in, more or less.
• Finished a book! Trying to weave that into being regular. I had started another book over the cruise, and it is a fun one, so maybe that will be easier.
• Not studying so well.  I plan the days, and then I let things happen.  I need to be more firm in my boundaries.  Not good at the blogs lately either.
• Reading magazines, not so bad, but ugh! such a backlog!
• Worked on service entrances, and that is mostly planned out. Have some of the materials. A lot of work has been done on the garage, we even have some new walls up! Garage doors are in. Bit of an issue with the existing one.  It was a 10' instead of 9' opening, so I had to either spend an extra $1000 to get a custom sized door, or just have him frame up a 1'.  Went with that. Down the road, it will save more money. Pull down ladder is installed.
• Leads on possible therapists keep not being really anything.  Getting discouraged and frustrated, but not going to give up!
• Have been kinda good at scrapping.  Have another page that I need to finish. Averaging every week or so.
• Still trying to figure out how to slow pace enough that I can breathe, but not so slow I don't have money.
• Still need to do background checks at church, but have the legwork almost done.
• Closer to better flow for household chores.

New Business:

• COVID-19.  Where do I start. Oh my goodness.  There were a few rumblings about it on the cruise, but washing hands is pretty much life on a ship.  But now, wow. What a change.  It has almost completely taken over in the 8 weeks since then.
• Heart and Soul is on pause during this time. We shut down last Friday. Hard decision for sure, from both sides of the argument. However, not sitting around twiddling my thumbs.
• Water softener needs replaced.  It went kaput probably some time ago, but didn't make the connection until January. Waiting on Gadget to be able to come down here (travel ban in both states) to redo the plumbing before we have it installed. Which, I really wanted to redo the plumbing over there anyway so that we could get wallboard up, so I guess no biggie! just have to be patient.
• Trying to take this breather as just that. I've been weeding and tidying up the flowerbeds.  That has felt so good!  Great to be outside, and great to get a head start with it.  I'm usually not out there doing that yet. But that will free up more time later to work.  And, I figure every weed I pull now, and bare spot I fill in is at least 10 more in the summer that I don't have to worry about! So it's sort of like weeding ROI!  LOL
• Trying to also still work on the business, there is online marketing to write and schedule, and settings on MassageBook to get ironed out if I want to do memberships, etc.
• Will still do some church work from home. I did manage to get stuff I need out on Google Drive before the travel ban, so tomorrow is newsletter day.
• Probably need to fill out some hardship applications for utilities, etc. Will need to check into them and see if I'm eligible.
• Also working on refinancing the house.
• Waiting to hear what they do with the relief bill and if I'll be eligible for unemployment.  That will also drive the points above.
• Wanting to just enjoy 016 and cooking more from scratch and maybe just being a bit. After weeding I even had a beer outside. It was still so nice. It's raining then.
• Maxine the neighbor stopped by and we talked for a bit, at a distance. That is hard to judge, as she can't always hear (doesn't always have her aids in) but obviously way more than 6'. She's older. And such an amazing woman. Had a hip replacement the year we moved in and man, does she go go go!  Which is great.
• Anyway, my hope is that all of you will have peace. His peace. I would wish that everyone stay healthy and unaffected by this, but that is not practical and not going to happen. I hope that you will be granted the wisdom to make good decisions for you and your family. It is tough for sure. And I do ask that you help your neighbor in whatever way you may be able to. We are all in this together, and we need each other to see it through to the other side.

New Year, New You!

Well, I guess I missed posting in December. Thanksgiving at my brother's house went well.  It was full of a bunch of people I didn't know (my SIL's family) but I guess that is just opportunity to grow. We ended up having Christmas there too, but smaller, just our side.  And that was fun too.  Got to play some Euchre, which I haven't been able to do for a couple of years, at least.

Old Business:

• Been able to keep up with putting memorabilia away as soon as it happens!
• Been doing pretty good at reading either an article, or section of the book, a day.
• Studying still bad, unless you count blogs.
• Garage now has a roof, and shingles. They've been working on siding. Gadget got most of the electrical done this past weekend, and is scheduling next trip. I think the goal is to try and get the outside done as quickly as possible, so that when the snow starts flying they can be inside. Also need to call electric company and internet company so I can get my service entrances moved off the front of the house.
• Have a lead on a possible therapist. Need to call. That would be awesome and would free me up to do better marketing and running of the business.
• No one has bought the bolsters yet.
• Finished the medicare videos.
• Have been scrapping - that's felt really good.
• I took Christmas week and New Year's week mostly off.  1 massage appointment each week, and my church shift.  That felt really good. Just to slow down a bit, and try to focus. Want to carry some of that forward.
• Still need to work on church projects. First up is the time and talent and the background checks.

New Business:

• Time and Talent and background checks
• Keep scrapping
• Keep reading
• Get more consistent with online marketing (blog, facebook, instagram, linkdin)
• Get more consistent with household chores. This has been a hard one since 018 went off to college.
• Speaking of 018 it was sooooo much fun having him back home for a bit. He's turned into such a neat young man! Pretty incredible. We played a bunch of Magic The Gathering. And we went to see Rise of Skywalker. I had to spend the 3 weeks out at the dining room table since I couldn't use his bedroom, but it was worth it. Miss him so much!

One for the money...

... two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat, go!
Well, Gadget is out in New York helping his daughter get moved and settled. So this is our first Thanksgiving in 8 years that we've been apart. And it is more than OK, because I am so happy he is able to help her.  Also different in that we are going to my brother's house for Thanksgiving. Should be fun!

So wow, two posts in the same month.  That's crazy.

Old Business:

• Memorabilia and pictures put away. Until the next pile, or order.
• Being a bit more consistent on the reading.
• Study, eh, not so much.
• Garage now has decking and outer walls up. Waiting on shingles and siding and windows.
• Have started project plan for business. Includes growth section and education section. Would really like to hire another therapist.
• Listed bolsters and wedge on eBay. Have some personal stuff I'd also like to get listed.
• Have started Medicare videos that I'm required to watch.
• Have gotten 2 layouts done!
• Have temporary sign installed over at Marion.
• Have draft floor plan laid out for garage.

New Business:

• Keep trying to just be consistent, no matter how slow.
• Hire another therapist.
• Continue to work on business development.
• Get some old, lingering projects at church done (membership books, safe cleanout, etc.)
• Get Christmas presents ordered.

Pumpkin Spice...

Gotta admit, I'm not a huge fan of everything pumpkin spice! Like, moderation is OK, love it in candles and pie, but I'm just waiting for the pumpkin spice toilet paper to hit the market, knowwhutimean?

Again, it has been months, but maybe that is OK. Maybe that is the pace, rhythm.  And maybe I just need to be OK with that.  I mean, like, who cares, anyway???!

Old Business:

• Some of the memorabilia is put away.
• Still wish to have Gadget sit on me to take naps...
• Arrendale's has been absorbed into Heart and Soul.  It ended up being anti-climatic.  But that's OK.
• Gardens - wow! Was able to get all the way down the alley.  And do one of the corners up by the house.  We're on our way!  And yes, still loving the straw. Since it doesn't decompose as fast, it does a much better job at keeping it moist, and the weeds at bay.  Plus good for the crowns over the winter. Next year, the push will be around the back of the house.  Need to figure out if I want to make the patio behind the kitchen (#1 or east patio. We have #2 or west patio behind the garage) bigger, or leave it as is. Have started sinking fund back up!
• Decided not to do memberships just yet through MassageBook.  There's significant overhead cost to it.
• Reading - eh, some good, some bad. Almost done with the book. Magazines, slow, but it is happening.
• Study - eh. Same as reading. But I would like to sit down and make some CEU class goes.
• Flow/Pace/Rhythm may always be something I strive for. Maybe that's just how it is.
• 018 is at Trine. He's been home for a bit during Fall Break, but that is it.  Looking forward to Thanksgiving!
• House project is well underway! North side of existing house almost done, east side almost done, and south face is about half. Footers are dug and poured, block is laid and walls are up for new garage bay. New windows in garage area are also in, as are new man doors. Finally a storm door that is not so crooked you can see in through the cracks! And new front doors too, so we will finally have a storm door in the summer that will have a screen! So far, have been able to do it without refinancing through the bank. But, wow, what a project to get the garage cleaned out so they can work there. Most everything has been moved to the shed, the laundry room, the living room, my bedroom, or my office (018's room - it got a redo too, slimming down to a twin bed with dresser drawers so that i could move in here).  It also "required" the purchase of a large toolbox and chest (rollaround kind) a rolling cart with drawers, a new workbench, and 2 LARGE standing cabinets (although we put them on casters and the workbench too) and 2 smaller cabinets that will eventually be mounted to the wall. So I have spent countless hours over the week and weekends sorting hardware, going through stuff, getting rid of stuff, making a free pile, donating, and throwing stuff in the dumpster. How did I get so much stuff!  I feel like I have more than when I started, but I know it's not true. But I"m super excited about it, and it's going to be so awesome. And I think make the house and the property look so much better.  So right now, my car is outside in the carport (Gadget was able to move it into the front yard.  That was pretty impressive!

New Business:

• Set some class goals
• Set some business goals
• Figure out a better way to organize/manage daily tasks so goals get progress
• Continue work on house
• Have some things to sell on eBay
• Memorabilia
• Scrapping!
• Reading!
• Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Continue life at home with just 016. It has been a lot of fun. We seem to mesh pretty well together!

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!