No.762: August in Review & Goals for September 2023

FIVE THINGS I LOVED

1. a new job (finally a good fit!) for my husband
2. corn on the cob fresh from the garden
3. maximillian sunflower blooms
4. looking at the stars when I let the dogs out in the early morning
5. forward progress with my dyslexic kids!

THREE LESSONS I LEARNED

1. Apparently I’m a “Geriatric Millenial.” // Geriatric millennials are a special micro-generation born between 1980 and 1985.  “The micro-generation I’m talking about is important and unique because it straddles what I call ‘digital natives’ and ‘digital adapters.’ Kids of the early ’80s spent their formative years on both sides of the analog and digital divide, and play a crucial role in helping bridge the communication gaps between the adapters and natives.” (from this article)  Proud to be part of that club!
2. My blood pressure numbers are better when I lay down vs. sitting upright in a chair. // I have an at-home cuff and recently found this to be true.  So weird.
3. I used to love the idea of hustle culture, but I’m now seeing the consequences. //  Me, a competitive little worker bee, loved the idea that if I could just push myself a teeny bit harder, I could reach all of my goals, hopes and dreams.  I spent years thinking this way.  And truth be told, I have hit a lot of goals.  I pushed myself and accomplished things I never thought I could do.  Yet unfortunately, my naivete failed to predict the consequences of being so driven without any breaks.  I’m now dealing with the physical manifestations of chronic stress.  I’m embarrassed that I’ve let it get so bad!  Anyway, I recently read a post from Grandma Donna where she said, “We are not imprisoned in our problems” and that is the advice I’m holding close.  I made a mess, but I can also find my way out of it.  So in true “me” fashion, I’m doing the research and making a plan toward restoration.  It’s hard work, but necessary and good.  I’m already starting to see changes for the better!  One step at a time.

TWO “LITTLE PEOPLE” WE SUPPORTED

1. Farm goods from a farmer friend
2. A book from a seller on Pango

FIVE GOALS FOR AUGUST REVIEWED

1. ✔ Get the 2023-2024 school year planned out and books purchased. // Done!  Since life is so busy and unpredictable, I’m only planning about three weeks out at a time, giving me the ability to adapt as needed.  Working well so far!
2. ✔ Cut and stack firewood. // Done!  This was a huge project!  We are so thankful for the generosity of a friend who lent us his log splitter.
3. ✔ Start filling the permanent paddock with woodchips. // Considering this a success because we got a good start.  LOTS more to go.
4. Drop off donation bags to Goodwill. // I have the bags ready to go in my car…just need to make the trip over for drop off.
5. ✔ Start jotting down my Super Duper Task List for autumn. // Every fall, I try to think of every holiday, birthday, celebration, appointment, farm task, house task, winter prep, clothing needs, etc. that will need to be purchased or accomplished by the end of the year.  The list is outrageous, but so helpful.  I just spend each week trying to check a few things off the list.  I sleep way better when it’s out of my brain and onto paper.

FIVE GOALS FOR SEPTEMBER

1. Try to publish a blog post at least every Monday.  (Trying to get back into a regular habit again!)
2. Vacuum out the cars.
3. Transition Sammy to adult dog food.
4. Prep winter pig paddocks with woodchips and housing.
5. Plan out fall birthday presents/plans and start thinking about Christmas.

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Help me transition away from “traditional” blogging income streams while still keeping the lights on at the BWF!