WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO ladies! Outstanding June for all of you. Please reward yourself somehow! I am relaxing today!
Might do some crafting too.

Here is my list so far for this month of JULY!

CRAFTS;
Embroidery/ongoing
Beading Ornaments/ongoing
Crocheting /Sewing: Lap robes for Vets and Hospice/ Christmas items
Card making/ongoing


PERSONAL
Read again
Dentist x 2
Haircut
Luncheons x 4
Ceramics classes
Sort thru crafting items/donate
Crocheting group/Weekly
Unfinished Project group/ twice a month
Classes (2)
Sort fabric for sewing group


HOUSE:
Branches each week
ROTM: Basement/Baby steps continue : crafting areas
water plants/Doing
Clean freezers out/DONE

Personal:
Take some Lori time
Read the desk calendar each day
Pray each day
DO exercise DVD 3 times a week
6000 steps 4 x week
Work on cryptograms daily
7/6 client funeral
7/10 Dentist – crown started
7/19 DHs birthday
7/31 Dentist – crown complete

Home:
File / scan papers
Shred papers
Weed garden and landscape
Water pots daily
Keep up daily homework
Pick up stuff on MB closet floor
Freezer inventory
Donate/Toss 150 things

Volunteer work:
Visit JB, LM and MH
Update Quicken
Pay Client’s bills

HEALTH
Get blood test done
See dentist for repairs
Exercise weekly and weight loss

FRIENDS/FAMILY
Help DGF with some home repairs
DM few days at her camping grounds during my vacation

HOME
Branch 3
Branch 4
Branch 5
Branch 6

CAREER
Finish special education tool for a kid at work as part of a project
Collect information for project due in August

FUN
Vacation from July 8 to 21
Laugh every day! Without fail!

OTHER
Meet with accountant
Get car cleaned

I have to make up my July list later today.

My July list is actually my "Summer" list. Here is my progress so far:

- Burn DF's Bday party pictures to CDs and mail (CDs burned, need to mail)
- Clean out desktop favorite bookmarks ( In progress, doing 10 a day)
- Organize favorites on laptop and desktop ( In progress on desktop, haven't started on laptop)
- Blog tips/recipes for DD and DS to reference ( Blog created and postings begun. This will be ongoing.)
- Redo class webpage
- Find virtual museum tour for dino camp
- Make project samples for dino camp
- Complete Mentor Course at UCSD

- Help DD with Algebra II
- Work on Simple Abundance album with DD

- Menu planning

- Read: The Help (then watch movie)
The Mercy
Waterfalls
Clouds
I've read two other books as well. I'm now reading my 7th book for the summer (Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boon), and I have 3 others waiting for me in my stack of books.

Quilting: Block of the Month Six blocks completed
R's T-shirt quilt

Sewing: Take in teal shirt
Take in brown shirt
Hem blue shirt
Make skirts - brown
navy
Take in red shirt
Take in blue/yellow shirt
Take in brown print skirt
Take in yellow skirt

Office: Paint bookcases
Line backs of office shelves
Make table skirt for desk table
Go through binders - organize - purge

Bathroom: Hang clock
Paint two frames
Put sunflower prints in frames and hang

Living Room: Finish craft space
Print and frame sewing subway art from craftgossip
Decorate mantle
Empty remaining boxes (I've done one)

Bedroom: Empty tote bag
Hang embroidery hoops


There are of course all of those little project that popped up along the way that I just couldn't wait to do.

Lots of cross offs Carol! Good doing! Keep up the good work, and look at you read!

Bubblegum:
That is a nice long vacation. Have a wonderful time!

Frugal:
We both are seeing the dentist! YUCK! LOL

My newest creatures have moved out to the front/garden area.


One turtle:


Two turtles:


Mr. Frog (His grin is W-A-Y bigger than it's supposed to be. I used the wrong varnish, and it made only the white paint run. The only way I could fix it was to make the mouth area huge. I'll be making another one of these guys with a better mouth later.)


One of the many bees that "fly" about (they actually sit on larger rocks or in and around the edges of pots of flowers.

O Carol, you are one talented lady. I like the big grin on the frog.....and all the rest. Your turtle is perfect!

Carol - they are fantastic!

Goals for July

Family
Keep up visits with granddad and dad and make sure DH and DS get the quality time they deserve.
13th Uncles birthday organize card and gift
18th - DS graduation ceremony from preschool
21st - Nephews birthday - Organize card and gift
24th DA's birthday - organize card and gift
27th Granddads 75th birthday - organize card and gift, and make sure we all have our costumes. We are all dressing as Elvis Presley, as granddad is a massive fan. I can' wait to see his face when he sees us all

Friends
10th Friends sons birthday - organize card and gift
14th Neighbors wedding and best friend back so a wedding ceremony, a reception and a night out all on the same day.
20th - Another friend's daughters birthday - organize card and gift

Home and Garden
*Keep up with branch work
*Level and tarpaulin the back raised part of the garden
*Move all gravel from that raised bed
*Paint the wall
*4 more paving slabs down
*Log border in at the side of the garden and the bed it contains covered with tarpaulin, and gravel put on top.
*In the neighbors garden (their wedding gift) - weed the garden, then put tarpaulin down, then move my surplus gravel to their garden.

Exercise and Diet
Keep trying to combine the two

Carol, I love your creativity.

I am really impressed by everyone's lists.

So, I started my list too.

Summer list:

Home:
-organize kitchen counters and cabinets
-organize spare bedroom and closet
-organize/inventory fridge, freezer, and deep freeze
-organize bathroom closet started
-organize hall closet
-consider/research purchases (bookshelf, craft supplies organization system, new mattress, night-stands, dresser)
-clear off dining room table
-hang paintings/artwork
-buy and hang bulletin board

Health:
-find a doctor
-diet
-exercise
-new glasses (exam)
-doctor's appt.

Personal:
-read 3 books
-write 2 articles
-hair cut
-manicure/pedicure
-crafting time
-1 bead class a month

-mail brother's birthday card

Carol, the rocks are wonderful!

Frugal, I had a dental crown started last week and will have it finished later this week. Tedious but not painful, at least!

No goals yet, just keeping my head above water after last month when I had the emergency trip to England. Fortunately DH is managing nicely with his never-ending goals and has just replaced my tree trunk washing line posts with some super metal ones, further apart, giving me some extra length to hang the clothes.

Happy with the results of my JDIing yesterday. Got the potatoes and eggs boiled last night, got the berries all washed and ready for the fruit salad.

Today I am spiffying and cooking.

Karen:
LONG list. Good luck

Tinytina:
Looks like a good list

Bushlady I just read on another thread DSF has passed. My condolences to you. You were everything he could want in a daughter and more. Ihope that is a comfort to you at this difficult time. What more could you do? Nothing you were there whenever he needed you despite the distance that separated you((HUGS))

Diana - It is, but nealy half of it is birthdays and the rest? As you know the gardening I love so a lovely list of goals for me

I started on my goals today. I have weeded the neighbors garden, and bought all my cards and gifts for the month apart from my granddads.

Thanks for all of the compliments on my little rock buddies. They make me smile every time I walk up to the front door.

Finished book #7 and started book #8 last night.

I spent the morning working on my new class webpage. It's just in the VERY beginning stages, but I like it so far!

Spent an absolutely delightful and gorgeous afternoon in the mountain meadows with DD and her friend from Tennessee. Love showing new places to people so they can enjoy the spendour that surrounds us. Getting ready for a refreshing swim in the pool in about an hour. Fun times!

Glad to hear you are relaxing this weekend Carol.

HAPPY 4th of July everyone. Have a wonderful holiday!

Carol: Your rock buddies are too cute!

*****************
My July goals are more or less the same as the June goals:

Spiritual: Keep up with daily devotions; Attend at least one prayer meeting in July (2 are scheduled)

Environment: maintain with daily ETEing, weekly routines, Branches and Room of the Month for deep cleaning; landscape front garden.

DD: Help her attend the Anime Expo (rides to and from, etc.) - DONE
- Spend some "together time"

Family: Contact with at least 1 family member per week (phone call, e-mail, or meet in person).

Friends: Schedule at least one lunch or dinner with a friend.

Community/Neighbors: Get together with one neighbor.

Health: schedule medical and dental appts. for myself; monitor my weight; increase my exercise levels.

Career: Celebrate 29 years with the current employer!

Finances: Review long term goals/continue to budget.

Time Management: Better time management! Less procrastination. Implement schedules and routines.

Leisure: work on the patchwork quilt top I am making.

Thanks Bless!

Today I worked on organizing some of my binders in the office area. I'm trying to purge the papers that I know I won't need any longer. I'd really like to have one master binder for my class for attendance, progress, assessment information. That's my goal anyway.

This afternoon, I've been crafting. I took an empty tissue box and larger Costco granola bar box and covered them with fabric. Then, I used my Cricut and made some cute little labels for them and tied those to the boxes with jute. One will hold my webcam and the other is the home to my labeler. They look so cute on the shelves. I've actually kept those things in the plain boxes for the past year and today I just decided that they needed to be beautified. I do need to make some more for other things, but right now I don't have any more empty boxes.

DD gets off work in about 30 minutes. We're going to head out to get hotdogs and ice cream with her friend, and then probably head home and maybe watch a movie or do some crafts or play some music or read a book or ????? Unfortunatley, there won't be any fireworks for us this year. For the past 10 years, R took us to the minor league baseball game on the 4th of July and they had the best fireworks show afterwards. But, I can't drive at night any more, other than just around town because the headlights blind me so bad it's dangerous, so we can't go this year.

Sounds like another big crafting day for you Carol. I love keeping things "under cover".

The neighbors had a ton of fireworks again this year. Watched a few but it was so hot even after 9 that I closed things up.
We had 102 temperatures here yesterday.

Had a wonderful visit with family and friends, and although people took food home, my frig is loaded! Had an inside 4th
and very thankful for AC!

Carol: Too bad you don't live closer to me - I've plenty of boxes - I'd have given some to you.

Updated some of the goal list.

Guess what I crossed off my goal's list today??????


Nothing!


We woke up EARLY this morning to take DD's BFF to the airport to fly back home to Tennessee, and I haven't done a darn thing since arriving back home except sit in the shade outside enjoying my flowers and a book. Poor DD had to work today. She gets off in 45 minutes and I'm sure will be exhausted. But, after this, she has 9 days off. Wish we could go on a little vacation somewhere, but not happening. As a matter of fact, all of the money she has earned this summer will pay our bills until I get my first paycheck next month. Then, starting in September, I will begin paying her back out of each paycheck. I hate it! I can't believe that I'm still struggling to recoup financially after R's death last year that left me with paying for a house that I couldn't afford to live in. But, at least this year it's only one month of struggle. Maybe by next summer, I'll have this money/budget thing figured out. I'm getting there....slowly.

Carol: It's good to take a day off! I'm sure you and DD will find plenty of fun things to do, at or around your home, even if you can't go on vacation. It's lovely that she'll be helping you out with the bills until you can pay her back. I'm sure you'll have everything well in hand, budget-wise, next year.

Carol
I agree with Bless in all that she said. Glad you rested!

You do so well to manage, and lovely that DD is helping out until your check comes. (((((HUGS))))

Slowly getting anywhere on my list- I am feeling less stressed about it and realizing it will all work out in the end. Not feeling like I need to rush to get everything accomplished. I have resolved to put less pressure on me.

Seen as I have been delivering cards and gifts this week, and working in the garden which are my main goals I thought I would update. I just love to cross things off it keeps me motivated

Family
Keep up visits with granddad and dad and make sure DH and DS get the quality time they deserve - done so far. I either do the gardening when DH is working or exercising or when he has time to help. And DS plays in the garden with the neighbor's son while I work or is at nursery or asleep.
8th DB's anniversary deliver card
13th Uncles birthday organize card and gift
18th - DS graduation ceremony from preschool
21st - Nephews birthday - Organize card and gift
24th DA's birthday - organize card and gift
27th Granddads 75th birthday - organize card and gift, and make sure we all have our costumes. We are all dressing as Elvis Presley, as granddad is a massive fan. I can' wait to see his face when he sees us all

Friends
10th Friends sons birthday - organize card and gift
14th Neighbors wedding and best friend back so a wedding ceremony, a reception and a night out all on the same day.
20th - Another friend's daughters birthday - organize card and gift

Home and Garden
*Keep up with branch work - doing well so far
*Level and tarpaulin the back raised part of the garden - 3/4 of this is done
*Move all gravel from that raised bed - 50% of this done
*Paint the wall
*4 more paving slabs down
*Log border part one in at the side of the garden and the bed it contains covered with tarpaulin, and gravel put on top.
*Garden benches stainedI need to varnish them now so that has been added to my to do list
*In the neighbors garden (their wedding gift) - weed the garden, then put tarpaulin down, Just need to move my surplus gravel to their garden.

Exercise and Diet
Keep trying to combine the two - I am getting a lot of exercise at the moment, and my diet is steadily improving as I make adjustments and try to be more mindful.

I am very motivated to get as much of the garden done as possible before DS finishes nursery in two weeks, which is why I have made so much progress

Tina...You are so right. It will all work out in the end whether we stress about it or not.

I really didn't get moving until about noon today. I took only 1 mg of melatonin last night because I couldn't sleep, and it made me have a melatonin haze all morning. I'm such a light-weight!

Even with the late start, I got 3 loads of laundry done, covered two more boxes for the office, made a batch of laundry soap, finished book #8 for the summer, cleaned the bathroom, and got all of the small squares for the t-shirt quilt interfaced and cut to size. Today marks Month 11 since R's death. It is my goal to have the t-shirt quilt finished by one month from today.

Tinytina:
Funny I just read this post, after posting on the JDI thread how more relaxed you sound! That is teriffic. It is showing already, just wanted you to know.

Karen:
That is the cutest idea about dressling like EP for grandad's bday. O please take a photo! Toooooo cute.

You are doing so much. Great going!

Carol:
Looks like you will meet your goal for the tee shirt quilt.

Diana - I will definitely take a photo and post it on here

Carol good luck with the quilt. I can't believe it has been 11 months already ((HUGS))

I did a little more work in the garden today for an hour, but for the rest of the day I pottered around the house decluttering and organizing as I went.

Karen
Send us the rain across the pond please~!

Thanks for the hugs, Karen. Always appreciated!

I got started on another summer goal today and that is helping DD with her Algebra II. She took 3 weeks totally off from schoolwork and then started on the course today. She struggled with Semester 1 in the fall so she decided to take it again in the spring. Now, she is doing Semester 2 over the summer. She has until August 20th or something like that to get it finished. I don't know that I'm really being of much help to her other than sitting with her offering laughs and moral support. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me that she is a whiz when it comes to Physics, but just can't grasp the concepts in Algebra.

We also worked together last night on a couple of collages in the Simple Abundance album working on the "Authentic Self" so that's another item on my goal's list that I started.

This afternoon, I worked some more on the t-shirt quilt. I got all of the little squares pieced together and sewn with the lattice. Next step, interfacing the remaining large pieces and then deciding on the layout.

May have help in getting the last part of the ROTY done.
Dgs1 might come and visit the end of the month, so he can help me with moving things around and/or removing items. YEA!

Thanks ladies. I am really trying!

Diana - You can have it gladly it has not stopped for the last 6 hours. Looking on the bright side my lawn looks lovely and healthy and the new grass from the seed I planted last week is already growing.

Carol - Anytime!

We didn't get any rain AGAIN! Hopefully today.

Update on list:

CRAFTS;
Embroidery/ongoing FINISHED a large and two small projects!
Beading Ornaments/ongoing
Crocheting /Sewing: Lap robes for Vets and Hospice/ Christmas items
Card making/ongoing


PERSONAL
Read again/Finished a book!
Dentist x 1
Haircut
Luncheons x 3
Ceramics classes
Sort thru crafting items/donate/Did some yesterdy
Crocheting group/Weekly/cancelled for two weeks!
Unfinished Project group/ twice a month
Classes (2)
Sort fabric for sewing group/In process/DONE


HOUSE:
Branches each week
ROTM: Basement/Baby steps continue : crafting areas
water plants/Doing
Clean freezers out/DONE


Slowly making my way thru the list!

I would love to come here and tell you that the reason for my absence for a couple of days is because I've been working so hard completing everything on my goal's list. HAHAHA Honestly, I have NO IDEA what I've been doing. Just meandering aimlessly from one project to another and not really FINISHING anything.

I started working with DD on her Algebra 2.

I started reading two more books.

I started cutting the big squares to the t-shirt quilt.

I started making the pillow covers from the dish towels I got a month ago (or maybe more).

I started cleaning up the "piles" in the office.

I started the projects for the sunflower wall in the bathroom.

I started going through the binders for work and getting those organized.

I really need to look at my goal's list and prioritize things or I'm going to end up going back to work on August 1st and having all these projects started and nothing finished. But, right now, the couch and a book are calling my name....so maybe I'll just finish a book.

I have been taking it easy as well and I am also not getting very far, very fast but its nice to relax.

I totally agree with you Tinytina. It pays to rest sometimes.

I agree too! It has been wonderful to relax and something I have totally needed (and I'm going to get more of today because of ......

Yucky, yucky night! Smoke detector going off at 11:00, then again at 2:30, followed by panic attack (I HATE those things!), followed by throwing up for 2 hours. UGH! I'm glad that's over. But...now I'm exhausted.

I'm not going to get much accomplished today that's for sure.

Not to worry Carol, you have done a ton of things already this month. Hope all is well. Was it you own smoke detector or the builing? Rest my girl, rest!

Adding some more luncheons this month. Busy social month, but great to be able to get together with family/friends!

Dianaro...Yes, it was my own smoke detector. There wasn't any smoke or fire. It just kept going off. Turns out, it needed a new battery (which I installed yesterday afternoon). It seems that I just changed the battery a couple months ago, but it already needed a new one. Unfortunately, it all happened at night when I was tired and obviously not thinking clearly. Plus, the thing is SO loud and scared me so bad that it sent me into a panic attack. Not fun! I took most of yesterday to recoup, and I seem to be feeling better today.

I leave in an hour to pick DD up from visiting her father. HURRAY! She texted me last night that he is worse than ever. She thinks he is slowly killing himself with the alcohol he drinks and she doesn't think he has long to live. I, personally, wouldn't doubt it. He's been going at it for many years now. She said that it's like he has cancer or something. I told her that it is a disease and that there is nothing that she can do about it. He is the one that has to want help, and he doesn't. He lost his whole family (meaning us) 13 years ago because of it, and that wasn't enough to make him stop, so probably nothing will. (NOTE: I need to clarify that - He did not lose us because of the alcohol. He lost us because of the abuse he inflicted on us BECAUSE of the alcohol. Big difference!) I hate that she has to go through this, but I'm thankful that she sees it for what it is. All I can do is be there for her.

Despite not feeling up to par yesterday, I did get a few things done. I found the floor in my office area. All of the piles of stuff behind my "bench" are cleaned up. I just have a couple more that are in front of my desk. I organized a few binders as well. And, I worked some more on putting lattice pieces on the bigger parts of the t-shirt quilt. I also did a lot of sleeping! So I got plenty of rest!

@dianaro- good to see you have a tantrum once in a while. we all need them sometimes

@carol- sorry about the panic attack.

Yesterday I took Murf for a walk. It was not as warm as it is today. We went early in the morning. Today at the same time it was 10 degrees warmer. We didn't go today. I am doing well getting in more exercise though.

I got 2 loads of clothes washed and hung to dry. I folded them this morning and will put them away in a few minutes. Need to wash a load of dark clothes. I have been turning the tshirts inside out on the line in this hot weather. Don't want them to get faded on the line in this hot hot sun.

I picked up 3 doz ears of corn at the farm stand and will cook it today and cut it off the cob. DH will freeze it tomorrow. He is grilling chicken on the grill tonight for supper. Told him he could change it to another night since it is going to hit 100 today but he decided to go ahead with it.

Thurs I hit a turkey on the way to work. Have about $1800 damage to the grill and hood of the car. I am thankful it did not break the windshield. Could have been so much worse. They do not mow the side of the road here so it came walking out of the long grass and there was no way for me to stop. DH has another estimate to get before we go to the insurance agent.

I have been working on our recipe binder. I separated our recipes and we each have our own binder now. I made a table of contents for each one. It was getting too cramped in the 1" binder with all them. I was going to buy new binders but stopped at an estate sale and found 4 nice binders for .50 ea. Saved $6 on that find.

This year I am keeping a log of calls/contacts for my clients. I had canceled a Dr appt for one client after discussing it with the nurse. They called to confirm the appt and I said I had canceled it. I was able to read them the conversation and that was the end of that. I normally get those calls while I am at work so I listen to the message, write it on a slip of paper and enter them in the log weekly. I need to show that I have had contact with each client quarterly so I am combining the call log with a visit log.

This week our Director (4 levels above me) will be in town. She is going to do a side by side with me on Thurs. I need to work on my "Here's what we've done for you lately" speech. They are farming out our open position to an offshore company. I want to show her what our team's 106 yrs of experience has done for the company. I know that won't change their mind because the decision is made higher than where she is at but she is new to our area and needs to understand what we have/can accomplish. I have a hunch our jobs will be offshored over the next year. I will have 24 years in come February. I was hoping to make it to 25 for sure.

DHs birthday is Thursday so I will bake a cake Tues night. Have a haircut appt at 7:15 Tues so I can frost the cake Weds night. I have my temporary crown on my tooth and am waiting for the next dentist appt on the 31st.

It has been too hot to do an inventory of the garage freezers. Have it on my goals list for July and am hoping for a cooler day soon so I can get that done. DH bought a pork loin at a meat sale this week. We have plenty of chops from it so that was worth it.

Everyone seems to be making good progress on her goals list.

I've made some modest progress on mine, too.

Spiritual: Keep up with daily devotionsOn going;
- Attend at least one prayer meeting in July (2 are scheduled): Didn't attend the 1st; waiting to hear the date for the 2nd

Environment: maintain with daily ETEing, weekly routines, Branches and Room of the Month for deep cleaning: Trying
- landscape front garden: Did a babystep: Replaced the sprinkler heads

DD: Help her attend the Anime Expo (rides to and from, etc.) - DONE
- Spend some "together time"

Family: Contact with at least 1 family member per week (phone call, e-mail, or meet in person): Did a favor for 1 out-of-town cousin

Friends: Schedule at least one lunch or dinner with a friend.

Community/Neighbors: Get together with one neighbor.

Health: schedule medical and dental appts. for myself; monitor my weight; increase my exercise levels: Started with diet modifications.

Career: Celebrate 29 years with the current employer! DONE

Finances: Review long term goals/continue to budget: Done: Met with Financial Planner

Time Management: Better time management! Less procrastination. Implement schedules and routines: Trying

Leisure: work on the patchwork quilt top I am making.

Frugal
Ok outsourcing is another thing that makes me angry! Are they kidding? How can they do that? Don't you see these people regularly?

Bless:
Congratulations on 29 years with the same company. Quite a feat!
Doesn't happen often now. WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It's DD's 17th birthday! I had her follow a string all over the house and even outside and back in which led her to the closet where I had hidden her "music" chair. She was beyond thrilled!



She is working at music camp this morning, and then this afternoon, she and I are going into the city for an early dinner and shopping at the craft store. Tomorrow, her brother is throwing her a "hippie-themed" birthday party at his new house.

And, my office is about 85% complete now. I only have to put something on the remaining wall and organize a couple more shelves and I will be all done in there.



You can click on the pictures to make them bigger.

Just great and clever! The chair is priceless, and love how you do all the extra things in presenting the gift! Hope you said TAH DAH! Office is looking good.

My mind started working again, and I am planning work for my craft room the end of the month when my DGS1 will be here to help me!

Carol, I love the chair and the way you set up your office.

Carol, the chair is spectacular! I love how much function you've created in a small space. What hides under the desk behind the checked curtain?

I think when I return home I need to get off my duff and make better use of office space.

Carol, thank you for sharing more of your great projects!

Cyd...You wanted to know what's behind the checkered curtain. Here you go.... (You can click on the picture to make it bigger.)



The only things at this time under the desk/table and behind the curtain are a trashcan, my shredder, and the bench that I sit on. I hope to keep it this way because as I'm working I oftentimes need to stretch out my legs and I don't want to be kicking anything.

The only thing I have accomplished today is washing the car and researching a college campus for DD. I have taken on the task of looking at one college campus a day trying to help her narrow down where she would like to apply. Some of those applications have to be in by October/November so it's right around the corner.

We'll be going to DS' house in just a little while for the big "hippie" birthday party. He called just a bit ago to ask for directions on how to cook something that he's got going for dinner for the birthday girl. It's so neat that they love to do stuff for each other.

Carol - the chair is fantastic!

Carol
It looks great! I hear you on stretching out when sitting too long. You did a fantasic job, IMHO!

Finished with the dentist for this month, just need a recheck next month.

Carol: It looks so neat, uncluttered, and organized! I like the color scheme - very soothing.

Carol, it looks wonderful.

I know I am not making much progress on my list yet, I need to look at it again.

Thanks again everyone!

I haven't accomplished much in the way of my goals list the past two days. Just didn't have the umph yesterday and today, well, I think I've got a better excuse today, which actually may have accounted for yesterday's lack of motivation too.

Sometime Wednesday, I don't remember it exactly, I slammed my foot into something, still don't remember what it was. It's all pretty vague in the recollection area of my brain. Anyway, I DO remember it HURT really bad, but I thought, "Oh, it's just a stubbed toe, get over it." And, I went on about my business. Yesterday afternoon, it really started hurting and swelling up. Today, it's even worse. And, it hurts to walk on it. Worst case scenario - I broke my toe. DD thinks I should go to the doctor. I think not. All the doctor is going to do is tell me to elevate it, put ice on it, tape it to the other toe and have me take Tylenol. I can do that all by myself. SO.....that's what I'm doing. Going to do some reading, some embroidery and lay around on the couch. Good thing I've got a stack of books and embroidery projects just a waiting for a day such as this.

Carol: Ouch! Good idea to do all what "Dr. Carol" has prescribed for herself. Take it easy.

Ouch Carol, keep an eye on it dear.

Definitely the way to go Carol. Sorry you hurt it, but that is what I was told to do with my infection and swelling...you need a day or two off.

How was DDs party!? Did she love it?

Update on list:

CRAFTS;
Embroidery/ongoing FINISHED a large and two small projects!DONE
Beading Ornaments/ongoing/ COMPLETED TWO MORE THIS MONTH
Crocheting /Sewing: Lap robes for Vets and Hospice/ Christmas items/MOVED TO NEXT MONTH
Card making/ongoing/Postponed


PERSONAL
Read again/Finished a book!READING SECOND ONE
Dentist RECHECK NEXT MONTH
Haircut/DONE
Luncheons x 2/DONE
Ceramics classes/DONE/POSTPONED ANY MORE UNTIL FALL
Sort thru crafting items/donate/Did some yesterdy/ONGOING
Crocheting group/Weekly/cancelled for two weeks!
Unfinished Project group/ twice a month/DONE for July
Classes DONE
Sort fabric for sewing group/In process/DONE


HOUSE:
Branches each week /KEEPING UP
ROTM: Basement/Baby steps continue : crafting areas WORKING WITH GRANDSON
water plants/Doing
Clean freezers out/DONE

Some months it seems like it takes a long time to complete things. One thing at a time.

Couldn't fall asleep last night because my toe was hurting so bad, but after giving in and taking some melatonin, I slept until 11:00 a.m. And, much less pain. HURRAY!

I've sorted through 3 1/2 boxes already this morning, totally eliminating two of them. I can now actually get to all of my cabinets without having to move boxes out of the way. Another big HURRAY! I only have 2 1/2 more boxes to go and I'll be finished.

Hope to work on the t-shirt quilt this afternoon and will also probably pull up the couch again to elevate my foot which will give me some more time with my books and embroidery.

Forgot to add about DD's birthday party. It was a great time. DS' did a fabulous job with all of the food and the cake. Just look at this cake that he made:


He DEFINITELY got her style. And, candles that reignite were a huge hit and a great challenge for someone who plays woodwinds for hours every day.

You surely passed down the talent Carol! What a cool cake!
Glad to hear you are feeliing better

Carol, that's a great looking cake! Take care of yourself and hope your toe gets better quickly.

Carol, that is one wild and wacky cake - totally exuberant and joyful! Love it! Thanks for sharing the photos.

Awesome looking cake.

I have to admit I have been avoiding so much of my list- just taking it easy and enjoying the really nice weather this summer.

Definitely a good thing to do Tinytina. Glad to hear you are taking it easy!

DS is MUCH better with cakes than I am. It is something that I always wanted to be able to do, but as much as I try, I just don't seem to be able to get it right. He, on the otherhand, took to it quite naturally.

I got a bit of good news yesterday on the financial scene. I finally received my contract for the upcoming school year in the mail, and the reason for the delay was the school was waiting on the state budget decision. I'm not exactly sure what happened with that, as I don't think it went well, but in the end I got a 5% raise. My first raise since starting with the school since we've been on a salary freeze. It ends up being about $160 more a month. Not a whole lot, but every little bit helps so I'm happy with that and very happy that I have a job that I love.

On today's agenda....working on the t-shirt quilt. I would LOVE to get the entire front pieced together today. That's my goal.

Carol: Wooooo Hoooo on the pay raise! That's great news!

************

Goals update:

Spiritual: Keep up with daily devotions- On going;
- Attend at least one prayer meeting in July (2 are scheduled): Attended it yesterday

Environment: maintain with daily ETEing, weekly routines, Branches and Room of the Month for deep cleaning: Working on the ROTM
- landscape front garden: Started: Replaced the sprinkler heads; tidied the flower beds and trimmed plants

DD: Help her attend the Anime Expo (rides to and from, etc.) - DONE
- Spend some "together time"

Family: Contact with at least 1 family member per week (phone call, e-mail, or meet in person): DONE

Friends: Schedule at least one lunch or dinner with a friend: DONE
Community/Neighbors: Get together with one neighbor.

Health: schedule medical and dental appts. for myself; monitor my weight; increase my exercise levels: Started with diet modifications.

Career: Celebrate 29 years with the current employer! DONE

Finances: Review long term goals/continue to budget: Done: Met with Financial Planner

Time Management: Better time management! Less procrastination. Implement schedules and routines: Trying

Leisure: work on the patchwork quilt top I am making: On-going

Updating my Summer list:
Slowly getting a little bit done on my list. Not working very fast, which feels odd but nice all at the same time.

Home:
-organize kitchen counters and cabinets
-organize spare bedroom and closet
-organize/inventory fridge, freezer, and deep freeze
-organize bathroom closet
-organize hall closet
-consider/research purchases (bookshelf, craft supplies organization system, new mattress, night-stands, dresser)
-clear off dining room table
-hang paintings/artwork
-buy and hang bulletin board

Health:
-find a doctor (got myself on the list)
-diet
-exercise
-new glasses (exam) (appt is set up for Aug. 8th)
-doctor's appt. (appt is scheduled for Aug. 20th)


Personal:
-read 3 books (on #2 now)
-write 2 articles
-hair cut
-manicure/pedicure
-crafting time made 3 pairs of earrings this week got some new supplies on sale
-1 bead class a month (cancelled- no classes that I want to take in July or August will look again in Sept)

-mail brother's birthday card

Bless and Tinytina:
Great going on your goals!

Hi I am trying set up my goals for the end of the months( going on holidays on satursday)!


CRAFTS;
Cross stitching: stitch the second part of my pattern


PERSONAL
Read again: read some article for my work( i am working in a nursary for children aged from 3 moths to 3)

Find a stitch fabric for a friend!
Visit a friend who had a new baby and offer the gift I bought last moth!

HOUSE:
Cleaning entirely the kitchen
look at my paper mail and fill it before leaving
finish to prepare the luggage

[/quote]

Hi Soline, welcome to this terrific site where we're all somewhere on the road to getting better organized. I'd like to suggest that other than using up/disposing of perishables from fridge and pantry...just list kitchen cleaning projects if you're about to depart on holiday. I find I return energized and I don't mind tackling the list.

Do you know what you'll be packing? It's not too soon to bring out the suitcase and looking/stacking stuff. Check hems, buttons and those tiny details that can be so maddening.

Hi Soline:
WELCOME TO GON! We are glad you joined us. Very nice and helpful ladies here.

Just do what you can, and have a lovely holiday.

Yesterday, I scheduled a dentist appt for Monday. An eye exam appt for Aug 8th, and a doctor's appt for Aug. 20th.

Good for you Tinytina.

Hi Everyone! Been taking a couple of days to just let the tears flow. Tuesday would have been our first wedding anniversay if everything had gone as originally planned. It brought with it a lot of different emotions. Due to the circumstances, I had to let go of R twice in the span of three weeks last year. It was good to just spend some time going through pictures, reading old cards and letters, and crying and writing. Feeling better now, but I'm sure the tears are just under the surface and will be appearing again and again in the coming days. (Aug. 7th is the 1 year mark since he died.) It's a hard thing, but I have a wonderful peace within me that is getting me through.

Did you feel the earth move a bit under your feet about 15 minutes ago? I finished unpacking my LAST box! This is a major triumph for me as I never did unpack all of my moving boxes in the last 3 places that I lived. It feels GOOD!

DD and I went out to the car this morning to go do some much needed grocery shopping to discover a flat tire. DD was such a champ getting right in there taking care of jacking up the car. We tried to put the spare on, but the lug nuts were just too darn tight for us to get the old tire off. We finally gave in to defeat and decided to call a tow truck. That's what I've got towing on my insurance for so I might as well put it to use. We're waiting for them to get here. I can't find anything wrong with the tire so I'm thinking it just needs air. It looks as if someone took the cap off and let the air out. Can a person even do that, I'm not sure? I'm really hoping that's all it is.

My "Summer Goals List" is looking good too! I have a lot crossed off that has been completed. There are a couple of things that I have scratched off the list because I've changed my mind about doing them right now. I start back to work on August 1st, a week from yesterday, so the countdown has begun. I am very pleased with everything I have accomplished this summer. It has been a wonderful blend of getting things done and lots of relaxing.

Hugs Carol can't believe it has been a year nearly. Go with the flow and experience those emotions. It is all part of the grieving process. Hugh congrats on unpacking the last box!

WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO Carol. All unpacked. You will have those moments, and days, but better to experience them (like Karen stated) than to not. You can PM me if you wish anytime.
I cannot believe it is a year already myself.

You have to be proud of yourself in all that you have accomplished the past six months, moving, crafting, etc. That is wonderful. We are proud of you!

Karen:
Great going on the yard. Cannot wait to see it finished, along with your neighbor's fence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is raining off and on today! TYG! Grass is looking a little better. Not all green again....but better.

This upcoming week will be busy, I have a class and lots of plans to work in the house.

It's finished! The t-shirt quilt is finished! It was my goal to have it finished by August 7th as that is the 1st anniversary of Rob's death. I finished early! (I'm glad because I know once I start back to work next week my spare time is going to be very limited.)

Here it is (click on thumbnail to enlarge photo):



I used one of his old flannel sheets with moose and pine trees as the backing. Super soft and cuddly!

Carol: You did a wonderful job with the quilt! Wow!

Carol: The quilt looks great. It looks full of good memories.

Carol!
It is wonderful and you did a great job. I know it will be a wonderful memory of Rob for you, to remember the happy times.

Carol, prayers and hugs during such a difficult time. The quilt is beautiful. What a wonderful memorial to you and Rob.

Way to go everyone else!

Carol - It is fantastic and I am sure it will be a great comfort to have something of his to hold when you need to ((HUGS))

Well my granddads 75th surprise party was a great success. He got overwhelmed and cried bless him. He was so happy and he and all of us had a wonderful night! Below are some photos as promised

all of us with granddad (he is wearing the crown unless you hadn't guessed )

some of the Elvis items we had - Elvis cup cakes

the birthday boy with his Elvis cake

my boys - hubby and son

me and DH with not one, but two Elvis's

Love the wonderful pictures, Karen.

Karen
THANK YOU! I am so enjoying all of you Elvis'!!!!! Love your family, I think it would be cool to be at one of your family parties. Your DH and DS are such cuties! Thank you again, you are a sweetie!

Karen...LOVE the pictures! It looks like everyone had a great time. Thanks for sharing.

I reorganized the pantry area today. I had been using it for office supplies and misc stuff that I didn't have a place for, but after emptying all the boxes and putting things away, I found that I had extra space elsewhere so......now I have my pantry back to use as a pantry. HURRAY!

And, that got me to organizing my recipes that were basically just a whole lots of loose papers flying all over the place. I've sorted through them all (and purged a large portion of them because frankly they are things I'm never going to make). I've only kept the tried and true favorites. I put them each in a page protector and have them all in one handy binder now. Ahhhh! That feels good. And, it's the start of my menu planning (something that I have procrastinated doing for YEARS!)

Just had to share....last night when DD and I returned home from watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics at my parents' house, we were greeted by a family of five little foxes. So adorable! A couple of days ago, there was a little tiny fawn at our front door. And, about a month ago, there was a baby squirrel sitting on a rock right in front of the slider of the living room. I'd never seen a baby gray squirrel before so that was quite a treat. I can't believe that now we live right in town and have more wildlife than when we lived miles from people.

Thanks ladies we do have fun as a family.

We have come a long way ironing out many misunderstandings and preconceptions that abounded when nan was here. She loved to cause mischief I don't know why, and it is sad that only since she has been gone have we come together as a family more. Weird how some families are impacted by the action of one member isn't it? Mixed feelings there as I miss her, but not the stirring.

It has taken serious hard work from my aunt Lou and me, but Friday night I sat and looked at everyone enjoying themselves and realized we have done what we set out to do. We are now a close family

You and your Aunt Lou did GOOD Karen. What fun. You can remember the good times with nan and how great you are!

Carol:
You are doing so great! The move was good, and I love all the wildlife you get to see! How interesting!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have decided not to start moving funiture around just yet, and
will have Dgs bring up some bins, and plan where I will put them, in the dresser, and sort thru all. Hopefully this will work out, if it doesn't back to plan A.

Thanks Diana I had great times with my nan. Sadly her tendency to play favorites meant others do not have the same fond memories , BUT we are making new memories now which everyone can look back on with a smile I am feeling great today as I edit the photos from Friday, and see again the results of our hard work

Goals for July Update

Family
Keep up visits with granddad and dad and make sure DH and DS get the quality time they deserve. - Done
13th Uncles birthday organize card and gift
18th - DS graduation ceremony from preschool
21st - Nephews birthday - Organize card and gift
24th DA's birthday - organize card and gift
27th Granddads 75th birthday - organize card and gift, and make sure we all have our costumes. The party went brilliantly as you can tell by the photos I posted on the previous page

Friends
10th Friends sons birthday - organize card and gift
14th Neighbors wedding and best friend back so a wedding ceremony, a reception and a night out all on the same day.
20th - Another friend's daughters birthday - organize card and gift

Home and Garden
*Keep up with branch work
*Level and tarpaulin the back raised part of the garden
*Move all gravel from that raised bed
*Paint the wall - moved to next months goals list
*4 more paving slabs downall done not just the 4
*Log border in at the side of the garden and the bed it contains covered with tarpaulin, and gravel put on top.only one more to do and the side of the garden is done
*In the neighbors garden (their wedding gift) - weed the garden, then put tarpaulin down, then move my surplus gravel to their garden.

Exercise and Diet
Keep trying to combine the two - not done any formal exercise, but I have done plenty of exercise in the form of the gardening. With diet it is improving, but there is definitely more work to do.

Carol, I saw the photo of the lovely tee-shirt quilt and I found it very moving. You have created yet another way to celebrate Rob's life.

Karen, your Grandad looks like a real sweetie! What fun to have an Elvis party, and lovely that the family are pulling together and enjoying each other now. Families are strange things and beautiful when they work.

I haven't posted any goals this month, although perhaps learning a good rain dance might be a good one! But I have made progress on the sewing.

If you learn the rain dance Bushlady, please send directions, although it did rain overnight. Isn't it amazing how the heat does drain one's energy.

Karen:
Quite an impressive cross off on your monthly lists! You did fabulous.

Csn't wait to see the cross offs on all our lists.

Will post mine later, early leaving for a class today.

Karen, the queen in me is eyeing that crown your granddad is wearing...

Goals update:

Spiritual: Keep up with daily devotions
- Attend at least one prayer meeting in July

Environment: maintain with daily ETEing, weekly routines, Branches and Room of the Month for deep cleaning
- landscape front garden: Started: Replaced the sprinkler heads; tidied the flower beds and trimmed plants

DD: Help her attend the Anime Expo (rides to and from, etc.)
- Spend some "together time"

Family: Contact with at least 1 family member per week (phone call, e-mail, or meet in person)
Friends: Schedule at least one lunch or dinner with a friend
Community/Neighbors: Get together with one neighbor.

Health: schedule medical and dental appts. for myself; monitor my weight; increase my exercise levels.

Career: Celebrate 29 years with the current employer
Finances: Review long term goals/continue to budget: Met with Financial Planner

Time Management: Better time management! Less procrastination. Implement schedules and routines: Trying

Leisure: work on the patchwork quilt top I am making: On-going

Bless! LOL

Wow the month is already over and I haven't posted at all!

Karen looked at the pictures, so lovely, you must be very happy to have a united family now. I have a kid at work that is in love with Elvis! He combs his hair like him, he listens to his music all the time and has a lot of Stuff with Elvis on it, his breakfast mug for one!



HEALTH
Get blood test done --nope
See dentist for repairs --no money no candy, will see if I can save up for this...
Exercise weekly and weight loss --have weight and measured myself, lost 4lbs and about an inch each around thighs and waist. All this from eating less and more sensible choice, I have been exercising 3 to 4 times a week.

FRIENDS/FAMILY
Help DGF with some home repairs --she wasn't openned to this for this month
DM few days at her camping grounds during my vacation --stayed 5 days

HOME
worked real hard in the second bedroom, catch all space now decluttered!
Branch 3
Branch 4
Branch 5
Branch 6


CAREER
Finish special education tool for a kid at work as part of a project --done
Collect information for project due in August --started

FUN
Vacation from July 8 to 21 --two weeks went by too fast!
Laugh every day! Without fail!

OTHER
Meet with accountant --nope
Get car cleaned --did it myself

BBLG:
You did great! Wonderful weigh loss and exercise. WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOO! Keep up the great work.

Will leave this open for a day or two, want to hear how you did!