Gosh it feels like summer just flew by, here it is August already.....well if you do as great this month as last, you are well on your way to a wonderful fall, and holiday season!
Kudos and a bunch of WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOOs to all of you! You are wonderfully inspiring and motivating to me!

When you have time, please share your August goal list with us.

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 (not quite as clean as I would like)
-hang paintings/artwork
-buy and hang bulletin board
-sort coupons list is made


Health:
-find a doctor (got myself on the list)
-diet
-exercise
-new glasses (exam) (appt is set up for Aug. 8th* new glasses will be ready in 2 weeks)
-doctor's appt. (appt is scheduled for Aug. 20th)
-dentist (appt #2 is schedule for Aug. 14th)


Personal:
-read 3 books (finished #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

-wedding planning (got lights, flower petals, and our invitations--priced rings)

I cannot believe it is August. It is the last month of summer break for the kids so the focus will be on family and packing as much fun as possible in before they head back to school. But there are some things I need to plan and prep for.

Back to School Prep
Put back to school supply list in my planner and start shopping
Appt for DS to get shots
Soccer cleats for DD
Schedule photographer for kids rather than school pics
Assess clothing and shoe needs
Visit classroom(s) prior to school and get home copies of textbooks

August Birthdays
Big month in our family! Purchase needed birthday gifts prior to family party on 8/13.
Plan DS's birthday party

Around the House
Go through all clothes and donate as needed
Go through all shoes and donate as needed
Work on decluttering laundry bathroom

Personal/Health
Find pedometer
Track walking for the month with goal of 10,000 steps at least 4 days per week

August Goals:

Spiritual: Keep up with daily devotions and attend monthly prayer meeting

Environment: Finish up 3rd bedroom; maintain the rest of the house.

DD: Starts summer class; spend some fun time together

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. Had 1 dr's appt. today; scheduled a follow-up appt. in 2 weeks; need to call and schedule a mammogram

Pets: Vet appt.

Career: Work on project

Finances: Continue with budget

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

Leisure: work on the patchwork quilt top I am making and knitting projects

Forgot to post mine!

CRAFTS;
Embroidery/ongoing
Beading Ornaments/ongoing or jewelry/ Made 3 braclets
Crocheting /Sewing: Lap robes for Vets and Hospice/ Christmas items
Card making/ongoing DONE
Knitting for christmas/ongoing 20-8 done = 12 to go

PERSONAL
Read a book
Luncheon
DD2 and family over
Invite Niece over for dinner
DS1 housesit
Dentist
Haircut
Sort thru crafting items for garage sale
Drop off at store DONE
Crocheting group/Weekly
Unfinished Project group/ twice a month
Special card making session here
Classes /2

HOUSE:
Pupa in garage
Branches each week
ROTM: Basement/Baby steps continue DONE
Photo boxes/ Postponed until Winter
water plants

Found my pedometer and then forgot to stick it in my pocket for the day.

Scheduled appt for shots for DS tomorrow. He is just thrilled! LOL

I'm going to try to jump back in here...

August Goals:
*WoO rehearsals
*WoO play
*birthday party
~ birthday gifts/cards
*make end of summer bucket list
*back to school shopping
*work on new routines
*clear desk of personal correspondence
*send out pictures

that's a start...

Wow where did July go? Thanks for all the lovely comments about the photos and Bless the crown is rather fetching isn't it?

You know it never fell off his head even when he was dancing around with us all later that night (and after consuming several beers)

I took him the photos I had printed today and he got excited all over again. A very successful event the question is how to we top it next year :$

Well here are my goals for August

Family and Friends
*Make time each week to have one day where it is just DS, DH & me
*Keep the connections strong with visits and telephone calls with the rest of the family.
*12th - would of been nans birthday. We are thinking of having an Olympics themed party as it is the last day and in order to distract granddad (and us) after our family visit to the cemetery.
20th -my beautiful nephews 1st birthday (where did that go?), and my beautiful cousins birthday, and my friend's sons birthday - arrange gifts and cards
22nd - My friend Ana's daughters birthday arrange card and gift
24th - My cousins who is in Japan birthday - card etc have already been sent, but I need to calculate the best time to catch her for a chat on her special day
31st - My aunts birthday and another cousins birthday (did I mention I have a huge family )arrange cards

Home and Garden
*Keep up with branch work
*Finish side of the gardens raised bed area
*Finish painting that side fence
*Paint other side fence
*Replace back fence panels
*Fetch decking which has been given us and start building the base for it.

Personal
*My diet and exercise are steadily improving, but seen as I am off school until Sept 4th I want to step it up and focus on this.
*Enrol at college for next level of my teaching assistant course.

It seems a lot, but as per usual I have a lot of birthdays to remember which once the card and gift are bought are done. With the garden I am home all month so I will do it in short spurts and play with DS the rest of the time

August goals? I make the same goals EVERY August - survive! (Although last August it was survive life instead of survive the start of a new school year.)

We started back to work yesterday, and already I'm off and running with a ton of work. Although, I'm VERY happy to report that my desk is STILL clean! I've been doing very well and consciously putting things away when I'm done with them. Of course, cleaninig and organizing my office so everything actually has a place to go has been helpful in doing that.

Over the summer, we went through some redistricting and now I'm with a new school (actually same students, same school, just a different district). I also have a new direct supervisor and a new supervisor over her. And, I have a new team of teachers that I'm working with. BooHoo! It's THOSE teachers. You know, the "pretty" teachers from the city. It's going to be interesting.

Tomorrow is my last day leading my summer Dino Camp. (Yes, I have a bit of an overlap.) My sessions have been wonderfully fun this time around. It has been a joy leading them this year. Of course, it is my favorite aspect of my "regular" job too. I wish that I could do ONLY that instead of all the compliancy, paperwork, legal stuff that we have to do.

August 7th is fast approaching - 1 year since R's death. I do have to work that day, but I think that after I am finished for the day, I'm going to head over to the lake for some quiet time and release a balloon for him or something. Lots of emotions going up and down these past few days as I've been reliving all of it.

That's an update from here. When, and if, I put together an August goal's list (other than survive), I will be sure to post it.

@Carol I will be thinking of you this week. I know the first anniversary of a death can be as traumatic as the death itself. I know you are strong and you will make it through the day. It is okay to cry and want to pull the covers over your head.

Carol:
Just go with your feelings. You have been strong all year, and will continue to, because you are YOU! Will pray for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Decided to wait on the photo boxes. I am too busy to even think about the scrapbook until winter. Can work on it then.

Going to a party for an aunt today.

Thank you ladies! You always make me feel better.

I don't have any goals for the month, but I did make a list of goals for the weekend, most work related.

Work:
- Revise Welcome email
- Revise contents for family folders
- Blackboard training
- Answer emails
- Finish watching school launch pathways
- Work on Class Webpage
- Make orientation recording

Personal:
- Wash towels
- Dishes
- Take DD to store (She is staying with an elderly lady so that their family could go on vacation. She's been there since last Monday and will come back home this coming Monday, but they need some things from the grocery store before that.)
- Read
- Continue A-Z embroidery squares (I'm on "T" already!)

I probably won't get everything accomplished, but at least the list gives me direction and something to shoot for.

Carol, my thoughts are with you.

We are slowly clearing the spare bedroom so there will be room for a desk/office space for me.

I did schedule my manicure/pedicure for Tuesday this week.

Carol - Huge ((HUGS)) at the difficult time I will be thinking about you tomorrow.

Well now the side part of the garden is finished here are my photos.
Before
and after we decided to keep the back part of the lawn and put the trampoline there.
The back part of the garden is all leveled and covered with tarpaulin. DH is going to build a frame for some decking and then that whole bed will be decked. It is a sun trap so we will have a seating area up there.

We are also going to replace the three fence panels at the back of the garden. I can't wait until it is finished

Karen!
It looks so nice! The kids are enjoying it that is for sure!
Good job my dear!

~~~~~~~~~~~
I had a wonerful time at the bday party for my aunt. She called to thank me for coming, and we discussed how nice it was to see each other again.

Finished another scarf last night, and started another one

Carol: (((HUGS)))

Karen: Your garden looks good! A lot of work.

Karen - Your garden does indeed look wonderful!

Thanks everyone! My plans for tomorrow are: - In the morning I will light a memorial candle that I made for Rob remembering his life with us here on earth. Then, towards the evening, I will be releasing a ballon to float up to heaven for his celebration up there. I've invited all of my family, my friends, and Rob's friends to join me where ever they might be at any time tomorrow to do a little something to remember him as well (light a candle, release a balloon, do a kind act for someone, say a pray, whatever). You are all invited to join too, if you would like.

For his memorial candle, I printed a few black and white pictures of him and I decoupaged them to the outside of a glass candle. The candle inside is red (his favorite). When it is lit, it will illuminate the pictures from the back and give them a glow that will be like what I imagine he looks like in Heaven.

Regarding my weekend goals - I finished them ALL!!!! Hurray Me!

Karen, your garden is looking great. You must be so pleased with the transformation.

Carol, once more your gifts are in evidence as you plan a beautiful celebration of Rob's life here and hereafter. I'm thinking of you. (((( Hugs ))))

Wonderful planning to celebrate Rob's life before and now Carol.
Love your imagination picturing him in heaven. WHOOOOOO HOOOOOon fiisig all your weekend goals.

Bushlady:
That will be me next week. DD2 said they are staying an extra day also. Been trying to plan a menu, that I can do quickly so we can visit without me cooking all day!

What a wonderful celebration Carol.

Way to go everyone!

Carol
((((((HUGS))))))))) and prayers. Hang in there.

Thank you ladies!

Carol: What a wonderful way to celebrate his life! (((HUGS)))

I made alittle bit of progress on my list and instead of reposting the list right now-especially since I don't have it done in colour right now, I will just post my progress.

1. New Glasses- had my eye appt yesterday and order 2 new pairs of glasses
2. On Tuesday, I went and had a manicure and pedicure
3. I finished reading book #2 and started book #3
4. I made a master list of the coupons yesterday
5. Ordered our wedding rings

Tinytina:
How exciting, ordering your wedding rings. I remember when I did ours. So exciting.

Sounds like you are moving along nicely and at a wonderful pace.

Thank you ladies for all your kind comments. I am very proud of my hard work

Carol (HUGS) your celebration of R's life sounds wonderful and very meaningful

Things are moving slowly, but will pick up this next week with DD2 and family arriving! Have a card class here on Friday, bday luncheon for a friend on Sat., and drop off for garage sale on Sunday, and moving into DS1s home to get the young men off to school, while their parents are attending an out of town reunion and wedding.
Planning on brining lots to do!

I'm keeping August goals very simple as I feel my life is getting very complicated.

1. family: be there for DM who has stage 3 lung cancer, meet with extend family, be with DD as often as I can
2. school: meetings, assignments and presentations
3. health: continue with walking/running 3 times a week and with better eating
4. home: DEAL with procrastinated to-do list
5. self improvement: change my negative interior dialogue to a more positive and loving one

BB, for those of us who have lost our parents have some understanding of the difficult road you are on. {{{{Hugs}}}}

BBG:
We are here for you. (((((HUGS)))))and prayers. So sorry to hear about your mom, but so much progress made with cancer.

BBG-So sorry to hear about your mother's illness. Will be praying for her & you. God Bless.

Just popping in for a quick minute to let you know that I'm still here and doing fine.

My day of remembrance for Rob was nice. I lit his memorial candle as soon as I got up in the morning and only blew it out when I went over to the lake for the balloon release. It actually turned out to be a no balloons, bubble blowing release instead because there was no helium delivered to town so there were no balloons to be had. I had to resort to the only thing that I thought would be similiar and that was bubbles. So, we headed to the lake to Rob's favorite fishing spot, blew thousands of bubbles, wrote messages in the sand to him and took tons of pictures. Surprisingly, I shed very few tears. It really was more of a celebration day.

Since then, I've just been super busy with work. It hasn't been too terribly bad though because after a few years under my belt with the school, I've finally got a semi-routine going for the start of the school year. I'm leading the 5th grade language arts team this year so I've been getting that organized in addition to my students and my class. And, I still have time to do some personal reading, go swimming with DD and spent the entire day yesterday with my mom and my sister. It's quite unusual for me to have "ME" time during August so it's really nice and very necessary. It's helped my sanity tremendously.

DD starts college courses Tuesday and then her final year of high school courses start the following week. Then, I will be back to being "bus driver" for her getting her to all of her various activities.

And, the good news is we've survived another summer with no income due to more creative financing. I'm so glad that I'm good at that! With my first check in September, I will start paying DD back the money she lent me for the last month. And, we are also going to begin saving so that we can take a road trip to visit different colleges she's interested in. We hope to be able to do that in November when I have a week off from school.

That's the latest....still working on that Survive August goal.

Bubblegum: So sorry to hear about your DM's illness. Hope the road ahead will be as smooth as possible for you. (((HUGS)))

Carol
Glad to hear your remembrance day was a celebration! Good for you.

Glad you are also finding ME time. It is important! Great on the money too, along with starting the year so smoothly.
Good going GONer!

~~~~~~~~~~~
Finished another scarf last night. Babysteps.

Bubblegum - More ((HUGS)) from me I know it is difficult sending prayers to you and your mum.

Carol - The remembrance day sounded lovely.

Well I have been busy pottering about. Sunday would of been nans birthday so after a visit to the cemetery my aunt put on an Olympic games barbecue (as it was the last day of the games, and to cheer us all up).

We had a mini Olympic games and I won gold for egg catching. The twist was my egg was raw so the last time I caught it and it slipped out of my hand it broke. Very messy! but great fun

Working hard on work-related items:
-updating references
-updating resume
-updating cover letter
-updating teaching portfolio

Well DD2 and family left today for their vacation. It was wonderful having them here. We had a great and relaxing time.

Have vacuumed and mopped the floors, did the laundry, and started gathering up items to take with me next week.

Tomorrow I will mark all my sales items for the garage sale at the store.

Have a Stampin Up demo tomorrow here. Good way to motivate me
to clean up after the kid's visit!

Update on list:

CRAFTS;
Embroidery/ongoing
Beading Ornaments/ongoing or jewelry/ Made 3 bracletsCrocheting /Sewing: Lap robes for Vets and Hospice/ Christmas items
Card making/ongoing
Knitting for christmas/ongoing 20-8 done = 12 to go

PERSONAL
Read a book
Luncheon
DD2 and family overDONE
Invite Niece over for dinner
DS1 housesit
Dentist /DONE
Haircut
Sort thru crafting items for garage sale/DONE
Drop off at store
Crocheting group/Weekly
Unfinished Project group/ twice a month
Special card making session here
Classes /2

HOUSE:
Pupa in garage DONE
Branches each week WORKING AS I CAN
ROTM: Basement/Baby steps continue DONE
Photo boxes/ Postponed until Winter
water plants

Quick Update:

Soccer cleats bought (first practice last night)
Pictures scheduled for September
Supply lists are going to the store with me at lunch
DS's birthday party invitations have been mailed

My pedometer's battery died right after my big hike on Monday so need to pick up a battery for that today. Curious to see how many miles I rack up walking out on the flats at the beach.

August Goals:
*WoO rehearsals
*WoO play
*birthday party
~ birthday gifts/cards
*make end of summer bucket list
*back to school shopping
*work on new routines
*clear desk of personal correspondence
*send out pictures

Bubblegum: ((HUGS))

@Dianaro I was at the fabric store last night and was hovering over the stamps. I gave 90% of mine to my friend's DD. I liked to do it but was not creative with my stamping/card making. I love the homemade cards I get from friends or see on websites. I hope the stampin up demo was fun.

It WAS Frugal. We made 8 stamps, two of four each, and one of the gals used one of hers already at the luncheon today.

I get into a "ZONE" when I work on cards, and think I am Junior Ms. Hallmark when I create! Need suggestions on creating but still fun.

All priced and packed to get rid of items. Opps need to count them for the toss thread!

Dropped off items, had 48 in all. Told them what doesn't sell to donate. I don't need them in the house.

Taking a few PUPAing days, along with ME days since my week away at DS1s was cancelled. Rare time.

Update on list:

CRAFTS;
Embroidery/ongoing /Finished another project
Beading Ornaments/ongoing or jewelry/ Made 3 braclets
Crocheting /Sewing: Lap robes for Vets and Hospice/ Christmas items/STILL TO DO
Card making classes (2)
Knitting for christmas/ongoing 20-11 done = 9 to go

PERSONAL
Read a book/DONE
Luncheon
DD2 and family over/DONE
Invite Niece over for dinner
DS1 housesit/CANCELLED
Dentist /DONE
Haircut
Sort thru crafting items for garage sale/DONE
Drop off at store/DONE
Crocheting group/Weekly/DOING
Unfinished Project group/ twice a month/DOING
Special card making session here/DONE and FUN

HOUSE:
Pupa in garage DONE
Branches each week WORKING AS I CAN
ROTM: Basement/Baby steps continue DONE
Photo boxes/ Postponed until Winter
Water plants/Doing as needed

Hi Dianaro,
I didn't know how to send a question on the EO and thought I'd come here. Maybe you can help me? I have a GOAL My house is sold (Thank you GOD) and I close on August 30th. I do have time after that date to move my family out. I turned to my EO and there is nothing in there for moving, but I have an old EO. Are there any forms for moving check lists added to the NEW EO? OR can anyone help me here? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Sunny

Will check this out for you Sunny and get back.
Congratulations on selling the house.

Sunny
Still awaiting word from Maria. Will get back to you as soon as I hear.

~~~~~~

oh thank you Dianaro I sure do appreciate it. Patiently waiting.....(and boxing up)

Sunny, can I suggest you check out this article by Maria.
http://www.getorganizednow.com/art-moving.html

Tinytina!
Thank you for getting Sunny started. I still haven't heard from Maria but I am sure that is what she would suggest.

Well here is my goals update for August

Family and Friends
*Make time each week to have one day where it is just DS, DH & me - we have had a lot of quality time this past few weeks and really had a lot of fun
*Keep the connections strong with visits and telephone calls with the rest of the family - this has been done too
*12th - would of been nans birthday. We are thinking of having an Olympics themed party as it is the last day and in order to distract granddad (and us) after our family visit to the cemetery. - Done and the party and games were a lot of fun
[s]20th -my beautiful nephews 1st birthday (where did that go?), and my beautiful cousins birthday, and my friend's sons birthday - arrange gifts and cards
22nd - My friend Ana's daughters birthday arrange card and gift
24th - My cousins who is in Japan birthday - card etc have already been sent, but I need to calculate the best time to catch her for a chat on her special day
31st - My aunts birthday and another cousins birthday (did I mention I have a huge family )arrange cards
[/s]

Home and Garden
*Keep up with branch work - done
*Finish side of the gardens raised bed area
*Finish painting that side fence
*Paint other side fence
*Replace back fence panels
*Fetch decking which has been given us and start building the base for it. - my granddad played a trick on me he actually bought the decking for me and had it delivered last Friday

Personal
*My diet and exercise are steadily improving, but seen as I am off school until Sept 4th I want to step it up and focus on this. Erm I feel like giving up some days are good some days not, but at least I have not gained weight.
*Enrol at college for next level of my teaching assistant course.

Karen:
I am glad to hear you are enjoying your time off. We all need that!

Update on list:

CRAFTS;
Embroidery/ongoing /Finished another two projects
Beading Ornaments/ongoing or jewelry/ Made 3 braclets
Crocheting /Sewing: Lap robes for Vets and Hospice/ Christmas items/STILL TO DO
Card making classes (2)DONE TODAY
Knitting for christmas/ongoing 20-12 done = 8 to go

PERSONAL
Read a book/DONE
Luncheon DONE
DD2 and family over/DONE
Invite Niece over for dinner
DS1 housesit/CANCELLED
Dentist /DONE
Haircut
Sort thru crafting items for garage sale/DONE
Drop off at store/DONE
Crocheting group/Weekly/DOING
Unfinished Project group/ twice a month/DOING
Special card making session here/DONE and FUN

HOUSE:
Pupa in garage DONE
Branches each week WORKING AS I CAN
ROTM: Basement/Baby steps continue DONE

How is everyone else doing?

I will have to re-evaluate and look at my goals list and check where I am at.

Have a funeral to attend this morning, will update the new month this afternoon when I return.

Hello all I know I have been gone for awhile, troubled times. We have a new family member. His name is Cadbury. A choclate brown English Cocker. I still find it hard to write or talk about Charlie. The tears will start to fall. I am posting here because I must be looking ahead. So I am thinking and planning our September now. Agood time to come back. Hi to any newbies. I am glad you found these lovely friends. Ann39

August endend (finally) hope September will be better for me.

Here's an update:

1. family: be there for DM who has stage 3 lung cancer, meet with extend family, be with DD as often as I can
We have kept in contact weekly, and was there for family get togethers a few times, saw my aunts too.
2. school: meetings, assignments and presentations
oh boy! so much work done, it's crazy!
3. health: continue with walking/running 3 times a week and with better eating
I continue with running/walking every 2-3 days, food could be better but almost no dessert other than yogourt and fruits.
4. home: DEAL with procrastinated to-do list
ha! okay so haven't worked on that one a whole lot...
5. self improvement: change my negative interior dialogue to a more positive and loving one
More hardship came my way and I'm slowly moving forward.

Ann, I am SO sorry about Charlie. ((((HUGS)))) But, how lovely to hear about Cadbury! I love the name!

August Goals Update:

Spiritual: Keep up with daily devotions and attend monthly prayer meeting - Daily devotions were kept up, but didn't attend the monthly prayer meeting due to scheduling conflict.

Environment: Finish up 3rd bedroom; maintain the rest of the house. - Need to continue with 3rd bedroom.

DD: Starts summer class; spend some fun time together - DONE

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


Friends: Schedule at least one lunch or dinner with a friend - DONE; dinner party with several friends


Community/Neighbors: Get together with one neighbor - Did so, but only very briefly

Health: Schedule medical and dental appts. for myself; monitor my weight; increase my exercise levels. Had 1 dr's appt. today; scheduled a follow-up appt. in 2 weeks; need to call and schedule a mammogram - Did the mammogram

Pets: Vet appt. - DONE

Career: Work on project - Continuing to do so

Finances: Continue with budget - Continuing to do so

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

Leisure: work on the patchwork quilt top I am making and knitting projects - Made some new patches and finished knitting the back of the sweater; started the front.


All in all, not too shabby.

Ann-I'm so sorry to hear about Charlie. I know he was a much loved family member. I am glad that you have Cadbury to bring you comfort. Take care & God bless.