March Goals

 I am trying to get back into posting at least semi regularly so will be making up some monthly goals

1. Get a vehicle (see previous post to understand why)-- completed on 3-21-24 Found a wonderful deal on a 2007 Chevy Trailblazer that has had the motor and transmission rebuilt. It is honestly the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. 

2. Get to doctor so I can get back started on Ozempic. I had lost 9lbs in 3 weeks but haven't had a way to dr or pharmacy so have been out the past 2 weeks. I have regained 3 lbs. -- Sort of completed I was able to schedule an appointment but its on April 1st. 

3. Get to foot doctor to pick up shoes they had custom made for me. 

4. Win 3 contests.-- completed 3-12-24

    A. won a $100 Amazon gift card and 2 signed books 

    B. won a $10 amazon gift card

    c. won a $25 amazon gift card

5. Dye my hair. I have a lot of gray showing and its been ages since I dyed my hair.

55 Books

 Here are the 55 new to me books I have read as part of my 55 goals at 55

1.  Courting the Rancher- Kit Morgan  historical romance liked it so much I read the whole series
2. Kissing the Sheriff- Kit Morgan
3. Charming the Widow- Kit Morgan
4. Wooing the Undertaker- Kit Morgan
5. Enchanting the InnKeeper- Kit Morgan  I feel there should be more in the series because there are other characters I want to see how they get married off and I want to solve the mystery of the Captains life and see Agnes get her come uppance. 
6. Blizzard -A Story of Dakota Territory Cindy Rinaman Marsch turns out was only a short story but I didn't really like it because I didn't like the spoiled wife in it. 
7. Long Black Stockings - Ethel Bensen Soper was a good book but mostly it was a collection of memories instead of a life story. 
8. The Ragged Orphan - Lindsey Hutchinson  I quite liked this book. I like books that the person is down on their luck but through hard work and a bit of luck they perserve. Wish I could find more books like this
9. The Runaway Children- Lindsey Hutchinson- I read this one because I liked the other one listed above. It was a good book but not as good as the first. 
10. Spirit of Deadwood - Sherry A Burton- Been waiting for this to come out. I have read the entire Jerry McNeal series. Love this book and can't wait for the next to come out. 
11. A Sister's Bond - Ivory Fields- was a good book but was broken down to 6 books, I am only counting it as one though because they were only a few pages each. I think each one took less than 30 minutes. I didn't time them though. 
12. Coming Home to Hideaway Bay- Michelle Brouder- it was ok but I don't enjoy books that jump back and forth between timelines. I think Grandma's life could have been a seperate book instead of going back and forth. 
13. As the Light Dies- David Saylor- Was an ok book but as usual in the post apoc fiction all the women are drop dead gorgeous and the men are in amazing shape and rich enough to buy millions in supplies. Would be nice if just once in a while it was a regular person putting a bit back day by day and trying to survive. Guess all us poor people are going to die off
14.  Haunting Stephanie- Heather Sage- Wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. Boring death and never explained the anxiety that the main character suffers from. The supposed connection was a weak plot line.
15. The Peddler's Widow- Faye Godwin- Was ok
16. The Scullery Maid's Salvation  - Emma Hardwick- was ok a bit predictable
17. Lady Helena Investigates -Jane Steen- This was a very good book. Wasn't your typical mystery. 
18. Beside Golden Irish Fields- Ava Miles- predictable but still a good read.
19. Pilfered Promises- M Louisa Locke- I love this series. I have read 8 of them so far and have enjoyed each one a lot
20. Trouble Has A Tail - Victoria L.K. Williams- this was a short read but quite cute. 
21. A Mother's Shame - Rosie Clarke- I liked some parts and some parts were annoying but overall it was an ok book
22. If the Creek Don't Rise - Leah Weiss- This was a really good book with quite a bit of unexpected story lines. I am hoping its the beginning of a series and there are more to come because there were a lot of threads for other stories started and not finished in this one. 
23. Silent Revenge - Landon, Laura- A regency romance and a very good one at that.
24. One Day With You- Shari Low- A lot of activity for one day. Good book
25. Flight Through the Darkness: Powerless: Book 1 - Leslie Grace- Really like this one but so far there is no book 2 YA Post Apocalyptic
26. Collapse: The Death of Friendship -Angela D. Shelton - was ok but not as good as the one above this one. YA Post Apocalyptic
27. Psychic Whispers- Arial Burnz
28. Two Lies someone Must Die- Kaylie Hunter - This was a good series, can't wait for book 6
29. Three Free don't Look For Me- Kaylie Hunter
30. Four Fears Behind the Mirror - Kaylie Hunter
31. Five More Lock Your Door - Kaylie Hunter
32. Familiar Spirits- Sara Christene
33. Death Walks a Dog- Tess Baytree
34. Hecks Valley- John Deacon - Part of a western series but got bored before book 5 so gave up on it. 
35. Heck's Gold- John Deacon
36. Premedicated Murder- Erica J Whelton
37. A Wallflower for the Marquess- Dorothy Sheldon
38. Murder and the Mortician - Marian McCarthy
39. Murder and the Ghost Hunter- Marian McCarthy
40. Wish Book- Laurel Veil - Haven't we all wished we could have a do over.
41. The Making of a Matchmaker- Tess Thompson - The next 4 are part of a series but I wish the series were longer. I want to know about the rest of the town. 
42. A Match for a Reluctant Bride- Tess Thompson
43. A Match for a Willful Bride- Tess Thompson
44. A Match for a Disgraced Bride - Tess Thompson
45. Independence: Collapse Book Three- Angela Shelton - Ok but didn't' seem that believable to me. 
46. The Trouble with Secrets- Jean Grainger
47. What Divides Us-Jean Grainger
48. More Harm Than Good- Jean Grainger
49. When Irish Eyes are Lying- Jean Grainger- I was loving this series until this book and I hated this one and now won't finish the rest. She ruined it for me with this one. 
    

55 Movies

 Since I am tracking the songs I figured I best track the movies also for my 55 goals for 55 .

1. Jerry and Marge Go Large- I liked this one quite a lot although I wish I had known about the lottery rolldown when it was going on LOL.  This movie came out last year but I didn't get a chance to watch. If you haven't seen it then I recommend it, its a good family type movie. 

2. Book Club - Had a lot of the older stars that I grew up with. Nice to see them in a movie again. Had some funny moments but I wouldn't watch with kids in the room. 

3. Alex and the List-  Had some funny moments but really wasn't my cup of tea. I would have dumped the girl and moved on. 

4. Christmas Karen- Was pretty funny as a take on A Christmas Carol. Ending seemed a little weak but there were a lot of laughs in it. 

5. Mrs Harris Goes to Paris- absolutely loved this movie. Just a heart warming show all the way around.

6. Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game- a bit more graphic than I expected a movie about old people to be. Seemed more like a geriatic porno than what the tagline made it out to be. Supposed to be some woman looking for her birth father so not sure why these 2 old geezers are running around having sex at random. Not a good movie

7. The Girl Who Believes in Miracles-  A faith based movie. This was a really good movie and so touching, but it will rip your heart right out of you.

8. The Hammer- Reba McEntire movie. I like everything she plays in. This was pretty good but not as funny as I expected it to me. I would have preferred her to be a bit more kick ass in it. I wish they would make it into a series. 

9. Moving On- Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin- had a number of funny parts but was had a serious theme to it. 

10. Mack & Rita- this was an ok movie but just a dumb premise. 

11. Black Adam- I haven't watched many of the marvel movies but did like this one but then again its the Rock, whats not to like.

12.  Wonder Woman 1984- my word this was a long long movie and just wasn't nearly as good as the original wonder woman. I was disappointed after all I had heard. 

13. Monk's Last Case- I love Monk and this was a good but I just wish that even one of his friends had noticed he was planning to kill himself.  I know that is a personal thing but he kept giving clues over and over and no one picked up on it.

My 55 New Songs

 I thought I would do a blog post about my 55 new to me songs that is part of my 55 goals for 55 post. Otherwise, I know at the end I won't remember a single one of the new songs. Obviously this will be an ongoing post

1. Thank God We Broke up -- Julie Cole  funny catchy tune
2. It's Ok- corook  a different song but I did like it
3. Lemon Tree-- Post Malone  it was a good song but not a favorite
4. Blessing Offer-- Brighter Offor  just not a song I liked
5. In Hell I'll be in Good Company- The Dead South- weird song no idea what its about but I liked it
6. Wish I didn't Miss You- Eminem and Miley Cyrus- this has to be one of my least favorite Eminem songs ever. Won't need to hear again
7. Mine- Kelly Clarkson- I liked this song.
8. Make You Mine -MaRynn Taylor- it was ok 
9. Sparkle - Harper Grace- it was ok, reminded me of Tanya Tucker
10. That Girl Don't Live Here Anymore- Courtney Hadwin- I liked her on Americas got Talent and still like her but she sure seems grown up now
11. Its Hard Out Here- Lily Allen it was a bit explicit for sure
12. I Need You-Ronn Moss-  omg I didn't know Ridge Forrester was singing. How did I not know. 
13. Left Behind- Plush- I am not a metal music fan but I did love the song itself. 
14. Blue Jeans and a Rosary- Kid Rock- loved it but then again I like most everything he sings. Don't know how I missed hearing this all these years. 
15. Pretty In The Dark - Ashley Sienna & Ellise - its different but I did like it. 
16. Last Train to Nowhere- Ghost Hounds - liked this one 
17. Whenever You Call- Con Brio- I liked this song, I went to listen because of something I read but I have no idea still what the person was talking about.
18. In Your Love- Tyler Childers- Song was ok 
19. Flowers Wilt- Senora May- I liked her voice but I just didn't understand the song, but that might have been my mind whirling around.
20. Relapse- Chase McDaniel- Accidently came across him thru Facebook reels so went to look him up. Hes so pretty and he sings well too. 
21. She- Jelly Roll-  I like about everything he sings
22. Rich Men North of Richmond- Oliver Anthony-- love this song
23. I wanna Go Home- Oliver Anthony- another good song
24. 
    

55 goals for 55

 

Yesterday was my 55th birthday so today I was thinking and thought I would come up with 55 things I want to achieve while I am 55. Apparently these days I am without dreams because this was way harder than any of the other goal lists I have made before. I spent hours coming up with these 55 things. 

1.  As usual I want to lose weight. I want to lose 100 lbs by the time I am 56.(7/100)
2. I want to get both my knees replaced
3. I want to get a vehicle. (currently driving my daughter's)
4. I want to go for a walk in the woods (can't do until I have new knees)
5. Grow a garden and be able to save my own seeds from it
6. make my own soap
7. learn to crochet
8. try 55 new recipes
9. go for 55 hikes
10. start composting
11. replace the light in my bedroom
12. win 55 contests(31/55)
13. go fishing
14. explore 55 new places in West Virginia
15. complete 55 craft ideas
16. start writing a book
17. read 55 new to me books (49/55)
18. complete a 55 photo challenge
19. listen to 55 new to me songs (19/55)
20. watch 55 new to me movies (7/55)
21. take a class at the votech
22. write 55 blog posts ( I tend to forget to blog after a while and sometimes skip a year or 2)(34/55)
23. help raise $555 for the animal shelter
24. identify and photo 55 birds (6/55) so far I have gotten a house finch, cardinal, blue jay, robin, crow and a hummingbird
25. go to a local race track
26. attend a murder mystery event
27. watch a meteor shower
28. have 55 game nights (2/55)
29. take my picture with 55 people (1/55)
30. 55 random acts of kindness(7/55)
31. get my hair streaked
32. lower my A1C to less than 5.4%
33. Create a photo wall for my living room
34. make a quilt
35. Stay at the Greenbrier
36. compliment 55 people (12/55)
37. go to a book signing
38. 5 self care days
39. go on 5 picnics
40. Unplug completely for 5 days
41. Perfect a 5 minute daily face routine
42. go to Renaissance Fair
43. Go to at least one Friday in the park this summer
44. decorate my bedroom
45. actually put up decorations for Christmas
46. make cookie candy platters to give to friends for Christmas
47. Go on a date
48. save $555- basically $21 a pay day
49. make a will
50. set up a desk area
51. watch all the Star Wars movies. I think I have only seen 1 of the newer ones
52. visit an escape room
53. go to a play
54. make a list of 55 things I like about myself
55. can 55 jars of food

Update on Goals

1.  Well I have been on the low carb diet for about 6 days now. I can feel a real difference in the pain in my body with the exception of my knees. But since they need replaced I guess there isn't a lot that the diet can do for that pain. Hopefully though the diet will help me lose weight so I can get replacement surgery. 

2. I bought some herb seeds to start indoors so that will be for my garden and more natural lifestyle so 2 goals in one :)

3. We bought a 72 4 people emergency food bucket at Wal-Mart so that went into our preps. Also got a big pack of AA batteries that were on clearance at Lowes so put them up also. 

That's all that I have managed toward my goals so far this year.  I will close out with a picture of Tinkerbell,  one of my dogs being all snazzy in her jean jacket.

Goals for 2021

  

GOALS FOR 2021

1.  Less Pain and better health- I am in constant pain daily. I have tried every herbal recommendation you can think of. Turmeric, kradom, moringa etc Nothing has worked. I need both knees replaced and maybe surgery for carpal tunnel in my wrists. I want to work on my health as a whole for 2021. I need to lose weigh so I can have knee replacement done. 
2. More Natural Lifestyle- I want to start living a lifestyle closer to my dream. I have always wanted to homestead and make my own salves, vinegars etc. This year I am going to start even if its small. I did at least finally start making some vanilla
3. Garden and preserve food- I want to try some container gardening using heirloom seeds and I would like to preserve what I grow somehow. I do have a dehydrator now so I can at least dry food if I am not able to can it. 
4. Have a better home- I want to live in a place that is a better home even if it means fixing up this dump. I would much prefer to live in a different place with a little bit of land if possible but in the mean time I am going to work on making this life not so difficult
5. Get a decent vehicle. Currently I have no vehicle, The transmission went out in my Toyota Rav and we are borrowing my ex's durango. Mandi needs to get the blazer she inherited from Dad legal and on the road. 
6. Start recording Youtube videos for my channel and being part of that community. I love watching other peoples videos and would like to get more involved with followers.
7. Try out more recipes. For years I have collected recipes and yet most of them go untried. I want to start cooking more and experimenting with flavors to be more the person I see as my self. I want to be the homey type who cooks her own foods etc. I have 2 instant cookers and have never tried either of them out. 
8. Be more generous. I want to share more with others. Give gifts to brighten their lives. 
9. Get more prepared. I have always been sort of a preppie person but this year has really showed me that I need to be more prepared for disasters.  

Today was rainy and mid 40s weather-wise.

101 in 1001

A few years ago, it was all the rage for everyone to a have a 101 in 1001 list (2.75 years). I really enjoyed creating one and using it as a goal marker. I actually managed to complete a number of them but not all. Life was so erratic and I just couldn't keep up. I decided I would make another one since I enjoyed the first so much. Figure out your time here

Start Date is Friday, September 6th 2014

End Date is Saturday, June 3rd 2017
Green means its a work in progress
Red means it is completed

Personal

1.  Read all books from the BBC’s Top 100 Book List
2. Start dating again
3. Try writing a book
4. Have my hair streaked
5. Write out my will
6. Publish an e-book.
7. Get a concealed weapons permit and buy a gun
8. Watch 10 classic movies I’ve never seen 
9. Prepare an emergency kit
10. Volunteer in some charity form that I believe in (probably habitat for humanity or a woman’s shelter or both preferably)
11. Keep my car clean enough for one month that I could carry three other people in it without rearranging anything
12. Update my lifetime goals 
13. Complete at least 10 things from the list

Financial

1.  Work on stocking up.(Kroger had some awesome deals and I started a food stock pile at least. Got a years worth of a lot of items)
2. Save $1001
3. Get a better paying job
4. Get another car (bought a Dodge Grand Caravan November 12, 2014)
5. Move to a better home
6. Set up a coupon binder and use it (completed February 7th 2015)
7. Have an Avon booth at an event  no longer selling Avon so will have to replace. 
8. Keep a change jar and when its full put it in my savings account
9. Pay off the hospital
10. improve my credit score by at least 50-100 points
11. Go one month with buying nothing but gas and perishables such as milk
12. Get a storage shed so I can stop paying $35 a month for my unit

Health

1. Lose 101 lbs  (10/101)
2. Participate in a color run
3. Walk for cancer fundraiser
4. Go mountain climbing
5. Try a zumba class
6. Work out 3 days a week for a month
7. Get a massage
8. Get my triglycerides down
9. Get my iron levels up
10. Complete the 90 miles in 90 days challenge. #mileaday 
11. Drink 2 bottles of water a day for 30 days 
12.  Go to bed at 10:30 and get up at 7am every day for a week. I need better sleeping habits.
13. No fast food for a month

 Just for Fun 

1. Win 101 giveaways (60/101)
2. 101 outings
3. Take vacation to Pigeon Forge TN
4. Vacation at Williamburg VA
5. Take a photo a day for 101 days
6. Go ziplining 
7. Have my picture taken with someone famous
8. Watch a meteorite shower with someone I love
9. Go whitewater rafting
10. Go on a weekend murder mystery trip
11. Get an E-reader of some kind.  (got a Kindle Fire on December 1 2014)
12.  Go camping
13. Go paddle-boarding

Christianity

1. Memorize 101 Bible verses
2. Read 101 Bible chapters (101/101) Completed February 7th 2015
3. Attend 101 Church services (1/101)
4. Find a church where I feel that I fit in
5. Fulfill a child's Christmas list (from a family that is having a hard time)
6. Find a scripture specific for each grandchild and pray it for them daily.
7. Complete a Bible study
8. Witness to 30 people about salvation
9. Complete the Romans challenge
10. Go on a mission trip (doesn't have to be international)
11. Study Proverbs 31 and work on being that type of woman
12.  Go to a women's conference

 Blogging

1. Write 101 blog posts (49/101)
2. Write 101 reviews on the blog (27/101)
3. Attend a blogging conference
4. Have a giveaway event for my 10 yr blogiversary
5. Blog about my accomplishments for this list
6. Participate in a blog hop (not a group giveaway)
7. Get a Facebook page for my blog
8. Figure out how to make money from blogging
9. Make a new 101 in 1001 days list when this list completed
10.  Blog for 30 consecutive days
11. Get a personalized blog banner and button for my blog
12. Host 10 giveaways on my blog (4/10)

 Homemaking

1. Make 101 Pinterest Recipes
2. Make 101 Pinterest Crafts
3. Plant a vegetable garden
4. Create a menu plan and follow it for 2 weeks
5. Make a friendship cake
6. Create a photo wall for my living room
7. Learn cake decorating
8. Have a mini celebration every month for a year
9. Get back into the Flylady routine
10. Make a quilt
11. Make a Christmas present for everyone on my list
12. pick 5 different countries and spend a month learning about them and top it off with a dinner composed of native foods
13. Back up all my important computer files and pictures

Family and Friends

1. Have a family photo done 
2. Have a barbeque for family and friends
3. Go to the family reunion
4.  Send at least 10 surprise packages to friends or family "just because."
5. Keep one grandchild each weekend for a month.
6. Make 10 new friends
7. Send snail mail birthday cards to 10 family members
8. Get Mandi eye glasses  (12/23)
9. Get Mandi driver's license.
10. Finally make a trip to Alabama to visit family there
11. Take the grandbabies on a day trip somewhere
12.  Call Dad and Lisa at least once a month for 3 months
13. Get back to working on my family tree and start keeping a record of each family

 

Mini Goals for January

Well yesterday, I posted about my big plans for this year so now I am going to do a mini monthly goal setting post.

1. On the weight loss front I want to
    A. Exercise 2x a week for 20 minutes each time. - considering I am starting from scratching and have been so sick, I didn't want to make it more
    B. Lose 10 lbs- that works out to about a third of a lb a day. But I figure when you first start you end up losing water weight.

2. Get closer to God-
    A. Attend Church every Sunday- I am trying to find a new church I like and feel like is the place God wants me to be so it might be a different church each week.
   B. Memorize 2 new verses this month.

3. Increase income -
    A. I am going to read the want ads daily to see whats available.

4. Fix up the trailer-
    A. Fix up the bathroom. We just replaced the floor so now we need to put down tile and while I am at it I may as well redo the whole room.

5. Date-
    A. I have no clue where to really start with this one, so I am going to say wear make up every time I leave the house. I feel better about myself when I am wearing some make up.
    B. Talk to more people. - I am very shy around new people and so I sometimes come off as snobbish when really I just don't know what to say. I am going to work on being more friendly and talking to more people (men and women). 

ANY TIPS FOR REACHING ANY OF MY GOALS?

Happy New Years

I just love when a new year rolls around. It is just full of such promise and hope. I am one of those people who makes resolutions or as I call them goals. We write out our goals and pack them away with our Christmas decorations so we can read them when we decorate at the end of the year to see how well we did.  Here are my goals for the new year.

Goals for 2014

1. Lose weight- sad to say this is always on my list. Obviously I have yet to achieve this one. But I am believing 2014 will be the year.  I want to lose 100 lbs this year.

 

2. Grow closer to God- its always my goal for each day to become more Christ-like. I want to spend some time working on this one.

 

3. Increase my income- I love my job but I only work 20 hours a week. That just isn't enough money so I am going to try to improve on this. Maybe another part time job since I like my job so much.

 

4. Fix up the trailer or find something better- Honestly the trailer is in such bad shape that I would prefer to find something else and just move. It feels like for everything we do that 5 more things crop up.

 

5. Date- I still am not sure where I am at emotionally but I am tired of staying home and being alone so I need to work on this one.

 

 

 

There you have it folks, the 5 goals for this year. I am hoping to work on each one monthly.   I plan to do a post at the beginning of each month with mini goals related to these goals and each month I will comment on how the previous month went. 

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

Happy New Years everyone. I pray that God richly blesses you this year and you allow Him to guide your steps. I am glad that 2013 is here even though a small part of me is sad. This will be the first year that my brother isn't in and I hate that part of it. I think God has wonderful things in store for me this year so I am just holding onto that promise.

Well its time for the first chat of the year.

1. Do you make New Years resolutions?

I always have and probably always will. One of our traditions is to write them out and put a copy in with the Christmas decorations as we box them up on New Year's Day so that we can look over them again when we take the decorations out at the end of the year.  I even blogged my resolutions already for the year.


2. What do you hope to accomplish this year?

I am hoping to get the trailer mostly remodeled, lose weight naturally and live each day as happy as possible.

3. Tell me about your favorite place to think, create, or just relax.

Any place that is near water. I love to go alongside a stream or a lake. Even as a child, if I was upset I would run to the creek. Something about water has always soothed me . This is one of our local rivers. I really love waterfalls. 

4. Are you a fan of old movies? (Like the ones that were originally black and white.)

I love some of the classics such as Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. I like a few of the Hitchcock movies also. And of course Its a Wonderful Life. Oh and I love love love all the old Shirley Temple movies, I also love Sonja Henie movies. I used to watch them when I was a child but you never see them on TV anymore. Apparently I am a bigger fan than I thought because when I first saw the question I didn't think I was.

 5. Tell me something that made you happy since our last porch visit. If you're new to the chats, tell me something good that has happened to you lately.
The fact that its a new year has thrilled me to no end. I can't wait to see the promise of this year fulfilled. I also found a board on Pinterest that is full of country wedding ideas and shared it with a friend who is wanting a country wedding. It made her so happy and its always a good feeling to bring happiness to someone else.

12 in 12- Starting the Year with Good Intentions

There are so many goal oriented posts out there but this one seemed more manageable for me. I am going to pick 12 big goals and plan to achieve them in 12 months. I am doing this on December 31st because for years we always wrote out our New Year's resolutions and would pack them in with the Christmas decorations so that come December we would see how we had done. This way I can check them more often. Hereafter I will be posting about these on the first day of each month.

 1. Lose 96 Pounds Heaven knows I need to lose more than this but its only 8lbs a month and lets face it I haven't lost any pounds in months so I would honestly be thrilled to death to lose 96lbs.

 2. Remodel the Trailer I bought this trailer and it needed a ton of work. Truthfully it was in way worse shape than I even imagined but its mine and its a place to live. I didn't do nearly as much to it last year as I should have done so 2013 is going to be the year I get it at least liveable.

3. Start Dating again since I feel that 2013 is the year that God is going to send me a mate in then it goes to reason I need to date :).

4. Photo A day I love taking pictures but anymore I am so boring that I have not much to take pictures of. I want to get back into taking pictures and I am going to make a post once a week with that weeks pictures.

5. Blog More Often there have been weeks go by and I don't blog anything. I need to do more so I can say more :). Toward that end, I am going to post once a month on the goals.

 6. Coupon More I love couponing and always have. I love to get a deal and I have gotten some awesome deals over the years but not nearly as many as I could have.I need to get organized and save more money.

7. Save more Sadly I think I currently have $9 in savings. I am going to start to refund more and put all of that in a savings account. I have a lot I need to spend money for such as fixing up this place but I want to manage to get some money in savings.

8.Take a trip Last year the only real trip we took was a weekend trip to Wheeling. We had a ton of fun and loved it so much. I want to take a real vacation and go somewhere fun this year too. I would love to be able to go to Dollywood but maybe to Texas to see the grandbabies if I can get the car in decent shape.

 9. Read the Bible more This should have been first. I think growing in grace and knowledge is more important that anything but I haven't been doing a good job of it. I haven't read the Bible as I should have. I haven't done bible studies. I honestly want to grow closer to God and know that His word is one of those ways I need to do this.

 10. Be More Social I have become way more isolated in the past year. I want to get out and do more this year. I want to visit friends and family. I want to go to parties. If I can get the trailer in decent shape so I am not ashamed I will have people over more.

 11. Do more Pinterst I have pinned tons of interesting pins on crafts, cooking and just lots of other fun ideas. I want to start doing more of these pins. At this point even doing one pin a month would be an improvement.

12. TBA Can't think of one currently but will add it as soon as I think of it. :).

45 by 45

Some of you may remember my 101 in 1001 blog posting. My life has done a 180 since than and I keep meaning to do a new one to reflect my different life direction but haven't managed it yet. I love the idea of setting goals though. I am always doing new year resolution and such. While I was blog surfing today I saw someone who sets new goals for each of their birthdays. I am about 3 months late but going to set some anyway. This was insanely hard, part of the reason being that I really only have 9 months to get all this done by. Much easier to make a list when you are younger because its less stuff to do haha.  Here are my 45 goals by age 45.

1. Get the trailer rewired. 
2. New siding on the trailer
3. Get a generator.
4. Lose 90 lbs. I need to lose more than that but thats 10 lbs a month so surely I can get that done.
5. Reduce my triglycerides down to normal.
6. Exercise 4x a week.
7. Get the grandbabies for a vacation.
8. Start a treatment regime for my RA.
9. Start dating again.
10. Get a job that I enjoy.
11. Get my car fixed.
12. Go camping
13. Get my student loans in hand.
14. Get Mandi some glasses and driver's license.
15. Get WV tags on the car.
16. Go to Busch Garden's, Williamsburg.
17. Write a magazine article.
18. Get started writing a book.
19. Go to Bridge Day
20. Stay at the Greenbrier.
21. Ride a sternwheel boat. 
22. Go to Blennerhasset Island.
23. Go to the State Fair.
24. Put blonde streaks in my hair.
25. Think ONLY positive thoughts and say positive things for 3 days straight
26. Work out three times in one week  
27. Work out 3x/week for 4 consecutive weeks 
28. Reconnect with an old friend I've lost touch with  
29.  Go fishing
30. Get a massage
31. Get a storage shed 
32. Purge the house of all junk and put in storage (see #31)
33. Go out with a different friend 4x
34. Go gluten free for 30 days
35. Get an oven put in again. I miss cooking.
36. Plant some bulbs around the trailer so they show up in the spring.
37. Repot Ethel and split her into new plants
38. Organize my couponing
39. Start a real savings account
40. 12 crafty gifts made for Christmas presents
41.  Make a 2 week menu plan and stick with it. 
42. 30 days of pictures
43. Start project 365. I have wanted to do this for ages and ages.
44. Go swimming. I love to swim and its been so long I don't even remember the last time I swam. 
45. Make a new list by my next birthday. :)

101 in 1001

I started reading about this on a few pagan blogs so went to read about it myself. I thought it was intriguing so gave it a shot. It took 3 days to come up with 101 tasks

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
Go here for more information. http://www.triplux.com/1001/otherlists.asp

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

http://www.7is7.com/otto/countdclock.html get a countdown clock here if you want.
http://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadd.html go here to figure out when 1001 days will end. In my case its on Wednesday, December 23, 2009
green is in progress
red is completed

travel and tourism
1. Go to the Renaissance Fair!
2. dress the part for the festival
3. Take a one tank of gas road trip with no preplanning. Fill up the car, pick a direction and drive.
4. visit 2 different states that I haven’t been to before.
5. get a passport
6. go to the asheboro zoo (completed 10-28-07)
7. see a warthogs game in person
8. go the the science museum in winston (completed 8-10-07)
9. visit old salem
10. go on a picnic (went on 2 actually in May 08)
11. go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg again
12. go to beach
13. go on a weekend murder mystery trip

family
14. get mandi moved into a place of her own
15. attend family reunion and enjoy myself
15. buy a headstone for my grandmother’s grave
17. Get engaged and/or married (and/or some kind of permanent relationship). ( not real sure about engaged or married, more likely some kind of permanent relationship)
18. have sex every day for 30 days (hasn’t ever happened in almost 39 years but a girl can dream :)
19. meet my half brother Donald. Actually he doesn’t have any interest in knowing anything about this side of the family but it would still be nice to know what he was like.

health and fitness
20. lose 100 lbs -not only hasn't this happened. I have actually gained :(
21. perform in a charity race
22. use pilates dvd 2 x a week for 6 months straight
23. get a mammogram
24. Take a belly dancing class
25. prepare first aid kits for house and cars
26. Get a massage
27. Eat vegetarian for a month
28. get a tattoo

hobbies
29. plant an herb garden
30. Learn to speak Spanish with some level of fluency
31. project 365- read about it here http://www.photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/
32. learn 5 constellations by site not counting either dipper http://www.wikisky.org/
33. Learn to sew.
34. learn to decorate cakes
35. Buy a Rubrik’s Cube and finish it.
36. Join a reading group
37. put up a bird feeder and keep it supplied
38. get a bread machine and use it
39. Take a photo and submit it into a contest
40. Take pictures of as many of my 101 in 1001 as possible
41. Catalog all my books
42. Learn to play Texas Hold ‘Em - I bought a strategy guide yesterday- actually learned how to play on Pogo

personal and spiritual growth
43. Take an auto repair class
44. meditate every day for 1 month
45. Ask someone on a date
46. Get an altar set up in my home
47. learn to read tarot cards and use them daily
48. Do not interrupt anyone for two months (I talk a lot more than I listen)
49. Register as an organ donor
50. volunteer in some charity form that I believe in (probably habitat for humanity or a woman’s shelter or both preferably)
51. Participate in and complete a 26 Things project. http://sh1ft.org/26things/
52. Attend six movies by myself
53. write 10 letters to people who have made a positive difference in my life thanking them.
54. Do something spectacular for my 40th birthday!!! well not gonna happen since its already past.
55. Celebrate the turning of the wheel for a full year
56. Learn how to Tie a Tie. http://www.tie-a-tie.net/
57. Compliment at least three people a week for 3 months
58. Go a month without saying anything negative to anyone else.
59. get at least halfway through jaco university
60. pick 5 different countries and spend a month learning about them and top it off with a dinner composed of native foods
61. Do at least one RAOK per month
62. Research 2008 presidential candidates thoroughly and vote accordingly
63. join the bone marrow registry http://www.marrow.org/
64. Double the size of my social circle (of course 2 x 0 is still 0)
65. let go of all the old memories and pain of former loves (may need amnesia to accomplish this one)

entertainment
66. earn every weekly challenge badge in pogo for 2007 (completed 12/27/08)
67. read 50 books from here http://www.randomhouse.com/modernlibrary/100bestnovels.html that I haven’t already read (25 from the boards list and 25 from the readers list)
68. watch 25 movies from here http://us.imdb.com/chart/top that I haven’t already seen - went to Netflix and put the 25 movies in the top of my queue so they will be sent.
69. get an ipod
70. read 15 assorted books from here http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.htm
70. go to see Black Label Society perform live

home and work
71. Get promoted or get a new job
72. clean my house from top to bottom once a month every month
73. fix one new recipe a week for at least 20 weeks
74. Purge clothes closet - Donate to charity anything that doesn’t make you feel great when you wear it
75. Buy a house.
76. Get credit score
77. Improve my credit score- started deleting incorrect information
78. Do a monthly “27 Fling Boogie” for every room for at least 12 months straight

misc.
79. Keep my car clean enough for one month that I could carry three other people in it without rearranging anything
80. Save 1000 dollars in a savings account
81. Blog for 30 consecutive days (completed 4-30-07 on wordpress blog.)
82. redesign my blog- (1st one done 4-1-07)
83. Sell something on Ebay
84. start to recycle
85. get glamour shots done
86. Go one month with buying nothing but gas and perishables such as milk
87. complete at least 10 things from my lifetime goals list
88. own 3 complete dress up outfits with appropriate shoes
89. get computer fixed and install a cd burner again (bought a new computer)
90. back up all data files on cd
91. either get another car with a cd player or install one in my current car
92. Learn to fire a gun.
93. Learn to drive a car with manual transmission.
94. Complete a state quarter collection
95. Contact/talk to a friend I have not talked to for at least two years. Found one on myspace and called her
96. get a cell phone
97. get a vanity plate for car
98. start writing a book
99. Meet someone famous
100. go to a book signing
101. Make a new 101 in 1001 days list when this list completed

Completed:11

In Progress: 3
Still to Start On: 88