Oh my, but Grandfriends’ Day with a second grader was uplifting! Such a positive environment making learning fun.
As a reminder, my motto for the year is Do the Hard Stuff - meaning things that are actually difficult or that I avoid or procrastinate on for some reason. Did I do that in January? Yes in some cases and I feel good about how the month went which is most important.
Let’s review my grades for my overly hopeful goals for the month.
Health & Self Care (goal: increase strength, lose weight, less stress)
F Dry January for an evening routine/habit change and weight loss as it will reduce my carb snacking too
F Try different baked pancake recipes to come up with healthier substitute for commercial frozen waffles (reduce cholesterol & increase calcium)
Room by Room project (goal: improve function and aesthetics with minimal spending)
B+ Focus on our office: deep clean, organize and declutter files and closet, finish computer transition and dispose of old computer, try to get rid of white ring on desk or get large desk mat.
- I still need to deep clean and dispose of the old computer. Decided against working on desk finish or getting a mat. We jumped ahead and upgraded the family room with a new TV and TV stand which also added more storage
Home improvement (goal: increase comfort, conserve energy, and improve safety as
A+ Learn about services offered by 2 companies doing home energy audits and book one. I’m especially interested in what they are able to fix based on the audit.
- The audit was completed and we are waiting for report
B Get the names of people who might be able to build and install our desired new stair rail that will be safer and to code. Talk to them.
- I still need to talk to them but have 2 names
A Replace the gifted houseplant that died 😊
- Yeah, it is still alive and growing
Family, Friends, Fun (goal: build connections and happiness)
B+ Start using my reading journal for more thoughtful reading while working on the 52 book club 2025 reading challenge
All F’s
Try a dim sum restaurant with Hubby and perhaps family
- he decided he didn’t want to do this
Invite 8 year old granddaughter for a first sleepover
- she is too busy with swim team, etc so a no, but we did go to Fairyland and to her school Grandfriends day plus took her to swim practice and more.
Try the library mystery book club or some other activity in my search for “my tribe”
- I’ve realized this is not going to be my thing lol
Moving on to a more realistic February
Health & Self Care (goal: increase strength, lose weight, less stress)
- Doctor appointments for physical and eye exam
- Continue building strength through Pilates
- Try for healthy afternoon snacks
- Each morning ask myself: How do I really feel today? What will I focus on? How can I be gentle with and helpful to myself and others today?
Room by Room project (goal: improve function and aesthetics with minimal spending)
- Finish office project by deep cleaning it and disposing of old computer responsibly after deleting files
- Focus on dining room project by deep cleaning, decluttering/maximizing space on storage part of hutch
- Limit spending on upgrades: Keep looking for good buys on just right art for office & bedroom and for placemats
Home improvement (goal: increase comfort, conserve energy, and improve safety as
- Get at least one bid for first phase of work based on energy audit suggestions
Family, Friends, Fun (goal: build connections and happiness)
- Start dealing with logistics for attending lovely niece’s June 1st (summer formal Palm Springs) wedding including dog sitter, plane tickets, gift, clothes for both wedding and dinner night before
- Go to local history talk at community center
- Family in town for a week - enjoy!
- 2 year old’s birthday party
- Lunch with friendly neighbor
- Mark pup’s 3rd birthday and Valentines Day in some way
Your goals and plans for February will keep you busy. I am sure that you will get passing grades in all areas.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Oh so ambitious! But I can relate to those goals. I am also a frozen waffle junkie, so I can give you some advice!
ReplyDeleteBuy a high protein complete mix. I like the one made by Aldi. I use that as a base, with milk and an egg (for more protein). Here is where you can get creative. If you are using a cup of pancake mix, add in a 1/2 cup of an alternative flour. I have a Vitamix and grind oats, chickpeas, brown rice, etc. I'll mix in a half cup of that flour plus a teaspoon of oil and a smidge of baking powder, and a splash of vanilla with a little cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix it with a fork. Let it sit for five minutes, then get them on the griddle!
I do also always add chopped nuts, fruit, etc. I actually prefer dried berries. When I make up a batch, I actually store it in a jar in the fridge, so I can pour out some batter every day (I make a bigger batch, obviously). I do also use some sourdough discard sometimes.
I love pancakes! Oh, and I am pissed about tariffs. I love real Canadian Maple Syrup!!!
That is a very healthy waffle recipe with lots of good additions. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteYour planning and organizational skills put me to shame.
ReplyDeleteAs does your ability to create and manage social interest groups!
DeleteI like your report card type rating system. Gives you a little more wiggle room than my system of a checkmark for completed, clock for in progress and a big RED X for not completed.
ReplyDeleteWill you try new recipes for waffles in February, too? You could make them heart-shaped for Valentine's Day and kill two birds with one waffle. Found this recipe that sounds interesting: https://hungryhobby.net/healthy-waffle-recipe/. Oats, banana, almond flavoring!!
We are still working on having our grands spend the night. Someone is always sick when we plan to get together. Maybe if not now, this summer. Hope you enjoy your 2-year-old grand's bday. So glad the Grandparents Day celebration was fun.
What kind of houseplant did you select? My Christmas cactus is making me so happy. It is just thriving. Hope I don't jinx it. We are looking at what to plant in our new raised garden outside. Today's high is going to be 81*!!
I am sorry the mystery reading group didn't pan out. Could you volunteer at the granddaughter's school? We do that some. We go for Wellness Wednesday and help with the Scholastic book fair. I am always delighted to see how many grandparents are actively involved in their grandchildren's education.
We are making great progress on the deep cleaning but have the toughest rooms yet to tackle. You are doing well, too. Doesn't it just feel so good to walk into a room that is really clean?
You always make such good progress on your goals though! Our granddaughter said she will sleep over this summer when we fill in for summer camp for a few days by having Nana & Papa camp. I got a very easy care plant - Philodendron Micas - as I wanted a trailing one.
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