Blog 365 ~ 6 Month ''Accomplishments'' Review

 IF you've been reading for a while OR have just started, and since I haven't done a re-cap for Oh I don't know in forever, let's do one today. This LAST day of JUNE!! O.M.G...where has the year gone?? Read my January 1, 2023 post HERE --> Word for 2023

👇That's right, my 2023 Word for 2023 is...👇

''Unstoppable''

un•stop•pa•ble: 

 impossible to stop; persevering; unbeatable; determined; with intensity or strength; firmly fixed; balanced; not faltering; steady; resolute; incessant [do you think this is me?]

So Far So GOOD!!

With all the hardships in our lifetime, how we face those obstacles is up to us.

It's not our struggles that define us, but how we overcome them.

So Far So GOOD!!

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'Accomplishments'... so far.

1. Healthy Physical Lifestyle

--> Training plan 5K/10K/Half

** the plan got side tracked in more ways than one [friend MJ], coulda-woulda-should've done some things very differently, but I didn't and that's OK. The #streakingwiththeCOOLKIDS mile-a-day June challenge jump started me and training plan for future race events..I've decided I am going to make Flying Pig 3-way Challenge [maybe w/xtra Cheese], She Power 5K, MidSummer Night Run 5K, annual events. In 2024 I might enter my 1st 12K at Iron Horse. 

--> Renewed Better Nutrition

** somewhat better, but needs improvement, I haven't lost any weight per'sae, but haven't gained any either

--> Strength-Mobility plan

** again side tracked. I've resumed Silver Sneakers & will begin a 'Standing AB Challenge' July 1st

--> Earlier bedtimes

** yes & no...though since coming home from Asheville/Indy vaca I've been going to bed earlier but will read for a bit so '' Y''??

2. Healthy Spiritual Lifestyle

--> Begin & End each day with Prayer/Devotion

** beginning ABSOLUTELY! END--not so much. This will be changing in the near future as I've changed churches and looking at Women's Bible Study group at new Church

--> Continue/Expand Bible Studies

** continued Yes...see above Women's Bible group

3. Healthy Emotional Lifestyle

--> Family Connection

[schedule family dinners/celebrations]

** only 'two' family dinner's so far, which is more than what I had in first 6 months of last year . I have re-connected more with the oldest G'kid. Her sister on the other hand has decided not to be a part of ''this'' family. Her BF's family has $$.... I refuse to buy affection

4. Healthy Mental Lifestyle

--> Connect with Friends/Send Cards

** I have an amazing 'R'-Jong Tribe of women that meets weekly, Casey County Explorer's hiking group, and lot's of new opportunities at my new church--at this point I haven't sent cards but hey, there's still 6 more months to go Am'I Right😉

--> Be outside more/Hike/Pictures

** trying my best, the G'Kid and I have a list of destinations we want to explore, one trip to Biltmore this year & 2 trips already booked

--> Clubs/Community Involvement

** success!! I'm almost TOO involved, LOL...but I've been honored to be asked to join several clubs locally and have a 'dual' Danville Chamber Business Membership, I've talked some about Apex Promoz and will be more involved with them as well as returning to the Run the Bluegrass board

5. Healthy Financial Lifestyle

--> Cut Unnecessary spending

** I took myself off of 5-6 groups, cancelled my PP [it was so easy to click that method]

** July starts ''No Un-Necessary Spending'' Challenge

--> Pay off credit cards [I don't have an

outrageous amount owed, but will pay off]

** I did in fact pay off CC..guess what happens?? You score goes down🙎I called to see why and was told there wasn't going to be any history for future references...I was not amused [so stupid] ! By calling them to inquire they 'gave' me a12 point increase. I do currently have a balance [nothing outrageous] and have payments set up.

--> 2000$ Christmas Savings

** DONE!

--> 2000$ Emergency Fund Savings

** DONE!

--> Continue Cash Envelope/Sinking Funds

** changes made See Below **

*car maintenance 100$ [upped amt to 150$ may need new battery for winter]

car serviced before vaca balance of 25$/125$ to go

*hair 400$ [upped amt to 500$ due to new hair dresser]

balance of 133$/367$ to go

*vet/pet care 350$

balance of 180$/170$ to go

*lawn care/improvements 800$ [2024 item, upped to 1000$-new brick??]

balance of 411$/589$ to go

*Gal Pal/Hiking trips 4000$ [trips added, upped to 4400$ I have 3 booked in 2024,

may need to re-evaluate again due to G'Kid trips]

balance 1810$/2590$ to go

*Promotional materials 1500$

balance 360$/1140$ to go

If not for the Credit Score thing I believe I would have been much further along with Sinking Funds, looking ahead for the 'What If's' and Just in Case scenario I feel is important for me. As an older Woman you never know what may come up should I become widowed....it sounds morbid I know. 

There's the Update....I'm going to say Yes, I'm pleased with everything thus far. 

**********

Now onto other stuff...

Today ends the #streakingwiththeCOOLKIDS Challenge...[at least a Mile-a-Day]

The challenge is just what I needed to 'jump start' me into getting back to walk/run activities on a more regular basis. With race events coming up and the fact I've already signed up for 2024 Flying Pig, I'll be continuing on with this, making a training plan. I'll begin adding more running than walking [hopefully] and as much as my RA will allow. Goal for now is to do minimum of 8 miles a week for July. I also have a Standing AB Challenge starting tomorrow....

using this to help increase upper body strength. Silver Sneakers will continue on Monday & Wednesdays. 

**********

July's

Budget is getting tightened

Sinking funds are updated,

And no un-necessary spending days [goal of 23] 

is in the process of being finalized... Hefty Goals for this month and the rest of the year!

**********

Recent storms have caused lots of area issues....luckily for me I thought to put this old outside umbrella as a 'make shift' wind shield for all my plants babies...

Torn and a bit tattered....but did the trick of keeping the wind from knocking them over....AND it keeps the sun from beating down on them.

The trick this Fall/Winter is where am I going to put all of them???

What goals do you have??

Are you training for anything??

Do you do Budget/Sinking Funds??

Blog 365 ~ End of Month coming!!

CrAzY how fast this year has flown by...

Plans were changed since the G'Kid isn't feeling well today...

Early morning park walk, but the Sun "should" be shining. Instead it's hiding behind residual Canadian smoke that made it's way to Kentucky...

#streakingwiththeCOOLKIDS challenge ends tomorrow....have no fear, I have a different challenge starting July 1st and I plan to continue with my walk/run training.  Midsummer Nights 5k coming up in August.

 

Blog 365 ~ Wonderful Wednesday

 Another early morning that I'm actually starting to enjoy [Say Whaaat!!] I've been trying to go to bed earlier so rising a bit early has helped with my attempt in getting things caught up...but do we really??

Any who, I made breakfast for us this morning and hit the pavement to get my #streakingwiththeCOOLKIDS mile in...

another 1.4 in the healthy step bank account..

The 'streetscape' construction seems to have gone on f.o.r.e.v.e.r... 'They' [whoever They are] say it'll be done soon. 🤔Umm, does 'soon' have a date??

Home long enough to get the trees trimmed before heading to Silver Sneaker class. I didn't take a pic while there due to there's a new summer instructor on Wednesday's and wasn't sure how she would react, and the fact I leave class early to head to Bible Study.

This is one area that I get upset with myself if I'm late...

It's not much, but adding a little bit of swag promo/advertising for the upcoming Twilight Run July 4th... I've started a sinking fund category for promotional items.

My friend Evelyn had her 'Open House' yesterday to celebrate her new partnership with a new brokerage firm.

[sometimes I think people show up just for the food] But, she did have a great turn out and I'm incredibly proud of her accomplishments. And she's setting up not only her future, but her children's as well.

I continue to support locally as much as I can, so being a part Danville Chamber has solidified me in the community. I represent A Runners Mom and More & Apex Promoz so dual membership has been beneficial for both of us. 

Enjoying God's creatures, even though they seem to be eating a lot lately

And of course Elle'Phanti is sprouting up nicely,

**********

Tomorrow's new day will be filled with G'Kid activities, hopefully I'll remember😉 to take photos.

 

Blog 365 ~ Happy Homemaker Monday--Tuesday edition

 So Far Away, But Oh so Close??? Not !! Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda done some blogging via my phone during vacation week, but I didn't. So I'm behind in posting for Blog 365, I'll be doing catch ups posts this week...

I'm linking up with Sandra [I hope] for Happy Homemaker Monday

** The Weather **

** As I look outside my window **

It's still a muggy/humid/sunny day out. Squirrels & Birds are happily eating till their hearts content. We have a 'stray' gray tuxedo cat hanging out more and more on the back porch. As long as he leaves by Whitey boy alone, I'll keep putting food out for him.

 ** Right now I am **

Trying my best to get this post up and catch up on more 😲 emails, even with vacation mode on there are a lot to go through.

** Thinking and pondering **

How I'm truly beyond blessed. I know I've said it before.

** What I'm reading **

The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda [personnal reading]

Devotional [spiritual reading]

😒Atomic Habits still on the list😒, I will say though, most of everything so far [I'm 2/3 into the book] I'm already doing. So I don't feel to bad about not having it finished yet.

** TV Shows this week **

We started recording [of course] 1883 on Paramount channel. We still have several shows we need to watch  before the new season[s] starts up again...

Bravo of course is still my guilty pleasure.

** Menu Plan **

I have a 18 meal/menu list so lot's of items will carry over next week and in no particular order, meals determined by daily schedule...

Frozen Pkg Meal, Veggie Egg Rolls w/salad, Loaded Baked Potato, Shrimp Alfredo, Gilled Chicken Breast--making extra for Grilled Chicken Salads, Pizza, Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers, Open Faced Burgers, Hot Dogs, Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato, Quesadillas, Pork Loin, Eggplant Parmigiana, Fried Chicken w/ mashed potatoes & fried corn, Extra Large Meatballs w/Marinara sauce & penne noodles, Pot Pies

** Goal/To Do List **

I have so much to catch up on I don't know where to start...taking it one day at a time. I did get to my required meetings and will work on those notes to email tomorrow.   

** Around The House **

The hubby did an OK job, but lot's of stuff needs done. I've managed to change bedding and get dirty sheets washed and hung to dry, bleached the bathroom, and sweep/mop hallway & living room.

** Project this Week **

Catch up blog posts, & emails.

I sequestered myself this afternoon to get some stuff done...and told the hubby go do something, anything as long as it wasn't here, LOL.

** Todays Motivation **

According to FitBit I'm almost at my 5 day Exercise Goal...it's only Tuesday people!

#GoMe

** Something fun to share **

I was asked to be the Hightlight Team Beef Member for July...Luckily for me I was able to wait until I returned home to do my answers...

#KyTeamBeef

** Looking forward to this week **

I for sure took time yesterday afternoon to meet up with the 'R'-Jong Tribe..

[L-R] Kendra, Ashley, Laura, Anita, Natalie, standing is the ringleader Mac.

These ladies truly fulfill me.  

Finishing up with the #streakingwiththeCOOLKIDS mile-a-day challenge.

** From the camera **

My PurrBoy Goober...Cats instinctively protect their vulnerable organs, so if a cat is sleeping with their belly exposed, it means they feel very safe and confident. He's for sure Safe, He's for Sure confident. He's for sure LOVED.

** On my prayer list **

My SIL..her breast cancer surgery is the 29th--and my friend MJ, they have found a long term assisted care facility for her hubby but if she can't get him qualified for Medicaid, she needs to come up with BIG $$...monthly.

  

** Bible verse, Devotional **

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Blog 365 ~ Just another Manic Monday

Morning coffee, attempting to catch up with local news...

#streakingwiththeCOOLKIDS

Not waiting for "new month"....Silver Sneakers back on weekly Intentions list.

R-Jong Tribe is finally ALL back together...

YAY !! I MahJonged...

Dinka giving her Momma a kiss..

Lots of activity today for my first day after vacation...No pic's, but I also managed to change sheets, do a load of laundry, went to my Human Rights Committee meeting then onto NAACP meeting. Home to dinner with the hub's and relaxing before bedtime.

 

Blog 365 ~ Fri'YAY!! ~ In No particular order!

 Posting today because it's the only day I'm home for any length of time.  Bear with me...I'll be posting vacation catch-up when I return next week. For now here's my Fri'YAY!

JinX is much bigger than what the vet said he would be....it's All the Love he gets.

GROOT! #iykyk and one of my vacation purchases. 

Un-packed from Asheville trip, re-packed for Indy...leaving tomorrow. 

Yard Queen duty....

Day 23 in the challenge bank for #streakingwiththeCOOLKIDS

Mmmm, morning coffee and catching up with local'ish news. 

Roadie our Head Boy in Charge ! Our first rescue that started it all.