June 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on May’s goals and my progress.

• Read 3000 pages -- Fail. I fell short with only 2886 pages read. 
• Move Quentin to Arthur's room -- Fail. Obviously this has to happen this weekend as the twins come on Wednesday.
• Buy a car -- Success! I finally have a car that can fit all 6 of us. 
• Plan out summer -- Success! We have a tentative plan for weekly activities and trips around the Bay Area.
• Get a haircut -- Success! I stopped in after stamp club and chopped at good 5 inches off. Q still pulls my hair sometimes, but it's not at easily accessible now.
• Renew Costco membership -- Success! Just in time for the twins to arrive.

June's Goals: Keeping the list light as we are going to be so busy with all the kiddos in the house.

• Check off 10 items from our summer bucket list -- I have a huge list with some tentative dates. Now to get to the fun!
• Update our clothing wish lists -- Arthur is definitely going to be needing some bigger clothes soon. I need to reevaluate Quentin's situation. And the twins need stuff for summer and the fall.
• Knock out at least six months of the blog fix -- I'm almost finish with the craft blog but still have like 6 months to go. Then I need to start on this blog.
• Meal plan for June and July -- Have a start of this list, but I want to get it all planned out soon...

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: Slightly foggy and definitely overcast. But the builds are singing.

Right now I am: Scrambling to write this as I completely forgot last night. My migraine this weekend may have something to do with that forgetfulness....

Thinking and pondering: When do I schedule all these summer activities?

On my bedside table: The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die #2); The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming; Roman Holiday by Jodi Taylor -- So many books, not enough time!

On my tv this week: We finished out S2 of The Magicians and S5 of Elementary. Otherwise we've been keeping up with the current season of Doctor Who.

Listening to: Not much this week. I listened to a few podcasts (daily NPR news, OBM), but not really any music this week. It was a weird week...

On the menu for this week: No idea! Clearly I need to meal plan today...

On my to do list: Finished scheduling classes for June and July, finalize our summer bucket list, list out my twins' related to-buys (snacks, clothes, etc), more blog fixing, read!!!, library drop, buy a car, move Q to Arthur's room, clean twins' room and bathroom, lots of other things I am sure.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Probably a few errands; I kept forgetting that it was Memorial Day. We have no special plans and I'm sure J will be working.
• Tuesday - Home day; cleaning
• Wednesday - Home day; crafting
• Thursday - Visit to Bay Area Discovery Museum, last one before the twins' arrive. Arthur's excited about the special Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood exhibit!
• Friday - Possibly playdate on the peninsula
• Saturday - A kid friend's birthday party
• Sunday - Book club!

What I am creating: Working on catching up my Project Life albums. So far behind! I have been putting it off in favor of my memory planner and cards.

My simple pleasures: Baby snuggles, chocolate cake, a good book

Looking around the house: Toys are invading every room of the house. We need to do another toy round-up. Plus the twins' room and bathroom needs a once over clean before they arrive.

From the camera: Brothers playing

 Next up on the TBR Pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I'm really looking forward to summer with the twins, but there's so much to do before they get here! Not to mention planning activities and meals.
• Health insurance is way too complicated. Even with insurance, why is it so hard to find care?
• Started a new-to-me YA Fantasy series (Dorothy Must Die) and it's just what I needed after a very good, but very detailed nonfiction book.
• I hate cooking... seriously I'm so sick of making meals for everyone in the household. Just needed to get that out there. I'll still make food, because I like good food, but I won't enjoy the process.
• The temperature went from 90 to low 60s. My body is very confused by all this!
• Can't wait for our first beach day of the season (June 13th!)
• I'm think I should get a new bathing suit. The three I have all fit strangely (granted one is a maternity suit). I would just like something that covers all my bits and doesn't require me to adjust every two seconds.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #9

Watching: When Calls the Heart on Netflix. It's such a stupid period drama and yet I'm addicted right now. I guess this is my follow-up to The Paradise.

Reading: The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto. Fascinating look at the settlement of New Amsterdam (now New York City). Reading it has been slow going because I've been so tired. The subject matter is very engaging.

Listening: Lots of NPR Politics episodes.

Making: Getting ready for the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog launch with a party and open house this weekend. I've been making examples for make n takes and ones to highlight the great new products.

Feeling: All my tasks have deadlines fast approaching. I'm feeling a bit stretched thin at the moment.

Planning: Making plans for summer with all four boys. It's going to get a bit crazy in this house!

Loving: Impulse bought dark chocolate peanut clusters at Sprouts last week and now I am obsessed. So good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #13

As I look outside my window: Sun is coming up. I'm tired.

Right now I am: Up way too early and dreading the rest of the day. J has been working in North Bay almost all week meaning I'm alone with the boys from sunup until way after sundown. Super freaking tired over here...

On my bedside table: So many books to choose from. My reading has been super slow lately leading to an ever-growing pile on the nightstand. I'm hoping to get to some comics next (21st Century Tank Girl; iZombie) and then the Dorothy Must Die series. 

On my tv this week: Not a ton of TV watched this past week. Arthur and I have been watching Escape to the Country on Netflix (think House Hunters but in English countryside). J and I are slowing getting through The Magicians S2 (two more episodes to go) and Elementary.

Listening to: Lots of NPR politics, although somedays it's not the greatest thing for my mental health.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sausage Crescent Rolls; Eggs
• Tuesday - Green Chile Pepper Jack Enchiladas
• Wednesday - Chili
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Salisbury Steak Meatballs; Mashed Potatoes; Broccoli
• Saturday - Pizza (crop event)
• Sunday - ???

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errands I imagine...
• Tuesday - Home day; hopefully some crafting
• Wednesday - Home day; Last Chance Card Class possibly
• Thursday - Chabot Space and Science Center (our membership expires on May 31st)
• Friday - Home day
• Saturday - Spring Catalog Launch Party!
• Sunday - Possible Open House Crafting 

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Blog Delay...

Due to some of the ongoing background issues with the transfer, I'm going to take this week off from blogging. I should be back on Sunday for the weekly wrap-up post.

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Q still can't crawl forwards and he gets so frustrated. It's adorable!
• Navigating health care is so ridiculously complicated. Trying to clear something up and nothing is giving me answers.
• Heat headaches are the worst.
• I miss card making, haven't touched anything since last week (too busy). Hoping to get back in there today.
• Seriously need to buy plane tickets this week. I hate all the indecision over dates. 
• I need to schedule a haircut pronto. I'm sick of this long hair that just gets constantly pulled. I wear it up almost every day due to the baby and the heat. I need a short fun cut to help me out this summer.
• Somehow I've only read 60 pages over the past 5 days. Need to work in some reading time!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #8

Reading: Anno Dracula by Kim Newman. I bought this one my birthday day in SF, started reading on the train, and never actually finished it. Making it a priority this month.

Watching: Arthur and I are watching the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender series. We're currently in Season 3.

Listening: The 100 Creatives podcast. For her 100 day project, Sally Harris is interviewing 100 creatives. I am really digging these short (~15 minute) interviews.

Making: May cards using retiring products. The new Stampin' Up! catalog comes out June 1st!

Feeling: Stable and neutral. My anxiety has decreased, but I'm still not in a great place.

Planning: Starting to nail down summer plans.

Loving: Our neighborhood is awash with plants and flowers. I love stopping to look on our walks. I'm so excited that my May monthly memory planner spread will be 31 days of flowers/plants.

Next up on the TBR pile:

May 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on April’s goals and my progress.

• Read 3000 pages -- Success! I actually read 3888 pages this month. Woot!
• Figure out the little boys' room situation -- Fail. Just didn't get around to it.
• Buy Quentin a convertibly carseat -- Success! I bought it, but it's still in the box in the house, because...
• Revisit car situation -- Fail! We have yet to make a decision here. 
• Take care of twin's stuff -- 50% success... I still need to finalize summer dates and buy plane tickets.

May's Goals:

• Read 3000 pages -- This continues to seem like a good goal for me.
• Move Quentin to Arthur's room -- Has to happen before the twins come.
• Buy a car -- Another must do before the end of the month.
• Plan out summer -- I asked the twins to send me their bucket list. Once I have at least something, I can start planning out our summer weeks. 
• Get a haircut -- It's been awhile and I'm sick of the tangles and Q ripping it out. I need something short and easy.
• Renew Costco membership -- Our ended in April and I forgot to renew. Need to do that so we can stock up for summer.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

• Blog transitions are hard! Still working out the bugs on this one. And getting used to the UI. 
• Excited to get out of the house today and feel some sunshine. I think my body's been craving the Vitamin D.
• Being away from family is really hard when it's their birthday. My mom is turning 60 this weekend and I wish I was there to celebrate with her. 
• So behind on my blogroll, like two weeks behind. How will I ever catch up?
• Loving the stack of comics sitting on my nightstand. I was craving some quick. yet satisfying reads.
• Excited about my crafty plan for the rest of the month. Now to find the time to actually craft...

Next up on the TBR pile!

Currently #7

Reading: Finally snagged Saga Vol. 6 from the library. Ready to dive into a big pile of comics this week.

Watching: The 100 Season 4. This show has gotten more melodramatic with every season. I may be done with this show soon...

Listening: Lots of podcast listening this week. Love to listen while making dinner, baking, general cleaning. Right now I'm listening to NPR Politics. Their weekly round-ups are great to get a lot of news in one go.

Making: Lots of card making this week. I pulled all my retiring products and have started to make cards featuring those products. Plus I have a ton of pattern paper to use up before I can buy more!

Feeling: Anxious about a lot of life events right now. Hoping things get resolved soon.

Planning: Starting to look at summer activities and plans. 

Loving: Tried a new recipe last night for Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Quinoa Bowls. Surprisingly delicious vegetarian option for dinner. Last week I found a winning scone recipe. . I love when I find new recipes that we actually like! Here's hoping my next new recipe goes over well

Next up on the TBR pile!

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I'm just so incredibly tired...
• Obsessed with my memory planner. Really want to finish march, but I need a bit of uninterrupted time.
• Cookies are my kryptonite right now.
• I'm in desperate need of some good walking sandals.
• The stack of Us and People magazines are calling to me right now.
• Baby toes are way too adorable.
• Speaking of baby, I need to do another clothing resort. Q is growing out of more clothes.
• I need to drink more water...

Currently #6

Watching: Planet Dinosaur -- Arthur choice of documentary currently. Even I have enjoyed watching the 6 episode mini series.

Reading: Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards-Jones. Part of my Read Your Book Shelf challenge as it's been sitting on my shelves for at least two years. Super disappointed in this one...

Listening: One Bad Mother podcasts. I was two weeks behind, but don't worry, I'm catching up!

Making: Lots of crafty projects! I joined the #The100DayProject starting yesterday. I'm going to attempt 100 days of crafts. I'll be documenting on my Instagram account.

Feeling: Still under the weather. These colds are still lingering...

Planning: SU Bingo make n takes. Getting super excited for my big event at the end of the month.

Loving: I went a little crazy at Sprouts this week and got so much fresh fruit! I could seriously eat it all day although I know I shouldn't.

April 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on March’s goals and my progress.

• 30 Day Challenge: New greeting cards every day — Success!
• Have a day alone in San Francisco for my birthday — Success! It was so much fun! I think I need to make this at least a twice a year thing...
• Read 2000 pages —Success! I read over 3500 pages in March. Such a good reading month.
• Read my library books and don’t check out any more (except for the few holds) —Success! I managed to drop off library books and not check out any more.
• Start Q on solids  — Success! He started with avocado and has since branched out to other solids.
• Plan a family day —Success! We went to the California Academy of Sciences yesterday. First time for J and the boys. In April, I'm thinking something more low key. Maybe a picnic at Ardenwood.

April's Goals: Overall April's a big month for me. I've got some big home changes, lots of purchases, and some other big decisions.

• Read 3000 pages -- Going to try and keep the momentum going.
• Figure out the little boys' room situation -- Quentin needs to vacate the twins' room and Arthur needs to give back Alex's mattress by mid-May. Trying to decide what bed configuration we are going to use.
• Buy Quentin a convertible carseat -- My crazy long baby has just about topped out of the infant bucket seat. Should be go with the all-in-one Graco or a cheaper convertible seat of whichever brand. Decisions decisions...
• Revisit the car situation -- Obviously we have to do something before the twins arrive, but I would this to be decided in April. Sick of contorting myself to get kiddos in and out of the nonexistent backseat in the Mini.
• Take of Twins' stuff -- We have to decide on school stuff, summer dates, and plane tickets. Hoping to tackle this all in April.

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Baby snuggles and giggles are the bestest!
• I'm oddly fascinated by engineering documentaries. We just watched a NOVA episode about London's Super Tunnel.
• Feeling behind on my crafting after busting my butt to get March set. Hoping to catch up on Project Life very soon (possibly crop day on Saturday?).
• Planned a family day to the Cal Academy and cannot wait! I haven't been there since i was pregnant with Arthur (~4 years ago) and J has never been there. I think the boys are going to love the aquarium.
• Still loving my Happy Planner to keep me organized and on track.
• Need to stay away from the library until I catch up on the books already checked out. Seriously I have a backlog!
• I need to make more naan pizza!

Currently #5

Watching: I randomly started watching Great British Castles on Netflix and it's oddly fascinating. It's currently Arthur and I's go-to for a daytime show.

Reading: The Golden Prince by Rebecca Dean; one of those books that has been on my shelves way too long

Listening: We switched gears yesterday and listened to Gorillaz radio on Apple Music while playing

Making: Prepping card kits for April and May classes

Feeling: I still have a bit of a lingering cough, but I've mostly recovered from that nasty cold

Planning: I'm hosting my first big Bingo event at the end of April. In the planning stages right now.

Loving: The last two nights it has rained almost all night. I love falling asleep to the sound of the rain.

Currently #4

Watching: J and I are catching up on Season 2 of The Magicians

Reading:The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey; our book club selection for March. I'm 2/3 of the way through it and loving this book so much!

Listening: Catching up on watching The Bachelor and consequently listening to the Here to Make Friends podcast.

Making: Taking a crafting break after my marathon crafting time last week. Instead, turning to making food items such as Mongolian Beef.

Feeling: Have had a headache for almost a week. It's really uncomfortable at this point.

Planning: Laying out my crafting plan for the next month or so along with my birthday celebrations.

Loving: J bought me chocolate cake on Saturday for my birthday. Oh so yummy!

March 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on February’s goals and my progress.

• 30 Day Challenge: 20 minutes of exercise — Success!
• Prep and send February’s card — Success!
• Read 2000 pages — Success! I almost reached 3000 pages.
• Research vehicle options — Fail. Just never got around to this one.
• Plan at least two kid activities — Success! I scheduled visits to CuriOdyssey, Happy Hollow, and the Oakland Zoo.

March's Goals:

• 30 Day Challenge: New greeting cards every day -- Part of my big crafty birthday celebration. I've got high hopes for my crafting in March.
• Have a day alone in San Francisco for my birthday -- So excited to pull this one off!
• Read 2000 pages -- Want to keep my reading going
• Read my library books and don't check out any more (except for the few holds) -- I've had an issue in checking out too many library books instead of reading my own books. Hoping to get back on track in March,
• Start Q on solids  -- He's been reaching for my food at every meal time. I think it's just about time to start solids.
• Plan a family day -- Hoping to fit in a family day sometime in March. Maybe Cal Academy?

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Belly laughs are the bestest!
• Okay Mother Nature, you can stop the rain for a bit. I know we said we needed it, but this has been too much. Hoping the flooding recedes soon.
• Looking forward to Crop Day on Saturday to knock out a few more cards for March's extravaganza.
• It's killing me to not be able to watch this week's episode of The Bachelor.  I should be able to access it in a few days.
• So obsessed with memory planning in my big planner right now! I would finish February, but I need to print the last photos and you know, live the last week in February...
• My birthday day in San Francisco is coming together. Getting so excited to spend a day by myself.
• I went a bit crazy at the library last time. I really need to scale back a bit.

Currently #3

Watching: J and I finally started watching Broadchurch. Only two episodes in, but we're hooked!

Reading: Cress by Marissa Meyer. I'm working my way through The Lunar Chronicles. Enjoying this volume even more than the last.

Listening: The rain is still here in the Bay Area. On Monday it rained all day. In many ways, I missed listening to the sound of the rain.

Making: Pushing to wrap up my 2016 pages in the Project Life albums. Getting close! i need to do Arthur's December pages and the twins and then 2016 will be done.

Feeling: I've gotten a decent amount of sleep this past week. Feeling better. Now if I could get the toddler to stop yelling about everything, I would feel fine.

Planning: March is my birthday month and I've got some great things planned to celebrate on my Facebook craft group. Lots of challenges, giveaways, and fun. If you want to play along, join The Craft Sea to get all the news.

Loving: Quentin's belly laughs are adorable. I wish I could bottle them for those times when I need a pick-me-up.