Missions: February 2013

Back on track. Bring on the routine. Welcome back my comfort.  Hello, accountability.

In February I:
Must:

• catch up on studies
• catch up on laundry
• finish project: top secret

Would like to:

• get rid of junk
• finish reading 2 "me" books
• put January into an album
• get outside

Might think about:

• joining in a swap
• planning a craft area takeover
• watching House of Cards

Missions: August

Let's get back on track. By the end of this month I plan to have something to say about each of these:

• Organize one area
• Purge clothes
• Play with my kidlets
• Get back in the habit of using my camera
• Prepare for school
• Sit ups sound doable
• Find my 10lbs weights
• Budget
• Mend my knee

Recap: Mission - October

Taking stock on last month:

1.Read my heart out. This may well be the last month for a while that I get the chance to leisurely read. I'm going to take complete advantage of it. Speaking of reading, I need to charge my e-reader...
My e-reader needs charging again and I've got in some serious and severe reading for my heart. Mr. Potter and I are nearing our end and already there are hints of a void.

2.Finish both my courses. Gulp!
I missed the mark on this one. I finished one and I've completed the mid-term for the other. There is some work to go but it's about to be wrapped up. Just a few more weeks.

3.Take pictures. More on this later.
I did. I'm learning that it isn't the picture taking that causes such a struggle, it's the picture maintenance that I need to work on. Uploading, sorting, labeling, filing, sorting, printing, sharing...

4.Dream something big.
I'm scatterbrained on this. I need something that hasn't quite come about yet.

5.Kick some stuff out.
BOOYAH! A whole bunch of broken things moved out. There's no need for them to stay. A few random "don't needs" left, too. One step at a time, it's coming together just the way things seem to.

6.Figure out a Halloween plan.
Check and check. Did you see the evidence?

7.Cheer on the return of our NHL team. We pick up our season tickets today! My stomach gets all fluttery just typing that.
Oh my my my. Welcome Home Jets! We're working it out. Game 1 was electric. Game 2 made more memories with my son sitting at my side.

8.Get some serious discipline in place. It's going to become essential to the winter ahead.
Needs work. That's the best I can do. I know what I'm in for and need to getting it together.

Mission: November

A balmy 10C (50F) here today. It's hard to think that the forecast includes words like "flurries" for the weekend.
November is off to a smooth start. Here's what I'm striving for this month:

• Log 100KM on my bike (even if it is just stationary). So many reasons why this needs to happen.


• Wrap up the Harry Potter Series. It's a stretch given that my leisure reading time is diminishing and the series is ramping up in intensity.


• Cheer on the home team. They have a special piece of my heart. I'm working on a separate piece for this altogether.


• Kick a few exam into the history books. It's time to be done. I'm growing impatient with myself.


• Clear my camera card. I know the fundamental reasons why this is important although I don't get to it as often as I should.


• Wipe out a chunk of my Christmas shopping. I'm growing less tolerant of the crowds and the chaos that so many make of the season, so it's going to be small stores, online adventures and some shop local jewels that I haven't visited in a while for me.


• Create from the heart. Christmas cards on deck.


• Say it with me, declutter.

It doesn't seem over-the-top but given the schedule I'm working with, it's going to be an adventure for sure. All right, Movember November, I'm with you here. Let's roll!

Mission: October

Well, well, well...
It's been quite some time since I've ripped out a mission list. There are always to-dos and want-tos and other lists that I somewhat neurotically make but my missions are different.
Let's see what I can pull off in October:

1. Read my heart out. This may well be the last month for a while that I get the chance to leisurely read. I'm going to take complete advantage of it. Speaking of reading, I need to charge my e-reader...


2. Finish both my courses. Gulp!


3. Take pictures. More on this later.


4. Dream something big.


5. Kick some stuff out.


6. Figure out a Halloween plan.


7. Cheer on the return of our NHL team. We pick up our season tickets today! My stomach gets all fluttery just typing that.


8. Get some serious discipline in place. It's going to become essential to the winter ahead.
   

Wait. What?

Someone pointed out this morning that today is the last day of August. Wait. What?
This month has been so full of wonderful things that even without a mission list we got so much done. I suppose when the heart decides it wants something enough, it doesn't much matter if you write it down, set a reminder or add it to the calendar. The heart decides to go for it and just like that it happens.
This month we had our pictures taken and ordered so we can hang on the walls, painted one room, skipped away for a vacation, soaked up many moments with family, helped fix a pool, spent time in the sun, finally returned the library books that were haunting me, passed along many clothes that needed to move out, stayed somewhat on track with my current course, and celebrated.
August, I'd certainly like to meet up with you again. You were filled with exactly the kind of awesome that I live for.

Recap: Mission - June

Mondays are made for getting back on track. So, let's roll out today with a recap of June Missions.

1.Study up! T minus 10 days to a final exam. I can do this. I will do this. Has it been so long already since I finished that course? I find out at the end of this month how I did and I'm eager with anticipation.
2.Rock out first 5 modules of new reading and assignments. Today starts my next course. I couldn't avoid the double up so starting June 11, I'm going to be running to catch up. First 5 modules didn't happen. I took a few weeks off and am now getting back on track. Equally as important as giving everything is knowing when to reel in and rest for a while.
3.Find green. I most certainly have. It's all around. Rather than hole up in the house, it's been lawn chairs and backyards or front steps and sunshine for me.
4.Stack it up. It's time to pack away winter and welcome summertime sunshine. Do you hear me Mother Nature? I'm going to tuck away the cold clothes. I plan on turning off the heat this weekend (for the second time this year). I'd like to know I can leave the windows open without freezing. This was an awesome part of the month. Summer clothes are being worn, winter ones are gone.
5.Boxes, get outta my house! Some have left, some are still stuck behind.
6.Take back the basement. Not quite there yet but definitely in progress. It amazes me how a house with only four exterior walls still finds so many interior corners to hide things in.
7.Furniture overload. It's time to thin out the insanity. The two tiny desks are first on the hit list. While both seemed practical, the reality is neither is big enough to accomplish much more than being in the way. What about the China Cabinet? Can anyone lobby an opinion in on this? I have a large rectangle living room/dining room that does not have a nook to tuck the China Cabinet into. It is taking up wall space and is full of pictures and clutter but very few dishes. It does hold sentimental value, though. What's a girl to do? Flunk. None of this happened. Both tiny desks are still taking up space in places where neither belongs. I dare say one is quite possibly broken and should just be disassembled and discarded. The China Cabinet needs thinning but let's go at this one step at a time.

About all I can comment is that June is much more done than any of the intended tasks within the month were. It's summer time now and that opens the windows and doors for huge potential.
A tad late but thank you, June. You were fun in your own way.

Mission: June

Let's get back on track.

1. Study up! T minus 10 days to a final exam. I can do this. I will do this.


2. Rock out first 5 modules of new reading and assignments. Today starts my next course. I couldn't avoid the double up so starting June 11, I'm going to be running to catch up.


3. Find green.


4. Stack it up. It's time to pack away winter and welcome summertime sunshine. Do you hear me Mother Nature? I'm going to tuck away the cold clothes. I plan on turning off the heat this weekend (for the second time this year). I'd like to know I can leave the windows open without freezing.


5. Boxes, get outta my house!


6. Take back the basement.


7. Furniture overload. It's time to thin out the insanity. The two tiny desks are first on the hit list. While both seemed practical, the reality is neither is big enough to accomplish much more than being in the way. What about the China Cabinet? Can anyone lobby an opinion in on this? I have a large rectangle living room/dining room that does not have a nook to tuck the China Cabinet into. It is taking up wall space and is full of pictures and clutter but very few dishes. It does hold sentimental value, though. What's a girl to do?

Seven seems like a lucky number for this month. I'll check back in 30 days and see how things go.
Run!

Recap: Mission - April.

1 - Drink more water! If by drink more I meant actually drink some then I did well. I'm trying to find a happy medium.
2 - Take another gander at this list because new mega one is due out next month. EEP! Well, there will be a recap on the mega missions. I'm a bit nervous.
3 - Rock my socks off (or get back into some sort of movement routine or something equally as fun) A little encouragement is all it takes. The Joy Rebel Miss Brandi has an e-course called MOVE. I was lucky enough to win a spot in it and love it. Totally unexpected but exactly what I needed to boost the moviation.

May is running and calling me to catch up. I'm on it!

Mission: April

This month, there is a full agenda but a short list.

1 - Drink more water! 2 - Take another gander at this list because new mega one is due out next month. EEP! 3 - Rock my socks off (or get back into some sort of movement routine or something equally as fun)

I'm slow this month. Instead of dwelling on this, I'm shifting it into a higher gear and it's GO time!

March ran away. In fact, the first three months of 2011 have run away. 1 - Top secret craft affair Booyah! This past weekend was the last meeting for my 2010/2011 stamp club. We each made a card front to swap. Watch for more details on these later this month. 2 - Crack a new text and keep the notes in order 50/50 here. The text is getting it's fair share of attention hence the semi-negligence around here. The notes in order business I'm struggling with. There is so much information. I have two 3 inch binders full of course material, a class notes notebook, a binder for notes and exercises, a quick reference guide of things I am struggling with. If you have any organization suggestions, please drop me a line! 3 - Get out into the frozen sunshine Perhaps not as often as I would've liked to and trust me, the jeans that have =ahem= "shrunk" are solid encouragement to get me moving this month. 4 - Summer camp plans beg to be made Absolutely yes yes yes. We are locked and loaded ready for a few months of sensational entertainment. 5 - Sing something (side note, if only the best birds sang, the forest would be a quiet place) My monsters and I have been scaring the animals in the house singing joyously 6 - Kick the laundry monster to the curb I think the laundry monster has a neverending supply of Energizer batteries. That rancid beast reappears every single week. 7 - Out Out Small Clothes! No and it makes me grumpy. 8 - The Wild Zone, The Gunslinger and I are to have a rendezvous tout suite! The Gunslinger is still on the back burner; The Wild Zone 9 - Pour some gravy on top My gravy on top this month was just getting to the bottom of this list. Because I did it, I'm absolutely impressed with March.

The month rocked itself out. There is still snow on the ground but most importantly, there is spring in the air. Geese have been spotted and while I still haven't seen a robin yet, I just know we are close.

Mission: March

In like a lamb this year. If I were to believe the old adage, March promises to rip out like a a lion. Let's mark up missions for this month with the same ideas.

1 - Top secret craft affair
2 - Crack a new text and keep the notes in order
3 - Get out into the frozen sunshine
4 - Summer camp plans beg to be made
5 - Sing something (side note, if only the best birds sang, the forest would be a quiet place)
6 - Kick the laundry monster to the curb
7 - Out Out Small Clothes!
8 - The Wild Zone, The Gunslinger and I are to have a rendezvous tout suite!
9 - Pour some gravy on top

March on!

Recap: Mission February

1.Kindness
I am changed by that moment this past month. Ask and you shall receive has resonated with me since. His story still needs to be written.
2.Patience
It feels like the short month left me short on patience. I need to practice more.
3.Faith
I continue to deepen my faith. I encourage you to do the same whatever faith means to you.
4.Love
I love deep. This month was filled with celebrations of love none of which happened on the 14th :)
5.Creativity
I wrote. I WROTE. I have awakened my heart to writing again. I have begun a new journey in this.
6.Diligence
I fell a bit short on this one. The next 9 days need to be focused and firm and full.

All in all, no complaints here. Thanks for a FULL month, February. How's about adding in an extra day next year?

Mission: February

The month is short and I've replicated this in my missions list. Don't be fooled, though. I'm squeezing every savoury ounce of time into this month.

1. Kindness
2. Patience
3. Faith
4. Love
5. Creativity
6. Diligence

Tell me, what do these mean to you? Can you fit these into your February?

Recap: Mission - January

One month of 2011 ready to call it a wrap. It feels as though this long, cold, grey month has passed too soon. There is still planning and dreaming and wishing and being to do. Today is a new day, tomorrow another. Let's keep it all in sight.
So, how did my month shake out?
1.Save. Most certainly. There is still learning to be had and work to be done but progress has been significant.
2.Tidy. A constant battle.
3.Build. A Lego construction world has been conquered.
4.Read. Two books have had their covers closed. One, I miss and the other I admire the author for following a dream.
5.List. Oh there are more to be had.
6.Photograph. Fail.
7.Write. There has been a storm of ideas pouring forth. There are pages of thought penned. Now, to weave them together.

It was an accomplished month. The newness of the year has worked it's way in and 2011 just fits right where it should.

Mission: January

Half way into the new year and I feel like I'm just getting going. Like a car in winter, I needed some time to warm up before being ready to go. Here's what's in store:

1. Save.
2. Tidy.
3. Build.
4. Read.
5. List.
6. Photograph.
7. Write.

That sounds like both a challenging and realistic list for me. Tell me, how do you interpret each of those missions of mine? Do they apply to you, too?

Recap: Mission - December

It's never too late to check back in.

1.Absorb the magic that December is. I did. It was spectacular.
2.Rip out a realistic study strategy. I'm struggling with this. I need to dig deeper. Find more.
3.Get those books cycled. Put away what needs not be out. I was able to tuck some away. I still have more to do here, though.
4.Christmas - decide what it's really all about. This might take more time than I thought. I have an inkling it will take me a while yet before I get this.
5.Get that tree up and d.e.c.o.r.a.t.e. The tree went up and the tree came down. Decorations were out and I've already started my brainstorming for next Christmas decor. There is something super in store for card organization.
6.Clothes, move out! Too small toys, you too! Hmmm, try try again.
7.Wrap up and reflect. I'm still working on this one.
8.Plan, dream, brainstorm for 2011 and all the promise that it holds. See previous.
9.Pray for a smooth surgery. It was smooth. More involved than we first thought but smooth none the less.
10.Spice up my locks. A short asymmetrical snip and I've been rocking it out.
11.Write. Define. Design. With some help from Designer Blogs, I spiffed up the look of this place.
12.Try and finish reading a book. There is just so much I want to read. I didn't finish any books. I did start reading a few more though. Now, the obvious question would be why can't I just read one at a time? Truth is, it's just not me.

Mission: December

It's never too late to post a plan. Here's what my ideas were for this month. So far, I'm not doing too bad.

1. Absorb the magic that December is.
2. Rip out a realistic study strategy.
3. Get those books cycled. Put away what needs not be out.
4. Christmas - decide what it's really all about.
5. Get that tree up and d.e.c.o.r.a.t.e.
6. Clothes, move out! Too small toys, you too!
7. Wrap up and reflect.
8. Plan, dream, brainstorm for 2011 and all the promise that it holds.
9. Pray for a smooth surgery.
10. Spice up my locks.
11. Write. Define. Design.
12. Try and finish reading a book.

I'm going to ring out 2011 my style!

Recap - Mission: October

So November has snuck in. Here's how October shaped up.

Paint another wall. I did not. There is a whole long cold winter ahead though. I'm also having commitment issues happening with one of the selected colours. Not a good thing.
Get on study track. I'm getting there. I have solid study time on the list with time blocked out exclusively for it. One month to exam. Buckle up and let's go!
Celebrate the beautiful fall weather. We did. I don't recall ever spending so much time out in the yard in the fall with the kids.
Run through a pile of leaves. I most definitely did and more than once. We would rake up a pile and then barrel through it to see how much of a mess we could make. Then hubby took them all away.
Prepare lesson plans through December. They are not concrete but I've been mind mapping ideas.
Grab some ideas for the city that never sleeps. Have I ever!
Get a family picture. Any takers?
Take pictures of family. Truthfully, October gets a FAIL for photos. I need to stop being so scared again of the camera. Click away! Click like crazy!!
Scrapbook a 2011 dream book. I love it. I used earthy colours, rich greens, sandy shades and dark browns. Yes please.
Print off an e-course. I am continuing with this.
Purge furniture. YES! YES! there is still more to go but at least some of the bigger pieces are gone.
Reclaim the laundry room. I let the laundry claim me. Blah.
Remove some plastic from the house. I believe by plastic I meant the annoying riding toys that I am sure to one day break my leg with. They are still in my way. They are still waiting to be purged.
Start thinking about Christmas. Get the postal mailing cut offs. I got the cut offs and I missed the international ground shipping one. Air mail!
Read a book for me. Rather peculiar on this one. I did read a book for me. This one. I must've read the first few chapters three times thinking I've read this already. Turns out I hadn't, I've just read this author so much that her characters feel like friends at the dinner table.

Mission: October

10th month. 4th day. 2010 year.

1. Paint another wall.
2. Get on study track.
3. Celebrate the beautiful fall weather.
4. Run through a pile o leaves.
5. Prepare lesson plans through December.
6. Grab some ideas for the city that never sleeps.
7. Get a family picture.
8. Take pictures of family.
9. Scrapbook a 2011 dream book.
10. Print off an e-course.
11. Purge furniture.
12. Reclaim the laundry room.
13. Remove some plastic from the house.
14. Start thinking about Christmas. Get the postal mailing cut offs.
15. Read a book for me.

15 missions and but 27 days to spin them out. I love this season of thankfulness, this season of family and this season of change. October, let's savour a few more lazy days.