Looking Back

I am replacing my "Friday Fives" with "Looking Back"; explanation here.

1. Took down the utility shelves from the former office, now dining room and moved them to the basement.
2. Set up new plastic shelves in the new dining room to be a pantry.
3. With Mom's help, arranged the new pantry.
4. Took a photo every day this week!  (Every day this month, so far!!)
5. Completed week four of The Frosted Pumpkin's Summer Sampler.

It is hard to pick a favortie from this particular week, but
it is probably this cranky marshmallow.

1. Homemade (by me, no less) chocolate almond pudding.
2. Made a wonderful crustless quiche with Mom's garden-fresh herbs and tomatoes.
3. A fantastic thunderstorm, enjoyed with my husband.
4. The delicious Indian spiced garbanzo bean dish I made.
5. Excellent close-out deals on craft supplies at Target.

1. The kitchen needs to be mopped even more, now!
   And guess how badly it needs it NOW!
2. Move the pantry to it's new home in the dining room, which requires a first step of. . .
   Done!
3. . . . taking down the utility shelves used in the former office so that the pantry shelves can be put up, which requires a first step of. . .
   Done!
4. Finding a new home, even if just temporary, for the things on the utility shelves in the former office.
   Done!
5. The bathroom needs an extra good cleaning, since this week was otherwise occupied.
   Done!
6. (bonus goal: be less cranky!)
   I think I was somewhat better this week. =D

1. Mop the kitchen!!
2. Move the unused bookcases into our "closet room" so they can become shelving for pjs, tee shirts and jeans, which first requires. . . 
3. Moving out the tiny dresser, which first requires. . . 
4. Moving the hermit crab tank to the larger dresser, which first requires. . . 
5. Taking down the un-sturdy mesh shelving that is currently housing the above (#2) clothing.

One of the photos I took this week; the baker's twine is
"Midnight Blue" from the Twinery.

1. My camera.
2. Recipes I can follow.
3. Cards from friends.
4. Spices!
5. Audio books.

In an effort to reflect more positively on what I accomplish and to plan goals more reasonably, I'm going to start writing out and looking back on my weekly goals.

My Friday Fives (a day late)

Good grief what a week!  The fact that this is a day late. . . well, let's just say that the fact it's posted at all is pretty amazing!

My husband had the week off and we did quite a bit around the house; we are exhausted!  I've been an extra trial to him, on top of the work, by being cranky most of the week.  I should add "be less cranky" to my goals for next week!

St. John is now 11 months old!  He is finally slowing down and beginning to show some lazy cat-like behavior!  He was napping right before I took these, but he tends to show that pretty white tum to lure me in, so he can eat my hands when I try to pet it!

Doncha wanna pet my belly?!?!

1. Moved the couch out of the living room and into the "sun room/Florida room".
2. Moved the office out of the dining room and into the former living room.
3. Moved the dining room table out of the Florida room and into the the dining room.
4. Made a chocolate pie for my husband for our anniversary.
5. Still miraculously managed two doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, a vet visit and one load of laundry!

1. Mom's homemade copycat Frosty--yummy!
2. A trip to the hobby store.
3. A free birthday iced, half-caf, soy vanilla latte from Starbucks!
4. A free birthday (turkey) burger with freckled fruit from Red Robin!
5. Five rolls of Washi tape picked out by my husband for me!

1. Move office to living room area.
2. Move couch to "Florida room".
3. Move dining table to former office.

We completed the only three goals I set for this week, and I am quite proud of our efforts!

1. The kitchen needs to be mopped even more, now!
2. Move the pantry to it's new home in the dining room, which requires a first step of. . .
3. . . . taking down the utility shelves used in the former office so that the pantry shelves can be put up, which requires a first step of. . . 
4. Finding a new home, even if just temporary, for the things on the utility shelves in the former office.
5. The bathroom needs an extra good cleaning, since this week was otherwise occupied.
6. (bonus goal: be less cranky!)

big yawn from Jack

1. Family that loves me, even when I struggle.
2. sweet kitties
3. tomatoes
4. books to read and. . . 
5. . . . time to read them

In an effort to reflect more positively on what I accomplish and to plan goals more reasonably, I'm going to start writing out My Friday Fives.

My Friday Fives

Another week with two sick days, allergies/migraine, plus, a day off spent with Mom (always a pleasure).  As a result, I don't feel like I accomplished much this week at all.  Mom says that sometimes all one does get done is the "dailies", and that's about all it was this week.

1. Finished week three of the Summer Sampler.
2. Made homemade cream cheese brownies.
3. Did much better on taking daily photos.
4. Washed the hamster house.
5. Made a loaf of bread.

The Frapaccio is my favorite from this third week.

1. Mom's homegrown, homemade veggie soup.
2. New whisk and pint-and-a-half wide mouth mason jars!
3. Lots of help from the kitties.
4. Excellent visit with Mom.
5. Cool fruity freezer pops on hot days.

1. Wash and store the hamster house.
   Washed, but not packed away yet.  The hard part is done though!
2. Mop the kitchen floor.
   Not yet!
3. Take daily photos (I refuse to give up on this!).
   Did well this week!
4. Prepare the living room for the upcoming massive overhaul (it's going to become the office in a couple of weeks).
   =(  Drat!
5. Do something with the closet in the spare room (what, I won't know til I see just what can be done).
   Never even thought about it!

My husband is off next week, and we have super big plans!

1. Move office to living room area.
2. Move couch to "Florida room".
3. Move dining table to former office.

If we get that done, I'll be extremely happy!

1. heirloom tomatoes
2. a comfortable bed
3. Celestial Seasonings tea
4. rain
5. migraine medicine

In an effort to reflect more positively on what I accomplish and to plan goals more reasonably, I'm going to start writing out My Friday Fives.

My Friday Fives

This week was a bit odd.  I was sick Monday and Tuesday (why is it that when I worked out of the home sick days were a joy, now they are a guilt?) and that put me off my stride.  Wednesday I had Church in the morning, so I had two and a half days to work on my list (weekends are generally laid back times with my husband).  I did fairly well, considering.  I'm trying to be proud of any accomplishments and not guilt-ridden for not doing as much as I feel I should.  I am my worst critic, my harshest judge and my sometimes my own jailer.

1. Found a home for the summer coats.
2. Cleaned out the junk closet.
3. Cleaned out an old nightstand.
4. Moved the tools to the basement.
5. Sorted out the things that had been living in the trunk of my car.

1. First Frappacino of the summer. :)
2. Heirloom (Cherokee Purple) tomatoes from Mom's garden.
3. Active hermit crabs.
4. Pleasant times cross-stitching on my Summer Sampler.
5. Sleeping kitties.

St. John streeeeetched out on the couch.

1. Make a home for the winter coats.
   Accomplished!
2. Wash and store the hamster house.
   Totally forgot!
3. Move the tools to the basement, from the spare room.
   Done, with some help from my husband! Huzzah!
4. Do better taking photos than I did last week.
   :(
5. Tidy up the breakfast room.
   Began; might even be done this weekend.

1. Wash and store the hamster house.
2. Mop the kitchen floor.
3. Take daily photos (I refuse to give up on this!).
4. Prepare the living room for the upcoming massive overhaul (it's going to become the office in a couple of weeks).
5. Do something with the closet in the spare room (what, I won't know til I see just what can be done).

1. vegetables fresh from the garden
2. prayer from friends and acquaintances
3. frozen Yoplait Whips yogurt
4. time to read
5. a compassionate husband

In an effort to reflect more positively on what I accomplish and to plan goals more reasonably, I'm going to start writing out My Friday Fives.

My Friday Fives (on Sunday)

Running a little bit behind this week, and I blame the heat!

We had to say goodbye to our hamster, Vinnie, this week.  He had developed some tumors, so we had him put to sleep Thursday morning.

Good night, sweet Vinnie.

1. Sorted out a box of things that had been needing sorting.
2. Sorted and donated winter coats.
3. Read and reviewed two books for the Amazon vine program. (The Book of Secrets and Becoming Myself.)
4. Freshened up the hermit crab tank with new sand and stabilized their climbing wall.
5. Completed week two of The Frosted Pumpkin's Summer Sampler.

My husband thinks the little lantern looks like Tom Servo. :)

The strawberry jam was my favorite from this week.

1. Ordered and received a complete set of Trixie Belden mysteries!  It's a pleasure to revisit childhood favorites.
2. Jack Jack did a wonderful job of taking care of Lizzie when I accidentally hurt her.  We have the sweetest cats!
3. I spent a lot of time reading--always a pleasure!
4. Was given a book as a reward for one of my reading challenges!
5. St. John loves his toilet paper!

St. John is ten months now!

1. Find a home for the things that got stacked up on the chest freezer when the electricity went funky and the freezer was out of service. 
   Mostly accomplished.  It's not perfect, yet, but it will do for now.
2. Read at least half of one of the ARCs I need to review.
   Accomplished!  Completed and reviewed one both of the books. (second review)  Great accomplishment!
3. Return to taking my photos every day.  Trying this one again.  Photo-taking brings me joy; I want to reignite that spark.
   I accomplished three days this week, which is much better than last week!
4. Sort through the box of things that I found in the cupboard above the refrigerator (that belong to my mother-in-law from when she lived in this house a loooong time ago).
   Woot!  Done!
5. Sort through the coats for keepers and donations.
   Not only done, but took the donations on Thursday.  Still need to make a home for the winter coats, though. . . 

1. Make a home for the winter coats.
2. Wash and store the hamster house.
3. Move the tools to the basement, from the spare room.
4. Do better taking photos than I did last week.
5. Tidy up the breakfast room.

1. a quiet mind
2. air conditioning
3. iced tea
4. good childhood memories
5. fun toys to photograph 

In an effort to reflect more positively on what I accomplish and to plan goals more reasonably, I'm going to start writing out My Friday Fives.

My Friday Fives

In an effort to reflect more positively on what I accomplish and to plan goals more reasonably, I'm going to start writing out My Friday Fives.

Fox and Puffballs--my favorite so far!

1. Used and reviewed the gluten free sugar cookie mix I got from the Amazon Vine program.  
2. Cleaned the living room of cobwebs, as well as the living room ceiling fan--and decorated it with Washi Tape.
3. Reorganized my embroidery floss into my own system.  I'm hopeful this will work better for me! 
4. Caulked around the backstop of the tub.
   It's not pretty. . . it's not even homely (!) but it will do.  (I hope!)
5. Completed the July portion of the  The Frosted Pumpkin's Woodland Sampler.

1. Received many, MANY books in the mail this week!
2. Received several gifts of home-grown veggies: tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and peppers.  I am so blessed!
3.  I got four new, fantastic body sprays from Hip Hop Candy: Unicorn Poo, Angel Bunny, Frosted Cupcake and Sugared Bamboo.  I just adore all their fragrances--I go around spraying myself with different ones all through the day. 
4.  St. John asked for a belly rub for the first time!
5. Better electrical wiring, thanks to my husband and his friend!  Now I can use the chest freezer we bought with our income tax return!

Two ARCs from Amazon Vine and
15 vintage mysteries that were pretty much stolen from an ebay seller.

I am the half proud, half embarrassed owner of 36 cheesy romantic suspense novels by Emilie Loring. (Another shamefully cheap deal from ebay.)  Loring was one of my favorites when I was a young teen, and I've been going through a phase of wanting to read the things I enjoyed so much during my young days. Of course, the true mystery of these books will be whether or not I will admit it on here when I read one!

1. Use and review the gluten free sugar cookie mix I got from the Amazon Vine program.  Accomplished!
2. Return to taking my photos every day.
   I have really done poorly with my photos over the past few months.  Last year, I achieved nearly one photo a day.  This year, my inspiration has been much lower.  
3. Caulk around the tub.
   Accomplished! 
4. Dust away the cobwebs in the living room.
   Accomplished!
5. Complete the second week of The Frosted Pumpkin's Summer Sampler.
   The July portion of their Woodland Sampler came, and I finished it first.

1. Find a home for the things that got stacked up on the chest freezer when the electricity went funky and the freezer was out of service. (Isn't it funny how any unused space becomes a place for stacking homeless objects?!?!)
2. Read at least half of one of the ARCs I need to review.
   Accomplished!  Completed and reviewed one both of the books. (second review) 
3. Return to taking my photos every day.  Trying this one again.  Photo-taking brings me joy; I want to reignite that spark.
4. Sort through the box of things that I found in the cupboard above the refrigerator (that belong to my mother-in-law from when she lived in this house a loooong time ago).
   Woot!  Done!
5. Sort through the coats for keepers and donations.

1. books
2. good doctors
3. medication that works
4. rainy days
5. electricity