Being 50, I am at an age when I can fret over what I didn't accomplish in my previous five decades or look ahead to what I am still young enough to achieve in the decades ahead. I sure am trying to concentrate on the latter. The calendar reads March. I can't say I did much to acknowledge the bonus day of the year yesterday other than write the date wrong a few times, but like a new year, the start of a month feels fresh. Back in January I started to think about what I wanted to focus on in 2016 and made a Life List for 2016. These were not resolutions, more strategies to get my head and body straight. Two months gone, and a little more deliberateness is in order. Hence, the following mini goals for March in the areas on my list.
Health-I have not taken a sick day since I started my new job a year ago. Even if for mental health purposes, I will take one, unscheduled, impromptu day for myself. If needed, perhaps even two. I'll continue what I've been doing on the eating front, but fingers crossed with nicer weather, get more outdoor exercise.
Organization-Tackle DD#2's former room to create an actual guest bedroom vibe.
Money Management-February was rubbish, after two less than half of DH's average checks. Goal, keep grocery and household spending to $500 or less this month. This is to include groceries, school lunch, eating out, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and pet food. Tall order with Easter holiday, but with one less adult, and DD#2 gone a month, doable. What stinks though, while we stayed just dollars in the black, we put more on the credit card than we should have in February helping DD#2 with her move, so that will be higher, but we will pay off in full at months end.
Social Connectedness-Date night for me and DH is sorely needed. With the overly low paychecks and lack of time spent talking, things have been tense. We've talked in passing, and usually about juggling bills to make it to payday, or something about one of the kids. Maybe a Sunday matinee movie or Tuesday discount night to a movie and then for happy hour? Nothing too expensive, but no kids, no work, no stress for a few hours.
Advance My Skills-I don't have a good goal on this. Perhaps continue with at least 20 blog posts this month, or maybe shoot for post 425 by the end of the month.
Total weight loss is at 13 pounds for 2016. It has been slow going, but some weird weekend eating, lack of consistent exercise the last two weeks, and feeling a bit off could easily have derailed all my progress so far. Little victories, and fingers crossed, I'll be under 50 pounds left on my target weight loss goal by this time next week, sitting at 51 right now. If the saying is right, I should phase out my month in peace and calm, like a lamb. Does this only apply to weather? How is your month kicking off? Is it starting like a lion as mine seems to be?
It's a great idea to take a "preventive sick day" at work - mental health cannot be overlooked. Good luck with your goals!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I usually get hit with a bad early spring cold, so will need to be strategic about the best day to use it on a day I can truly benefit.
DeleteI think a personal leave day is a must at times. In fact when our kids were in high school I gave them 1 personal leave day each semester. Their teachers had them and used them all the time and I always thought the students were under as much stress as the teachers.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter hasn't taken one at all this year-even though there was a day or two when she probably was sick. She feels like she gets too far behind-yes, a lot of stress when kids are taking advanced classes but still want to be active in cubs and activities.
DeleteDaughter is the operative word here. My sons all thought a day of fishing was worth the extra work required to catch up. Here the advanced classes all had a syllabus at the beginning of each semester, so they could actually be a little ahead in the event a perfect day presented itself
DeleteThis past month was hard on us too. The 29th was just one more day to keep us from payday...
ReplyDeleteI;m glad only one of our salaries is dependant on sales and commissions-I can't handle too much instability. Here's to both of us, toast to you, that March looks brighter in the pay day department.
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