Weekly Goals {Week 14}

Ahh, Monday. Weekly goal time again! I really had high hopes of completing most of my goals but I overestimated myself forgetting that I had to work 4 days this week. That's a lot when you usually only work 2-3. I just worked the past 3 days and I am beat. Hopefully I can get myself organized tonight to have another successful week. I actually didn't do too bad though. There are a couple I am quite proud of (like running!) so read on!

LAST WEEK' S GOALS: 11.75/16 met!

FAMILY/MOTHERHOOD/MARRIAGE

1. Do something nice for Mr. 246. Make his a surprise or do something nice for him. Look for opportunities to do so. Uh, I'm a bit embarrassed. This should have been an easy one but I'll admit...this didn't happen. The qualifications were to do something extra or special and I didn't really do anything like that. It's hard 'cause I worked 4 days this week which leaves me beat and quite behind on everything. He was the nice, supportive one this week. Not me. I'll do better next week!
2. Be more patient with Luna. When I'm in the middle of a block of chores, take more breaks for "Luna play time." I did make a conscious effort to do this and I was more patient in general. I would say I still need some work though.

3. Take Luna to the park at least twice. "SLIDES!" Done! I took her to the library park after story time on Thursday and took her to the state park to go hiking on Friday.
4. Cook dinner at least twice. I made crock pot pork chops and baked raviolis. I had to rack my brain for this time. I did come up with ideas for Mr. 246 to cook for the rest of the week! Does that count? He made chicken fajitas and Pizza-In-A-Pot and took us to Mongolian BBQ (which was all my ideas. Lol.)

PERSONAL
5. Accomplish one new hairstyle. I recently came across this pin (26 Lazy Girl Hairstyling Hacks). I really need to do something other than a ponytail. Wish me luck! FAILED. Ponytails all week. Except one day in which I french braided my hair, but the goal was to come up with a new hairstyle. Ooops. What does it mean if I'm too lazy to do lazy girl hairstyles? (Again, in my defense, I worked a lot this week and when you're up at 0530 it's just too early for anything other than rolling out of bed and drinking coffee on your ride to work.)
6. Paint my toenails! It's spring, which means flip flops. My toes are in need of some love. Lol. Yes! I did this! My toenails are a nice shiny purple. :D I also may have bought six new pairs of flip flops from Old Navy so it was a good thing.
7. Write in my new journal at least 3 days this week. (It's my new Project Life journal binder. It's so neat! They have them at select Michael's stores and sadly they're nearly impossible to find online. They also have a new Project Life planner binder set too!) Done! Even did some lists too. :D

HEALTH
8. Walk at least 28 miles. 32.6 miles! Success!
9. Run/jog at least once. (I have a jogging stroller coming Tuesday!) FOUR TIMES! I went running FOUR TIMES this past week! I am so proud of myself. I decided to start C25K and did the first week, which is only 3 days, but I wanted to run again so I did an extra day.
10. No fast food. No fast food was eating, but I did go out for Olive Garden yesterday for my dad's birthday and also had Mongolian BBQ on Thursday. They're not fast food so it doesn't count, right?
11. Track food at least 3 days this week. (I use MyFitnessPal. My name is Whistlefishy. Add me!) FAILED. I tracked one day. Ooops. I was mindful of serving sizes and kept a very general running tally in my head. We'll try better next week.
12. Drink more water. Done! I didn't do amazing everyday but all in all I think I consumed more water than normal. I especially made it a point to drink 2 glasses when I got up in the morning and one glass before bed.

CRAFTING/HOBBY/INTERNET
13. Send out packages. (I have FIVE packages to send out this week. Sillyness!) Done! Well, except one. It's boxed up and ready to go but I'm waiting on the recipient to message me her address so I can send it.
14. Work on SIL birthday present AND send it out. Didn't happen. I underestimated my time this week and needed the proper night (AKA a night where I had lots of patience) to complete this project. Sorry Sara! I'm gonna work on it next week! :D
15. Relax and do some crochet on my new secret project. Lol. I actually got a fair amount of this done and it's looking awwwwweeeesome! I need more yarn but Joann's was out so I have to wait until their shipment comes in on Tuesday.
16. Do one week of PL. Ehh...I'm 75% done. Pictures are edited, printed out, cut, put in pockets. I just have to do the embellishments/journaling.
  

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THIS WEEK'S GOALS:

FAMILY/MOTHERHOOD/MARRIAGE
1. Plan and go on a family outing.
2. Do a craft of some sort with Lunabean.
3.One date night (most likely drinks and board games) with Mr. 246.
4. Cook dinner at least twice.


PERSONAL
5. Schedule week and update planner.
6. Read new Oprah magazine (one of my favorite de-stressing activities.)
7. Write in my journal at least 3 days this week.

HEALTH
8. Walk at least 30 miles.
9. Complete C25K Week 2.
10. No fast food.
11. Track food at least 3 days this week. (I use MyFitnessPal. My name is Whistlefishy. Add me!).
12. Lose 1.5 lbs. (Gasp! Now I have to make it happen. I've declared it on the internet. Lol.)

CRAFTING/HOBBY/INTERNET
13. Catch up with HP boards.
14. Work on SIL birthday present AND send it out.
15. Finish 1/3 of new crochet project.
16. Finish last week's PL and complete this week's PL.
17. Work on creating blogging schedule.
18. Create something with my new Silhouette Sketch Pens.

Eighteen goals. I know what you're thinking. That seems awfully lofty. Well, I only work one day this week so it shouldn't be too hard. We shall see! What's your biggest goal this week? Anyone succeeding at any fitness/weight goals? 


- Mrs. 246

This Week In Pictures {Week 13}

 

1. Santa Fe Turkey Stuffed Peppers (I cooked!) 2. Vanessa and I on our Monday afternoon escape to Big Trees State Park 3. Vanessa with her awesome dog Indy by one of the appropriately named "Big Trees". 4. Visited an apple stand on our way home. Bought Mr. 246 some apple syrup...I didn't even know that was a thing. 5. I've named this the "Running Canal". It's near our apartments. Perfect place to run/walk. 6. I've been kicking ass on my steps lately. I'm pretty sure I'll make my mileage goal for this week. 7. Finished my uncle's scarf! 8. Found a random outfit in my closet that fit and I actually liked it. 9. Ran for a couple days this week, but the sun found it's way out at least once a day. 10. Mailed out my packages! 11. I was angry at Ryan today (he took my keys to work with him) so to cheer everyone up he took us to one of our favorite places to eat, Mongolian Barbeque. 12. New running shoes obtained! And at half price. 13. The book I just started. Luna doesn't let me look at books in the library so I quickly grabbed whichever looked prettiest in the New Fiction section. It's pretty alright so far. 14. Luna's little garden is sprouting! 15. We got a new jogging stroller and I just had to test it out on some trails near our town. 16. Majestic Oak Trail. Beautiful.

Right Now

I'm not sure if it is a trend now or what, but I have come across four different "this-is-what-I'm-up-to-right-now-in-my-life" type blog posts this week and I love it. I'm joining in on the fun. So, right now....

Right now I am...
reading // Lost Lake, The Little Prince
papercrafting // this week's PL, OLW March
crocheting // a baby blanket
crafting // a bag
listening // Indie Dance Pandora station
watching // Dance Moms and Kim of Queens (Did I just declare that publicly?)
craving // water and pizza, more outdoors
loving // my new PL kit, my new found motivation for being more active, spring weather
playing // Ticket to Ride with Mr. 246
wanting // not to work this weekend
hating // also hating the laundry, and my lack of time
thankful for // new jogging stroller

Right now Mr. 246 is...
reading // ABA textbook
playing // Bravely Default, Pokemon Battle Trozei, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
listening // Comedy Station on Pandora
looking forward to // Family outing
proud of // Doing well at school, getting 3 compliments at work today
wanting // Kindle Paperwhitehating // neverending laundry
craving // snacks, pizza
loving // 3DS XL, Ticket to Ride

Right now Luna is...
reading // Kitten's First Full Moon, Spot's Bus Trip,  Bob
playing // "house" in a large cardboard box in the living room, "slides" with the train set and lego set
watching // one episode of Dinotrain before bed
listening // Happy And You Know It, Twinkle Twinkle
saying // lots of three word sentences (Mommy sit here. Daddy sit here. Shoe fell off.) "Zeeepy Cup!"
commanding // the dog and who sits in what chairs
loving // SLIDES, her babies, sippy cups, two puppies, story time at the library
laughing // at the dog when he runs
kissing // mommy and daddy with big slobbery kisses
mastering // using utensils well

What have you been up to lately?

 -Mrs. 246

{This Moment #8}

A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savour, and remember.

Easy Crochet Ribbed Scarf

This past week I finished up a quick little crochet project. I needed some new scenery in my crochet projects and I wanted to make my uncle something nice and cozy. He lives up north so I'm sure he can still use it for a couple weeks.

Every time I make a scarf length wise I swear to myself that it's the last time. The rows just take so long and I always like a tad of instant gratification. My uncle is well over six feet tall so I had to make the scarf extra long. With the ribbed look however, it kind of gives the scarf a knit look.



The yarn I used is kind of...eh. When I was picking out yarns I was going for three things: a color that was somewhat manly-ish, not super expensive, and not thin. (Remember, this was supposed to be a quick project!) This is terrible, but I can't remember exactly what yarn it was. After looking, I'm pretty sure it was Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Taupe. It doesn't feel too terrible to the touch, but close up it looks kind of fuzzy and ick. Like it's a scarf you've had around a while and loved it already. This issue with that, however, is that it's brand new. Maybe it doesn't bother some people, but it bothers me a bit.

Sorry for the lack of action pics. I've been waiting to send out this scarf because I really wanted to take pictures first and generally the only time I have to sit and take pictures is late after Luna goes to bed. I've worked all day (therefore I look like poo) and I decided I wouldn't force Mr. 246 into taking late night portraits on a work night so there you have it. You get the general idea, though. You all know what a scarf looks like.

Alright, let's do some stats:

Easy Ribbed Crochet Scarf

• Yarn: Two skeins of Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Taupe. 
• Hook Size: My trusty 5.0 mm Clover crochet hook (I have the whole set of Clovers and they're so nice! My hands don't get nearly as crampy. Special thanks to my MIL!)
• Time: 2-4 nights of TV watching (the last couple episodes of Firefly :( I'm late to jump on the bandwagon but believe me, I'm now just as outraged that they would cancel such an awesome show.)
• Size: A little over six and a half feet long. 6-7 inches wide.
• Fun: 6/10. Repetitive, very plan. I do like the end look of the ribs and also that I only went through the back loop only on the foundation chain. I hate crocheting out of the foundation chain and on such a long foundation I was glad not to be too fiddly about it. 
• Pattern (ish): Crochet a chain as long as you want your scarf. (A good rule of thumb for a winter scarf is to make it as long as the wearer is tall.) Single crochet along foundation chain working in back loop only. Chain 2, turn, double crochet along length in back loop only. Chain 1, turn, single crochet along length in back loop only. Repeat rows single crochet row, then double crochet row until your scarf is as wide as you like it or until you run out of yarn. Tie off. Weave/sew in ends.
• Help: Click here for a tutorial video on chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet. Click here for a tutorial video of working through the back loop only. Also, feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions. Especially about the "pattern." I realized it's not really a pattern. One day I'll get the hang of writing them up properly.

Anyone else have new crochet in your life? What've you been making?

- Mrs. 246 

Weekly Goals {Week 13}

 Well, I found my first week of setting official, tell-the-whole-world goals very motivating in getting things done. In my blog (and all online interactions) I really strive to be authentic. There are some blogs (or Facebook friends, ect) where you get the feeling that what they're projecting online isn't really how they are in real life. This being said, I don't want to look lame not finishing what I've declared to the world that I'm going to acheive. And as easy as it would be, I don't want to lie and say I've done something I haven't. It was very motivating to actually work toward the goals I set and really gave me a sense of focus throughout the week. I think Weekly Goals are here to stay!

LAST WEEK' S GOALS: 10/14 met!

FAMILY/MOTHERHOOD/MARRIAGE
1. Have a drink and play a board game with Mr. 246 (Mini Date Night) Sure did! Saturday night we made too many daquiri's with our new Margarita maker AND played Ticket to Ride which we finally broke down and bought. Great game!
2. Take Luna to storytime on Tuesday  Then we went on the slides and had lots of fun!
3. Make Luna two "Color" activities.  This didn't get done. I have less crafting time during the week then I realized.

PERSONAL
4. Read the Oprah Magazine I've been holding onto. (Make fun of me if you must, but I always find it very relaxing, motivating, and resetting.) Done! And read half of the next one!
5. Finish Daring Greatly by Brene Brown.  Not so much time for reading either. I decided to read The Little Prince this week instead of finishing Daring Greatly but I really only got through a third of that book.

HEALTH
6. Walk at least 27 miles. (Tracking using my Fitbit!)  31.05 miles! I really didn't think I would make this goal but I killed it by four miles. I had two days this week where I went nuts and walked over 14,000 steps. I even ran one evening...because I felt like it. I blame it on PMS.
7. No fast food! Success! (Kind of.) Does Chipotle count as fast food? I'm not counting it because I stood in line for half an hour Friday night. Lol.
8. Make dinner myself at least twice. (Mr. 246 does most of the cooking.) Another success! I cooked these delicious pork chops. Seriously...they're amazing AND easy! And I also made some fancy stuffed peppers with a side of Spanish rice which was ALSO amazing.
9. Go on two bike rides. I only went on one. It's hard because I can't take Luna with me and a lot of time when Mr. 246 is home I feel guilty to be like, "Here! Watch Luna, I'm going on a bike ride. See ya!"

CRAFTING/HOBBY/INTERNET
10. Finish scarf. It's done! I'll show you all soon, I promise.
11. Send out HPC prize packages.  This is halfway done. I've got everything collected but I have to pick up some flat rate boxes. Plus, I'm waiting on people to get back to me with addresses so I can actually send them. I send them PM's so they should be on their way.
12. Catch up on Project Life (finally!)  It's done!!!!!!!!!! After being behind since before Christmas, I am FINALLY caught up on PL. Hallelujah!
13. Start planning new banner.  "Yes, yes...it's all up here." *Points to head* But seriously, I did pick up a couple things I need to complete it. And yes, I realize no one knows what I'm talking about but that's okay.
14. Make 2 "Shapes" set for a friend  Done! I'll have to show you guys what I'm talking about. It's just some simple activities that I made/printed to help Luna learn her shapes. My MIL requested I make some for a friend of hers who is raising her grandchildren. :)

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A fresh new week...a fresh new set of goals:

THIS WEEK'S GOALS:

FAMILY/MOTHERHOOD/MARRIAGE
1. Do something nice for Mr. 246. Make his a surprise or do something nice for him. Look for opportunities to do so.
2. Be more patient with Luna. When I'm in the middle of a block of chores, take more breaks for "Luna play time."
3. Take Luna to the park at least twice. "SLIDES!" 
4. Cook dinner at least twice.


PERSONAL
5. Accomplish one new hairstyle. I recently came across this pin (26 Lazy Girl Hairstyling Hacks). I really need to do something other than a ponytail. Wish me luck!
6. Paint my toenails! It's spring, which means flip flops. My toes are in need of some love. Lol.
7. Write in my new journal at least 3 days this week. (It's my new Project Life journal binder. It's so neat! They have them at select Michael's stores and sadly they're nearly impossible to find online. They also have a new Project Life planner binder set too!)

HEALTH
8. Walk at least 28 miles.
9. Run/jog at least once. (I have a jogging stroller coming Tuesday!)
10. No fast food.
11. Track food at least 3 days this week. (I use MyFitnessPal. My name is Whistlefishy. Add me!)
12. Drink more water.

CRAFTING/HOBBY/INTERNET
13. Send out packages. (I have FIVE packages to send out this week. Sillyness!)
14. Work on SIL birthday present AND send it out.
15. Relax and do some crochet on my new secret project. Lol.
16. Do one week of PL.

Whew...16 goals! Can I do it?! What's your big goal for the week? How does everyone make time for what they want to accomplish?

- Mrs. 246

{This Moment #7}

A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savour, and remember.