Yes, it is 2023!!!

 Hi Lovely Ones!!!!

I know...I know...it's been way too long!!! A lot has happened since I posted here but I don't want to write about none of it now. LOL. Maybe later. 

I did take a few minutes to read some of my older posts. I am impressed by me!!!  LOL. I thought about doing the 30 Day Challenge again but I don't really have a difference in my opinions.

Well, I will check back later.

Ciao!

ELLE X

I've been gone too long...

Hi All,

I haven't posted to this blog in a very long time...about five years!  So much as happened in those five years...but let's not dwell on the past.  Let's look toward the future. Christmas is tomorrow and New Years Day 2019 will be here before we know it.  I would like to wish all who will read this a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!  And I promise not to be gone so long.

February Challenges

Is it too late to say Happy New Year?!?  If not, Happy New Year!!!  I hope all is well with everyone.  This year has been going well for me. 

I decided that I want to do more blogging this year.  Last year, I only had two entries...I know...pretty pitiful.  I am ready to start anew with a February challenge. 

I saw this challenge on a blog. It is called "A Thing a Day" and it's to get rid of one item every day. I will do this challenge for a month.  I can definitely get rid of one item a day! 

Since today is February 1st, I have already selected my item(s) to get rid of.  It is a pair of valances.  They are already sitting in a box in anticipation to go to the Goodwill at the end of the month.

It will be very rewarding to go to the Goodwill at the end of the month with all my clutter donations.

 

Ciao!!!
ElleX

2012 SMART Goals - 3rd Quarter Update

Hi All, it is October!! And you know what that means...it is way past due for a Goals check in.  Yeah, okay.   I must admit that I didn't totally complete many of my goals but, nothing beats a failure but a try.  I did learn something about myself.  I need to keep my goals in front of me (written) and I prefer specific challenges.  I will do another post with a "updated" version of my goals for the rest of the year.

2012 SMART GOALS

HEALTH & WELLNESS : My ultimate goal is to increase my strength and fitness level. I, also, want to get back to a 80-100% raw food eating regimen.
• Walk, hike, and/or bike at least 3 times a week.  - Some weeks I walked less than 2 days, others more. No hiking or biking yet.
• Perform sit-ups and push-ups nightly as to get up to 100 sit-ups and 20 push-ups* by June. - Fail, I did attempt to start but between studying and doing projects, I stopped.
• Eat 80-100% raw. - I was pretty consistent with this goal, although sometimes I dipped to 0-79%.

PERSONAL FINANCE: My goal is to increase my savings and investing balances by 25%.
• Increase ING balances to at least $15,000 by December. - Fail
• Begin selling excess (clutter) in January. The goal is to make (and save) about $1,000 by June. - Fail, I am reminded of a Mariah Carey song, "Can't Let Go". (Album: Emotions).
• Monitor accounts monthly. - Fail, I look at statements but that's it.
• Evaluate and review net worth and progress once a quarter. - Fail, I don't know what's wrong with me. I am thinking I need to downsize the amount of accounts.
• Purchase a new (to me) used car by February and sell present car by March. - I purchased a new used car in July (it took longer than expected to find what I wanted at a price I wanted to pay).  I still own the my other car but I do want to sell it.

FUN: The goal is to experience new things, spend more time with my family, and travel more.
• Take a cruise for my 45th birthday in September. -  I changed my mind - I decided to spend the time with my family instead. I had a wonderful time at home. So peaceful.
• Take two travel vacations with my family (Disney at Christmas and a weekend trip to Savannah). - Again, plans changed, we decided to go and welcome my sister and brother-in-law home from Afghanistan instead.  We are, also, considering having Thanksgiving at their home this year.
• One weekend of each month, visit family in hometown. - Since purchasing the new used car, I have been to home a lot more.
• Take the Canopy tour at the US Whitewater Center in April or May (depends on the weather) - Fail. Between the weather and other committments, I had to postpone this.  I don't want to do it alone and the guy that was going to partake with me has moved to another state.

OTHER:
• Decrease or eliminate paper clutter by scanning important papers by July. - Failed to complete by July. However, I started this project again this October.
• Move to Condo and rent out house by April. - Failed to move in April (, but I have begun packing for a November move.
• Get certified in LEAN principles or Six Sigma Green Belt by July. - Completed the Six Sigma Green Belt certification in May!
• Learn to swim by August. - Fail.  I have a serious problem. It's called "trying to breathe in oxygen while your head is underwater".  How do you get over that???  LOL.  I have all the information to start swim class but I am hesitate because of that "mental??" problem. LOL.

Goals, Goals, Goals...

via

Well, 2012 is here and it's time to embrace this new year by composing new goals.  While many were out and about on New Year's Eve, I was writing my 2012 SMART goals. Yes, I was writing goals until about 9 minutes until the New Year but I felt amazing once I was completed.   I am so thankful to Fit & Fab for posting her 2012 goals. She motivated me to get off my tailfeather and put my goals in writing!   So without further ado, cue the drumroll pleaassee...

2012 SMART GOALS

HEALTH & WELLNESS :  My ultimate goal is to increase my strength and fitness level. I, also, want to get back to a 80-100% raw food eating regimen.
• Walk, hike, and/or bike at least 3 times a week.
• Perform sit-ups and push-ups nightly as to get up to 100 sit-ups and 20 push-ups* by June.
• Eat 80-100% raw.

PERSONAL FINANCE: My goal is to increase my savings and investing balances by 25%.
• Increase ING balances to at least $15,000 by December.
• Begin selling excess (clutter) in January. The goal is to make (and save) about $1,000 by June.
• Monitor accounts monthly.
• Evaluate and review net worth and progress once a quarter.
• Purchase a new (to me) used car by February and sell present car by March.

FUN: The goal is to experience new things, spend more time with my family, and travel more.
• Take a cruise for my 45th birthday in September.
• Take two travel vacations with my family (Disney at Christmas and a weekend trip to Savannah).
• One weekend of each month, visit family in hometown.
• Take the Canopy tour at the US Whitewater Center in April or May (depends on the weather)

OTHER:
• Decrease or eliminate paper clutter by scanning important papers by July.
• Move to Condo and rent out house by April.
• Get certified in LEAN principles or Six Sigma Green Belt by July.
• Learn to swim by August.

That's about it.  It's not much but definitely enough to keep me busy and out of trouble.  *I know 20 push-ups doesn't sound like a lot but I have skinny, weak arms. #dontjudgeme

30 Day Challenge - Day 30

Day 30 - One thing you're excited for

Dare I say, the end of this challenge.  I have a new found respect for people who blog everyday.  How do you do it???  I had to pre-write many of the posts to publish on the appropriate days because, lately, after staring at a computer all day, I have writers block!

Thanks for sticking with me.  I appreciate it!

30 Day Challenge - Day 29

Day 29 - Five weird things that you like

I honestly can't think of anything.  If I come up with something later, I will update this post.