November 2022 Goals

Years ago I used to write at least five mini goals down in a small notebook. Most of the time I didn’t accomplish all of them, but I did make more progress than had I not written them down. It also served as accountability; I was able to review my goals at different points as the month progressed and it would light a fire under me to keep going. I figured I’d try it again, but this time write it on the blog. I thought maybe by putting it out there on the internet it might help get me back on track, and reviewing the month prior would serve as sort of digital journal. Let’s see how long this lasts. 🙂

On my calendar this month:

• voting on November 8th
• baking all the things for Thanksgiving
• cooking up a little surprise for my husband’s birthday

What I’m loving right now:

• rereading some of the Simple Woman’s Daybook past blogs. I used to really enjoy her daily blog snippets recounting her days.
• the Homemaker’s Club podcast. On the days where I’m overwhelmed with all that needs to be done or when I’m in a bit of a slump, these podcast episodes really light a fire under me and remind me of the importance found in working at home.
• reading more about the rule of life and how I can formulate my own rule. The CS Lewis Institute explains, “a rule establishes a rhythm for life in which is helpful for being formed by the Spirit, a rhythm that reflects a love for God and respect for how He has made us.” While we usually associate this type of rule with a religious order such as the Benedictines, other denominations have adopted this way of centering their lives around their relationship with God. As I figure out more how this works in my life, I will share more in a blog post.
• obsessing over Ruth McKeaney’s tour of her Pennsylvania farm and home.

What I read in October:

• Verity by Colleen Hoover- Colleen Hoover has been all over the place lately so I wanted to see what all the fuss what about. This book was a bit too graphic for me but it was a good chiller to read during the month of October.
• Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult- I am a big fan of hers, but it seemed like this book was just a little too political for me. It wasn’t classic Jodi if that’s what you were hoping for.
• Five Days in November by Clint Hill- I’m a nerd when it comes to anything JFK or Jackie so I’ve read most of Mr. Hill’s books. He was Jackie’s personal bodyguard and has so much insight into her life and the life of the President.
• The Social Gracies by Renee Rosen- My friend, Courtney, got me hooked on the HBO TV series, The Gilded Age, so naturally I’ve been completely obsessed with all things Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor.

November goals:

• fasting on Fridays- While Catholics are required to fast from meat on Fridays during Lent, I’ve been trying to fast from Instagram every Friday. I know many faithful friends that are doing this weekly and I think it’s a good to unite this small sacrifice with His or offer this up for something or someone in need.
• work on a daily and weekly routine as a first step in creating my rule of life
• start back on the couch to 5k program
• decide what we will do as a family for Advent