Final February Check In

Checking in is important, whether the month was successful or not!

FEBRUARY 2014 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.

Overall: 56.4% complete.

CAREER - 101.5% Complete

Caricature practice sessions. – 360/360 minutes – 100% complete.

Caricature test session. – 20/20 celebrities – 100% complete.

Caricature studies. – 30/30 minutes –100% complete.

Make target income for the month. – 106% complete.

Up number of monthly illustrations. – Done | On Schedule | Not Done

One personal illustration. – Done | Flatted | Lined | Sketched | Not Done

Some notes:  

FINANCIAL - 100% Complete

Research one investment or retirement option for freelancers. – 1/1 – 100% complete.

Make monthly additional payment for Aaron’s student loans. – 100% complete.

Make monthly savings deposit. – 100% complete.

Save for a new dining table. – 87/$87 – 100% complete.

Save for a new camping tent. – 29/$29 – 100% complete.

Maintain budget. – 28/28 Days – 100% complete.
Taxes. -  Done | Planned | Not Done

Some notes: 

HEALTH - 50% Complete

Lose 5 pounds through daily exercises & walking 1 mi once a week. – 0/5 pounds – 0% complete.

Attempt doing a Sudoku puzzle whenever stressed out for one month. – 28/28 Days – 100% complete.
Eye exam. – Done | Planned | Not Done

Some notes:  

HOME - 0% Complete

Simplify 1/3rd of the Kitchen Cabinets. – 0% complete.

Some notes:   

KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Read one book. – 288/288 Pages – 100% complete.

Daily mental exercises. – Done | On Schedule | Not Done

Some notes:  

PERSONAL - 0% Complete

Select plants to add to garden and obtain materials needed. – 0% complete.

Complete 9 pages of THIS IS NOT A BOOK. – 0/9 Pages – 0% complete.

Some notes:  

RELATIONSHIP - 0% Complete

One date night. – Done | Planned | Not Done – 0% complete.

Some notes:  

SPIRITUAL - 100% Complete

Meditate twice this month. – 2/2 Times – 100% complete.
Attend Lushede Grove's Imbolc Ritual. – Done | Planned | Not Done – 100% complete.

Attend one Coffee Coven. – Done | Planned | Not Done – 50% complete.

Volunteer for both T.A.R.A. and ESFOA. – Done | On Schedule | Not Done

Some notes: 

Final January Check-In

JANUARY 2014 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.

Overall: 124.4% complete.

CAREER - 101% Complete

Caricature practice sessions. – 360/360 minutes – 100% complete.

Caricature test session. – 20/20 celebrities – 100% complete.

Caricature studies. – 30/30 minutes – 100% complete.

Make target income for the month. – 104% complete.

Up number of monthly illustrations. – Done | On Schedule | Not Done

One personal illustration. – Done | Flatted | Lined | Sketched | Not Done

Some notes:  What do you know. I busted my rear this week and made out ahead of the game on my income!  And I even took a week off this month.  I'm a BAMF.

FINANCIAL - 93.8% Complete

Research one investment or retirement option for freelancers. – 1/1 – 100% complete.

Make monthly additional payment for Aaron’s student loans. – 100% complete.

Make monthly savings deposit. – 63% complete.

Save for a new dining table. – 87/$87 – 100% complete.

Save for a new camping tent. – 29/$29 – 100% complete.

Maintain budget. – 31/31 Days – 100% complete.

Some notes: 63% isn't even quite accurate for our monthly savings since Zeus had to have surgery on Monday to remove the root of his cracked tooth.  It's been a messy month with four separate vet appointments and two surgeries, so our savings took a good dent.  We still managed to save some and pay off the proper amount for Aaron's loans, so I guess I shouldn't be too disappointed.

HEALTH - 100% Complete

Lose 5 pounds by eating salad, drinking water and not eating out. – 5/5 pounds – 100% complete.

Attempt dancing doing push ups whenever stressed out for one month. – 31/31 Days – 100% complete.
Thyroid test by the 27th. - Done | Planned | Not Done

Some notes:  I had a horrible week when it comes to food.  I ate a whole cake all by myself to resolve some stress issues I had this week.  Hey, it's cheaper than therapy.  It's just going to cost me when it comes to my health goals.

HOME - 200% Complete

Simplify 1/3rd of the Kitchen Cabinets. – 200% complete.

Some notes:  

KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Read one book. – 287/287 Pages – 100% complete.

Daily mental exercises. – Done | On Schedule | Not Done

Some notes:  Circles and Ceremonies was incredibly useful... or at least it would have been if I'd still be Circle Coordinator for COT.  Made it tough to get through it.  But maybe I can apply it to a future circle or grove.

PERSONAL - 100% Complete

Research each garden plant and create a chart. – 14/14 Plants – 100% complete.

Complete 9 pages of THIS IS NOT A BOOK. – 9/9 Pages – 100% complete.

Some notes:  Done and done.  Honestly, trying to come up with next month's garden goals is going to be tough.  I really can't do anything more until March.

RELATIONSHIP - 200% Complete

One date night. – Done | Planned | Not Done – 200% complete.

Some notes:  Done times two!  A 4 mile walk and our blanket fort.

SPIRITUAL - 100% Complete

Meditate twice this month. – 2/2 Times – 100% complete.

Attend one Coffee Coven. – Done | Planned | Not Done – 100% complete.

Volunteer for both T.A.R.A. and ESFOA. – Done | Not Done

Some notes: I'm not counting missing this month's Coffee Coven since my goal was to attend four total this year and it happens monthly.  My health and stress just got in the way.

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Check List for January

1. Put together folder of 200 faces for caricature practice.
2. Create a summary of research into one investment or retirement option.
3. Put together Weight Loss Wardrobe Money Jar.
4. Create a chart for each of the following plants: Basil, bay, mint, sage; cucumber, carrots, green onion, leaf lettuce, tomato, spinach, (potatoes?); blueberries, lemon tree; aloe, garlic.

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OVERALL 2014 GOALS

Year is currently 9% over.

Overall: 7.5% complete.

Strikeouts are goals that cannot be worked on at this time.

CAREER - 8% Complete

Caricature practice sessions. – 360/4320 minutes – 8% complete.

Make target income for the year. – 8% complete.

FINANCIAL - 10.3% Complete

Research twelve investment or retirement option for freelancers. – 1/12 – 8% complete.

Save for a new dining table. – 87/$350 – 25% complete.

Save for a new camping tent. – 29/$350 – 8% complete.
Maintain budget. – 31/365 Days – 9% complete.
Pay off 1/4th of Aaron's student loans. – 8% complete.

Create Year 1 Savings. – 4% complete.

HEALTH - 8.4% Complete

See an endocrinologist. - Done | Planned | Not Done – 0% complete.
Stress management. – 31/350 Days – 9% complete.
Lose 15 pounds (1). – 5/15 pounds – 33% complete.

Lose 15 pounds (2). – 0/15 pounds – 0% complete.
Maintain weight for three months. – 0/3 months – 0% complete.

HOME - 5.5% Complete

Swap storage cardboard for Tupperware. – 0/4 locations – 0% complete.
Simplify our home.  – .66/6 locations – 11% complete. 

KNOWLEDGE - 4% Complete

Read 12 books. – 1/12 books – 8% complete.

Relearn basic Spanish. – Done | On Schedule | Not Done – 0% complete.

PERSONAL - 4% Complete

Begin balcony/indoor garden. – 0/14 Plants – 0% complete.

Complete THIS IS NOT A BOOK. – 9/108 Pages – 8% complete.

RELATIONSHIP - 17% Complete

Do 12 date nights. – 2/12 dates – 17% complete.

SPIRITUAL - 2.7% Complete

Meditate twice this month. – 2/24 Times – 8% complete.
Attend six Lushede Grove rituals. – 0/6 Times – 0% complete.
Attend four Coffee Covens. – 0/4 Times – 0% complete.

Final September Check-In

SEPTEMBER 2013 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.
Overall: 75% complete.

CAREER - 100% Complete

Make target income for the month. - 100% complete.

Some notes:  So I didn't do any character designing this month but still hit my financial goals with caricature events.  I'll call that a 100% anyway.

FINANCIAL - 83% Complete

Make target income for the month. - 100% complete.

Keep budget. - 50% complete.
Buy a new mattress, pillows and bedding. - 100% complete.
Some notes: Our budget was blown to hell this month.  Moving really did a number on us.  We bought a new mattress and bedding supplies, some new shelves, a pantry and I invested in some spiritual room items.  My car also needed some new tie rods and Artie came up with a UTI from the stress of moving which put a dent in our wallet as well.  I did my very best to keep budget but I don't regret any of the money I spent, nor do I think it any of it was unnecessary.  So, you know, that's that.

HEALTH - 33% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.
Lose 10 pounds to get back to where I was. - 0% complete.

Begin training for a 5k and be able to run one mile without stopping. - 0% complete.
Some notes: Everything was so incredibly busy this month between the move and getting settled, my birthday and our anniversary, and all the various things that filled in between.  I didn't lose but I didn't gain.  I'll take it.  My exercise class starts back up tomorrow and I'm in a few new exercise groups.  I will lose the rest of my weight.

HOME - 83% Complete

Notify places of our new address. - 100% complete.
Give keys back to landlord. - 100% complete.
Reorganize final storage closet. - 50% complete.
Some notes: Still trying to get on top of everything here.

KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Continue taking supplements. - 100% complete.

Continue daily mental exercises. - 100% complete.
Read one book. - 100% complete.

Some notes:  All's good here!

PERSONAL - 75% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Meditate three times. - 100% complete.

Lose 10 pounds to get back to where I was. - 0% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 100% complete.

RELATIONSHIP - 100% Complete

Do one date night. - 100% complete.
Some notes: Aaron and I had a ton of fun at my RenFest Birthday Party.  Not exactly a date date, but we definitely had fun together, so I think it counts.

SPIRITUAL - 108% Complete

Meditate three times. - 100% complete.
Volunteer for T.A.R.A. for 8 hours this month. - 125% complete.
Coordinate the COT Autumn Equinox event. - 100% complete.
Some notes: Put in some extra TARA hours this month.  The Autumn Equinox event was amazing in the new spiritual room!

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Check List for September

1. Correct my income shortcomings from last month.
2. Be 153.4 by the end of September.
3. Finish all moving-related items.
4. Choose a book to read.
5. Decide on a date night this month.
6. Volunteer for 10 hours this month.

Final July Check-In

This is going to hurt, but I have some new developments to talk about soon!  Stay tuned!

JULY 2013 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.
Overall: 98% complete.

CAREER - 103% Complete

Hit target number of monthly illustrations. - 100% complete.
Number illustrations completed - 100% complete.

Make target income for the month. - 108% complete.

Some notes:  I'm going to skip notes for this and update in a journal entry.

FINANCIAL - 100% Complete

Make target income for the month. - 100% complete.

Keep budget. - 100% complete.
Some notes: 

HEALTH - 50% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.
Lose 3 pounds by beginning 5k training - 0% complete.

Begin training for a 5k and be able to run one mile without stopping. - 50% complete.
Some notes: 

HOME - 33% Complete

Organize the downstairs closet - 0% complete.
Organize and sort the boxes in the garage. - 0% complete.
Organize the linen closet. - 100% complete.
Some notes:
Downstairs closet: Sort boxes; sort filing cabinet; reorganize wedding box; weed out miscellaneous items into a box.
Garage: Buy new boxes; sort into seasonal, labeled boxes; remove unsorted miscellaneous unboxed items.

KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Continue taking supplements. - 100% complete.

Continue daily mental exercises. - 100% complete.
Read one book - 100% complete.

Some notes:  

PERSONAL - 75% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Meditate three times. - 100% complete.

Lose 3 pounds by beginning 5k training - 0% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 100% complete.

RELATIONSHIP - 100% Complete

Do one date night. - 100% complete.
Some notes: 

SPIRITUAL - 225% Complete

Meditate three times. - 100% complete.
Volunteer for the local pet shelter twice this month. - 400% complete.
Find a new place to volunteer. - 300% complete.
Manage one COT event this month. - 100% complete.
Some notes: 

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Check List for July

1. Triple up on July's home cleaning chores.
2. Sort out July's home cleaning chores into weekly goals.
3. Be 153.4 by the end of July.
4. Select a new book to read.
5. Decide on a date night this month.
6. Volunteer twice this month.

Final June Check-In

June was definitely an off month for me.  Going to post an addendum blog to this afterward.  Here's the run-down.

JUNE 2013 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.
Overall: 102% complete.

CAREER - 44% Complete

Complete May illustrations. - 100% complete.
Hit target number of monthly illustrations. - 0% complete.
Number illustrations completed - 0% complete.

Make target income for the month. - 75% complete.

Some notes: Caricature gigs sustained me for the month.  I didn't make as much as I wanted to, but I also wasn't very far behind all things considered.  Things have been so strange this month.  Every time I turn around, I'm so busy work isn't even a thought on my head.  Even more so, I've started to consider a career change.  In my attempt to better myself, I've found that I would be proud to be employed at a non-profit.  I've started applying but nothing so far.  I'm not very marketable given my whole background is art.  Something I might look into for 2014.

FINANCIAL - 92% Complete

Make target income for the month. - 75% complete.

Keep budget. - 100% complete.
Contact individual insurance companies. - 100% complete.
Some notes: I need to remind Aaron to contact individual insurance companies.  Also, from the rain over the weekend, we had a bit of flooding in the basement.  A lot of the things I was going to donate/garage sale got soaked.  I need to go through them and see what's left.

HEALTH - 108% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Lose 5 pounds by switching to restrictive hypothyroid diet. - 124% complete.
Doctor's appointment. - 100% complete.
Some notes: According to my doc appointment, I definitely have Hashimoto's and the medication is starting to work.  They upped me again to 125 mcg.  I've taken seeing an endo off my plate until I get my blood work back from the next test.  In addition, my tooth stopped hurting after I switched to the limited diet.  I'm still going to see a dentist, but things look much better there.

HOME - 0% Complete

Organize the downstairs closet. - 0% complete.
Organize and sort the boxes in the garage. - 0% complete.
Organize the linen closet. - 0% complete.
Some notes: LOLNOPE.

KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Continue taking supplements. - 100% complete.

Continue daily mental exercises. - 100% complete.

Read one book. - 100% complete.
Some notes: Nothing here.

PERSONAL - 94% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Meditate three times. - 100% complete.

Lose 5 pounds by switching to restrictive hypothyroid diet. - 124% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 50% complete.

RELATIONSHIP - 200% Complete

Do one date night. - 200% complete.
Some notes: Aaron joined me in volunteering this weekend.  We had dinner up in downtown Excelsior Springs, which we counted as a date.

SPIRITUAL - 175% Complete

Meditate three times. - 100% complete.
Volunteer for the local pet shelter once this month. - 250% complete.
Some notes: I volunteered for seven hours this weekend helping out with the ESFOA booth at Waterfest in Excelsior.  Since my normal volunteer shift is a little under three hours, I counted it for one and a half.  Technically, it's over two, but I thought 300% was a little excessive.

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Check List for June

1. Triple up on June's home cleaning chores.
2. Sort out June's home cleaning chores into weekly goals.
3. Be 157.6 by the end of June.
4. Dentist appointment during June.  No longer a major issue.
5. Doctor's appointment during June.
6. Endocrinologist appointment during June. Unable to until after next test.
7. Select a new book to read.
8. Decide on a date night this month.
9. Volunteer once this month.

Final May Check-In

MAY 2013 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.
Overall: 104% complete
I was avoiding doing my check in because I haven't completed my commissions for May.  I asked for an extension since we've been moving in Charli and things have been nuts. My first extension for the year, and hopefully my last.

CAREER - 164% Complete

Hit target number of monthly illustrations. - 50% complete.
Number illustrations completed - 50% complete.

Make target income for the month. - 55% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 500% complete
Some notes: Still working to get commissions completed.  Every time I think I can work on them, something happens.

FINANCIAL - 77% Complete

Make target income for the month. - 55% complete.

Keep budget. - 100% complete.
Switch/Reduce Car Insurance - 75% complete.
Some notes: Aaron didn't have a chance to call around and talk to specific car insurance companies, so that's part of this month's goal.

HEALTH - 96% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Lose 5 pounds by completing eight Six-Week Slim Down courses. - 92% complete.
Some notes: I have lost no further weight.  In addition, we lived on fast food over the weekend while we drove up to Chicago, packed and moved my best friend and her boyfriend in with us here in KC.

HOME - 100% Complete

Clear out the upstairs closet. - 100% complete.
Clear out the den. - 100% complete.
Organize the kitchen cabinets. - 100% complete.
Some notes:   Complete.

KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Continue taking supplements. - 100% complete.

Continue daily mental exercises. - 100% complete.

Read one book. - 100% complete.
Some notes: Nothing to report here.

PERSONAL - 98% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Meditate three times in April. - 100% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 100% complete.

Lose 5 pounds by completing eight Six-Week Slim Down courses. - 92% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 100% complete.

RELATIONSHIP - 100% Complete

Do one date night. - 100% complete.
Some notes: Complete.

SPIRITUAL - 100% Complete

Meditate three times in April. - 100% complete.
Volunteer for the local pet shelter once this month. - 100% complete.
Meet with my mentee four times this month. - 0% complete.
Some notes: Everything's complete here.

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Check List for May

1. Triple up on May's home cleaning chore so I can move Charli in at the end of the month. - Almost done!
2. Sort out May's home cleaning chores into weekly goals.
3. Be 162 by the end of May  - 162.6.  Very close, but it's just not budging any further.
4. Dentist appointment during May - I may not be able to attend the appointment, but I can at least make it.  Not happening.
5. Switch or reduce insurance during May - We're not going to switch until our insurance comes due, but we've at least got a start on the process.
6. Select a new book to read.
7. Decide on a date night this month.
8. Volunteer once this month.

Final April Check-In

Well, some things happened and other things didn't.  Let's give it a shot.

APRIL 2013 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.
Overall: 107% complete.

CAREER - 126% Complete!

Hit target number of monthly illustrations. - 143% complete.
Number of illustrations completed - 143% complete.

Make target income for the month. - 167% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 100% complete.
Finish February's illustration. - 75% complete.

The Good: Always seeing over 100% in this category makes me incredibly giddy.  I'm always drawing, always collecting the dough.

The Struggles: I think it's official: I am a severe workaholic.  I took a week off in April and didn't even see the effects of it.  Even if I hadn't had some gigs, I would have still made over 100%.  So now, I'm taking a couple weeks off.  I want to get back into exercising.  I want to get a bit more spiritual.  I want to get some me time in.  There's no coming back from a couple weeks, so I literally can't overwork myself.

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FINANCIAL - 100% Complete! 

Make target income for the month. - 100% complete.

Keep budget. - 100% complete.

The Good: Honestly, nothing really to say here.  We kept the budget. I made more than my target income.  Nothing really interesting to report.

The Struggles:  See above.

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HEALTH - 50% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Lose 4 pounds with short daily exercises and walking one mile a week. - 0% complete.

The Good: I uh, took my meds?

The Struggles:  If I felt comfortable cursing on this blog, that's what this part would be filled with.  So, for one, I was on the diet all month and freaking NOTHING.  Then, to make matters worse, I went out of town this weekend and ate out a lot (family event, very, very little choice when the MIL keeps saying "I'll pay.").  So I weighed myself this morning and... we're just not even going to talk about it.  I took a giant step backwards.  If I could put a negative up there, it would be terrible.  Absolutely freaking terrible.  All because I ate out for one weekend.  ONE WEEKEND.

I really, really, really, REALLY HATE HAVING HYPOTHYROIDISM.

Alright, enough with the italics and caps.

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HOME - 100% Complete

Organize the den closet. - 100% complete.
Organize the entrance closet. - 100% complete.

The Good: It's all done! Both closest fully cleaned out.

The Struggles:  I struggled to get Aaron motivated for the den closet, but he completely made up for it by doing the entrance closet all by himself.  That's why I don't have a before and after photo.  I didn't even touch the closet.  He did it all.  Super proud of my husband.

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KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Continue taking supplements. - 100% complete.

Continue daily mental exercises. - 100% complete.

Read one book. - 100% complete.

The Good: Everything was a-okay here. Nothing to really report.

The Struggles:  See above.

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PERSONAL - 80% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Meditate three times in April. - 100% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 100% complete.

Lose 4 pounds with short daily exercises and walking one mile a week. - 0% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 100% complete.

No notes here, as most of these come from other sections.

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RELATIONSHIP - 200% Complete

Do one date night. - 200% complete.

The Good: We got two date-nights in this month.  Of course the first one was camping.  Technically, the second date night extended into May, but I'm counting it as April since I'm just now updating.  We went up to watch his sister graduate about three states away.  We had a hotel room though and I couldn't even touch work.  It was definitely a vacation in my mind.

The Struggles:  Nothing to report.

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SPIRITUAL - 100% Complete

Meditate three times in April. - 100% complete.
Volunteer for the local pet shelter once this month. - 100% complete.

The Good: Everything went smooth here.

The Struggles:  I wish I could say that I volunteered twice this month, but a gig got in the way.  My sister-in-law's graduation overtook a volunteer day for this month, but I also have something new on my plate.  We'll get there in a moment.

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OVER ALL FOR APRIL: 107% Complete.

Biggest success so far? That I'm a workaholic?  Is that a success?  I need to curb my working a bit.

What I need to work on the most? Weight loss. Here's the problem with this month: all the girls officially backed out of workout nights.  I actually gained a new workout day with a friend of mine, but I lost Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  And that's probably why I'm struggling with my weight.  Nothing worked like working out.  Fortunately, I have that problem solved this month.

What I'm the most worried about? Weight loss.  Though I may have that solved, as I said.

What am I the least worried about? Volunteering.  I've gained a whole new volunteering job on top of my original, so things are going great!


Note: I'm moving next month's checklist to the next entry.

Final March Check-In

This... will be painful.

MARCH 2013 GOALS

Month is currently 100% over.
Overall: 95% complete.

CAREER - 116% Complete! Kickin' rear and takin' names!

Hit target number of monthly illustrations. - 130% complete.
Number illustrations completed - 130% complete.

Make target income for the month. - 158% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 100% complete.
Complete February's illustration. - 75% complete.
Get MDartist.com functional again. - 100% complete.

The Good: Do I ever have anything bad to add about work?  I'm always ahead of the curb (can we say workaholic?).

The Struggles: I didn't struggle with free time as much as I did in February, but it was definitely an issue.  I can't seem to cut back on commissions though.  All I ever remember is how 2012 turned out, and a good 90% of our troubles were of the financial variety.  I feel like, if nothing else, should I stay on top of this we can avoid disaster.

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FINANCIAL - 100% Complete!  Not too shabby for March.

Make target income for the month. - 100% complete.

Complete taxes. - 100% complete.
Reconfigure budget. - 100% complete.
Keep budget. - 100% complete.

The Good: We did pretty well sticking to the budget this month.  Redoing it definitely helped.

The Struggles:  We did go a little over in terms of groceries.  That has to be scaled back this month.  A little more self-control, a little less "Well, I just don't have time." excuses.

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HEALTH - 67% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Lose 3 pounds by doing a short daily exercise routine when I wake up. - (Negative) -33% complete.
Yearly doctor's appointment during the last week of March. - 100% complete.
Eye appointment in the middle of March. - 100% complete.

The Good: I got a lot of appointments out of the way, and my doctor reaffirmed why I chose that place despite the office mishaps.

The Struggles:  I've had my pity party. I'm done there.  We're not going to rehash it.

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HOME - 100% Complete

Organize the office closet. - 100% complete.

The Good: Boy does the closet look so much better.  I wouldn't be embarrassed of a stranger opening it now.

The Struggles:  Nothing really to struggle with.  I suppose I wish we could have downsized it a bit more, but in the end, it's all good.

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KNOWLEDGE - 100% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Continue taking supplements. - 100% complete.

Continue daily mental exercises. - 100% complete.

Read one book. - 100% complete.
Complete January's book. - 100% complete.

The Good: Awesome book completed.

The Struggles:  Nothing bad to report.  Everything went well on this front this month!

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PERSONAL - 80% Complete

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Meditate twice in March. - 100% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 100% complete.

Lose 3 pounds by doing a short daily exercise routine when I wake up. - 0% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 100% complete.

No notes here, as most of these come from other sections.

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RELATIONSHIP - 100% Complete

Do one date night. - 100% complete.

The Good: Our wine and cheese night was a complete success, and something I'd very much like to do again should my diet allow it.

The Struggles:  Nothing bad here either!

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SPIRITUAL - 100% Complete

Meditate twice in March. - 100% complete.
Volunteer for the local pet shelter twice this month. - 100% complete.

The Good: I'm well on top of meditating this month, for the first time!  And volunteering has been a blast.  I'm so glad to finally be giving something back.  It creates some balance, you know?

The Struggles:  I need to meditate more.  I'm going to try to schedule three sessions next month, but if I don't hit it again, I'm going back to two.

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OVER ALL FOR MARCH: 95% Complete.

Biggest success so far? Again, I am a badass when it comes to my job.  It concerns me though that my biggest success for every month so far has been my job.  Not going to lie.

What I need to work on the most? Weight loss. Again, that pity party has sailed.  We're not going there again.

What I'm the most worried about? Weight loss.  Like I said above, not talking about it.

What am I the least worried about? Date night.  Aaron and I already have an idea for this month - camping so we can see the stars! I'm super excited.

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Check List for April

1. Finish February's personal illustration.
2. Sketch out thumbnails for my personal illustrations.
3. Sit down with Aaron tonight and review our savings so I can update the sidebar on overall progress.
4. Double up on April's home cleaning chore now that we may be moving sooner.
5. Sort out April's home cleaning chores into weekly goals.
6. Be 161 by the end of April.
7. Dentist appointment during April.
8. Select a new book to read.
9. Go camping.
10. Volunteer once next month.

Final February Check-In.

FEBRUARY 2013 GOALS

CAREER -128% Complete!

Hit target number of monthly illustrations. - 160% complete.
Number illustrations completed - 150% complete.

Make target income for the month. - 177% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 25% complete.

The Good: I really went to town when it came to work this month.  I came so close to flat-out doubling my target income.  So much work done.  So much.  Also, you might notice that I was commissioned for 160% of my target number of illustrations but only finished 150%.  That's okay!  The due date for the last illustration actually spans into March.  So it's not even supposed to be done yet.

The Struggles: I had precisely zero free time this month.  All of my other sections will definitely suffer because of it.  I didn't even get another chance to work on the drawing I was doing earlier.  I'm hoping to cram that into this weekend.

So why did I work so hard?  See below.

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FINANCIAL - 100% Complete.

Make target income for the month. - 177% complete.

Keep budget. - 100% complete.

The Good: I really busted my rear for my income this month.

The Struggles: I had a lot of unanticipated expenses this month.  Somehow, I totally forgot to budget in my the expenses for my web hosting as well as my dog's teeth cleaning.  He's never had one before, but his teeth had black spots on them so it was time.  He probably won't need one for another couple years, so we're safe there.  I just... forgot.  I'm not sure how.  Unfortunately, both were triple digits.  On top of that, my doctor's office misquoted me for my thyroid lab, so I paid twice what I'd budgeted.  They outsource their labs, so I couldn't even really argue about it.  Add in date night with my husband which I paid for and taking a friend out for sushi in exchange for dyeing my hair and... ugh.  I pretty much have no spare money.  My husband soaked up my spare money from last month, so I'm not really seeing a chance for a few days off any time in the near future.  Add that with the burn out from above and you'll see the amount of frustration I'm experiencing right now.

Money could fall from the sky any time now and I wouldn't complain.

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HEALTH - 102% Complete!

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Get my blood work done the week of the 11th. - 100% complete.

Lose 3 pounds by drinking 8 glasses of water and eating a piece of fruit every day. - 107% complete.

The Good: I weighed in at 165.2, which is 3.2 pounds less than I weighed at the beginning of the month.

The Bad:  It's unfortunate that I didn't get to see 164 again this month, but I'm not behind by any means.  I needed that cheat week too with all the work stress.  Also, my thyroid lab costs double what I was quoted and I'll need it again in less than three months.  Not looking forward to that.

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HOME - 100% Complete!
Organize the office. - 100% complete.

The Good: It's done.

The Bad: It probably needs another good general pick up.  It's a bit messy right now, but it is indeed organized!

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KNOWLEDGE - 83% Complete. Ick.

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Continue taking supplements. - 100% complete.

Continue daily mental exercises. - 50% complete.

Read one book. - 100% complete.
Read January's book. - 65% complete.

The Good: Um... I finished my book for this month?  Sure.  I'll put that as a positive.

The Bad: I am terribly behind . I really didn't touch mental exercises or last month's book this month.  It's been frustrating, but I've had zero time thanks to work and the extra expenses.

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PERSONAL - 66% Complete.  Even more ick.

Continue taking thyroid meds. - 100% complete.

Meditate once a week. - 0% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 25% complete.

Lose 3 pounds by drinking 8 glasses of water and eating a piece of fruit every day. - 107% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 100% complete.

No notes here, as most of these come from other sections.

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RELATIONSHIP - 100% Complete!
Do one date night. - 100% complete.

The Good: Aaron and I went to see Mama this month.  It was during my cheat week, so we nabbed pop and popcorn as well.  We were the only ones in the movie theater, so we were totally comfortable.  It was a ton of fun.

The Bad: Looking back at my expenses this month, I don't know that I could afford this date night.  I paid for it because Aaron overspent last month.  Fortunately, he caught up this month, so now it's back to being his expense.

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SPIRITUAL - 50% Complete.  UGH!

Meditate once a week. - 0% complete.
Begin researching volunteer options in Kansas City. - 100% complete.


The Good: Not only did I research volunteer options, but I'm volunteering for the first time this Saturday.  I now work with a local pet shelter helping at their adoption events at an even-more-local pet supply shop.  I'm very excited.

The Bad: I flat-out did not meditate this month.  I can't even imagine having time to do so.

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OVER ALL FOR FEBRUARY: 91% Complete.

Biggest success so far? Like last month, I was an illustrating machine yet again.  I wish I could say I should cut back, but we would have dug into our budget had I not.  Hopefully I can span everything out a bit more in the upcoming months.

What I need to work on the most? Personal and spiritual goals.  Meditation and book reading, specifically.  I just push these out of the way immediately when I don't have time.

What I'm the most worried about? Money.  I would like a day off and I'm just not seeing it in the near future.  This upcoming month brings even more expenses that I was expecting, but not quite this soon.  I fully expect to be a bit behind actually by the end of the month.  We'll see how it goes.  I may have to be a workaholic again to cover it all.  On the bright side, by the end of the year, I might actually be able to take a month off at this rate.

What am I the least worried about? Date night.  It seems to always work out and we always have a lot of fun.  And this time, Aaron can pay for it.  Booyah,

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Check List for March

1. Finish February's personal illustration.
2. Sketch out thumbnails for my personal illustrations.
3. Sit down with my husband and our bank accounts to reconfigure our budget on Friday.
4. Do taxes on Friday.
5. Divide March's home organization goal of the office closet into four smaller chores for each week.
6. Set a solid baseline for my daily exercise goals on Friday.
7. Update MDartist and get it functional again.
8. Be 162.2 by the end of March.
9. Yearly doc appointment on the last week of March.
10. Select a new book to read.
11. Finish January's book (ugh!).
12. Add a variety of mental exercises that don't take much time so I can catch up.
13. Meditate twice in March (lowered for a better chance of actually getting it completed).
14. Plan out March date night.
15. Volunteer twice next month.

Final January Check-In!

I know, I'm a bit behind on my January check-in.  Things got busy.  Let's get to it!

JANUARY 2013 GOALS

CAREER - 108% Complete!

Hit target number of monthly illustrations. - 100% complete.
Number illustrations completed - 100% complete.

Make target income for the month. - 130% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 100% complete.

The Good: I more than completed this section.  I blasted through commissions, made extra money, did a caricature gig and still found time to draw for myself.  I'm feeling pretty confident!

The Struggles: I. Want. Weekends. Off.  I have a tendency to overbook myself between my commissions and my personal life.  I had one weekend totally off in January and it was glorious - even if I did follow Aaron around groaning, "I'M BORED!" like a toddler.  I actually have this weekend off, which is amazingly swell.  Let's see if I can keep that up.

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FINANCIAL - 100% Complete, but with a catch.

Make target income for the month. - 130% complete.

Keep budget. - 100% complete.

The Good: I not only had extra income from January, but I spent less than I think I've ever spent in a single month.  Yay, budget!

The Struggles: Why has no one taught my husband the value of money?  I set a budget for him that was more than lenient.  He actually got $300 in random spending money, compared to my $50.  When I checked in with him on the 15th, he was $20 under his spending money budget.  I warned him then that he needed to stop eating out every day and buying games on a whim.  Unfortunately, that didn't fix it and he more than tripled his spending money in games and fast food.

This really runs into a much longer rant that I'd like not to get into in this post, but we had a discussion about it.  He's on probation for February.  I need a receipt for everything he spends.  He has no spending money for February to make up for the fact that he tripled it this month.  No games.  No fast food.  Nothing.  If he fails at the budget this month, I will become the only person with control over our money.  I really don't want to do that; I watched my parents and his parents do it and it seems demeaning, but if he can't grow up and stop overindulging, I'll have no choice.

I'm pulling all of the extra money I made this month to cover the money he should have saved.  Thanks dear.

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HEALTH - 110% Complete!

Begin taking thyroid meds - continue for entire month. - 100% complete.

Lose 3 pounds by eating a salad every day and avoiding take-out. - 120% complete.

The Good: I haven't missed a single levothyroxine pill.  I also weighed in on the 31st at 168.4, which is 3.6 pounds less than I weighed on the 1st.

The Bad: I was weighing myself on Mondays.  This Monday, I clocked in at 167.4.  Not sure why the pound difference on Thursday - water retention, lack of sleep, pizza on Tuesday.  Who knows.  But it was a little disappointing to see.  Oh well.  Onward!

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HOME - 100% Complete!
Organize my computer. - 100% Complete.

The Good: It took two hours and I've been keeping it organized since!


The Bad: Not a whole lot.  I didn't start until half way through the month, but that wasn't a big deal in the end.

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KNOWLEDGE - 91% Complete, and doing some catch up this weekend!

Begin taking thyroid meds - continue for entire month. - 100% complete.

Begin taking supplements - continue for entire month. - 100% complete.

Begin daily mental exercises. - 100% complete.

Read one book. - 65% complete.

The Good: I really caught up on my daily mental exercises.  I'm already past beginner on the mental exercise application, which probably would have taken me most of the month anyway.

The Bad: I couldn't find a single minute to read this week.  I kept scheduling it in, but it was the easiest thing to push out of the way for things like work and family.  That being said, I plan on finishing it this weekend!

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PERSONAL - 100% Complete!

Begin taking thyroid meds - continue for entire month. - 100% complete.

Begin meditating. - 100% complete.

Draw one illustration for myself. - 100% complete.

Lose 3 pounds by eating a salad every day and avoiding take-out. - 100% complete.

Adhere to my planner schedule. - 100% complete.

No notes here, as most of these come from other sections.

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RELATIONSHIP - 200% Complete!
Do one date night: Watch movies in. - 200% complete.

The Good: The weekend I had off in January, Aaron and I had a movie night (mostly because we needed to ebb the bored complaints, lol).  On Tuesday, we did it again.  I introduced Aaron to Game of Thrones and we watched the first two episodes, complete with pizza.  I know I wanted to cut down on the eating out this month, but I feel like date night can be an exception.

The Bad: Um... Artie knocked over my glass of water?  I'm really reaching there.  There's nothing bad about date night!

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SPIRITUAL - 100% Complete!
Begin meditating. - 100% complete.

The Good: I have started meditating more often.

The Bad: I didn't meditate as much as I had hoped to.  Like reading my book, it was one of those easy things to push out of the way for more pertinent things - things with deadlines.  I think the goal I set for myself here is a little unreachable with my current workload, so I'm going to cut down how much I'd like to meditate and accept once a week for February.

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OVER ALL FOR JANUARY: 114% Complete!

Biggest success so far? I was a illustrating MACHINE this month!  I couldn't be happier with my career right now.

What I need to work on the most? Doing things for myself.  Meditation, reading the book - those are me-time things.  They're also the easiest to push out of the way.  So that'll be an important theme for February.

What I'm the most worried about? My husband's spending habits.  I know we worked it out and that he's well aware of the mistakes he made (He, um, may have cried.  Shhhh, I said nothing.).  However, I can't help but be concerned.  Having him check in with receipts will really help build my confidence in him.

What am I the least worried about? Drawing one illustration for myself a month.  I finally picked out a theme, with some help from my loving (though not-so frugal) husband!

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Check List for February

1. Decide on a theme for my personal illustrations.
2. Sketch out thumbnails for my personal illustrations.
3. Sit down with my husband and our bank accounts to analyze our budget Thursday.
4. Divide February's home organization goal of the office into four smaller chores for each week.
5. Get two clear water bottles so I can mark the hours of the day on them to ensure 8 glasses of water a day in February.
6. Get a jar to put money in for each pound lost.
7. Get some loose ones to put in the jar for each pound lost.
8. Select a new book to read.
9. Plan out February date night.