
I honestly cannot believe I completed so many things on my first quarter lists (read about them here). I’m not one to make resolutions because I never keep them. I think, maybe, it’s because these were lists. I do love checking things off lists. Now, there’s probably not that much difference between resolutions and goals, but we’re not going to yuck my yum right now! I’m on a roll! Don’t forget, there’s also a link party! This one is different from yesterday’s, but you can certainly link up the same posts, right? Check it out at the end of this post.
A little more…
I have been busier this year than I have for the last several years. I am loving almost every minute of the docent training. There are times when I’m just overwhelmed by how much I don’t know. But, I can feel the wrinkles in my brain growing (that’s a good place to have wrinkles). I still have several weeks before the “graduation” tour. I have to find my own audience, but I don’t think that will be difficult. If I’m completely honest, I would almost rather have complete strangers there! My mini retreat is over, but I’m also part of the weekend retreat this fall. That is in full-on planning mode right now. Then, I really need to come up with a theme for next year’s mini retreat. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to drop them in the comments. Like last time, I seriously doubt I’ll be dropping any update posts. It seems like I rarely do any fashion posts just for fashion. I kinda miss that. Anyhoo, this quarter’s bucket list and goals is realistic with some whimsy thrown in. Let me know what you think.
Without further ado…
Last quarter, I focused a lot on cleaning and purging. This go round, I’m looking at things I want to do but might not do unless they’re here on the blog. Then, I feel like I need to do them! Here they are:
- Finish at least one UFO (knit or crochet)
- Go on a picnic.
- Do photoshoots at Friend Park
- Clean out Nigel’s closet
- Begin walking routine.
- Join gym.
- Continue to save toward new shower in primary bathroom as well as fall trip – this will probably be ongoing.
- Plant more perennials and annuals on the hump.
- Plant at least one more heirloom rose bush
- Add to plantings around the house.
Just a bit of explanation…
A UFO is an unfinished object, usually knit or crocheted. I have several, but I haven’t had the urge to pick up my needles. In fact, I completed unraveled a sweater because a) the yarn is expensive and b) I really didn’t like the look of the sweater. Crocheting is so much faster than knitting, but I enjoy knitting more. I love taking photos at the “Friend” Park. I’m not sure what it’s name is, but it’s in Plainfield which started out as a Quaker community. I know it’s got friend in the name of it somewhere. While we have some plants around the house, there is room for plenty more. I really like perennials best because you don’t have to keep planting them (unless the bunnies eat them). I am going to add some annuals to the hump because I love cosmos, cleomes, and zinnias. I also want to see lots of bees in there, working their magic.
Bucket list…
I really hope to accomplish quite a few of the items on this list. One would think going out to lunch with a friend would be easy. One would be wrong if you’re me. It’s seriously tough when you’re an introvert like me, but I’m going to do it this time. I really am! I look at bucket lists as something that is not necessarily easy to accomplish. I am not going to feel badly if I don’t accomplish anything on this list as I can always move it to the next quarter.

- Go out to lunch with a friend.
- Take a road trip.
- Continue to plan trip to London/Liverpool
- Begin to think about Spring trip with my travel buddy.
- Plan and present “graduation” tour at Indianapolis Museum of Art.
- Take a college level art history course in person
- Meet up with a blogger or two in the area or travel there.
Affiliate links, discount codes and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
I like your bucket lists Marsha, I made one once, but it was so long it was daunting. Perhaps the best plan is to keep them short and more achievable? I liked your report from your mini retreat, but was sad that the women found it hard to love themselves. Could your next theme pick up from there? Focus on those women to empower themselves. Do we feel guilty if we do something for ourselves rather than others? Why is that?
Thanks, Rosie! As I was making this one, I kept thinking, “What would I like to do that I know I can do?” And, if I don’t accomplish them during the next quarter, I can move them to the third one.
I know what you mean about the women…you could have heard a pin drop when I asked them to read the prompt and respond to it. That’s an idea, but I also have to have it relate to church and the Bible. Not many women in the Bible, unfortunately. Our committee has several events planned for just getting together and enjoying ourselves. But, it is a sad fact that so many women, me included, feel guilty when we do things solely for ourselves. I think it’s just because we had role models who put the family first. I see my daughter and daughter-in-law doing the same thing. They work tirelessly for their families. But, they do also take time for themselves. So, maybe the younger generations are getting it.
I know that many of our goals look easy but irl they are hats to accomplish. They are guidelines, not to do lists right?
Thanks, Nancy! Guidelines is a wonderful way to think of them!
Best of luck with your goals and lists! I completely get your being more comfortable in front of strangers than in front of friends and family. I am the same way when I have to get up in front of crowd; it helps to think I don’t know these people and I’ll never see them again!
Thanks, Joanne! That’s exactly it! I keep thinking as I prepare things that I’m not getting a grade so why am I stressing so much about things. I guess it’s the perennial student in me!
On behalf of the bunnies, I just want to say: Sorry we eat your flowers; they are just so good!
Hahaha!!! I don’t mind the bunnies eating my plants. I just buy more! Well, I take that back. I had some gorgeous Asiatic lilies at our last house. They were huge and just about to bloom. The next morning, I went out, and they’d been somebunny’s breakfast or late night snack! I was a little upset but not to the point I’d hurt them. I do sometimes put down red pepper flakes to protect some of my heirloom plants.
Come visit me!!!! I promise it will be fun!!
Xoxo
Jodie
I promise I will once I’m sure Mike isn’t going to fall and hurt himself. I just don’t really trust that that won’t happen yet.
My list is much shorter for spring as vacations have been planned and the big things on my winter one were accomplished. So it’s more of a continuation of good habits and doing a few fun things! I am looking forward to learning more about you becoming a docent!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I will have to write a post about it, but I’m not really sure what there is to say. But, that’s never stopped me before! I am not a planner as far as vacations go. I’m more of a get there, then decide what to do kinda person. When my kids were little, we traveled with my mom so she did the planning.
This is a great list, and everything seems achievable! I love that your goals center around traveling and meeting with others! Hope we get to meet one day!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I loved London so much. It’s my favorite, or tied with Rome, city I have been to. I would love to do England countryside one day, future plans. It sounds like you are enjoying the busy life you have going on! I can’t wait to see where you go on a road trip and I think I should set some planting goals for this spring.