2017 Goals | 2nd Quarter Check-In

At the beginning of this year, I published my 17 Goals for 2017. In March, I did a first quarter check-in and managed to cross four goals off of my list. Now that the year is officially halfway over, here's where my goals stand:

PROFESSIONAL- Done!

1. Submit a grant proposal. (May 19, 2017) I submitted a funding application for the farmers' market I manage last month. We already knew the funds were ours and it was a short, pretty straightforward application so this was like a grant proposal with training wheels. But, I did it! It was the perfect first proposal to dip my feet into the waters of grant writing and fundraising and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to do it.
2. Continue working with my former employer. (April 7, 2017) I've been back for about two months at my old employer in a part-time, seasonal position. It's pretty much the perfect setup for me since I only average about two days/week and can spend the rest of my week at home with the boys. I kind of forgot how much I loved my work family and I'm so happy to spend some time with them all again.
3. Apply for Advocacy Corps. (January 12, 2017) I found out mid-May that I didn't get the position. Although it never feels good to be rejected, I know it was for the best. Just weeks later, I landed a perfect, fabulous new job (if you're nosy and want to know more, subscribe to my newsletter!).

READING

1. Read 52 books in the year. (In progress) 14/52 completed. Somehow, Charlie managed to break the CD player in my car so no more audiobooks for me. I can't begin to tell you what a bummer this is when I'm driving to far away work appointments. Reading hasn't improved very much as I've taken on more work. This is definitely one goal I won't be reaching.
2. Hit the pause button on reading challenges. (January-June 2017) I took a six month hiatus from reading challenges which was good for me. I wanted to get back to reading for the sake of reading. But eventually, I found that I like these challenges. They motivate me to read, when I otherwise might choose to slack and binge on Netflix. Overwhelmingly, I think these challenges are a positive thing for me and I can't wait to participate in Erin's Book Challenge 7.0 that starts TOMORROW!

FINANCIAL

1. Pay off a credit card. Oy, this category is depressing.
2. Open up college savings accounts for the boys. Ditto.

BLOGGING

1. Publish at least 3 posts per week. I did so well in April and May, but then we went away for Memorial Day weekend and I kind of checked out from all blogging, social media, etc. When we returned, life was just so busy that I never really recovered. I averaged 2.7 posts per week this quarter.
2. Have one of my DMB posts garner more than 1,000 pageviews. (January 30, 2017) What I Wish Someone Told me About Postpartum Sex remains my most popular DMB post to-date. Now, I need to top it!

HEALTH

1. Do the splits. Ha!
2. Run 13 miles.  Haha!
3. Hit my goal weight. (March 28, 2017) I've stuck around my goal weight of 120 lbs since my last update, but my fitness level hasn't improved by much.

HOME

1. Convert basement into playroom. Technically, I consider our basement a playroom, but it still needs new flooring, some paint on the walls and some decor that's a little more "playful."
2. Finish painting and designing upstairs bedroom. (In progress) I really haven't made any progress on this since my last check-in, but I did update our dining room, so I'm not a completely lost cause! This will be our most expensive room to update since we have to install a window, likely some more insulation, and some wall boards. Charlie's future big boy room has been put on the back burner while I shift my attention to transitioning our upstairs guest room into Crosby's nursery since it's a much more doable project.
3. Plant a backyard garden. (March 23, 2017) In May, we were able to start harvesting some lettuce, spinach and kale. Yum!

MARRIAGE

1. Go on monthly dates. (In progress) In April, Chuck and I attended a dinner for the Ohio Farm Bureau and counted it as a date night. In May, we drove up to NY to visit family over Memorial Day weekend and left the boys with their Grandma and Grandpa for a night while we checked into a hotel. In June, we used a gift certificate we had to grab a quick lunch while the boys were with their Nonnie and Papaw. Three months in a row?! Wahoo!
2. Take a weekend getaway for our fifth anniversary.

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Seven out of 17 isn't as far as I thought I would be halfway through the year. It seems my personal aspirations have been put on hold while I pursue my professional aspirations. And I'm okay with that!

How have you been doing at your goals for the year?