Goals for June

June, June, June, how are we here already? Summer sure seems to be here in full force and I am definitely feeling it. My allergies and the heat have been keeping me indoors more often than not lately; I'm really missing how often and long I use to be out hiking. We took the camera and Pippin out for an adventure, despite it all, yesterday and June welcomed me with a nasty sunburn. My poor shoulders are relaxing and recuperating in the AC today.

May was a great month for me. Spring stuck around a little longer than usual, Will and I celebrated three years together, and I got a job! I was a little sad to let May go, especially since it means those dreaded long, hot summer months are ahead. But so many things are looking up for me, I can't help but be excited for what's to come!

— GOALS FOR JUNE —
+ I've been talking a lot about changes that are going to take place on this blog, and you probably still have no idea what I mean (or have started to ignore me, haha). But, it's really really coming soon! I promise! I've been holding off on updates here because it's not worth the effort right now — because this blog will be moving completely within a month or two! Along with moving to a new domain (my own domain! finally!), I'll no longer be using blogger, this blog will have a new name, and everything will be completely rebranded and redesigned! There are going to be so many changes and I'm going to do it all at once and it's a little overwhelming that I'm talking in run-on-sentence but I'm so excited!

+ P.S. If you're wanting an update to your own blog, I'm offering super awesome discounted design services all summer long to Blogger users. I'll be offering services on more platforms soon, too. Check out those services and rates here.

+ After months of job hunting, there is nothing quite like finally finding one to really boost your mood! I got a job at Boise's Anthropologie, recently, and it still feels a little unreal. I've only had one day of training so far, but I can't wait to get working! My main goals for this month naturally revolve around my new job: getting more comfortable with the store and job, becoming as familiar as possible with merchandise, getting to know all my awesome new coworkers, and establishing a new routine that involves work every week!

+ Having a more steady form of income of my own again will be glorious. You have no idea how long it has been since I have bought something for myself, especially clothes. I need to go through my wardrobe at some point and get rid of the pieces I've been hanging onto even though they are falling apart. I desperately need to restock my basics, like t-shirts and jeans. Not a high priority goal, but I'd like to have a fresh, easy, classic wardrobe for work for the summer.

+ It's really really hot outside already. Did I mention that yet? At least I think so. Hiking during the day now is a rather unbearable, but I'd still like to remain as active as possible. I'll be biking or walking to work, but I'd love to do some workouts inside — in the air conditioning. I'll probably pick up pilates and yoga a few times a week but what I'd really like to do is lift a bit again. I miss my biceps. I think one day of upper-body and one day of lower-body training a week will be totally doable.

How is June treating you so far? Are you happy for summer (weirdo)?
xx Emorie

Goals for May

May has been treating me beautifully so far. Is there any way we can invite it to stick around extra long? I'm sure there must be a way. April went by far too quickly for my liking but I am welcoming May gladly. I'm trying to hang on to these last little bits of Spring before summer really takes over full force. I've got so many things to look forward to this month, and quite a few goals to work on throughout, so let's jump right in and discuss them.


— GOALS FOR MAY —
+ I'm sure by now you've noticed that I've been working on some exciting things! I'm still getting a few features done for her blog, but I've had so much fun designing for CJ. It makes me so happy to know how happy she is with the work I've done. It only makes me that much more excited to turn this passion for design into something more. Again, please check out the DESIGN page if you are at all interested in working with me. I'd love to have work scheduled out for the rest of the month, so spread the word for me! As I gather more experience working/designing for other people, I plan on streamlining the whole process further. I'm always actively discovering solutions for improvement, in every area/way possible, but especially work efficiency and time management.

+ I also have work for my own blog (this site, silly) to think about. I've had a rebrand/redesign in the works for months and months and months. And, oh boy, sometimes I feel like I'm just sitting with it until it feels right and the time feels right. Simply, I guess I still have a lot I haven't decided on. I love Oh Whimsical Me; this space feels authentically me but the title doesn't anymore. Things around here will still be relatively the same, it will all just look a little different and be under a new name. Eventually.

+ I mentioned last month that I was trying to remain optimistic on the job hunt frontier, but it was becoming rather difficult. That is the awful thing about looking for employment; not only is it a lot of work but you can't ever take a break. Sure, you feel frustrated, tired, hopeless, but you HAVE to keep looking. Because what if you miss that one shot? I obviously don't want to have to continue the search, but I continue whole-heartedly as best I can. I have a really really exciting interview next week! Wish me luck!

+ I'm still thinking of dying my hair bright red, but haven't discovered the guts to do it yet. I'll keep you updated. Because I know it's really important to you (sarcasm).

+ This Friday is my 3 year anniversary with Will. We never go all out with celebrating, but we usually head out camping for the weekend. Last year, we took a canoe trip, and it is still one of my favorite memories. That entire weekend was magical. I've only got two more days left to plan an awesome adventure; I better get started! Regardless, I am excited to have a weekend to ourselves to celebrate and get out of the house and escape in the woods.

Hope this month is treating you kindly so far,
xx Emorie

Goals for April

Well, here we are again at the (sort-of, still) start of a fresh month. Can this year slow down for a minute? Is it flying by for everyone else, too? I, honestly, don't quite know where this last week went. Everything felt a little off for me and I found it difficult to complete some simple things I wanted to do for the blog. My schedule had been a little busy lately, or rather, I'd been highly invested and focused on some important things. I think that, and the fact so much is uncertain right now, got the best of me after a while. I was a solid grump by Friday. But, this weekend was a great refresh and the 7th still isn't bad timing for sitting down to collect my thoughts and goals for this next month.

— GOALS FOR APRIL —
+ I'm trying to remain optimistic on the job hunt frontier, but it's been really difficult. I'm sure anyone who is looking for work right now would say the same. It's tough out here. It is especially tough when you have limited work experience and lack a formal degree. I've haven't been looking for only work that fits my interest and skills, but being able to have a job to thrive in and enjoy versus having to find random food industry work would be nice. I've had a few really great opportunities pop up that I've applied to and is frustrating to know that the applicant pool is so saturated for just about ever position out there. I'm waiting to hear about a few positions, and I obviously don't want to have to continue the search, but I will continue whole-heartedly as best I can (if needed).

+ I've been waking up fine and enjoying mornings, but I would like to be a little stricter with when I go to bed. There were a few nights when I didn't fall asleep until 1:00 am this past month. I hate feeling sluggish and tired all day; there have been too many days with that feeling lately. To keep myself healthy and motivated, I want to maintain a set sleep pattern, even on the weekends (not sleeping-in). I'd still like to add more workouts into my schedule, too. The fact that I've been feeling pretty down, stressed, and discouraged lately has been transparent in my activity levels. It's hard to get yourself away from the desk/off the couch when all your energy is being used to try and find work. The only exercise I've been getting is walking and hiking with Pippin and walking around town to drop of my resume. I should at least add in yoga a few times a week; it'd be great to combat all these stressors.

+ Not so much a goal as a desire... but to cheer myself up, I've been thinking about doing something drastic to my look. My hair is still pretty short and I don't want to take scissors to it again for quite a while but I would still really love some change. I've wanted to go red for years now, but I've always been too afraid to do all of it. I'm afraid of chemicals and of damaging my hair, and because my hair is so dark I was convinced I'd have to lighten it to achieve the color I'm wanting. I died the bottom half of my hair successfully red in 2012 and loved it, but I did use a color that had bleach built-in and it really damaged my hair. I've been researching henna a lot, and although I'm still not sure of the color I'd be able to achieve, I think I may just go for it. My hair is very healthy now, so I think it would take to henna well. I keep telling myself I should wait until it grows out more before trying red; that is so silly. I'll let you know if I decide to take the plunge. If any of you, with dark hair, have tried henna or if you know someone with dark hair that has used henna — I'd love to hear your experiences with it.

+ For the rest of the month I want to continue the work I have started on several projects. I've got the new site for this blog to continue planning out, I'll be offering design services soon and will be launching a new brand with that, and I have an etsy shop (named Huckleberry Pine) to build up. Things around here will still be relatively the same, it will all just look a little different and there will be more going on! I still have a lot of work to do; I've been a little stuck with how to move all these things forward, so I'm taking it all step by step. I've got a really great vision for the design shop and decided on the name, Peregrine (more on that later). I'll let you know as I figure more out!

How is April treating you so far? Do you have any big plans in the works?
xx Emorie

Goals for March

We're four days into March and I'm still having a hard time accepting that February is over. It's like I fell asleep January 31st and woke up March 1st. Which is strange, because the last short little month was one of the craziest times in my life, as well as one of the busiest. I guess all of those long days began to morph into one after awhile and time seemed irrelevant for a bit. Which is silly, because so many things were on a deadline. Anyway... I'm a day late, but I'm linking up with Melyssa over at The Nectar Collective for monthly wishes.
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FEBRUARY IN REVIEW
+ So many of my yearly goals got bumped to the back of my priority list this last month. I don't usually let stress affect me too thoroughly; I am a highly sensitive person but I am also a planner and a thinker, so I get over most hardships that arise fairly quickly. But, I am the type of person that, when going through many changes and stresses at once, will let anxiety quickly take over. This past month is one of the worst times I've had yet, anxiety wise. When this happens, I don't have energy for things like reading, workouts, or blogging. Which is silly, because those are all such great stress releasors (usually).
+ I did accomplish my goal of getting out of the house more, though. It was basically a necessity, though. The mess at the old place was a little too much to handle at times, and while out searching for our new place we made an effort to take to enjoy walks and hikes. Hiking the foothills (especially), at this time, definitely helped clear the mind and help bring in to focus what I wanted from a new place and what I want to accomplish in this next phase in my life.
+ Because I have been out hiking and walking so much, even more so now that we live right on the trails, I have definitely still been getting exercise. But, I am not to the point I would have been had I been able to continue with the progress I had already made in January. The schedule I had created, tough workouts 5 days a week, was way to much for me while dealing with everything else. But I won't be starting from nowhere when I start up again regularly.
+ I also have made little progress on my reading, so I'll have two books to share with you at the end of this month. I haven't had much time to work on my design shop, so the launch date on that will be pushed back significantly.

GOALS FOR MARCH
+ I'm so happy to be back to an almost normal schedule again. I've been waking daily at 6:30, making coffee and breakfast, packing a lunch for Will and getting him off to work (on weekdays), walking or hiking with Pippin, showering, then starting my 'work' day by 9:00. I would love to keep this morning schedule up, and even continue it on the weekends (not sleeping-in), so that I have a healthy and regular sleep pattern. I feel so much better for it already.
+ In addition to healthy sleep, I'd like to add more workouts into my schedule. We were so lucky to find this place, because it is exactly what we wanted. We feel secluded up here nestled on the hill side, but are still close to downtown. Everything is easy biking distance, just a few skips away is Camels Back park, and hundreds of miles of trails are outside our door. Exercise and activity will come easily here. The day we moved and a few after, were so warm and beautiful that I hiked 3 times a day. And my calfs were so sore. I also want to include, again, more hiit/cardio type workouts. And yoga. Lots of yoga. Maybe I'll even try trail running. Haha, yea right.
+ I am job hunting like crazy. Will has a pretty good job and I have plans to open up online shops, but any amount of additional income right now is going the be good for us. We're budgeting really well and paying of debts (thanks college that I didn't even finish), but we also really need to save too. Because we have big (and small) plans. I've heard back from a few places already, and even went through the interview process with one job opportunity (only to get an automated email saying I didn't get it ugh). I'm in a place now (right near downtown) where job opportunities are more common and frequent, so even though I have limited employment experience, I am staying optimistic.
+ I have a lovely new place to craft in, with a surface for just that, and lots of creative energy. I'm excited to create in here. I have plans for some DIYs, coming your way shortly, involving decorating in here. I am also ready to plan more for my shop.
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Thank you for all the kind words yesterday about our new place! I'm settling in nicely, and you can bet your bottom I'll share more — including DIY projects and a full tour — as I make each corner my own.

What are your plans for the next month? It feels that so many of us are in the middle of big changes.
xx Emorie

Goals for February

I'm going to start trying slightly different formatting in the way that I share my monthly goals here with you. You'll remember that at the beginning of January I shared my goals for the year rather than specifically for that month. I will share my progress on these goals once a month, as well as the typical list of individual goals tailored to accomplish that month. My progress on my yearly goals will also include the next steps I am taking, or plan on taking over the next four weeks to continue towards those big aspirations. For the first time, I will also be linking up with Melyssa over at The Nectar Collective for monthly wishes. The Nectar Collective is such a great, supportive community. Be sure to check it out if it is new to you! I'm a few days later than I tend to like for my monthly goals post, but hey, sometimes that just how schedules work.

JANUARY IN REVIEW
+ One of goals this year is to try to be more of a creator and less of a blogger. I love blogging and writing and all the work I put into the content here, but I am struggling to balance it all out with my more artist endeavors. I'm still looking for a way to integrate more of my artistic side here.
+ I have some pretty serious stretch goals for the year. One, that I haven't yet to share, involves those artsy things I mentioned above. I'd like to try my hand at running an Etsy shop for some of my creations. I don't know how much of a market there is for things like handmade pillows, feminist patches, art prints, or embroidery art but I am creating regardless. And I'm doing a lot of brainstorming, researching, inspiration digging, and dreaming.
+ I'm doing well so far on my goal to get back into the great shape I was in previously. I'm learning how to incorporate workouts easily into my daily schedule again. I'm going out and being active just for fun. I've been so sore but it feels good too. I started a new series here, titled Learning Happy and Healthy, and I can't wait to share even more with you.
+ I started another series called 1 Book a Month, to challenge myself to move through my to-read list and hopefully get through some stories a little quicker. I finally finished A Dance with Dragons (and loved it). I've gotten well into Ancillary Justice too; the story is unexpected and extraordinary. I'm trying to have more unplugged days, at least once a week, but it is harder than I anticipated. It is especially difficult given the fact that I started watching Lost for the first time (and can't stop).
+ I've learned a lot of new things this month. I've learned that I feel 1000x better if I wake up at a decent hour and take the dogs for a morning walk to start my day, even before a cup of coffee! I've learned that I like seafood a lot; as someone who was a vegetarian for 5+ years, it has been a hard truth to accept. But it is delicious and makes me feel good, so I'm going to enjoy it and try not to feel guilty for giving myself that pleasure. Fresh steamed clams are great. So is calamari. I'm trying to learn to accept a few changes that are happening in my life that I can't control and embrace them happily.  

GOALS FOR FEBRUARY
+ I'll be moving here shortly, so I've starting a very thorough and long to-do list to make the process a little less overwhelming and stressful for everyone (hopefully). It's pretty simple, organizing and packing one room at a time over a few days to space out the work that needs to be done. There will be a lot of purging, too, as moving is the best time to determine what items are essentials and what you are just hanging onto for no real reason.
+ Did I mention yet that the sun is out and has been shining none stop?! It is a lovely change after that nasty inversion. It even warmed up for a bit last week; it almost felt like spring! It is back to butt-cold again, but I still plan on getting out and enjoying fresh air and sun as much as I can — even if it requires my down-jacket. I've got an adventure planned this weekend, and hopefully more every weekend this month.
+ I've been doing so well with my workout goals; I can't wait to feel stronger and do even more. Lately, I've been doing cardio/hiit circuits three times a week, an upper body lifting day and a lower body lifting day once a week, leaving the weekends for rest or just for fun activities (like hiking or zumba with my sister). I'd like to also add in yoga, maybe switch out the cardio in the middle of the week for an hour session or add a little bit to the end of my circuit each day. I'm not sure yet where it will be added to my schedule, but it is something I am really looking forward to.
+ A simple goal: to keep my nails painted. I've mentioned this goal before, and why I like having them done. It's an instant mood booster right on my fingertips. My goal is to do them once a week, on Sunday — my lazy, catch-up on TV day. I've been experimenting with a few different techniques lately, and can't wait to try this scotch-tape method.
+ Finish Ancillary Justice and start the next book on my list!
+ I will continue my research/brainstorming/day-dreaming for my Etsy shop goal. And I will continue creating. I have so many new ideas for creations; luckily I keep them safely organized in my phone.

How did January treat you? Any big plans for the short month of February?
xx Emorie

Goals for 2014

Hello, 2014. I like how you're feeling so far.

If you've been a reader here for awhile, I'm sure you've noticed my monthly goals posts. I really enjoy posting them, for very selfish reason. It is a great way for me to check in and evaluate how I am doing in many different aspects of my life. I much more enjoy setting small, simple goals each month that are attainable and beneficial rather than playing into the hype of a yearly resolution. In my own past experience, resolutions were never mapped out well and quickly dropped or forgotten completely. But, as I've previously talked about, I do still love using this time at a new year to reflect over the year previous and think of areas that still need improvement. I'm combining the two a bit this time around and outlining several long term goals I have for the year that will then be further broken down into smaller attainable goals as each month goes on.

I'm so excited for some changes, for learning, for growth, and to take everything as it comes.

GOALS FOR 2014

Blog Life
+ Be more of a creator and less of a blogger.
To be honest, there have been quite a few times recently where I have felt extremely and entirely BLEH about blogging lately. I think this happens primarily when I am posting just to have something up or when I am creating just for blogging content and not because it is really something I wanted to do. I do love blogging, and I love sharing parts of my life here with you as well as projects I am excited about. But I think what I really need to do is leave all of these preconceptions I have about what blogging is, what it is suppose to be, and how I've been doing it behind. My true passions are creating and expressing; I want this place to be reflective of that first and foremost.

+ Open Shop.
You've probably noticed that there is a little link up there in the header that says 'design' and that it has linked to absolutely nothing and has since it existed. Well, actually, it links to a picture of Pippin because that little face makes everyone a little happier. Just know that there are things in the works and that everything around here will be changing quite a bit over the course of the next year. I couldn't be more excited (and scared) about it.

+ Expand as needed and accept changes (because usually they're good things).
Kind of in line with the first two things I want to work on for my blog this year, I have plans to change quite a few things up and as a result hopefully experience some growth. I don't want to be reluctant to any of these changes or hold back in the slightest.

Real Life 
+ Create a integrative schedule to get moving.
I miss being fit and feeling strong, confident, and highly focused. I want to try to integrate yoga more into my schedule, so will most likely be looking for some refreshing morning routines to try. I want to challenge myself physically again too and add a few days of lifting and toning a week. I'm all about workouts that take little time and can fit seamlessly into your day but are still going to push you to be better. I'm excited to get started!

+ Read at least one book a month.
I love reading and I always have and it is something I do regularly. I have a tendency, though, to hang on to books for a really long time. I really like to savor them, and to me that generally means taking my time with them. But my reading list has gotten unbelievably long and I want more. I've mostly been reading A Dance with Dragons the past month or so, limiting myself to two-ish chapters a night (because the next installment hasn't been released yet). I've finally realized how silly this is and I'm ready to finish and start other books. I want to push myself to read different types of literature, too, because I tend to stick to my favorites, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, 90% of the time. There is so much more out there!

+ More unplugged days.
As much as my recent blogging hiatus was very much unplanned, it was certainly needed and appreciated. I plan on scheduling, purposely, a few breaks from blogging throughout the year this time around. Planning some posts ahead of time will be worth it, to get a refreshing break from my sometimes tedious blogging schedule to relax, reflect, and reevaluate where things are headed.

+ Learn new things.
I want to carve out more time this year to learn new things and try out some new hobbies. I want this next year to be remembered as the year that I pushed boundaries and sought out ways to improve myself. I've always wanted to be great at calligraphy, why not now? Maybe I should finally act on my dream to be a part of a roller derby. My goal is to try out something entirely new once a month, all year long. I'll be sure to share these adventures with you.

I just want to continue trying to be the best version of myself. You know? What are some goals you're setting for yourself this year?
xx Emorie

Goals for December

^ sugar cookie party, last year  ^

Why does this time of year always go by so quickly? It seems like just a few minutes ago I was writing down my November Goals. I've heard that as you get older the reason you seem to experience time more quickly is because time is relative. A year goes by much quicker for a 30 year old than for a 5 year old, because relatively that year is a a whole 1/5 of that child's life (versus 1/30 for the 30 year old). I'm convinced this same phenomenon exists independently within a year, too. I know one month is still 1/12 of the whole year, but the further into the year we are the faster the months seem to pass for me. Perhaps simply because it is closer to the end.

Maybe that's just me. Or maybe these months travel so quickly because I enjoy them the most. Summer, in comparison, always drags on far too long for my liking. I always want to savor this time of year, everything feels so special when it is coming to an end — especially while knowing that I get to start anew again if I want to. Yet it all still seems so strange when it is over.

I'm talking too soon! Perhaps I'll explore this topic a little more when the new year starts. But for now, there is still a whole month to celebrate and enjoy. And, it's the best one of the year (in my humble opinion)! This also means a whole new set of little personal goals to accomplish. I know it is already 5 days into the month (hey, it's been busy around here), but truthfully I almost didn't share a list this month because it is so similar to my list last month. Plus, I have so much going on, which is wonderful but I don't want to feel overloaded with extra work. Not sharing a list for the last and greatest month seems pretty silly, so here we are. We'll just keep things festive and simple, okay?

Goals for December                                

+ I'm putting in extra effort to attend all the fun festive events in town this year. Usually around this time of year (or all the time, let's be honest), you'll find Will or me saying "Oh, we should do the thing." And then we don't do the thing. I'm trying to change that. We already made it to the Tree Lighting, so we've got a clean track record so far. Next up, outdoor ice skating for my birthday and scheduling a time to go walk around Winter Garden aGlow. The Festival of Trees always has a shit ton of people, like, so many more than I am comfortable with, but maybe we'll stop by that too? Huge maybe.

+ Craft, craft, craft, craft, craft. I'm carryng this over from my November Goals because I'm sticking with tradition (so far) and making all my Christmas gifts again this year. And I still have a lot to get done. I really do enjoy putting in a little extra thought and time to make everyone a unique gift, though. But can we talk about how long it takes me to knit anything? Hello, carpel tunnel and arthritis — a winning combination, really.

+ Get a tree. Make ornaments. Cut out snowflakes (my favorite). Drink hot beverages. Maybe even drive up to the snow I can see from here? All those holiday things.

+ Get more sleep. Or better sleep. Will is out of work for the season and with both of us home with nowhere to be most mornings it has been easy to slip into a terrible sleep schedule. It doesn't help that the long dark hours throw everything off even further. And I have a pup who thinks nighttime in either a. super scary or b. the best time to get in those face licks he's been trying for all day or c. perfect playtime. I want to enjoy mornings again. Having a schedule is really important for my creativity, productivity, and sanity.

+ I'm also carrying over the goal of keeping my nails painted. I've been about 50/50 so far, painted or not. But for whatever reason, I really enjoy having them done up real simple, even if I hate the maintenance. I feel them to be an extra tiny boost of inspiration that I always have with me. Plus, I can still feel just a bit fancy even if I'm wearing leggings and a sweater for the third day in a row.


That's it; I told you, simple. What are you hoping to achieve/enjoy this month?
xx Emorie

Goals for November

October flew by so quickly, I almost couldn't believe it was over. But now, a few days into the new month, things are starting to settle a little for me. I think daylight savings made this month's transition even more drastic. If dogs could automatically update to the new time, like my phone did, things would be so much easier. Regardless, welcome November. You've been lovely and cold and I like you. Plus this just puts us that much closer to holiday season and to my favorite month (December, obvi.).

Goals for November                                    

+ Craft, craft, craft, craft, craft. All the crafts. I'm sticking with tradition and making all my Christmas gifts again this year. I really do enjoy putting in a little extra thought and time to make everyone a unique gift. And it's a great option for someone like me, who doesn't have the means to splurge on gifts for everyone, but still enjoys gift giving. I have some really good ideas this time around, if I do say so myself. I have everything planned out (except for gifts for one or two people, ugh) so now it's all about spending many cold days bundled up inside with my sewing machine, knitting needles, sketch book, glue gun, etc.

+ I'm going to make a conscious effort to show the important people in my life how much I love and appreciate them. I hope I do this often, anyway, but with Thanksgiving approaching I am always a bit more aware of outwardly acknowledging how much I adore them.

+ Go on more walks. I realized this morning that I hadn't taken the pups for a walk around the neighborhood for quite awhile. I am a bad pup mama. I'm going to try my hardest not to use the cold weather as an excuse. Because I have coats and boots and Pippin has a few sweaters (and I do actually like the cold). Just stop being a lazy butt. Walks make us all happy, the pups and me both.

+ I'm taking inspiration from Jessica's November Goals and also adding an attempt to keep my nails painted. I like having pretty nails, but aside from keeping them cut short I am usually too lazy to care about doing them. I feel more inspired with a pop of color on the tips of my fingers, though, so I'll really make an effort. I need all the inspiration I can get this month. I think I'll go put on a bright red polish when I'm done here.

+ Read and drink a mug of hot tea in bed and snuggle Pippin (and my love) and just enjoy all those little things everyday.

Do you have goals for this month?
How are you preparing for the quickly approaching holidays?

xx Emorie

Goals for October

October things (so far): Scout in a sea of blankets / extra heat while I work / homemade tomato soup / Pippin in the rain 

My goals for this month are rather simple and the list is shorter than usual. A few of these goals have been on my list for the past two months but I think that is just fine. Some times things just need more attention then usual. I'm loving this month so far and I'm about to love it even more as I'm leaving for a little camping trip in a few hours. Everyone needs an escape once in awhile, and I yearn for one more often than not. I've been feeling rather productive lately and a break will be appreciated. I hope to continue that productivity though, especially in regards to content I put here, for I have lots of ideas swarming in my head.

Goals for October:

1. Enjoy the weather. This is easy for me to do this time of year, but I'm putting it here anyway as it is also the time of year that I want nothing more than a cozy book in bed with a side of tea. I need to make time for both. Once the leaves start to change everything will be so magical and I don't want to miss it. Photo shoots galore!

2. Craft away. As I mentioned in my September list, my creativity has been on such a high lately. I don't want it to stop. I need to start organizing more time to devote purely for allowing myself to create. I have high hopes for my Halloween costume this year, and Christmas gifts are going to start accumulating in mass. There are few things I love more than making gifts for people, so I better start early, right?

3. Plan and execute. Although my creativity has been through the roof, I must admit that I let the majority of the ideas I have go undone. I've also been scheming about a lot of post I want to write and a few changes (good ones) I want to make around here. I think a lot of the time I get overwhelmed by the amount of things I want, and as a result do none of them. It's time that I make these ideas reality, though. Perhaps I should break them down and add them to my schedule slowly.

4. Read. I know, I know, I just said I've been tempted to do nothing by lay in bed with a book when really I should be getting outside. But I must admit that isn't too bad a craving. I just need to prioritize my time better, because there is so much I want to read it is maddening.

I hope your October is going well so far and that it continues to do so. Eat all the pumpkin flavored things! I'll see you lovelies on Monday.

Goals for September

Just some simple reminders and small things I need to work on to get me through the month of September. I love this time of year; as the world outside goes through a rebirth of sorts, I too welcome change in the Fall. It's a great time to shed some weight (figuratively) and simplify, really evaluating what it is that I consider a priority. You'll notice a few of these goals are carried over from my August list. They obviously still need to be worked on.

Oh, just a cool dragonfly Will found in the front yard.

Goals for September

1. Get outside as much as possible. It is cooling off already and that is as good enough an excuse as any to be outside. I want to take full advantage of nicer weather as much as I can before the winter cold sets in. Especially once those Fall colors start showing up, I'll be living outside then.

2. Plan out meals/eat better. Lately I've been considering brown rice crackers and large amounts of spicy yellow lentil hummus lunch. While delicious, I've been really missing structured meals. I've been craving salad like crazy, if that is any indication to the fact that my eating habits need to change. I've been inspired by this post and that whole blog (Garden of Vegan), actually.

3. Just relax. I'm the type of person that needs large amounts of down time in order to feel sane. My introverted personality and hypersensitivity mean I tire out pretty quickly. We spent a lot of time out and about this past weekend shopping, running errands, helping my sister move, doing fun things, and visiting family. I was burnt out after shopping for an hour the first day of the weekend. I've been really taking it easy since then and spending a lot of time alone and reading. I need to remember it is okay to take breaks or stay home instead; it keeps me feeling balanced.

4. Keep moving. I've noticed (since no longer doing Revolt) that if I try to push myself to exercise or workout that I will keep putting it off, and likely not do it at all. I am much happier simply working exercise into my day in little ways.

5. Show appreciation. It's been really easy to get caught up in everyday stresses lately (thanks, anxiety) and to let those stresses nag and nag at me. One way I am trying to combat this, when it happens, is it to take a step back and a deep breathe and think of something I am grateful for. More times than not, that something is the people in my life I am closest too. I am trying to show appreciation for those people, in little ways, more often.

6. Craft my heart out. I don't know why, but my creativity has been on such a high lately. I've even been getting ideas for what to make as Christmas gifts for a few people. I just want to craft and craft! I need to set aside more time daily to get these ideas out of my head. If they ever become successful, tangible realities, I may share the end results of some of them here.

7. Sleep fuller/enjoy mornings. I am sleeping better than I did the past few weeks, now that Will is home. I'm no longer up all night worry about him sleeping in a little tent smelling of salmon carcasses in the middle of bear country. But I am still feeling rather exhausted. I need to get back to sleeping earlier so I can enjoy mornings and sunset walks in the neighborhood again.

Goals for August (and Further)

I've been feeling a little defeated lately (what else is new). I apologize if it seems like that is all I say lately; it seems a bit that way to me. But this time of year has always been rough for some reason. See, I wasn't kidding when I said I was ready for Fall. The last month of this season always seems so much longer for some reason. This is an attempt to get through this last month of summer and the coming months too, I suppose. Small goals are also a way for me to feel like I am making progress or change or just something, even if it is just something small. To combat my anxiety and stay sane. I want to make a habit of setting more small goals for myself, and as such I may be sharing some of them from time to time on here. After all, above anything else, I want this to be my space. I'm putting these goals here because maybe you're like me and need a little inspiration to keep moving forward. It's also a way to keep myself accountable.

A random old (favorite) picture, where I appear to have been sleeping on that dock for weeks. 

Goals for August (and Further):

1. Eat better. To feel better; it's pretty simple. Honestly, since I last posted about Revolt, I have not held myself to the high standard I had before. I haven't been eating very clean, I mean not terrible, but I can tell a huge difference. I'm feeling sluggish and bloated (gluten is most likely the culprit). I am returning to a better regime, starting today. I'll indulge in things from time to time, like a glass of wine or two, but I need to remember to eat clean and complete meals.

2. Yoga. DAILY. Even if it's just for five minutes right when I wake up. Nothing makes me feel as calm and collected as yoga does. And nothing makes me feel stronger. Don't make excuses to not get some in, I feel so much better if I do.

3. Run. For some reason I've decided to run a 9k with my mom and sister in September. I have no idea why. I hate running. I hate how much stress it puts on my body. Cardio wise, I could run forever, but my legs (knees) won't allow it. And I'd just much rather do ANY other form of exercise. But, for some reason, I think it will be good for me.

4. Figure out school. Return to school, even if it is just taking a few classes to begin. I need to challenge myself. Getting a degree would be so fulfilling and the only real next step for what I see ahead for myself right now. But I am afraid of returning, after the experience I had before. Talk out my doubts and my anxiety. Make plans.

5. Get outside. Take walks after the sun sets. Go for an early morning hike. Explore some place near the water, it will be cooler there. Stop using the heat as an excuse. Get outside, breathe, stay true to myself.

6. Get out in general. Go to all the cool, free events in this town. Find cheap shows I'm interested in (there is no lack of them in Boise) and actually go to them. Explore places that have changed from when I use to live here. Take Will to more of my favorite spots/places. Try (at least try) to be social.

7. Take more pictures. Of the dog. Of my walk. Of my love. Just document. And use those cool cameras I have. By the way, does anyone know where I can develop film without paying a shit ton for it?!

8. Keep reading. Reading is just a great escape for me. Luckily I have such great books to read at the moment that really let me lose myself in them. Don't loose this.

9. Draw just for fun. I'm not much of an artist, despite what people have told me, but there are some things I miss about drawing and painting and creating in general. Things never turn out as beautifully as I see them in my head, but I don't want that to stop me anymore. Draw just because. Find inspiration again.

10. Sleep more, enjoy mornings. I really enjoy mornings; the quiet calmness of everything. I don't so much like waking up in the mornings, though. Just get out of bed. Yes, when the alarm goes of. I know I feel so much better when I do.


Do you set small goals for yourself? Doing so and planning little everyday things seem to help me with my anxiety. I also recommend listening to this (First Listen of Typhoon's White Lighter) all day. At least that's what I'm doing; it's helping.

Also, the lovely Boise folk of the band Hollow Wood released a single today which is very much worth listening to. You can do so below and visit their site because they're that good.



Good tunes, good vibes, good thoughts, ya know?