My Retirement Project

Welcome to Monday Musings, where I share a bit of what's been going on in my little part of the world. Overall, it has been a wonderful week!

1) Our backyard project is finally complete. While we still have the final city inspection to clear, something that shouldn't be a problem in that we followed the approved plans to the letter, the construction work is done, done, done! We are out in either the backyard or on the balcony multiple times a day enjoying either the views or the sunshine, particular up on the glass enclosed balcony, which keeps the wind out while letting the warmth in. Plus, the yard is super low maintenance in that about 90% of it is either pavers or artificial grass. Upkeep is generally me walking around with a weed trowel and a paper bag, picking up random leaves from the artificial grass, and small weeds from the planter areas. And possibly best of all, we no longer need a gardening service which will generate about $1600 a year in savings, and ensure ong…

Greetings! Today I am joining in with some other lovely bloggers to share a mini bucket-list of Five Holiday Activities and Traditions. It was a crazy, stressful year, and with all of our home improvement projects finally done for the foreseeable future, I am very eager and excited to make the focus of December simply that of enjoying family, friends, and holiday events!

My Holiday Mini-Bucket List

1.  Bake lavender shortbread cookies. It's a tradition in our new neighborhood that everyone presents gifts to each other in December, so I kept that in mind earlier this year when I picked up a package of dried lavender. The plan is to handout the cookies. along with a recipe and a small container of dried lavender, so that each neighbor can remake the cookies at their leisure should they so choose.

2.  Attend every event on our December calendar. Guys, I may have gone a little nuts in trying to respond to every invite and opportunity that came our way. Right now I count 16 holiday eve…

Another month gone, meaning it's time to review how I did with my goals here . . . yeah for accountability! And similar to last month, while I didn't manage to check off everything on my November list, I was still very motivated to keep chipping away at it, and am pleased with what I did manage to accomplish. It's about progress not perfection, right - That's what I tell myself at least!

November Goals Month End Review

- Under 'Mental and Physical Health'

1) Do one session of yoga per week. Progress Made!  While I didn't manage to attend yoga each and every week, I did locate a wonderful yoga class, and actually attended!




2) Do two sessions of weight training per week. Progress Made!  It took a few weeks, but I finally made it into the weight room at our gym, and enjoyed a buddy-workout with my husband. It helped things go faster by working out side by side, so we could switch machines during our 60 second rest time between sets, resulting in doing two sets…