Bullet Journey

photo cred: @boho.berry

     Sunday is the day that I start my journey.  I have decided to jump into the world of bullet journaling.  I want to better organize my life.
     Steve will tell you that I love paper.  The problem is that I have too much of it.  I have a calendar in my purse.  A calendar on my wall. Another calendar for just the kids stuff.  A Google calendar (several of those actually).. I have notes in my phone, on little pieces of paper both in my wallet and on my cork board at my desk.  I'm sure there is an app for my problem, but I don't want an app... I love paper!!
 
     At first, I was kinda confused about the whole idea of bullet journaling.  How?  All of everything in one place AND still be able to find it?  I was already hooked after reading the article that one of my friends posted on Facebook, so I started doing some research to figure this whole thing out.  I looked all over Instagram, Blogs, Youtube and Pinterest.  Youtube was the best at explaining but I got some really good ideas from the others too.

photo cred: @alexandra_plans

Now I'm ready!!  I know how I want to start and I already have plans and ideas for how I will change it up when I have more to take care of..... like goats and sheep and a farm.  The journal is also good for keeping up with goals.  I would like to write at least one blog a month and increase the frequency gradually.  I would like to run at least 3 times a week.  Do my daily devotional... Daily.  These particular goals are not new ones; I've had them for a while now.  I feel like writing them down and tracking my habits will make me more accountable.
   I also think that this will be fun!  I have be wanted to start my journal again anyway, I want to have fun with this... I hope that it will be a relaxing and even therapeutic.
    So, here goes.

Oh the thinks you can think up if only you try!

- Dr. Seuss-

Papa's Heart

Last week was a bit of a challenge.  Between school and work and kids, I had to take Steve to Kentucky so that he could be with his family.  My father-in-law found out that he needed a quadruple bypass surgery.  After getting back home that evening, I took myself and one of my daughters to the clinic only to find out that we both had strep.

I'm thankful that I couldn't stay in the hospital long when visiting Don, very thankful that I didn't get him sick.

As per usual, school always seems to seep into my life, or maybe it's the other way around.  My assignment this week was to write a haiku.

In this waiting room
Here, waiting waiting waiting
Worried sick waiting

Clean room, skilled hands work
Doctors mending Papa's heart
Will everything be ok?

Tick tock tick tock time
Keep my mind on something else
Worry never helps

Update:  Don only needed a triple by-pass and he was home after only 3 nights.  He is doing well!!

BIG Dreams

We have big dreams.  Sometimes it looks like it is never going to happen, especially not on the timeline that we want it to.  At least the way that I look at it, my husband is an eternal optimist, he is assured that ALL of our dreams will happen this year.  (Edit: By ALL.. I mean the land and house part)

I don't think we'll find trees like this in our area,
but you get the idea.

We want to own at least 10 acres, 15 is preferable. I want chickens and goats (Steve wants a pig).  I want to learn to can and preserve food (to enjoy our delicious garden treats year round).  I want an apple tree, cherry tree and strawberries.  I want bees, too.  I want to be close enough to city that it isn't a forever drive yet far enough away that we can't see our neighbors (if we even have neighbors) or hear the cars going by.  I want a tree lined drive and an adorable farm house.  I want to make butter and yogurt and cheese with the goats milk.  I eventually want to learn how to spin yarn from goat hair (mohair) to make yarn.  I want my mom and dad to be able to live on this land with us.  I want a path around the whole property to run/ ride on.  I want more that I haven't even discovered yet.

I want this breed of goat (Nubian)

My ideas just keep getting bigger as I find things to add to my farm house dream.  I don't want to work anymore (I never thought I would ever be saying that, EVER).  I want to be able to spend more time with the kids (they are almost grown).  I want time to care for my animals. I will need time to make butter, cheese, yarn, pickles,...... I might even find time to clean, maybe.  The only thing I don't want to do is garden.  I'll leave that to Steve.  I hate gardening, plants don't like me either.  I do not have a green thumb, mine is black as in death to every plant I touch.

Curious chickens always look
like they are posing for a selfie

Many times it all seems too big and out of reach.  I am trying to focus on the steps that will get us there while still looking ahead so we know where we are headed.  It's a frustrating balance.  This is the beginning of the journey.  I know it will have its challenges but I am looking forward to the end result: A healthy, happy, (mostly) self-sufficient life up ahead.  Note: Not sure if we could ever live an "unplugged" life.  Steve would never give up high-speed Internet.  But, we want to get awfully close.

"You're off to great places!  Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so... get on your way!" -Dr. Seuss