I am trying hard not to push myself this year like I have in the past, and less is more has become my mantra. Still, I like to have a few goals lined up each month, and this year I want them to mostly be things that will move us forward in our remaining six months in Tennessee. The goal is to get out of here with as little stress and as much money as possible.
One of the goals this month is a big one, the others are small:
- Set up a spreadsheet to evaluate where to go next. We have narrowed future locations down to three (Tucson, SoCal, or Mexico), but Brett and I need to get into the weeds of what will best suit us and our future. Vibes are just not going to cut it – we need to evaluate the realities and make the best decision possible.
- Spend $300 or less on food for the month (if possible). We are enjoying the new menu plan, and the repetition is making it easier to create a shopping list as well as use up what we have on hand. With prices continuing to rise though even the smaller amount we buy now is right at the $300 barrier.
- Buy some new pajamas. My favorites are organic cotton Asian wrap pajamas from Garnet Hill because they’re super comfortable, cute, and a pair lasts around three years. However, they’re also expensive. Costco currently is selling two pairs of GAP cotton pajama pants for $16, and with a couple of t-shirts I already have on hand I would be set at a much lower cost.
- Read two books. My desire to read comes and goes but I think I can finish two books this month. They’ll probably be mysteries because that’s all that seems to catch my attention for now.
Just four things to accomplish in March, and nothing too demanding, I think. The first one is the big one and will take the most time, but I’ve got my fingers crossed we can get it done.
Digging this simple list! Hopefully it’s a relaxing month ahead – any spring break plans? Your last in Tennessee!
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I’m pretty sure the list will grow longer as we get closer to our departure from TN but it’s very nice to have a short list now. We are currently dog-sitting out grandkids’ Boston terrier while they’re on spring break overseas. Never a dull moment (three days in and our two are starting to adjust to having their cousin around all the time).
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I think this is a very intentional list and shows where your priorities and focus should be. I just finished rereading ‘Rebecca’ and it was just as good as I remembered. I don’t read all that much but it is fun when you get immersed in a book. I hope you are enjoying some of the spring weather!
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I really am trying to keep things simple and minimal this year, recognizing that I have overloaded myself with goals, chores, etc. in the past. So far I like this way better.
I am enjoying rereading the Louise Penny books. I remember some of what I read before but most has been forgotten so they’re all mostly new to me again. Same for the Lucy Foley books. I have more interruptions now than I did in the past (grandkids, dogs) so carving out quiet time to read can be challenging at times. I like reading actual books these days, but that’s difficult at night when the lighting is not as good.
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I bought a reading light for our recent flight to Australia (I had high hopes of reading and cross stitching on the plane-neither of which happened) but I love using the light when reading on the couch. We don’t have a lamp close to the couch and when I try and read in bed, I just fall asleep. The book light has been a game changer for getting me to read at night.
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This is funny because Brett and I were just talking about getting head lamps for reading in the bedroom! We’re thinking of them or a clip on reading lamp, so you’ve given us a great recommendation!
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I really thought about getting a headlamp too because I think you can use it for more things but I’d run out of time before the trip and the local bookstore had the book lights in stock so I went for that. You’ll have to let me know if you get a head lamp.
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