Mid-Summer Update on My Goals for the Year

Last month I just didn't feel like posting an update about my 27 goals for 27. So I didn't. Did you notice? 

Well it's okay if you didn't. I wouldn't expect you to. 

But I still feel like it's my duty to press on and persevere with them. I can't let myself give up on the project only three months in! (If you want to see my past monthly updates, they're all linked here, as well as my original list of 27 goals for this year.)

So here's the update, for June and July, aka my mid-summer update.

Goal #2: Buy more locally grown food.

While my ideal version of buying locally grown food would be from my backyard, that isn't possible right now. We've tried growing house plants in our apartment, but trees and buildings cast too much shade over all our windows, turning everything verdant to a bruisy shade of brown or purple within weeks. (At least that's what I blame it on.)

So instead, we've tried out a couple of the farmer's markets around town. All we've ended up picking up are a box of Georgia-grown sweet potatoes (though I agree that that's better than nothing). While I like the idea of farmer's markets, I have discovered I don't actually like them in real life. You see, I prefer to go to grocery stores when the aisles are empty and I can stand around and take my time figuring out whether I want this or that, compare and contrast. Farmer's markets tend to be more of the hustle-and-bustle variety and crowded with folks, which I find overwhelming. (Am I the only one who feels this way about crowded farmer's markets?!) I also really don't like when you have to ask for a price tag. Whether it's on a card table with a picnic cloth or on the Target clearance rack, I don't like to do that and normally skip it entirely.

That's why I really want to go to a pick-your-own farm, where (I imagine) things are at a more leisurely pace and the only fighting there is to do is between you and mother nature. To this end, I've done some research about these kinds of farms, and there are 2 within 30 miles from Atlanta that specialize in one or two crops.

Goal #4: Get a blog layout I like (which likely translates to another goal: Learn more HTML/CSS).

Nope, I didn't learn a lick of CSS, even though I did check a couple of books out of the library with good intentions. But I did give the blog a little facelift, as you can see. I like the bigger buttons along the side, and I added some fun "widgets," including a link to Michael's MySpace page (it's the cassette tape, on the right-hand column) and my wishlist of books to read. 

Goal #6: Continue learning how to respect and honor my husband and strive to be: “A wife of noble character is her husband's crown.” (Proverbs 12:4)

Oh, gosh. I feel like calling this one a "goal" is such an understatement. More like a mountain. (Though, Psalm 121 comes to mind when I think of it in this way: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip...")

Still, this "goal" is something I do want to always be striving toward. To this end, I've been reading two books, actually, regarding marriage. I already mentioned that I'm reading Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. I read this book while Michael and I were dating and am revisiting it now, to see what I missed the first time through and what I can learn and apply and recognize. I'm also reading For Better by Tara Parker-Pope, which I will review in the coming weeks, once I'm completely finished with it. It is not a Christian book, but looks at marriage from scientific studies and research. And should we be surprised to discover that almost all of the findings seem to fall in line with biblical wisdom rather than against? I love being able to see the numbers and percentages line up right alongside God's word!

Both books have provided insights and words of wisdom for me about how to cultivate healthy relationships and treat your spouse. Reading is one thing, but acting is another. Let's pray that God helps me bridge the chasm between what is and what ought!

Goal #17: Have a photoshoot! 

Yessir, we checked this one off! I wanted some more recent photos of Michael and me, now that our wedding and engagement was more than a year ago. So armed with our regular camera, a sunny day, my obliging sister and Michael's photo-editing skillz, we did our photoshoot in my parents' backyard! If you missed them, you can see all the photos here!

Have you created any "life to-do lists"? If so, link them up in the comments section below. I'd love to read them!

 

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My 27 Goals for 27 (and updates)

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