My 14 Goals for 2020
Goal #1 – Take Full Advantage of Having My Husband Home 24/7
Things I won’t be doing this year:
- Cooking {canning not included}
- Washing dishes
- Grocery Shopping
- Laundry
- Any Sort of Cleaning What.So.Ever
5 days into the New Year and let’s just say, there may be a bit of a learning curve on the part of my husband. š How high will the dishes get? Who knows… but I guess we’ll find out together.
Goal #2 – Take Better Care of Myself.Ā
I wasn’t planning on it, but I slept in yesterday and it felt great. I made a point to stay hydrated andĀ also ordered a bottle of my favorite bubble bath plus took advantage of the Yankee Candle sale. š I think I’m going to like this goal the best this year.
Goal #3 – Get Organized
Although there is still wool all over the place, I finally ordered a bunch of bins to store extra bolts, kits and dyed wool. It’s going to take me a while to get everything organized {like the entire month of January} but I be sharing pictures of my progress as soon as I can.
Goal #4 – Get Proper Window Coverings on All Our Windows.Ā
Note to self: Go around and count all the windows still without shades and make a sewing plan/schedule so that they’re all done by the time gardening season hits.
Goal #5 – Master Bedroom Make Over
First I need to finish with the wool, then I’ll paint the walls and start researching what to do about refinishing the hardwood floors.
Goal #6 – Kitchen Update
I was in a hardware store {of all places!} a few days ago and saw this back splash and was kind of blown away. No, it’s not something I would install, but still, pretty intricate and perfect for someone who has a boat and lives on the water.
Goal #7 – Install Vegetable Garden
My husband is convinced we need a drone to properly document the installation of a backyard garden. On one hand I think it would be super cool to have aerial photos of the progress, but on the other hand I’m like…. I don’t know, drones are kind of creepy. What do you think? Is a drone just some big man toy, or do you think it would actually come in handy?
Goal #8 – Explore More of Maine
The Girl and I spent some time at the beach this past week collecting rocks and watching Lucy chase the seagulls and play in the seaweed. being so close to the water {and having REAL season with SNOW} is pretty much the best combination a girl could hope for.
On the radar for exploring Maine this month:
- A ferry ride to Isleboro, Maine {anyone been there?}
- Maine Mineral & Gem Museum in Bethel, Maine {anyone of a good breakfast or lunch spot near the museum?}
- Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine
Goal #9 – Host Some Sort of Get Together
It’s been forever {maybe even since 2014 when a bunch of friends got together for a freezer meal party} since we’ve had a bunch of people over. I told the HH we should host something in February or March while everyone is still held up inside and there is snow on the ground and not a whole lot going on.
If we did it then… it would also motivate us to get the mini makeover in the kitchen done too.
Goal #10 – Read/Listen to 12 Books
I’m working on compiling a list… and will share it next week.
Goal #11 – Learn A New Skill or Craft
Need to get with my buddy Heather on this one. She’s usually up for anything.
Goal #12 – Visit 12Ā Museums, Historical Homes or Botanical Gardens
One a month seems do-able.
Goal # 13 – Reach 5,000 Etsy Sales by the End of The YearĀ
As of this morning, I have made 2,827 sales on Etsy. That’s up from 2804 from last week. I added a bunch of new kits and patterns on Friday for my Etsy shop update and already have plans for the new stuff I’ll be making for my update next month. Also, the plan is to list more hand dyed wool towards the end of the week.
Goal #14 – Once a Month Menu Planning {for 2}
Today I’ll be making a menu plan for the month and writing up a big grocery list of stuff we need for the HH to go buy {and tell you what’s on my list tomorrow}. Even though we don’t eat as much as we used to or have any extra freezer space, I do want to take advantage of having some freezer meals {and smaller portions} on hand to whip out of the freezer at a moment’s notice.
So many things to do… and so little time. š
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone,
~Mavis
Have YOU made any goals for this year? If so, DO TELL! We all want to hear about them.
Kim says
We visited the MM Museum in Bath and you will enjoy it! (Workers lost their hearing from all the noise of construction. So sad.)
I think the drone would be fun for HH…… and surprisingly helpful with your backyard design plans. Of course, we readers would enjoy it, too. But, there I go again, spending YOUR money.
Jill A says
Amazing progress already. Wow
Mim says
How about a cheese-making class? You love cheese, and even if you just stick with fresh cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta, cream cheese, creme France, itās loads of fun and awfully good. And if you love it you could embark on hard cheeses…..
Mim says
That would be creme fraiche. Darn autocorrect.
Mel says
1. HEALTH: Doing well. My broken finger is nearly healed, I ran 4 times last week, and I’ve been pretty on top of skincare and hydration. I have one doctors appt. this week (delayed due to an insane 2019) and tried to make another (twice), but that office’s schedule is a mess. I’ve definitely been eating better (especially since our CSA restarted this week) and have lost 2.5 lbs out of 10 of holiday/broken bone weight. I relaxed a bit more but could probably do better.
2. HOLIDAYS: I want to learn to carve springerle cookie molds to give as gifts and reorganize our holiday stuff so itās easier to decorate, but I haven’t gotten to either yet.
3. COOKING: I want to try making yogurt by sous vide, learn to make brioche, and make our own spice mixes to have on hand, but I haven’t done these yet.
4. HOUSEWORK: My deep cleaning extravaganza is scheduled for over Spring Break. I’ve been more on top of folding/putting away laundry, but I still need to reupholster our living room ottoman.
5. SEWING: I finished 1 of 3 ongoing projects and 1 of 2 skirts. I got the fabric ready for the Valentine’s bags but haven’t started the Easter carrot ones, the Christmas stocking for our cat, a new kind of reusable wrapping paper, a pajama pants pattern, or zippered pouches. I did, however, completely clean out and reorganize my sewing room this week, so that will help tremendously. So many fabric scraps to fold.
6. DIGITAL STUFF: I’ve read half of one book (out of two). I haven’t organized photos into albums or cleaned up my Pinterest boards.
All in all, not too bad!
Julie says
I like your goals! Kind of hope you post updates here.
Sarah says
I love crime French! Lol.
We have real estate goals this year, we have an inherited house which weāve renovated and now need to sell.
This month I want to inventory our pantry (way too much food for two of us) and not shop until we have eaten whateverās in there.
Exercise every day
Plant all veg in the community garden we joined and decrease the amount we have here at the house. We want more perennial flowers and trees now. Getting older and want to make things easier on us. (60)
Buy a new stove and dishwasher. Itās time
Go to Florida 3-4 times to see the grandkids and their parents. (We are in NJ)
Renovate the bathroom. Maybe.
Add in another volunteer group. I have two, want three.
Go to the movies more
Go to NY to see at least one Bāway show.
Do something will all the inherited China and crystal and silver i received this year when my Mom died. I need to sort it and disperse it to my kids etc.
Hang pics in the spare bedroom. Painted it a year ago…..
Thatās it but I make monthly goals as I go along and I donāt know what those are yet.
Happy New Year!
Cass says
Mavis,
Re: the Drone. Like a young child, he will love it for about a week. After the first time he has to get it out of a tree, it will cease to be fun and he won’t use it again. (So don’t spend a lot on it, however let him have his fun…the only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys)
Maryw says
I concur, man toy, itāll be a pita when heās gotta rescue it from a tree or a roof.
Lace Faerie says
Ya, well, at least now they come equipped with āreturn homeā programming. My HH first drone went zooming off and never returned š
Janet Wetherbee says
I do not understand how you can expect your husband to do all the housework and he is okay with that. You both should be sharing the household chores. Does he even know? It seems selfish to me.
Maxine says
I trust Mavis. I have a feeling thereās a twist in here sheās not telling us.
Drone. Garden Answer on YouTube uses one for their garden and I love to see the coverage, helps to place where things are growing. Also makes for a great Christmas lights video.
Kim says
Agreed, I would guess either the HH is in on it (maybe his goal for 2020 is to see if he can do all the housework?) or there is more to the story. Based on the history of this blog, Mavis is not a selfish or lazy person.
Rita says
I am wondering how he’ll do all the chores PLUS keep his paid job. I think Mavis will get sick of the sink full of dishes and wash them herself. š
Marcia says
UH, he doesn’t have a paid job? I believe after decades of working 70-80 hour weeks, he retired. Or some such thing. Yes?
Rita says
I think they both work from home. They are too young to be retired!
Athena says
If you read her original post with her goals in it where she explains them from last week she says she’s not doing any of it because she’s literally been doing it all their 20-some year marriage! He used to work 80+ hours a week outside the home and she did all cooking, cleaning, everything. Now he works a better schedule from home so he’s doing it this year. He already started doing a bulk of the cooking last year.
Lace Faerie says
Iām wondering if maybe the no housework in 2020 was a gift !?!
Vivian says
If the HH is willing to do the cooking, dishes, cleaning, etc. I say Way to go, Mavis!! When my dear HH does the wash, the green Christmas sweatshirt goes into the dark load and the red Christmas sweatshirt goes into the hot white load! Whatās up with that? And how come is the pot with the broccoli leftovers is still on the stove in the morning after he does the dishes the night before?? Is he just forgetful or is he trying to torture me?? Or is it his little trick to drive me mad? It might be working……”
Lisa C says
Love this!
Cathy Strasser says
Smokin’ Good BBQ at the Good Food Store in Bethel is our go-to place for barbeque in the Bethel area. They only have outdoor seating, so you might have to picnic in your car this time of year, but the food is worth it! The address is 212 Mayville Rd and they open at 11:30.
I have three goals for 2020. One – downsize all the stuff that a family of four has collected over the 20 years we have lived in this house. I’m trying to outsource 5 items a week in order not to be overwhelmed.
Two – practice gratitude. I have a journal to try writing down one thing I’m grateful for every day.
Three – build connections with people I admire – which is why, after following your blog for 5 years I’m finally posting a comment!
Looking forward to 2020!
Dana Robinson says
I love these ideas .. good luck
Deborah R says
Very interested in your meal planning for two as we have entered the empty nest phase ourselves.
Deb K says
Although I don’t care for drones and think they are totally toys for men, any man who does all the cooking and cleaning should get anything he wants. š
Jeanine says
I agree…let him have the drone.
Julie says
Yes to the drone. Who knows if he might come up with a side business for it. My HH is the primary cleaner so I get it. I’m the one who is in charge of design and putting things back where they belong. I’m concentrating on finishing house projects as we want to move at the end of the year.
Love your goals, Mavis! Always inspiring.
Lisa says
My cousin ad his family live in Islesboro and own a bookstore there. In fact they live above the book store. I have yet to get there but would love to eventually.
Lisa says
I wanted to mention the bookstore’s name in Isleboro is Artesian Book and Bindery. Forgot that info in my previous response. Oops.
KC says
I do not like drones. The whole “anyone can put a camera over the fence into *your* backyard and take photos” thing is… not really okay with me? And if you see a drone, you don’t know what they’re doing or how responsible the owners are (or how good they are at steering, for that matter).
But yes, they’re useful for overhead photos. It’s just a question of expense+societal privacy/security concerns vs. utility and fun.
Brianna says
I have several game cameras on our property and not only have I seen many people walking by them, I have seen a drone many times. It really irks me and I feel it is a violation. I donāt know if it is a hobby drone or if it is taking pictures of my kids and I or what itās business is. Legally I can only file a complaint against the owner if I even knew who that was. I have other plans for the drone next time I see it. I have thought about installing a fence around our perimeter of our property to keep out all of the people who explore and hike around and all of the rogue dogs, but 5 acres is a lot of fence and still wonāt keep the drone out. I first had difficulty with a kid on a dirt bike riding around and tearing it up, but I got that sorted out and I am pretty sure it isnāt his drone. I am obviously not a fan of drones.
Marie says
Have you thought about trained raptors?
Cathy Strasser says
As my HH pointed out when I read him portions of this blog (the parts about drones since he already does a large portion of the cleaning):
You own the airspace above your property so anyone flying a drone over you without your permission is trespassing. The big problem is figuring out who owns the drone.
Leslie says
Laws regarding drones are still being written and interpreted, as far as I understand. It’s not legal usually to shoot them.
Most advice talking to the owner politely to see first if that helps.
Diane says
But how would you ever know who the owner is?
Athena says
I haven’t finalized my goals for the year yet. Been dealing with mystery illnesses that have landed me in the ER a couple of times (most of them could have been dealt with at an urgent care but our town doesn’t have one open on weekends). I totally forgot to even think about my goals for the year with all of that going on!
Margery says
Hope that you feel better soon
Carol at Lake Tapps says
Your HH needs to be introduced to the Fly Lady! She has a system with routines for cleaning and keeping a home in order. First and most important is a *shiny sink*. She has baby steps to set up routines. We are recent empty nesters and I wished I’d found the Fly Lady years ago!
2020 Goals: simplify life! Continue to declutter/downsize, resign from volunteer positions and find ways to get active.
New this year: I’m keeping a small tree up all year and decorating it for holidays and seasons. I’m working on my Valentine’s tree now! Totally fun!
Karin says
Yes, the drone is just a toy. But your husband deserves a toy.
As for refinishing the floors, be prepared for a huge mess! Dust will be everywhere because they use big industrial sanders to take off the old finish and smooth out the wood. You may want to consider doing the floors before painting. The walls will need to be cleaned after sanding the floors and the baseboards will need to be repainted for sure.
Sue says
I say yes to the drone! For all the reasons already mentioned, plus I love the idea that he is associating a toy he wants with helping you with your hobby (the garden). That’s such a great attitude! Plus when you think of ways he can help document using the drone, he can’t worm his way out of it because “that was what the drone was for in the first place!”
kris says
Love the goals posts. Thank you for the inspiration Mavis – and Mrs. Hillbilly too! I have never done goals before but I am now. Menopause has really shredded my reality! Weight gain, nut brain, sluggish, irritated. So now i need some goals and I am so happy you are blazing the trail. I want to lose the menopot, inventory the freezer/pantry, finish any UFOs (unfinished objects), and try to landscape/garden on the steep mountain slope we moved to last year.
Miss Lucy is looking so good and so happy!
We live in a redneck community way out west, and drones are shot down.
Mable says
So I read my husband the part about your husband taking over the chores, as a hint. He said, “Well, when I worked long hours you stayed home and did the work of the house. Now that I am not working, I do half the house chores but why should I take over your half, too? We both used to work, only in different places, and now we both share the housework. How would it be equitable that after retiring from a more than full time job, that I now have to go back to work by doing all the household chores so you can relax and enjoy yourself? It is not like I was taking off and amusing myself while you worked at home.” I had no answer, so if you have one I would love to hear it so I can try this move again!
Mel says
I’m not sure if this would work, but perhaps you could split the time instead of the chores. In other words, alternate who does all the chores each week or month instead of splitting them on a daily basis.
Marcia says
Open an income generating Etsy shop like Mavis!
tia in boise says
I have 20 goals for 2020 but will only share what I’ve worked on.
3. Cut back on treats–I had no idea how often I ate sweets! I have found that after dinner is a tempting time. I went 3 full days without a sweet, and on the 4th treated myself to a fancy coffee and lemon cake while working on report cards. I will be journaling so I can see how often I eat sweets and can celebrate the small wins like 3 days no sweets–yea! I can do it!
8. Lose 20 pounds–I’ve lost 4 pounds–not sure how–no soda, cut back on sweets, cut back on bread…have done minimal exercising–perhaps I weighed at the heaviest time of day on the 1st? Whatever–I’ll take it!
9. Exercise 20 minutes every day. Have done calisthenics and took a walk–but have been militant about getting in the minimum. Once I get back to school schedule going, hopefully will be more inspired to work out harder and longer…
10. Make 20 new recipes–made up a recipe for zucchini since I forgot to grab parmesan cheese–sliced longwise sprayed with oil, put garlic pepper and Rachel Ray’s Italian seasoning on–baked–then laid a pat of butter on each to melt. Not bad!
12. Never be without water. This goal was really meant for during the school day, but I have managed to drink some water this week.
14. Complete 20 acts of kindness–Took food and magazines to colleague whose daughter is in hospital.
17. Stop swearing. I had no idea how much I needed to focus on this!!! The first few days, I counted every curse–didn’t count if I thought it, but did if I said it aloud to myself. 7 each on the first and second day—with many, many more almost uttered. 3 each the next two days. No curses today! This is a good goal!!! (I like that it has immediate effects!)
18. Read 20 books.–I’ll actually be changing this one–I usually read 20 books just in the summer–but I wanted to stick with the 20 theme….and found out yesterday that one of our libraries is having a Book Nerd challenge–you have to read 50 books during the year–that will be difficult enough for me–but they are in certain categories–like an autobiography or a book of letters…that will tough! *I will not be counting the books–usually about 10 or so–that I read with my students in class.*
19. Track found money and items and freebies–haven’t tracked yet–will once I put my journal together (another goal)–but I found a dime and earned an avocado with shopping points. I’m thinking of only tracking found money—-I took pictures of everything I found and purchased for free last year and haven’t done anything with the photos, and it was a hassle….so that part of the goal is going!
Heather in MA says
āāļø Iām in!
Martin says
A drone can be pretty handy for checking the gutters for leaves and also for checking the roof after a storm, tiles missing holes from tree branches. Without having to get on the roof. In other words safety reasons, but itās also a cool toy.
Granny B says
You can also check with a realtor in your area as many use drones and see what they would charge you for an overhead picture if you decide not to buy a drone.
Love your goals this year. I want to set some goals myself and also some as a couple. Just gotta have a few minutes to sit down and write them out.
Laura says
I love your first goal, but I guess I don’t completely understand. Does your husband know this is your goal? Has he agreed to it?
Christy L says
Drone — FAA is tightening restrictions on where they can be flown, even for hobbiest If you liev within a certain distance of an airport or other designated location, drones can’t be legally flown without a lot of paperwork to get approval. My hubby has a hobby drone so I hear about all the new restictions. It has proven useful to look at the rain gutters and things on the roof of the house, but mostly it is a toy.
Margery says
I think your goals are awesome, and anytime we change household jobs it takes time to adjust. I thing your goal of growing your wool business is great, do you plan on seeing of any of the local general stores you visit might carry your kits? I am thinking your husband no longer has his tractor, I say go for the drone.
I started my goals list in Aug at the beginning of the school year, but find Jan a good time to review, change , update them.
1) Take a college class – This goal is being removed for now, with current life I just can’t find the time.
2) Walk one mile per day on purpose for 26 consecutive days. – This one I am going to start on Monday, my knee stills hurts even though it was better after surgery the pain has returned. I am changing it up in that 1 mile a day may not be possible I am going to walk for 20 min and will let the knee figure out how fast and far I go. I figure I can fit it in to the time I spend waiting to pick up my son after-school, and still make a family phone calls. If it is below freezing that day I may skip a day or two.
3) Menu plan every two weeks- Well this one I was sort of doing ok at it but not great, so I changed it up and made a menu plan for whole year, I only need to add from the list to the calendar. It is a 4 week rotation with a Winter/Fall and a Spring/Summer option.
4) Paint a picture- I did it was a great night of fun and my son even joined in. My picture well at least you can tell it’s a tree.
5)Complete at least 75 percent of weekly to do list – This one has been going ok, I do realize that I need to make the Saturday list smaller and have a plan to make it more reasonable.
6) Do a 5k walk- Need to see how the knee comes along, we are going on a vacation in June to New England it will involve a lot of walking I am thinking that I may turn one day into my 5K.
7) Monthly organizing project- See below
8) Make Dinner 5 out of 7 days a week.- Friday’s my 12 year old makes pizza and Sunday’s is leftovers.- Does stopping to get take out count, no I don’t think so .Need to do better at this one for both our budget and health, I am going to start keeping track on my to do list to see if I am doing this regularly. We also are changing left over day to Mondays.
9) Family Game time at least 1x a week- Well we have played a lot of games over break and with one of my new goals I think that fitting in more time for games with Aidan will happen.
10) Family dinner at the table with no devices at least 3x a week- This hasn’t been happening but I am hoping with the spring schedule it might be more possible.
11) Take one picture every day and write about it.- Need to work on this, there are days I take a lot of pictures and then there are times I go days with out taking a picture.
Break down of the Monthly Organizing Goal so far
September- My side of the Garage – DONE- and needs to done again in the spring
October- Yard- done at least till spring when it all start again.
November- The back of the garage -1/2 finished
December- Under the stairs, the Christmas stuff- Not yet we painted the kitchen instead
January- Filing cabinets- did 1/2 of this one in November.
February- All the bookshelves in the house
March- Closets
April- August still to be decided.
For the new goals that I am adding:
1. Stay off Facebook from 3:30-8pm – This will be hard but it will give more time to play games, craft, and blog.
2. Garden and garden some more. It is getting to be that time of the year for seed catalogs and planing the garden. This year I will beat the squash bugs, I seem able to grow lots of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce. But my squash, cucumbers I get maybe two before the bugs kill them.
3. I loved the painting goal so much that my new one is to create something at least once each month. It can be paint, baking, sewing,canning, other crafting. Just making the effort to create something, and enjoy doing it, extra pats on the back if I do it with someone. – I have done something already for January, I made soap again and did it this time with my S my son’s girlfriend. I do have one more long weekend this month and I am thinking of doing something that day with Aidan maybe a baking project that he pick out.
4. Keep better track on what we spend on for food, this month we are eating out of the pantry/ freezer, So hopefully not to much spending. So far 38 dollars at Aldi’s for food, 3 dollars at Starbucks for a tea while waiting for Nolan to finish his driving lesson, and another 5 dollars at Mc D’s for soda and breakfast sandwiches also while waiting for him to finish his next lesson. There was also an unexpected stop at Wal Mart to get chips, dip and soda for a football game per the hubby’s request that was about 15 dollars give or take. Hoping that I can spend nothing more this week and next.
Here is to a great New Year
E in Upstate NY says
Bethel Maine is a year-round small community with many really nice looking condos. [It’s close to ski resorts.] There’s an excellent bakery and restaurant on Main Street in Norway Maine, south of Bethel. Names escape me at the moment. Know this from spending not enough time visiting my son and wife in Westford Maine.
Betsy Hildebrand says
Have hubby check out Flite Test and Flite Test Tech on YouTube. Heāll love it! My son is into all things remote controlled . He has helicopters, drones, tiny drones, racing drones, a boat, some trucks, and about 30 airplanes
Ellen Marshall says
So when you are in Bethel go to Cafe DiCocoa. You wonāt be disappointed. It is almost beside the Maine mineral museum which people are telling me is wonderful.
Havenāt been to the museum yet ( isnāt that the way when itās in your hometown?) but I can say the Cafe is great !!!
Working on my goals and intentions… always fluid.
Julie T says
My 2020 Goals:
reduce grocery spending. I spent 2019 tracking my spending, now I need to be more mindful of what I’m buying and using….reducing spending as well as waste
spend more time in my morning devotions
move more and lose 15 pounds
garden smarter, can more
push through the list of landscape and home improvements
purge and organizer
relocate my deceased father in law’s small greenhouse to my home…set up, cleaned, and ready for 2021 planting season
Now that the last of the Christmas celebrating is finally over today, I can start working on this list. 2020 is gonnna be awesome!
Jen Fitzpatrick says
Breakfast in Bethel options we loved were Crossroads Diner and DiCocoa’s. I can’t remember if we ate out for lunch or dinner while we were there!
Suzy Young says
https://www.cafedicocoa.com/ In Bethel is really yummy!
Linda says
I guess I don’t understand with 3 adults in a house and a dishwasher right next to the sink, why everyone can’t put their own dishes in the dishwasher and leave only hand wash items in the sink?
Robin Martin says
Have you thought about a few cameras on the roof around the perimeter of the house , this way you could get a 360 view for planning and see animals too!
Gina says
You are both doing something right. Married all these years and up for new adventures! Seems like you both have a good flow and allow eachother room to grow. If I had to guess, a drone is in your future. I’ve been reading a long time. I remember the freezer meal party. Most impressive!
Lunda says
Tip for future visits to the Bethel area – Puzzle Mountain Bakery has an adorable pie stand along Bear River Road. I believe it’s open May through October. We were in the Newry area, not far from Bethel, last summer and I can vouch for the apple pie and maple cookies. Worth a drive if you’re in the area!
Marcia says
My 2020 goals. Give myself permission to half ass it. Phone it in. I had many goals in 2019…spent so much time trying to hit them, failed on many, beat myself up. Screw that. I want to bring back the JOY. Running for fun not time, reading for fun not numbers, cooking for fun too, not keeping a random budget just because…
Emily says
The drone is absolutely a toy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one! I received a tiny indoor drone as a Christmas gift and it resulted in great multi-generational play at our house.