July 2021 proved to be a productive month! Let’s keep it going.
I feel like I’ve spent a lot of this past month working and planning and executing goals and tasks. Each month, when I do these reflections, I consider how many days I just whiled away, doing nothing. To be fair, I don’t think having days like these are bad; however, if all I do is nothing, something is wrong.
I can confidently say that I don’t have a memory of MULTIPLE days doing nothing for July! That, in itself, is a success to me. Let’s not give me too much credit though, until we’ve looked at the actual resolutions progress!
1. Redesigning the Blog.
I did this last month! I’ve added a bit of CSS here and there to polish things a bit more, but I would consider this goal accomplished. I might do something a bit more fun after I’ve finished my professional portfolio site, but for now, I like what I have!
2. Sharpen my Spanish.
I genuinely think that watching “Elite” helped me with my Spanish! I finished it this past week though, so I need a new way to “channel” that learning energy. Get it? Channel? Like TV? I’m funny, dangit! I still have “Los Espookys” and “Narcos.” I don’t think either of them are fully Spanish shows, but I think I’ll put both in Spanish with English subtitles. If it’s too jarring, I can always change it back!
3. Learn a New Language.
Does organizing my Pinterest board that I mentioned last time count? Woof. This upcoming month I’ll be focusing on Javascript, and maybe I’ll pick up my 15 minute Italian guidebook. Fifteen minutes a day won’t kill me, right?
4. Do Blogmas.
I’ve got all 25+ post ideas ready! I wonder if I should start working on them in the next few months so I’m not overwhelmed during the holiday season. We’ll see!
5. Post Consistently on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
I missed last Saturday. Remember how I don’t like lazy days, unless they’re needed? Last Saturday, I was out of town attending a friend’s wedding, and was also violently ill. I’m going to schedule posts better for next month’s wedding! You never know when you’re having too much fun… or the exact opposite! Still, two flubs in one year isn’t too bad.
6. Take Care of My Hair.
My hair is shiny, but it looks dry and messy today. Time to pivot towards reinvigorating with moisture!
7. Read the Books I Didn’t Read Last Year.
I started “On Writing” by Stephen King! However, I have distressing news. I also downloaded the Audible version of “The Sophia Code” I only got about two chapters in when I realized I went into it with different ideas regarding the subject matter. ‘Twas not a good match! I press on with “On Writing,” and have two different Audible books to work with in its place!
8. Moisturize with Sunscreen Every Day.
What I said last month still applies: when I actually do my routine in the morning, the sunscreen goes on! No, I’ve not moisturized every day, but it’s a well established habit!
9. Drink More Water.
Incidentally, I feel like my water intake increased so much in this past week! No dehydration headaches, save for last Friday (remember the whole violently ill thing?). However, I can always do better.
10. Play Chess Once a Week.
I haven’t touched a chess set all year! This one feels like such a bummer, because I’ve stared at my chessboard on the mantle thinking “just grab it and play against yourself” multiple times this past month.
11. Finally watch “The Crown,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” “The Undoing,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” and “The Haunting of Bly Manor.”
I finished “Little Fires Everywhere” this week! Consider this resolution: COMPLETED. I still have this list, and a new goal to watch more films from the “1001 Movies to See Before You Die” anthology. I have a mental schedule on how I’ll get it all done!
12. Become a Master Listener on Audible and Earn All Audible Badges.
I DID listen to Audible this month, but only to be brutally disappointed by “The Sophia Code.” I’m prepared to go into this month with a stronger library at my disposal!
13. Run a 30 Minute 5K.
EXCITING NEWS! Last month, I mentioned that the runDisney team announced a future post regarding future races. That post declared that in person runs will take resume, starting in November! I’m registered and ready to go. I’ve started running in the mornings. I don’t think I’ll hit 30 minutes, unfortunately, but I’ll RUN regardless!
14. Actually Use My Camera.
I haven’t used my camera yet so far this year. Drat.
15. Whiten My Teeth.
I did better about this this month! Still, my “better” wasn’t spectacular. More to be done!
16. Write More.
In a way, I HAVE written more. I feel like I’ve done so much writing, even if not necessarily for fun. However, I’ve established a new goal for next year (summer 2022) that involves actually writing. As a result, I’m hoping I have a better update next time around at the end of August!
This past month, I also decided I wanted to work on three other smaller goals. Here’s a check in on those: I can’t say a complete “yes” for any of them, and I can’t say a complete “no” either. What comes next? Focusing on portfolio projects, making time for those movies, and dedicating myself to my weight loss goals.
Looking back on July 2021, I realize I’ve accomplished a few of my resolutions in their entirety, and have a solid foundation to accomplish them all! However, there is still much to be desired for a handful of them. All things considered, I have a good feeling about August. I’ve said that about months before, but something about this month feels good. See you in a month, to see if I’m right!