August 2015 Progress Report

August 2015

I’m sorry, you’re probably tired of progress reports by now (what with all the six monthly reviews) so I’ll keep August 2015 short.

Virtue	July	August	Notes
beauty: body weigh ≤61kg by 21 September	65.5kg	66.3kg	Pretty abysmal weight gain of almost one kilogram. I’m due at the clinic in a couple of weeks, and I know which consultant I am seeing so if I don’t drop back, I know I’m in a difficult position with him. I do have a revised plan to deal with this situation (taking inspiration from my 1918 weight control guide), and I will lay that out for you in a separate post. I may need to put off my plan for Waldorf Pudding, but summer’s coming so Peaches in Chartreuse Jelly from the Titanic First Class dinner might still be a goer.
beauty: presence stick to the guidelines and continue to build a practical and workable wardrobe that reflects who I am			Dyed my hair blue again, but I’m not convinced that having it done at the salon achieved a result that is a great deal better than I can manage on my own. However the colour has lasted really well on my bleached highlights (obviously), so I’ll continue doing those.
beauty: home sparse yet comfortable happy home that reflects our authentic selves			No further dead appliances (touch wood) so I feel as though we have an extra week of savings. And, several items have left the house with DB’s blessing so that’s good news too. I was a little surprised that my six month home review turned out so well, but it’s a good example of why you need to step back and look at the big picture now and again and stop torturing yourself about the details.
beauty: garden lush and abundant garden providing habitats, weather protection and a mystical threshold			The six-month garden review went well, and I feel like we are getting things done. But I haven’t done anything about removing that tree, and my neighbour has asked me to remove another. It’s not as big, but I expect it will cost in the order of $1,000.
friendship: creatures get the dogs well and healthydevelop habitats to support native species			Still guilty about the fat dogs. Happy that the kookaburras are back, and the magpies are stealing hessian from the dog beds for nests.
friendship: friends maintain and improve relationships with international and e- friendsmake new friends, especially local			Had lunch with Katy and tried beetroot curry (very tasty). Went to the theatre with another Katy and tried a new cocktail (delicious)
friendship: family Managing and constraining relationships with family			Met up with visiting family and had fun with our nieces.
friendship: contribution give something back to the community and the planet			Shared my wisdom with my imaginary friends (online forum) and they liked it.
pleasure: adventure taking risks and international vacations			It wasn’t really adventurous, but there were new foods, a show and a bit of shopping.
pleasure: recharge rest, relax, recharge			Shutting down my computer early works well some nights and not others. Haven’t read anything other than business books, so I bought a copy of Auntie Mame so we’ll see how that goes.
pleasure: just because			I am still belting out Music Hall Queen tributes (when no one is looking).
wisdom: choice having the capacity to make choices			My main choice this month has been to postpone things. Not a very exciting thing, but I prefer to choose not to do/buy rather than say I cannot afford it. There’s something a little pathetic about that.
wisdom: growth become a more complex person by challenging beliefsunderstand and develop my mind: critical thinking, self-reflection, subject expertisehave the courage of my convictions, choosing me for me			Spent a happy few days at the state library researching. And touching really old books. I surprised myself (and others) by having something relevant to share based on my wardrobe building book research. I was really happy about that as it elevates this writing malarkey from hobby to worthwhile thing to do. I am sharing my new knowledge with someone who needed it.
wealth: income $29,163 income			The six-month wealth review was (obviously) quite dismal in this area. As I mentioned I set up some gigs on Fiverr, and got one! Even though it wasn’t much money and I can’t access it yet, it made me feel useful again.
wealth: expenditure reduce expenditure			Blew my income on a beautiful new Rhodia Webnotebook (I did need a new notebook, and I do write with a fountain pen so it is a worthwhile expenditure really).