{Weekly review} Week 46 reflections, week 47 plans

I got derailed last week with blog posts because we had a few out of the ordinary things happen. One was we had a very sick chicken that was getting worse and we had to put her down, which is still emotionally hard for us (we definitely aren’t at the level of the seasoned homesteaders that can hold it together when an animal has to be put down). We also had to replace our couch, which meant re-arranging all the living room. All this made me realize that I needed to re-think the frequency of blog posts for 2026 because this is just how life goes more often than not. I think I have a good plan going forward, but like everything new, there will be stops and starts and tweaks, but I hope to keep trying rather than giving up.

Week Review

• Project last week: Organize in the garage. –> nothing got done out there
  
• Books I’m Reading:
  We Live in Alaska–Busy week meant I fell into bed exhausted and didn’t read much at all.
  The End of Absence–nothing.
  Cranford–Also nothing.
  GOAL: Yikes. This week, my goal is to be intentional about reading. (I think if I’m on my phone at all in the evenings it somehow erases my brain, eats up huge chunks of time, and exhausts me. I want to put it away after dinner and stay off it all evening this week.)
  
• School: (My friend and I are taking Introduction to the Constitution, from Hillsdale College)
  Started lesson 4, but didn’t get it done (I suspect it was because of the kinks in our week and evening screen time.)
  LAST WEEK’S GOAL: Finish Lesson 3 and 4 before next Monday’s weekly review post.
  THIS WEEK’S GOAL: Finish Lesson 4.
  
• Memory: (Currently working on Exodus 34:7.) Goal: 5x a week.
  Result: 4/5 -I can repeat it, but it doesn’t come easily, so I’ll continue to work on it this week.
  
• Exercise: (Goal: strength 3x a week, & cardio at least 2x)
  Result: Strength: 2/3 Cardio: 2/2
  I was able to go on a couple walks with good weather, and did this strength training video which is quick but good, and you can repeat it if you want a longer workout.
  
• Evening routine: (Goal: 7 times/7 days a week):
  Result: 3/7 -Ugh, this is the most important way I can set the next day up for success, but my evenings get away from me… I suspect it’s the phone. So if I can put my phone away after dinner hopefully this will help here too.
  
• Zone cleaning: Last week was the Bathroom zone. (Goal: Get at least 5 tasks done):
  Result: 2/5:
  I demolded the shower
  I washed the shower curtains and rug
  (Not everything I wanted to do, but it is better than it was!)
  

Projects & tasks from last week:

• Actually look for that bathroom touch-up paint. I did search through the paint cans, but we don’t have any of that color left. We do have white though, so I’ll just repaint it white.
• Instead of starting Christmas shopping, get organized about it. Pull out my Holiday Planner and start filling it out. Got out the planner, did not work on it.
• Clean five areas in Zone 3 (bathrooms and laundry room): Did 2
• Get that bed of garlic planted! (I’m already about a month behind for this!) DONE! See proof here.

Projects & tasks for this week:

1. Repaint wall behind toilet.
2. Plan out Thanksgiving dinner (and what can be prepped ahead)
3. Finish five zone cleaning tasks (office and bedroom)
   • Cull and organize desk (inbox file, pens/post it/paperclip holder, clean catch-all cart)
   • Wash sliding glass door
   • Wash bedroom window
   • Detail vacuum in closet & under bed
   • Clear off and move out extra bookshelf
4. Finish Lesson 4 in online class.