Well, happy 2016 friends! I had good intensions to write this up and have it publish on Saturday when our usual Three Things post happens – but as you saw, there was no Three Things OR goals review. I guess I just needed some time away from the computer. I hung out with my daughter before she heads back to college, played a few games and watched the new Sherlock. I did watch a few videos on photography, so there was a little computer, but writing this post was more than I could handle.
Why? I had hoped 2015 would be better than 2014 and when I looked back at last year’s yearly recap I realized it wasn’t. In many ways it was much, much worse. Not blog-wise, thankfully – 2015 saw a steady, if slow, increase in page views, some good sponsored post opportunities, and I sorta found a good blogging groove so I didn’t feel too busy.
But personally & financially our family has been put through a wringer of emotions. Both Brian and I have been dealing with moms who have major health issues and need our help. This involved living decisions and financial issues that are hard to navigate and emotionally exhausting (as I know others of you can relate to). After 2014’s underemployment for Brian, we had hoped this year would be better but the silence from multiple job opportunities has been hard for me to watch. Brian poured his heart, soul and a lot of time into developing a course that seemed so needed and timely but didn’t fly. And we’re dealing with parental heartbreak as we watch our son walk the path of a prodigal.
Sorry, not the ‘rah-rah’ typical blogger post, right? In fact, when I mentioned I needed to write this post, my daughter asked me why, saying, “It’s your blog – you can do what you want.” She’s absolutely right, of course, but you know what? I hear all the time from readers about bloggers who don’t seem real or are someone they can relate to – and that it all seems just too ‘perfect.’ And I don’t want to put something like that across to you guys. I don’t just talk about imperfection – I live it, just like you all do, too.
But no matter what life throws you, here’s the thing I’m learning:
Don’t give up. Don’t give in.
I know AOC is just a blog that talks about recipes, DIY, gardens and a bit of life thrown in. But I believe that even when life isn’t lovely, you can still have healthy, comforting food to eat that can sooth your soul. You can have a house that makes you smile when you look at some part of it you’ve redone or made look pretty. You can get your hands dirty and produce beauty and food from a few seeds. You can be creative and you give to others.
In fact, I will go so far as to say you NEED these things.
To ignore your health and your environment (home, etc.) when things are tough and just start bingeing on junk food and lousy tv shows will NOT make you feel better. It may in the short term, because living through someone else’s eyes for awhile gives a bit of relief, but in the long term I have found it can make things worse.
I have found I need to feel in control of something – anything. And my time is the one (maybe only) thing that I can control. Doing something that gives me a sense of accomplishment is HUGE, whether it’s creating handmade gifts (which is a twofer: saves money & exercises creativity!), making a loaf of bread, making a quick a batch of refrigerator pickles, reading a book, talking with friends, or even taking short trips to recharge.
I also think, for me at least, it’s imperative to do 2 things: keep positive & think about God & others more than myself.
So I decided to choose a word of the year this year, which I haven’t done in a couple years. In fact, I wasn’t planning on finding a word – it found me during a She Reads Truth devo (it was in a comment – I often get just as much from the SRT community as I do the reading plans) and it stars in our January chalkboard you see above: Selah. While there’s some question of exactly what this word means (it’s found extensively in Psalms as sort of ‘breaks’), I’m going with the commonly held view of “pause, praise, & ponder.”
With that in mind, here’s a quick recap 2015’s goals before moving on to 2016:
- Work on to-do list for the house to get ready to sell: Good progress! It will need to amp up in the next few months.
- Explore business ideas to replace income: Done, though not much happened. We are excited for some ideas we’ve come up with in the last few months and the positive response from a couple of Brian’s clients.
- Read 1 book a month: This is the goal I’m most proud of – if you’ve been reading the Three Things posts you’ll know I got a lot more than 1 a month read! I blew that goal out of the water and ended with a total of 31 books read, more than 2x my original goal!! A lot of that was due to discovering an app for library audio books last summer, which I’m still loving. I’m going to be sharing the list with you and my top 5 soon.
- Blogging- new weekly schedule, recipe theme months, schedule, write ebook, course & do videos: Pretty good. The weekly schedule worked (though I’m tweaking again for the new year…), themed recipes helped me to cover more categories, and we added more videos to our You Tube channel, though not as many as we hoped. My personal time-management took the year to develop, but ended with a new system that I developed that I’m loving SO much and can’t wait to share with you all! The writing of more products to fill needs you may have? Um, big zero. Win some, lose some. 🙂
This year I have 4 areas I’m setting easy, do-able goals in – many of which are things that just need to happen and aren’t ‘big dreams’ because that’s just where I’m at – AND I want only things that I actually have a chance of getting done!
Personal/Health:
- Move more! I never used to worry about this with teaching, but blogging is a sit-sit-sit job. I’m planning standing breaks during the day, keeping up with my 3x/week workout routine and adding a 2x/week walk or bike ride with Brian.
- Read 2-3 books a month. This year I want to more intentionally balance the fiction and non-fiction, making sure I’m reading things to grow me as a person and child of God as well as just fun novels.
- Continue morning routine with She Reads Truth devotional + add a prayer journal.
Relationships:
- Monthly date nights. This is new for us, believe it or not!
- Monthly kid dates. Again new, and trying to be intentional.
- Make time for friends – coffee dates and being more intentional with dinner invitations.
Home/Finances:
- Get house ready to put on the market this year. Wow, yes I just wrote that! It’s one of the reasons I’m so motivated to “KonMari-ing” the whole house and getting serious about the to-do list. There is a LOT that will naturally fall under this goal, which has to happen whether I make the goal or not, right? Whew.
- Fund a 6-month emergency fund. This is believing big things for the year, obviously!
- Save for a used car to replace our 20 year old jeep.
Professional/Blog:
- Provide products to meet some of the needs you guys shared with me in our first ever reader survey. I LOVED having your input this year in making blog goals!! The one thing mentioned over and over again as your biggest challenge was TIME. So my promise to you this year is to provide more free and minimal cost products that will help you manage and find the time to do the things you want. We’re planning new menu plans, a planner I’m SO excited about, as well as other things to come.
- Improve photos & update old ones for Pinterest presence to focus on where I’m already getting traffic from.
- More videos, including the time-lapse recipe videos for Facebook.
- Better, more personal newsletter. I want it to be something useful that you guys can’t wait to open.
- More emphasis on recipes. They’re why the majority of you visit AOC (according to the reader survey), so I plan to give you 2 recipes a week now, gardening (#2 in survey) will be 2x/month, and DIY-crafts-gifts will probably be 1-2x/month. In-between we’ll be talking time management so you can DO all the other things!
I hope this is as exciting for you as it is for me to look forward to (and this in my 7th year of blogging!) – writing this out and looking to the future has done wonders for my outlook. The last few years may have been hard, but I’ve grown and many wonderful things have happened, too. Here’s to staying positive!
Have any input for me? Goals of your own you can share?
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Selah is a word that I keep hearing over and over lately. I’ve loved getting to know it’s meaning better and trying to gently grasp it’s practical application. It’s a beautiful word for 2016!
I love your “can-do” attitude. Even when the challenges mount, trying to keep a positive attitude is so important, yet it isn’t always easy. You’re always an inspiration to me, Jami. I’ll keep you in prayer for grace, peace, direction, provision. You know He’s faithful! (Psalm 3:3-4)
Have a beautiful day, friend.
Oh, Karen, that means so much to me! I’ve so appreciated getting to ‘know’ you online this past year 🙂
Just want you to know I really enjoy AOC, and especially have enjoyed your food preservation posts. And, I understand a lot of what your family is going through … with aging parents, employment issues, and kid issues. We’re dealing with the same stuff. Sometimes I wish life would just be boring for awhile! Last year was a major mix of hard stuff and good stuff, and there’s a good chance this year will be the same. My goal for this year is to take a course and start a home-based job in either transcription or proofreading. That and keep in closer touch with my grandkids (who live a thousand miles away).
I love that quote, Karen, “sometimes I wish live would just be boring for awhile!” I think I’ll use that. 🙂 I wish you much success in your goal – which is practical and measurable, by the way – perfect for reachable goals!
Dear Jami,
I read your blogs almost every day – thank you for your inspiration, and the love that shines through each one. Thinking of you from a very hot Cape Town, South Africa. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Take care,
Ann
Oh, thank you so much, Anna! I’m picturing you there – it’s a place I’d love to visit one day – enjoy your warmth!
Jami, sending good vibes to you and your family for a positive year!
My personal goals are:
1) To lose the 10 pounds I’ve gained over the past 2 years.
2) To keep the “peace” I’ve rediscovered recently (continue to let things go I can not control).
Household goals:
1) Reconvert most of our foods back to “homemade”. (I already cook from scratch, but want to increase my homemade pantry items/breads.)
2) Reorganize each area of my home and simplify.
Financial:
1) Pay off as much debt as I can. (including my mortgage)
2) Retirement plan.
3) Get a will.
Thanks for such an inspirational and informational blog!
Love that your goals are really do-able, Ranae! Oh, man, you reminded me we need to do a will, too – yikes.
Sorry to hear it isn’t all roses and sunshine. I figure the bad comes in waves, and you’re due for some blue skies! 😉 And selling your house!!?? Will you be moving to a different city?
I’m going with that, Mindy. 🙂 And no – we hope to stay in this area of the Willamette Valley, we just don’t have a clue what it will look like yet, yikes!
Jami, always enjoy your blog. Sorry for the hard times your family is experiencing. The child part is the hardest for me. I have to go to the Lord to get through it. Praying for you and yours. Love your recipes and your DIY projects. Thank your transparency.
Yep – parenting can be too hard for words some of the time, Mary, right? It helps to know we’re not alone.:)
Thank you for sharing your life us! It’s difficult to share the tough times but you accomplished this with grace. You and your family will be in my prayers.
I too am a faithful reader who has never commented before. I love your blog and your recipes, I have used a lot of them in the past year and they have been given thumbs up. Your You Tube videos make me laugh out loud! So sorry that you have experienced a rough 2015 and that your son is pulling away from his faith, but you have planted the seeds and now it is up to God to grow them. Your family is in my prayers. Blessings in 2016 for you all.
So appreciate you writing in this time, Nancy, and letting me know what you enjoy here and your sweet thoughts!
I have always thought you were the most “real” blogger I have followed. I did not participate in the survey……but am saying now I love everything you share. I am not sure how you do it because I am sure you get criticism from some. I love your recipes, canning info, gardening tips, your flax pillows we made again this Chriatmas, decorating and DIY, your morals and faithfulness to God……I love your blog and wish the best for you and your family.
That means a lot to me, Tami – thank you! (And actually I haven’t gotten too much criticism over the years, so that’s nice!)
Keep the “realness” coming, Jami! I don’t have Facebook, I don’t tweet, I don’t do Pinterest. That being said, YOU are the only blog that I read EVERY time a post comes out! You are my “big sister” in the kitchen who has taught me how to cook and my family thanks you! My husband is continuously amazed at the homemade soups, bread, and canned goods. (“You made real chicken broth? Really? Not from a can from the store?”) Both of my sisters received a basket of your canned goods for Christmas and a loaf of your Easy Artisan Bread. And when I returned to school today, many of my colleagues raved over the homemade AOC maple apple butter I had given them for Christmas! Thank you for sharing so much with me and your AOC family! We love you and appreciate all you do for us.
God bless you and may He give you comfort during this time.
Oh my, Kris – your comment is so encouraging that I’m copying your comment and pasting it above my computer! This was my hope and dream when I started sharing 7 years ago and to know I am making a small impact in your life is such a blessing to me!! Thank you sweet “sister.” 🙂
Jami, my heart goes out to you, as you have had a couple really, really rough years. I want to live in a society/community where it is ok to say that to others, where we don’t have to put on a fake smile and pretend that all is perfectly fine.
During a particularly rough financial time a few years ago…………..we did share frankly with a few people the situation…………..and they stared at us like we were speaking a foreign language. THEIR financial world was fine and I don’t think they could fathom it any other way for others. They ignored what we said and went on in the conversation. That was painful. All that to say………….thank you for your transparency.
I know you are crying out to the Lord for His provision and encouragement in the many tough areas of life you have experienced. I am praying for you and your family as well.
Most sincerely,
Kim
Sorry that happened, Kim – sadly we are trained in our society to smile and not go too deep, it seems. Hopefully both of us can learn from these seasons so if we get the chance to meet others where they’re truly at, we will do so with grace and authenticity!
I am an ‘always reader, rarely commenter’ and also missed the news that you were moving! I hope it is something you are excited about, because I’ll miss all the awesome things you’ve done to your house and gardens and I just see the pictures! 🙂 My husband lost both his parents within 7 months and we are still reeling from it. At 36 he’d never thought he’d be orphaned and with no siblings we’ve had a lot to deal with including still trying to get the house ready to sell. So I understand the challenge of family decions and health issues of parents in a very personal way. We had a rough year and a half of sick parents (previously perfectly healthy) who lived 1.5 hours away and juggling that with our small kids and homeschooling was something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Hang in there! Thank you for being so open in situations you wouldn’t need to be. We all like knowing we aren’t the only ones trying to do the best for our family (cooking, gardening and such) when life feels like it is crazy all around us. Looking forward to many years of great stuff here at AOC! And thank you for all the work you’ve put in for the last 7!
Wow, I’m sorry to read about your loss at such a young age and your rough year, Heather!! That is tough. I pray that 2016 will see you coming into a new, more stable place. Thanks for your sweet words – our house and DIY’s will continue to live on the blog and hopefully we’ll have a new adventure to share with you all. 🙂
Jami, I’m sorry hear 2015 was a rough year for you! Did I miss an announcement that you are moving?! I am surprised to read that you are getting ready to sell your home!! Good luck with all of your endeavors this year. I excited to see what the year will hold for you. <3
My goal for last year was to do something nice for a random person each day and do it anonymously. It really helped me focus on others rather than what I was going through. I wasn’t successful each day but the days I was it lifted my spirit and i think helped me get through the year. I volunteered more and it made me think more creatively as well as it helped me to network. Maybe starting out small would help you too. I read and like your blog but this is my first comment. Thank you for inspiring those of us who only read and don’t blog ourselves. You do make a difference!
What a wonderful goal, Suzi!! You’re right – to be looking everyday for ways to bless others would really take the focus off me. 🙂
Well, I guess it wasn’t an official announcement, Michelle, but I mentioned it in last year’s goals that we were looking to sell in the next couple of years. We’re ready to downsize and have a new space. 🙂 Now it’s a goal for spring, though I have NO idea where we’ll end up, ha!
I have followed your blog for many years and love the “real”-ness you always seem to portray–in a good way! Thanks for your thoughts today as they fit so well with what I have been pondering about while setting out plans for the new year. Struggles always seem to be part of life and I like the thought, too, that there are some things that we CAN control and that accomplishing something, even if small, can give us a boost. May you be blessed in 2016!
Yes, here’s to the simple, “little” things in 2016!
I agree with the others; your authenticity is what draws me in — thank you for sharing with us!
I am so sorry for all the difficulties you all are going through. I understand when your spouse doesn’t have a job. We had a short term illness with my mom 18 years ago. Not easy at all. I can re;late somewhat about your son. I have cried many tears and PRAYED many PRAYERS. GOD has his number and HE is the only one that can change a person. PRAY 2016 will be a much better year.
GOD BLESS!!
Ah, the tears and prayers, Charlotte – with you on that. Thanks for your encouragement!
HI Jamie, I always read but don’t often reply. I am keeping you and your family in prayer because it certainly can’t hurt 🙂 The parent situation is very difficult; don’t I know it! After two moves in 2 years, I feel your Kon Mari pain. Keep up the personal aspects of the blog. I really enjoy it along with the gardening, recipes and DIY crafts.
Thank you, Michelle – I always do appreciate your input!
You always inspire me Jami whether it is a recipe, a review, or a how to post. Wishing you much success in 2016.
Oh, that means a lot, Barb – wishing you a lovely 2016, too. 🙂
Hi from a fellow Oregonian. I just wanted to say that love your blog, and that I truly appreciate your courage in sharing the upsides and downsides of the past year. I wish you a 2016 filled with Selah!
I much prefer “real” blogs where the blogger is actually someone I can relate to! Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us. Looking forward to new recipes and DIY projects in 2016! (I enjoy reading the gardening posts as well, although sadly this is something I haven’t gotten around to trying!).
Thank you, Shelia! Maybe this is the year to start small in gardening – maybe a few pots? I bet you’ll catch the bug. 😉