I've been pondering a post from my heart to you all for some time, though I just didn't know how to start it or where to fit it in to the calendar. And then, bam, it's a new year and we're all reflecting and setting goals and such - a perfect time for an out-of-the-norm post, right? So while I am going to write some goals here like I do every year (see past goals here), I am also going to lay a bunch of other stuff out there that has been on my heart for awhile to share with you. I am a real-life person just like you who struggles and certainly doesn't have it all together and I want to make sure that I am not putting across something else - that imperfect thing I champion? It's not just for DIY projects!
First of all, am I ever glad to wave goodbye to 2014! In all honesty, I never want to have another year like that again, though of course we don't know what the future holds and God never gives us more than we can handle. While we had our share of family illnesses, money problems, tears and misunderstandings, we also had wonderful things to celebrate (two graduations, sweet family times, and amazing friends), many answers to prayers, and the faith-building that happens when you see the Lord provide in tight circumstances.
But life enjoyment was hard to find for me last year and I'm tired, friends. I feel like I spent the entire year running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Seriously. You know those book lists lots of bloggers are putting out this time of year: "I read 48 books in 2014" or "I can't believe I read 85 books last year!" and such? Guess how many I read? 0 - yep, a big fat zero (okay, if you don't count the Bible, because I did complete a yearly Bible reading plan, which is a plus!). What is so sad about this is that I used to be a voracious reader, minoring in English in college and reading 2-3 books a month. I LOVE to get lost in a book. Or to learn from a nonfiction book. It's indicative of how I felt this last year, though - rushed from morning to night, where my only goal was to be able to knit for an hour or two (one relaxing thing that I did make time for - and was able to gift people with my creations) while watching TV with my family before going to bed where I'd read for half an hour. But that was when I read blogs through Feedly to stay up to date, plus have links to share. I simply couldn't figure out how to fit reading books in my schedule.
The other thing I'm seeing right now a lot are writers talking about saying 'no' to things that are not their favorite thing or passion. And I get that - I do, and I plan on saying no to some things, too - like running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. But it's a little bit of a luxury, isn't it, to be able to say no to anything you want? Sometimes it's just not possible. Brian lost a major client last summer and we've had a drastic reduction in our income so I've felt like I couldn't say no to things if they brought in money (or even had the potential to bring in money - which is most of blogging by the way...potential money. sigh). So the things I ended up saying 'no' to were things like reading, sewing for fun, or finishing my dumb French chairs.
And yet, how can I complain when I read about moms losing a child, dads fighting cancer, grandmas dealing with memory loss? These are real, heartbreaking issues that make my trivial problems seem utterly selfish.
But you know what? I'm coming to realize we all have seasons in life - some will be hard with the loss of a loved one, some will be so full of joy you'll feel guilty from blessing, and some will just be hard with 'normal' trials of life, like my busy 2014. And God uses all of them to grow us - our hearts, minds, and our ability to relate to others. None of us escapes them totally - we'll all get to grow through the good, the bad, and the ugly, so it doesn't do much good to stuff down whatever you're feeling because someone else has it harder at the moment.
I could go on, but you don't need to read more of my little sob story to get the idea that when it came time to think about goals for 2015 - which included evaluating my 2014 goals - I was oddly unmotivated (it's usually something I look forward to - you know, the blank slate and all). I didn't really want to see all we didn't accomplish in 2014 - and it's hard for me to 'dream big' when I'm just trying to put one foot in front of the other. So I'm calling it okay to make just a few, simpler goals that I think I can actually accomplish, no matter what this new year brings. Let's just call them "small dreams," okay? 🙂
Short recap of 2014 goals ('cause let's just move along, shall we?):
- I actually didn't finish any of the home goals, though the chicken coop was officially taken off the goals list. Our time for chickens has passed as we're looking to downsize in the next few years and I don't want to have a brood of chickens to deal with.
- The only financial goal we reached was purchasing a used car to replace our 250,000 mile Jeep, which we purchased literally two weeks before the floor dropped out from under us, financially. Oh well, we have reliable transportation anyway. 🙂
- I'm happy to report all the business/blog goals were met, though I'm still working on the best way to organize our gardening posts and I tried a specific editorial calendar for 6 months before abandoning it for a general-theme calendar that works better for me.
2015 goals - aspirations:
- We have a list of 'things to do before selling' which includes refreshing paint, gravel, etc. that we will work towards completing this year (and yes, painting the dumb laundry room is on it still!)
- We're not at a place to make generic financial 'goals' other than explore business ideas/jobs to replace our income (and our depleted emergency fund - but thank the Lord we had an emergency fund!)
- Read 1 book a month - while this may not seem like much, after 0 last year it feels like a big goal to me! But I'm already reading two books, a growth self-help book and a biography, and I've carved out reading time before bed so I think this will be an attainable goal.
- Blogging Goals: this is the area I feel I can make the most concrete goals, as I want to do better for you guys, but in less time for me - and I want to make room for a bit more of our life and just talking to you regularly. So, here's what I'm thinking (the changes I mentioned in the title- nothing huge, the AOC you know - simple & imperfect diy, recipes & gardening - will not change fundamentally):
- Weekly posting schedule changes: Mondays - monthly menus, garden chores, and republished classic AOC posts from our 6 years of articles. Tuesdays - gardening posts & Tuesday Garden Party Link-Up. Wednesdays - DIY/Crafting themed post. Thursdays OR Fridays - Recipe. Saturday - New "Three Things" post where I'll share 3 things that happened the previous week, 3 things I'm loving, the 3 most popular posts on AOC, and any other 3 things I may want to add (the format of this post is inspired by my friend Amy's fun It's the 3 Little Things posts).
- Write another eBook (or two), add more videos to our You Tube channel, and develop a course to illustrate for you some easy diy skills.
- Schedule: set up time blocks and stick to them in order to make time for family, relationships, and personal growth.
- Monthly recipe 'themes:' I'm looking for ways to streamline and I thought having a monthly theme for new recipes will help guide me in what to share with you all. Here's the plan:
So that's what it looks like this year, friends. You know what? Just writing this out is helping me to become more hopeful and realize that there are some things in my control and I can work towards them. Thank you for hanging in there with me!
Judy E says
I have heard from many people that they are glad to see the end of 2014, and have great hopes for 2015. I am also! My husband and I made the decision to move to the Portland area to be near our son and his wife, and, at our advancing ages, this was a difficult move. We looked all summer and fall for a home, and finally closed on a house on Dec 30! Now the unpacking is happening. Our son's church group were kind enough to unload the PODs for us, and start unloading boxes. What a blessing! We are really looking forward to getting to know our new town (we wound up in Oregon City), and finding a new home church, and settling in.
Here's to you, for a great New Year, and for many blessings to come! I am very glad that you are still blogging, as I, like many here, really enjoy your posts!
Jami says
Oh, those are big changes for you, Judy - I'm so glad you finally found something! I know how discouraging it can be to keep looking for months for a place and be in limbo like that. Your family and friends sound wonderful - I'm sure you're on your way to a better 2015. 🙂
Patricia says
Hi Jami-
I read here at AOC -- though I don't leave comments as often-- however, I didn't realize last year wAs such a tough one for y'all!
I totally agree-- you have to do some things for you-- recharge that energy and creative mind.
Reading your post -- all the way through and seeing the readers response has shown me that it matters and you're not alone!
There are ladies out there -- struggling to get by, make changes, and effect change in our homes. I for one am glad you'll still be blogging and hope that 2015 is a wonderful year for you
Jami says
Thank you, Patricia! Isn't that wonderful to read how so many of us are wanting the same things and searching for easy ways to make our lives better and richer? I'm so glad this conversation was started so that I could feel this connection with you all. 🙂
Becky says
Sounds like you have some great things planned for 2015 and I hope it is a smoother year than 2014. I too have been saying no to things and it has been a lot less harried around our house. Best of luck in the New Year!
Mindy says
You're selling your house!? Did I read that right? I don't mean to skip over everything else, but that's sort of a big deal.
Sorry to hear about the drastic change in income and a rough year. We've all been there, right? Makes ya appreciate the good ones. Amen to the emergency fund. I wish we were in a position to save for that. Paycheck to paycheck blows in that aspect. But, like I keep telling myself, more money more problems. Ha!
I'm with you in the reading department. I miss it dearly. I do love blogging, and all that goes with it (like what I'm doing right now), but boy do I miss my books. And magazines! I remember sitting down with a new one the second it came in the mail. I literally have a stack of at least twenty that I haven't even picked up. It kinda makes me long for the old days, before the computer ruled.
Hopefully 2015 has big things in store for you. I'm happy to hear your garden link up will remain. I was out taking my first photos of the year today. 🙂 Here's to making the time for books and enough money to buy new plants.
Jami says
It's more of looking to the future of selling, Mindy, so starting to work on all those unfinished projects - you know those, right? 😉 - so we don't have a date or anything. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made and I have ideas (of course, ha!) that we'll have to see if can work. So, dreamin' is the stage right now!
Yes to both books and gardening - and your sweet online friendship! 🙂
Katherine says
I'm a long time subscriber and love your blog. I am so glad you will be continuing as I really enjoy your approach to life and keeping home. 2014 was difficult for me in many ways but good things happened too. I'm hoping to have much more joy in this new year and wish that for you also. My family loves many of your recipes, especially your artisan bread. My son even wanted to learn how to make it away at school so I sent him the link to your recipe and technique and he made it! Best wishes for a wonderful 2015!
Jami says
That makes me so happy to hear that your son was able to replicate the artisan bread, Katherine - see, it is easy! 😉 Thanks for your wishes and I'm wishing the same for you in 2015!
Jackie in Canada says
Like many other readers, I was worried that you were about to tell us you were taking time off from your blog in 2015. 2014 was a trying year for many, lets all hope that 2015 is a much better year. We all need to learn how to say no at times. Family & friends should never get the short end of our time.
I look forward to reading your posts. Recipes, gardening, crafts, DIY, they all inspire me. I have tried many of your recipes, modified some, passed over others & search your recipes when I am looking for something new to try. I do have to say my favorite recipes of yours have to be your Quick & Easy Breadsticks & your Secret Ingredient Pesto.
All the best to you, Brian & your family in 2015.
Jami says
Ooo, I love hearing your favorites and reviews, Jackie - that's always interesting to me! And I have been hearing more and more how 2014 made lots of other people tired, too - I wonder why all our priorities when wacky at once? 🙂 Thank you for faithfully reading - I write for you and you've inspired me with your words!
Betsy says
I just found your blog and I love your whole concept. I love cooking using whole foods and I have to say, I could move into your house and not change a thing. When you mentioned making a list of things to get done before you put your house on the market I want to find out your plans?? I plan on taking a day and going through your blog so I can catch up......I have a lot of reading to do. Happy New Year and good luck with your 2015 goals. They seem really realistic to me. Have a good week.
Jami says
Thank you for that, Betsy, and welcome!! I'm glad to know you are relating and love hearing how new readers find things here at AOC. The moving plans are just thoughts about the future right now...a 'five year plan' if you will. I have ideas, but there are so many things that need to fall in place first so it's hard to talk about any specifics. Blessings on your new year!
Mary Buzzell says
I, too, thought you were going to stop blogging! Oh, no, thought I, I must find time to print all her recipes and DIY's because I might not be able to go out to them anymore. I love your blog and pretty much read every single post.
I am so sorry for your 2014. I have had several years where I was just glad the year was over. Not a great feeling. I will be praying for you and that 2015 will be a better year.
BTW, I was reading one of your blog posts one day in December while my sister-in-law, Janet Buzzell, was visiting us in Salem and she said "I know her! She used to go to my church." (Spring Mountain off Sunnyside in Portland? I think that is the name. I go there every year for the Christmas Tea.) She explained the connection with other people I have met, but I am not remembering it all. It is a small world.
Jami says
Oh, never fear, Mary, even if I did stop blogging, I'd keep the site going in an 'evergreen' mode, I'm sure. 🙂 I'm so glad to know you like what you find here. That is funny about your sister - random (that you happened to be reading) and small world! I do remember her, but things from 10+ years ago are sure starting to blur, sadly.
Nancy B. says
I too thought you may be "taking a break" and I'm so thankful that you are not! You are one of the very few blogs that I follow regularly and I would miss your posts if they were to stop. I've unsubscribed from most as 2014 was particularly busy and challenging for me as well, lots of health issues and it just seemed to be a stressful year overall so I made a decision to cut back on the emails I get in my inbox and focus on those that give me the most enjoyment, like yours 🙂 I too am looking forward to 2015 and hopefully it will be a better year all around. With a wedding on the agenda we're already getting excited over preparation plans so it looks like we will be getting crafty which is always a good way to get in touch with our creative side and is also a great way to deal with stress. I always look forward to your posts and I will add you to my prayers that 2015 will be a better year for your family as well 🙂
Blessings to you from Canada, Nancy B.
Jami says
Thank you so much, Nancy! And a wedding is such a fun thing to be a part of - have fun with that. 🙂
Toni Brock says
What a wonderful blog post. And like Sharon O I too am warmed by the fact that we are "neighbors". I am blushing when I mention silly me didn't realize you had a YouTube channel til you mentioned it in your above post. So I am excited to go through them all. Thank you so much for all that you do and share with us. Have a marvelous 2015
Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says
Even when we might not have something like cancer looming, it does not mean we can't be going through a hard time, in that moment, for us. I understand. We are in our lives everyday, so things that affect it, affect it.
Wishing you nothing but sunshine and roses in 2015!! Blessings, Shannon
Jami says
Wise words, sweet Shannon - many blessing back at you!
Jeannette says
Just want to wish you a Happy New Year and express to you how much I enjoy reading your blog! I think you accomplished much in 2014, especially reading through the Bible! That is something I've always wanted to do, but not seen myself being able to complete, so I've put off even starting that type of reading schedule. You are to be commended! I think the fact that you did that will really help you have clarity for 2015. I too feel like I run around like a chicken with my head cut off:) So, I plan on slowing down a bit internally, letting go of some of my distractions and focusing more on tasks that contribute to my family life. Oh, and one of those things is trying more recipes from your main dish recipe book:) God bless you!
Jami says
Yes, Jeannette, you're so right about the Bible bringing clarity - I don't want to downplay that! I found a plan through the You Version Bible App that helped me keep track and stay on task and for some reason, it really worked for me (I actually did it two years in a row after having never completed one before!). Now I am doing an online devotion that's perfect for me at this point in time - She Reads Truth - I'll write about it next week. I pray you'll be able to make those changes, too!
K says
Jami- Chin up, keep the faith, and press on. You've got this. I really enjoy your blog, and the monthly menus. Here's hoping 2015 is a slower paced year for you and your family.
Jami says
Thank you so much!
becky says
I started following your blog because I was homesick for Oregon and desperate for sights and stories from my beloved state. But then as I felt more at home in Alberta, tried your recipes and read more of your stories, I found out that we have a lot of things in common. I feel like I've found a kindred spirit who struggles with things like I do and who also has given me very tangible, practical ideas for how to care for my family. We know that God works for the good in all things, that he never leaves us, and that he provides for us. Thank you for sharing your heart and so much of your time, experiences, and knowledge with us (your fan base). I really love your recipes - they're easy, inexpensive, and always delicious. We haven't stumbled across any so far that we'd never try again. Bless you and your family, my friend.
Jami says
Oh, Becky, *sniff* - you've touched me with your words and I'm so honored to know that I've helped you in some way! And thrilled to know you're enjoying the recipes. 🙂 I rarely make recipes just to blog - most of the time they are the foods we love to eat, so my hope is always that someone else loves to eat them, too!
Angi @ SchneiderPeeps says
2014 was hard for me too, so many wonderful things happened - a graduation, our first grandbaby, my husband having a full-time job after 4 years of not having one - but I didn't make wise choices with my limited time and I've paid a high price for it. I really like your idea of time blocks as I think I tried to multitask most of 2014 and it really didn't work.
Here's to 2015 and whatever the Lord brings!
Jami says
I know, Angi, isn't it amazing how we can feel like we don't have a choice in the moment but in hindsight we see we really did (though it might've been something different that what we thought...)? And I'm limiting my multitasking this year to laundry and bread baking (since most of it happens without my help, ha) - everything else is going in a block! A lot of it is mental, too - it will be easier to see how much time I actually spent on something instead of that feeling of working all the time, you know? I appreciate you and your perspective!!
Mermaid Scribbler says
About this blog post: Me, too! Me, too! Me, too! I soooooo get it! Hugs and prayers to you as you start the new year. Also, you might like the book (since you want to read, it's Christian, and it is about making better use of your time), "Your Best Yes." (I should underline it since it is a book, but I can't find the button to do it, and I have to go and feed a tiny person)
Jami says
Yeah! I knew I probably wasn't alone, Leah, but it's still hard to push 'publish' on posts like this and put yourself out there. 🙂 Thanks for the reminder about that book - I have heard about it and do want it at the top of my to-read list (now that I have one, ha!).
Liz says
Hi Jami, I just got up (I'm in England) and thought I would be the first person to say "I love your blog and everything you do and am so glad you are continuing" but timezones being what they are I am beaten to it - which is a testament to what your words mean to your readers. Like others, I bookmark your site and look to see if you have done things first, before I attempt them myself. i use loads of your recipes. Regarding reading, since I moved to a smallholding (I think what you would call a homestead in the US?) I have struggled to read. It is not just time, I often sit and watch TV of an evening, it is 'headspace' - I have so many things I am thinking about and so many projects on my to-do list, that I find it hard to concentrate on, and get engrossed in, a book like I did when I was younger and carefree. I suspect you may have the same problem. If a book is compelling enough I can still get into it but it is a rare thing these days. I don't have a solution by the way! Here's to 2015! Liz
Jami says
Oh, I think you may be right about the reading, Liz - I've never thought about it that way, but as I read your thoughts on this, it was like, "ahhh, right" - I almost want nothing in my head for those few precious down-time minutes, which is one of the reasons I like easy, mindless knitting - I don't want to have to figure out anything, ha! I love this - I won't think quite the same now about it, so thank you! I am reading two books that are worthwhile now (I'll write about them in my first 3 Things post next week!), and I've been collection titles that I really want to read, so that should help.
Thank you so much for being a wonderful part of AOC for me - I always enjoy your comments and am so happy to know that I help you in some way! Blessings 🙂