Sweet fall-owers and readers, thank you for joining me for my autumn 2020 bucket list: update 10.2020!! Sound the trumpets, toss some confetti…even though there’s not much progress yet to celebrate.
･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ
Traditionally, I love this season, this time of year. Don’t you? But so far, autumn 2020 just feels like a continuation of summer and spring 2020 around here. More of the same ole, same ole. Had thought dreaming up and then fulfilling my list would help me overcome the Covid slump. But that hasn’t been the case so far. Hoping that publicly admitting today to my lack of progress will spur me to get busy!!
Did you know that making bucket lists or activity lists is good for you? Tis true! They help us create focus in our lives, push us out of our comfort zone and motivate us to try something new. And sharing our bucket list helps keep us accountable!! But don’t just take my word for it. Check out what the experts say, here.
Before we jump into this progress report, you can check out my summer list, here.
Just a reminder: Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links. This means that if you click or make a purchase from a link provided I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Now let’s get to the main event…update 10.2020
MY AUTUMN 2020 BUCKET LIST
You have probably noticed that I like to divide my bucket lists into categories. Doing so helps me to plan activities that focus on all aspects of my life. I could easily create a bucket list made up of just fun things to do. But it helps me to be more well-rounded if my lists include something for my body, mind and soul, too.
Update 10.2020
BODY
- Run 6 miles a week, start workouts from home (home gym?), go on at least one hike – have returned to running but now to become more consistent at it. Have run 10 times since the reveal of this list. Which translates to about 15 miles in 4 weeks. Not going to cut it! ⚠️
- Charcuterie board – been thinking some on this but haven’t made my board yet. I have a new Pinterest board full of ideas, though. That’s a start. And my sweet friend Casey at Sparkle and Shine posted ideas for making a quick, kid-friendly charcuterie board today. Check out her suggestions, here. ⚠️
- Green chile recipes – had hoped to take a day trip to the green chile capitol of the world, Hatch, New Mexico, an hour’s drive from El Paso. But the stores there that sell the official Hatch chiles are not open. Bet you can guess why. So, I purchased some fresh roasted chiles at a local store instead. Not quite the same. And have created a Pinterest board with different green chile dishes. Now to get cooking. ⚠️
HEART
- Fall decorating and crafts – the house is partially decorated but we don’t go to the pumpkin patch until Friday. Haven’t created a seasonal craft. Why I haven’t even decided what I will make. So no mucho progresso here!! ⚠️
- “God Made Girl” online painting workshop – came across this on Facebook. Have painted my God Made Girl canvas. It is almost finished. Dad gum it, meant to get a white Sharpie or calligraphy pen at Hobby Lobby today to use for the verse on my painting. This was such fun. Will be looking into other similar virtual workshops. ✔️
- Finish mosaic table top – as you know, this has been a work in progress but with little progress being done. Do you sense a theme in my life? I have at least moved my mosaic to the dining room table. But want to finish my God Made Girl painting before I drag out all of the supplies again for this mosaic. ⚠️
MIND
- Learn more about enneagrams – this stuff is so interesting to me. According to the 3 enneagram tests I’ve taken, I’m either a 1 or a 2. PC is a 9. My daughters are both 6s. What number are you? On my runs, I’ve listened to podcasts hosted by Jen Hatmaker about the 9 numbers of the enneagram. You can check those podcasts out, here. So, while I have begun learning more, there’s so much more I want to know. Researched the best book for beginner’s and this title showed up over and over. Comes with a study guide, too!! I am going to need more time in my mornings for all of these activities. ✔️
- Duolingo or Mango Spanish language study 3x a week – eww, didn’t realize I had committed to doing this 3x a week. I have been using Duolingo but not enough to give this a big green checkmark yet. Going to get busy on this. ⚠️
- Host fall photo challenge – teaming up with my friends Deb at Deb’s World and Jennifer at Trading Ashes for Beauty to host the 25 Days of Gratitude autumn photo challenge. We have our prompts figured out. And we have our hashtag, #25DaysofGratitude. Our start date is 11.01.2020 on Instagram. And we will share a compilation of all of our photos on our individual blogs on 11.30.2020. You can grab the graphics below, click to enlarge, and come join us!! Only 1 caveat…photos for the challenge must be taken in October or November of this year. ⚠️
SPIRIT
- Wishing tree – Have you read Wishtree, a children’s book by Katherine Applegate? If not, grab a copy at your library and curl up under a cozy throw to read it this fall. It is a quick read but a very sweet story. I want to make a wishing tree in our neighborhood park. Have purchases my supplies and hope to slip down to the park tomorrow to put everything together. ⚠️
- Bible journal 1x a week – my blogging friend Amy at Amy’s Creative Pursuits inspires me so with her lovely Bible journaling. I want to start doing more of this. No progress. ⚠️
- Painting rocks to share – have joined a local rock painting group on Facebook, El Paso Rocks! Shared photos of some of my painted rocks and want to do more. Will get some rocks this weekend and get started while I am visiting Cady in Ft. Worth. ⚠️
STYLE
- Best white tee – have done some research on the best white tee shirt and have purchased the top 3. They are ironed and hanging in the guest room closet. Hope to style them next week and determine the winner!! ⚠️
- Graphic tees – I am embracing this fashion trend and want to figure out ways to style my graphic tees for fall. ⚠️
- Fall trends – want to share several of my favorite looks from the Get Your Pretty On fall capsule wardrobe. You can still register, here. Participants are styling our version of each day’s look and sharing on the private Facebook page. ⚠️
YOUR TURN
Looking over this update 10.2o2o, I have only completed 2 of my 15 autumn activities. That just means I have lots to enjoy in the next month. What does your autumn bucket list update 10.2020 look like? Are there lots of green check marks beside your activities? Or is it more jaundiced, like mine? What? You haven’t created an autumn bucket list yet? Well, let me invite you – encourage you – to do so. It will keep you growing and moving forward in spite of Covid!!
Please link up your autumn 2020 bucket list update 10.2020 with me. Or leave a comment on your progress below. Lets cheer each other on!!
Before I go…
had an appointment with a new endocrinologist today. Since 2013, and my first cervical spine surgery, I have had some thyroid and parathyroid issues. The endocrinologist I was seeing from 2013-2018 was just ‘watching’ things, and having me come in every 6 months. When our insurance changed last year, I had to see a new endocrinologist and he dismissed me altogether. Saying the issues that had been identified (nodules on my thyroid, high calcium levels and chronic kidney disease) were my ‘normal’.
I have been feeling pretty crummy for close to a year now, but thought it was in part due to stress with my mom, Lauren’s precarious health and pregnancy, PC’s job situation, his health issues with his back and then…COVID. Throw in this stupid infected tooth/gum, the cherry on top.
Finally did a teleconference with my primary care physician a month ago, had tests run and my endocrine problems are more troublesome. Will be having surgery in November. Going to see Brennyn, Cady and Mustafa this weekend. Then have to have additional tests done in the coming weeks before my surgery. Also have to decide something about this tooth. Oy vey.
All this to say, I may be kind of hit or miss ’round here. My friend Jennifer at Trading Ashes for Beauty mentioned how difficult she finds it at times lately to blog with the roller coaster ride, the ups and downs of life right now. Amen!! But it can also be therapeutic for me to write. And having you stop by to visit is an added blessing. So thank you. Thank you for holding my hand through this crazy adventure we are living through.
Hugs and kisses,
Never heard of a enegram. Have to look it up! Thanks for hosting and have a great day!
Oh, Nancy…let me know what enneagram number you are!!
My first thought on hearing that you need surgery was ‘oh no’ but then I thought ‘but this will hopefully make you feel better’ so it’s good they have identified a problem which can be rectified and you can get back to normal. I have a feeling that tooth may have to go!
I started doing Spanish on Duolingo when we went into lockdown and now have an unbroken 206 day ‘streak’, I try to do a bit a day but it’s getting more difficult now, with verb endings etc Still enjoying it though!
Adios mi amiga!
You have inspired me to try to do Duolingo every day. I missed twice this week, darn it. So will have to start a new streak but you have inspired me. Is there a way to find each other on Duolingo?
So anxious to feel better. Sounds like this surgery can make a big improvement. Yay!!
So far on my fall bucket list I have 5 checks and 5 things I have not gotten around to doing and 1 that we won’t be able to accomplish. Best of luck with your surgery! I too find that blogging can be hit or miss when life is going a bit haywire- one the one hand writing does help me get a bit of clarity as getting my thought down can get them out of my head but on the other hand it starts to feel like one more thing I have to do when I already feel overwhelmed. One thing I have learned though is that blogging breaks may drop my numbers temporarily but readers will always come back. Do what you need to do to take care of you! 🙂
Thank you for this reassurance. It is funny about numbers. I try not to think about them. But when someone stops following me then I wonder what I have done to prompt that. You have done well on your bucket list my friend. I need to get busy!
Sending you lots of love and healing, Leslie. As Deb said, I hope this surgery will be the beginning of better health for you. And I certainly understand your COVID ennui. Be gentle with yourself, and celebrate the small successes. Sending virtual hugs!!!
Thank you!! Had to look up the word ennui. I like it. Sounds pretty. French. I am so done with Covid!
I feel wrapped in the hugs of my friends and look forward to feeling better.
Even though you aren’t running 6 miles a week, you’re still getting out there and that’s impressive! I love making charcuterie boards for Friday happy hour and will make sure I’m following your board! I will be praying for a successful surgery and hope that it will help you feel better!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you for your prayers and sweet comments. Looking forward to having the surgery behind me and feeling better.
I am anxious to try my hand at a charcuterie board. I throw stuff in a tupperware container now for our snacks and it would
be nice to have a board and display the same snacks more artistically.
I hope that the surgery is successful. You will do well on your goals, I am sure!
Thank you, Dara. I am looking forward to feeling better and knocking my bucket list out of the ball park.
You have an awesome list going here! I’m excited about the photo challenge. That will be fun. Wishing all the best for your surgery.
Please come do the photo challenge with us!!
Thank you for your best wishes about my surgery. Looking forward to feeling better.
The good news is that surgery is available soon and then you can get on with healing. And take care of that tooth! Love your art work.
Yes!!! So glad to get this surgery behind me and start feeling better. Glad the toothache has subsided while I take care of the endocrine system. Then I want to et a third opinion about the tooth. The dentist was just so ready to yank it out. Even with the infection raging!!
Thank you for the sweet compliment about my painting. Tomorrow I finish her!
I’m sorry to hear you have to have surgery – and that new endo sounds awful. I hope you can get a new one. I hate when doctors are just dismissive. Not cool.
You’re on the right track with your bucket list! It can be tough to get things done these days. I love the painting you did – that’s so cool.
Lauren
Thank you, friend. Glad to have a new doctor who is on top of things.
My bucket list has been on the back burner but hope once I get this surgery behind me, I can jump in with two feet.
OH GOSH FRIEND…. You have a lot going on!!! Lifting prayers for you… hope the surgery is something that has a fast recovery.
I always go between a 2 & 3 on the Ennegram. I think its interesting but also know I change all the time in my answers so I wonder how accurate it is. its still fun though.
Thank you for lifting prayers for me. Thank you, thank you. Looking forward to feeling better.
I go between 1 and 2 on the enneagram. Making a chart so I can remember what my friends are and know them a little better. I think it is very interesting, too. Who knows how accurate but still fun. Like horoscope…I think it is fun and interesting, too, but don’t hold a lot of stock in it.
You still have lots of activities to look forward to… Love your crafting, love the interest boards and admire your ability to wear a white t – they NEVER stay white on me. One time I was congratulating myself for not spilling laksa on a white t & when the waiter picked up the bowl he splashed me. Sigh. Me and white just don’t get along.
Ha!! I don’t do well with white either. Which is another reason why it might be good for me to have multiple white tees!!
Hi, Leslie –
’25 Days of Gratitude’ sounds like something that I could get into. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sending warm thoughts and prayers for your upcoming surgery. Please keep us posted.
Oh, I hope you will join us for 25 Days of Gratitude!! I imagine you would have beautiful, thoughtful photos to share.
Thank you for the prayers and warm thoughts about my surgery. Just looking forward to feeling better very soon.
I feel you about Fall and Covid. It just isn’t quite the same. Sorry that your new endocrinologist dismissed you. I hope that this surgery will help. After having my third I was hit or miss on my blog as well. I just started getting back in the swing of things…. then Covid hit. Prayers to you for a speedy recovery.
Thank you for your prayers. I am looking forward to feeling better after my surgery. And my Prince cooking for a few days!!
All kinds of good things you have going on. The wishing tree supplies look interesting. I’ll have to read the book. Prayers & good vibes for dealing with your health issues & surgery. Sounds like fun times coming up with your grandgirl & family.
I think you would like the WishTree by Applegate. It is a quick read and a sweet story. Thank you for the prayers and good vibes for my surgery. Looking forward to feeling better.
It’s good you achieved some of your goals, especially with your health issues !I hope things improve now that you have some actions for everything, and that you have a speedy recovery from surgery!
I’ve been a bit uninspired with any goals or things I “should” do lately – have been a bit behind with everything other than the essentials, but everything else is just nice to have really isn’t it? So don’t feel bad about it!
Hope you are having a good weekend 🙂
Thank you, darling you!! This has been such a strange year. I would like to believe that on December 31st at the stroke of midnight, life will change, Covid will be gone and we will all feel much better, relieved, more inspired.
You’ve been going through quite a lot! I really hope the surgery will help with your issues. I think making a list of things to do or ‘goals’ helps me get things done as well. I keep a written list by my bed to help as a visual reminder, too.
Thank you. Surgery will be Tuesday and then I hope to feel much better. And maybe even be able to focus for a hot minute!! Great idea to keep your list of to-dos or goals by your bed. Going to adopt that!!
Good for you for returning to running. You are doing it the smart way – slowly. I think I am a 3 in Enneagram. It is interesting. I have nejoyed learning about it. I did Duolingo for Spanish and Portuguese (when I thought we were going to Portugal in the spring…guess why that trip was canceled) but I have been slacking lately. Good luck with your surgery!
Oh, this darn virus…cancels everyone’s plans!! But now you speak Portuguese!! That’s a good thing, right? And Portugal will still be there after this silliness is behind us. For pity sake.
I would like to be an enneagram 3. They sound very cool to me. I want to make a chart of all of my friends’ numbers so I can know more about them. Thank you for sharing your number with me.
Wow. What an admirable list. I do so think that we all need things to look forward to, and to do. Best wishes for your coming surgery, and it sounds as though life has been so full on for you, so extra gazillian best wishes. Ennagrams – I just couldn’t understand them, so I gave up. A friend loves them.
Thank you, sweet friend. We do need things to look forward to. I am anxious to get this surgery behind me and to feel better. I sure appreciate your gazillian best wishes.
Let me know what your enneagram number is. I am hoping to better understand my friends through enneagrams.
This all makes so much sense to me. I like how practical but fun you are here. Fall has been so hit or miss for me this year too. I managed to blog twice this week for the first time in a month, and that makes me feel so happy!
Aww, what a nice comment. This whole darn year has just been in the toilet. But we still have to dream and try to enjoy life. My bucket list encourages me to keep getting up, showing up and trying to find something positive and pleasant to do. Yay for blogging twice this past week. Good job!
Never heard of enneagrams. Sounds intriguing, will look it up! You find some great ideas for your bucket list. I have some ideas for things I want to do, but they’re mostly “Covid free zone” ideas which will have to wait (white water rafting for example). That canvas is very cute, you are so talented. I’ll pass on the chillies. Too hot for me!
Surgery doesn’t sound good! Hope it goes well, I will be thinking of you.
Gail, take one of the free enneagram tests and come back to tell me what number you are. I think it is so interesting.
Thank you for your good thoughts on my surgery.