Setting Up Initial Goals

I am the type of person who likes lists. I like charts & graphs & schedules. My life runs much better when I have a written plan of action.
My life is out of control. Now, I don't mean I'm partying like a rock star or snorting horse tranquilizers; I just mean, well, things aren't anywhere near the way I want them to be. A (huge) part of the reason behind this is I live with people who fly through life by the seat of their pants. This doesn't work for me. Nope, not at all. I need logic, I need order, I need schedules. While it may seem to some this is a rigid way to live life, for me, it works. When I am in control of the day to day details, when I know when things will get done, I'm more capable of dealing with the surprises when they come along.
So, it's time to put my life together. And, gee, wouldn't you know it? Here I have this long neglected blog, just sitting there. Hmm. Maybe I could use this to my advantage?

Goals
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1.Physical/Health
~~~a. I need to lose 48 to 53 pounds. Being overweight makes me tired & cranky. I know how to lose weight, I even know the things I need to do to keep it off. With 22 days left in October, I think I can lose 13 pounds safely this month. Thanksgiving is the 25th of November & I should be able to lose 10-12 additional pounds before then. 10 pounds between Thanksgiving & Christmas, and then 5-7 pounds a month after that. This would take me to either the Beginning of March or April. I think this is reasonable & I can live with this.
~~~b. I need to quit smoking. Yeah, I know. It's so bad for you. I've actually written down every cigarette I've smoked today, because I have no clue how much I actually do smoke. So tomorrow I'll have a baseline to start at, and can work it out from there. Besides the obvious health benefits to quitting, there are two more that need to be taken into consideration: No more wasted time getting up & going out to smoke a cigarette, and the money saved could be better spent on other things. I'd like to be a nonsmoker.
~~~c. My teeth,. I hate going to the dentist, I really do. Unfortunately, my teeth need cleaned AND one of my fillings fell out last night, so it's time to make an appointment. And of course the dentist will undoubtedly find other problems that need fixed. Yeah. Still, it needs done.

2.My House
~~~First & most important thing: Get rid of the excess crap. Honestly, it looks like a WalMart exploded in my house. I live with packrats. Honestly, do you really need a magazine from the early 90's? Why? Seriously. And the thing about this is, it's a bigger battle then most people will realize. And there's no point in trying to get things cleaned, organized & put away until we GET RID OF some of it.

3.Driver's License
~~~Nope, I don't have one. I've had several learner's permits. I am TERRIFIED of driving. I am. There are steps to this, and each of them is a horror to me.
~~~~~a. Physical. Have to make a dr's appointment & go get a physical. Yup, hate this.
~~~~~b. Take the learner's permit test. This wouldn't be so bad; iyt's not as if it's all that difficult. But I have to actually make an appointment & get a ride & pay the fee. Fun.
~~~~~c. Um, learn to parallel park. Yup, failed the test more than once because of this. Like I'm ever going to go anywhere ever where I'm required to parallel park. Uh-huh.
I could make all sorts of excuses here, but the truth is, I'm just terrified. But I'll call the dr on Monday, after I call the dentist, & set up my physical.

4.Works in Progress & Things I Want to Make
~~~a. Pink Shell crocheted blanket. It's almost done. Really, I could have this done before Monday. This is first
~~~b. Scrap Ripple Crocheted blanket. Just need the ends worked in, it too is almost done.
~~~c. Green & crem Irish Chain Quilt. Sigh. I really want to finish this. After all, I only started it a year ago. It would be really helpful if the cats would quit knocking the piles over & mixing them all up. I have 3 rows done. This will take a while.
~~~d. Scrap knitted scarf. Eh, it's a third done.
~~~e. Teddy Quilt & Angel quilt. I need to make a decision on these two. Most likely, because I hate they way they are turning out, I won't finish them & will throw them out.
~~~f. Flannel Teddy. Not started yet, but the yellow flannel would work great. Want to enter this in the Fair next year.
~~~g. Pink Quilt. Not started. Bargello or maybe 6 inch mini patchwork squares. Want this for the fair.
~~~h. Crazy quilt. Not started yet, but they are so EASY to make & they use up the scraps very well. Plus, people like them.
~~~i. Knit baby sweater & cap. Not started yet. Want this for the fair.


That's it & all for now, I think. Mostly, this will just be me talking to myself. I'll set up a workable schedule, daily weekly & monthly goals & write up "progress reports" on myself. As I get rid of the excess, set up & organize my life, & accomplish individual goals I'll add more & start tackling the really difficult things.