Tag Archives: fitness

2024 Physical Activity – Dance, Health, and Fitness

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aerial Dancing Highlights for 2024
2. I took 90 aerial classes
3. I spent $835 total
4. I spent 83.75 hours in class
5. I worked with 24 different instructors
6. I went to 10 different studios

Lifetime money spent (just for aerial classes): $12,076.24
2014 – $90
2015 – $422.21
2016 – $1777
2017 – $2594
2018 – $1465.74
2019 – $566
2020 – $225
2021 – $852.46
2022 – $1,439.83
2023 – $1,809
2024 – $835

Lifetime total aerial classes: 737
2014 – 6
2015 – 19
2016 – 109
2017 – 139
2018 – 92
2019 – 37
2020 – 35
2021 – 63
2022 – 111
2023 – 118
2024 – 83.75

Total time spent dancing +: 1138.90 hours (47.45 days)
2014 – 10.5 hours
2015 – 37.5 hours
2016 – 173.5 hours
2017 – 226 hours
2018 – 144.5 hours
2019 – 55.5 hours
2020 – 55.75 hours
2021 – 89.25 hours
2022 – 141.4 hours
2023 – 121.25 hours
2024 – 83.75 hours

Class Breakdown at different studios
Jungle Movement – 43/90 = 48%
Revolt – 33/90 = 37%
Lache – 5/90 = 6%
Sky Candy – 3/90 = 3%
Other single classes – 6/90 = 7%

Class Type Breakdown
Lyra – 31
Flexibility – 12
Conditioning – 7
Pole – 7
Silks – 6
Sling – 6
Fly Pole – 6
Aerial jam – 3
Floorwork – 2
Handstand – 2
Chair – 2
Bungee – 2
Straps – 1
Trapeze – 1
Acro – 1
Pentagram – 1

In other fitness accomplishments:

  • Taught my first and only lyra class 5/16 at 5PM (Lyra 1 class with 1 student at Jungle Movement)
  • 10/22 Volunteered for the Lache Fall showcase – did something new along with setup – door greeter donation taker
  • I biked over 500 miles
  • Started going to Orange Theory Fitness classes with Jon again – 36 total classes since June
  • With my employee membership at Jungle Movement I was able to try out different fitness classes including Parkour, Kung Fu, Calisthenics, Mobility and Recovery, Movie Stunts, Ninja Warrior, Trampoline, Pilates, Contortion, Rock Climbing, Gymnastics, and Tumbling
  • I replaced Hotworx with Orange Theory in June but managed to take 35 classes in 2024 including 36 ISO and 2 HIT classes
  • I took 1 yoga class and 1 acro yoga class
  • I took 2 handstand classes
  • I took two bungee classes
  • I took 3 club pilates classes
  • I played dodgeball for the first time in 10 years (since breaking my finger the last time) with a bunch of kids. Though I was picked last (even though I’m taller than all of them), they named the team after my shirt: “It’s Donut Time.”
  • I took four specialty workshops including a pentagram workshop, a trampoline workshop, and an aerial pull workshop
  • I tried roller pole and a doubles pole class

My fitness goals for 2024:

  • Work on a muscle up
    • Took a step back from this as I need to work on my general shoulder mobility first
  • Work on getting a handstand
    • Only took two classes specializing in handstands due to scheduling and preference for other class types
  • Volunteer for one show
    • Volunteered at the Lache February showcase and the Lache October showcase
  • Perform at one show
    • Signed up to perform but had to back out after getting knocked off my bike on the way home from class
  • Try out a new pole studio in the Austin area
    • Tried out SoFly Social in Austin
    • Tried out Empowered Acro in Austin
  • Try a new class/workshop
    • Took a double pole class
    • Took an aerial pentagram workshop
    • Took a calisthenics class
    • Took a rope class
    • Took an aerial pull workshop
  • Level up at Lache in Lyra
    • Leveled up to level 4 in the beginning of the year

My fitness goals for 2025:

  • Get back my twisted grip by working on posture and shoulder mobility
  • Volunteer for one show
  • Perform at one show
  • Try out a new studio in Austin
  • Try a new class/workshop
  • Bike 100 miles on my ebike

2023 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2022 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2021 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2020 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2019 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2018 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2017 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2016 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2015 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2023 Physical Activity – Dance, Health, and Fitness

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Aerial Dancing Highlights for 2023
2. I took 118 aerial classes
3. I spent $1,809 total
4. I spent 121.25 hours in class
5. I worked with 27 different instructors

Lifetime money spent (just for aerial classes): $11,241.24
2014 – $90
2015 – $422.21
2016 – $1777
2017 – $2594
2018 – $1465.74
2019 – $566
2020 – $225
2021 – $852.46
2022 – $1,439.83
2023 – $1,809

Lifetime total aerial classes: 737
2014 – 6
2015 – 19
2016 – 109
2017 – 139
2018 – 92
2019 – 37
2020 – 35
2021 – 63
2022 – 111
2023 – 118

Total time spent dancing +: 1055.15 hours (43.96 days)
2014 – 10.5 hours
2015 – 37.5 hours
2016 – 173.5 hours
2017 – 226 hours
2018 – 144.5 hours
2019 – 55.5 hours
2020 – 55.75 hours
2021 – 89.25 hours
2022 – 141.4 hours
2023 – 121.25 hours

Class Breakdown at different studios
Revolt – 90/118 = 76%
Lache – 14/118 = 12%
Bat City Circus – 8/118 = 7%
Black Widow Pole – 3/118 = 2%
Inner Diva – 2/118 = 2%
Polearity – 1/118 = 1%

Class Type Breakdown
Lyra – 37
Silks/Sling – 29
Pole – 17
Floorwork – 9
Flexibility – 9
Fly Pole – 2
Twerk – 3
Conditioning – 3
Other – including Burlesque, Chair, Tumbling, Trampoline, Trapeze, Straps, Pole Silks, Pole and Aerial Jam, Parkour and yoga mini class – 9

 

My fitness goals for 2023:

  • Lyra – unassisted front balance
    • I practiced unassisted front balances in nearly every lyra class I took last year with some more successful attempts than others.
    • In my last lyra class I was able to get 3 unassisted front balances in a row without being right on top of my hip bones!
    • I put in an unassisted front balance (wearing fins) for my December showcase performance.
  • Pole – handspring Ayesha
  • Floorwork – solid fish flop
    • I took several floorwork classes and we worked on rolls and fish flops and I’m certain my fish flop improved.
    • Looking at the one I put into my showcase video, it was a teeny bit rushed and not as big as I wanted it to be but in practice some of them got so much airtime!
  • Floorwork – work on a hand balance pose/transition that I can freestyle into/out of
    • Didn’t work on this goal specifically
  • Aerial – check out every studio in the Austin area
    • I spent most of my studio time at Revolt but did take a few classes at Inner Diva for the first time
  • Aerial – perform at least once in some capacity!
  • Aerial – Work on the correct position for flying trapeze hand catch prep
    • Didn’t really work on this one – only took 1 trapeze class
  • Aerial – continue to explore other fun classes/workshops like duo lyra, bungee, trampoline, etc.
    • I love trying new classes such as the pole silks workshop at the end of last year and the tumbling class I tried
  • Aerial – volunteer/help out in a show/comp
    • I volunteered for both the Lache After Dark showcase in February and the Dreams and Nightmares showcase in October
  • 1000 miles lifetime on my e-bike
    • I biked 243.9 miles (bringing the total miles biked on my e-bike to 1,161.4)
  • 321 miles on our new stationary bike
    • Got bored really fast with the stationary bike – maybe did 20-25 miles at the beginning of the year before putting my effort into pull-ups and classes

In other fitness accomplishments:

  • I went to 3 aerial shows (Cirque, Cirque du Soleil: Corteo, and the Revolt Fall/Winter showcase)
  • I took 7 yoga classes (including 1 kitten yoga and 1 puppy yoga class)
  • I joined a local Hotworx gym 8/1 and took 29 HIIT classes and 49 ISO classes

My fitness goals for 2024:

  • Work on a muscle up
  • Work on getting a handstand
  • Volunteer for one show
  • Perform at one show
  • Try out a new pole studio in the Austin area
  • Try a new class/workshop
  • Level up at Lache in Lyra

My favorite fitness photos from the year!

 

2022 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2021 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2020 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2019 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2018 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2017 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2016 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2015 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2022 Physical Activity – Dance, Health, and Fitness

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , ,

Aerial Dancing Highlights for 2022
2. I took 111 aerial classes total
3. I spent $1,439.83 total (I have some credit as an ambassador that I used towards some classes)
4. I spent 141.4 hours in class
5. I worked with 46 different instructors

Lifetime money spent (just for aerial classes): $9,432.24
2014 – $90
2015 – $422.21
2016 – $1777
2017 – $2594
2018 – $1465.74
2019 – $566
2020 – $225
2021 – $852.46
2022 – $1,439.83

Lifetime total aerial classes: 619
2014 – 6
2015 – 19
2016 – 109
2017 – 139
2018 – 92
2019 – 37
2020 – 35
2021 – 63
2022 – 111

Total time spent dancing +: 933.9 hours (38.9 days)
2014 – 10.5 hours
2015 – 37.5 hours
2016 – 173.5 hours
2017 – 226 hours
2018 – 144.5 hours
2019 – 55.5 hours
2020 – 55.75 hours
2021 – 89.25 hours
2022 – 141.4 hours

Class Breakdown at different studios for 2022
Ascendance – 39/111= 35%
Revolt – 15/111 = 14%
Divine – 25/111 = 23%
Bat City Circus – 6/111 = 5%
Emerald City Trapeze – 5/111 = 5%
Raven – 4/111 = 4%
Selenite Studios – 4/111 = 4%
Pole Fitness Seattle & Bellevue – 3/111= 1%
Sky Candy – 3/111 = 3%
Lache – 2/111 = 2%
Mora Pole – 2/111 = 2%
Versatile Arts – 2/111 = 2%
Jungle Movement – 1/111 = 1%

Class Type Breakdown for 2022
Lyra – 49
Pole – 30
Silks/Sling – 8
Straps – 5
Floorwork – 5
Trapeze – 3
Conditioning – 2
Flexibility – 2
Other – including Boudoir Striptease, Bungee Basics, Intro Harness, and Trampoline – 7

In other fitness accomplishments:

  • I biked 267.5 (bringing the total miles biked on my e-bike to 917.5)
  • I worked on partner/duo Lyra with a new friend
  • I tried out many new studios in the Austin area
  • I was able to do 10 chin-ups in a row
  • I was able to get my one-arm pull-up and incorporated it into a dance performance
  • I took several privates and worked on my fish flop, handspring, and choreo for my performance
  • I volunteered with PSO in Seattle again as well as with Misfits in Motion as a pole pixy

My favorite fitness photos from the year!

 

2021 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2020 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2019 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2018 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2017 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2016 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown
2015 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2021 Physical Activity – Dance, Health, and Fitness

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , ,

How do you work out?

Pole Dancing Highlights for 2021
2. I took 63 aerial classes total
3. I spent $852.46 total (I have some credit as an ambassador that I used towards some classes)
4. I spent 89.25 hours in class
5. I worked with 14 different instructors

Lifetime money spent (just for aerial classes): $7992.41
2014 – $90
2015 – $422.21
2016 – $1777
2017 – $2594
2018 – $1465.74
2019 – $566
2020 – $225
2021 – $852.46

Lifetime total pole classes: 508
2014 – 6
2015 – 19
2016 – 109
2017 – 139
2018 – 92
2019 – 37
2020 – 35
2021 – 63

Total time spent poling: 792.5 hours (33 days)
2014 – 10.5 hours
2015 – 37.5 hours
2016 – 173.5 hours
2017 – 226 hours
2018 – 144.5 hours
2019 – 55.5 hours
2020 – 55.75 hours
2021 – 89.25 hours

Class Breakdown at different studios for 2021
Divine – 32/63 = 51%
Ascendance – 30/63= 48%
Pole Fitness Seattle – 1/63= 1%

 

In other fitness accomplishments:

  • I biked 260.2 (bringing the total miles biked on my e-bike to 650)
  • I went to 3 pole jams
  • I took 13 stretch and flexibility classes
  • I took 3 conditioning classes
  • Of my classes – 23 were VOD or online/Live
  • I started taking Lyra (aerial hoop) classes again at Ascendance and have really loved the challenge of this new aerial apparatus
  • I’ve done some rowing on my partner’s Water Rower

My favorite fitness photos from the year!

 

2020 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2019 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2018 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2017 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2016 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2015 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2021 Q3 Spending and Goals Progress

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , , , , ,

After moving in June I’m finally building up a new list of local cat-sitting clients. I’m settling in at my dance studio. I’m applying to all the usability studies possible. I’m no longer saving much money – but I’m still investing every month. I finished two challenges in September – reading and reviewing books as well as celebrating the National Day Calendar through Instagram.

2021 Goals Progress Update:

Goals for 2021

Q3 progress

Notes and Q4

Take floorwork advanced series

Not on the calendar for 2021

Keep checking the schedule

12 chin-ups

8 chin-ups

5 pull-ups

Started doing 3x2x1 sets 3 times per day and varying types of pullups

Look into different types of training. Get advice from a professional?

1 handed pullup

Take that Dad!

Tried once and just swung in a circle – will research technique

Freestanding Handstand

Took 1 handstand (arm balancing) class at Ascendance

Schedule 1 handstand focused class
 Donut making class  Only online  Continue to check back for classes
 Mochi making class  Didn’t see any  I could try this via an online tutorial…

Handspring Ayesha

Took 2-hour workshop with Divine – learned good techniques

Schedule my 1-1 private as handspring, pullup technique, etc for 60 minutes

1000 lifetime ebike miles

390 miles in 2020

63 miles in Q1, 133 miles in Q2, 64.2 miles in Q3

July – 2.6

August – 39.8

September – 21.8

Bike at least 4 times this quarter (winter is coming!)

Take 500-lifetime pole classes

April – 463

May – 469

June – 475

July – 480

August – 483

September – 490

October – 4

November – 4

December – 4

Learn to walk in pole heels

I own a pair. 

Take 2 classes in Q4 – Ascendance offers basic heels fundamentals

Floor Limbo?

Saw this at the Pokemon party

Research technique and bodily ability requirements

Take goat/bunny yoga class

No classes on schedule yet – table until the spring/summer

Still interested and will keep checking

Pole Expo/Convention

No local in-person events yet

 Possible Divine retreat summer 2022 (figure out budgeting)

Corgi Con 2022

Postponed until 2022

Sad but the scheduling seems to conflict with other events

Build up $10k in my emergency fund

$7900

Automatic savings of $250/month – need 8 more months unless having an influx of extra cash.

Make $5000 side hustle funds

~$3428 so far

I can asily make $500 in December for holiday animal sitting. Reduce goal to more manageable $4000 for the year?

Career development – MDR training, RAPS2022

Watched some online webinars

RAPS 2022 is in Arizona 9/10 – 9/13 – in the budget? Value add?
In other news…

Painted Pokemon specific rocks

Put together R2-D2 and an At-At Lego model

Said goodbye to this cutie we boarded over the summer!

Went to downtown Seattle for Pokemon Go Fest

Harvested some giant cucumbers from the garden

Made it to the last level I’ll probably ever attain in Pokemon Go

Bought a second-hand stage pole for home practice (yay virtual classes and conditioning)

Crashed a cake tasting (I was invited) like I’ve always wanted to

Harvested multiple handfuls of tomatoes (there’s still green ones on the vine today)

I’ve been taking Lyra classes with my new studio Ascendance and I absolutely love them!

Joined in the fun at a Pokemon picnic party

What are your goals and how are you meeting them?

2021 Q2 House, Goals, and Progress

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

I bought a house! I spent all of my cash monies and now I have to build my emergency fund and savings funds back up so I’ve added that goal to my list. 

2021 Goals Progress Update:

Goals for 2021

Time frame

Q2 progress goal

Finish outlining Two for Tiny

6/15

Tabling this goal until I am back into writing

Take floorwork intermediate series

7/15

Completed intermediate series

Signup for advanced when offered

12 chin-ups

8/1

8 chin-ups

5 pull-ups

Book inventory gone

7/15

Completed

First draft for Two for Tiny

12/31

Wrote two chapters, not interested in continuing at this time

Freestanding Handstand

12/31

No progress

Pass intermediate inversions at Divine!

12/31

Moved to Renton and tabling this goal as I will be taking the majority of classes at Ascendance

1000 lifetime ebike miles

12/31

390 miles in 2020

63 miles in Q1, 133 Q2

April – 46.7

May – 86.5

June – 0

Take 500 lifetime pole classes

12/31

April – 463

May – 469

June – 475

Writing conference or workshop

12/31

Pick or defer for the year. ECWC is virtual this year. PNWA 9/15 – 9/19

Take a doughnut making class

12/31

No classes on schedule yet https://www.raiseddoughnuts.com/classes

Take goat/bunny yoga class

12/31

No classes on schedule yet

Take a mochi making class

12/31

No classes on schedule yet

https://www.surlatable.com/cooking-classes/in-store-cooking-classes/

emergency/disaster/community preparedness

12/31

Listed 3-day workshop was too expensive, check for other options

Tiny house show

12/31

No local shows yet

Pole Expo/Convention

12/31

No local in-person events yet

Corgi Con

12/31

Date announced 10/16 from 10AM – 2PM

Build up $10k in my emergency fund

12/31

$6500

Make $5000 side hustle funds

12/31

~$2800 so far
In other news…

My partner and I completed two housesits, caring for 5 cats and one dog in total

I watched some more cats for Rover/Meowtel

I tried out some new donuts from The Flour Box. They were good but overhyped.

I bought my first house!

I wasn’t planning to but I ended up planting five tomato plants and several cucumbers in my garden this year. They are growing like bonkers with this heat!

Reached the next level in Pokemon Go

I’m boarding a lovely cat for the next 6 weeks

It reached records temps in the area! 115 at the highest…

 

What are your goals and how are you meeting them?

2021 Q1 Giveaway, Goals, and Progress

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , , , , , ,

2021 Book Giveaway*

Print Books available
1. At One’s Beast (YA)
2. Vanessa’s Book of Awesome Things (Misc Lists)
3. Book of poetry
4. Donuts in an Empty Field (For the Love of Donuts Book 1)

*mailed anywhere in the USA
*books to be mailed in upcycled packaging
*20 copies available
*1 lucky and random recipient will receive a $20 bookmark

2021 Goals Progress Update:

Goals for 2021

Time frame/deadline

Q1 Progress

New time frame/deadline

Take a bookkeeping class

4/15

Not currently interested in pursuing this goal

Tabled

Finish outlining Two for Tiny

3/15

Worked on outline at Emberville class circle

Chapter by chapter outline not fully fleshed out

6/15

Take floorwork intermediate series

7/15

Signed up for classes May 12 – June 16

Advanced series 8/18 – 9/22 signup if I can later this year after moving/not moving

7/15

Get to 12 pullups of any kind in a row

8/1

Have to build up my strength first – currently can do 5 in a row

8/1

Build a seed library and/or trellis

8/1

Not currently interested in pursuing this goal

Tabled

Sell/Give all physical book inventory

12/25

12 books gone in Q1, 66 remaining

Inventory at FVP – donated

7/15

First draft for Two for Tiny

12/31

Outline not ready. Started chapter one to get the tone/feel and have 1500 words so far

Would like to write 1000+ words/week on Sundays as I continue to flesh out my outline, characters, and settings

12/31

Handstand

12/31

Haven’t worked on, need to build back up my strength and balance

Would like to sign up for a 4-6 week dedicated course like the Fit & Bendy offering online

12/31

Pass intermediate inversions into advanced inversions at Divine!

12/31

Have to build up my strength first – not even close to ready

12/31

Get to 1000 miles on my ebike

12/31

390 miles in 2020

63 miles in Q1, 547 miles remaining

12/31

Take 500 lifetime pole classes

12/31

458/500 – 42 remaining 39 weeks left in the year at 1 class/week to make this goal

12/31

Go to conference/workshop for writing

12/31

Conferences are online so far this year – not sure of the value

Emerald City Writer’s Conference 10/15-10/17

PNWA 9/15 – 9/19

12/31

Save up 6 months of emergency savings

12/31

Met this goal!

12/31

Grow loofah

12/31

Not currently interested in pursuing this goal

Tabled

Take a doughnut making class

12/31

No classes on schedule yet https://www.raiseddoughnuts.com/classes

12/31

Take goat/bunny yoga class

12/31

No classes on schedule yet

12/31

Take a mochi making class

12/31

No classes on schedule yet

12/31

emergency/disaster/community preparedness

12/31

No classes on schedule yet

12/31

Tiny house show

12/31

No dates yet

12/31

Pole Expo/Convention

12/31

Not ready to travel yet

12/31

Corgi Con

12/31

Not currently scheduled for 2021, not ready to travel yet anyway

12/31

IMG_1342 (1)
St Patrick’s Day fun with leftover cake food coloring
IMG_0680
Pokemon Go level milestone!
IMG_0821
Corgi butt sweet bread with chocolate center
IMG_0865
Mochi donut from Mochinut!

What are your goals and how are you meeting them?

2020 Physical Activity – Dance, Health, and Fitness

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , ,

How do you work out?

Pole Dancing Highlights for 2020
2. I took 35 classes total
3. I spent $225 total (I have credit as an ambassador that I use towards classes)
4. I spent 55.75 hours in class
5. I worked with 7 different instructors

Lifetime money spent (just for pole classes): $7139.95
2014 – $90
2015 – $422.21
2016 – $1777
2017 – $2594
2018 – $1465.74
2019 – $566
2020 – $225

Lifetime total pole classes: 445
2014 – 6
2015 – 19
2016 – 109
2017 – 139
2018 – 92
2019 – 37
2020 – 35

Total time spent poling: 703.25 hours (29.3 days)
2014 – 10.5 hours
2015 – 37.5 hours
2016 – 173.5 hours
2017 – 226 hours
2018 – 144.5 hours
2019 – 55.5 hours
2020 – 55.75 hours

Class Breakdown at different studios for 2020
Divine – 20/35 = 57%
Spinderella – 14/35 = 40%
Habitat Pole and Fitness – 1/35 = 3%

 

In other fitness accomplishments:

  • I biked 446.5 miles (390 miles on my new ebike)
  • I took 16 stretch and flexibility classes
  • I took 3 booty dance classes
  • I took 1 yoga class
  • I took 3 inversions conditioning classes
  • I took 3 handstands classes
  • I took 4 Pilates classes
  • I played soccer one time (and practiced several times)
  • I completed P90X along with some other Beach Body classes
  • I lost 3% body fat over the summer
  • I was able to do 9 chin-ups in a row
  • 7/17/2020 ran a 10:03 mile (after a 13:50 mile and then 11:02 mile with exercise-induced asthma)

My favorite fitness photos: Running up a small pyramid in Teotihuacán, Mexico; biking home across the 520 bridge over Lake Washington on my new ebike; camel pose success during Divine flexibility class

2019 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2018 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2017 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2016 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2015 Physical Activity Blog Post Breakdown

2020 Q3 Goals – Accountability, Check in, and Biking

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Financial Independence Goals for 2020 Q3 snapshot

  1. Max out my Roth IRA, 401k and HSA contributions = monthly deductions mean this happens automatically!
  2. Build up my emergency savings to 6 months/~$18,000 = $12,300 in current emergency savings and $7600 in savings for car/computer/travel/phone
  3. Save 50% of my income = less than 50% of my gross income and about 67% of my net income (only one month so far this year under 50% net income not including business income)
  4. Don’t renew housing lease end of July (no rent spending 8/1 onwards = change of plans. We have renewed our rent with our current house as travel and house sitting is not a good option right now. I will continue to use house sitting as an option for potential low-cost travel. I love looking for new listings weekly on Trusted Housesitters. You can use this link to get 25% off a membership at Trusted Housesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF286731/

I’ve readjusted my budgeting for the next three months based on my 2020 goals and my past spending for the year. No surprises that I’ve already maxed out my groceries category for the year as my ‘goal’ was too tight and not realistic for my current lifestyle. I’ve increased my budget for gifts, groceries, household and clothing, and misc while decreasing my budget for health, fitness, education, and transportation. My budget categories of eating out, travel, entertainment, housing, phone, and charity remain the same.

Notable spending:

  1. I bought a TV for the first time in my life! Our old one (that I got for free) was slowly dying and it was time to replace it.
  2. I paid to have my taxes prepared this quarter. It was completed towards the end of the extended deadline.
  3. We received nearly one month’s credit for this billing cycle for our auto insurance.
  4. We took a mini vacation to stay in a tiny home for the weekend!
  5. I bought clothing for the first time all year (2 shirts for me, 1 for my partner, and 1 for my Dad).
  6. I got my first haircut/highlights since March. I’ve since added thinning shears to my hair tools so I can better upkeep my short hairstyle between professional visits.

Fitness

Here are my fitness stats for Q3 of 2020:

  1. Biking: 334.8 miles
  2. Pole classes: 13
  3. Other activities: Gardening, Beach Body Workouts!

Health goals 2020
1. Full P90X for 90 days! We did it! woot woot.
2. Lose 3% body fat (I went from 26% to 29% using the BodyScan measurement 01/19 to 06/20). Nailed it! I am down to 26.5% bodyfat
3. 5+ pull-ups any format (I purchased a secondhand pull-up freestanding bar) and can currently do 4 chin ups, 3 pull-ups, 1 wide grip pull-up, 3 narrow pull-ups. I have done 9 chin ups, 6 pull-ups, 3 wide grip pull-ups, 5 narrow pull-ups and have plans to get to 10 chin ups!

New Health goals 2020/2021:

  1. 10 chin-ups in a row
  2. 30 push-ups in a row
  3. 10 narrow push-ups in a row with top form
  4. 2 pole classes/week
  5. Pass intermediate inversions test by my birthday (1/22)
  6. Finish floorwork series by end of 2021 (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
  7. Improved pike/splits stretches
  8. Handstand?

Writing Goals for 2020:

  1. Deplete my physical book inventory = Since there aren’t opportunities for in-person events, I’ve been running giveaways each quarter.
  2. Break even on Ataxia and At One’s Beast = I met this goal in Q1!
  3. Revamp my website = I haven’t made any substantial changes to my website yet
  4. Write 4 short stories = I wrote 2 short stories thus far for two separate anthologies. The second story was published in the The Lost Train: An FVP Books Anthology
  5. Send out 4 newsletters = I’ve sent out 2 newsletters so far this year and will send out my third shortly.
  6. Publish a new coloring book = Haven’t made any progress on this goal yet. I’m still deciding on the subject material.
  7. NEW GOAL: Finish outlining my new novel “Two for Tiny” and begin writing.

Deception Pass Day Trip with one of my favorite masks

Local author Ksenia Anske’s long awaited book she started writing on the Amtrak!

Physical copies of my books are still available at the Neverending Bookshop in Edmonds

What are your goals and how are you meeting them?

2020 Q2 Goals – Accountability, Check in, and an Uneventful Spring

by in Rachel Barnard and tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Financial Independence Goals for 2020 Q2 snapshot

  1. Max out my Roth IRA, 401k and HSA contributions = monthly deductions mean this happens automatically!
  2. Build up my emergency savings to 6 months/~$18,000 = $10,200 in current emergency savings and $5800 in savings for car/computer/travel/phone
  3. Save 50% of my income =
  4. Don’t renew housing lease end of July (no rent spending 8/1 onwards = change of plans. We have renewed our rent with our current house as travel and house sitting is not a good option right now. I will continue to use house sitting as an option for potential low-cost travel. I love looking for new listings weekly on Trusted Housesitters. You can use this link to get 25% off a membership at Trusted Housesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF286731/

Here is an updated snapshot of my budgeting goals and how I’m meeting them. Red indicates going over the monthly budgeted amount and green indicates staying under.

Notable spending:

  1. I bought a used ebike for personal and business use! $1000
  2. I supported an IndieGoGo campaign for a few hundred dollars
  3. I tricked out my garden DIY style ~$200
  4. I bought a garage fridge for $220
  5. I bought a pull-up freestanding bar and under-desk elliptical and inversion bench used for $195 total
  6. I spent $75 on a 4-week nutrition and health program

Fitness

Here are my fitness stats for Q2 of 2020:

  1. Biking: 36.5 miles
  2. Pole classes: 1
  3. Stretch classes: 7
  4. Other classes: 4 Pilates classes, 3 handstand conditioning classes, 1 Alexander Technique class
  5. Other activities: Gardening, Beach Body Workouts!

Health goals 2020
1. Full P90X for 90 days!
2. Lose 3% body fat (I went from 26% to 29% using the BodyScan measurement 01/19 to 06/20)
3. 5+ pull-ups any format (I purchased a secondhand pull-up freestanding bar) and can currently do 4 chin ups, 3 pull-ups, 1 wide grip pull-up, 3 narrow pull-ups

Writing Goals for 2020:

  1. Deplete my physical book inventory = I sold and gave away several books in January and February but still have significant numbers of print books left. I will perhaps run more giveaways or do something creative like sell a book along with a free ARC reading or x amount of words edited.
  2. Break even on Ataxia and At One’s Beast = I met this goal in Q1!
  3. Revamp my website = I haven’t made any substantial changes to my website yet
  4. Write 4 short stories = I wrote 2 short stories thus far for two separate anthologies
  5. Send out 4 newsletters = 1 sent out 1 newsletter and am working on my Q2 newsletter this week
  6. Publish a new coloring book = Haven’t made any progress on this goal yet. I’m still deciding on the subject material.

Here is a list of my accomplishments for Q2:

  1. Run a giveaway
  2. Sell more print books (half of what I currently have in inventory)
  3. Give out review copies of books
  4. Redo all interior files for Seize the Donut, At One’s Beast, Ataxia and push to all marketplaces
  5. Create another niche coloring book
  6. Read 25 books
  7. Write 6 book reviews on my blog
  8. Create a promotion and marketing plan for the rest of 2020
  9. Write 1 short story
  10. Send out 1 newsletter

The view from 520 Bridge as I bike home from Seattle on my new e-bike!

My first forage in the PNW! Juneberries, Huckleberries, and Salmonberries

My favorite new breakfast! Grilled Portobello mushroom with egg and cheese on a bed of spinach surrounded by strawberries

 

What are your goals and how are you meeting them?