Juliana Moves

October is here, and do you know what that means? Halloween, cooler days, earlier darkness, and the end of Q3 goal review (cue hype sirens !!!).

I’ve already written about how weird this summer was, so Q3 as a whole was a pretty weird time. (Also, for the record, I don’t actually think of my life in quarters but this whole practice amuses me anyway.)

I haven’t actively thought about my goals since the Q2 goals check in (lol), and I could barely even remember what they were. I like to think that I generally live a life in alignment with my values and goals so I try not to obsess about it. Nonetheless, let’s dive into how things have been going!

Personal

• Continue blogging at least 3x a month (I like this creative outlet for my brain!) 

I’d call this one a true success! The last month has been a little spotty since starting my new job but generally I think I’m doing a great job. Occasionally I get the strong urge to try to write more intentionally, or to practice writing off of a prompt, but I haven’t followed through with that yet.

• Do more VHTRC events (local trail running group that I love)

Check! I’ve been volunteering and I am signed up to actually run in two events in the next month! I love trail running and this community. It’s just the best.

• Explore more art (movies, music, shows, etc)

I’ve been slacking on this one. I really want to go wander an art museum, although now I’ve got to wait until the government reopens. I struggle with forcing myself to sit down and watch a movie, so I haven’t seen any of the good stuff that has come out recently!

Finance

• Take the frugal path 2x a month (back in ATX I had no money so I was clever and frugal and more eco-friendly. That’s what I’m trying to harken back to here!)

I wouldn’t say I have been particularly frugal, though I haven’t been spending that much. Being busy has its perks!

• Save for a big Juliana & Patrick trip (Australia 2025?)

Right now we are focused on saving up to hopefully eventually refinance or recast our mortgage. Exciting times! Right now I can barely think more than three months ahead, so I’m not sure if we’ll aim to do something cool in 2026.

• Reduce spending on dumbass stuff (I hate dumbass stuff and yet it calls to me)

Again, still doing much better here! I was remarking to Patrick recently that cancelling our Amazon Prime membership has helped with this a lot. I’m also still boycotting Target which was also a siren’s call for me.

Fitness

• Work out a recovery routine that supports performance and endurance (my aging body has been speaking to me lately)

I’ve started doing core and prehab exercises a couple of times a week and I think it’s really paying off! I’m still doing yoga, too, and I get a massage once every few months. It’s the unglamorous stuff that keeps you moving, though.

• Go on a big adventure (vague because I don’t know what yet)

Hmmm, not really! I’ve mapped out my race calendar for the next 6 months which excites me so maybe that counts!

• Climb 3x a month 

Cancelled this membership because we couldn’t make the time to go. Too many other hobbies!

• Do longer yoga sessions

Sometimes! If I can get myself to do yoga in the morning or at a random time of day I tend to be more successful in doing a longer session than when I do it right before bed. I do a minimum of 10 minutes of yoga/stretching a day but I feel like I’ve been creeping up closer to 15 minutes!

How was your Q3? What are you looking forward to during these last few months of the year?! I can’t wait for all things holidays.

Love,

JN