Belated Q3 2017 Goal Check-In

Hello? It's me. I was wondering if after all this time people still read. Am I still funny? Don't answer that. Hi. It's been a while. Like two months, or something like that. And on one hand a ton of things have happened, but on the other, I'm still Jessie. I'm still married to Mr. Sass where we live in our same house where we lived before. And I'm friends with the same people. And you'll find me doing the same things each week - 'cause creature of habit.

Mostly I haven't missed checking in here. I see a lot of you over on Instagram, and I got a little wordy with my captions there, so that filled the void for sure. But, I've missed having goals, and an easy place to check in with them. And a place for all the pictures that aren't quite Insta worthy but are oh so important to what's going on.

So, I'm here to share a 3rd quarter goal recap of my 2017 goals (a weeeeee bit late). I plan to be back soon to share my November goals. If I'm being honest, I was laser focused on my half marathon (and nothing else) during October, so I want to take some time to figure out what I want to focus on right now.

Here's how I'm doing on my 2017 goals - I'm combining this update to include my personal, fitness, and blogging goals for 2017. If I've made progress I've listed a + sign next to the goal, if not, I've listed a minus. I'm pleased with my progress so far in 2017.

+ Pay my library fine & read 30+ books  
I've read 31 books so far in 2017, and am tearing through them right now. I love taking my lunch break to unplug and read a book. I won't probably hit my stretch goal of 50 books, but cooler weather makes me want to light a candle & cozy up on the couch to read.

+ Complete a gallery wall in the living room
I feel like since I've made no progress on this since my Q2 update I really shouldn't feel too good about this one. And we REALLY need to get some pics printed. Like from our honeymoon and things.

+ Try 2 new recipes each month 
I made a delicious sweet potato banana muffin recipe this past week. But otherwise, I can't remember what I've tried. We've definitely added a few new favorite to our arsenal, so I know I've been trying new things. Actually, that cornbread is a spicy jalapeno cheddar cornbread. I totally cheated by using a Jiffy mix as the base, but it turned out damn good. Now, if only I had measured so I would know what I had put in...

Actually - I made a delicious pumpkin spice granola from Pinch of Yum.

And have been loving salads made with brussel sprouts, and making all sorts of creations, including my own dressing, so yeah. I guess I've been nailing this one.

+ Cross 2 items off my 30 before 30 
Ohhhh yeah - I ran HM#10 & traveled my ass all across Switzerland on a train! In a few short weeks I'll be headed to CHINA where I can cross another continent off my quest to visit all 7.

- Go to Kansas 
NOPE. My last remaining vacation days will be used for China, so Kansas is a no-go for 2017.

- Set up a cleaning schedule 
Still a ratty old schedule hanging on our fridge that we don't follow. I would say our house is okay by my standards which means it's a little messier than it should be. Shrugs. It is what it is. The kitchen counter is clean, the bathroom is clean. That's what really matters if you ask me.

- Find a church 
Have been like 3x since our wedding - but mostly only for other weddings. Oops.

+ Travel somewhere new
I've been on top of this one! China is coming up - if you recall from my last update we visited an area called Kinzua Bridge. And in early October Mr. Sass & I took a weekend trip to Harper's Ferry, WV for some great hiking on the Appalachian Trail + some great wineries in near by Winchester, VA. It was such a cute town and I would highly recommend a trip if you're anywhere nearby.

+ Intentional monthly dates 
Our whole weekend getaway to Harper's Ferry was a big ol' date & it was perfect. Hiking. Wineries. Exploring a pedestrian only walk-way and sniffing our way to a good dinner place. Or eating 4+ donuts each on our mini road trip.

+ Take 4,000,000 steps in 2017 
I'm hovering right around where I should be. I've taken over 3M steps this year, but there is no room to slack off in these last few months if I'm going to make the cut. 

+ Track my 2017 running mileage 
I hit my 500 mile goal during October and have been doing great tracking my mileage, even if it's not much. I've run a whopping 1.3 miles since my half marathon 2 weeks ago. But that's alright. I'm trying to do what feels good right now and give my body some time to heal some running niggles. 

+ PR in 2+ distances (HM & 5K)
I haven't run a 5K yet this year, but I did PR my HM big time! A 3 minute PR, with an 8:30 average pace, for a 1:51 finish time - exactly my goal! And exactly what I trained for with Gretchen!

+ Race another TRI 
If you missed my recap then you wouldn't know that I totally nailed it! But that's okay, you can still catch up. :)    

- Give The Sass a facelift
- Consider buying .COM 
- Hit 5,000 monthly pageviews (or 15,000 on blogger) 
- Reach out to 3 brands for collaboration    
My heart just hasn't been in it. As you can tell from my lack of posts around here. And that's okay. I'm giving myself a pass on these, because I've decided that they're not important to me right now. I've been really enjoying Instagram, so that's definitely where you'll find me most right now. I love how quick and easy it is to engage with others. 

+ Grow my Instagram   
Holy Cow! I've been really putting in some effort here and it's showing. By my last count I was hovering right around 1100 followers. Which is some huge progress from the beginning of July! As I mentioned above, I love how quick & easy it is to engage with followers. And I'm even enjoying Insta Stories as a way to share some of the less Insta worthy, more behind the scenes stuff.  

So, that's what's up.
I'm linking up with Gretchen & Kristen.
No questions - just tell me what you're up to.
I have missed you guys!