Intrepid possibilities and what’s been on my calendar in November

“We all have possibilities we don’t know about. We can do things we don’t even dream we can do.”

~ Dale Carnegie
Autumn Possibilities.

As you may recall, I chose INTREPID and POSSIBILITIES as my 2025 Words of the Year. These two words together describe my intention for the year.

One way of putting that intention into action are my Possibilities Lists. With that in mind, I’d like to share an update on my Autumn Possibilities list.

Autumn Possibilities list

In no particular order, here are my autumn possibilities so far:

1. Get my annual mammogram. Mission accomplished last month. 

2. Go on a leaf viewing drive or hike. Mission accomplished last month. You can find photos here.

3. Hike in Zions National Park. Not yet. I had this activity planned for the week of my birthday, but the government shutdown and Mother Nature conspired against me. One day I will get there, but it may not be this season.

4. Prepare yard for winter. In progress. When it gets a little cooler, I will trim back a few more plants, but for now, they are still blooming beautifully!

White desert roses.

5. Complete Hell Week at Orangetheory Fitness. Mission accomplished! I actually completed five of the eight workouts…

Hell Week workouts.

…one more than was required to earn this fun tank top.

Hell Week tank top.

Last month I reported on the first two workouts. Here’s how the challenge finished out:

Class 3: Eternal Ritualist

This was a strength class (no treadmill or rower), so the time spent in the orange and red heart-rate zones was less.

Orangetheory Fitness workout summary.

Class 4: The Witch’s Hold

This was a treadmill-only class, no rower or weight lifting.

Orangetheory Fitness Brag Board: Neon Day.

Class 5: Veil of the Unknown

This was the traditional mix of treadmill, rower, and weight bench…of course, with a Hell Week twist.

Orangetheory Fitness workout summary.

6. Visit friends in Mazatlan, Mexico. Sadly, we canceled this trip in the midst of the US government shutdown and the related chaos at the airports.

7. Complete Christmas shopping. In progress. I’m getting close on this one!

8. Hike to Lions Mouth Cave. Not yet.

9. Hike to Elephant Arch. Not yet.

10. Visit St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. Not yet.

11. Take a golf lesson with Larry. Not yet.

12. Complete Halloween and autumn jigsaw puzzles, and start a Christmas one. In progress. I completed the Halloween and autumn puzzles. You can see them here. I will start the Christmas puzzle next week.

Christmas market jigsaw puzzle.

13. Enjoy some pumpkin treats. Mission accomplished. Well, I could say in progress, because I will most surely have pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. After that, I’m all in on peppermint and gingerbread!

14. Make homemade soup. Mission accomplished, though I am certain there will be more soup made throughout the season. This one is a Hello Fresh chili recipe.

Chili recipe and ingredients.
A bowl of chili with cheese on top.

15. Try new local restaurants. Mission accomplished last month.

That’s all for now. I’m sure I may yet be adding more possibilities as the season progresses.

Your turn

  1. What is one thing you did in November that made you happy or that you are particularly proud of?
  2. What fun plans do you have for December?
  3. What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.

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12 Comments

  1. Way to go on meeting all those Orange Theory goals, Christie! Those had to be tough! But, the hard work definitely shows! I think the thing I’m most happy about in November are the tours and gallery walks I did at the Museum of Art. I am finding my niche and just loving it! I’m looking forward to decorating the house for Christmas but not undecorating (though that will be next year…gah…can you believe we’re saying that)!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    1. That’s so great you have found your happy place, Marsha. Like you, I can hardly believe we are talking about Christmas preparations. I am excited to put up our little tree this weekend, though, and of course the Christmas music!

  2. Hi Christie, you’re doing so well at crossing those things off your list. Along with you, I can say that hitting fitness goals is something I’m proud of during November. I’ve started strength training, in addition to my pilates and yoga. I’ve bought weights, and a step and a fitball and booty bands & more … and I never miss a day. I’m training every morning and feel good about myself because of it. Thank you for linking up with us at #WWWhimsy xo

  3. Wow, that’s a lot of fitness goals achieved – go you!

    My day job employer is winding up and I’m responsible for handing over our clients to two US suppliers. It’s been a bit of a slog but, as the time is coming closer (31st December is my last day), I’ve put on a big push. I’m about three-quarters of the way through and, even though I’m struggling with one of the suppliers who don’t like to work together, I am finding a way to get things done despite them. So, while not fun, definitely something I’m proud to achieve.

    Fun is planning Christmas decor for our first Christmas here, and having a visit from my daughter and the grandbugs before Christmas.

    1. Thanks Debra! It sounds like your work has been keeping you busy and you’ve been accomplishing a challenging task. It must feel strange winding down your day job. Are you happy about it…nervous…both? Wishing you and your family lots of joy this Christmas season!

  4. A lovely month Christie and I like how you hold yourself accountable through these posts! You’ve achieved a lot! I’ve had a good month getting back into normal life after being away for so long. I’m happy to still be blogging 🙂
    Thanks for joining us for #WBOYC, our final linkup!!

    1. Thanks Debbie. I’m glad to hear you are settling in after your travels. I’m happy to have you back blogging again too! Thanks for hosting #WBOYC all this time. I have really enjoyed it.

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