This output and phase of the project is different then the previous ones. Instead of spending a lot of time on the computer writing, researching and producing output material, most of my time I spent outside, actually physically working on the implementation. It also seems that it was much easier putting this report together than the last ones.

The following summarizes what difficulties I ran into:

• Working with the help was at times challenging. I am very detailed oriented to the point to becoming anal about things and had to let go of this a few times. When everything is discussed and agreed upon how to put something in place and when coming back after a while and it is done differently without first discussing it - well, I don't appreciate that.
• Coordinating all the different schedules, dealing with contractors not being punctual and providing what the city needs to issue permits pushed me a few times to my limits.
• Jumping between doing some online research, actually working outside, managing everything, at the same time keeping up my clients work and keeping our household running was hard.
• A few times Berta and I disagreed on how to implement certain pieces and it took us a while to resolve this without getting frustrated and finding an approach that worked for both of us.
• It took me a while to come to terms that my original plans for the timing of the tasks was overly full and needed to be adjusted to what really was happening.
• During the last seven weeks my step dad has been in the hospital and my brother took my mom to his place in the Bavarian Forest. Some things there are better than at her own home and some are even worse, like she is upstairs and needs to be carried up and down if she wants to get out. And I am far away and can't do much to help.
• Since I started with the IESD I have not been able to "having a life" - hardly ever just relaxing and enjoying free time.
• The way we implemented some things are not as sustainable as I would like them to be. It is quite obvious this has to do with how I designed the schedule and put myself into a time crunch that makes it hard to step back, slow down and re-configure the design.
• Working with my mentor is focused on architectural aspects and hardly anything beyond that. I am having a hard time to make the effort finding additional mentoring support.

• Even though there was no work party yet, friends, neighbors and other people pass by, stop and ask questions. Slowly the word gets out of what happens at our home.
• I consulted with my first ecosocial client. We worked on how to create a self-reliant country-living situation and how to become prepared for future world changes. As a summary of our meeting I prepared a mind map for them (please see HELP before accessing this document or download the mind map file for viewing it with FreeMind).
• This output was much easier to create than previous ones.
• We went all together with a friend to my first kayak trip since we live here!
• The implementation of the front yard makes good progress and some elements turn out great.
• The first video clip as part of this report.
• At several times Berta's nephews and I had great conversations about living sustainable that seemed to make a shift in some of their thinking.
• I am feeling a bit more relaxed.
• Output 4 is done!
• Starting to learn about architectural drawings - how to make them and how to read them.

Here is my self-evaluation for the output of the first part of the implementation for downloading.

Currently there are a few aspects that could use to be looked at and where I have not been able to step up to my own expectations:

• Making more and better drawings and sketches of designs.
• Increase my permaculture design and observation skills.
• Solicit detailed feedback from experts and peers.

The next steps I want to take:

• Complete the implementation of the front yard.
• Start on output 5.
• Catch up work wise, latest when Berta's nephews leave.

More long term goals are:

• Finish IESD degree work and graduate.
• During the coming fall and winter design the systems related to water, including rainwater catchment, re-roofing, adding a water tank, a greywater system and make new overall design drawings.
• Take a natural building (cob) course next year.
• Take a 2-week break, at least.
• Look for possibilities to assist some of the leaders in fields of ecological design, permaculture design, urban ecology, etc.
• Catch up with reading