For whatever reason, I feel compelled to challenge myself. Of course I try to keep my goals realistic, but if you have been reading for any length of time, you know that most of the time I miss the mark. I have decided I may have some disorder...something that pushes me to obligate myself to do things that are just outside my reach, just to see if I can surprise myself. I have elected to name this disorder "Chasing the Carrot" Syndrome.
Chasing the Carrot Syndrome does not require any record of actual success and does not require any future successes either. It is the mere pursuit that motives the Carrot Chaser. Just as a horse is enticed by a fresh carrot to walk, run, roll over...or whatever horses do, a Carrot Chaser follows a reward that may never really be hers.
For me, the reward is walking through the steps just to see if I can get to the other side...maybe I should've named it the Just Because I Can Syndrome, that certainly embodies my attitude. I do not always reach my goals, but most of the time I learn something in the process. I have recently agreed to run a marathon, a 5K, participate in a sprint triathlon, complete a century bike ride aptly named the Hotter than Hell Ride (sounds awesome, right?) in addition to the MS150 (that's 150 miles in two days). I agreed to those events because I have learned that I have to have goals to keep myself motivated. What is slightly entertaining are the simple facts that I do not enjoy running, yet...but I hope to, I haven't ever really been swimming for much more than to practice my cannonball form, and while I am a cyclist, I haven't been on a bicycle in at least a year since I was "with child"....so, obviously I am in tip top condition for a few endurance events. Clearly.
With all of these activities, I need some new gear and gear ain't cheap. As a part of my New Year's Resolution to "be more efficient", I have begun to employ every money saving technique I can find. From a neatly organized coupon binder, to the almighty BOA, to preparing as many meals in advance...the bottom line is eating at home and saving as much money as I can. I figure I could save even more money by skipping a meal every day, knitting all outerwear for the family (perhaps even some of this gear that I need...hmmm), and converting my car to bio diesel, but that seems like overkill, don't ya think? I have an amount of money that I am trying to save, and as you can imagine it is a bit aggressive, but once again...Chasing the Carrot just to see if I can.
Of course, there does come a point that one must say "No." to certain obligations. In those moments, where I can feel myself getting a little out of control, I really do have to analyze my priorities. I make every attempt to set goals that I can achieve without disrupting the family schedule too terribly much. However, I do try to allow myself a little time, as required...but I do have to keeping monitoring all of the carrots I am chasing, because really, how much can one horse eat?
The long and the short is that goals keep me going, and without them I am a slacker that gets very little accomplished. In every facet of my life I have to set goals so that I can, to steal a line from the ARMY, "be all that I can be". However, at times, the goals can take over and become a cloud of dreaded obligation that I neither want to face, or admit that I actually created. Those are the moments when I have to say "no" to myself. No, One Busy Mom, you may not reorganize all of the cabinets tonight because you can find the basil...that is just dumb.No, On Busy Mom, you may not take an adult tap dancing class...hang up your dancin' dreams, now is not the time. No, One Busy Mom, you may not take up knitting because #1 Yarn, it's not so cheap #2 you have the patience of a 2 year old #3 knitting, really...you are SO not that cool.
If you are someone you know is living with Chasing the Carrot Syndrome, please remember to be kind. CCS'ers are sensitive to loud noises and may startle easily, due in part to their high tension level and lack of sleep. CCS'ers may also be very unreliable, over obligating themselves, only to find there are, in fact, not enough hours in the day. Chronic list making, color coding all inanimate objects, becoming proficient in all known hobbies are just a few of the warning signs...seek help to identify a positive recovery or management program near you.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered"
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
In this case, my simple goal of becoming a better human being in every possible facet of my life, combined with the goal of utilizing every spare minute of my life in the most effective manner possible, may have been a bit overzealous...just a little. I did not take into account sick children, teething baby, traffic jams, work debacles, or the myriad of other things that I simply cannot schedule in advance. Hmmmm....you would think I could have seen those things coming. In fact, I did know those things were bound to happen, but what I always seem to forget is that they always happen just when I have set a course for greatness. Always. Within the first "setback" my memory was jogged, so I didn't panic, but put on my life preserver and just tried to wait for the storm to pass. I tried to stick closely to my goal of eating at home, planning meals, getting to the gym, and of course, making the coffee the night before.
I am happy to report that although I did experience all of the aforementioned obstacles, none of them were deal breakers. The Gym welcomed me back this morning like a host with no guests as the party...relieved to see me. My kids are on the mend, my two weeks of prepared meals have actually been stretched into about 3 and half weeks, my BOA though not as organized as I would like- still holds all of the answers, and I even got a few things accomplished for work in the midst of it all. One thing has changed.
I am by nature very focused and often inflexible. As a mother, to some degree, you have to redefine "perfection" from the moment your nursery is stacked high with dirty burp towels and your kitchen is littered with pizza boxes cupcake sprinkles from last night's sleepover. Still, I have struggled with enjoying the moment that I am in...always. Over the course of the past two weeks, really since the schedule has run a muck and I have been skating on thin ice as far as keeping the resolution, I have made new realizations. These are not ground breaking realizations, but ones that from time to time I seem to need reminding of.
1. Enjoy the simple stuff and make the simple stuff enjoyable.
I started drinking grape juice from a wine glass...because it is prettier and I hate wine. Why should wine drinkers be the only ones to drink from stemware?
2. Make a mess and clean it up later.
This one was tough for me, but I in fact made cupcakes with 4 year olds and let them confetti the floor with assorted sprinkles.
3. Every minute doesn't have to be totally "productive". Take time to relax.
I discovered I love "30 Rock". Who knew? I never allowed myself to take time to watch anything...That is a ridiculously funny show.
4. Count your blessings.
Beyond my daily prayers...I like to try to remember everything God has ever done for/with/to me. It is nice to know I don't actually have all of the answers....even though I had a few of you going for a while.
5. Be silly.
Who doesn't love a good dance party? Don't "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"? I personally am not an advocate for those weird armpit noises, or anything like that, but if it helps you crack a smile...why not?
So yes, this is The Week. The week where I have reassessed my goals and simultaneously redefined perfection. While I have to juggle the activities, the meals, the homework, the Work work, the doting husband, and the plethora of other responsibilities of mother-wife-work-woman-hood, I am determined to enjoy the moment I am in. This is the week I make a habit out of more than diet and exercise....this is week I make a habit out of laughing at my chubby baby's thighs, show off my grape juice mustache and dance to my favorite Stevie Wonder song. I might not even schedule these activities....BOOO-YAHH! How's that's for living in the moment!!?
Anonymous
As I pulled into the dark, emptier than usual parking lot of The Gym very early this morning, it hit me...this is The Week. This is the week, for me at least, where I start assessing how important that New Year's Resolution really was. I begin to analyze whether it is really that necessary, if it is worth all of the time and energy ....just to get more time and energy. As I parked my car and faced the blast of arctic air, I stepped into a vacant gym; it seemed lonely. There were only a few machines occupied, maybe only one hardcore weight lifter (you know the one who uses free weights and wears that big leather belt)...I think I may have seen a tumbleweed roll across the desolate hallway. Apparently, this is The Week for some others as well.
I will admit, my goals are often too lofty even for the most determined individual. Sometimes even as I write them down, devising a web of schemes in my mind, I know it is more than I can handle. Though I have tried desperately not to repeat my past mistakes of overestimation...to some degree I have found that old habits do, in fact, die hard. I have however, over the course of time, found that while my goals are often completely unrealistic, when the dust settles, I find that I have always achieved something.
In this case, my simple goal of becoming a better human being in every possible facet of my life, combined with the goal of utilizing every spare minute of my life in the most effective manner possible, may have been a bit overzealous...just a little. I did not take into account sick children, teething baby, traffic jams, work debacles, or the myriad of other things that I simply cannot schedule in advance. Hmmmm....you would think I could have seen those things coming. In fact, I did know those things were bound to happen, but what I always seem to forget is that they always happen just when I have set a course for greatness. Always. Within the first "setback" my memory was jogged, so I didn't panic, but put on my life preserver and just tried to wait for the storm to pass. I tried to stick closely to my goal of eating at home, planning meals, getting to the gym, and of course, making the coffee the night before.
I am happy to report that although I did experience all of the aforementioned obstacles, none of them were deal breakers. The Gym welcomed me back this morning like a host with no guests as the party...relieved to see me. My kids are on the mend, my two weeks of prepared meals have actually been stretched into about 3 and half weeks, my BOA though not as organized as I would like- still holds all of the answers, and I even got a few things accomplished for work in the midst of it all. One thing has changed.
I am by nature very focused and often inflexible. As a mother, to some degree, you have to redefine "perfection" from the moment your nursery is stacked high with dirty burp towels and your kitchen is littered with pizza boxes cupcake sprinkles from last night's sleepover. Still, I have struggled with enjoying the moment that I am in...always. Over the course of the past two weeks, really since the schedule has run a muck and I have been skating on thin ice as far as keeping the resolution, I have made new realizations. These are not ground breaking realizations, but ones that from time to time I seem to need reminding of.
1. Enjoy the simple stuff and make the simple stuff enjoyable.
I started drinking grape juice from a wine glass...because it is prettier and I hate wine. Why should wine drinkers be the only ones to drink from stemware?
2. Make a mess and clean it up later.
This one was tough for me, but I in fact made cupcakes with 4 year olds and let them confetti the floor with assorted sprinkles.
3. Every minute doesn't have to be totally "productive". Take time to relax.
I discovered I love "30 Rock". Who knew? I never allowed myself to take time to watch anything...That is a ridiculously funny show.
4. Count your blessings.
Beyond my daily prayers...I like to try to remember everything God has ever done for/with/to me. It is nice to know I don't actually have all of the answers....even though I had a few of you going for a while.
5. Be silly.
Who doesn't love a good dance party? Don't "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"? I personally am not an advocate for those weird armpit noises, or anything like that, but if it helps you crack a smile...why not?
So yes, this is The Week. The week where I have reassessed my goals and simultaneously redefined perfection. While I have to juggle the activities, the meals, the homework, the Work work, the doting husband, and the plethora of other responsibilities of mother-wife-work-woman-hood, I am determined to enjoy the moment I am in. This is the week I make a habit out of more than diet and exercise....this is week I make a habit out of laughing at my chubby baby's thighs, show off my grape juice mustache and dance to my favorite Stevie Wonder song. I might not even schedule these activities....BOOO-YAHH! How's that's for living in the moment!!?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Birds of a Feather
Is it a bird?....A plane? No! It's SUPERMOM. Correction, it actually is just a bird.
Part of the reason I chose to ignite these changes in my life is due, in part, to the pressure to be a SuperMom. "Do such creatures actually exist?" you ask. In fact, they live among us, posing as average moms, but can typically be identified by their tiny bottles of hand sanitizer, hidden but handy first aid kit and regular supply of tasty AND nutritious, organic snacks...lucky for me, they usually bring enough to share. Is the pressure to be the SuperMom realistic or simply just more pressure?
Perhaps it depends on the sun, moon and stars all coming into alignment....maybe everything has to be just right before one can really get a handle on everything. Maybe you can't have everything and we should actually start shaving those activities that take any time away from prepping to be the best SuperMom on the planet. Maybe the SuperMom is a mythic creature concocted by the editors of "Family Fun," "Family Circle," and "Parenting," so that we are constantly in search of the panegyric, the cure-all, for all of the stresses of mother-wife-work-woman-hood.
It is my experience, that a healthy dose of motivation can propel me to be better, do better and ultimately have a better experience. Yet, too much of anything is bad, and too much pressure can be the worst. Thus, to combat my propensity to put my self-worth in a vice, pressing until it explodes, I have developed yet another plan. I think of it as a week by week, even day by day, challenge. I may not be the best at everything all the time, but even I have my moments. These moments deserve a little more attention, even celebration where warranted, than they would ordinarily receive. These little assessments really help me make sense of the bigger picture....basically not focusing on every little thing I didn't do, but a few items I did well.
This week was all in all pretty successful. I made several meals in advance, which really did save a TON of time. We ate at home every night with the exception of "date night". I made it to The Gym 4 out of 5 days, so far, which rekindled my desire to be healthy and fit....though I did see more Spandex than I thought necessary. I also was able to locate the bottom of a seemingly endless laundry pit. I was able to give necessary attention to all three Awesome Kids, including homework, extra curricular activities, even a couple of bedtime stories and several impromptu meaningful conversations. We even made it to the playground this week!!! I heard the funny stuff my kids told me because I wasn't preoccupied with whatever chore, duty, errand was up next. This is a good week.
Was everything perfect? Nope. I still felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off at times. I am still doing things for my children that, at least the older two...and maybe a husband, can do for themselves. Part of the reason for so much scheduling is to make better use of my time that I have to work, since I still have to do that. I didn't feel like I entered this week with an effective plan for work...definitely something to improve upon. Doing things ahead like laying clothes out and making coffee....ha!!!!! I did manage to do the coffee thing 3 days, but didn't lay clothes out for anyone except my child who wears a uniform. That was sorta pointless since everything matches and she can do that herself. I also dressed like an eggplant, figuratively of course, after running out of time to chose a decent outfit. Fortunately, it was cold so I wore my coat all day....but I still looked ridiculous.
So, while there is definitely room for improvement, I enjoyed this week. I noticed I was excited about what the day had in store because I was prepared for almost anything. I have learned that just because you hold a bottle of Purell in one hand and have a bootstrap band-aid dispenser, you may not be a SuperMom. A SuperMom is the one who, though she is prepared for everything....makes time for anything.
Part of the reason I chose to ignite these changes in my life is due, in part, to the pressure to be a SuperMom. "Do such creatures actually exist?" you ask. In fact, they live among us, posing as average moms, but can typically be identified by their tiny bottles of hand sanitizer, hidden but handy first aid kit and regular supply of tasty AND nutritious, organic snacks...lucky for me, they usually bring enough to share. Is the pressure to be the SuperMom realistic or simply just more pressure?
Perhaps it depends on the sun, moon and stars all coming into alignment....maybe everything has to be just right before one can really get a handle on everything. Maybe you can't have everything and we should actually start shaving those activities that take any time away from prepping to be the best SuperMom on the planet. Maybe the SuperMom is a mythic creature concocted by the editors of "Family Fun," "Family Circle," and "Parenting," so that we are constantly in search of the panegyric, the cure-all, for all of the stresses of mother-wife-work-woman-hood.
It is my experience, that a healthy dose of motivation can propel me to be better, do better and ultimately have a better experience. Yet, too much of anything is bad, and too much pressure can be the worst. Thus, to combat my propensity to put my self-worth in a vice, pressing until it explodes, I have developed yet another plan. I think of it as a week by week, even day by day, challenge. I may not be the best at everything all the time, but even I have my moments. These moments deserve a little more attention, even celebration where warranted, than they would ordinarily receive. These little assessments really help me make sense of the bigger picture....basically not focusing on every little thing I didn't do, but a few items I did well.
This week was all in all pretty successful. I made several meals in advance, which really did save a TON of time. We ate at home every night with the exception of "date night". I made it to The Gym 4 out of 5 days, so far, which rekindled my desire to be healthy and fit....though I did see more Spandex than I thought necessary. I also was able to locate the bottom of a seemingly endless laundry pit. I was able to give necessary attention to all three Awesome Kids, including homework, extra curricular activities, even a couple of bedtime stories and several impromptu meaningful conversations. We even made it to the playground this week!!! I heard the funny stuff my kids told me because I wasn't preoccupied with whatever chore, duty, errand was up next. This is a good week.
Was everything perfect? Nope. I still felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off at times. I am still doing things for my children that, at least the older two...and maybe a husband, can do for themselves. Part of the reason for so much scheduling is to make better use of my time that I have to work, since I still have to do that. I didn't feel like I entered this week with an effective plan for work...definitely something to improve upon. Doing things ahead like laying clothes out and making coffee....ha!!!!! I did manage to do the coffee thing 3 days, but didn't lay clothes out for anyone except my child who wears a uniform. That was sorta pointless since everything matches and she can do that herself. I also dressed like an eggplant, figuratively of course, after running out of time to chose a decent outfit. Fortunately, it was cold so I wore my coat all day....but I still looked ridiculous.
So, while there is definitely room for improvement, I enjoyed this week. I noticed I was excited about what the day had in store because I was prepared for almost anything. I have learned that just because you hold a bottle of Purell in one hand and have a bootstrap band-aid dispenser, you may not be a SuperMom. A SuperMom is the one who, though she is prepared for everything....makes time for anything.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Baby Come Back
Strained. That is how I would define my relationship with The Gym. We are friendly, but not in a way that I can make jokes about the condition of the locker room...more of a polite friendly. There is a general acknowledgement that one another exists, but we don't go out of our way to see each other. I blame myself.
I have this rebellious streak in me that runs deep. It isn't that The Gym doesn't hold a valuable place in society, but I just haven't embraced its place in my life. I have always found a way around it....going to classes because "I get more out of it", taking up cycling because "I don't want to fenced in", modifying my eating because...wait, ugh.....I knew I forgot to do something!
However, determined to make some serious changes in my life, I decided to reconcile my differences with The Gym and see if we could put our rocky past behind us. That is when I encountered perhaps the most perilous excuse of them all....becoming one of "them". That's right, I had trouble facing it at first, and it is difficult even now...but I did not want to be lumped into the group known affectionately as "The First of the Year-ers". You have all heard them, as soon as January rolls around, "I was up at 4am for a Pilates class," like they have been doing it all year...wait, they have...both days. I have been guilty of it myself, I shamefully admit. I have in fact uttered the words,"No thanks, I brought my lunch," more as a proud, boastful declaration of supremacy than a mere fact.
So it was with certain trepidation that I timidly shuffled in The Gym. While I didn't hear anyone actually SAYING "First of the Year-ers," in my mind I knew that is exactly what I was...and suddenly it was The Gym that gave me the most comfort of all. I fell back in love with the time alone, the early start to the day....even the the fellow First of the Year-ers talking about their quads and calorie burn. The Gym provides me with an anonymity, since no one really wants to look at each other when we are all that ugly and tired in the morning. The Gym gave me an outlet for my stress and anxiety about my beloved schedule, but also reinforced said schedule by giving me a reliable outlet for time alone. The Gym just, "gets" me.....
I never could "find time" to make it to The Gym before and really I didn't want to be healthy the conventional way...that is too, conventional. I have had to adjust my schedule, but so far, I am kind of enjoying the alterations. I will admit that I may have muttered and grumbled on Monday as I grouched my way out the door into a nippy 27 degree, black morning. However, Monday night I tucked myself into bed early and with a full 8 hours under my belt, I only muttered this morning. So perhaps, tomorrow I will progress to actually looking forward to it......or at least maintain enough energy that I don't fall asleep at traffic lights, either would be great.
Ok...so it has only been two days....and maybe it is the honeymoon period all over again, or the fumes from the sanitizer, but suddenly I don't care if people know I am a First of the Year-er or not. The Gym is my new place of solace and I will shout it from the rooftops! So watch out... I have at least three more dates with The Gym this week and this relationship may be going somewhere.
Check back to find out how I have decided to utilize some of my children's energy for good and not evil, as well as, "Chores on Designated Days...Can it Wait?"
I have this rebellious streak in me that runs deep. It isn't that The Gym doesn't hold a valuable place in society, but I just haven't embraced its place in my life. I have always found a way around it....going to classes because "I get more out of it", taking up cycling because "I don't want to fenced in", modifying my eating because...wait, ugh.....I knew I forgot to do something!
However, determined to make some serious changes in my life, I decided to reconcile my differences with The Gym and see if we could put our rocky past behind us. That is when I encountered perhaps the most perilous excuse of them all....becoming one of "them". That's right, I had trouble facing it at first, and it is difficult even now...but I did not want to be lumped into the group known affectionately as "The First of the Year-ers". You have all heard them, as soon as January rolls around, "I was up at 4am for a Pilates class," like they have been doing it all year...wait, they have...both days. I have been guilty of it myself, I shamefully admit. I have in fact uttered the words,"No thanks, I brought my lunch," more as a proud, boastful declaration of supremacy than a mere fact.
So it was with certain trepidation that I timidly shuffled in The Gym. While I didn't hear anyone actually SAYING "First of the Year-ers," in my mind I knew that is exactly what I was...and suddenly it was The Gym that gave me the most comfort of all. I fell back in love with the time alone, the early start to the day....even the the fellow First of the Year-ers talking about their quads and calorie burn. The Gym provides me with an anonymity, since no one really wants to look at each other when we are all that ugly and tired in the morning. The Gym gave me an outlet for my stress and anxiety about my beloved schedule, but also reinforced said schedule by giving me a reliable outlet for time alone. The Gym just, "gets" me.....
I never could "find time" to make it to The Gym before and really I didn't want to be healthy the conventional way...that is too, conventional. I have had to adjust my schedule, but so far, I am kind of enjoying the alterations. I will admit that I may have muttered and grumbled on Monday as I grouched my way out the door into a nippy 27 degree, black morning. However, Monday night I tucked myself into bed early and with a full 8 hours under my belt, I only muttered this morning. So perhaps, tomorrow I will progress to actually looking forward to it......or at least maintain enough energy that I don't fall asleep at traffic lights, either would be great.
Ok...so it has only been two days....and maybe it is the honeymoon period all over again, or the fumes from the sanitizer, but suddenly I don't care if people know I am a First of the Year-er or not. The Gym is my new place of solace and I will shout it from the rooftops! So watch out... I have at least three more dates with The Gym this week and this relationship may be going somewhere.
Check back to find out how I have decided to utilize some of my children's energy for good and not evil, as well as, "Chores on Designated Days...Can it Wait?"
Monday, January 5, 2009
Keepin' It Real
They said it couldn't be done...and they were right. I had a goal of cooking all meals for a month, in one day. I quickly realized that this was too far fetched, even for me...the most stubborn woman alive. I do think I could accomplish this next month with proper planning, but for now, I need to be realistic. Given my time frame of about half a day, I had to shop for, plan and prepare as many meals as time would allow.
Perhaps you are wondering why I chose to go to the trouble. As mentioned in my earlier post, eating out is a very bad habit in my family. The goal for the month is to eat out only on Saturdays after church. In order to accomplish this seemingly simple task I had to take some drastic measures...drastic for me, anyway. So, with the help of a good friend and the Internet, I rounded up enough recipes to get us through the month. I only had time to cook for about two weeks, but two weeks is a good start.
Of course, with my lofty goal, my limited time and my unwillingness to have to write an defeat post...I was determined to have all two weeks finished by the end of the day on Sunday. It seems that every time I make a decision to do something, everything else interferes. This time was no different. However, as the hours passed me by and I felt the weight of the task ahead looming, I knew that it still could be done. Sure enough, at almost 6:30 p.m., I settled in to cook for the night. While I was only able to make 1 lasagna, 4 casseroles, marinate some chicken, and cook up some beef for spaghetti sauce...combining this with my crock pot plans and some quick fix meals gets me to my goal of two weeks of meals! Can anyone else hear angels singing, or is that just me?
My joy was short lived when I was informed that my beloved dog Max had died. It was really sad, still is in fact. Max, my child before I had children, passed away from old age. This would be a perfect opportunity to abandon my resolve and just sleep in and eat Krispy Kremes all day.... Every time I have ever made a decision for any kind of positive change in my life, I have nearly always had some tragic mishap, obstacle, or some unforeseen series of events that have popped up. So, while I am very sad about Max, and will miss him, I also realize that I cannot let this deter me from my set course. Max would want it that way...actually no, Max would want to eat Krispy Kremes with me....
Perhaps you are wondering why I chose to go to the trouble. As mentioned in my earlier post, eating out is a very bad habit in my family. The goal for the month is to eat out only on Saturdays after church. In order to accomplish this seemingly simple task I had to take some drastic measures...drastic for me, anyway. So, with the help of a good friend and the Internet, I rounded up enough recipes to get us through the month. I only had time to cook for about two weeks, but two weeks is a good start.
Of course, with my lofty goal, my limited time and my unwillingness to have to write an defeat post...I was determined to have all two weeks finished by the end of the day on Sunday. It seems that every time I make a decision to do something, everything else interferes. This time was no different. However, as the hours passed me by and I felt the weight of the task ahead looming, I knew that it still could be done. Sure enough, at almost 6:30 p.m., I settled in to cook for the night. While I was only able to make 1 lasagna, 4 casseroles, marinate some chicken, and cook up some beef for spaghetti sauce...combining this with my crock pot plans and some quick fix meals gets me to my goal of two weeks of meals! Can anyone else hear angels singing, or is that just me?
My joy was short lived when I was informed that my beloved dog Max had died. It was really sad, still is in fact. Max, my child before I had children, passed away from old age. This would be a perfect opportunity to abandon my resolve and just sleep in and eat Krispy Kremes all day.... Every time I have ever made a decision for any kind of positive change in my life, I have nearly always had some tragic mishap, obstacle, or some unforeseen series of events that have popped up. So, while I am very sad about Max, and will miss him, I also realize that I cannot let this deter me from my set course. Max would want it that way...actually no, Max would want to eat Krispy Kremes with me....
There is so much more to discuss on this busy week back from the holiday- fitness, keeping up with chores, bedtime stories, and so much more. Stay tuned as I update how this epic week will unfold. Next post, Busy Mom reunites with the gym....can they mend their broken relationship?
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Oh..I'd hoped you'd forgotten
This is, as my mother would say, is where the rubber meets the road.
As a part of my mission to get organized and have more time, I also wanted to be able to do things like cook a healthy meal for my family. Over the course of about the past three months, I have literally been too busy to cook. I know, I know it is an age old excuse, but seriously it was true. I hated it. As we all met up dinner, and all ordered the same entree, I would think, "This is ridiculous...I could be cooking this at home for half the price." So week after week this went on...I even stopped going to the grocery store except for the necessities of lunch packing and coffee making.
Tonight, as my husband and I drove home, with the faint growl of hunger rumbling from all of our tummies, I asked the question, "Dinner?" "I had hoped he had forgotten my speech about eating at home. For a moment there was silence....then he said what I thought he would never say, " I thought you were serious about eating at home in 2009." Shocked by this accusation that I, the self proclaimed "Busy Mom", would have the time, or the energy to cook...even if I wanted to it will take me hours at the grocery store... However, on this rare Saturday night, none of this was true. I had the energy, time...even defrosted chicken in the fridge. I tried to hide my pouting, but he could see it.
Luckily a friend, we'll call her Mary to protect her identity, called at the very moment when "But I don't wanna...." was about to escape my lips. I told her I was thinking of heading to the store for ground beef simply because I could begin to face the raw chicken in the fridge that seemed to be taunting me, even daring me to break down and cook. My genius friend Mary suggested a meal for which I had all of the ingredients, that was both time and energy friendly, and most importantly not from a restaurant. Mary also made mention of her busy schedule, which in years past had also precluded her from cooking so much, that she developed an affinity for cooking. I realized in that moment how lazy and selfish I was being. Sure, it takes a little time and planning but knowing how much it benefits everyone in the family....it is totally worth it.
This brings me to my promised discussion of timewasters. For me a timewaster is meal planning. I ALWAYS wait until the last minute for dinner plans, secretly hoping that someone else (like my husband) will suggest a good place to eat. Of course the act of dining out actually consumes more time than for me to have something in the crock pot, or frozen that I can pop in the oven. Not only that, I can save a ton of cash, eat better and secretly sneak good foods into my children/husband...a good topic for another day. For now, I am going to attempt the 30 day cooking approach, cooking enough meals in one day for the entire month. I will keep you posted on how this goes.
Another timewaster...getting dressed. A necessary evil, getting dressed probably eats about 30 minutes of my day. I am very indecisive and change clothes probably 10 times before settling on something. I sometimes have the same problem with my kids..."I don't wanna wear THAT." No Mas! I will begin and end this problem in the evenings, laying out all attire the night before. It sounds silly, but I never thought of doing that for myself, it seemed like a little kid thing. Strangely, I will likely benefit from this new found wisdom more than anyone else.
The most deceptive timewaster of them all...sleep. I actually have a little crush on the SNOOZE button. That extra 10 minutes are my source of comfort and encouragement nearly every morning. The solution? Hmmmm. Trickery? Sort of. I decided to both go to bed just 10 minutes earlier AND setting my alarm 10 minutes earlier. I know that it sounds ridiculous, but in going to bed earlier I have a little extra buffer to get to sleep. Plus, I secretly know that I have no justification for an extra ten minutes in the morning if I cut out early in the evening. Also, by setting the alarm 10 minutes earlier than normal, my snooze actually awakens me at the appropriate time. Pretty far fetched, but it's all I got.
Timewaster #4, geez that many already? Making coffee. I believe it was Folger's that said, "The best part of WAKING UP, is Folger's in your cup." I love to awaken, knowing that the freshly brewed taste of divinity is waiting patiently on me to scurry to the kitchen. What is required? I could try to convince my husband to get up and have it ready for me, but whatever.... is that even worth the discussion? Instead, I choose the trusty timer on the coffee maker. A few extra minutes in the evening and I can save myself the groggy chore in the wee hours of the morning. The hardware store even sells timers that can be used on coffee makers without timers as well!
I know there are other timewasters, but this article begs the question, "What about blogging, isn't that a time waster?" Hmm, I suppose it could be considered a timewaster, however I chose to think of this as an accountability tool. The purpose of this blog is really not to instruct anyone or give advice, but rather to keep myself on track with my goals. Plus, isn't it ok to use some of my snooze and coffee making time to plot my progress? I think so.
See you next time when I try to cook in bulk. That's right, I am going to try to cook enough to eat at home all month. Will it be consumed or just consume freezer space? We'll see!
As a part of my mission to get organized and have more time, I also wanted to be able to do things like cook a healthy meal for my family. Over the course of about the past three months, I have literally been too busy to cook. I know, I know it is an age old excuse, but seriously it was true. I hated it. As we all met up dinner, and all ordered the same entree, I would think, "This is ridiculous...I could be cooking this at home for half the price." So week after week this went on...I even stopped going to the grocery store except for the necessities of lunch packing and coffee making.
Tonight, as my husband and I drove home, with the faint growl of hunger rumbling from all of our tummies, I asked the question, "Dinner?" "I had hoped he had forgotten my speech about eating at home. For a moment there was silence....then he said what I thought he would never say, " I thought you were serious about eating at home in 2009." Shocked by this accusation that I, the self proclaimed "Busy Mom", would have the time, or the energy to cook...even if I wanted to it will take me hours at the grocery store... However, on this rare Saturday night, none of this was true. I had the energy, time...even defrosted chicken in the fridge. I tried to hide my pouting, but he could see it.
Luckily a friend, we'll call her Mary to protect her identity, called at the very moment when "But I don't wanna...." was about to escape my lips. I told her I was thinking of heading to the store for ground beef simply because I could begin to face the raw chicken in the fridge that seemed to be taunting me, even daring me to break down and cook. My genius friend Mary suggested a meal for which I had all of the ingredients, that was both time and energy friendly, and most importantly not from a restaurant. Mary also made mention of her busy schedule, which in years past had also precluded her from cooking so much, that she developed an affinity for cooking. I realized in that moment how lazy and selfish I was being. Sure, it takes a little time and planning but knowing how much it benefits everyone in the family....it is totally worth it.
This brings me to my promised discussion of timewasters. For me a timewaster is meal planning. I ALWAYS wait until the last minute for dinner plans, secretly hoping that someone else (like my husband) will suggest a good place to eat. Of course the act of dining out actually consumes more time than for me to have something in the crock pot, or frozen that I can pop in the oven. Not only that, I can save a ton of cash, eat better and secretly sneak good foods into my children/husband...a good topic for another day. For now, I am going to attempt the 30 day cooking approach, cooking enough meals in one day for the entire month. I will keep you posted on how this goes.
Another timewaster...getting dressed. A necessary evil, getting dressed probably eats about 30 minutes of my day. I am very indecisive and change clothes probably 10 times before settling on something. I sometimes have the same problem with my kids..."I don't wanna wear THAT." No Mas! I will begin and end this problem in the evenings, laying out all attire the night before. It sounds silly, but I never thought of doing that for myself, it seemed like a little kid thing. Strangely, I will likely benefit from this new found wisdom more than anyone else.
The most deceptive timewaster of them all...sleep. I actually have a little crush on the SNOOZE button. That extra 10 minutes are my source of comfort and encouragement nearly every morning. The solution? Hmmmm. Trickery? Sort of. I decided to both go to bed just 10 minutes earlier AND setting my alarm 10 minutes earlier. I know that it sounds ridiculous, but in going to bed earlier I have a little extra buffer to get to sleep. Plus, I secretly know that I have no justification for an extra ten minutes in the morning if I cut out early in the evening. Also, by setting the alarm 10 minutes earlier than normal, my snooze actually awakens me at the appropriate time. Pretty far fetched, but it's all I got.
Timewaster #4, geez that many already? Making coffee. I believe it was Folger's that said, "The best part of WAKING UP, is Folger's in your cup." I love to awaken, knowing that the freshly brewed taste of divinity is waiting patiently on me to scurry to the kitchen. What is required? I could try to convince my husband to get up and have it ready for me, but whatever.... is that even worth the discussion? Instead, I choose the trusty timer on the coffee maker. A few extra minutes in the evening and I can save myself the groggy chore in the wee hours of the morning. The hardware store even sells timers that can be used on coffee makers without timers as well!
I know there are other timewasters, but this article begs the question, "What about blogging, isn't that a time waster?" Hmm, I suppose it could be considered a timewaster, however I chose to think of this as an accountability tool. The purpose of this blog is really not to instruct anyone or give advice, but rather to keep myself on track with my goals. Plus, isn't it ok to use some of my snooze and coffee making time to plot my progress? I think so.
See you next time when I try to cook in bulk. That's right, I am going to try to cook enough to eat at home all month. Will it be consumed or just consume freezer space? We'll see!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Preparing for Battle
"In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
We'll need supplies.
Who doesn't love a good office supply? I can still remember the joy and elation I felt as a young child when I opened my first typewriter at Christmas, alongside a new clipboard and stationary. The smell of new paper, and sharp, unused highlighters....Don't even get me started on shopping for school supplies! Knowing my own propensity for attempting to over organize, just so I can have an excuse to buy extra dividers and notebooks, I decided to fight against my fleshly desires and keep it simple.
"Tips for Conquering the World" simply states, "Get organized". There is no mention of elaborate organization schemes, programs, bins, files, color coded folders...as attractive as they may be...they may be useless. In this situation, whereby I am trying to consolidate my life into one easy to use format, less is definitely more. So here is what I came up with.
My main issue is paper. What to keep, what to toss, where to store..paper. Constantly, there is a note from school, a birthday invitation, a bill, a cute art project being handed to me as though I know where to put it. It usually ends up on the entry table in a terrible heap until I can't stand it, or until we have guests. I have about three different collection areas, with one main "hub". The solution, one 3" three ring binder, a set of dividers and a box of page protectors. I am calling this genius creation the Book of Answers (BOA)....clever, I know. I have divided the notebook up into several categories and put about 100 page protectors in the notebook. To satisfy my own personal office supply addiction, I grabbed a sticky note dispenser and placed it neatly on the inside cover of my notebook. The plan is to put all school menus, bills, warranties, schedules, coupons, birthday invites......ALL of it into this notebook. The page protectors make it easy to add or remove items and keep everything uniform, so those small little birthday invites aren't lost in the shuffle.What about those adorable paintings from the kids? I bought a couple of corrugated storage boxes and placed it near the "hub" so that all of the keepers are kept neatly in this box, for which I don't have a fancy acronym.
"Get an Engagement Calendar"
For me, this is my phone. I put everything into my phone and add little reminders....not that I would forget or anything (nervous smile). The problem: Busy Husband often has plans or obligations that conflict with mine which are usually undiscovered until we are both preparing to leave at the same time and neither of us is holding the diaper bag. I created a calendar on my computer that lists any current obligations for the month and blank calendars for subsequent months...I can print these off and keep it in the BOA for quick reference. I also created a separate calendar which simply shows our regular weekly schedule with things like school, work and afterschool activities...but I added in a few hours for me to run to the gym or do errands. Why? I decided that part of the reason I am not taking time for myself is because I haven't scheduled it. Everyone else has their life scheduled and by the end of the day there isn't any time for me. My hope is that in using these calendars, all confusion about our activities and obligations will evaporate and the few windows of time I have to take care of me will be utilized. We'll see how this goes.
Some would say I am over thinking, and yet once again, over planning. Perhaps President Eisenhower is right....these plans may in fact be futile, but they are necessary. I have discovered that these plans motivate me to start making changes that will allow me to spend quality time with my kids and perhaps even a little time all by myself! Whether or not the change comes from the fancy new notebook or from some other system all together, the point is that order is restored to a chaotic life.
Stay tuned...next I try to pinpoint my timewasters....no, not my kids!
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