Well so far things are going pretty well. The kitchen is a bit of a mess while we still define the rules of our whole new division of labor plan. Menu wise we have done pretty well. Knowing we were eating out mid week has made things easier and resulted in a yummy lunch for me today since I was busy cutting up X's food to eat and in reality was full from bread and the appetizer we shared.
I think we will have to change the menu up a hair and do pizza on Friday since we are out of tortillas for fish tacos and I want to avoid shopping for more than fruit, spinach and eggs if possible this week.
Saturday is the 3K and it is supposed to rain. I am not sure what my feelings are about that. On one hand I want to see if I can do it, but on the other hand I don't want to keel over, though I don't think I will. We also have plans to go to Ikea this weekend. Not for a giant shopping trip, but more to scope things out and help us formulate a plan for the house. the trick will be getting out of there without spending too much money.
Parts of the house are really irritating me lately. The office is a mess. I may have mentioned before it looks like something from a show about Hoarders. The problem is that is used to have a futon in it that many things were stored under (suitcases, weights etc.) Without the futon if just looks like we have a room full of junk. What I would like to do is clean out the bottom of the hall closet and store them there. Currently the toolbox lives in that closet so we need to find space for that to go as well. We put an old bookshelf in the bottom of the closet for extra storage, but really with the toolbox there is it not very easy to get to. I think the best thing to do would be to move the toolbox up to the shelf. And then put the plastic drawer on that shelf on the floor, perhaps with another plastic drawer that is in X's closet. My only question is will I need to take the bookcase out or will I need to remove or turn it to get into the plastic drawers. He drawers are nice and flat and out luggage will sit nicely on them. If we keep the bookcase the shelves would be a good place to put all of the extra soap and toothpaste since they are accessed much more infrequently than the toolbox.
3.11.2010
3.09.2010
It's March already?
It must be where February is a short month, but March's quick arrival has surprised me. Things are looking up. We have had warm weather. We have turned the house from a pit into something resembling neat again. We have cooked some really delicious meals at home (including homemade bread and cinnamon rolls!), and I even managed to go to the gym!
B and I have finally come to an agreement about the housework. I don't know why it took us so long, or seemed so hard, or unfair. What was unfair was always living in a mess, and being angry and eating out because things were too big of a mess, then feeling crummy because we never managed to do anything other than watch TV and eat crap. The new plan divides most weekly tasks up, and we will alternate. I am excited to see how it goes. I can say that already in less than a week it has had a great mental impact. Just thinking...its not my week has left me with less guilt, and thinking its not B's week has left me with much less anger/ frustration when something isn't done.
Budgetary things are not fun. I go in with grand plans about saving tons of money and then way overspend over the weekend on groceries and other things. The $190 trip to Meijer wasn't good. I was buying a lot of things that were one time purchases, and managed to save $32 in coupons! We both needed razors since keeping a battery in a razor for 5 years leads to a battery that looks like it might explode at any minute. I also bought a swiffer mop vacuum thing. Not a need at all, but I thought it would help keep the kitchen floor clean and with my $10 coupon it was only $14. My goal for the rest of the month is to see how little I can spend on groceries and still get by. I need to find better snack options for X, other than the Gerber snacks if I want to cut down on spending, trouble is they are just SO convenient. Convenience is what often ruins my best laid budget plans.
So the remainder of the week I am going to try to stick to our menu. Here is what it looks like
Tuesday - Hamburgers, french fries and green beans
Wednesday - we are being taken out by the In-laws.
Thursday - Leftovers or spaghetti made from Tuesdays hamburger
Friday- Fish Tacos
Saturday-Homemade pizza
And thinking ahead to avoid grocery shopping if possible
Sunday- Chicken stir fry
Monday - BBQ pork in the crock-pot
Tuesday Jambalaya with chicken and pork
Wednesday Pasta of some sort
Thursday BBQ sandwiches
Friday - Omelets
B and I have finally come to an agreement about the housework. I don't know why it took us so long, or seemed so hard, or unfair. What was unfair was always living in a mess, and being angry and eating out because things were too big of a mess, then feeling crummy because we never managed to do anything other than watch TV and eat crap. The new plan divides most weekly tasks up, and we will alternate. I am excited to see how it goes. I can say that already in less than a week it has had a great mental impact. Just thinking...its not my week has left me with less guilt, and thinking its not B's week has left me with much less anger/ frustration when something isn't done.
Budgetary things are not fun. I go in with grand plans about saving tons of money and then way overspend over the weekend on groceries and other things. The $190 trip to Meijer wasn't good. I was buying a lot of things that were one time purchases, and managed to save $32 in coupons! We both needed razors since keeping a battery in a razor for 5 years leads to a battery that looks like it might explode at any minute. I also bought a swiffer mop vacuum thing. Not a need at all, but I thought it would help keep the kitchen floor clean and with my $10 coupon it was only $14. My goal for the rest of the month is to see how little I can spend on groceries and still get by. I need to find better snack options for X, other than the Gerber snacks if I want to cut down on spending, trouble is they are just SO convenient. Convenience is what often ruins my best laid budget plans.
So the remainder of the week I am going to try to stick to our menu. Here is what it looks like
Tuesday - Hamburgers, french fries and green beans
Wednesday - we are being taken out by the In-laws.
Thursday - Leftovers or spaghetti made from Tuesdays hamburger
Friday- Fish Tacos
Saturday-Homemade pizza
And thinking ahead to avoid grocery shopping if possible
Sunday- Chicken stir fry
Monday - BBQ pork in the crock-pot
Tuesday Jambalaya with chicken and pork
Wednesday Pasta of some sort
Thursday BBQ sandwiches
Friday - Omelets
2.19.2010
Vacation day
Took a vacation day today. The sad thing is I took time off to clean the house and cook. We are going back to A town tomorrow and I really would love to have the house in order and the fridge and freezer full of food that will make our meals next week easy. currently I am lacking motivation. I have cooked some sweet potatoes and chopped them up and put them in the freezer. The dishwasher just finished, just 2-3 more loads to go. My goal for today is to get the house and kitchen really clean to surprise B. He is going to an art gallery opening this evening in Cincy so I have untill 10 or 11 tonight to get everything done. Mr. X is with his "granny-nanny". Maybe today we will take him somewhere to play this afternoon and run off some energy, plus MIL has to be going a bit stir crazy with all the snow and ice lately.
So what do I hope to accomplish today. It is already 12:30 and I am going out with X and MIL at 3. So I have 2 hours, when I consider it will take 30 to get ready to go out.
Put X's clothing away, pick up his room -done
Clean the bathroom counter - done
Clean off the Kichen table -sort of
Hang my clothing in office - done
I think that is a good todo list for now. Later I will see what I accomplish and my plans for this evening.
So what do I hope to accomplish today. It is already 12:30 and I am going out with X and MIL at 3. So I have 2 hours, when I consider it will take 30 to get ready to go out.
Put X's clothing away, pick up his room -done
Clean the bathroom counter - done
Clean off the Kichen table -sort of
Hang my clothing in office - done
I think that is a good todo list for now. Later I will see what I accomplish and my plans for this evening.
2.17.2010
Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday. B and I have decided to try and take this more seriously this year. And by more seriously I mean actually observe it. Today we are abstaining from meat and "fasting" though the definition of fast isn't really no food, just less food and no snacks. So I researched why we fast and found this:
Fasting: Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. In fact, the paschal fast predates Lent as we know it. The early Church fasted intensely for two days before the celebration of the Easter Vigil. This fast was later extended and became a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter. Vatican II called us to renew the observance of the ancient paschal fast: "...let the paschal fast be kept sacred. Let it be celebrated everywhere on Good Friday and, where possible, prolonged throughout Holy Saturday, so that the joys of the Sunday of the Resurrection may be attained with uplifted and clear mind" (Liturgy, # 110).
Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. The first reading on the Friday after Ash Wednesday points out another important dimension of fasting. The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God. "This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own" (Is 58:6-7).
Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need for any reason. Thus fasting, too, is linked to living out our baptismal promises. By our Baptism, we are charged with the responsibility of showing Christ's love to the world, especially to those in need. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering.
Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals. It can do the same today if we remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a spiritual link to those whose diets are sparse and simple. That should be the goal we set for ourselves—a sparse and simple meal. Avoiding meat while eating lobster misses the whole point!
http://www.americancatholic.org/newsletters/CU/ac0302.asp#F1
So we are trying this today and for the next 40 days. We are also trying to better ourselves in other ways, perhaps more material ways. We are not going to spend money during lent. We will buy groceries, gasoline and medicine. B and I need to learn delayed gratification and to really consider what are needs and what are wants. Lent seemed like an appropriate time to do this. We are not going to eat out, again this is a want not a need. If we are invited out we may go. Chinese takeout, which is our greatest weakness it completely off limits for the next 40 days. Perhaps reflecting on those who can not have such luxuries will allow us to be happy with what we have.
I also considered giving something up for lent, the usual suspects are chocolate, TV. Instead I am going to do something. I am not going to tell B about it and see if he guesses what it is. I plan to do housework without complaint and with a giving heart. I love my family and doing housework blesses them. I will not keep score between B and I and who has done more. We shall see if 40 days of work without complaint and procrastination can help.
Fasting: Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. In fact, the paschal fast predates Lent as we know it. The early Church fasted intensely for two days before the celebration of the Easter Vigil. This fast was later extended and became a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter. Vatican II called us to renew the observance of the ancient paschal fast: "...let the paschal fast be kept sacred. Let it be celebrated everywhere on Good Friday and, where possible, prolonged throughout Holy Saturday, so that the joys of the Sunday of the Resurrection may be attained with uplifted and clear mind" (Liturgy, # 110).
Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. The first reading on the Friday after Ash Wednesday points out another important dimension of fasting. The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God. "This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own" (Is 58:6-7).
Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need for any reason. Thus fasting, too, is linked to living out our baptismal promises. By our Baptism, we are charged with the responsibility of showing Christ's love to the world, especially to those in need. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering.
Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals. It can do the same today if we remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a spiritual link to those whose diets are sparse and simple. That should be the goal we set for ourselves—a sparse and simple meal. Avoiding meat while eating lobster misses the whole point!
http://www.americancatholic.org/newsletters/CU/ac0302.asp#F1
So we are trying this today and for the next 40 days. We are also trying to better ourselves in other ways, perhaps more material ways. We are not going to spend money during lent. We will buy groceries, gasoline and medicine. B and I need to learn delayed gratification and to really consider what are needs and what are wants. Lent seemed like an appropriate time to do this. We are not going to eat out, again this is a want not a need. If we are invited out we may go. Chinese takeout, which is our greatest weakness it completely off limits for the next 40 days. Perhaps reflecting on those who can not have such luxuries will allow us to be happy with what we have.
I also considered giving something up for lent, the usual suspects are chocolate, TV. Instead I am going to do something. I am not going to tell B about it and see if he guesses what it is. I plan to do housework without complaint and with a giving heart. I love my family and doing housework blesses them. I will not keep score between B and I and who has done more. We shall see if 40 days of work without complaint and procrastination can help.
2.11.2010
Slacker mommy strikes again.
And here I am again in the endless cycle of the house is sort of clean and then we "relax" for a week and it is not exactly a disaster, but I feel like I could have made so much more progress, but instead have "veg-ed" all week.
Sunday we had a super bowl party. I made amazing food and wish I had thought to take pictures. I made buffalo wing dip, veggie pizza, pizza bites, brownies and lemon bars. Everyone seemed to have a good time, ate plenty of yummy food and enjoyed themselves. X behaved and went to bed like a champ. The pizza bites were from a blog I love to look at called "Annie's Eats" though the dough was seriously runny when I made it they still came out awesome and I had no leftovers from the double batch. So Sunday night I felt like I pretty much had it together. The house looked nice we had a good time....it was like we were (gasp) grown ups!
Now upon closer inspection you would see the clean house had a bedroom with a heap of clothing (that is STILL there 4 days later) and an office that is a serious mish mash of junk and things that used to live under the futon, which B removed from the house with little regard as to where guests will sleep. We have spent days eating junk and take out and doing nothing. We have ignored the dishes in the sink and the diapers piling up in the laundry room. I have been battling ammonia issues with the diapers, but it is my own doing I should wash them more often. Though since MIL is now watching DS we can send him in more complicated diapers and it extends the number of days we can go between washes, which is bad.
It is the same problem I always have. I KNOW what needs to be done. I chose not to do it. I ignore what needs taken care of. I procrastinate. I tell myself "I deserve" a break or a treat. I know B struggles with the same issues, and he has school work on top of it. I don't think it is a matter of not having enough time. I think we feel like we don't have enough time so we put things off, when in reality they would take a lot less time than we think. We put off what we NEED to do and then never get around to having time to do what we want to do.
The list of things I want to do is endless, and perhaps another post.
Sunday we had a super bowl party. I made amazing food and wish I had thought to take pictures. I made buffalo wing dip, veggie pizza, pizza bites, brownies and lemon bars. Everyone seemed to have a good time, ate plenty of yummy food and enjoyed themselves. X behaved and went to bed like a champ. The pizza bites were from a blog I love to look at called "Annie's Eats" though the dough was seriously runny when I made it they still came out awesome and I had no leftovers from the double batch. So Sunday night I felt like I pretty much had it together. The house looked nice we had a good time....it was like we were (gasp) grown ups!
Now upon closer inspection you would see the clean house had a bedroom with a heap of clothing (that is STILL there 4 days later) and an office that is a serious mish mash of junk and things that used to live under the futon, which B removed from the house with little regard as to where guests will sleep. We have spent days eating junk and take out and doing nothing. We have ignored the dishes in the sink and the diapers piling up in the laundry room. I have been battling ammonia issues with the diapers, but it is my own doing I should wash them more often. Though since MIL is now watching DS we can send him in more complicated diapers and it extends the number of days we can go between washes, which is bad.
It is the same problem I always have. I KNOW what needs to be done. I chose not to do it. I ignore what needs taken care of. I procrastinate. I tell myself "I deserve" a break or a treat. I know B struggles with the same issues, and he has school work on top of it. I don't think it is a matter of not having enough time. I think we feel like we don't have enough time so we put things off, when in reality they would take a lot less time than we think. We put off what we NEED to do and then never get around to having time to do what we want to do.
The list of things I want to do is endless, and perhaps another post.
1.20.2010
Well how am I doing so far. I have not posted weekly updates. I think Biweekly updates on my BIG goals and weekly updates on my "lists" seem fair.
1) Run a 5k before I am 29 years old - We started a new diet. Cut out processed foods, snacking on junk, and most sugar. I have lost 7 lbs in 10 days! Kind of amazing. The limiting sugar is really helping control my hunger at other times of day. Too much sugar makes me mean and grouchy like a toddler. Monday I went to the gym. I have a cold so it was very hard. But I did it. I am walking a 3k in March. I have a plan to work my way up to the distance by then.
2) Be more put together. - Most days have been pretty good. I could look better. Today I felt horrible and have no makeup on. I still want to take time to do my nails, put lotion on....things like that. The diet has made my skin seem much happier.
3) To do housework every day for at least 15 minutes - this has not happened yet
4) To sleep more- I don't need to watch 10 pm TV shows I need sleep....true, but Ugly Betty is on at 10.
5) To spend more time with B - I am going to find some dry erase boards to write our schedule up so we know who is doing what when.
6) To be more focused and diligent at work - Yesterday I was super focused and productive until after lunch. I need to find a way to keep that momentum going.
7) To explore faith - currently reading Little Women, which has much stronger christian undertones than I remember. And reminds me to be more "ladylike". We are still planning on going to church, it is just something we dread with a rambunctious toddler.
1) Run a 5k before I am 29 years old - We started a new diet. Cut out processed foods, snacking on junk, and most sugar. I have lost 7 lbs in 10 days! Kind of amazing. The limiting sugar is really helping control my hunger at other times of day. Too much sugar makes me mean and grouchy like a toddler. Monday I went to the gym. I have a cold so it was very hard. But I did it. I am walking a 3k in March. I have a plan to work my way up to the distance by then.
2) Be more put together. - Most days have been pretty good. I could look better. Today I felt horrible and have no makeup on. I still want to take time to do my nails, put lotion on....things like that. The diet has made my skin seem much happier.
3) To do housework every day for at least 15 minutes - this has not happened yet
4) To sleep more- I don't need to watch 10 pm TV shows I need sleep....true, but Ugly Betty is on at 10.
5) To spend more time with B - I am going to find some dry erase boards to write our schedule up so we know who is doing what when.
6) To be more focused and diligent at work - Yesterday I was super focused and productive until after lunch. I need to find a way to keep that momentum going.
7) To explore faith - currently reading Little Women, which has much stronger christian undertones than I remember. And reminds me to be more "ladylike". We are still planning on going to church, it is just something we dread with a rambunctious toddler.
12.28.2009
New Years approaches and so do new goals.
Every December the approach of the new year makes people reflect and focus on new goals. I have many things I want to accomplish, just look at my past posts for everything I want to change about myself and my life.
This new year we have some interesting changes coming. Changes I am sure will cause a few challenges. The in-laws are moving to town. Literally, right behind us....as in we can see there town house from our kitchen window. Crazy? Yes, I might be. MIL wants to watch X full time. That will be a significant reduction in our daycare expenses, but at what cost? I am currently taking a "we will see" approach to all of this.
As for myself I have so much I want to accomplish. Small picture, this week I would like to:
1) do all laundry
2) find the kitchen table
3)soak/ wash diapers
4)Re-arrange living room. Want something a little different
5) come up with a budget for 2010
6) write thank you notes for Christmas gifts
7) make cake balls for family gathering
8) make veggie pizza for family gathering
9) make homemade mac n' cheese for guests this week
10) Put away X's toys, divide for Mil's place
11) Build X's play kitchen
12) Arrange and secure furniture to the wall in X's bedroom
13) Put away Christmas decorations
14) dust
15) paint nails
Yes, it is an ambitious list. I hope to keep track of all that i accomplish.
As for the year, my goals are understandably larger. The biggest of which is # 1.
1) Run a 5k before I am 29 years old - I am tired of being fat. I hate running, detest it and sweating but I want to know if it is possible to do it so we shall see.
2) Be more put together. - I am still tired of my frumpy look. the hair cut helped some. My goal for January is to wear different earrings everyday.
3) To do housework every day for at least 15 minutes
4) To sleep more- I don't need to watch 10 pm TV shows I need sleep
5) To spend more time with B - we need to communicate better, work toward common goals and take joy in each other and take the time to appreciate what each of us have to offer.
6) To be more focused and diligent at work - I think it will make me feel better about myself and dread work less
7) To explore faith - be it attending church or reading books that make me think
I hope to post much more regularly, so I can keep myself accountable.
This new year we have some interesting changes coming. Changes I am sure will cause a few challenges. The in-laws are moving to town. Literally, right behind us....as in we can see there town house from our kitchen window. Crazy? Yes, I might be. MIL wants to watch X full time. That will be a significant reduction in our daycare expenses, but at what cost? I am currently taking a "we will see" approach to all of this.
As for myself I have so much I want to accomplish. Small picture, this week I would like to:
1) do all laundry
2) find the kitchen table
3)soak/ wash diapers
4)Re-arrange living room. Want something a little different
5) come up with a budget for 2010
6) write thank you notes for Christmas gifts
7) make cake balls for family gathering
8) make veggie pizza for family gathering
9) make homemade mac n' cheese for guests this week
10) Put away X's toys, divide for Mil's place
11) Build X's play kitchen
12) Arrange and secure furniture to the wall in X's bedroom
13) Put away Christmas decorations
14) dust
15) paint nails
Yes, it is an ambitious list. I hope to keep track of all that i accomplish.
As for the year, my goals are understandably larger. The biggest of which is # 1.
1) Run a 5k before I am 29 years old - I am tired of being fat. I hate running, detest it and sweating but I want to know if it is possible to do it so we shall see.
2) Be more put together. - I am still tired of my frumpy look. the hair cut helped some. My goal for January is to wear different earrings everyday.
3) To do housework every day for at least 15 minutes
4) To sleep more- I don't need to watch 10 pm TV shows I need sleep
5) To spend more time with B - we need to communicate better, work toward common goals and take joy in each other and take the time to appreciate what each of us have to offer.
6) To be more focused and diligent at work - I think it will make me feel better about myself and dread work less
7) To explore faith - be it attending church or reading books that make me think
I hope to post much more regularly, so I can keep myself accountable.
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