Beauty AND Brains!!! Artful multitasking.

While there is still clutter to tackle and that fancy day planning board to finish constructing, I am pleased to say that my multitasking abilities are still in fine shape. Two of my current objectives involve earning a BA in HR and looking pretty. Don’t judge, I am just being honest.

Here’s how this afternoon went. Kid one; successfully dropped off at nursery school, kid two; napping, Me; studying for a final exam AND pulling of the home spa experience at the same time, thank you very much. Here is how I did it all in 75 minutes…

1)     Run hot bath with invigorating lime aromatherapy bubbles and tea tree oil skin softening treatment.

2)     Make a giant hot chocolate and gather study notes.

3)     Take notes and yummy beverage to the tub.

4)     Gain energy through aromatherapy, ease sore muscles and treat dry skin by sitting still in the bath while reading notes.

5)     Achieve effective studying because there are no distractions in my soapy sanctuary.

6)     Personal reward each unit of study reviewed with a few sips of hot chocolate. Very motivating.

7)     Allow steam from tub and heat from beverage to invoke the opening of facial pores while water softens skin on neglected feet.

8)     Upon completion of study session, use fancy peppermint scrub and pumice stone on neglected feet.

9)   Use 'one minute manicure' hand scrub then get out of the tub.

10)  Towel/air-dry while applying purifying mud mask to facial-ready face. Note to self: Do not drink hot chocolate from an oversized mug in public. Chocolate all over the corners of my mouth.

11)  While mask dries, apply body lotion to avoid re-drying out of skin.

12)  Use special peppermint foot lotion on my smooth little piggys and wrap them up in cozy socks to lock in moisture.

13)  Wash off mask, apply facial toner.

14)  While toner dries, notice condition of eyebrows and do a quick wax job.

15)  Apply “refining lotion” to face followed by special daily moisturiser that does not get used daily.

TAH DAH!!!  Pretty AND smart in 15 easy steps. That my friends, is balance.

(now what am I supposed to make for dinner?)

How's your junk?

I read an article about reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ from your home. I am now inspired!  A little bit of inspiration can be a dangerous thing for me.  How much junk is there in my home that I have no need of, use for, or just think is too ugly to acknowledge? A LOT!  A few months ago I did the big closet clean out. The bags of clothes are still waiting to be taken to the big bin near the church. The rule was that if it didn’t fit or hasn’t been worn in a year, it’s gone. No keeping things for sentimental reasons. Just because I looked sooooo cool in the shiny skimpy top when I was 23 does not mean it belongs in my 32-year old closet.  What else can I clear out? The next experiment is this: March that junk right out the door! Get the play on words? It’s March. Yes, I’m lame. It’s ok. I like me anyways.

Things I can remove from my space are:

• Books I will not be reading again.
• Shoes that don’t get worn.
• Jackets that have not been worn over a year.
• Knick-knacks, what their purpose anyways?
• The mystery pile in the back hall closet.
• Papers that were oh so important during the college years. Seriously, why do I still have that stuff?
• The pile of stuff to be ‘sorted through later’ on my dresser.
• Mystery box that is in my closet. Nothing exciting in there. I think there are candles, cassette tapes, a batting glove… Just stuff I didn’t know how to separate from.

Where will it all go? Goodwill, library donations, recycle. There are places for things like that. It doesn’t have to go in the trash. I have a real problem with waste. That is the reason I have trouble throwing stuff out. I can do this. I can remove the junk. I can reclaim my space. My home can be a clutter-free zone!!!

I got this!  (still loving the new motto)

Thank you to www.wisebread.com for the inspiration.

The list that will fix everything! (kind of)

Well, after some serious time spent assessing what I really truly need to be satisfied, balanced and genuinely happy it has become obvious that I am an ‘overstuffer’.  Not in the sense that I collect too much stuff but, I feel a need to do everything. I want to experience everything and be good at everything.  Personally, I think that’s a great way to live. What’s that saying about sliding into the grave sideways all worn out screaming “WOOHOOOOOOO what a ride!!!” The problem is that I am having trouble fitting it all in, making it happen and feeling good about it all at the end of the day.  

Here is what I need from life (in no particular order):

• To know that my family can count on me for anything
• Meaningful, supporting relationships with like-minded people AKA- friends
• Good times and cutting lose every now and again
• To commune with nature on a regular basis
• A happy blend of control and spontaneity
• Structure - I crave it like a child
• To do work that means something to people and makes lives better
• A body that is healthy enough to keep up with me
• Financial security

Well, when it’s all out there in a structured list format, it seems pretty simple. I have most of those things. What I have been struggling with is fitting in the parts that are missing. Is making this little list happen really the answer to my quest for personal fulfillment, health and happiness? Hmmm. I just had an idea. I am going to post the list on the fridge. Maybe I’ll make a piece of artwork out of it and hang in on the wall. I don’t know. I’m getting excited now. This little list seems achievable. Structure will be the key. Without structure, it all just floats around like a pretty utopian fantasy. Is there anyone out there who can help me with structure?

The goal for today: Stop procrastinating, bundle the kids up (it’s -20C today) and go buy that big magnetic board and finish my invention. I have a great idea for something to plan each day Monday to Friday. It will include daily schedules, meal plans, fitness reward chart and chore distribution centre.