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. 

Healthy Humour

Why do I love going to the chiropractor? Dr. Craig, along with his team, Kayleigh and Sarah are friendly, caring and very real people. Not an ounce of pretension.

Purely professional in every way and never without a dose of humour. Here is the tale of my most recent visit.

Nikolas, my almost four year old, runs straight to the adjustment table and hops up. He likes to go first. Leo, the one and a halfer, climbs up next. They love getting adjusted! My turn next. I point to a bone at the base of my spine. I can’t seem to remember what it’s called today. “What’s this part called again?” I ask. “Your sacrum” he replies. I smile knowing that that is the word I had forgotten. “Yes, that’s the one. Can you fix it please?” Obviously, he can. I ask him to be careful because I’m feeling a little nauseous today. No problem. That’s when Nikolas starts using the automatic pedals to jerk the table up and down. Dr. Craig to the rescue. He asks Nik to help him. Nik usually gives my feet and legs an adjustment. Next things you know, Nik is laying on my legs with his head nearly up my butt. Dr. Craig is able to his thing all the same. He lifts my weirdo son down. The table starts to move again. I groan. “Sorry, that’s me.” The good doctor informs. Then, my bum get’s a good hearty pat. “That was NOT me!” he finishes. Thank you Nikolas. Before we left, Nik got a sticker and Leo poured water all over the floor. He likes splashing in puddles. Nik was ‘allowed’ to mop it up. Thanks Kayleigh.

I am so lucky that I have a wellness team that works well with my lifestyle. I thank them for the smiles, good health, support, helpful advice and ideas. I am looking forward to joining Kayleigh and Sarah soon in their 90 day challenge. We are going to be feeling so good by the end of that.

If you are interested in learning more about the many benefits of chiropractic care, benefits for children or the creating wellness program, please visit Dr. Craig Hazel’s website right away! Tell them Sasha sent you.

ps: For those who are trying to catch me cheating during my week-without-facebook, I can post this to facebook without having to actually go to facebook. I have been on the wagon for a full 24 hours. WOO!

Juggle me this...

I am a junkie for trying new things. If it interests me, I want to try it. Here is the dilemma: With so many balls in the air, I am destined to drop a couple. What if I drop something important and it crashes to the floor and breaks into thousands of tiny pieces?  In the name of balance and reducing anxiety, here is experiment #5: choosing to put a couple of balls down.

Stage one is to identify what balls I am juggling:

Raising the boys

University degree

Watching Y&R (yes, totally embarrassing to share but this is for science)

Painting

Writing

Cleaning the house

Mild Facebook addiction

Making meals for the family

Spend time with husband

Spending time with friends

Exercise

Yoga

These are the things that take up a minimum of an hour each week.  Obviously, some take significantly more.  On top of this, there is a giant list of things that I want to try out. Being a Reiki Master? Maybe? Why not? Oh, I have no time. Right. Sigh.

Stage two is to do a little thinking about what I am willing to sacrifice for the greater good.

Stage three is an evaluation of success. I hope to have more time to do what is most important to me. I would also like to feel a little more relaxed.

Follow up on a past experiment: “Make a plan” Pthhhhhh. (That’s what happened to it.) It seems that I am not willing to create a new plan each day. I think that once I put down a couple of balls I will have to construct some sort of permanent calendar/planner/reward chart for us to use. Good thing I’ll have all that free time once I put a couple of other balls down.

Good news: Yesterday's 'I've got this' attitude WORKED!!!! I survived, everyone was fed, the kitchen floor was clean for a little while and I didn't crash until halfway through dinner. Yay me!

I've Got This!!!

I caught the last 10 minutes of Village on a Diet last night. It’s not a show I follow but I needed something to keep me awake while I had a little pre-bed snack. The show is inspirational. These people are making an effort to change their unhealthy lifestyles. They were doing some sort of fitness test that involved running, crunches and push-ups. It was a very hot day and the featured participants were not in stellar physical form to start with. What got them through? Towards the end of the show, one of the professional fitness trainers (tall dark hotness, oh my!) was giving a pep-talk, I listened. He was getting them fired up. In response to tough situations they would encounter he would have them yell “I’ve got this!” over and over again.

Convince yourself that you can do something, that you’ve got it, and I bet you can. I am feeling crummy with the flu and bronchitis but still have 2 active boys to entertain. I am 2 months behind my goal for finishing my current university course.  My home is a mess… Husband will be working late this week. Will I crumble? NO! I’ve got this! Will I set reasonable expectations for this week? You bet your ass I will. Can I keep the kids out of trouble, make sure they get fed and sweep the kitchen floor? Yes. I can maintain reasonable order. I’ve got this.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. A little snack of yogurt before bed let me to catch the phrase that will carry me through this day, maybe the whole week. It is my hope that you will read this and find strength in yourself that will help you overcome your obstacles today.

Icky Sicky.... Naturally

It’s a long weekend for many of us and naturally, this is when I get sick. Fever, headache, cough, stuffy nose, achy body and a fever.  Even though I feel crappy, I am trying to stick with this positive attitude business. What better time could there be to try  some of the natural home remedies that have been passed down through the ages? First my disclaimer; I am not a doctor or medical professional, these are simply my opinions and should not replace sound medical advice. There, with that out of the way…. Here we go.

1)     Stuffy nose: I used the steam in my hot shower to loosen things up in my face and chest. A little gross if you are accustomed to a tissue but it worked. The relief lasted an hour or so. The heat also made my achy body feel better. The other thing I used to clear my sinuses is a product by NeilMed. It is this squeezy bottle that you fill with a special packet of saline and warm water. You squirt it up one nostril and let it run out the other. The first try gave me a flashback of learning the importance of blowing out while swimming. Now it’s not so bad. Relief also lasts about an hour. The nose-rinse is said to be good as a daily thing to clear the nasal passages of dust, allergens and germs. Also keeps things moist during dry winter weather.  The bonus here was that there were none of the dryness or stoner-like side affects of taking an over the counter decongestant.

2)     Sore throat: Gargle every couple of hours with salt water. I made it as salty as I could handle. It really took the sting out!  This works really well. My favourite relief is hot water with some honey and lemon juice in it. I don’t know the scientific facts around it but here is what I think… The lemon loosens up all the mucus, the heat sooths the throat and muscles after coughing and honey, I believe, has anti-bacterial properties to it. I also really like the taste. Gary makes it best so if he is home, he is my go-to Honey-Lemon mixer.

3)     Fever: No one likes a fever. It is hot and chills and sweaty and yucky. Why not just take a Tylenol and suppress that nastiness? Here is why; your body has a fever for a reason. The body is raising it’s temperature to kill off the infection. Let your body do it’s thing. Obviously if the fever has been too high for too long then you may want medical intervention but if you aren’t in a life threatening situation… suck it up butter-cup. Your body knows what it is doing. Drink lots of fluids and keep some spare dry t-shirts handy while you sweat it out. Eww but true.

OK, that’s it for today. I need another Honey-Lemon and a nap.