Back On The Horse

The number one lesson I have learned so far with trying to get organized, or really getting anything done at all, is to make a list. Here in a nice, impossible to ignore list are my goals for December. That is 3 experiments in one month. Lesson number two that I have learned is to set reasonable and small goals.

• Learn to make a well balanced dinner by planning in advance.

• Exercise at least three times a week.

• Test run my NEW AND IMPROVED organizational board because maybe this one will work better than the first version. Really, if it works at all, it’s better than the first version.

The method…

Dinner. I am investigating some books by Sandi Richard. She has this great system in her cook books where recipes are sorted into one week sections and colour coded by the time it takes to prepare them. Love it! Right up my alley with the colour coding.

(break while baby screams) Step into my life by inserting about 10 minutes of WAHHHHHHHWAHHHHHHWAHHHHHH befor you read any further. If you want to be authentic, humm and sway/bounce.

Ok, back at the keyboard, baby in arm… one handed typing. Where was I?

I do find that she uses some ingredients that I am not a fan of or, that could be a little healthier but, I am a fan of the format.

Exercise. Three times a week. I will put a sticker on my mini calendar each day that I do some exercise. The plan here is based on shame and encouragement. I will be shamed by a lack of stickers or encouraged to see lots of them. Pretty simple. I’m not expecting to shed all kinds of poundage right away. I just want to tighten up the jiggly bits that shouldn’t be so jiggly.

My new board includes spaces for my big calendar, mini excersise calendar, 

Insert 5 minutes of WAHHHHHHHWAHHHHHHWAHHHHHH before you read any further.

the week’s dinner menu (once I figure it out), list of big jobs to get done and a list of things to get done today.

Wish me luck! 

So, I went and had another baby.... but I'm back now.

Hello everyone! It’s nice to be back after a teensy tiny break from writing. A month ago, I had my third baby, an adorable little girl. Her parents and two brothers are totally in love with her.

Reading my past experiments I can see that there are some failures, some epic failures and thankfully for my ego, some successes. Here is a quick look at how I did over the last ten months sans-blog.

FAILURES:

Planning the day, planning meals, planning a schedule of any sort… EPIC FAIL!

1. I am still wondering at 5:30 pm what we are going to eat and then having to resort to a ‘Plan B’ once I see that everything is frozen.  

2. I do not have any productive activities planned for the boys once they get home from school.

3. Fitness??? BAWHAWHAWHAW!!! I had a baby a month ago. There are no muscles or toned parts anywhere on this body. I have looked for them, they do not exist. The only thing that does not jiggle is my toes. They do, however, really need a pedicure.

4. Healthy eating. See failure #1 and #3. Ya, nuff said.

SUCCESSES:

Learning to prioritize. I had made a list a while back of things that are important to me. Being pregnant (meaning large, uncomfortable and exhausted) forced me to slow down and give energy to only what REALLY needed to get done.

1. My family and I came up with some fun and creative activities to make the summer special.

2. I have been volunteering with both boys’ schools. Being involved shows them that they are important to me and I like being a part of a group working towards something important. Double points for this achievement.

3. I make time for fun. There is not a lot of free time when you have two kids, there is less when there are three. I have learned to be selfish and to let my husband take the reigns at home so that I can bugger off and have a good time with friends. I feel good because I can recharge and let loose. He feels good because he gets to be valuable and highly appreciated. The kids and man then get a happy and more energetic version of me. Win-win-win.

I just got so distracted remembering the fun weekend away I had this summer that I missed my mouth and poured my hot chocolate down the front of my sweater. Zero points for coordination, ten points for being able to laugh at myself.

I have a couple of experiments starting to form in my head. The magnetic board of magical organization is going to get a more realistic facelift, I will learn how to make a good dinner at least five nights a week and I will most certainly fix this jiggley body by spring so that I can play soccer again. Who am I kidding? I really just want to look like a hot mom….and play soccer. I loved playing soccer.

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!