I know I haven't posted on this blog in a very long time. Honestly, I had pretty much given up with how unsuccessful last year turned out. I had all these hopes of getting organized, and did not accomplish even a fraction of what I had hoped. The few things I did accomplish quickly fell apart without constant maintenance, that I have yet to figure out.
I thought I would give up this blog all together, but a friend of mine found this blog a while back and said that it inspired her to do some much needed organization in some of her kitchen cabinets. Which in turn inspired me to get back on the wagon and try again.
Now I have a plan for the future, I want to buy a bigger house with 4 bedrooms instead of 3 and of course have a bigger yard, etc, etc. I spend a lot time thinking about it and how to make it happen, and in turn I neglect the house I live in. I think "well I don't want to put too much money and effort in here because I would rather save to get our dream house" I realize that this is totally off and I should be making the house we live in our home, instead of planning for something that we will be lucky if it happens in the next 10 years. So I am determined to focus on turning the house we have into something that can feel more like home, and be more pleasant to live in for the time that we are here.
We have several projects lined up for the coming months. Putting some extra shelves in our son's closet, and some extra shelves in our hall cabinet. We are planning to stack our washer and dryer so that we can take the dryer side and turn it into a pantry, and turn our entry closet back into a storage/coat closet since it really does not function well as a pantry. And most important of all, turning our guest bedroom into a nursery for the new baby girl that we are expecting in September!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Organizing Time
I am starting to think I really need to take a class in time management. I am discovering that all other forms of organizing will not ever be successful until I can successfully manage my time. I may get started on something, but it rarely gets completed, and if it does, it does not stay nice and neat for long.
My husband and I often talk about creating schedules, cleaning schedules, meal schedules, scheduling "my" time, and "his" time. But never have we really stuck to one even if we halfway made one. I don't like rules, and I don't like restrictions. I don't like sticking to schedules because I like being flexible, if tonight is meatloaf night, and the neighbors are outside, I don't want to be stuck inside cooking while everyone else is outside visiting. So I really don't like the idea of a schedule in that way. But I am thinking that some kind of schedule is going to have to be made, and we can be flexible with it when necessary, but we also need to really try to stick to somewhat of a routine.
Right now as it is, I have so many projects I want to do, so much cleaning I need to do, etc....that when I have a some time I am so stretched in all directions, that I don't really accomplish anything. I am so stressed constantly over all the many things that need to be done, I can't focus long enough on just ONE thing to actually finish it...and half the time I can't concentrate enough to even get started!
So I would love tips on how you manage your time, or examples of schedules that work for you (or that you are trying out and tweaking, like I will be for a while I'm sure!).
My husband and I often talk about creating schedules, cleaning schedules, meal schedules, scheduling "my" time, and "his" time. But never have we really stuck to one even if we halfway made one. I don't like rules, and I don't like restrictions. I don't like sticking to schedules because I like being flexible, if tonight is meatloaf night, and the neighbors are outside, I don't want to be stuck inside cooking while everyone else is outside visiting. So I really don't like the idea of a schedule in that way. But I am thinking that some kind of schedule is going to have to be made, and we can be flexible with it when necessary, but we also need to really try to stick to somewhat of a routine.
Right now as it is, I have so many projects I want to do, so much cleaning I need to do, etc....that when I have a some time I am so stretched in all directions, that I don't really accomplish anything. I am so stressed constantly over all the many things that need to be done, I can't focus long enough on just ONE thing to actually finish it...and half the time I can't concentrate enough to even get started!
So I would love tips on how you manage your time, or examples of schedules that work for you (or that you are trying out and tweaking, like I will be for a while I'm sure!).
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
C25K Drop Out
So I am a Couch to 5k drop out! I haven't jogged since August 18. It is just too hard right now to find a good time to go jogging.
So instead I found something that I really enjoy - ZUMBA! A neighbor introduced me to a place here that has hour long Zumba classes for $5 and childcare for $2/child! So it is affordable and fun! I have gone 3 times so far, and really look forward to going again. I hate working out, and this is a great way to work out, without it being about how long you jog or how many push ups you can do. Being in a class with others also helps me push harder and makes it so that I won't give up in the middle of a workout!
Other than that, I haven't really gotten very far with my organizing. I did get my office floor all picked up so that I can vacuum later (boys are napping right now). And a while back I started reorganizing my file system, so mainly I had to pick up a bunch of folders and papers that came out of my file cabinet that still needs to be gone through, so I have them all stacked on a shelf.
I really wish I could just take everything out of many rooms in my house and completely start over including building shelving, etc that fits my needs. But that is not possible right now, so it is kind of discouraging.
However my hubby got an offer for a new job! We are so excited but he won't be able to start until October 4th, because first he has to accept the offer letter and then wait on drug testing/background check. But at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel! He will have to leave at some point for at least a couple weeks for some training, but will be well worth it. It should be better insurance and will be a bit better income! Hopefully that will give us a little extra to do some house projects I want to do.
So instead I found something that I really enjoy - ZUMBA! A neighbor introduced me to a place here that has hour long Zumba classes for $5 and childcare for $2/child! So it is affordable and fun! I have gone 3 times so far, and really look forward to going again. I hate working out, and this is a great way to work out, without it being about how long you jog or how many push ups you can do. Being in a class with others also helps me push harder and makes it so that I won't give up in the middle of a workout!
Other than that, I haven't really gotten very far with my organizing. I did get my office floor all picked up so that I can vacuum later (boys are napping right now). And a while back I started reorganizing my file system, so mainly I had to pick up a bunch of folders and papers that came out of my file cabinet that still needs to be gone through, so I have them all stacked on a shelf.
I really wish I could just take everything out of many rooms in my house and completely start over including building shelving, etc that fits my needs. But that is not possible right now, so it is kind of discouraging.
However my hubby got an offer for a new job! We are so excited but he won't be able to start until October 4th, because first he has to accept the offer letter and then wait on drug testing/background check. But at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel! He will have to leave at some point for at least a couple weeks for some training, but will be well worth it. It should be better insurance and will be a bit better income! Hopefully that will give us a little extra to do some house projects I want to do.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Week 1 Update
Well I started the Couch to 5k last Monday. The first day was really hard I actually only managed to do the jog/walk alternating for the first 10 minutes and then walked most of the last 10 minutes with about a minute jog in the middle.
So I did W1D2 on Wednesday and did the whole 20 minutes. Was supposed to do it again Friday, but we went out to dinner and had big meals too late to go jogging at night on Friday and Saturday. So I did W1D3 on Sunday. Went the whole 20 minutes and got a faster pace, but still wasn't ready to move on to Week 2. So tonight I did what I am going to call W1D4. I haven't decided whether I will do another day of Week 1 or move onto Week 2.
I also have an update on DH's job situation. He did not get into the police academy. He applied today at another job where a friend of his works, and hoping to hear back something soon. It would not be nearly as big of increase in pay, but hopefully enough to take a little stress off of us.
As far as organizing goes, I haven't gotten a lot accomplished there, but I did get my first Christmas present made! I really hope to make all Christmas presents, and so I am starting early and hope that I don't have to do any last minute gifts this year!
So I did W1D2 on Wednesday and did the whole 20 minutes. Was supposed to do it again Friday, but we went out to dinner and had big meals too late to go jogging at night on Friday and Saturday. So I did W1D3 on Sunday. Went the whole 20 minutes and got a faster pace, but still wasn't ready to move on to Week 2. So tonight I did what I am going to call W1D4. I haven't decided whether I will do another day of Week 1 or move onto Week 2.
I also have an update on DH's job situation. He did not get into the police academy. He applied today at another job where a friend of his works, and hoping to hear back something soon. It would not be nearly as big of increase in pay, but hopefully enough to take a little stress off of us.
As far as organizing goes, I haven't gotten a lot accomplished there, but I did get my first Christmas present made! I really hope to make all Christmas presents, and so I am starting early and hope that I don't have to do any last minute gifts this year!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Couch to 5k
Ok, so part of this getting organized, also needs to be about time management, and about me getting in better shape in every way, not just getting my house in shape, but my body too.
I really wanted to be back at my pre-preg weight before getting pregnant again, and I still have 10 pounds to go. But what bothers me more than that, is the extra inches that are on my thighs/hips.
I just attempted to go swim suit shopping and it is AWFUL!
We are also planning to maybe try for baby number 2 in the winter, so I really need to get in better shape before that, so that I will be in good enough shape to try to keep from gaining 50lb like last time.
So I have decided to join Jolene's Couch to 5k challenge over on http://nthnbutmoonshine.blogspot.com/
I really hope I can stick with it, I am hoping my DH will do this with me, hoping maybe we can borrow our neighbors jogging stroller and see how it goes. If we like it, we may have to buy one.
I also got out my old pedometer today, because I want to try to start walking more and making sure I get in more steps. Today I am going to just kind of see what an average day is for me and then I will add to it for a daily goal.
Hopefully I will also start doing elliptical or my Jillian Michaels video on off days from running. But right now I am just going to try to start out slow with the walking and the couch to 5k program.
I really wanted to be back at my pre-preg weight before getting pregnant again, and I still have 10 pounds to go. But what bothers me more than that, is the extra inches that are on my thighs/hips.
I just attempted to go swim suit shopping and it is AWFUL!
We are also planning to maybe try for baby number 2 in the winter, so I really need to get in better shape before that, so that I will be in good enough shape to try to keep from gaining 50lb like last time.
So I have decided to join Jolene's Couch to 5k challenge over on http://nthnbutmoonshine.blogspot.com/
I really hope I can stick with it, I am hoping my DH will do this with me, hoping maybe we can borrow our neighbors jogging stroller and see how it goes. If we like it, we may have to buy one.
I also got out my old pedometer today, because I want to try to start walking more and making sure I get in more steps. Today I am going to just kind of see what an average day is for me and then I will add to it for a daily goal.
Hopefully I will also start doing elliptical or my Jillian Michaels video on off days from running. But right now I am just going to try to start out slow with the walking and the couch to 5k program.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Laundry Room Solution
I am finally back, and working on organizing. I am currently working on organizing my office/craft room, yet again. The February organizing obviously did not last very long.
But today I am going to share a solution for our small laundry room we did a while back, that has helped a lot. We have a very small laundry area that is basically a walk-through to our garage with a washer on one side and dryer on the other. They do have cabinets above each, but no where to put laundry. I always ended up with dirty dish rags and towels stacked on the washer or dryer while waiting to add up enough for a load.
So I found some wire baskets (the stackable kind you find in the pantry shelf isle at Walmart). They came in sets of 2. First I only bought one set, but liked it so much I had to search all over until I finally found another set for the other side.
So now I have hanging baskets underneath my cabinets. My sister liked the idea so much, she got some and hung them in her own laundry room!
Above my washer I have a baskets for dirty bibs, rags, towels, and one for my husbands work rags.
Above my dryer I have baskets for my son's clean bibs and one where I store my place mats, cloth napkins, and tablecloth.
First I tried to hang bibs inside a cabinet, but he has so many that they didn't really fit well on one hook, so I like this a lot better.
But today I am going to share a solution for our small laundry room we did a while back, that has helped a lot. We have a very small laundry area that is basically a walk-through to our garage with a washer on one side and dryer on the other. They do have cabinets above each, but no where to put laundry. I always ended up with dirty dish rags and towels stacked on the washer or dryer while waiting to add up enough for a load.
So I found some wire baskets (the stackable kind you find in the pantry shelf isle at Walmart). They came in sets of 2. First I only bought one set, but liked it so much I had to search all over until I finally found another set for the other side.
So now I have hanging baskets underneath my cabinets. My sister liked the idea so much, she got some and hung them in her own laundry room!
Above my washer I have a baskets for dirty bibs, rags, towels, and one for my husbands work rags.
Above my dryer I have baskets for my son's clean bibs and one where I store my place mats, cloth napkins, and tablecloth.
First I tried to hang bibs inside a cabinet, but he has so many that they didn't really fit well on one hook, so I like this a lot better.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Half a year almost gone...
I can't believe it is almost the halfway mark for 2010, and I am not even close to being halfway organized.
I am working a little each day though boxing up things for the garage sale and sending them on over to my sister's house where we will be having the sale. It is at least making me feel somewhat productive.
My husband takes his entrance exams on Saturday for the Police Academy! I am so nervous and anxious, and I hate wishing the summer away, but I NEED to know if he gets accepted. At least Saturday we will know if he even has a chance at getting in. If he passes the tests I think I will be able to take a short breath before holding it in again while we wait for background checks and interviews and such to be done.
In the meantime I became a ChaCha guide to try to make a little extra cash. I got to start yesterday and I have only earned $7. It is a bit disappointing with the amount of time I have spent answering questions. I don't expect to get rich, but I would like to make more than $2 an hour. I really would like to earn some extra money sewing, or even baking, but I don't think that is going to happen. With as little money as I am making on ChaCha, I feel like I should be cleaning or organizing instead, but now that I started I feel like I at least need to make enough to make it worth cashing out, they charge $2 for the "pay me now" option and in order to get a "monthly" payment you have to have made at least $100!
I don't currently have any organizing pictures; however, I will share the cake I made for my son's 1st birthday:
I am working a little each day though boxing up things for the garage sale and sending them on over to my sister's house where we will be having the sale. It is at least making me feel somewhat productive.
My husband takes his entrance exams on Saturday for the Police Academy! I am so nervous and anxious, and I hate wishing the summer away, but I NEED to know if he gets accepted. At least Saturday we will know if he even has a chance at getting in. If he passes the tests I think I will be able to take a short breath before holding it in again while we wait for background checks and interviews and such to be done.
In the meantime I became a ChaCha guide to try to make a little extra cash. I got to start yesterday and I have only earned $7. It is a bit disappointing with the amount of time I have spent answering questions. I don't expect to get rich, but I would like to make more than $2 an hour. I really would like to earn some extra money sewing, or even baking, but I don't think that is going to happen. With as little money as I am making on ChaCha, I feel like I should be cleaning or organizing instead, but now that I started I feel like I at least need to make enough to make it worth cashing out, they charge $2 for the "pay me now" option and in order to get a "monthly" payment you have to have made at least $100!
I don't currently have any organizing pictures; however, I will share the cake I made for my son's 1st birthday:
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