Self: Reach Your Goal! (Run 3 Miles With Ease)

Well, I am going to try to start exercising again. I am still doing pretty well with the writing out by the minute what needs to get done. I feel tired at the end of the day, but I feel good about what I have gotten done. Today's list is:

5:30 - 6:00 (Shower and dress, let hair dry on own)
6:00 - 7 (Clean kitchen) Wake up family
7 - 7:30 Make bed/ change out sheets and towels
7:30 - 8 (make pancakes with Elena and eat)
8 - 8:30 Laundry
8:30 - 9:30 Clean living room
9:30 - 10 Clean Kitchen
10 - 1:30 Play and eat lunch
1:30 - 2 Put Elena down for nap
2 - 3 Website work
3-4 Work on pictures
4 - 4:30 dinner prep
4:30 - 5 House Rescue
5 - 5:30 Eat dinner
5:30 - 6 Get Ready for Ballet (Elena's)
6 - 8 Ballet (includes driving time)
8 - 8:30 Play
8:30 - 9 Put Elena to bed
9 - 10 Watch TV (Includes Computer time)
10 - Shower, wash face, brush teeth, prep for tomorrow, read

Where am I going to fit in exercise? I am working my way up to getting up at 5 and then 4:30. 4:30 is a very doable get up time for me.

I am going to try Self Magazines, www.self.com, Run 3 miles with Ease program. I think this is funny because, I don't think I could run 3 miles in High School when I was trying to run track. I tell people that my Junior year in High School I decided to try running for our track team, but I only ended up jogging it. I will try to fit in the first 23 minute session tomorrow.

Check out www.self.com for one of their many Reach Your Goal! challenges.

Getting Things Done & Being Realistic

If you are like me, you have a huge list of things you want to get done and then are discouraged when you find few if any get checked off. You feel tired from all the work you did but don't feel like you have anything to show for it.

I have decided to do something that I used to do back in College and at work when I was feeling overwhelmed. I have decided to start planning out my day by the minute. I often find there isn't enough time in the day to do it all. This helps me be realistic in what I can get done, thus I feel less discouraged when I get into bed. Here is today's list for example:

• 5:30 - 6:30 Get up, shower, Dress (I actually didn't make it out of bed until 5:45 but was able to make myself presentable)
• 6:30 - 7 Check Email, Weather, calendar, wake family
• 7 - 8 Breakfast and Laundry
• 8 - 9 Clean Bathrooms
• 9 - 10:30 Play and get daughter ready for day
• 10:30 - 11 Drive to Storytime (I was able to pick up gas for 3.61 a gallon on the way)
• 11-12 Storytime
• 12 - 12:30 CVS run and drive home
• 12:30 - 1:30 Eat and play (lost electricity, daughter not hungry for lunch)
• 1:30 - 2 Put Elena down for nap
• 2 - 3 Work on Websites
• 3 -4 Pay bills / Ebay
• 4 - 4:30 Pre dinner prep
• 4:30 - 5 House rescue
• 5 - 6:30 Cook and eat dinner
• 6:30 -7 Clean Kitchen
• 7 - 7:30 Laundry
• 7:30 - 8:30 Play
• 8:30 - 9 Put Elena to bed
• 9 - 10 Watch TV (computer time too)
• 10 - Shower, Write out tomorrow's tasks, Read, Bed

So far I can stay pretty much on task. Everything takes longer than it would without a child running around. But, that only makes things more interesting!

Here are a couple of tips from Women's Day Magazine that I liked. http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Shelter/Lifestyle-Tip-Time-Management.html

Pampering Yourself (Do you?)

One of FlyLady's rules of thumb is to Pamper Yourself at least once a week. Before I became a mom I was pretty good at doing this. I would try to take a bath every Sunday evening. Well, now that I am a mom, things like that, or even things that I didn't really consider pampering myself don't get done.

Example, the last time I got my hair cut (by someone other than myself) was July '07. Yes! What is that 14 months! I do have long hair, and never really got it cut that often before. But, now I would consider that trip to the salon a great pamper.

I need to find time, or rather make time, to pamper myself a little bit. On a rare occasion I actually take an evening shower by candle light. I need to start doing that more often and take a bath on the rare occasion.

Why do we need to make time for such things? Well, Sunday evening a big wind storm came through Ohio. (I live in Ohio) We had damage to our house and to my daughters swing set, which blew over. We like many in the state (I heard 2 million at one point) lost our power. We are lucky that we were only without power for about 7 to 8 hours. Most people I know are over 48 hours and counting now. But, without power, I couldn't wash dishes or laundry, iron, vacuum, or cook. These are things I had planned to do. After getting my daughter to bed, I sat in bed with my husband, who was watching a hand held, battery powered, TV and knitted by oil lamp. We both curled up and slept at 9:30.

I felt great on Monday. Having taken that break I had more energy to get things done on Monday. I got so much done during the day. Now, I am planning, hoping, praying, that I make the time in the future to pamper myself. I hope this isn't another one of those brilliant plans that don't happen because I convince myself that I don't have the time.

What do you do, or wish you made time for, to pamper yourself?

How did I spend my morning

I am trying to save some fresh fruits and veggies from making their way to the trash. I have great neighbors that have gardens. They have been dropping off tomatoes and bell peppers. I hadn't gotten to all of them yet and I don't want them to go bad. So, I cut up the peppers and sauteed them and put them in the freezer. I then cooked up the tomatoes and put them in the freezer to make sauces later. I wanted to make some banana bread with the three bananas that are too ripe. But, that didn't happen.

Morning has come a gone now. My parents came over for a visit so we played and had lunch. Then when my daughter was napping I did some more pricing for the garage sale.

We have plans for the evening with friends. It should be fun. I kind of wish I had some more time to work on things around the house. Tomorrow is a busy day so I can't get anything done then. I guess you can only do as much as you can.

All Over The Place

Right now I feel all over the place. There are so many little things I want to get done that I can't keep my mind wrapped around one to even start it.

I did go grocery shopping while my daughter was at school. Tada for Saturday. But, I want to move it to Thursday since I am without child during that time and Saturdays are going to start getting busy.

I recently read you will be more productive if you get two little things done quickly before tackling any bigger jobs. The act of getting them done, and that sense of accomplishment helps motivate you to get more done. That makes sense to me. So I am going to find my daughters monitor, she is napping, and clean her bathroom before tackling the kitchen.

I will let you know how it goes.

Memories and Garage Sale Pricing

I just finished pricing two more large bags of clothes for our garage sale. Yeah! Still so much more to do.

I got a little sad while pricing this morning. The clothes are so small, just like my baby girl used to be. Now when shopping for new clothes for Elena I pick out clothes that are too small. When I hold up the clothes that are the right size I can't believe how big they are. I know she has gotten so big. And I know that my just turned 3 year old is still small. But, she is growing so quickly.

I have never been one to look towards the past and miss it. I generally spend most of my time looking towards the future and the fun to be had. Becoming a mom seems to have changed that. I don't miss a day of being a single woman out on my own. Or a day of my fun college or high school years. I don't miss the care free days of my youth. But, I am going to miss helping my daughter with every single thing that she can now do on her own. And every year that passes of her youth. But, I still have the ability to look towards the future and see many great years of learning and teaching, in both of our lives, together.

Who knew that garage sale prep could bring a girl to tears?

Bill Paying TaDa

I just got done paying my bills. I try to do this every Wednesday. Yeah, only one bill to pay this week and it was just a water bill.

Have you noticed that some credit card companies are getting their bills to you just in time for you to pay them. We basically use two cards in our home, Discover and one Visa. Luckily, we have always been in the habit of paying off the whole balance every month. (If you find this habit hard to do, I highly suggest not using credit cards.) Our Discover card bill comes about 3 weeks before it is due. This is great. If I get to the bill on Friday instead of Wednesday, not a big deal.

Our Visa bill on the other hand generally gives us less than 2 weeks to pay. That means that if it comes on a Thursday I might have to get on my electronic bill payer (through my bank) by Tuesday to give it the 5 business days to get the bill there in time to not get hit by late and interest fees. I think that is crazy.

Four ways I know to combat what I consider to be an unethical practice of some credit card companies are:

1. Set up an automatic payment of an average credit card amount through your electronic bill payer. This way you just have to go in and change the amount when the bill comes. And, if something comes up in the short time they give you to pay the bill at least they got some money.
2. Keep track of your purchases and when the credit card bill is generally due and send the amount due. (I use http://www.mint.com/ to keep track of my spending. It is super easy to use.)
3. Call or get online to check your credit card amount and send when due.
4. Cancel the card. I would make sure that you explain why you are canceling. The only way to curb this practice is to hurt the company where it matters, their business. (Note: I recently learned from Clark Howard that you can hurt your credit score by cancelling credit cards. Can you believe that? I need to check into that more, but keep that in mind before canceling any cards.)

Do your credit card companies send their bills to you in what you would consider at timely manner? Let me know.

Crayola.com

I just recently learned that at the Crayola website www.crayola.com you can print free coloring pages. Since yesterday I have printed two different pages. One is to help my daughter learn her letters with her preschool class. Tomorrow they are going over the letter A. My daughter knows the letter A already. But, to help reinforce the learning I went out to the website and printed out a coloring page.

The website has many other fun things to check out. Go to www.crayola.com to see what you can find.

Productive Preschool Time

I had two hours to myself in my home while my daughter was in preschool today. I am working on getting ready for a well over due garage sale. It was great. Although, the house was still a wreck when it was time to go pick up my daughter. I had decided not to pick up and just continue when my daughter went down for a nap. The only problem, my daughter would not go down for her nap.

I am thinking that I am going to need to revamp my routines now that school has started. I have been having productive days but they haven't been going to plan. I am going to worry about that later.

Mondays (A fresh start)

When I was a 9 to 5 worker (actually 7:30 to 5:30 worker) I used to dread Mondays. It meant back to the grind of my desk job. It isn't that I didn't like my job. It is just that I liked the weekends that much better.

Now that I am a stay at home Mom, I enjoy Mondays. With everyday being a work day now, or none work day depending on your perspective, Mondays feel like a chance to start fresh. I almost feel like it is a new year. January 1 and a chance to start a whole new year without the baggage of the last one. Of course, it is all in my mind. This week is impacted by the last one. But, it feels good to get that fresh start.

Today, I go to my Mom's Group. It has been out for the summer. I am looking forward to a chance to sit with other Mom's and just be. My daughter will, hopefully, enjoy the time too. She will be in a room with many toys and children to play with. (Although, her friend Ava will be in school and I am sure will be missed by Elena.)

The load of laundry I put in this morning just beeped. Time to move it to the drier. Today is off to a good start!

Action Scrubber - Scrubbing Bubbles Review

I bought one of these Action Scrubbers from Scrubbing Bubbles last month. There was a coupon in the newspaper for a rebate that covered the cost of a starters kit. I also had a coupon so I made a little money trying out this product.

I have made it a habit to scrub the shower at the end of my own shower in the morning. I scrub one wall each time, moving around the shower and then the floor. I find that the shower wets the walls and steams them up to make it easier to clean. So, for the 4 or 5 last showers I have been using this product.

What do I think of it? I was not impressed. While I agree that it likely cleans better than a sponge, as it does have an abrasive surface, I disliked the Action Scrubber.

Things I disliked about the Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber:

• It is a throw away item. (I find it very wasteful that it is a one time use item.)
• There didn't seem to be much cleaning product in the scrubber. (While the picture shows what looks like bubbles doing cleaning, I didn't have any bubbles.)
• I wasn't impressed with the sponge that held the scrubber. (While it was easy on my hand, it felt like it was absorbing all of my elbow grease. It didn't have enough structure to it to actually transfer the pressure I was placing to scrub to the surface I wanted to scrub.)

Things I liked about the Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber:

• It was nice not to have to take a scrub brush and bottle of bathroom cleaner into the shower. (I just wish it would have worked as well.)

If you have used the Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber please leave a comment and let me and others know what you think of it.

Friday TaDa 8/29/08

I felt very good today, and had the energy to show for it. I am hopefully not done with all I am going to get done but I am going to post what I have gotten done so far today.

-Made bed
-dressed shoes
-1 load of laundry (washed, dried, put away)
-1 load of dishes in dishwasher (washed, put away)
-cleaned bedroom (dusted, cleaned mirrors, vacuumed)
-cleaned dining room (dusted, vacuumed)
-cleaned living room (put away toys, dusted, washed little finger prints off windows and TV, vacuumed out couch and love seat, vacuumed carpet)
-made dinner
-changed out belt in vacuum
-posted about Elena and Christmas in personal blog

My husband rented some videos from our library. I hope that I can get some ironing done while we watch movies. I had him pick up the Disney movie "Enchanted" for me. I have a feeling he won't be interested in it, but that is the one that I really want to watch.

I also need to post a menu and shopping list at my other blog www.carriescooking.com. It would be good if I could work up my own shopping list too. Saturday I normally run my errands. My husband wants to do some mowing and we are having visitors tomorrow.

My brother and his wife should be stopping over for lunch. They live in the state but not close. They are going to be in the area so I invited them to stop over and promised them food. My husband is also having some friends over to watch a football game.

We love having people over so it will be a fun time.

Changed the Belt in My Vacuum Today

I have been noticing that the brush on my vacuum wasn't turning like it used to. So, I got out the extra belt that came with my vacuum and the manual and changed it out. It was very easy. So easy that my daughter, who just turned 3, did half of the work for me. (She used my screw driver to remove and replace all of the necessary screws.)

Wow, what a difference it makes. I have vague memories of reading how often the belt should be changed for my vacuum. I can't remember if it said every 6 or 12 months. (The manual doesn't say.) I know it has been about a year.

If you haven't changed the belt to your vacuum's brush roll in some time you should check the quality of the belt, or the rotation of the brush roll. According to my manual the belt is only about $3 to order and it was very easy to change.

Where Have I Been

Ugh! I wish I could explain it all. I feel like I am drowning in things to get done. And on top of it all I have this stomach bug that just won't stay gone. I think I need to scrub down the house or something to keep it gone. I thought after this past weekend, feeling good, I was fine. Then I wake up Monday night feeling bad and spent Tuesday eating nothing but two slices of bread and that was late in the day.

Of course, yesterday I had to play supermom and run errands like I had planned. I end up with my daughter just finished having her hair cut and me feeling over heated and ready to pass out at the salon. I had to call my husband to come from work to get us. Luckily I didn't pass out. I just ran to the bathroom where my stomach rejected the maybe 8 ounces of water I had that day. (Sorry for being so graphic.) I felt much better after that. I drove my husbands car home and he drove our daughter home. He worked from home the remainder of the day.

I am feeling better today. Of course, I am nervous to eat anything. After days like yesterday I wish I could swear off food all together. It is never very long before my body reminds me that it is not possible. But, I think I will limit my food to bread, chicken noodle soup, and maybe a banana.

Surprisingly, I feel like I have the energy needed to take on a day with a long list of things to get done. I will let you know how it goes.

Thursday ToDo Routine

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Clean out refrigerator
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

I Slept

What did I do yesterday? I slept. Well, I have a long list of things I did get done. But, I was so tired. I am still fighting some stomach bug. Yesterday I felt so drained. I had a dentist appointment and almost fell asleep while the dentist was drilling in my mouth. Now, that is tired. (the dentist told me it wouldn't be the first time it happened) When I got home from the dentist my mom, who was watching my daughter for me, helped me put my daughter to bed. Then she left to let me rest. I slept for the 2 hours that my daughter slept.

After cooking dinner, eating and getting my daughter to realize that Mommy needed to rest, my husband took on full Daddy duties. I helped put my daughter to bed and was back in bed by a little after nine. I woke up at a quarter to seven to wake my husband up and slept for another 20 minutes. I feel better today. (Still think I have a little bit of a stomach bug) I am moving slower than I wish I was but it is time to get some things done.

Wednesday ToDo Routine

ToDo (Wednesday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Floors
Put Laundry away
Pay Bills
Ebay work
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Tuesday Tada 8/19/08

I am feeling much better today. I haven't gotten back to full speed but I think I am getting there.

8:00 - dishes out of dishwasher, dishwasher running with new dishes, made blueberry muffins
play with daughter
8:10 - Laundry in wash
8:12 - watered potted plants
8:22 - bill paid and in mail
8:29 - bed made
9:06 - showered, dressed, laundry in drier
9:15 - dishes out of dishwasher, empty trash
9:24 - dishes in dishwasher, finally caught up from party
9:27 - shined sink
9:37 - rinsed out doll my mother made me and put in laundry to wash so daughter can play with her
9:41 - additional laundry to wash for gentle cycle
9:44 - laundry out of drier
play with daughter
11:55 - ate lunch, laundry out of drier, laundry into drier
11:59 - laundry out of drier
play with daughter

Tuesday ToDo Routine

ToDo (Tuesday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Monday TaDa 8/18/08

I am having a very slow start to my day as I am not feeling well. It was a very long weekend. Saturday we had a birthday party for my daughter who just turned 3. There was the party, getting ready for the party and cleaning up after the party. Then on Sunday we took an extended Kings Island trip. Many family members were at the park so we stayed longer than we normally do. So, I am tired (sore) and I didn't sleep well because of an upset stomach. I have eaten a banana, which naturally settles a stomach, and got some water down and am feeling a little better.


9:21 posted Monday routine
9:23 clipped coupons and put them away
9:28 organized ads for shopping trips
play with daughter
9:52 dishes out of dishwasher
9:59 Called mom about babysitting on Wednesday and about Elena's Clothes for hand me downs
10:27 Dishes in dishwasher
10:37 Put away bags from Kings Island yesterday
10:43 Laundry in wash
10:46 watered container plants
11:05 Changed out sheets and towels, made beds
play with daughter
11:28 take aspirin for migraine
11:33 laundry in drier, new load in wash
play with daughter, window markers
11:55 washed windows in living room (ones we were playing with) was going to wash anyway
picnic outside and playing with new sandbox
1:37 put daughter down for nap (a little early but, I want to get to where she gets up at 7 for school)
1:44 Laundry out of drier
rested, headache gone, stomach still Topsy turvy
3:54 Laundry out of drier, laundry into drier
4:08 Cleared balloons from party
4:13 Swish and Swipe 1/2 bath
4:38 was cleaning living room, daughter woke up from nap wet, doing another load of laundry
reading to daughter (new book she got for her birthday)
5:40 dinner cooking, dishwasher running, laundry out of drier
6:15 Dinner eaten, laundry in drier
6:21 Thank you written
6:43 More thank you's written
6:48 Clothes out of drier
6:58 Put clothes away, put up daughters room
7:03 Laundry out of drier
rested, headache gone, stomach still has issues
8:19 put laundry away
8:23 Another Thank you done
play with daughter
9:15 Put daughter to bed, put leftovers away

My family is so tired tonight, me included. I am about ready to go to bed. See you tomorrow.

Friday TaDa 8/15/08

8:23 Laundry out of dryer
8:24 Laundry into Dryer
8:30 Dishes in dishwasher
8:34 Shine Sink
8:34 Heading out to play with daughter in new sandbox (birthday present from yesterday)
8:51 Finally eating breakfast (daughter is at least)
9:05 Both ate breakfast, Daughter back outside eating pretend Ice Cream, I'm cleaning up kitchen
Played with daughter in basement
9:46 Laundry out of dryer
9:53 Made bed
10:04 Put laundry away
10:05 Laundry out of dryer
10:18 Dough for bread in mixer
10:23 Empty Trash
10:29 Cut up apple for daughter's snack
10:35 Hand kneaded dough and put out to rise
10:39 cleaned up kitchen going to eat apple with daughter
10:48 Dishes out of dishwasher
10:52 Dishes in dishwasher
play with daughter in sandbox
11:27 Check on dough for bread
play with daughter
11:58 pulled chicken from freezer to defrost
12:02 punched dough and put in pan for baking, set out to rise
12:04 cleaned kitchen, put dishes in dishwasher
12:15 Eating lunch with daughter
12:31 Plunged toilet that was stopped up
12:38 Swish and swipe half bath
12:40 Clean kitchen, put dishes in dishwasher
12:49 Bread in oven to bake
1:10 Bread out of oven
1:11 Pictures matted, framed, and hung (2 done, 1 more to do)
going to play with daughter outside
2:23 Put Daughter down for nap
2:23 Decluttering Laundry Room (Crisis Cleaning)
2:58 Cleaning laundry Room (Crisis Cleaning)
3:25 Put laundry in wash
3:25 Laundry room ready for tomorrow's Party

computer issues

8:17 Put dishes in dishwasher

8:18 Daughter before bed snack

9:12 Daughter put to bed

11:10 Completed a ton of ironing, and watched I Am Legend with husband (actually liked movie better than the book)

My back is sore from standing and ironing for so long. I am going to go to bed and try to get an early start for tomorrow.

Working on Format

I am still working on my format for this website. I didn't like how the ToDo's are so repetitive. So, I am working on putting all of the ToDo's in a format so they will always be visible and you will just get commentary and my TaDa's. I hope you find it as helpful as I do.

Friday ToDo Routine

This is my weekly Friday ToDo Routine:

ToDo (Friday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast (Take vitamins)
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Eat Lunch
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Monday ToDo 8/11/08

I am trying out some new formats. I have my running todo list over to the side now. I am trying to work through a way I can do the same for my daily todo in a clean format. If you have any comments or suggestions please let me know.

Todo (Monday Routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed (Change out sheets and towels)
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Living room
Eat Lunch
Put Laundry away
Download Pictures from camera
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

ToD0 (Errands)
Library

Thursday ToDo 8/7/08

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Clean out refrigerator
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Blog about washing windows and mirrors with newspaper
Get tape off porch
Pick group outing (Elena's b-day?)
Fill out forms for Preschool
Make doctors appointment to fill out preschool form (can it be faxed in?)
Make apt. for Elena's Hair Cut
Talk to Ted about getting a credit freeze, Clark Howard Suggestion
Sign up for Moms www.southbrook.org
Get with Bertie about Relay Gift
Call Homeland Security about Birth Certs and Marriage License return
Blog about Uncle Nathan & Aunt Trish
Blog about Mom & Dad
Get with girls to crochet
Buy Sand, birthday hat, candles
Call DirecTV about Bill (Dispute resolution Specialist Bill 1-800-531-5000
Call Discover to dispute bill?

Todo (Errands)

Tuesday Tada 8/5/08

TaDa (Tuesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash (1 load)
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer (1 load)
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away (1 load)
Iron (19 pieces of clothing!!! agh!)

Tada (Running)

Tada (Errands)
Elena's Pictures Taken
National Night Out Event

Daughter's 3-Year Old Pictures

I just got home from getting my daughters 3-year old pictures taken. A photo studio close to my home call Portrait Innovations is have a deal right now for one pose for 9.95. It includes:

1 - 10 x 13
2 - 8 x 10
4 - 5 x 7
4 - 3 x 5
32 - wallets
6 - portrait cards

I was very excited when I saw this ad in the paper because a couple of my girl friends had Christmas pictures taken here and I loved them.

I knew going in that they make their money selling up once you see the pictures. But, I made up my mind before I called that this was all I was going to get, as it is more than we really even needed. I gave them the impression before I even saw the pictures that I was only looking for their special package.

Then I saw the pictures. I didn't show them any wavering in my resolve to just get the special package but inside I was running numbers in my head. I really wanted to get more than one pose, but I didn't need them. The person that took my daughters pictures ran through her sales pitch and when I said that I only wanted the special package she didn't pressure me at all. What a relief. I hate pressure sales.

I got my pictures before I left the studio with a smile on my face. Based on that experience I might be back at Christmas. They may make their money on us then...

Monday TaDa 8/4/08

TaDa (Monday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Put Laundry in wash (3 loads)
Make Bed (Change out sheets and towels)
Put Laundry in Dryer (3 loads)
Eat Lunch
Put Laundry away (3 loads)
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash

Tada (Running)
Fill out financial form
Order Sandbox online
Work out weekly lunch schedule and post to http://www.carriescooking.com/

Tada (Errands)
Library
CSS
Target
Dollar Store
Elena's Bank

Monday ToDo 8/4/08

ToDo (Monday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed (Change out sheets and towels)
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Living room
Eat Lunch
Put Laundry away
Download Pictures from camera
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Work out weekly lunch schedule and post to www.carriescooking.com
Blog about washing windows and mirrors with newspaper
Get tape off porch
Pick group outing (Elena's b-day?)
Fill out forms for Preschool
Make doctors appointment to fill out preschool form (can it be faxed in?)
Make apt. for Elena's Hair Cut
Talk to Ted about getting a credit freeze, Clark Howard Suggestion
Sign up for Moms www.southbrook.org
Get with Bertie about Relay Gift

Todo (Errands)
Bank
Library
CSS
Target
Victoria Secrets
Dollar Store
Elena's Bank

Saturday ToDo 8/2/08

How is it that before I go to bed I can feel like I got so much during the day and the next day I can feel like I didn't get enough done? I guess it depends on how you look at things. When I look at how much I got done and the general well being of the house I feel good. But, when I look at how much still needs to get done I feel like I should have done more.

I was thinking yesterday how everyday is made up of 24 hours. Everyone has the same number, time is equal to us all. Sometimes during those 24 hours I can get so much done and other days not. What is the difference? I am sure some of it has to do with things that are not within my control. However, I think most of it has to do with me. So, I am going to try to make this day productive.

ToDo (Saturday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen and Foyer Floors
Put Laundry away
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Work out weekly lunch schedule and post to www.carriescooking.com
Blog about washing windows and mirrors with newspaper
Get tape off porch
Pick group outing (Elena's b-day?)
Fill out forms for Preschool
Make doctors appointment to fill out preschool form (can it be faxed in?)
Make apt. for Elena's Hair Cut
Talk to Ted about getting a credit freeze, Clark Howard Suggestion
Sign up for Moms www.southbrook.org
Get with Bertie about Relay Gift

Todo (Errands)
Grocery shopping
Walgreens
CVS
Visit Uncle Nathan and Aunt Trish

Friday TaDa 8/1/08

TaDa (Friday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast (Take vitamins)
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Eat Lunch
Eat Dinner

Tada (Running)
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Clean out Coupons
Water flowers

Tada (Errands)
Kings Island

Friday ToDo 8/1/08

I can't believe it is finally August. What do I mean by that? Well, so much for my family happens in August that I have been living in August for most of July. Not that it didn't get here before I knew it anyway. I can't believe in a month my daughter will be in school. Wow! And the thing that is really weighing on me right now is that in two weeks I will be having my daughters birthday party. There is so much I want to get done before that! I am taking deep breaths because I just got sick to my stomach thinking about it. Well, the best thing to do is something. Anything, action is my cure for this sick stomach. So, now I will start my day.

ToDo (Friday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast (Take vitamins)
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Eat Lunch
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Work out weekly lunch schedule and post to www.carriescooking.com
Blog about washing windows and mirrors with newspaper
Get tape off porch
Pick group outing (Elena's b-day?)
Fill out forms for Preschool
Make doctors appointment to fill out preschool form (can it be faxed in?)
Make apt. for Elena's Hair Cut
Clean out Coupons
Water flowers
Talk to Ted about getting a credit freeze, Clark Howard Suggestion

Todo (Errands)

Thursday TaDa 7/31/08

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Make Bed

Todo (Running)
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Make Elena a calendar
Fill out forms for Preschool

Thursday (Errands)
Chucky Cheese

Thursday ToDo 7/31/08

Where have I been? If it wasn't for this blog I probably would be in another funk and wouldn't get back on the wagon and get stuff done. I would look for another way to organize myself. At the least I obviously needed a break, and my computer was in the office instead of the kitchen. I get much more work done when I can keep my computer in the kitchen. But, sometimes my computer works better when connected to the land line in the office. (Likely just an excuse for being lazy.)

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Clean out refrigerator
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Get back with mommysnacks.blogspot.com about diamond award
Work out weekly lunch schedule and post to www.carriescooking.com
Blog about washing windows and mirrors with newspaper
Get tape off porch
Pick group outing (Elena's b-day?)
Fill out forms for Preschool
Make doctors appointment to fill out preschool form (can it be faxed in?)

Thursday (Errands)
Chucky Cheese

Big Job of The Week

When I look back at last weeks Big Job of The Week (here) I don't see the mess that I saw in my head. I knew it was a pretty small big job, but I don't see much difference in these new pictures of the completed task. It made me wonder if I was looking at my home objectively or not. Maybe things aren't as bad as I think some times. Here are the completed task pictures.

Now, remember how I said the last before picture didn't seem so bad. Well, this weeks Big Task looks even worse in person too. At least, I think so. This is the current guest room, that has become the dumping ground of things that my daughter has out grown. And, I hope before the end of the year the room my little boy will be sleeping in. As you can see by the following pictures it is truly a big task. Most of it is going to be in a garage sale that I need to plan.

I hope to get most of it done today since my daughter is gone for the day. I will try to let you know how today went before I hit the sack for the night.

Tuesday Todo 7/29/08

ToDo (Tuesday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Get back with mommysnacks.blogspot.com about diamond award
Work out weekly lunch schedule and post to www.carriescooking.com
Blog about washing windows and mirrors with newspaper
Get tape off porch
Pick group outing (Elena's b-day?)
Pack for sleepover

ToDo (Errands)
Drop daughter off at parents for sleepover

I am posting this late because today is a big day. I dropped my daughter off to my parents for her first sleep over. I almost cried when I left. I am sure she will have a great time. I am hoping to get a lot of work done at home. Those items in italics are already done. I plan to spend the majority of today on my big job of the week that I will post shortly.

Monday ToDo 7/28/08

ToDo (Monday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed (Change out sheets and towels)
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Living room
Eat Lunch
Put Laundry away
Download Pictures from camera
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Spray for Ants
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Get back with mommysnacks.blogspot.com about diamond award
Work out weekly lunch schedule and post to www.carriescooking.com
Blog about washing windows and mirrors with newspaper
Get tape off porch
Pick group outing (Elena's b-day?)
Call Grammie and Papa about sleepover
pack for sleepover

ToDo (Errands)

I took two things off my running list and added six. No wonder I feel like I am always behind. My daughter is at my side asking me to play so it is time to play. Hopefully, my mind will be on playing and not the list of things I want to get done.

Sunday TaDa 7/27/08

TaDa (Sunday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Make Bed

Tada (Running)
paint porch
catch up ironing

TaDa (Errands)
Church

Well, I don't feel good about getting a lot done. But, I do feel good about the fact that the porch is done. Also, I feel good about getting all caught up on my laundry. However, my house is far from a peaceful place right now. I will work on that tomorrow I guess.

Sunday ToDo 7/27/08

ToDo (Sunday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Update Price Book
Eat Breakfast
Make Bed
Vacuum Steps
Make Blueberry Muffins
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Take a Bath
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Spray for Ants
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Get back with mommysnacks.blogspot.com about diamond award

ToDo (Errands)
Church

Yesterday was a crazy day for me. I didn't get up as early as I like and when I did I worked on getting a grocery list together and paid bills. Then when I was ready to go shopping my husband let me know that he was planning on doing some work outside our home. So, he left and I stayed home. I played with my daughter. Then when he got home I rushed out to get my errands done. Then it was time to go out with friends and their kids for a fun outing. 10 adults and 13 kids! We invaded a small pizza place afterward. My daughter sat at the kids table while my husband and I sat at the adult table. I had to visit the kids table often. When we got home we put my daughter to bed, early but she didn't have a nap. I went to bed and read. I was asleep around 9.

Today is a new day and I hope it to be more productive. I have already dressed and taken the dishes out of the dishwasher. I want to put more dishes in and get packed for church.

Friday TaDa 7/25/08

ToDo (Friday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast (Take vitamins)
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Eat Lunch
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face


Todo (Running)
Big Job of the week

Instead of doing work this evening I watched a bad movie with my husband. I hope to get some catching up done tomorrow. I think I will be able to get up early tomorrow. I am going to bed to read now.

Friday ToDo 7/25/08

ToDo (Friday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast (Take vitamins)
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Eat Lunch
Eat Dinner
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Spray for Ants
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Get back with mommysnacks.blogspot.com about diamond award
Pay bills

ToDo (Errands)

I didn't get as much done as I hoped yesterday. But, this morning when I woke up and couldn't get myself out of bed I realized something. I realized that there wasn't a day this week that I really had time to get anything done after dinner. I guess that has really thrown me off.

I have decided to forgo our normal Kings Island day today and just stay home. I will try to catch up and still hope to find enough time for my daughter to have some fun.

Thursday TaDa 7/24/08

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast (take vitamins)
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Put Laundry away
Iron

Todo (Running)
Have Elena wrap Papa's b-day present

ToDo (Errands)
Molly's Play

Thursday ToDo 7/24/08

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Clean out refrigerator
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Spray for Ants
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Order Sandbox online
Have Elena sing Happy Birthday to Kim
Have Elena wrap Papa's b-day present
Get back with mommysnacks.blogspot.com about diamond award
Pay bills

ToDo (Errands)
Molly's Play

Today is my dad's birthday. My parents are coming to visit today. We will see how much I get done today. Sometimes having someone over means getting more done. Sometimes it means getting less done. Regardless, it is always good to have visitors. (Especially, when the house is reasonably picked up.)

Wednesday TaDa 7/23/08

TaDa (Wednesday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Put Laundry away

Tada (Running)
catch up ironing
Post Menu planning series so it is easier to find
Make dad a b-day cake

TaDa (Errands)
Storytime

I knew today was going to be a tough day when it came to getting things done. I was tired. (am tired) I made time to exercise. Not like me to exercise rather than do something cleaning like. But, I knew that working out would help with my soreness and hopefully give me some energy. It did help with soreness, as for energy, maybe it helped.

My husband got home a little early from work, but when up to the office shortly after getting home to take a conference call. Then he went out to mow the lawn. So, any reprieve from watching our daughter didn't happen. I was hoping that I could get some things done when he got home.

I ended up abandoning any hope of getting anything done while she was awake and played with her as another 2 or 3 year old would have. I climbed up to the fort and went down the slide. Swung on the swing next to her. And went running and diving into a tent that I sent out that afternoon for us to play in. Then we got out the sidewalk chalk and colored the driveway. When it got to be about 8 we went inside. I was able to get a little ironing done while she watched a little TV. I guess a little mess is worth time well spent with your child. I wouldn't change it for anything!

Wednesday ToDo 7/23/08

ToDo (Wednesday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Floors
Put Laundry away
Pay Bills
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Download google docs offline
Call about homestudy
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Spray for Ants
Post Menu planning series so it is easier to find
Big Job of the week
Blog about Elena's pink piggies
Make dad a b-day cake

ToDo (Errands)
Storytime

I had a good time last night. It has been a while since just my husband and I have gone out and done something by ourselves. I enjoyed the concert itself too. I knew more songs than my husband feared but I think less than he hoped. It was funny because at the start of almost every song he would look down at me to see if I knew the song. I could see a happy spark when I knew the song.

I am so tired this morning. I just could not get out of bed. I didn't get up until I knew my daughter was up. Then I was happy when she wanted to watch The Jungle Book on TV. I lied right down to watch with her. I think I am so sore because we stood for most of the concert and didn't make it to bed until about midnight. (The strength training yoga I did in yesterday morning might be part of it too.)

It is time to put mind over body and find some energy. We have storytime today so I have to get us ready to go. I have a feeling getting just my routine for the day done will be hard. Oh, and I promised my daughter she could make my dad a birthday cake and wrap his present. She is almost 3 and wants to do everything on her own. But, I figure Papa won't mind if the cake is flat or his present is covered in tape.

Tuesday Tada 7/22/08

TaDa (Tuesday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away
Iron
Empty Trash

Tada (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Blog about Cox
Return old DirecTV Receiver
Buy Dad a b-day present
Make Blueberry Muffins
Clean out truck

TaDa (Errands)
Library
Walmart
Toys R Us
Boston Concert

I am posting what I have done with my tada now. My husband and I will be getting back late after the Boston Concert so am sure I won't get to it later. I must get to dinner now. I will let you know how the concert went in the morning.

Big Job of The Week (update)

I have my camera so I thought I would post those pictures.

The first shows the completion of my first big job of the week. It is so nice not having that pile of stuff to look at every morning.

Next is a picture of the rest of the room. You may not be able to tell from the picture but it is dusty! Plus there are some small clutter spots that I need to get to this week. It is small enough that hopefully I will get it done in one week. (Oh, and I have been working on making a bedspread and pillows to match the room for years. I hope to get something done soon. As in before Christmas....)

Tuesday Todo 7/22/08

ToDo (Tuesday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Blog about Cox
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Return old DirecTV Receiver
Download google docs offline
Buy Dad a b-day present
Make Blueberry Muffins
Call about homestudy
Clean out truck
Blog about Elena and Christmas
Make Elena a calendar
Ask parents about Wednesday's Dragon's Game

ToDo (Errands)
Library
Verizon
Walmart
Toys R Us
Boston Concert

Yesterday I napped and rested. This was because it was all me. I have no idea how single parents do it. Well, they have to, so that is what they do. I still got a decent amount of things done. I am a morning person so it is hard for me to get those evening routines done.

Today, grandma is going to take over once my husband gets home. We are going to the Boston Concert. It is one of my husbands favorite bands. It is an outside concert, so I just hope it doesn't rain. We will be on a blanket on the grass, so I also hope I don't fall asleep. (again, I am a morning person) Maybe that will give me an excuse to take a nap again today.

Monday TaDa 7/21/08

ToDo (Monday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed (Change out sheets and towels)
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Living room
Put Laundry away

Todo (Running)
Clean out daughters closet
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Water Flower Garden
Take care of fish

ToDo (Errands)

Big Job of The Week

Well, I am almost done with my previous Big Job of The Week. I would show you a picture but my husband took the camera with him.

That also means I can't show you a picture of my new Big Job of The Week. But, I decided to finish cleaning up my room. I am going to try to give it a detailed cleaning. (Everything but my husbands stuff.) I am going to do this by starting at one spot and working clockwise around the room. Then I am going to look up and work my way down to the floor. This is the best way I have found to not skip, or procrastinate, cleaning something that in my mind seems like too big of a job.

Would you like to tackle a Big Job of The Week? Let me know what you are going to take on as your challenge.

Monday ToDo 7/21/08

ToDo (Monday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed (Change out sheets and towels)
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Living room
Put Laundry away
Download Pictures from camera
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Clean out daughters closet
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Blog about Cox
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Return old DirecTV Receiver
Download google docs offline
Buy Dad a b-day present
Water Flower Garden
Make Blueberry Muffins
Take care of fish

ToDo (Errands)

I really want to feel movitated to get a lot done today. But, I don't really feel that way. My daughter and I are going to be home all day. It is going to be a long day because my husband has to go into work early on Mondays and today he is working the Reds game. He won't be home until well after my daughter is in bed. I am filling up my daughters pool as I type this. I am hoping that it will keep my daughter occupied while I get a rest. (My daughter is a very active little girl. So I have been told at least. So, any time I can keep her active while I either get something done or rest is a big plus.)

I am off to get stuff done.

Sunday ToDo 7/20/08

ToDo (Sunday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Make Bed
Vacuum Steps
Make Blueberry Muffins
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Take a Bath
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Clean out daughters closet
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Start and Maintain a Price Book for Groceries
Blog about Cox
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Print Toys r Us Coupon
Return old DirecTV Receiver
Download google docs offline
Wrap Alex's present

ToDo (Errands)
Church
Grocery Shopping
Walgreens
Library
Birthday Party

I have just as much reason to feel overwhelmed to day as yesterday, maybe more. But, I don't feel as overwhelmed. This just goes to show me how much my state of mind plays into it. I would right more, but my husband just got out of the shower. This means I can get dressed and get ready for church.

Think positive!!!

Saturday TaDa 7/19/08

TaDa (Saturday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Foyer Floors
Put Laundry away
Empty Trash

Tada (Running)
Blog cooking bacon with broiler

TaDa (Errands)
Kings Island

It is Sunday morning and I am just now posting Saturday's TaDa. But, I did get more done than I thought. We had a great time at Kings Island too. I will post today's ToDo before getting into feelings about today.

Saturday ToDo 7/19/08

ToDo (Saturday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen and Foyer Floors
Put Laundry away
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Print CVS Coupon
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Clean out daughters closet
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Start and Maintain a Price Book for Groceries
Blog about Cox
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Print Toys r Us Coupon
Blog about cooking bacon with broiler
Return old DirecTV Receiver

ToDo (Errands)
Grocery Shopping
CVS
Kings Island

Feeling more overwhelmed today. As you can see no tada yesterday. After going to Kings Island water park from 11 to 2:30 I was too tired to get anything done besides make dinner for my family and clean up the kitchen after. (no shiny sink though) Now today, my husband is going to be gone in the morning and wants to go to Kings Island in the afternoon so I have no idea how I am going to fit in all the work I need to get done.

I should not feel tied to my work and the cleanliness of my home over having fun with my family. But, I feel so overwhelmed by it all that in someways I do. That makes me ashamed of myself. So, I am going to be happy that I have the time to spend with my family. If the house is a mess and I have to stay up later than I want because of it that is OK. I almost have my weary body and mind convinced of it. At least I know that when we are having fun I don't dwell on the work. So, I guess it could be worse.

I will get as much done as I can and have as much fun too. I will let you know how it goes.

Friday ToDo 7/18/08

ToDo (Friday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Clean Fish Tank
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Clean out truck
Print CVS Coupon
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Clean out daughters closet
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Start and Maintain a Price Book for Groceries
Blog about Cox
Send Amy pictures from Cox
Print Toys r Us Coupon
Blog about cooking bacon with broiler

Todo (Errands)
Kings Island Water Park

I did it again. I got up and exercised. This really surprised me that it happened. I was so tired when I crawled into bed that I didn't bother setting the alarm. But, I woke up at 4:30 without the alarm. But, I don't feel as good about it as yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I feel good about the exercise and I feel good because of it. But, the reason I woke up is this overwhelming feeling of being behind because I didn't finish my routine last night. But, mostly because my running list is getting so long.

This always happens to me. I love lists. I find that I get more done when I have a list. But, when the list gets so long I start to feel overwhelmed. Then I find that I start ignoring my list and I only get more behind. Then I get a new list and start it all over again.

Well, I haven't abandoned my list yet. The reason I haven't is because of this blog. OK, maybe I wouldn't have abandoned it yet, but I feel that need to start a new system, even though this one is working. It would be easy enough for me to stop writing in this blog. I don't have many people checking it out yet. But, I really do have hopes of being a motivator for others. I have thoughts over everyone being honest about their own imperfections so that everyone can feel better about having there own. So, here I am.

Enough with the long winded typing. It is now 5:45 here. I need to get to my list.

Thursday TaDa 7/17/08

TaDa (Thursday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Clean out refrigerator
Shine Sink

Tada (Running)
Have daughter call Grammie and Papa
Call Kim about Friday at Kings Island

Tada (Errands)
Butterfly house and picnic (Bring bread to feed fish)

Too tired to finish out daily routine.

Thursday ToDo 7/17/08

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Clean out refrigerator
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Clean out truck
Print CVS Coupon
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Clean out daughters closet
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
Mat and frame pictures (hang them)
Pick an Ebay day of the week
catch up ironing
Have daughter call Grammie and Papa

Todo (Errands)
Butterfly house and picnic (Bring bread to feed fish)

I did it. I already have a sense of accomplishment this morning. I set my alarm, which I haven't done in a long time, and got up at 5:30 and exercised. I feel great. I don't know if it is because I actually did it, or because of the exercise itself. Either way, I am glad I was able to get it done. Now, if I have another productive day like yesterday I will be flying high by the end of the day. Or maybe just so tired I won't be able to stand... (smile)

Wednesday TaDa 7/16/08

TaDa (Wednesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen Floor
Put Laundry away
Pay Bills
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Tada (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make Pumpernickel Bread
Thank you to Jen
Work in flower garden
Thank you to Lisa for watching daughter
DirecTV Guy to fix error

Tada (Errands)
Storytime

Wow! I feel like I got a lot done today. It looks like a lot when it is all written out too. I only have one more box of things from my big job. Then I will have to get ready to tackle another big job. But, I feel good about what I did get done. I feel more at peace when I walk into my bedroom. I didn't get that exercise in today. But, I feel good about getting it done tomorrow.

Wednesday ToDo 7/16/08

ToDo (Wednesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Floors
Put Laundry away
Pay Bills
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Make Pumpernickel Bread
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Clean out truck
Thank you to Jen
Print CVS Coupon
Work in flower garden
Thank you to Lisa for watching daughter
Send in article for Goddard Grapevine
Clean out daughters closet
Work on invites to daughter's b-day party
DirecTV Guy to fix error

Todo (Errands)
Storytime

I got up about half an hour before I had been. But, I didn't exercise as I was hoping. I will see if I can fit it in during my daughters nap. Although, the DirecTV guy may be here at that time so that will make that unlikely. What did I do with my time? Mostly I was reading my book. I am getting to the end of it and I have a harder time putting it down because of it. Maybe I can use that to keep me motivated. Reading as a reward.

I better go. My daughter sounds like she is going to make this an early morning. I will try to get a few things done quickly before she gets up.

Tuesday Tada 7/15/08

TaDa (Tuesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Tada (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Make Blueberry Muffins

Tada (Errands)
Dentist
Bank
Preschool
Library (cookbooks)

I got much more done today. This is even with being out of the house running errands. So, tonight I go to bed feeling good about what I got done. Hopefully, tomorrow will be another good day. I feel like I need two good days in a row this week.

I got a video from the library to add some exercise to my schedule. I hope to wake up early enough to get it done. It is just 30 minutes a day. I would just need to get up 30 minutes earlier. Since I don't use an alarm I will see if it happens. If not, then I will have to try to fit into into the nap time schedule, instead of a 30 minute rest. I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Big Job of The Week

I was supposed to post this yesterday. But, I am not done with last weeks "Big Job of The Week". So, I will/should get it done this week. Then I will post a picture of my cleaned up space and post a new big job.

How about you? Did you pick a big job? Did you get yours done? What is going to be your big job this week?

Tuesday Todo 7/15/08

ToDo (Tuesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Make Pumpernickel Bread
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream
Make Blueberry Muffins
Clean out truck
Thank you to Jen
Print CVS Coupon
Work in flower garden

Todo (Errands)
Dentist
Bank
Preschool
Library (cookbooks)

I didn't do what I was supposed to after I put my daughter to sleep. I sat down and read. That was bad enough, since I knew that meant I wouldn't finish up the day as I was supposed to. Then I went and watched TV and stayed up so late that I got almost no sleep last night. Ugh. Well, hopefully I can stay on task today and use last nights activity to make better use of my time. Sleeping would have been OK. Staying up watching mindless TV was not a good choice.

Monday ToDo 7/14/08

ToDo (Monday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed (Change out sheets and towels)
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Living room
Put Laundry away
Download Pictures from camera
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Make Pumpernickel Bread
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Call Amy about getting together
Pick Date for garage sale
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Write Thank you to Uncle Don and Aunt Darlene
Call Parents about tomorrow or Thursday
Call Abby about getting together for dinner
Clean out Camper
Blog about camping and Uncle Don's Homemade ice cream

Todo (Errands)

I had a great weekend. I feel like we squeezed out every ounce of fun we could have. I was tired when we got home from the last of our fun. I felt like I should have started laundry at least. But, it was after 9 so I just hopped into bed and read. I decided I was still on vacation and should act like it. Now this morning I feel sluggish. It is taking me a while to get started. But, I am getting there.

Friday TaDa 7/11/08

TaDa (Friday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Clean Fish Tank
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Tada (Running)
Prep camper
Make something to eat for Family reunion
Call DirecTV guy

Tada (Errands)

1 hour and 5 minutes until expected media turn off and I can't believe how much I got done. It helped that I let my daughter use the inside of the car as a playground for a while. She also used the blanket on my husband and my bed as a picnic blanket for her stuffed animals in our bedroom. Which I cleaned up in the 5 minute house rescue and since then she has pulled the blanket back off the bed. Oh well! Anyway, I feel great about the house and about the coming weekend. See you all Monday!

Friday ToDo 7/11/08

ToDo (Friday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum Living room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom
Put Laundry away
Clean Fish Tank
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make bedspread
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Make Pumpernickel Bread
Prep camper
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Call Amy about getting together
Pick Date for garage sale
Make something to eat for Family reunion
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call DirecTV guy

Todo (Errands)

I have a busy day today. I will not be posting today's tada or anything on Saturday or Sunday as it is going to be a media free weekend for my family. No TV or computers. It starts as soon as my husband gets home from work today.

If you are working on a big job of the week, I hope you are doing well with it. I am about half way done. However, I think I will still be working on it next week. But, progress is progress. I don't want to get discouraged as doing something is better than doing nothing.

Thursday TaDa 7/10/08

TaDa (Thursday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make BedPut Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue

Tada (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Ask Ted about sending out information on referral
Clean out fish tank
Pick day of week to continue to clean fish tank
Prep camper
Make something to eat for Family reunion
Call DirecTV guy
prep for Fire inspection
Fire Inspection

Tada (Errands)
Grocery Shopping
Replace brakes on Blazer

I don't have any idea how I got so much done today. This was a day that would not end. I even got it all done without my daughter having a nap. In fact, we spent a good hour and 15 minutes at a Pep Boys when my daughter was supposed to be sleeping. She did so well. Now it is getting close to midnight and I feel like I have my second wind. It might be all that candy I just ate... Anyway, I am going to sit on the couch and read a little before crawling into bed. I would read in bed but my husband is already sleeping there.

Thursday ToDo 7/10/08

ToDo (Thursday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Vacuum and Clean Basement
Put Laundry away
Iron
Clean out refrigerator
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make bedspread
Ask Ted about sending out information on referral
Clean out fish tank
Pick day of week to continue to clean fish tank
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Make Pumpernickel Bread
Prep camper
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Call Amy about getting together
Pick Date for garage sale
Make something to eat for Family reunion
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call DirecTV guy
prep for Fire inspection
Fire Inspection

Todo (Errands)
Grocery Shopping
CVS

Wednesday TaDa 7/9/08

TaDa (Wednesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Pay Bills
Empty Trash

Tada (Running)
Email Ed
Ask Ted about sending out information on referral
Sent email about referral
Prep camper
Blog about Elena swinging on own
Call DirecTV guy
Weed Flower Bed

Tada (Errands)
Storytime

It is getting close to 11. I did not get everything done that I wanted. In fact, I feel like I should be down right disappointed in my self. I got caught up in writing something in my private blog for family and friends only. I wrote a book. Now I am too tired to do anything but go to bed. I hope I have it in me to get up early tomorrow.

Wednesday ToDo 7/9/08

ToDo (Wednesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Floors
Put Laundry away
Pay Bills
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Email Ed
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make bedspread
Ask Ted about sending out information on referral
Clean out fish tank
Pick day of week to continue to clean fish tank
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Make Pumpernickel Bread
Prep camper
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Blog about Elena swinging on own
Call Amy about getting together
Pick Date for garage sale
Make something to eat for Family reunion
Make daughter a dentist appointment
Call DirecTV guy

Todo (Errands)
Storytime
Baseball Game

I feel good about what I got done yesterday, even though I fell asleep before I was planning on. However, I feel like my list of things to get done just keeps growing. I really hope to get more checked off my list today.

Tuesday Tada 7/8/08

TaDa (Tuesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash

Tada (Running)
Call about fire inspection
tackle box of items from bedroom
Clean living room
made muffins

Tada (Errands)
Daughters doctors Appointment

I didn't finish my routine for the day. I was tired and was going to get it done anyway. Well, I sat down to rest a moment and fell to sleep. I woke up on the couch when a storm was coming through. I guess I needed sleep more than I realized.

Tuesday Todo 7/8/08

ToDo (Tuesday routine)
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher
Check Calendar
What's For dinner
Post Blog Entry
Eat Breakfast
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Upstairs
Put Laundry away
Iron
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Todo (Running)
Email Ed
call about fire inspection
tackle box of items from bedroom
Call Discover to cancel service
Make bedspread
Ask Ted about sending out information on referral
Clean out fish tank
Pick day of week to continue to clean fish tank
Create Master Shopping List
Fill out financial form
Make Pumpernickel Bread
Prep camper
paint porch
Schedule daughters 3 yr pictures
Blog about Elena swinging on own

Todo (Errands)
Daughters doctors Appointment

Yesterday morning I felt so good about what I was going to get done in the day. Well, you might have noticed that I didn't post a tada yesterday. I did get some things done (including 3 loads of laundry) but I had a headache that came on shortly after make my todo post that just kept getting worse throughout the day. It wasn't until the third round of aspirin that I actually started feeling better. Could I have stayed up late and pushed through and got more done and posted my tada? Yes. But I chose to rest. Now, I feel a day behind on so many thing but, I am trying not to think about that. I am trying to think of today as another new beginning. I think it might actually be working.

Big Job of The Week

I am not perfect. That is something that I know but don't like other people to know. I am one of those people that rush around when company is coming and clean like crazy and hide any clutter that I can. Then people come over and see a very clean home and openly wonder how I do it all. I tell them that I really am not that impressive, but I don't open the door to the closet that has so many things in it that a mountain might fall on them if they didn't run.

But, I realized that I am not alone. I went to a friends (an ex-roommate of mine) and she admitted that the night before she didn't do her frantic cleaning. Her reasoning was because we had lived together, I knew that she didn't keep a clean home all the time. I looked around and did notice some clutter (mostly from toys as she has 3 kids under 6) but it was still a well kept home. She had nothing to be embarrassed about.

When I think about how I clean (or hide clutter) when company is coming, I realize that if I looked at my home rationally, I shouldn't let my self get so stressed. Now, will that realization turn into actual reduced stress. That is yet to be seen.

But, I bring this to your attention because my "Big Job of the Week" is due to that frantic cleaning of clutter into a closet. My bedroom walk in closet became a reach over closet. Because of this when reaching over the clutter to hang up some cloths I put a little too much weight on the cloths rack and it came tumbling down. I then cleaned out my closet got rid of three tall kitchen bags of cloths and pulled out everything that didn't belong in my closet. Now all those things are in a pile in my bedroom. Here is a picture.

My "Big Job of The Week" is to find places for everything in this pile. I plan to do a little at a time and work through the pile. I will post a picture next Monday to let you know how it goes. If it is cleaned up, I will post a new "Big Job of The Week."

Do you have a big job that you want to tackle? Maybe it is your own pile of clutter that got hidden when company was coming over and has yet to be put up. Add a comment to let me know. Next Monday you can let me know how you did. Good luck!