A Cold Wednesday

It is very cold here in Ohio.  That makes it a good day to catch up on my ironing.  (Silver lining?)  I also need to get my errand day prep done and pay bills.  Then there are the projects I want to work on.  I don't know where my time goes during the day.  I know the fact that my daughter hasn't been napping again has slowed me down.  She is alway running up to me asking me to play.  How can you not stop working when that happens?  But, I am ready to tackle the day.  My brain feels a little cloudy, not organized at all.  I will take a stab at a list of things to get done today.

Wednesday Routine

Exercise
Shower and Dress to Shoes
Dishes out of dishwasher - Done
Check Calendar - Done
What's For dinner - Done

Post Blog Entry - Done
Eat Breakfast - Done
Swish and Swipe Bathrooms
Put Laundry in wash
Make Bed
Put Laundry in Dryer
Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Floors
Put Laundry away
Pay Bills (and paperwork)
Ebay work
Shine Sink
Empty Trash
Check Calendar & Weather for tomorrow
Wash Face
5 minute house rescue
Lay out cloths for tomorrow

Other chores

Organize bathroom cabinet and makeup

Ironing (since I didn't do it yesterday)

Prep room for son

Now it is time to try to get these things done.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Wednesday TaDa 7/2/08

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 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

Tada (Running)
Weed flowerbed (finished today)
Pull tickets for Mays
Catch up ironing

Tada (Errands)
Picked up Blazer (Didn't make it to story time as car barely made it out of the driveway. I had to call AAA to get it towed to be repaired.)

I am glad to have today over with. It was not fun having the surprise of a vehicle that wouldn't work properly. I spent a good deal of time playing with Elena. I need to get working on some of my running tasks.

On a good note I really scrubbed the master bathroom floor. Boy, did it need it. I almost forget what color it was supposed to be. Again, the house feels very peaceful. (If I ignore some of the piles in rooms we don't show visitors. I am choosing to ignore them for right now. I want to concentrate on the peaceful feeling.)

Now, I go to bed just a little later than I would hope and get ready for what tomorrow may bring.

Wednesday ToDo 7/2/08

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
call about fire inspection
tackle box of items from bedroom
Drop Elena's Coins off at bank
Call Amy about Preschool
Weed flowerbed
Pull tickets for Mays
Kroger Neighborhood Rewards Tracking
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

Todo Errands
Storytime

How is it that I got so much done yesterday and I think my to do list is just growing. Ahhh... Sometimes you wonder why even try. But, my house is still peaceful like it was when I went to bed. That is my reason to keep trying. There is so much more peace to be had. So much more to have the pride in accomplishing. Hopefully, with the 5 hours of sleep I had last night I will still feel that way at the end of the day.