Wednesday, May 13, 2009

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 11



Welcome to Week 11! Whether you're reading for the first time or have been following along for a while now, I'd love for you to join me in my "mini" self makeover. Post a comment and let me know what you're working on so we can encourage you as you go!

Here are my updates for the week:

1. Find and read a book to better myself. Sadly, I have not made any progress on this book. Not sure what's wrong with me since I love this book so far. Between the long drive and the kids, it's hard to find quiet time to read, but I've already learned so much just from the first half of The Shack that I'm bound and determined to get it finished. Next book, though, will definitely be a book on CD so I can listen to it in the car!

2. Simplify. This moves up to #2 on the list since I've officially moved "have pretty nails" to the "accomplished" list. I still have so much work to do in this area but there are two things I'm focusing on right now. One is to clean out "stuff." I have piles of "stuff" in so many places and slowly I'm starting to go through it and weed it out. Some is finding a new home in my own home, some is going to find a new home in someone else's home, some is going to find a new home in a landfill or a recycling center. This is going to take a LOT of time, but slow and steady will win this race. At least, I hope it will! The other part of this is some writing I'm doing around the whole idea of "simplify." I have the bones laid out but need to add the meat. Once I get that a bit more in shape, I'll start posting it here.

3. Devise and implement a summer household organization plan. The school year will be over in 3 short weeks, which is funny since I've finally now mastered the morning routine for 4 people going to 4 places at 2 different times every weekday morning. Starting in mid-June, both kids will be going to the same summer camp so that ought to simplify things a bit. (During the school year they go to different schools every day.) However, I find myself in a constant state of dismay and anxiety over unpacking book bags from the day, sorting mail and papers, making lunches, all that fun stuff that goes along with being a parent and running a household. The kitchen table and island are hopelessly hidden by piles of "stuff" that I don't have the time or energy to sort through and put away daily. Funny, though, how those piles seem to be perfectly content to just sit there and stare at me for days and weeks at a time. So, my goal here is to come up with a system to organize our "stuff" that comes in daily so that the island and the table are free for cooking and eating. I want the summer to be fun and stress-free, at least in the "organization" area. I'm hoping this weekend to purchase some baskets or bins or somethings to help collect "stuff" for each person in the family, and also get the family on board with the new system. I know it will take a while to perfect, but I find that just the idea of baskets and bins usually cuts down on my stress level (stop laughing!) so that's where I'll begin.

Still going strong with:
Better skin care
Drink more water
Grump less
Pretty nails

What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, YOU CAN DO IT! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go!

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