1) Eat more veggies. Although I try to get us to eat a goodly amount, it seems like supper is the only time we do (unless we're eating leftovers from supper that already have them in it) So, my goal was to have at least 1 veggie at lunch and double up so we eat 2 at supper. That has been working well, although is more work overall. My mom has been on a weight loss program (and has lost 25+ lbs and counting) and they really promote upping your veggies.
2) The other weight loss thing they promote is your 8 glasses of water a day. I've been really working on that too, since I tend to drink coffee in the morning and then forget to drink much the rest of the day. I got out my measured water bottle and have been drinking, drinking, drinking. I have to add lemon juice to it to get that amount down in a day, but I've been pretty successful (most days!)
3) Reduce clutter. I subscribe to a few magazines which give all kinds of organization tips in January. I comprised a list of the things that looked most relevant to my situation and posted it (in huge letters) on my fridge. It has really helped me sort out what to keep and what to get rid of. Since I have no attic, no basement and no garage, storage space is at a premium. And since my storage places were all full, that left a huge problem. I've gotten rid of 5 boxes so far, and plan on many more. And I got some more shelving for books put up, finally!
1) Is caring for it WORTHY of my time and energy?
2) Does it have a home? (most important before you buy something, otherwise it’ll just get shuffled around the house, causing disarray)
3) What does this item contribute to our family? (does it contribute to the better good of your family’s goals and well-being?)
4) When did I last use it? (put your hangers backwards on the closet rail, and turn forward when you wear something, then evaluate in 3/6/12 months and get rid of unworn clothes)
5) Can it be easily replaced? Do I have a specific use for it? (not a 'someday' use)
6) Only touch it once! (don’t set it down, when by taking a few more seconds you could put it in its home)
4) Clean my carpets. Our whole house (except kitchen and bathrooms) is carpet, so this is a necessary evil. Got that done this past Saturday. Yipee! Good for another while!
5) Get annual family pictures taken. I usually do this in the fall, but our fall was pretty busy and emotionally exhausting. We were finally able to book a date and get them done.
6) Husband to get a new job. Check!! Greg's been pretty burnt out at his present job, and has been offered a different one which he has accepted. Less hours, less money, less stress, more family time (every Friday off!), less commute=less gas money, more projects done around the house although less money to do it with! We're looking forward to the changes and challenges that it will bring.
7) Exercise more. Well, this has been the hardest due to a) bad weather b) coughing kids c) logging trucks on our road for the past month starting at 0330 and going until dusk. But, I haven't given up. My mom suggested many months ago that I look for a rebounder (mini trampoline) for the kids to jump on when they can't get outside. I started thinking that if I found one, then I could get some exercise too. I did end up purchasing one, and love it. Exercising is actually fun. I look forward to getting up each morning to jump on it. It gets my heart rate up, and is great for so many things. I have hated all forms of exercise that I've tried(except swimming which doesn't really fit my life right now) so was really surprised that I love this. I do workout videos for floor exercise on it, as well as the rebounder videos that came with it and ones on youtube. If you want more info, check out http://www.busywomensfitness.com/rebounding.html or just google 'rebounder benefits'. It's great for people who only have a few minutes and for those who have health limitations. You still get benefits even for minimal effort. It's especially great for the elderly, with proper instruction. And the double benefit is that the kids love it. They can be found jumping many times a day (usually fighting over whose gets to jump!)
8) Get more plants. I love plants, but hate paying money for them. So, I finally caved and bought 3. They cheer me up, filter the air and just brighten any ambiance.
James: (to himself as he's going to bed, walking very slowly) "Oh...I feel like an old man. Except I'm not an old man. Actually, I'm a young man. Actually, I'm 3." Keeps walking and gets into bed. (He does love the word 'actually' and uses it many times a day)
James: Mom, can you call that babysitter and say, "hey, can you come back, my kids like you" And then when she was coming, he tells me, "you know why I like N, because she doesn't make us cry. Not even ever." I'm not sure if he was comparing her to me or what, as I have to admit I do make them cry occasionally, due to their misbehavior or displeasure of course!
