2009 Goals

New Blog

2009-11-04T12:43:00.000-05:00

Due to 2009 almost being over, I've decided to change to a new title, which means a new address. The new address is:

This will be the last post on this blog.

Monday Menu Plan and Shopping Savings

2009-11-02T15:14:00.004-05:00

Today I hit Walmart and Walgreens for their specials, and a couple of extras I needed for my menu plan for the week.

First my menu plan:

Monday: Meatloaf, Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes, Applesauce

Tuesday: Porcupines, Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Wednesday: Hawaiian Smoked Sausage

Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken

Friday: Shepherd's Pie

Saturday: Chicken Parmesan

With a list in hand and coupons pre-sorted for sale items (I love organization), I went shopping. First I went to Walmart because I knew that trip would take a bit longer.

Honey Bunches of Oats $2.50 (Reg. Price $3.28) - $2 coupon = Total Price: $.50
2 boxes of Cinnamon Chex $4.00 (Reg. Price $3.34 ea) - $1 coupon = Total Price: $3.00
5 boxes of Betty Crocker Potatoes $3.90 (Reg. Price $1.66 ea) - (5) $.25 coupons = Total Price: $2.65
Spaghetti $1.82
Canola Oil $2.28
Spaghetti Sauce $.98
(4) cans of Carnation Evaporated Milk $3.12 (Reg. Price $.98 ea) - (2) $.50 coupons = Total Price: $2.12
(4) boxes of Kraft Mac N Cheese $2.96 - B3G1 coupon = Total Price: $2.22
Canned Carrots $.86
(9) Campbells Cream of Chicken Soup $5.22 (Reg. Price $1.14 ea) - 1.10 coupons = Total Price: 4.12
Hormel Bacon Bits $1.78
Open Pit BBQ Sauce $1.14
Yeast $.92
Quart of Lactaid Milk $3.86 - $1 coupon = Total Price: $2.86
4 pounds of ground beef $5.00 (Reg. Price $2.18 ea)
Sauerkraut $1.64
Green Pepper $.94
Onion $.39
1 doz. Eggs $1.26

Regular Price for Everything: $61.99
Before Coupons: $46.53
After Coupons: $39.69
Bottle Return (Yes, I live in one of those states): $2.10
Total Out the Door: $37.59
Total Savings: $24.40

As I skipped out of Walmart LOL, I made my way to Walgreens.

(2) Maxwell House Coffee $11.98 (Reg. Price $11.99 ea) - $1 Coupon = Total Price: $10.98
(2) Gallons of Milk $3.78 (Reg. Price $2.29 ea)
(3) cans Hunts Tomato Sauce $1.00 (Reg. Price $.99 ea)
(2) Tag Body Spray $8.00 (Reg. Price $4.49 ea) - B1G1 Coupon = Total Price: $4.00
(2) Herbal Essence Conditioner $6.98 - B1G1 Coupon = Total Price: $3.49
(4) cans Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup $2.00 (Reg. Price $.99 ea) - $.40 Coupon = Total Price: $1.60
(4) cans Mandarin Oranges $2.00 (Reg. Price $1.29 ea)

Regular Price for Everything: $56.61
WAG Coupon Savings: $5.13
WAG Advertised Savings: $18.12
Coupon Savings: $10.89
Total Savings: $34.14

YIPPEE!!!

An Actual Menu Plan

2009-10-19T17:10:00.002-04:00

Monday	Chicken and Rice Bake
Tuesday	Island Spiced Salmon Baked Potato
Wednesday	Apple Walnut Salad
Thursday	Creamy Baked Potato Soup (Crockpot)
Friday	Baked Cod
Saturday Sunday	Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Turkey & Mashed Potatoes

Sleep

2009-03-19T09:22:00.002-04:00

I don't know why, but I really enjoy the peacefulness at night. I like sitting in the dark on my computer playing games or reading the news listening to nothingness. However, my brain has this odd belief that if I sleep later than 9 a.m. than my day is destroyed. As a result, I force myself to wake up early and don't allow myself the proper amount of sleep. I drag my ass around all day and have a hard time concentrating on my homework. I don't feel like going out because I'd have to get moving. This results in my staying home, not running needed errands, avoiding homework and sitting on my butt eating junk food all day. If/When I do take my meds or go to bed early from pure exhaustion from lack of sleep over a period of days and get a decent nights sleep, I feel awesome. My energy level is really high and I have a feeling I can accomplish everything on my to-do list.

Sleep is extremely important.

Not only does your mind regenerate during sleep but the body requires it as well. In regards to health, sleep is a major component of staying healthy. I know all of this. And yet, I punish myself with too few hours of sleep and then drag my ass all day from exhaustion and complain that I cannot workout because I'm too tired and I'm putting my health at risk in multiple ways.

I found a few problems that lack of sleep can cause from the APA (American Psychological Association)

Physiological systems

Brain and nervous system
Cardiovascular system
Metabolic functions
Immune system

Furthermore, unhealthy conditions, disorders and diseases can also cause sleep problems, including:

Pathological sleepiness, insomnia and accidents
Hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risks (MI, stroke)
Emotional disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
Obesity; metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Alcohol and drug abuse
(Dinges, 2004)

So, I'm going to try to get back to my goals of sleep and taking my meds at night (I haven't been taking them at night because they make me tired and then I don't enjoy my quiet time). But if you're having the same problem, here are a few techniques listed on the APA site:

Keep a regular sleep/wake schedule
Don’t drink or eat caffeine four to six hours before bed and minimize daytime use
Don’t smoke, especially near bedtime or if you awake in the night
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before sleep
Get regular exercise
Minimize noise, light and excessive hot and cold temperatures where you sleep
Develop a regular bed time and go to bed at the same time each night
Try and wake up without an alarm clock
Attempt to go to bed earlier every night for certain period; this will ensure that you’re getting enough sleep

I didn't go to bed until 2:30 a.m. and was up at 8 a.m. Tonight my intention will be to go to bed at 10-10:30 and sleep at least 8 hours!!!

Back Home

2009-03-16T08:55:00.002-04:00

One of the worst things to do when coming home from a vacation is attacking the mound of mail that has gathered in your absence. My stack of mail was about 6 inches high. Okay, so there was a book for one of my college classes in there, but still, there is a lot of mail.

Besides the regular magazines, bills and junk mail, I was a bit upset to find an insurance claim form. I've already spoken with the insurance company twice about the car being stolen and now have 4 pages of "Proof of Loss" forms to fill out. Then, I have to have it notarized and mailed back within 10 days. 10 days??? They mailed it out on the 9th - I didn't get home until the 14th - and that was a Saturday so I couldn't get it filled out and notarized that day. In other words, I MUST fill it out, notarized and mailed today so I don't get screwed (again).

Since my husband is the main driver of the car and had his loads of tools in the trunk (in case of emergency), I've given him the task of making a list of items for a homeowners claim (which is just another pain in the ass).

The second worst thing to do when coming home from vacation: LAUNDRY!!!

My goals have fallen off the bandwagon. PCCX (Spring Cleaning) starts today so hopefully I can back on track...

Vacation From Hell

2009-03-09T09:45:00.003-04:00

Day One: We picked up my oldest son and continued our drive to Hammond, Indiana. We didn't make any stops except for lunch at Big Boy. We arrived at the hotel at 4pm and unpacked. Then we decided to relax for an hour before deciding to head to dinner. After asking the hotel for suggestions, we chose Johnel's. The price was a bit high but the food was fabulous. When we arrived back at the hotel, we just vegged out, exhausted from the long drive.

Day Two: Eric woke me up stating, "I'm sorry to wake you like this but the car is gone." I could barely register the words as I was opening my eyes. I looked over at the clock, it was only 6:30 (except it wasn't because of daylight savings, it was 7:30). I jumped out of bed and looked out the window but didn't see our car. More later....

Money Matters

2009-03-07T08:13:00.002-05:00

We've been planning for this trip since Kris signed up for the National Guard. It's not as if we have a lot of money, so the intention has always been to use our tax refund. But we didn't know we'd have moved in with my father and dh would have a low-paying job either. We really can't pay our monthly bills on his income, but about the same time that we start to get near a third month behind in our bills, my student loans come through and we're able to catch up again until the cycle begins again. We're also able to breathe a little easier in the spring/summer/fall when the gas and electric bills aren't quite so high.

With a decent tax refund this year, I was really hoping to not only cover the trip, but also put some money in savings that would allow us to end the "fall behind" cycle. Then when I did receive my student loans, they could go towards paying off bills instead of playing catch up.
The reason all of this is on my mind as I'm preparing to walk out the door on vacation? I'm afraid of overspending. Not afraid, terrified. As it is we'll be doing our part to help the economy by traveling to 4 different hotels in 3 states. We'll be visiting a couple of tourist attractions. We'll be eating out. I just hope that I budgeted it all okay...

A Hodgepodge of Stuff

2009-03-06T14:29:00.003-05:00

Oh where to start...

I'm upset with our family doctor for suggesting my son be put on an antidepressant because my son doesn't like using a lotion that burns. (My son suffers from Icthyosis, a rare skin disease). I told the doctor absolutely not!

I'm thrilled to be leaving tomorrow to head towards my other son's AIT graduation. He is in the National Guard and coming home with us.

I'm unhappy after learning that I'm missing a book for one of my college classes. I've ordered it online but will be two weeks behind in my reading when I get back next week. If I had looked ahead, I would have realized it sooner and could have ordered the book earlier and avoided this problem.

I'm ecstatic that I'm caught up on all my homework (except the reading as noted above).

I'm procastinating packing. I have no idea why. But its as if a part of me can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow so time isn't a factor. I have to pack today because ideally we'll be leaving at 9 a.m.

Plans for vacation/Kris' graduation:

Saturday - Monday: We'll be staying near Chicago, IL. Hoping to visit the aquarium and planetarium. We'll also be enjoying the indoor heated pool at the hotel :)
Monday - Tuesday: We'll be staying in Springfield, IL. I'm hoping to visit a few Lincoln historical sites.
Tuesday - Friday: We'll be staying in St. Robert, IL. This is the time to visit with Kris before his graduation on Thursday.
Friday - Saturday: We'll be leaving Friday and heading to Indianapolis, IN. I don't think much will be done except eat/sleep.
Arrive home sometime Saturday night. WOOHOO!

We'll certainly be doing our part to jumpstart the economy LOL!

One full week without cooking/cleaning. I'm sure I'll still have some homework to do but hopefully it won't be too much! I can't wait for tomorrow to begin...

Overwhelmed Again

2009-03-05T09:38:00.003-05:00

I feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. Housework, homework and trip preparation are all hanging over my head.

Housework: Just the basics need to be completed

Homework: Waiting on 2 classmates to send me their project so I can review and send back, as well as send my project back to me and then write a 500 word report, Must write a 250-300 word "journal" for another class and take a quiz for yet another. (75% of this must be completed today)

Trip Prep: I have some shopping to do for a few things that we'll need.

I'll certainly be doing my part for the economy with this trip. Between hotel stays/food/sightseeing we'll be spending quite a bit. Thank goodness for our tax refund check or it never would have happened.

American Idol: I was really disappointed with the voters choices as well as the judges decisions for tonight's wildcard show.

America's Next Top Model: Has lost its appeal....I'll no longer be watching :(

The Biggest Loser (Week 9)

2009-03-03T22:34:00.003-05:00

First let me say: This show makes me cry just about every week as I watch these people struggle with their weight loss, knowing how they feel and wishing I could do it.

However, tonight's episode was different. Tonight I cried over the generosity of 19 year old Mike.

In case you don't watch the show, let me explain: Mike's team won a challenge. Their prize included letters from home and 1 year of groceries from General Mills. Mike, the 19 year old college student from the black team, gave his prize of free groceries to a mother of 5 children from the blue team!!!

Thank you Mike. You have reaffirmed to millions that generosity still exists, especially with our young people of today!

Be proud Michigan - Mike showed the generosity of Michiganders!

Birthdays

2009-03-03T09:27:00.003-05:00

Why is it that a child's birthday seems to age us more than our own birthdays? (Please tell me its not just me). Every year I have 5 birthdays: my own as well as each of my boys and my granddaughter. It's not as if I feel like I get a year older with each, but I definitely age. This thought process is being exasperated by the fact that 2 of my boys have birthdays this week. My youngest turned 15 yesterday and my oldest will be turning 22 on Friday :(

I had my 1st son at 17. This would have only aged me 5 years if it was a normal birth, but he was born 11 weeks premature, which turned out to age me 10 years.

I had my 2nd son at 20. He was a normal birth and being a second child, only aged me 2 & 1/2 years.

I had my 3rd son at 23. Again, a normal birth so I was aged 1 & 1/4 years.

See my logic so far? While some women may argue that you age even more as you have more children, I have to disagree. If you get to the point of having more children than the division of months/years, than its your mind that starts to go. Suddenly you can't recall a child's name and you lose a percentage of your sanity with each additional child. (Have you seen the story of the Octomom? After 6 kids, she decided to have 8 more...)

It's not as if I feel a year older with each of their birthdays, but I certainly progress in age a few more months. Anyways...At age 23, I was really feeling closer to 35 due to the births/birthdays of my children.

At age 36, I became a grandmother. While I dearly love my granddaughter, her birth also added another 5 years. (Again, if I should have a 2nd grandchild, I'll progress another 2 & 1/2 years like with my own children)

If I do the math:

Births of children/grandchild: 10 + 2 1/2 + 1 1/4 + 5 = 18 3/4 years

Birthdays of said children as of today (this is 2 months per birthday):
21 (Kelly) x 2 = 42 months = 3 years 6 months
18 (Kris) x 2 = 36 months = 3 years
15 (Jordan) x 2 = 30 months = 2 years 6 months
2 (Bryanna) x 2 = 4 months
Birthday Total = 9 years, 4 months

So, after doing all the math, I've come to the realization that even though I am currently 38, my real age is 66 LOL So what do I care that I'll be turning 39 next month? Big friggin whoop! I have a child that will 22 on Friday and a 2 1/2 year old granddaughter. How this is even possible when I was just 23 last year is beyond me....

Where Have I Been?

2009-03-02T08:51:00.002-05:00

I knew I hadn't been posting, but it certainly didn't feel like 6 weeks!

I became extremely overwhelmed with my college classes starting and tax season. Just as tax season begins, I am bombarded by family that wants their taxes done as soon as possible. As of now, I have completed taxes for: Kelly, Jessica, Sara (2x), Dad, and of course, ours. Kris wants me to do his the moment he gets back from AIT in 2 weeks.

I've been doing very well in all of my classes, averaging an "A" in all of them thus far. This is vital for me to keep up after the classes I had taken in the fall. My GPA dropped from a 3.4 to a 2.7 after the Anatomy and Chemistry classes I had.

I have found myself thinking about posting to the blog in the evening and then dismissing it to post in the morning, which never happened. As a result, I'm going to try to post whenever the feeling comes over me. So, I may post again later today....or I may not :)

My routines have gone in the toilet. Which should be obvious since I haven't been posting here. I need to create a daily schedule and plan to work on that this week.

Today is my baby's birthday. He's 15 now! I just can't get over it!!! He's already questioning when he'll get to take driver's ed. I'm trying to put that off for another year....we'll see how that goes.

Busted Plans

2009-01-13T09:28:00.003-05:00

Well, after speaking with my oldest son yesterday, I was going to go and pick up him and my granddaughter to spend a few days with us but the weather is not agreeing. It looks as if I'll be waiting until tomorrow to pick them up instead...

I completed my homework that was due yesterday, although I wasn't really thrilled with one of my answers so I'm sure I'll be marked down for it. However, I do have a tendency to overthink my answers as well, so who knows! LOL

I am planning on going to the gym this afternoon. I had asked the manager when their slow time was so I wouldn't have to battle with other people for equipment. He stated it was from 1-4. That works, because then I can have housework/homework done before I go.

I wish it would stop snowing...

Working Out How to Work Out

2009-01-12T09:35:00.002-05:00

Last night as I tossed and turned failing to fall asleep, grand plans flew around my head. I was going to eat better. I was going to join a gym. Which gym? I imagined each local one and decided which one was going to be best for me. I thought of myself working out and the pounds flying off on a weekly basis. I tossed and turned a couple more times. I found myself stretching in bed in anticipation of working out. I was going to do it this time! I was going to join a gym and really commit to losing the weight.

Then I woke up this morning.

The gym that I had decided to join is expensive - $135 for 3 months!!! My only other options are Curves (circuit training) or a small Curves like gym with cheaper equipment. I know this because I joined them for 2 weeks because their price was right - $20 month with no contract. Their equipment was old and I discovered I do not like circuit training. I want to work out at my own pace. Personally, I prefer the treadmill and the weight machines. Their treadmill looked like it was from the early '80s and it was purchased from a garage sale. I imagine Curves is exactly like them, but with newer equipment. So, this is why I had chosen the expensive gym. I imagined I lost all the weight I needed in those 3 months - yet another pipe dream. I suppose its not completely out of the question, but it would require me to leave the house everyday. A task I'm not all that thrilled about doing. I like my cocoon. But I realize that's because I'm not happy with myself so its easier to avoid going out.

The next big problem: What time would I go to work out? I like my routines. I want to have a set time that I go to the gym. But that also gives me an excuse if I should miss my time for whatever reason. Working out at home really isn't an option for me. I don't have any space. I don't want to work out in front of anyone at home and I'm lucky if Dad leaves the house twice a week to go out for lunch. So, my only real alternative is a gym. I just have to force myself to go out. If I really want to lose the weight, and I really do, then I have no other options. (As much as I'd like to walk outside, it's too darn friggin cold!!!) However, if I join the gym for three months, an investment in myself, then I can start to lose the weight. Even if I don't reach my goal weight in those three months, then the weather will be kinder and I can walk outside.

So, my mind is made up. I'm going to join the gym. Now I just have to get off my butt and go into town and join the gym. I have to push aside the anxiety of walking into a new place where people don't know me. Where people that work out every day will judge me for my lack of physical strength.

The hardest part of the battle isn't working out, it's confronting my fears.

Overwhelmed and Procrastinating

2009-01-11T10:30:00.003-05:00

Allow me to begin with saying that I was diagnosed as bipolar in November 2005. Personally, I don't think that I am. I've seen multiple psychiatrists and therapists. I've been on assorted combinations of medications. The problem is that they don't seem to listen. They hear bits and pieces of what is being said and make too quick a diagnosis. I'll admit that there are times when I suffer from depression. But seriously, who doesn't these days? I've had many things happen in my life that have understandably resulted in depression or post traumatic depression.

I came to a realization at the end of 2008 that when I have routines set in my life, that I don't become as overwhelmed and I can keep depression at bay. This is why I created the blog. I'm hoping that by "letting out" what is going on in my life, that I will be able to "let it go" and move on.

My college classes have set forth a tremendous amount of homework this week and already making me feel overwhelmed. I just need to remind myself that it doesn't all have to be accomplished in one day...

Back to the grind...

The Blah's...

2009-01-09T11:12:00.002-05:00

I honestly have nothing to report at this time.

Yesterday was a bit of a bust. Not only did dh come home early, but its that time of the month when I just feel blah. The combination of the two just made me feel like doing very little. However, I did manage to get half of one of my readings for one of my classes. I'm hoping to finish it up today while Dad is out of the house.

It really sucks not having the house to myself all day while dh is at work and ds is at school!!! There, I said it. Oh well, nothing can change it so I'll just have to deal with it...

Thursday Tasks

2009-01-08T07:25:00.003-05:00

Well, I managed to complete all of my to-do's yesterday as I had hoped. However, they took every bit of emotional energy I had to complete them, leaving me wiped out from doing anything else around the house. Not that it mattered, I've been keeping up around the house. So, it wasn't like the house looked like a tornado had hit it.

As much as I love to read, I'm anticipating that I won't enjoy the multitude of reading I will have for my Judaism class. As a result, I'm finding myself putting it off. This is very, very bad. It's only the first week of class and I have almost 150 pages to read followed by a one page essay due by Monday. ACK!!! So, this is my main goal today. I'm hoping the readings are interesting, otherwise I'll read a few pages and then do something fun like clean LOL!

I woke up this morning before the crack of dawn even thought about its existence. As a result, I've already accomplished the majority of my online tasks before I would normally even wake up. I'm hoping this will be a good start to the day :)

Trying to Cure the Procrastination Woes

2009-01-07T10:48:00.002-05:00

I'm finding that I have tasks that I keep putting off. Simple tasks like phone calls. Some will take 1 minute, others will take 5 minutes. Simple, easy tasks. So why the procrastination? Because they're so simple and easy that they are insignificant. But are they? As a result of avoiding them, I've discovered I tend to beat myself up for not doing the tasks on a daily or even hourly basis. They may seem like simple tasks but feel like a weight bearing on my shoulders that I can't lift.
Since today is known as "hump day" I've decided to take the bull by the horns and fight the "hump" I've created in my own mind.

Let's be realistic. I set a LOT of goals for the year and like everyone else in the world, I'm not going to be able to change everything overnight. I've done pretty well so far. Repeat. I've done pretty well so far.

Weight loss: I friggin HATE my scale. I began watching my weight on 12/28. I weighed 170. Every day it was dropping a pound until 1/2 when it jumped to 171. I try not to weigh myself every day. But today I weighed myself again and was back down to 167. WTH?!? I'm not giving up, but I better not see 170 again or that scale is being smacked down to the ground, hit a few times with a mallet, tossed out the door and hopefully run over several times by cars before I go out to pick up the tiny remains and toss them in the trash forever. I don't recall doing anything against the scale in the past for it to treat me this way...

Update on my daily goals:

Exercise 30 minutes a day - STARTED 1/6

Drink 8 glasses of water a day - DRINKING 2 A DAY NOW

Track calories - BREAKFAST & LUNCH BUT NOT GOOD ABOUT DINNER

Log into SparkPeople daily - DONE DAILY

Be realistic about weight loss and not give up - DONE DAILY

Spend a minimum of one hour per day on homework - STARTED 1/6

Complete morning routine by Noon - DONE DAILY

Complete afternoon routine by 5pm - DONE DAILY

Complete evening routine by 9pm - DONE DAILY

Complete PDC's daily - ABOUT 75% DONE DAILY

Complete Kelly's mission - DONE DAILY

Spend a minimum of 15 min per day on pccx when in effect - NOPE, NOT YET

Write blog daily - limited to 30 min a day - DONE DAILY

Clothing Lead Law

2009-01-06T23:37:00.002-05:00

Don't get sucked into the stories about thrift stores and garage sales not being able to sell used kids' clothing.

Read the bill as passed by Congress. Link included.

I'm fed up with one major newspaper making a claim and being picked up by every single media outlet, followed by bloggers and discussion forums.

LA Times: You wanted a media circus? You got one...

Wanting it all now...

2009-01-06T08:41:00.003-05:00

I'm very proud of myself. I did a lot of work around the house yesterday and the house looks much better. Of course, it's no longer cluttered with Christmas decorations! After 4 loads of laundry, I went and cleaned the boys room to find 3 more. Dear Kristopher cleaned out his car and Army bag and left me with a ton of laundry. Next time he calls, he'll be getting an earful from me!!!

Although I'm proud of what I did accomplish, I still feel guilty for the things I didn't do (why is that?) I didn't spend any time on pccx. I didn't complete weekly home blessing hour (I bolded complete because I did do over 75% of it, but still didn't finish it). I didn't log my food into SparkPeople. I didn't exercise. I didn't drink my 8 glasses of water (I only drank 1 glass).

I'm trying desperately to not beat myself up for not doing all tasks. I realize it's impossible to change everything overnight, but I still want to! LOL Maybe by posting my ta-da's and my failures I will be able to complete all eventually. But I'm impatient and want it all now!!!

Tonight begins the new season of the Biggest Loser. I'm hopeful that I can follow my progress along with the contestants. I may even workout while I'm watching :)

I just keep telling myself I'm not a failure until I stop trying...

Life is Going Back to Normal

2009-01-05T09:41:00.002-05:00

Every mother, whether a working woman or a stay-at-home mom, is breathing a sigh of relief today as kids go back to school. We've once again survived the Christmas vacation. And yet, along with children at school returns the barrage of after school activities. Still, it's better than children fighting from the break of dawn to sunset. The woeful cries of "I'm bored, there's nothing to dooooo."

For me, it also begins my college classes as well as my winter session of spring cleaning (aka pccx). So, I have little time to sit around and relax. It's really time to jump on the goal bandwagon and make my attempt to achieve my goals.

I did manage to take down the Christmas decorations yesterday. I forced myself to start by telling myself I was only going to remove 27 decorations (similar to a Flylady 27 fling boogie). However, those first 27 decorations came down in a flat 30 seconds and I decided to do another 27, then another. Before I knew it, I had everything off the tree, wrapped up and put away in less than 15 minutes!!! So much procrastination for a task that took such a small amount of time.

Most of the tasks I wanted done were completed. The one thing I've avoided yet again is my homework assignment. I'm guessing it's about a 30 minute task, so I intend to attack it today with gumption. I only have 2 errands today which will be fairly quick and don't need to be done til after 3pm. Which means I have the majority of the day to clean the house and begin pccx.

One day at a time, one task at a time. Eventually it will all get done!

Guilt of the Day

2009-01-04T09:06:00.003-05:00

Well I was right about yesterday. The day was a complete bust. I think the "I don't wanna's" arrived because I was still physically exhausted from our Friday trip. A part of me just wants to give up on my goals already. It is only January 5th and there has already been several days I've lapsed in my goals by sitting on my butt all day. Okay, that's not really true, it just feels like it.

Tomorrow life will be back to normal as dh goes back to work and ds goes back to school.

I'm just going to chant that all day tomorrow and I attempt to get things done around the house LOL I feel guilty if I don't sit and spend time with dh while he's home. I feel guilty that ds is bored out his mind and wants to play games with me. I feel guilty that my daily chores haven't been completed every single day. All this guilt and I haven't done anything wrong......

Today's Goals:
Mail Army photos (this also includes providing the new address)
Take down Christmas decorations
Daily Chores
PDC Chores

The "I Don't Wanna's" Have Arrived

2009-01-03T11:41:00.002-05:00

I woke up at my usual 8 a.m. Cleared my email and Facebook requests. Ordered my college textbooks. Broke down and tossed 16 boxes of various sizes that were sitting in the entry way (that isn't used obviously). Ate breakfast. Sent/received a couple of texts from Kris, he's already missing home but the Drill Sergeant said they'd have more free time than they did during basic training, so he's optimistic.

Then the "I don't wanna's" arrived. I don't wanna clean the house. I don't wanna go to the bank for dh. I don't wanna do my homework. I don't wanna prepare mailings for Kris' Army photos. I don't wanna post to my blog. Sighhhhhh.....

The bank closes in 15 minutes - so it's definitely going to wait until Monday.
Blog - A work in progress...
Housework - I'll use my timer and just do 15 minutes and then rest for 45 minutes LOL
Homework - Sighhhhh.....I'll do it but I won't be happy about it!!!
Army photos - Maybe while I'm sitting for 45 minutes I can do one or two at a time instead of trying to do all of them at once.

A Sad Day...

2009-01-02T05:23:00.000-05:00

I'm really upset this morning.

My son heads back to basic training until mid-March today. Because of his hometown recruiting, friends and girlfriend being 2 hours away, he's been staying in the city for most of his leave. I thought I would be able to spend a good amount of time with him yesterday. I cooked all of his favorites for dinner. Dinner turned out to be a nightmare...NOT because of my cooking, but because he wants an IPhone NOW and his contract doesn't expire until July (which means he can get his IPhone in March. The store told him he could use my contract to upgrade but dh insists that isn't possible (dh works for an authorized reseller, he's not pulling this out of his ass). I offered to upgrade my contract and give him my Razor. But that's not good enough because the Razor doesn't have music and he had gone and jumped the gun and returned his Ipod Touch that he purchased before Christmas.

He is also supposedly leaving in July for Afghanistan in July. I say supposedly because he heard it from a guy in his division. Yet, he's also talked to a sargeant who told him there are no plans for anyone going. He believes each one if it proves his point. DH and I tried explaining to him that if he's going to Afghanistan, then there is no point in having a phone he can't use for God knows how long but still have to pay for it each month. But he may not be going, he claims. "Fine, upgrade your phone when you get back in March when your contract is up." Again, he's fed up with his "cheap phone" and wants Internet, texting and music on his phone!!!

This wouldn't even be an issue but he's on OUR cell phone plan! He's old enough to get his own contract but understands it would cost a lot more money to do so.

Soooo.....his flight leaves at 3:30 p.m. Which means he has to be at the airport by 2-2:30. He wants us to pick up his girlfriend too so she can see him off at the airport as well. This adds another hour to our trip. As it is, our trip to the airport is 3-3 1/2 hours. Add girlfriend: 4-4 1/2 hours. I'm supposed to go to the college to pick up my books for my classes that start on Tuesday: Add 1 hour in case they're busy: 5-5 1/2 hours. Go to AT&T store to satisfy son's desires: A minimum of 2 hours. 7-7 1/2 hours. Adding everything up, we should be leaving at 7 a.m. I also have to stop at the bank to make a loan payment because there are no branches near us at home.

How to make everything work:

Go to local AT&T store at 8:30 a.m. Leave no later than 10 a.m. with or without a new or upgraded contract. If he wanted this damn phone so badly, he should have come home earlier than a holiday the day before he was leaving. He also shouldn't have returned his new Ipod Touch until he had the phone. If necessary, I'll ship him a phone or get his Ipod fixed which broke about a year ago.

I'll order my books for my classes online. If absolutely necessary, I'll make another trip to the city next week to get my books.

It's Friday so the bank is open late, I can make my payment after dropping him off at the airport. If I'm REALLY lucky, I can also stop at the bookstore at the college after dropping him off but I don't see that happening since it will be rush hour!

Am I sad? Or am I mad? A little of both. DH tries to explain stuff to Kris but he has "teenager ear" and only hears no, not the reasons why. In the end, they both get mad at each other and I'm stuck in the middle trying to appease both because I'm the mediator.

Reflections Questions

2009-01-01T11:42:00.000-05:00

I'll be taking the time to answer one or two of these a day.

reflection questions for 2008
copyright 2008 | SimpleMom.net | all rights reserved

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
5. Pick three words to describe 2008.
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2008 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2008 (again, without asking).
8. What were the best books you read this year?
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?
16. What was your most challenging area of home management?
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2008 for you.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T10:33:00.001-05:00

A very Happy New Year!!!

I stayed up late to bring in the new year and had difficulty falling asleep. As a result, I didn't set my alarm clock (it IS a holiday LOL) but still had dh wake me up at 9:30 (instead of my usual 8am) so I wouldn't sleep the day away.

Yesterday I did really well. I completed all of my routines, tried a new recipe for dinner, and washed 3 walls. Surprisingly, Jordan (14 yo) came and offered to help me wash walls and even helped me cooked dinner!

Kris (18 yo) will be coming home today to visit before we drive him to the airport tomorrow to return to basic training. I don't expect to get much completed today as a result. In this case, family is more important. He'll be coming home in March and then leaving for Afghanistan in July.

Here's a run down of my daily goals for yesterday:

Exercise 30 minutes a day - Didn't do "exercise" but did wash walls and vacuum the stairs.

Drink 8 glasses of water a day - Went from zero to 2 (Hey, it wasn't the new year yet!)

Track calories - Done on SP

Log into SparkPeople daily - Done

Be realistic about weight loss and not give up - Checked the scale and was down 2 pounds, I don't believe it.

Spend a minimum of one hour per day on homework - Classes begin January 6

Complete morning routine by Noon - Done

Complete afternoon routine by 5pm - Done

Complete evening routine by 9pm - Done

Complete PDC's daily - Done

Complete Kelly's mission - Done

Spend a minimum of 15 min per day on pccx when in effect - Doesn't start til January 5

Write blog daily - limited to 30 min a day - Done

2009 Annual Goals

2008-12-31T10:55:00.001-05:00

Reach goal weight of 125 by December (at 170 now)

Pay down credit cards to 0 by end of year

2009 One Time Goals

2008-12-31T10:54:00.002-05:00

Update SparkPeople site

Attain a minimum of 3.5 in each class

Rewrite routines

Hold 1 garage sale and donate anything left over

Start growing herbs

Start scrapbooking Kris' letters from basic training

Organize genealogy records

Input genealogy records into program

Organize bills

Create a budget

Complete taxes by Feb. 15

Start savings account

Get physicals completed for all

Get dental work completed for all

2009 Weekly Goals

2008-12-31T10:54:00.001-05:00

Go to the library to do homework if necessary

Menu Plan weekly

Grocery Shopping weekly WITH a list

Help Dad with gardening

Spend quality alone time with DH at least 2x month

2009 Daily Goals

2008-12-31T10:53:00.000-05:00

Exercise 30 minutes a day

Drink 8 glasses of water a day

Track calories

Log into SparkPeople daily

Be realistic about weight loss and not give up

Spend a minimum of one hour per day on homework

Complete morning routine by Noon

Complete afternoon routine by 5pm

Complete evening routine by 9pm

Complete PDC's daily

Complete Kelly's mission

Spend a minimum of 15 min per day on pccx when in effect

Write blog daily - limited to 30 min a day

Rewriting Goal List

2008-12-31T08:29:00.000-05:00

Last night, as I tossed and turned in bed with a horrid sinus headache, I realized the way my list is set up forces me to spend more time going over it. While it was the best method to come up with my goals, it's not realistic to go over to see if I'm achieving. Am I making any sense? I am still on my 1st cup of coffee LOL

Yesterdays Goal: Set alarm clock - DONE! Although I was really mad at it for having the nerve to go off this morning!
Today's Goal: Rewrite my list.

I want to be able to see if I'm accomplishing my daily goals (exercising). If I have some extra time (yea, right) then I'd like to see if there is a goal I can work towards (genealogy or scrapbooking). Of course, there are some goals I have set that are more like reminders (don't get frustrated with lack of weight loss) which will be helpful for me to see on a daily basis.

I'll repost the list later today.

Personal Goal Setting: http://www.mindtools.com/page6.html

Discovering a New Goal Needed

2008-12-30T11:09:00.000-05:00

I'm a bit flustered this morning. I WAY overslept and now I feel like I can't accomplish anything. As it is, I have to run errands today so that's less time around the house. Of course, it's not the end of the world if I don't accomplish everything - but I hate that I just made these plans yesterday and have already blown it.

What could have been done differently: I could have set my alarm. I didn't anticipate sleeping 10 1/2 hours!!!

New Goal: Set alarm to 8 a.m. While I may wake up beforehand on some occasions, I won't feel like I've slept the day away!!!

Today is not a setback. It's not even 2009 yet, these few days beforehand are a learning process. Reminder: Just because something doesn't work one day, doesn't mean that it'll never work. We're all allowed "off days."

Today's plans: Two Minute Tuesday chores and Errands

Update

2008-12-29T19:26:00.000-05:00

An update to my 2009 goals: (Red are additions, Blue are done)

Health

Exercise 30 minutes a day

Drink 8 glasses of water a day

Track calories

Update SparkPeople site

Log into SparkPeople daily

Be realistic about weight loss and not give up

Reach goal weight of 125 by December (at 170 now)

Education

Spend a minimum of one hour per day on homework

Attain a minimum of 3.5 in each class

Go to the library to do homework if necessary

Housework

Rewrite routines

Spend a minimum of 15 min per day on pccx when in effect

Complete morning routine by Noon

Complete afternoon routine by 5pm

Complete evening routine by 9pm

Complete PDC's daily

Complete Kelly's mission

Hold 1 garage sale and donate anything left over

Menu Plan weekly

Grocery Shopping weekly WITH a list

Gardening

Help Dad with gardening

Start growing herbs

Write blog daily - limited to 30 min a day **CREATED**

Spend quality alone time with DH at least 2x month

Start scrapbooking Kris' letters from basic training

Organize genealogy records

Input genealogy records into program

Financial

Organize bills

Create a budget

Pay down debt to 0 by end of year

Complete taxes by Feb. 15

Start savings account

Family

Get physicals completed for all

Get dental work completed for all

Water Tips

2008-12-29T17:16:00.000-05:00

Hints for getting your daily intake of pure water

You should drink 1/2 your body weight in water. Example: Weight 170 pounds Water Intake: 85 ounces. Aim to drink at least 1 8oz cup of pure water every hour you are awake. Keep pure water always in sight-in your office, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, take it with you on planes, in hotel rooms etc. And, discover ways in which you enjoy to drink water. Add variety to your water regime: try herbal teas and sparkling waters (can be flavored but not sweetened e.g. Perrier), drink your water at different temperatures; add sliced fruit for flavor. Making the process enjoyable ensures that it will become a lifelong habit.

What does not count towards your pure water intake?

Coffee and anything caffeinated : is a dehydrator and stimulates liver to release glycogen into blood stream raising blood sugar and insulin levels. (Limit to one cup per day)

Alcohol is a neurotoxin (toxin that beats up your brain), depressant, and dehydrator.

Fruit juice, even freshly squeezed, is very high in sugar (fructose), which raises blood sugar and insulin levels, and is a major dehydrator. Just check your nutrition facts labels. The grams of carbohydrates = grams of sugar.

Sodas (including diet sodas) are comprised of sugar, caffeine, and/or artificial sweeteners. They raise your blood sugar and insulin levels and are dehydrating. Sodas containing artificial sweeteners accelerate brain aging and contribute to disease.

Commercial Sports Drinks (Gatorade etc) are very high in sugar (check the nutrition facts), and very dehydrating.

Tips from: http://www.energyfirst.com/site/files/step2.html

2009 Goals

2008-12-29T16:59:00.000-05:00

It's a short list but I hope I can achieve them anyways LOL I have this horrible tendency to expect too much of myself and then procrastinate which makes situations worse - hopefully this will work for me...

Health

Exercise 30 minutes a day

Drink 8 glasses of water a day

Track calories

Update SparkPeople site

Log into SparkPeople daily

Be realistic about weight loss and not give up

Reach goal weight of 125 by December (at 170 now)

Education

Spend a minimum of one hour per day on homework

Attain a minimum of 3.5 in each class

Go to the library to do homework if necessary

Housework

Rewrite routines

Spend a minimum of 15 min per day on pccx when in effect

Complete morning routine by Noon

Complete afternoon routine by 3pm

Complete evening routine by 9pm

Complete PDC's daily

Complete Kelly's mission

Hold 1 garage sale and donate anything left over

Gardening

Help Dad with gardening

Start growing herbs

Write blog daily - limited to 30 min a day

Spend quality alone time with DH at least 2x month

Financial

Organize bills

Pay off credit cards by end of year
Begin to pay off "old debt"

Complete taxes by Feb. 15

Family

Get physicals completed for all

Get dental work completed for all