Thankful Thursday 12/27/12

the last Thursday in 2012
I haven't blogged in over a month
I'm still in my PJ's and it's 2:30 in the afternoon
shopping for a car just stinks...

these are just random thoughts as the year wraps up

but here are my gratitudes for the week, the day, this moment...

I am thankful my kids got to play in some serious snow yesterday and today!
I am thankful hubs made it safely to and from work in said snow.
I am thankful for neighbors who will give me a lift when needed.
I am thankful for friends who are just there when I need them, for problems big and small.
I am thankful for hot chocolate.
I am thankful for forgiveness, both giving and receiving.

Enjoy the last few days of 2012!

Procrastination?

For most of my life, I have been a doer. Get it done now. No time like the present.

Then I hit my mid-30's and something changed. I slowed down and relaxed my sense of urgency. While that's really just a nice way of saying I'm now a major procrastinator, it is true that letting go of, or at least putting off,  not-so-important tasks has helped me cultivate calm.

Today I realized something equally important. Letting go is only good until the undone tasks start to create stress instead of relieve it.

Case in point:
We painted our living room several months ago. I bought new furniture and lamps, and had a vague plan for the wall space over the couch. This is what that area looks like today:

Yep. Still bare. This has been really bugging me for the past few weeks. So much so, that every time I look at that wall I scowl. Not good. The time for procrastination is over. Today I started painting some things I know I want on the wall, and put out a call to Facebook friends for a couple of other items I want. Action feels good.

To maintain my momentum, I am returning to one of my favorite organizational techniques, list making. I am trying something new and making my list time-sensitive by putting my to-do tasks on our family calendar. Everything won't get done at once, but I have a visual prompt to keep chipping away, and a reference that assures me there is light at the end of the tunnel. To maintain calm, I am admitting up front that my schedule may need tweaked now and then to accommodate changes to the kids' schedule (think extra dance practice before their parade in November), and the unplannable, such as my niece who is due in a week or so! Notice I said tweaked, not abandoned!

Are you a procrastinator? If so, are you good with that, or do you find ways to keep yourself going?

A List for February

So I was browsing the internet the other day, as I am wont to do, and came upon this List post. I love lists! Apparently, there is some sort of group who makes a list of ten "to-dos" monthly and blogs about it. What a great idea! Sometimes (ok, almost all the time) I get caught up in my daily to-do lists and overlook bigger projects or seldom performed tasks. So here it is, my Ten To Dos for February:

1. Make a trip to Goodwill. I have at least four bags of stuff that have been sitting around for over a month!
2. Book our Disney World vacation!! Really looking forward to this one!
3. Finish my January pages for my One Little Word album.
4. Bake with my kids using their Easy-Bake Oven.
5. Clean my craft room.
6. Make an appointment with the allergy specialist. Just found out I have multiple food sensitivities.
7. Take some black and white photos, just for fun.
8. File our taxes.
9. Finish scrapping Christmas 2011 photos.
10. Write at least one additional blog post that does not concern a book review, Project 365, or menu planning!

Anything in particular on your to-do list this month?

Thankful Thursday 1/12/12

Here is a quick rundown of my gratitudes for the week:

Image credit: flikie.com

I am thankful that we have had warm weather recently- 40’s and 50’s. It is much appreciated in January!



I am thankful my oldest was able to return to school and other activities after being home with a virus last week.



I am thankful that my husband cleaned the kitchen and dusted without being asked this past Monday!



I am thankful for sleepy, warm cuddles with my youngest when she gets out of bed every morning.



I am thankful for two days in a row of waking up without a headache!



Your turn! Finish this sentence- This week, I am thankful for…

Friday Faves 9/16/11

Welcome! Hope you find something to inspire you today...

Beautiful and detailed explosion box.

Love this different take on making a wreath for your front door or home dec using felt circles.

Cute little star-shaped pin cushion. Easy hand-sewing. There's a link within this post for star-shaped pillows, as well.

Making bracelets out of Popsicle sticks.

Rainy day activities for kids.

Home-made Oxy Clean.

Things to Come...

Long time, no post...huh?

Lots of things on my mind and in the works.

Among them...

A dual diagnosis for my daughter


more scrappy pages

more photos


that post about buying a car that I promised

daily must-haves for the chronically ill, or Spoonie


maybe a book review or two if I get to it (I'm really into brief reviews on Goodreads.com lately-- add me as a friend here)
edit: I found a way to quick-post my reviews directly from Goodreads. Here's an example. Let me know what you think!

must get back into Thankful Thursday!

Related articles

• Find Your Next Book To Read With Goodreads [Android] (makeuseof.com)
• The Confusion of Chronic Illness (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
• My Spoonie Mantra (reflectionsbyrebekah.blogspot.com)

A Completely Uneducated and Biased Review of the Kia Forte

You may have heard that I recently traded in my 2005 Kia Sedona minivan and bought a new-to-me car, a 2010 Kia Forte. 

I love it!!

 Later in the week I will share my car buying story and some tips for shoppers. But today, I just want to show it off!!

The front end looks kinda sporty. The color is a dark gray, with tones of olive green.

The instrument panel is pretty boring, but easy to see. I didn't care about anything fancy here. One thing I did get, that I didn't care about but love, is radio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel.

Again, pretty standard. I have Sirius radio and Bluetooth, for when I get a decent cell phone! The glove compartment isn't huge. I miss that about my van- I had three different spaces in it!

Another extra that has proven handy- each of the front doors has a special place big enough to hold an extra water bottle.

Huge Huge trunk. In this regard it beats my van hands-down. When the third row was in the van, there wasn't much space in the back.

Back seat is plenty big enough for two carseats, plus a fold-down arm rest/cup holders.

Sunroof! I had one a long time ago and forgot how much I loved it!

  Other stuff:

It is zippy and handles corners nicely.

Eco-boost uses less RPMs when I get up to speed, and saves on gas.

Speaking of gas, it is advertised at approx. 35 MPG highway. I drive a lot for work, both town and highway. I'm averaging about 29 MPG- much better than the 18 I got with the van!

It's a 4 cylinder, which means you can't punch it to get around semis on the highway. It's an adjustment, but I'm ok with it.

Some websites have criticized the gearshift for being "rubbery" and "loose"- whatever that means. I like how it slides into gear effortlessly. Like the title says- uneducated. Maybe this is a bad thing.

I got a great deal on this little car, and will share some basic tips and maybe some new-to-you info in a few days. Happy driving!

Monday Morning Musings

So I've been awake since 3am. I finally got out of bed at about 3:30. Here's what's rattling around my brain this early Monday morning!

• Why am I up so early? Prednisone. Lots and lots of prednisone. Continuing my love/hate relationship with this stuff. Mood swings. Racing thoughts. Hunger. Hyperactivity. Irritability. I may feel a little sorry for myself, but I really feel worse for the people who are riding this roller coaster with me!
• Some anxiety about my busy week ahead. Three dance rehearsals, three doctor appointments, dance recital, work, reading camp, Father's Day cookout, and a promised trip to the amusement park. WHAT was I thinking??!!
• Thank goodness for Facebook. I have friends in enough different time zones, so there's always someone to talk to, no matter the hour.
• I'm a little afraid of raccoons. We have a family living in our garage, which we don't use much so that part doesn't really bother me. However, running into them in the dark at 4am is a little unsettling. (I was taking out the trash. Really, what does one DO at 4am??)
• Need to get on the ball with making Father's Day cards. I don't really have any "manly" stamps. Ideas??
• I need to color my hair (home job) and get a haircut. Which one goes first for best results?
• Coffee and brownies are awesome at 5am. Just sayin.
• Worried about my oldest daughter. Hubs and I are talking to a psychologist today about her. More on that later. Yep, I'll put it all out there. I only have about two blog readers, anyway!

I think that pretty much sums it up. I think it's a decent hour (now 5:30am) to start getting ready for work. I have so much time that I'm sure to look gorgeous today! Have a great one!

People Who Have it Together

Food for thought today….

Do you know people who never seem to have their feathers ruffled? Do you panic when your day’s plans change, or play it by ear? Wish you were better about “going with the flow”? I found this list of characteristics that describe the “together” person. I know I, for one, can use a few of these ideas in my quest for “calm”,

my One Little Word for2011.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE IT TOGETHER HAVE…

Self Awareness

These people know who they are. They know their abilities and strengths, what they are capable of doing, and how to accomplish it.

Confidence

They lack fear.

Self-Worth

This is most often evidenced by their focus, not on themselves but on those they serve and work with.

A Sense of Urgency

This means a “divine impatience” about everything they do.

A Strong Sense of Personal Mission

There is a vision of what needs to be done and a passion and focus about doing it.

Awareness and Respect for Their Own Uniqueness

They don’t compare themselves to others or worry about what they’re not. Their focus is on what they are.

A Consistency to Their Lives

They are not tossed to and fro with every new idea or opportunity or change of events.

A Sense of Calmness and Serenity

They are often people who can keep their heads when all about them are losing theirs.

~Hyrum W. Smith

(Condensed from “What Matters Most: The Power of Living Your Values”)

Related articles

• Achieving Calm, One Decision at a Time (reflectionsbyrebekah.blogspot.com)
• my paper brain (desertrecluse.wordpress.com)

Friday Faves 3/11/11

Friday Faves from around the web...

Love these "Around Here" posts by Ali Edwards.

Yummy one-pan cabbage casserole recipe. I used sausage instead of the ground beef.

Gorgeous creations using Glimmer Mist on fabric.

Easy-peasy sparkly shamrock tutorial from A Fanciful Twist. Printable template included!

A real-life family (yep, I know the mom) is intentionally downsizing their home in this gotta-have-it-bigger-and-better world to create the life they want. Cool stuff.

Got a fave to share? Let us know in the comment section!

And stop back by tomorrow for my compilation post from my "Tip Week" Facebook questions!

Thankful Thursday 3/3/11

Today I'll keep this short and sweet...

• I am thankful that my daughter has such a great teacher. My oldest is going through a rough patch and her teacher has been great about keeping me informed and brainstorming solutions with me.
• I am thankful that we have seen the sun the past couple of days. Gloom be gone!
• I am thankful for a great haircut that I received from a former school mate.
• I am thankful for my coworkers. I learn from them everyday.

What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday 2/24/11

This week I am thankful for time...

Time with my scrappy friends

Time with my kids at the skating rink

Time out of the office at a conference 

Time with my grandparents for dinner

Share your gratitudes at Greg's General Store.

Thankful Thursday 2/17/11

Some parts of this week have been pretty rotten.  I got passed over for a much-deserved promotion, one of my daughters is having some health concerns, and necessary car repairs were not in our budget, but had to be done anyway.

Life throws everyone obstacles, and sometimes it's tough to recognize the good things. It's then when it's most important to count blessings and put things back in perspective. So here goes my list...

• The sun is shining and we have had a few days of very nice weather- a treat during February in Ohio

• I am feeling the relief and freedom of donating a ton of stuff to the Lupus Foundation- my home is cleaner and the items are going to a cause close to my heart- my mom passed away from complications due to Lupus and RA

• I got to spend some time with my three closest friends- a long lunch with girlfriends does wonders

• My grandfather's inoperable tumor has shrunk- SHRUNK- to an almost negligible size, without treatment (that's a pretty big gratitude!)

• So take a few minutes and come up with one or two things that you have to be thankful for- you'll be glad you did!

Related articles

• Secrets of Positive Feedback (blogs.hbr.org)
• Caring for a Loved One With Lupus (everydayhealth.com)

Friday Faves 2/11/11

Here are my fun finds from around the internet this week. Enjoy!

The Bug always has a thought-provoking poem to share. Here's one she wrote about the Underground Railroad.

Love these cute pleated centerpiece decorations from Lindsay, the Frugal Crafter.

Sweet heart-and-lace border punch by Martha Stewart.

My girls and I are making a version of these lollipop flowers as Valentine's Day treats for their cheerleading squads.

Enjoying my daily email photography prompts from Willette Designs. You can still sign up for the Joy of Love class!

Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic and romantic Valentine dessert. Shortening makes these come out perfectly!

Friday Faves 1/28/11

Here's a few fun things I found while browsing the web this week. Enjoy!


Layering die-cut frames to make cute cards from the Paper Trey design team.

Love this quote on the Fresh Mommy blog about cherishing the everyday, the normal, the mundane. You all know that's one of my "things"!

Such a sweet wreath made with vintage sheet music from Something Created Everyday. 

Speaking of sweet, Sunday was National Pie Day. Here's an easy no-bake chocolate pie recipe. 

And speaking of wreaths, I love this wearable head wreath from the Fairyland Etsy shop!

Ten "Stops" for 2011

One day as I was contemplating "calm", my One Little Word, I was thinking about the "less" part of of my calmness vision...less clutter, less stress, etc. I ran across the perfect blog post from Deva Coaching about letting go of things to improve your life. I am taking a few of hers and adding some of my own ideas here...

1. STOP sitting at my desk for more than an hour at a time. Get up and stretch!
2. STOP checking email in the evening. Spend that time with family instead.
3. STOP slacking off. If you say you're going to do something, do it!!
4. STOP worrying so much. Instead, dream about what you DO want.
5. STOP letting a rough morning determine my mood for the rest of the day.
6. STOP the need for perfection.
7. STOP doing all the housework. (More on a family chore chart later.)
8. STOP wasting time in front of the TV.
9. STOP thinking "if only"... make the changes you want to see!
10. STOP putting crafting/creating at the BOTTOM of my to-do list.

Sometimes stopping something sounds easier than starting something, or adding something. Are there things you can let go of? Will it be easy or difficult?

Resolutions in One Little Word

For those of you who know me and my blog, you also know that I find Ali Edwards to be a huge source of inspiration. She has a concept called "One Little Word" that invites you to choose a word for the year and reflect, plan, and create around it. I started musing about a word for 2011 by reflecting on 2010.

This past year has been: chaotic, inspirational, terrifying, pride-swelling, busy, depressing, fun, challenging.... I could go on and on! But in a word, exhausting to both body and spirit. I need a change. I need calm. 

To me, calm would mean:

• a doable and less stressful morning routine
• pleasant family evenings together
• no life-threatening diseases, operations, or accidents
• less financial stress
• energy and time to create
• a less cluttered house
• less stuff, period.

I am seeking calm in my everydays and in the big moments, too. So much of this calm is within my power to claim, if I only work at it. So in lieu of a list of New Year's Resolutions, I am making just one-- Create calm whenever possible, and seek inner calmness when circumstances are out of my control. 

Guerrilla Happiness

Image by 1D110 via Flickr

This week's Happy Book assignment, led by Jamie Ridler, was to write down things that make you happy and post them in random places like the grocery store or a bathroom stall. I decided to turn my assignment into a FaceBook experiment! For the past several days I have used my status update to let others know what has made me happy, and I invited them to list theirs as well. I knew it would make me even happier to see what others wrote, but what surprised me was the number of "thanks" I got. The experiment proved to spread happiness, and as one commenter wrote, "posting these on FB.. makes me really consider what is important in life!!!"

Here are my posts and a sample of replies from this week:

Sunday- this makes me happy: sunshine, my dishwasher, football, and pie. Your turn!

• clean van
• hubby home from work
• homemade costumes, hayrides

Monday- this makes me happy: getting off work at noon, 50% off coupon for Michael's, House and Castle on TV tonight. Your turn!

• paid holiday
• talking with neighbors over the fence
• craft time
• freshly bathed children
• brownies in the oven

Tuesday- this makes me happy: sleeping with the windows open, beautiful pink and orange sunrise, new blinds deleivered. Your turn!

• soccer practice
• good dinner
• fall colors
• kids singing in the tub

Wednesday- this makes me happy: hearing my girls shout "I love you!" when I dropped them off at school this morning, the Chilean miners being rescued, breakfast for dinner. Your turn!

• seeing friends online
• sweet potatoes
• going out to dinner
• cooler weather
• hump day

Thursday- this makes me happy: blasting Billy Idol on the stereo with the windows down, seeing a kid I work with do something for the first time, dinner with my grandparents. Your turn!

• my husband
• driving through leaves
• laughing with co-workers

What made you happy this week?

Related articles

• Autumn Happiness (greenandcleanmom.org)
• Camp Hope in Chile: What you can learn about hope from the Chilean miners (psychologytoday.com)
• Why Facebook is Making You Happier (psychologytoday.com)

The Happy Book: Time Machine

Time Machine: Where am I right now? This question was posed as today’s Happy Book assignment. So here’s the run-down on my life today:

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Sunny and 70’s, perfect fall weather!

Today I’m wearing jeans, a v-neck brown t-shirt, and brown Sketchers. It’s a pony-tail kinda day. The girls both wore cute skirts to school today.

Tonight I get to watch two of my favorite TV shows, Bones and Fringe.

Justin is still recovering from his accident at work, but he can get around on crutches and drive a little!

I am working a half day at Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Early Intervention division.

My co-worker and friend, Kristine, and I just made plans to go shopping and out for drinks tomorrow night.

I am packing up for an all-weekend crop retreat next weekend!

Waiting on three packages- new blinds for the front window, my monthly kit from Scrap-Tastic, and the products I ordered from scrapbook.com for my Week in the Life album. I LOVE getting packages!

Speaking of Week in the Life, this week I have been snapping pics of anything and everything in my life, collecting receipts, emails, etc., and documenting our day to day activities. Actually, this Happy Book assignment finally gave me the nudge I needed to get this project underway!

I did two loads of laundry before work today.

Grabbing a fountain Coke on my way into work made me happy.

What’s in my car CD player: Dave Matthews Band- Big Whisky and the GrooGrux King.

Drinking hot tea in the evenings.

Eating like crap- Poptarts and coffee for breakfast; Goldfish crackers, Coke and dried fruit for lunch.

A friend brought us an awesome dinner of pasta, garlic-oregano flatbread, and cherry pie!

The rest of the assignment is to place these little nuggets of info somewhere safe and read them at a later date, like writing yourself a letter and not opening it for 5 years. A glimpse into the past. Wouldn't you just love to find something like this your great-grandmother had written?

Becoming a Life Artist: Week 5- Play!

According to Ali Edwards, play and risk encourage growth. Risk doesn't always mean something radical or dangerous. I'm talking about little things that take you outside your daily routine and comfort zone, both in daily life and your creative pursuits. This can open you up to new ways of viewing yourself and your world.

Why don't you...

• take a different turn on your way to work?
• shoot a black and white photo instead of color (or vice versa)?
• mix up the page sizes in your scrapbook albums?
• try a new recipe?
• paint a piece of old furniture?
• go to the movies by yourself?
• use paint with your rubber stamps instead of ink?
• write with a colored pen?
• order an unfamiliar coffee flavor?
• sit in a different place at your dinner table?

Today I pledge to try something new and out of the ordinary (for me, anyway). Instead of listening to the news on my way to work, I will put in a CD. What can you do today to take a risk and play?