Thursday, December 6, 2007
101 Things
I would like to encourage all of you to take the time for the 101 Things in a 1001 Days. It has really helped me to change the way I spend my time so that it matches my priorities. Of course, my house isn't as clean, but I'm feeling a lot less frustrated. I'm making time for playing games and reading books to the kids as well as exercise and creative endeavors. It's like these things finally made it on my to do list. In fact, I think the 101 Things is like taking your goals and putting them in a to do list form. It has been great motivation for me.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
How our thoughts shape our lives
Do you ever feel like a certain topic keeps coming up in completely unrelated circumstances? Well, lately, I've read unrelated books and had several conversations with people who don't know each other about how our thoughts shape our lives. I feel like I'm being surrounded. So I'm taking the hint and really delving deep into the topic to see what I need to hear. Actually thought control is a large part of how I overcome anxiety. The interesting thing is that in order to have control of my thoughts, I didn't focus on getting the negative thoughts out; I focus on putting positive thoughts in. Since N & I have been under a lot stress lately, I wonder how our thoughts contribute to our feeling stress. Here is how I start the process of controlling my thoughts:
1) When I'm feeling calm and the kids are occupied, I think of some simple sentences that I know are true and good and healthy. Sometimes these are from the Bible, like "I have a sound mind." Sometimes these are things that I need to hear, like "I have plenty of time, or I am a good mom."
2) Whenever I'm feeling frazzled or anxious, I start repeating these sayings over and over in my mind. I repeat them slowly and purposefully.
3) If I notice that in a certain situation, I'm more frazzled than others or I'm repeating thoughts in my head that are causing harm, then I try to come up with sentences that are made for that situation. Sometimes we say things to ourselves that we would never tell someone else, like "I am so fat." If you wouldn't tell others, then don't tell yourself that either. Be as courteous to yourself as you are to others. Instead of trying to stop saying "I am so fat," when you catch yourself saying that, then repeat to yourself, "I am becoming healthier and healthier."
Recently I've been so frustrated with the kids and I have caught myself thinking "No one listens to me." This of course is a gross overstatement, but if I tell myself this enough times, then I will believe it, and it will shape my attitude. I found myself becoming more angry and less patient with the kids. I've started to say to myself that "The kids will learn how to listen to me." "I can figure out how to teach them to listen."
Over time, when you fill your head with healthy words, then these words will heal your attitude and make you feel so much better about your life. They can even help motivate you to try new things and gain new confidence.
That being said there are times when your brain chemistry can be off, and it becomes close to impossible to shape your thoughts. The negative overcomes the positive. If this is the case, and you, for whatever reason, can't go see a psychiatrist or counselor (which I strongly recommend), then I suggest you try taking Fish Oil capsules. Most Americans are extremely nutritionally deficient in Omega 3s and there has been a link between lack of Omega 3s and the increasing incidence of Depression and Bipolar Disorder. For more information about all of the scientific studies, please read The Omega 3 Connection by Dr. Andrew Stoll.
Hope this helps everyone.
1) When I'm feeling calm and the kids are occupied, I think of some simple sentences that I know are true and good and healthy. Sometimes these are from the Bible, like "I have a sound mind." Sometimes these are things that I need to hear, like "I have plenty of time, or I am a good mom."
2) Whenever I'm feeling frazzled or anxious, I start repeating these sayings over and over in my mind. I repeat them slowly and purposefully.
3) If I notice that in a certain situation, I'm more frazzled than others or I'm repeating thoughts in my head that are causing harm, then I try to come up with sentences that are made for that situation. Sometimes we say things to ourselves that we would never tell someone else, like "I am so fat." If you wouldn't tell others, then don't tell yourself that either. Be as courteous to yourself as you are to others. Instead of trying to stop saying "I am so fat," when you catch yourself saying that, then repeat to yourself, "I am becoming healthier and healthier."
Recently I've been so frustrated with the kids and I have caught myself thinking "No one listens to me." This of course is a gross overstatement, but if I tell myself this enough times, then I will believe it, and it will shape my attitude. I found myself becoming more angry and less patient with the kids. I've started to say to myself that "The kids will learn how to listen to me." "I can figure out how to teach them to listen."
Over time, when you fill your head with healthy words, then these words will heal your attitude and make you feel so much better about your life. They can even help motivate you to try new things and gain new confidence.
That being said there are times when your brain chemistry can be off, and it becomes close to impossible to shape your thoughts. The negative overcomes the positive. If this is the case, and you, for whatever reason, can't go see a psychiatrist or counselor (which I strongly recommend), then I suggest you try taking Fish Oil capsules. Most Americans are extremely nutritionally deficient in Omega 3s and there has been a link between lack of Omega 3s and the increasing incidence of Depression and Bipolar Disorder. For more information about all of the scientific studies, please read The Omega 3 Connection by Dr. Andrew Stoll.
Hope this helps everyone.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving Menu
Reisling
White Merlot
Iced Tea
Cranberry OJ Punch
Hummus with Veggies
Glazed Pecans
Smoked Turkey
Dressing (Barb's Recipe with Kimberly Modifications)
Cranberry Relish (I thought fresh cranberries came in 16 oz bags, but all I could find here is 12 oz.)
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Broccoli with Garlic and Soy Sauce
Green Beans with Shallots
French Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls (Pillsbury)
Dutch Apple Pie (Barb's Recipe with store bought pie crust -- *gasp*)
Blackberry Crisp (From Nigella Lawson)
Pumpkin Pie (My Mom's)
Vanilla Ice Cream and/or Cool Whip
What are y'all having?
P.S. - I dyed my hair Intense Ginger Red this morning ... still can't find the camera
White Merlot
Iced Tea
Cranberry OJ Punch
Hummus with Veggies
Glazed Pecans
Smoked Turkey
Dressing (Barb's Recipe with Kimberly Modifications)
Cranberry Relish (I thought fresh cranberries came in 16 oz bags, but all I could find here is 12 oz.)
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Broccoli with Garlic and Soy Sauce
Green Beans with Shallots
French Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls (Pillsbury)
Dutch Apple Pie (Barb's Recipe with store bought pie crust -- *gasp*)
Blackberry Crisp (From Nigella Lawson)
Pumpkin Pie (My Mom's)
Vanilla Ice Cream and/or Cool Whip
What are y'all having?
P.S. - I dyed my hair Intense Ginger Red this morning ... still can't find the camera
Monday, November 5, 2007
Oh the funny things that C says ...
This weekend we had a visit from Aunt M who is just showing (read: pregnant). M was showing us her ultrasound pictures, and explaining to C that they were pictures of the baby in her tummy. C's first response was: "The baby doesn't look much like you." This was quickly followed by "How did you eat that baby?"
This morning I was strongly encouraging C to get dressed. He comes up to me in his birthday suit with his blanket wrapped around him and says, "These are the clothes that I'm wearing today." So of course I laughed, and then told him "Go put your pants on!" I have been keeping the house fairly cool, and I was amazed at how long he could stay in nothing before he actually wanted to put clothes on. I guess the boy has a few of my genes in spite of the fact that he looks just like his dad.
This morning I was strongly encouraging C to get dressed. He comes up to me in his birthday suit with his blanket wrapped around him and says, "These are the clothes that I'm wearing today." So of course I laughed, and then told him "Go put your pants on!" I have been keeping the house fairly cool, and I was amazed at how long he could stay in nothing before he actually wanted to put clothes on. I guess the boy has a few of my genes in spite of the fact that he looks just like his dad.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
101 Things to Do in 1001 Days
I've been thinking a lot about goals and plans. Then, I saw this on the CassKnits! blog, and I thought it was such a great idea.
The original idea is from this website.
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.
So here goes ...
Start Date: November 5, 2007
End Date: August 1, 2010
Updated: June 19, 2008 (228 Days)
Sick Days:12
1.Drink 8 glasses of water a day. (206/228=90%).
2.Eat 2 fruits & 3 vegetables everyday. (189/228=83%).
3.Be in bed by 10:30pm 850 times (85%=goal) (117/228=51%).
4.Perform 30 minutes of Cardio Exercise 600 times (60%=goal) (145/228=64%).
5.Perform Core Strengthening Exercises 450 times (45%= goal) (33/228=14%).
6.Perform Lower Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times(15%=goal) (18/228=8%).
7.Perform Upper Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times (15%=goal)(19/228=8%).
8.Visit the dentist 4 times (0/4).
9.Visit the eye doctor 2 times (0/2).
10.Visit the gynecologist 2 times (1/2).
11.Lose 5 pounds. Completed 5/2008.
12.Lose 10 pounds. Completed 6/2008.
13.Lose 15 pounds.
14.Lose 20 pounds.
15.Lose 25 pounds.
16.Keep weight off for 1 year.
17.Take a Yoga Class. Completed 4/2008.
18.Take a Spinning Class. Completed 12/2007.
19.Pray everyday-giving my cares over to God (211/228=93%).
20.Read Bible everyday (156/228=68%).
21.Remember one moment each day that makes me smile and thankful (210/228=92%).
22.Attend a church meeting once a week (14%= goal) (24/228=11%).
23.Memorize 50 scriptures (3/50).
24.Perform 10 acts of kindness (3/10).
25.Participate in 3 in-depth Bible Studies (1/3). IP
26.Give Fast Food Bucks to a homeless person.
27.Finish The Purpose Driven Life. IP
28.Finish Knit Together. Completed 1/2008.
29.Be encouraging – Say encouraging things to family and friends everyday (204/228=89%).
30.Sit down at a table and eat dinner with my kids 800 times (80%=goal) (190/228=83%)
31.Eat home-cooked dinner 6 days a week (86%=goal) (172/228=75%).
32.Read 800 books to my kids (80%=goal) (89/228=39%).
33.Have homework time with kids every school night.(79)
34.Play 143 games with my kids (14%=goal) (31/228=14%).
35.Go out with DH (no kids) 33 times (8/33).
36.Take 3 trips without the hubby and kids (2/3).
37.Learn how to dance with DH.
38.Make a decision about having another child.
39.Go on a week long vacation for our family (DH & the kids).
40.Read Raising Great Kids.
41.Make 33 items for charity (9/33).
42.Reduce my yarn stash and organize it within current containers. IP.
43.Buy new yarn only for gifts, to complete a project or out of weekly cash. IP
44.Finish the 2 sweaters I have in progress (2/2). Completed 4/2008.
45.Make 3 cardigans (1/3). IP
46.Teach 2 knitting classes (1/2). IP
47.Take a class on finishing garments.
48.Knit Baby Blanket for Nephew. Completed. 12/2007.
49.Knit Monkey. IP
50.Knit Jaywalkers.
51.Knit Pullover Sweater.
52.Crochet Handbag.
53.Make 5 Dishcloths. (1/5) IP
54.Knit or Crochet a Rug.
55.Find a knitting circle of friends. Completed 12/2007
56.Blog regularly (60%=goal) (51/228=22%).
57.Go to several craft shows and research what knitted objects are being sold and what booths look like. (2)
58.Make some items specifically to be sold. Completed. 01/2008.
59.Develop a business plan.
60.Sell something on the Internet.
61.Earn some income from business.
62.Follow Flylady. IP
63.Clean out and organize storage areas. IP
64.Organize my bedroom closet and get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 5/2008.
65.Get rid o vacuum cleaner, computer & grill. IP
66.Clean out and organize office & files. Set up a command center. IP
67.Organize the hall linen closet. Completed 02/2008.
68.Organize the kitchen & get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 06/2008.
69.Organize the toys & develop a system to keep them organized. Completed 05/2008.
70.Landscape front yard. Completed 05/2008.
71.Grow a simple herb garden. IP
72.Go green on cleaning supplies. IP
73.Set up Recycle Center. IP
74.Document each thing completed. (9/101) IP
75.Try 33 new restaurants (16/33).
76.Read 33 fiction books (26/33).
77.Read 33 Nonfiction books (8/33).
78.Read 10 best sellers (3/10).
79.Learn about 10 new things (4/10).
80.Buy a digital camera or find the old one. Completed 12/2007.
81.Take pictures every week of my kids once I get the camera. IP
82.Put pictures in photo albums.
83.Make a photo wall of meaningful photos.
84.Finish State Quarter Books. IP
85.Finish my Soduku Book. IP
86.Go camping.
87.Visit an art museum. Completed 05/2008.
88.Consolidate and alphabetize addresses into one location.
89.Host a board game night.
90.Plan next 101 things to do.
91.Streamline monthly finance upkeep. IP
92.Move AEP 401 K to Fidelity.
93.Learn about retirement investing
94.Understand where we stand for our retirement.
95.Keep to monthly budget.
96.Brush and floss teeth morning & night (180/228=79%).
97.Wash face morning & night (177/228=78%).
98.Get dressed 6 days a week (86%=goal)(177/228=78%).
99.Paint my finger nails 15 times (4/15).
100.Paint my toenails 33 times (12/33).
101.Paint DD's nails 33 times (4/33).
Anyone want to join me ...
The original idea is from this website.
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.
So here goes ...
Start Date: November 5, 2007
End Date: August 1, 2010
Updated: June 19, 2008 (228 Days)
Sick Days:12
1.Drink 8 glasses of water a day. (206/228=90%).
2.Eat 2 fruits & 3 vegetables everyday. (189/228=83%).
3.Be in bed by 10:30pm 850 times (85%=goal) (117/228=51%).
4.Perform 30 minutes of Cardio Exercise 600 times (60%=goal) (145/228=64%).
5.Perform Core Strengthening Exercises 450 times (45%= goal) (33/228=14%).
6.Perform Lower Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times(15%=goal) (18/228=8%).
7.Perform Upper Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times (15%=goal)(19/228=8%).
8.Visit the dentist 4 times (0/4).
9.Visit the eye doctor 2 times (0/2).
10.Visit the gynecologist 2 times (1/2).
11.Lose 5 pounds. Completed 5/2008.
12.Lose 10 pounds. Completed 6/2008.
13.Lose 15 pounds.
14.Lose 20 pounds.
15.Lose 25 pounds.
16.Keep weight off for 1 year.
17.Take a Yoga Class. Completed 4/2008.
18.Take a Spinning Class. Completed 12/2007.
19.Pray everyday-giving my cares over to God (211/228=93%).
20.Read Bible everyday (156/228=68%).
21.Remember one moment each day that makes me smile and thankful (210/228=92%).
22.Attend a church meeting once a week (14%= goal) (24/228=11%).
23.Memorize 50 scriptures (3/50).
24.Perform 10 acts of kindness (3/10).
25.Participate in 3 in-depth Bible Studies (1/3). IP
26.Give Fast Food Bucks to a homeless person.
27.Finish The Purpose Driven Life. IP
28.Finish Knit Together. Completed 1/2008.
29.Be encouraging – Say encouraging things to family and friends everyday (204/228=89%).
30.Sit down at a table and eat dinner with my kids 800 times (80%=goal) (190/228=83%)
31.Eat home-cooked dinner 6 days a week (86%=goal) (172/228=75%).
32.Read 800 books to my kids (80%=goal) (89/228=39%).
33.Have homework time with kids every school night.(79)
34.Play 143 games with my kids (14%=goal) (31/228=14%).
35.Go out with DH (no kids) 33 times (8/33).
36.Take 3 trips without the hubby and kids (2/3).
37.Learn how to dance with DH.
38.Make a decision about having another child.
39.Go on a week long vacation for our family (DH & the kids).
40.Read Raising Great Kids.
41.Make 33 items for charity (9/33).
42.Reduce my yarn stash and organize it within current containers. IP.
43.Buy new yarn only for gifts, to complete a project or out of weekly cash. IP
44.Finish the 2 sweaters I have in progress (2/2). Completed 4/2008.
45.Make 3 cardigans (1/3). IP
46.Teach 2 knitting classes (1/2). IP
47.Take a class on finishing garments.
48.Knit Baby Blanket for Nephew. Completed. 12/2007.
49.Knit Monkey. IP
50.Knit Jaywalkers.
51.Knit Pullover Sweater.
52.Crochet Handbag.
53.Make 5 Dishcloths. (1/5) IP
54.Knit or Crochet a Rug.
55.Find a knitting circle of friends. Completed 12/2007
56.Blog regularly (60%=goal) (51/228=22%).
57.Go to several craft shows and research what knitted objects are being sold and what booths look like. (2)
58.Make some items specifically to be sold. Completed. 01/2008.
59.Develop a business plan.
60.Sell something on the Internet.
61.Earn some income from business.
62.Follow Flylady. IP
63.Clean out and organize storage areas. IP
64.Organize my bedroom closet and get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 5/2008.
65.Get rid o vacuum cleaner, computer & grill. IP
66.Clean out and organize office & files. Set up a command center. IP
67.Organize the hall linen closet. Completed 02/2008.
68.Organize the kitchen & get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 06/2008.
69.Organize the toys & develop a system to keep them organized. Completed 05/2008.
70.Landscape front yard. Completed 05/2008.
71.Grow a simple herb garden. IP
72.Go green on cleaning supplies. IP
73.Set up Recycle Center. IP
74.Document each thing completed. (9/101) IP
75.Try 33 new restaurants (16/33).
76.Read 33 fiction books (26/33).
77.Read 33 Nonfiction books (8/33).
78.Read 10 best sellers (3/10).
79.Learn about 10 new things (4/10).
80.Buy a digital camera or find the old one. Completed 12/2007.
81.Take pictures every week of my kids once I get the camera. IP
82.Put pictures in photo albums.
83.Make a photo wall of meaningful photos.
84.Finish State Quarter Books. IP
85.Finish my Soduku Book. IP
86.Go camping.
87.Visit an art museum. Completed 05/2008.
88.Consolidate and alphabetize addresses into one location.
89.Host a board game night.
90.Plan next 101 things to do.
91.Streamline monthly finance upkeep. IP
92.Move AEP 401 K to Fidelity.
93.Learn about retirement investing
94.Understand where we stand for our retirement.
95.Keep to monthly budget.
96.Brush and floss teeth morning & night (180/228=79%).
97.Wash face morning & night (177/228=78%).
98.Get dressed 6 days a week (86%=goal)(177/228=78%).
99.Paint my finger nails 15 times (4/15).
100.Paint my toenails 33 times (12/33).
101.Paint DD's nails 33 times (4/33).
Anyone want to join me ...
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