I live a fairly regimented life and it works because we have many obligations which requires good planning and adhering to a schedule. This sometimes leaves little room for spontaneity. So, since school will be out as of Tuesday I am going to say YES more often!
More opportunities to get ice cream, have a friend over, paint a t-shirt or bake cupcakes. More hugs, more laughter, more love.
Does the house really have to be cleaned TODAY or can it wait until another day? Can I say yes instead of no?
As I was writing the above statements, DD asked if I could drop her off at the local mall (she had asked for a friend to come over and I was up for that). I didn't want to drive her to the mall, she wasn't even dressed, I was recovering from a wicked migraine. I was VERY tempted to say no...but I said yes.
This is going to be a hard one too!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
One Less Thing Friday
Doing one less thing involves doing the same thing in "bulk". Like bringing an entire week's worth of yogurt and keeping it in the fridge at work so I don't have to remember every day...and bringing a large box of granola instead of individual daily servings. Seems simple but it made the mornings easier this week! Why hadn't I thought of that earlier?
I have applied this to a variety of issues
1) Birthday cards: June's birthday cards are purchased, signed, addressed all at the same time. The date they need to be mailed is written where I will place the stamp. No more late birthday cards. No more multiple trips out to purchase a card. Time saved!
2) Staples shopping: buy as many rolls of TP, paper towels, storage bags, etc. as I will use in the next month and not have check inventory or make the grocery list for those items for another 4 weeks. Can be expanded for any staples like pasta, canned goods, etc.
3) Bring 3 lunches to work on Monday and store in freezer (I use frozen dinners most days). And I an bringing only 3 to leave room for a day of "fresh" leftovers.
4) Errands will be run in one morning this weekend...so the rest of the time can be spent relaxing! Less time and gasoline used.
5) We'll smoke ribs, a chicken and some salmon for multiple meals. The chicken will be pulled for use in enchiladas and quesidillas and the salmon will be shrink-vacuumed for storage! YUM, double YUM!
Happy Memorial day!
I have applied this to a variety of issues
1) Birthday cards: June's birthday cards are purchased, signed, addressed all at the same time. The date they need to be mailed is written where I will place the stamp. No more late birthday cards. No more multiple trips out to purchase a card. Time saved!
2) Staples shopping: buy as many rolls of TP, paper towels, storage bags, etc. as I will use in the next month and not have check inventory or make the grocery list for those items for another 4 weeks. Can be expanded for any staples like pasta, canned goods, etc.
3) Bring 3 lunches to work on Monday and store in freezer (I use frozen dinners most days). And I an bringing only 3 to leave room for a day of "fresh" leftovers.
4) Errands will be run in one morning this weekend...so the rest of the time can be spent relaxing! Less time and gasoline used.
5) We'll smoke ribs, a chicken and some salmon for multiple meals. The chicken will be pulled for use in enchiladas and quesidillas and the salmon will be shrink-vacuumed for storage! YUM, double YUM!
Happy Memorial day!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
One Less Thing Thursday
Doing one less thing isn't about doing less. It is about properly budgeting your time to do the more important things (today's task in NOT one of life's MORE important things...but it still needs to be done! ) Doing one less thing is about reducing the stress in your life, increasing the quality of your life in small increments and creating a life that runs smoothly.
So, this morning while I was waiting for DD to finish getting ready for school, I used that time to iron a few t-shirts of mine (DH irons ALL his own clothes and occasionally the kids t-shirts! Am I blessed or what?). I despise ironing and will wear the last item in my closet before I get to the ironing.
The ironing board was already set up...so it was not a major effort on my part to begin. I selected a few items that were easy to iron in the time I had available. Continuing with the theme of touching things only once, when I completed the ironing, I walked the items upstairs and VIOLA! 10 freshly pressed shirts hanging in my closet. Tonight I will get the coordinating shorts, slacks and skirts so I will have COMPLETE outfits.
It feels good to accomplish a task (or a small part of a larger task) and still not feel rushed or stressed.
What I know:
1) Tasks that need to be completed can cause stress when they remain undone
2) To reduce the impact of unfinished tasks, put them out of sight (The ironing is hanging in a closet with the door closed)
3) Evaluate the small chunks of time you have throughout your day and fit the least desirable tasks into those small slots of time (break large tasks into smaller manageable ones, like setting up the ironing board and iron, hauling out the DI water and starch so WHEN I have the time to iron, I can actually iron)
4) Will yourself to begin. Sometimes starting is the hardest part
5) Set a timer if you need it and stop when you have completed the task you set out to do
6) Complete a coordinating event next (iron the shorts so I have complete outfits)
A completed task is a reward in itself! Congratulations!
While ironing is not a life altering event if it doesn't get completed, I can see a correlation between avoiding it and other more serious tasks. Leaving things un-done can cause your household, your relationships, job and life to become derailed and fall into dis-array. I don't advocate avoiding the unpleasant, as leaving things undone can create larger, more expensive problems in the long run. Breaking tasks down into manageable parts can increase your motivation to "gettin 'er done".
What is the MORE important thing you need to get done today?
So, this morning while I was waiting for DD to finish getting ready for school, I used that time to iron a few t-shirts of mine (DH irons ALL his own clothes and occasionally the kids t-shirts! Am I blessed or what?). I despise ironing and will wear the last item in my closet before I get to the ironing.
The ironing board was already set up...so it was not a major effort on my part to begin. I selected a few items that were easy to iron in the time I had available. Continuing with the theme of touching things only once, when I completed the ironing, I walked the items upstairs and VIOLA! 10 freshly pressed shirts hanging in my closet. Tonight I will get the coordinating shorts, slacks and skirts so I will have COMPLETE outfits.
It feels good to accomplish a task (or a small part of a larger task) and still not feel rushed or stressed.
What I know:
1) Tasks that need to be completed can cause stress when they remain undone
2) To reduce the impact of unfinished tasks, put them out of sight (The ironing is hanging in a closet with the door closed)
3) Evaluate the small chunks of time you have throughout your day and fit the least desirable tasks into those small slots of time (break large tasks into smaller manageable ones, like setting up the ironing board and iron, hauling out the DI water and starch so WHEN I have the time to iron, I can actually iron)
4) Will yourself to begin. Sometimes starting is the hardest part
5) Set a timer if you need it and stop when you have completed the task you set out to do
6) Complete a coordinating event next (iron the shorts so I have complete outfits)
A completed task is a reward in itself! Congratulations!
While ironing is not a life altering event if it doesn't get completed, I can see a correlation between avoiding it and other more serious tasks. Leaving things un-done can cause your household, your relationships, job and life to become derailed and fall into dis-array. I don't advocate avoiding the unpleasant, as leaving things undone can create larger, more expensive problems in the long run. Breaking tasks down into manageable parts can increase your motivation to "gettin 'er done".
What is the MORE important thing you need to get done today?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
One Less Thing Wednesday
I am reading e-mails about 3-5 times a day at work and not at all on the weekends or evenings. This is a great time saver. My focus has been on "touching the e-mail only once"-not always possible but I am working on it. I read and then file, take action or delete e-mails when they populate my inbox. It really works at reducing my stress and is a time saver as well.
Refraining from printing an important e-mails and filing them electronically to cut down on both paper waste and the filing chore. I HATE filing. When I die, if there is filing in the afterlife, I know I didn't make it to heaven (but that is not even a possiblity since I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior!)
Refraining from printing an important e-mails and filing them electronically to cut down on both paper waste and the filing chore. I HATE filing. When I die, if there is filing in the afterlife, I know I didn't make it to heaven (but that is not even a possiblity since I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior!)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
One Less Thing Tuesday
One less thing today involves touching items only once. When I come in contact with something, I am going to ACT on it and complete the task at hand. Filing will get done today and forms will be filled out instead of being placed in another stack to address at a later time. I anticipate a productive day.
Monday, May 24, 2010
One Less Thing Monday
Not sure if this morning qualifies but I dried a load of Laundry and cleaned the bathroom counters and mirror, took chicken out for dinner and wrote a blog entry before I left for work. I didn't leave anything un-done but didn't feel rushed. No written list today, no planner and will prob not look in the briefcase as I have a meeting most of the day.
I am planning on a relaxing dinner, a walk and then will work on a baby prayer shawl while watching "Dancing with the Stars"
I am planning on a relaxing dinner, a walk and then will work on a baby prayer shawl while watching "Dancing with the Stars"
Friday, May 21, 2010
7-One less thing
I've never had a problem with procrastination, getting multiple tasks done, organizational skills and the like. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I am somewhat of a boyscout, always prepared for any contingency. I create list of all sorts: grocery lists, lists of books to read, lists of household chores to be performed, ideas for future craft projects, devotions that need to be written, even what I have cooked for dinner. I keep a color coded, detailed family calendar (2 actually)to keep us on track. I am prepared in advance for most needs (I am never one to run to the grocery store at the first threat of snow because I have the 36 rolls of toilet paper in the closet). My pantry and freezer is well stocked. I have craft supplies for any unexpected school project. My gas tank never gets below 1/4 a tank, etc., etc., etc.
Today I carried a purse, a briefcase, my Franklin-Covey Planner and my knitting bag into work with me. Those items probably totaled about 20 extra pounds of stuff. I felt overwhelmed before I even hit my office, thinking of all the incomplete tasks those books, binders and files held. Something's gotta give!
If I am always SO prepared, why do I feel stressed? Something's gotta give...and I have come to the conclusion that all my lists and the desire to be productive is wearing me thin. All the opportunities, incomplete tasks, un-read books, are a burden I am carrying each day. Therefore, I have decided to DO ONE LESS THING this week. I will leave any unnecessary item at home (out of sight), I will leave a load of laundry un-done before I go to work. I will NOT carry the book with 3 pages left to be read in the chapter to work with me and plan to finish it at lunch. I will (try) not to use my lists as a way of controlling life.
Life is what happens while I am busy making lists, squeezing one more task into an already FULL, productive day. This week I will RELAX (it is a check off item on my daily to do list, REALLY!--so I will leave it OFF my to do list), I will LAUGH more, I will HUG more, I will make a conscious effort to "WASTE" time, by not filling every waking moment with a task that needs to be completed.
My mantra will be "ONE less thing"!
Today I carried a purse, a briefcase, my Franklin-Covey Planner and my knitting bag into work with me. Those items probably totaled about 20 extra pounds of stuff. I felt overwhelmed before I even hit my office, thinking of all the incomplete tasks those books, binders and files held. Something's gotta give!
If I am always SO prepared, why do I feel stressed? Something's gotta give...and I have come to the conclusion that all my lists and the desire to be productive is wearing me thin. All the opportunities, incomplete tasks, un-read books, are a burden I am carrying each day. Therefore, I have decided to DO ONE LESS THING this week. I will leave any unnecessary item at home (out of sight), I will leave a load of laundry un-done before I go to work. I will NOT carry the book with 3 pages left to be read in the chapter to work with me and plan to finish it at lunch. I will (try) not to use my lists as a way of controlling life.
Life is what happens while I am busy making lists, squeezing one more task into an already FULL, productive day. This week I will RELAX (it is a check off item on my daily to do list, REALLY!--so I will leave it OFF my to do list), I will LAUGH more, I will HUG more, I will make a conscious effort to "WASTE" time, by not filling every waking moment with a task that needs to be completed.
My mantra will be "ONE less thing"!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Oh to be an oyster
Oysters create pearls because a small irritant gets against the flesh of the tender oyster. In order to protect itself the oyster lays down a coating over the grain of sand and over time produces a beautiful pearl.
Oh, to be an oyster this week. I have already failed miserably in keeping my sarcastic retorts to myself and I have only been at it for 24 hours!
Oh, to be an oyster...Wouldn't it be a blessing to lay down a beautiful barrier between me and the irritant so...that instead of caustic word, a bitter sigh, haughtily raised eyebrows, disapproving frowns or a disdainful looks those around me only saw a pearl?
Oh, to be an oyster! Help me create pearls this week.
Oh, to be an oyster this week. I have already failed miserably in keeping my sarcastic retorts to myself and I have only been at it for 24 hours!
Oh, to be an oyster...Wouldn't it be a blessing to lay down a beautiful barrier between me and the irritant so...that instead of caustic word, a bitter sigh, haughtily raised eyebrows, disapproving frowns or a disdainful looks those around me only saw a pearl?
Oh, to be an oyster! Help me create pearls this week.
Monday, May 17, 2010
6-More Strokes and Less Pokes
I'm grouchy this morning. NO good reason I just am. I want to give into it and "enjoy" it, if you know what I mean. However, that would no be keeping in line with my desire to be come a better Diana...so I am going to have to swim up stream and GET OVER IT!
This week, I am going to try to live the old adage "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I may explode before the day is over!
Pray for me! I am going to give more STROKES than POKES and appreciate the effort given by my children, husband, drivers on the road, friends and co-workers.
This week, I am going to try to live the old adage "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I may explode before the day is over!
Pray for me! I am going to give more STROKES than POKES and appreciate the effort given by my children, husband, drivers on the road, friends and co-workers.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Doing Right
For some reason yesterday a lovely bottle of Autumn Red, sitting open on the counter, was calling my name (LOUDLY and REPEATEDLY)! I so BADLY wanted to pour a glass and enjoy it on the deck. I seriously thought about breaking my covenant to be wine free for a week or more. Interestingly enough, the more I thought about my W3 (Week without Wine, the more I rationalized it and the more I wanted a glass. SO...I changed my way of thinking. I reminded myself that I made the choice to go a Week Without Whine for good reasons and I could go without a glass for TODAY. Eventually the longings left me but the desire to savor a glass were the strongest Thursday than they have been the entire week.
What worked for me was knowing that reminding myself that:
1) No one else cares if I break the W3 pledge
2) I could have a glass of wine if I wanted to (I am in control)
3) I could change the loop that was in my head and NOT think about wine
4) Choosing to keep a commitment is easier if you only do it one day at a time
I plan on extending W3 until Thursday of next week when we enjoy our Seven Deadly Zins party. I've been sleeping better and I must give credit to the wine free week! That and the decreased caloric intake make it all the more with while!
What worked for me was knowing that reminding myself that:
1) No one else cares if I break the W3 pledge
2) I could have a glass of wine if I wanted to (I am in control)
3) I could change the loop that was in my head and NOT think about wine
4) Choosing to keep a commitment is easier if you only do it one day at a time
I plan on extending W3 until Thursday of next week when we enjoy our Seven Deadly Zins party. I've been sleeping better and I must give credit to the wine free week! That and the decreased caloric intake make it all the more with while!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Excuses in Whine
Well, I didn't get to the gym yesterday because of torrential rains! Yes, I own an umbrella but it was just too nasty out to make the 3 block walk. Maybe today...IF a meeting doesn't interfere. Or a walk after dinner (that is the most likely scenario. Pitiful
Sleeping better, just not long enough last night...and no wine with dinner. No wine has been much easier than I anticipated, thank goodness! Didn't even think about a glass of wine until I was telling my knitting group about my abstinence! But, I am dragging today...need an extra jolt of caffeine, I guess.
Sleeping better, just not long enough last night...and no wine with dinner. No wine has been much easier than I anticipated, thank goodness! Didn't even think about a glass of wine until I was telling my knitting group about my abstinence! But, I am dragging today...need an extra jolt of caffeine, I guess.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Fruits
In keeping with the wine theme, I am memorizing Galatians 5:22-26 (the Fruits of the Spirit verses)
I'll practice self control today (feel free to choose your own fruit from the list...
LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL...against such things there is no law.
I ran a half mile last night before track practice(my last of the season. I haven't run since October...and missed Butt and Gutt class for a pork chile relleno (yum-a-licious). Yoga today, IF I can practice self control and get myself to the gym between the raindrops!
Thought about wine at 4:30pm yesterday and then again abut 9pm (thinking that I hadn't thought about it!)
I'll practice self control today (feel free to choose your own fruit from the list...
LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL...against such things there is no law.
I ran a half mile last night before track practice(my last of the season. I haven't run since October...and missed Butt and Gutt class for a pork chile relleno (yum-a-licious). Yoga today, IF I can practice self control and get myself to the gym between the raindrops!
Thought about wine at 4:30pm yesterday and then again abut 9pm (thinking that I hadn't thought about it!)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
4:46pm
Well, I was on the way home yesterday and looked at the clock when I had the first though about a glass of wine. It was 4:46pm and I was just leaving the grocery store. I had 2 more thoughts over the course of the evening.
Developed an ocular migraine at the Booster Club meeting and took my medicine...
Closed my eyes at about 10:15pm but slept well until the garbage man woke me up at about 5am.
Didn't go to they gym yesterday but it is on my radar for today
Paraphrased (Jeanine O'Conner)
Over time, women gain wight because we accumulate so much wisdom and information in our heads that there is no room to store it all so it is redistributed to the rest of our bodies. From now on, when I look at my butt I am going to think "Look how smart I am!"
Well, I made a decision to go and eat lunch with work buddies (el Mundo) instead of attending Butt and Gutt! It was a butt and gutt decision of a different kind!
Developed an ocular migraine at the Booster Club meeting and took my medicine...
Closed my eyes at about 10:15pm but slept well until the garbage man woke me up at about 5am.
Didn't go to they gym yesterday but it is on my radar for today
Paraphrased (Jeanine O'Conner)
Over time, women gain wight because we accumulate so much wisdom and information in our heads that there is no room to store it all so it is redistributed to the rest of our bodies. From now on, when I look at my butt I am going to think "Look how smart I am!"
Well, I made a decision to go and eat lunch with work buddies (el Mundo) instead of attending Butt and Gutt! It was a butt and gutt decision of a different kind!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Whine
Sunday: Well, I did it...I didn't have any wine with my mothers day meal (and a good red would have complimented the tenderloin filet and grilled asparagus DH prepared). I opened a bottle and poured my dad a glass, let my mom consume the last glass of a nice chard and drank water. Sadly...I did not sleep any better...but did fall back to sleep a bit easier.
I didn't fare well with giving up WHINE...as I was complaining (rather loudly with the slamming of pots and pans) that everyone in the house was relaxing except the MOM on Mothers day as I cleaned up the kitchen and did laundry. Grrr. Disappointed in myself.
Monday: I have already eaten my breakfast, taken my vitamins and planned a healthy dinner for tonight. Can I get in my group exercise calss or will WORK get in the way? Wallpaper is finally being hung today and there ids a booster club meeting tonight. Another Manic Monday!
I didn't fare well with giving up WHINE...as I was complaining (rather loudly with the slamming of pots and pans) that everyone in the house was relaxing except the MOM on Mothers day as I cleaned up the kitchen and did laundry. Grrr. Disappointed in myself.
Monday: I have already eaten my breakfast, taken my vitamins and planned a healthy dinner for tonight. Can I get in my group exercise calss or will WORK get in the way? Wallpaper is finally being hung today and there ids a booster club meeting tonight. Another Manic Monday!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
5-A Week without Whine
Well, I am about to go cold turkey and begin a week without wine or whine. It is all about fitness this week!
I already consider myself fairly healthy, I floss (yes, I am kind of addicted to it) take my vitamins, calcium and 81 mg of aspirin, do not smoke and get around 8 hours of sleep nightly and some exercise. However, at age 52 I realize I need to be more deliberate so...
Beginning this week I am going to add back my group exercise classes at clock tower and add a walk or run to my weekly regimen (I really liked being a runner who didn't start running util she was 48...so I had better start that up again!). To top it off, I am giving up wine for a week to see if that helps decrease my insomnia (I really like a nice or even cheap glass of wine while I am preparing dinner). I am secretly hoping that the hypothesis of wine consumptin contributes to sleepless-ness is unfounded! Haha!
Assuming giving up wine and having my daughter home from college for the first time will increase my propensity to WHINE...I am going back to the first week and will attempt to give up both wine and whine at the same time!
I already consider myself fairly healthy, I floss (yes, I am kind of addicted to it) take my vitamins, calcium and 81 mg of aspirin, do not smoke and get around 8 hours of sleep nightly and some exercise. However, at age 52 I realize I need to be more deliberate so...
Beginning this week I am going to add back my group exercise classes at clock tower and add a walk or run to my weekly regimen (I really liked being a runner who didn't start running util she was 48...so I had better start that up again!). To top it off, I am giving up wine for a week to see if that helps decrease my insomnia (I really like a nice or even cheap glass of wine while I am preparing dinner). I am secretly hoping that the hypothesis of wine consumptin contributes to sleepless-ness is unfounded! Haha!
Assuming giving up wine and having my daughter home from college for the first time will increase my propensity to WHINE...I am going back to the first week and will attempt to give up both wine and whine at the same time!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Doing more with less
I've cleaned out my basement and pantry this week. NOw it's time to clean out my head and clear the calendar!
I am a multi-tasker who has a hard time sitting and doing nothing. I am pretty organized and get a lot done in the time allotted but...I find myself making lists in my head if I wake up in the middle of the night. I am unable to sit and watch television without a book or knitting project in my had (or a basket of unfolded laundry)> I am the GIRL who DOES too much!
So, today's challenge is to do ONE LESS thing.
I will RELAX. Perhaps, I will simply sit and enjoy the sunshine
I will leave one thing undone (perhaps a small chore that I would otherwise cram in before I rush out of the house)
I will refuse to make a list in my head during the night of how I am going to organize my day tomorrow.
I will NOT plan to attend stamping class on the only free evening I have next week!
See a more relaxed me next week when I take on a "Week witout WHINE" (Giving up and geting back on my fitness regimine)
I am a multi-tasker who has a hard time sitting and doing nothing. I am pretty organized and get a lot done in the time allotted but...I find myself making lists in my head if I wake up in the middle of the night. I am unable to sit and watch television without a book or knitting project in my had (or a basket of unfolded laundry)> I am the GIRL who DOES too much!
So, today's challenge is to do ONE LESS thing.
I will RELAX. Perhaps, I will simply sit and enjoy the sunshine
I will leave one thing undone (perhaps a small chore that I would otherwise cram in before I rush out of the house)
I will refuse to make a list in my head during the night of how I am going to organize my day tomorrow.
I will NOT plan to attend stamping class on the only free evening I have next week!
See a more relaxed me next week when I take on a "Week witout WHINE" (Giving up and geting back on my fitness regimine)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Avoiding aquisition
I never really noticed just how many e-mails I get from stores. Many of these have detailed sales information (Lowest prices of the season!, seriously, every week???) and "valuable" coupons attached.
I have begun to delete these e-mails without even looking at them. Likewise with the sales flyer's in the newspapers. They really are just a temptation for me to acquire some unnecessary goods or services. And an added bonus is the time I save not reading those e-mails!
I have begun to delete these e-mails without even looking at them. Likewise with the sales flyer's in the newspapers. They really are just a temptation for me to acquire some unnecessary goods or services. And an added bonus is the time I save not reading those e-mails!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Unloading Excess 2
Part of unloading must begin with not accumulating.
I find that I have a loop that runs through my head of things to accumulate. I am practicing NOT making a purchase (didn't go to Hobby Lobby or Dollar tree even though I was in close proximity and would have usually stopped in just to browse, which usually ends up with some unnecessary purchase). This is a good habit to cultivate.
I have a full pantry and find it extremely hard NOT to make staple purchases when they are on sale and I also have coupons. Is it better to buy 4 totaling $4 or wait and buy 1 when I need it and pay $2.50 (or if I had a viable coupon it would only be $1.50, but can't count on that). Logic tells me that paying $1 each is the better plan...but rethinking this. Your feedback might just tip the scale on this one!
Didn't make it to consignment yesterday so shooting for today.
I find that I have a loop that runs through my head of things to accumulate. I am practicing NOT making a purchase (didn't go to Hobby Lobby or Dollar tree even though I was in close proximity and would have usually stopped in just to browse, which usually ends up with some unnecessary purchase). This is a good habit to cultivate.
I have a full pantry and find it extremely hard NOT to make staple purchases when they are on sale and I also have coupons. Is it better to buy 4 totaling $4 or wait and buy 1 when I need it and pay $2.50 (or if I had a viable coupon it would only be $1.50, but can't count on that). Logic tells me that paying $1 each is the better plan...but rethinking this. Your feedback might just tip the scale on this one!
Didn't make it to consignment yesterday so shooting for today.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Unloading Excess
I have a real hard time getting rid of stuff that
1) I like
2) Was expensive (like clothing) but no longer fit, are out of style or are uncomfortable
3) Might be able to be used in the future, even broken stuff that could be used in craft projects, for example
4) Gifts, what will the giver think
5) Is used only occasionally like SILVER serving pieces, kitchen appliances and gadgets. What if I need it as soon as I donate it??? I might really need to zest a lemon in the near future!
Therefore, my home is crowded with STUFF that is taking up space and, as my friend Lynn pointed out requires me to clean it, store it or look at it (and feel guilty about having it). SO, I am on a mission to divest myself of some of it.
First thing I did was go through the kids clothes in the basement that I was saving for our church consignment sale. I loaded it into the car and took it to the shop where they accepted about 5 pieces and gave me $12.71 for my troubles. I am taking the remaining items to another 2 stores today. What doesn't "sell" there will be consigned at church (in October) and marked DONATE...so it doesn't come back into my house. This requires a lot less work since I don't have to go back and pick it up at the end of the sale, saving me time as well!
Next step is to find an adult consignment store which will accept my items. What they don't accept will have to go to Goodwill or something. Honestly, do I think I will wear those Linda Evans jackets with shoulder pads in this lifetime again? The hardest part of this will be taking the time to find a store and DOING IT. I have a phobia about going to new places like this...
I plan on using up what is in my pantry and freezer
I plan on using up my craft supplies before buying any additional (scrap booking, card stamping and knitting/crochet projects, fabric)..this will be hard!
I plan on making a list of what I want/need to buy and not purchasing items that are not on the list
I plan on keeping track of purchases and shopping impulses (what is my motivation, emotion and money spent)
I plan on re-purposing items
I plan on organizing my stuff better so I can find what I need instead of purchasing new.
1) I like
2) Was expensive (like clothing) but no longer fit, are out of style or are uncomfortable
3) Might be able to be used in the future, even broken stuff that could be used in craft projects, for example
4) Gifts, what will the giver think
5) Is used only occasionally like SILVER serving pieces, kitchen appliances and gadgets. What if I need it as soon as I donate it??? I might really need to zest a lemon in the near future!
Therefore, my home is crowded with STUFF that is taking up space and, as my friend Lynn pointed out requires me to clean it, store it or look at it (and feel guilty about having it). SO, I am on a mission to divest myself of some of it.
First thing I did was go through the kids clothes in the basement that I was saving for our church consignment sale. I loaded it into the car and took it to the shop where they accepted about 5 pieces and gave me $12.71 for my troubles. I am taking the remaining items to another 2 stores today. What doesn't "sell" there will be consigned at church (in October) and marked DONATE...so it doesn't come back into my house. This requires a lot less work since I don't have to go back and pick it up at the end of the sale, saving me time as well!
Next step is to find an adult consignment store which will accept my items. What they don't accept will have to go to Goodwill or something. Honestly, do I think I will wear those Linda Evans jackets with shoulder pads in this lifetime again? The hardest part of this will be taking the time to find a store and DOING IT. I have a phobia about going to new places like this...
I plan on using up what is in my pantry and freezer
I plan on using up my craft supplies before buying any additional (scrap booking, card stamping and knitting/crochet projects, fabric)..this will be hard!
I plan on making a list of what I want/need to buy and not purchasing items that are not on the list
I plan on keeping track of purchases and shopping impulses (what is my motivation, emotion and money spent)
I plan on re-purposing items
I plan on organizing my stuff better so I can find what I need instead of purchasing new.
Monday, May 3, 2010
4-Excesses
49 pairs of shoes including winter boots, flip-flops in 6 colors, dress shoes and running shoes. And I am shopping for another pair...
I have arranged by shirts/blouses by color.
I have so many things. Thing require them to be washed, ironed, dusted, put away, stored...I have a penchant for accumulating more things and I truly do love a good sale and the Dollar Store! This week I will make a concerted effort to
1) Use up (as in food in the pantry, shampoos, craft items, fabric) before purchasing more
2) Consign what is just taking up space (and probably save the money to buy more stuff!)
3) Donate that which consignment will not take .
This will be the hardest part of this week because I always think the clothing will come back into style, it is too good to just "get rid of" or I will lose 4 pounds and it will fit again. I can't figure out why it's so hard for me to party with items that I haven't worn in a year.
I have started taking the stuff to the basement and IF I change my mind it is there for a period of time (and I have occasionally rescued a few blouses and a slip!) Who wears slips now a days...
I have arranged by shirts/blouses by color.
I have so many things. Thing require them to be washed, ironed, dusted, put away, stored...I have a penchant for accumulating more things and I truly do love a good sale and the Dollar Store! This week I will make a concerted effort to
1) Use up (as in food in the pantry, shampoos, craft items, fabric) before purchasing more
2) Consign what is just taking up space (and probably save the money to buy more stuff!)
3) Donate that which consignment will not take .
This will be the hardest part of this week because I always think the clothing will come back into style, it is too good to just "get rid of" or I will lose 4 pounds and it will fit again. I can't figure out why it's so hard for me to party with items that I haven't worn in a year.
I have started taking the stuff to the basement and IF I change my mind it is there for a period of time (and I have occasionally rescued a few blouses and a slip!) Who wears slips now a days...
Lessons learned
I have learned that you cannot start a post, save it and have it post on the date you publish it. It posts out of "order" on the date you created it!. I guess thisd will mean daily blog posts...
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