60 Days Until 2016 Nov 1

Yikes!

Where did the last 10 days go?

Oh yeah - I was at the beach

I walked a lot - but didn't pay too much attention to food... water.... and gained back 4 flipping pounds!  Poo


and got nothing done on the list

well - not true

I spent a little time with my husband
I spent time at the beach - always good for the spirit
I made myself go places by myself
I bought lots of fabric - which makes me happy but doesn't help finances much!
I did finish up several craft projects
And, of course, end of month bills and paperwork

and I have a bit of a plan for now that I am home.
'
BUT I hit the ground running - work, house, life..... and need to STOP

take a breath


and actually write out a plan or checklist or something

or this time will slip away

Fabric Scrap Management Phase 3 & BLUE Scraps

Okay - Phase 3 of fabric management.....

[Link for Phase 2 click here... ]

So I am saving scraps and accumulating quite a few,

What am I going to MAKE with them?

Stage 3 happened the way the other two happened... when my 3 drawer chest and bins began to fill!  Rather than buy another bin....

I decided it was time to USE...

I knew that it would be smart to use typical pre-cut sizes - 2.5-in and 5-in. squares and strips.  And I started searching for patchwork patterns that I wanted to make!

And I found a TON!  And then had to choose what to work with..

* (1-inch)   I found a book with mini-log cabin patterns for the different seasons (that I liked) that uses 1-in strips.  The name of it is Holiday Happenings and it is available from Amazon (so please search using my link - thank you!)  So there is where I can use tiny  1-inch pieces..

* (2-inch) I found a pattern online that made potholders from a 5X5 block of 2-in squares.  ( I kind of thought I could make the blocks and on one ambitious day... turn them into gift potholders for Christmas - with the added bonus of using up the Insulbrite scraps left over from making table runners)

* (3-inch & 1.5-inch) I found a picture of a 4X4 square block with a star in the middle.  It isn't a pattern so I made up my version using 3-in squares and 1.5-inch squares for star points.


and a friend turned me on to http://superscrappy.blogspot.com/   What fun!!  She hosts a rainbow-themed block of the month.  So - I thought - COOL!  I will handle colors of scraps one at a time!  And January was blue - all shades of blue to aqua...  so I pulled everything from my stash that was a fat quarter on down.   Lots of the pieces were from sewing so I had to trim them down (I will do another post on that)

She is doing 12.5 inch star blocks with 6-inch scrap sampler center blocks. 

In honesty, I didn't understand the method for the center - but decided I had 2 choices..... spend the time to figure it out - or get busy.  I already knew how to do the star - just not the center.  BUT I COULD do a 9-patch using 2.5 in squares as a 6-inch block.... so that is what I did so I didn't have to slow down!

This block uses 2.5-in squares for the center - and 4-inch squares for the star points. 

Here are my blue potholder tops (2-in squares in a 5 X 5 block): 

Here are my 3-in scrappy star blocks (using 3-in blue squares, a 3-in white square and 1.5-in white squares to make uneven star points):

..and some of my tiny log cabin blocks:

The light blue are destined for an Easter wall hanging and the dark blue for 4th of July.... which will, of course, take a year at least to finish!

and I still had a ton of 2.5" squares so I did an 8X8 block for fun:

I don't have set plans for these blocks but they are fun - and will make nice rainbow-flavored quilts later on!  Kind of like having more fabric.....  I like possibilities - and it doesn't bother me to create without a specific end in sight :-)   Next year, I will look at all I have created and design quilts out of them.

the finished blocks have a bin of their own.... and, as you can see... I have some different size possibilities.

I started small clear boxes by color with plastic baggies of different sized strips: 1-in, 1.5-in, 2 & 2.5-in, 3 & 3.5, 4, 5, 6 and up.

I have since found a mug rug pattern for 2X6-in strips.... and a couple of other ideas as I move through the colors....

So - back to MANAGEMENT!   Small box of BLUE scraps sorted into plastic baggies by size with larger rectangles folded neatly on the bottom.

As I do other projects, I am sorting the scraps by size in baggies in another bin until I specifically do that color.

and when January ended..... I went through my big pink fabric bin and pulled these so I can keep moving!

Fabric Scrap Management Phase 2!

Phase TWO happened when the scrap bin filled up...

.....and I caught myself looking for another one!

(for the Phase ONE post, click here )


[at this time, I still had older scrap pieces still folded up with like fabric in the color bins.  My scrap bin was ONLY scraps from recent projects]


I started searching for ideas.... and decided to use a small plastic 3 drawer chest I already had for specific sized small scraps.

Something I read called for saving 2.5" strips.....
and I had seen several patterns for 2" pieces.....
and then of my scraps I had some that were ALMOST 2 inches..... 

so I ended up with 3 drawers: 1.5", 2", and 2.5"

and then small tubs for 3 inch pieces and for "over 3".... (and of course, my original scrap bin!)  Each time I cut on a project, I put the scraps away appropriately and pulled a handful of scraps from the original bin to trim up and put away.

So... I then had
one 3-drawer chest for 3 different size pieces of fabric
one small shoebox-sized bin for "3-inches and over" pieces
and the original scrap bin

So KEY to begin.....

choose SOME way to sort and start.

Don't worry about finishing or getting it right - just begin to organize in a way that makes sense to you.

Your own system will evolve if you keep a it..

I have a few more posts in this series...... so....  how did I move to phase 3?

Fabric Scrap Management Phase One

So - as some of you know, I am really getting into scraps this year.... and have asked the question - how do you manage them?

And I can honestly say that I started long ago... and have worked into a bit of a system..

But the key is

JUST START.


I've been sewing for much of my life off and on and quilting for about 7 years now.  But only seriously - like FINISH seriously for about 2 years :-)

So first - over a year ago.. I split all my fabric up into color.  And with my brain, that worked with most of the fabric - though not all!  I still can't figure out what to do with a white background and multi-floral pattern on it!  So I have one container with the "I don't know" and the special characters.. like Disney princesses or superheroes...

Everything else went by predominant color - and the test is this:  When you look at it, what color jumps out?  So a white with red dots gets put with the red because - to me - it seems more "red" than "white".  But it's your system, so see what works for you!

At that time, I didn't want to go nuts with it [I wanted to SEW], so I simply folded up scraps in the like fabric and sorted by color.  If I only had a small scrap - (less than a fat quarter), I tossed it in a tote for scraps.

This was stage ONE.  And I made sure as I worked that year, that my scraps went where they belonged.

****Stage One****  
Sort fabric by color and have a bin for anything (any color) smaller than a fat quarter.  
 

Marathon Projects

I was fussing at myself the other day about my photo scanning project.  If you've followed me for a while, you know that in 2012, I started (finally!) scanning photos into my computer!

I had a LARGE (18 gallon) tote box  FULL of random assorted photos I had rescued during Hurricane Isabel (Sept 2003).  Photos in envelopes.... loose photos... and photos that are not salvageable because they got wet and stuck together.  (and yes, I have tried a million things  - and will continue to try them, block by block)

I spent 2012... diligently scanning them in and figuring out which year they belonged in.  I worked throughout my house, locating photographs - and even some letters... to preserve.  I have created a lovely file on my computer with folders by month within year as I scanned them one by one.

And I am down to...... a 20 quart tote..... and envelopes of school photos (and the albums and pictures in frames and a box of historical stuff of my mom's I haven't opened yet)

The tote and envelopes are under my desk.
The albums are downstairs.
The box is stored in an extra bedroom.

All this by year end 2012.

********
So.. the first question is "why haven't I finished already?"
What happened to the diligence and drive that got me through that first tote?

I gave it a day a week where I spent 30 minutes or so scanning.  I really don't know why I stopped.


Like Mile 18 of a marathon....  the WALL.
   the initial excitement of starting a project is long gone.
    the determination to plod along is also gone.

Yet the race is not over yet.
    The end is not in sight yet - still within mind.
     It will take less time to finish than I have already gone

But I have to reach down to my TOES to get what it takes to move forward.

I remember that feeling....

Mile 18.

I remember KNOWing I could go no further
I remember my brain had to take charge of my body.
I remember chanting.. 'only 8 more miles'... and shouting down the other part of my brain that said "8 flipping miles?"  [only that part of my brain is not so polite]
I had to use my personal determination to finish

*******

Which is the only way I will finish this project

a marathon project

at Mile 18.

I will come up with a plan.  Duh... I already have a plan.  30 minutes a week.  Reporting here when I do it.

(ps..... 12 photos scanned in 15 minutes....  simply scanned, identified by month and year)  so a few more done :-)

Do you have any marathon projects you can finish with me?

If Mama Ain't Happy.....

I don't know how it is in your house - but in MY home, the person who has the very most influence on the atmosphere is ME.

You've heard the saying - 'if mom isn't happy, nobody's happy'..... that is SO true!  And when you've all been grazing on homemade cookies for days.... well.... you know what sugar does to you.

Mind you. I am NOT taking responsibility for my family's attitude..... BUT I will take responsibility for my own - and, in honesty, MY attitude has more influence than I'd like.  I can use that power for good though - IF I handle it properly!

So - what do I do to keep my emotions in hand?

First - Eat real food!  Breakfast, protein, fruits and vegetables!

        I find that the emphasis on all the candy and cookies is NOT helpful.  I don't even like having it around.  That said - fun treats are part of the way we celebrate - so I want to be part of it.  I need to be in control though - so I will choose what I eat.  I will give some treats to that little nagging kid inside me - you know - the one that is saying... "I did all the work, I made all this stuff.. I DESERVE to eat whatever I want." 

THAT kid - I will remind her that what I deserve is to feel good - physically and emotionally - and an excess of non-nutritive treats won't give that to me or anybody else!

      * I will make sure that cut veggies and healthy dip are readily available
      * I will package the treats in small containers to help regulate portions
      * I will remember (and remind my group) that veggies and fruits and dips and cheese and crackers are PARTY food!  They constitute a meal AND a party at the same time.   ( I do this a LOT when I don't feel like cooking - we have a PARTY.. LOL!)
      * I will make an extra effort to eat fruits and veggies and breakfast.  I am better off for a couple of days eating REAL food AND treats... than to eat treats alone.  I DESERVE to feel good!

Second - Drink water or herbal tea

          Here we go - same scenario..... eggnog, sugary hot chocolate, alcohol in various forms... drinks that are TREATS!  I LOVE Treat Drinks!  I have this teen inside that says.."I am tired, I am frustrated, I love these people but man, they are hard to deal with.  I DESERVE a little rum and coke or an extra cup of coffee with extra caramel creamer."  And maybe I DO - but I also DESERVE to feel healthy!

     Water helps both to hydrate and flush toxins from your body...so if I am going to take in more toxins & chemicals.... well.. it follows that more water will help!  And that is without all the knowledge we have about water helping with skin tone, headaches, fatigue, etc!

          * I will make sure I drink a full glass of water for every non-hydrating liquid I take in.
          * I will limit and be honest with myself about what and how much non-hydrating liquid I take in

Third - Rest!

         Okay, I hear you now... rest??  Are you kidding?  Seriously, think about WHAT is disturbing your sleep?  Crazy relatives?  Economic issues?  Stress about work, number of gifts, kids' desires you can't fill, the broken water faucet..... and on and on and on?  And how can I REST with all this going on?

There's that kid inside.... the one that is saying, "I don't want to miss anything"  But inside me, there is also that prideful mom who is saying, "I need to be in the middle of everything so I can fix whatever needs fixing."  And I want to say - lovingly - to both of them, "It's not all about YOU."  It's okay for the festivities to swirl around without you... and you can't fix everything anyway.  All you can do a lot of the time is agonize over your own inadequacy and pass around a plate of cookies.  It's probably better that your group learn to deal with each other and hunt for their treats anyway.  Working for it and sneaking it always feels better :-)
    
    * I will go to bed on time and also try to catch some 20-min 'lie-downs during the day. (Don't laugh - if you have time enough to be reading on the internet today, then you have time enough to lie down for a few minutes)
    * I will be careful how many chemical-laden drinks I indulge in.. (NO coffee (okay ONE) after noon)
    * I will take a 48 hour sabbatical about worrying about things I cannot change.  No more stressing over bills or dirty carpets or things I forgot.  I will ONLY deal with things I CAN change (and I will add 'change quickly and easily' to that)
    * I will try to CATCH myself when I start worrying about someone else's problems.  I can do that by sympathizing, saying a quick prayer and let God take over.  He's better at fixing stuff anyway... all I have to do is LOVE and LISTEN and keep my OWN STORY to myself. (It's not about me!)

Fourth - Move!     

        I know you are not exercising - it's too busy and you are LAST on your list.   So, take a walk..... That kid inside who doesn't want to make the effort will have a fine time once you get her outside.
      Do a few squats and bicep curls in the kitchen.... just grab whatever is handy and use it to move your arms (your baby will love it :-) and your milk jug doesn't care)  You DESERVE a rest, you say?  You just told me you didn't have TIME to rest....  Take that little negative person and challenge her....  10 push-ups off the counter for every piece of chocolate.... make it a game!    Make an after-dinner (or cookie orgy) walk part of your NEW holiday tradition!

You DESERVE to feel healthy and a little movement will help you!

And, lastly - Be nice to yourself!  

       There is no perfect Christmas like there are no perfect people.  It's a couple of emotional days and you want to have the best time possible!  You are dealing with whatever you are dealing with - and that is exacerbated with holiday expectations.  And everyone you are with is in the same boat.   Be calm.   Don't worry about calories right now.  Eat a carrot and keep a calm smile on your face.  Your family will follow your lead (if not this year, I promise you will see a difference by NEXT year IF you are patient :-)

Next to the Last Minute Prep - GIFTS!

    Gift management is always problematic.... balancing the desire to give with the societal expectations.  In our household, years ago, we weaned ourselves away from the massive gift-giving to the children and moved them towards 3 gifts only.  According to tradition, the infant Jesus received 3 gifts... so it worked for us and took some of the attendant Christmas expectations away.

   We also spend time around this season sorting out our annual giving... listing and sharing with each other what our family has given during the year (not just money!) and what we think we need to give to make our year complete :-)  This is entirely subjective but it brings a shift in attitude to our Decembers.

That said.... we live in a culture where gift-giving at this time of year is an expectation.  Our challenge is to make this meaningful and joyous.

There are the people who are no problem to give to (you have THREE ideas already) .... there are those who are a little choosy (stumped now?)... makes it hard when they are your CHILDREN and you need (?) to make them equal... there are those that you really don’t want to spend time, energy or money on..  so.. it’s time to get real!  

Be honest with yourself – what will make you feel good?  What will give you JOY to make or give? 

   Decisions need to be made right now.  WHAT are you giving to WHOM?  Pay attention to your budget – this should be about making someone feel special – not about money spent. 

Get specific!  
               
**Out of town loved ones first – there are lots of quick and easy things to order wrapped and delivered  OR agree NOT to send gifts!   A visit in March might actually be a better gift for both of you!

You still have a few days to order a gift online and have it get to where you need it on time – but don’t blow your budget!  (Also – most online stores have email lists – and send discounts to people on the list.  Get on the list right now for the store you choose and, at a minimum,  you will probably be able to get free shipping or a shipping upgrade!)

**Close friends / family – make your decisions right now.  Write them down – find the things you haven’t thought about.  Watch your budget – and get creative with gift cards, necessities (socks can be wrapped creatively!) and coupons for services (like perhaps baking the next item your recipient needs?)  I like to do stockings for people.  Adults get really silly with stockings full of inexpensive random items like ice scrapers and animal crackers..           
**Random..... I don’t know about you – but I almost always end up in a situation where I need a gift...  Again, get creative...  I have been known to pick up cookie assortments on sale and give those... Use the 12 Days idea (link to post) and give non-perishable food... ornaments you bought on clearance last year... or just smile and say thank you when you get the gift and you are not prepared!  You can always make a mental note to do something random for that person during the next year if you feel it is necessary.

**I’m not comfortable with NOT giving something (that’s just me – even when I make an agreement not to give gifts!)  so I always dream up (read: find inspiration on the internet!) something small and slightly unique that I have TONS of to give everyone I see.  THIS particular year I am NOT ready – so you will see me carrying around a basket of small candy canes (not unique :-) but I have enough to share with everyone I see. 
     If I get the DESIRE (NOT time or energy :-), I will dress the candy canes up somehow – tying bows or adding antlers / eyes (http://crafts.kaboose.com/candy-cane-reindeer-ornament.html).  There are literally TONS of frugal small ideas on the internet....BUT.... don’t get sidetracked into creating new projects right now!  Only have fun!

The point is.... gift-giving should not be a chore.

Figure out what YOUR needs are in all of this... not selfishly..... but make the Christmas (or Hannukkah or whatever your affiliation :-) preparations bring meaning and spiritual peace into your heart and home.

THAT is how, one by one, we bring peace to the world.

Next to the Last Minute Prep!

Sooo..... today is my day!

While I plot and plan early.. I don’t get serious about Christmas duties until mid-December.   And I won’t apologize for it either :-)  If your card is late... well..... enjoy your greeting from us when you get it!  

What is most important to me is that we (and that includes ME first and foremost, since I set the tone in the household!) have a low-stress, happy holiday season where I can focus on Christ and his coming (and still fulfill the societal expectations that I CHOOSE)  I want PEACE IN MY HEART and I don’t want other people’s issues messing with that :-)

Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, put on some music and let’s go!

This is the week....

***if a craft project isn’t finished by the end of this week, it will NOT HAPPEN.  If I still WANT to do it, I will do it next year.

***if the cards are not mostly done, they will become an AFTER CHRISTMAS project that I will ENJOY after the dust settles.  If you don’t enjoy cards, don’t do them.  Maybe make a list of your people that you haven’t gotten in touch with over the last year & write them a newsy note soon (but NOT NOW unless you choose and it brings you joy).

***Holiday cooking.... dreams and thoughts need to become plans.... and ingredients needs to be gathered.... OR I PURCHASE what I absolutely need.  (Cooking does not yet come easy to me.... so I am not able to simply whip up a batch of cookies!   I need to think it all through and make the time... so if I am going to provide cookies, I need to plan it now – or buy them!)

***The exact same process for special holiday meals :-)    It’s time to decide exactly what you are providing and prepare for it.  Many things can be made ahead and frozen.. just do a search on the internet for recipes – look for easy and prepare ahead!
       Right now we are eating out of the freezer.... soups and casseroles I made a few months ago and froze the leftovers... that gives me a little breathing space to cook something else in the “daily cooking time”.  (BTW it’s not too late to do this... whatever you make this week, either make a little extra and freeze right away.... or freeze the leftovers.   This will give you ONE meal for next week when life speeds up! Because it WILL!

*** Gifts need to be decided upon but talking about that is another post – look for it tomorrow!

***Decorations!  This is the week that I finish (start?) decorating and get my tree up. (in our world, nothing comes back down until after the Epiphany - January 7).  If it doesn't happen or get on the schedule before next weekend, it's not happening.  Period.  My happiness is not going to depend on a string of lights :-)  Even if that string will make my light show perfect :-)

***Is your calendar up to date?  Make sure that if you want to do it, it is written on the calendar!  Check for potential conflicts and make your choices now (and stick to it – no guilt!  You don’t need the drama.)
      What do you need to bring to each event?  (canned food donation, gift, food to share)
       What do you need to wear?  (and what do you need get ready for your family to wear?)

***What basics do you need to get in the house NOW?
         Tape, mailing labels, wrapping paper, flour, vanilla extract, pet food
        For this category.... what do you NOT want to run out for next week?  What do you NOT want to worry about next week?  (I might not get around to wrapping this week – but IF I do.. I don’t want LACK OF TAPE to be why I don’t!)

My purpose for today is to look ahead, to envision a peaceful, contented celebration.  I want to do everything I can TODAY to prepare for that.  And the greatest thing I can do is tailor my expectations... to make choices as to what I can reasonably achieve... and decide.... TODAY... that I will be happy.

Got that?

Decide to be happy...  (not frazzled, not frantic)... but full of grace and peace.

It’s up to you :-)

Weekly Menus

Oh my.... do I have trouble with this!  I have the hardest time putting a meal on the table and I find that I harbor resentment that I have to do it.  I definitely need to deal with my own feelings about this but I want to make it easier and more of a gift for my family.

It seems like everyone else has it under control..... women like to cook and put dinner on the table, right?

Wrong here :-(  When in doubt... there's always hot dogs... My men are fine with that but I know that I am not doing a good job nutritionally for anybody!

Anyway - what I DO like is being a homemaker... which includes the dreaded 'dinner on the table'!

So, in the interest of simplicity and frugality, I have been looking for some kind of system that will work for us. 

Per conventional advice, I tried to figure out our activities for the week... like which night could I make what.... but that started getting complicated... because it varies.  Seriously, maybe it is my perfectionism... but ONE schedule change and the train went off the rails.  And, around here, a change in schedule is the RULE, not the exception!
With the parameters that SOMETIMES the two teens join my husband and me for dinner... but I still need to think up, purchase and prepare a meal anyway..  here is my current attempt...

First I gathered information... what do we actually eat?

I asked the family for their favorites.... of COURSE the boys opted for burgers and dogs, pizza and mac 'n;cheese.  My husband mentioned his favorite chicken and rice soup, taco bake and chicken stir fry.  I love lasagna, Mexican chicken and chili.


I found that we repeat a lot of our meals - over and over.   We usually have a burger / dog sort of night during the week and sometimes a pizza night.  I usually make a soup of some sort each week and a one pot meal (but it's usually an ordeal finding recipes!).  We usually have at least one night of eating out of the refrigerator - and sometimes we can't get together so some are eating out and others are culling from the larder.  If we are not running a lot, or if there are not a lot of leftovers, I might try something different.

I think a rotating schedule would be good... like a rice soup one week and a bean soup the next.... lasagna one week, chicken pot pie the next...

So I tried a different approach..made a worksheet with 3 columns.... soup, one pot entree, sandwich, and alternate entree.   That's 4 options plus leftovers.  For 7 nights, that is a great head start for us.

For each entree, we will add 2 veggies and/or a salad.... sometimes a bread...and we will be good to go!

I did make an excel spreadsheet.  I will cross off the different meals as we eat them, ensuring greater variety in what I serve my family.  I can also do a better job of using what is in the pantry and freezer... and should have plenty of inspiration!

Let me know if you would like a copy of my worksheet... it is personalized to my family.. but may help you.  Also - if you have EASY, quick meals, I'd love some ideas!

Hello, my name is...

Kay.. and I confess...  it is February 15 and I still have a few lingering Christmas things lying around.  My family decorates later than most people (mid-December) and our decorations come down later too (mid-January).    But now it is mid-February and I have not decorated either with my January snowmen OR Valentine stuff.  I'll think about St. Patrick's Day and Easter later.  I do a purge of decorations every year so there isn't a lot to worry with.   EXCEPT Christmas!

If you are an organizing guru or a neat freak, you might want to stop right here.  I can't help you.. I can only provide you with entertainment.  If you are little bit messy... or paralyzed by indecision when it comes to STUFF.... maybe I can help... or at least give you a little understanding :-)  We still NEED to get ourselves in hand somehow.. and keep moving forward!

Anyway, I had good intentions.  Almost everything Christmas is put away except the things I either LOVE or have issues with... so today, I tackle those!  It's decision time.

First, I'll deal with the lights on the house.   Actually I LOVE having little white twinkle lights on my house.  I have a big porch and really enjoy having those lights in the summer.  So those will stay.  Also, packed in accessible storage are the extra replacement strands.  It will be important that my family knows where they are too, because my beloved husband and I have absolutely opposite ideas of what logical storage means.  If we don't agree, neither of us will ever find them when they are needed!  That said, I am dealing with it today... and if he does not see twinkle light storage as his Tuesday priority, then I will have to make a note to have that discussion later.  I am packing them away!

  Those are the porch lights on the back of the house.  We left a few strands all intertwined with pine garland on the front of the house.  It looked great in the snow.... but our snow is gone.  We still talk about the lights though and whether or not to keep them all year.   My decision today is to remove the garland and the lights.  Once the garland comes out, the light strings will be loose and sloppy.  I will put the light strands with the other accessible ones so that we can re-string them easily if that is the family choice.

There are a few candles that still need to finish burning and some themed pump hand soap to use up.  Does anybody else have trouble getting that stuff used up DURING a season?  The candles that are nearly finished can stay.  I'll commit to burning them.  (Note: the ones I didn't LOVE have already been tossed!)

There is still one container in my extra room waiting for the last few items.

Well... that is the easy part...  now comes the serious procrastination.  

This year we received a live wreath.  We haven't had live things in years because I used to have a lot of trouble with asthma.... so we hung this beautiful wreath outside on the front door.  In late January, I moved it inside because it was still pretty and I liked looking at it.   Also, I wanted to save the crafty things on the wreath.  I'm not sure why... I used to save everything crafty as a matter of course... but now I ask the question.  Anyway, I haven't gotten around to either removing the items OR making a decision... so today, the items come off and the wreath goes.  They will go in one zip-type storage bag and in the box!  Wreath AND craft indecision handled FOR TODAY.

Then, the WORST.... two sets of items that belonged to my mother.  (We won't talk about the one entire container of her Christmas things that I do not use).

First is a set of 3 straw camels.  They are okay... but I would never have bought them.  They are different sizes... and one is pretty large.  She used to put them on a set of glass shelves in a picture window.  I need to mention two things here.... my mother died almost 15 years ago.  She was my best friend and I still struggle with her death.  AND, after her death, my family bought her house from her estate.  So not only do I have the camels, I have the home she displayed them in.

That said, we do not have the either the glass shelves or the same window.  We have had a hurricane since then and a LOT of things changed.  The camels have spent many years stuffed in the back of a closet.  I have cleaned the closet out many times but left the camels for some reason.   Anyway, this year, they made it out of the closet and into a storage container.  Not a good answer, I know... but I feel like I made some little progress by getting them that far :-)  Simply seeing them and touching them is almost more than I can bear.  I will re-double my commitment to handle my own clutter and try to save my children as much of this kind of pain as possible!  If any of my family reads this far, let me know if you want those stupid camels.. I would love to hand them over (even if you toss them.. just don't tell me!)

Next is 2 little wooden reindeer.  I am ready to get rid of those but have a hard time just tossing things.  You know, because they are STILL GOOD.  But I have no clue who they would be GOOD FOR... I just know it's not me!  They will go in my give away bag AND out of my house!

Finally, the container that has been waiting for these last items.  This particular container will stay near the front of my storage closet.  I plan to pull it out in the summer and look again.  It will be easier to make intelligent decisions about Christmas decorating when I'm not wrapped in the sentimental Christmas feelings.  I think perhaps a nice sweltering 90+ degree day...

So tell me.... if you read this far..  what do you have still hanging around?

And if you are the neat freak who read this far.... good for you!  I have to ask.... where is YOUR trouble spot (because I KNOW you have one!) 

And, before you say anything about Santa.... he lives on my mantel all year.  He doesn't qualify as a Christmas decoration.  He makes me smile all the time... so he stays... I don't care what the season is :-)

Friday weekend plans

Ahhh.... the weekend!  

Weekends are supposed to be times to fill with family and FUN!

Why are we seduced into filling our weekends with chores?

       I am as guilty as everyone else.... I am looking at my To Do list this morning with an eye to what I can finish up over the weekend.... what I need to do to further my goals.  But the most important thing that I consider for a weekend is Spending Time with the people I love!  But I feel such a CRUSH of chores and time constraints!

So.... how to get everything done?

#1.  What are the events on the schedule for the weekend?   Which are MY events and which are events where my support is needed?

          So, for me, I must attend:  a Winter Ball for my teen boys tonight, (leave around 6:30pm and return around 11pm),  Martial Arts testing on Saturday morning (leave home around 7:30am and return sometime in the afternoon), church & Sunday School (Sunday morning - leave home around 8:30am and return around 1:30pm) and a seminar for my teen guys Sunday night (leave 5pm & return around 10pm)

      LONG weekend and a lot of travel.  We live pretty far out so that is part of our reality.  Anyway - much of the weekend is going to be sucked up with events away from home - BUT that is FIRST on the schedule!

#2.  What are the things on my personal schedule that can't be moved?
       Honestly, the thing that will be the hardest to find time for is a 7 mile training walk.   I need to do it though - I have an 8 mile race coming up in 2 weeks.  This training distance is important because I am important.

#3.  What are the things that I usually do over the weekend?  Where can they fit (or do they have to be done?)
         Let's see... Saturday mornings are usually allocated to my training distance and to handwork.  I use Saturdays' handwork time to finish up crochet projects from the week and to work on some quilting projects.  Over the weekend, I assess personal chores (from my resolutions, around the house, business and personal paperwork, ministry projects) and make my lists for the week & see what is needed to prepare to do them.

        Over the course of the weekend, I usually cook some food for the week ahead and gather my information for a grocery trip too.. (usually I make a soup, a casserole and plan a basic dinner - meat entree, starch & veggies)

  If the weather is nice I try to do at least one thing in the yard to get some fresh air and a jump on spring!

    Oh yeah... Valentines Day is Monday... what am I going to do to share the LOVE?

   And then there are the ongoing house chores and projects....  never-ending!


  This weekend will be a challenge!  How do I get it all done?

   Well.... I probably won't :-)  BUT here is what I WILL do...

                 FIRST I will commit to getting my sleep and packing food so that my body will be taken care of during this marathon weekend! 

               SECOND, I will remember all weekend long that my primary mission is to take care of the people I love!  No whining!  I want to be a positive role model and lead my family to happiness!

               THIRD.... I will be thinking about it TODAY (not tomorrow)   I will make a list of everything I think needs to be done.

                    Here are my criteria for scheduling:
                           A) Which things can not be changed?
                                     For example, outside events..... (the only question here is "Do I have to go to them?")
                                      
                           B) Which things can double up?
                                       For example: preparing next week's food while I prepare Saturday night dinner

                            C)  Which things can I do RIGHT NOW?
                                       For example, locating my sympathy cards that need to be written or paying some bills.   Be ready to do things when the window of time opens up.

                            D) Which things can I PUT OFF? 
                                     For example, while our sheets need to be changed and washed... I can do it Monday or Tuesday.  Another day won't kill anybody

                For me, I will go to my family events.  I need to go to all of them for reasons of family support and/or personal interest.   They CAN NOT be changed.

               I will probably NOT be the driver.. and am blessed to be able to do things in the car without getting sick - so I will DOUBLE UP and crochet in the car.  (I won't finish things up - but I WILL move forward on bigger projects.. like a scarf or a prayer shawl)

                 I will wear my pedometer when I go to the martial arts testing tomorrow and use the steps I rack up toward my 7 mile distance.  Then I will plan on doing the balance on the treadmill when I get home (and catch up on some recorded television!)  DOUBLE UP and RE-ALLOCATE.

                TODAY, (RIGHT NOW) before I leave for an afternoon meeting, I will check out our food collection and make decisions about what to cook for next week.   I will finish up a few of the crochet projects that need stitching or fringe.  I will find the 3 sympathy cards that I need to send and locate the addresses. (BE READY)
              
       And the sheets are waiting (PUT OFF) .. and if the weather is nice, I will clean out one garden bed..  Still not sure about Valentines Day..  I got all the cards mailed yesterday (gold star for me and resolution #2) and have purchased cards for the family I live with... but need to cook up some FUN for Monday :-)

         

Craft Projects

  I LOVE crafting... or do I? 

  At different times in my life I have spent many enjoyable hours with beads and hot glue and paper twist, with fabric and paint and yarn...  but I tend to jump into projects and buy supplies... putz a bit.. and then move on.   Quite some time ago, I realized that I really love the IDEA of being a crafter.   Not that I don't enjoy creating things... I do!  But I do NOT enjoy the guilt that goes along with all the tubs of supplies sitting in my house.

Several years ago when I first started this journey of decluttering (and re-defining myself), I gave away TONS of supplies!  I realized that I was no longer the woman who had a small business selling angel crafts at craft shows.  That woman had been left behind on my journey.  This led me to a lot of thinking about who I am becoming.... what lies ahead and what should be left behind?  This is a tough question... for me, crafting is solely an individual pursuit.  It is something that only belongs to me.  I am not doing it for anyone else - just me.  So it needs to be fun and to give me pleasure.

  I was no longer the woman who enjoyed doing cross stitch.    I might be again, I'm not sure.   But at any rate, I gave away most of my supplies.  I kept a small tub of a few half-done projects (that I LOVE - notice that LOVE is present tense.. I still like the projects and might enjoy completing them one day)

  Stamps and paint....  I did enjoy painting small figurines but will re-purchase if that desire comes back into my life.  Stamping, well, I had fun collecting the stamps but NEVER DID USE them except to make a business card :-)

    After my careful purge, I was left with yarn for my crocheting and fabric for quilting dreams.  I have been crocheting since I was 7 years old.  I can crochet in my sleep.  It is soothing for me and travels well.  Unlike cross-stitch, my aging eyes don't have to work too hard!

    And since I wanted to quilt, I signed up for a quilting class where we made a queen-sized patchwork quilt - lap-quilted as we went along.   I finished the class - but not the quilt.   The quilt has been waiting for me for a couple of years.  One of my 2010 resolutions was to get back to quilting and I never got there in a WHOLE YEAR.  Hence the repeat.... do I really want to quilt or don't I?    This is what I need to decide this year.  This is the year to finish up the half-started quilt projects and make a decision.

    So.. the confession is that my class was in Spring 2008.   And I had a blast!  The quilt is 3/4 done..... and I have several other projects started.  I really enjoy the piecework... patching different fabrics together into a quilt top.   But I haven't learned to make a quilt out of the tops (I have 3 tops done).   I received a quilt frame that year for Christmas.....  AND IT IS SITTING IN MY FAMILY ROOM.  I haven't figured out how to put the fabric ON IT.  I have been paralyzed by perfectionism.  With no one to show me, I have been afraid to do it wrong...  THIS year, 2011, I will once and for all, figure it out and decide if I am a quilter.

  Progress so far this year...... small but steady.  I resolved to figure out the quilt frame, finish the class quilt and mend the quilts my mother-in-law has given us over the years.

So far, I began by allocating Saturdays as the day I will do SOMEthing quilt-related.   I located all the supplies and projects... but only pulled out what I needed... the purchased leader cloth fabric, one quilt to mend and the one quilt strip of blocks that I am working on.

I have cut and basted one of the leader cloths for the frame.. am still figuring this out and moving slowly but forcing myself to keep moving.  I have stitched half the final class quilt strip in preparation for quilting.  And I have mended 2 of my mother-in-law's gifts.

If you have read this far..... what project that you think you would LOVE to do is hanging over your head causing you guilt?  Do you really want to do it?  Have you collected all the STUFF but not done the project?  What are you doing about it?  What CAN you do about it?