So What's Your Blog About, Anyway?

The title of this post is also the question DD#2 asks me regularly.  Whenever I snap a picture, she asks if it is for my blog, or if it is going on my blog.  Then she said, "I don't get what your blog is about."  I sometimes think I don't get it either.  I started with the concept of writing about my challenges and successes of  trying to live with more focus, less stress, and holding myself accountable to look at things in my life, in my community, and in the world with a different lens or perspective than my bias's might lead me to. 

I think I ended up with something different than intended, but I'm ok with that. It is probably one part thrift, in terms of saving money to better be used elsewhere but also thrift in terms of less consumption and waste, and thrift in terms of conserving of time and attention towards what matters more.  It is one part musings and memories, trying to remember and appreciate things in life that keep me grounded.  It is a part reflection and trying to make sense of the weirdness, craziness, and sadness in the world, but also to embrace fully the good things going on as well. I suppose the last part is me quenching an old desire to be a writer, reporter or columnist of some type.  The blogosphere provides ample opportunity for that, plus the bonus of connecting with like minded, or different minded people, all writing and blogging about similar topics. How about you?  If you have a blog, what was your motivation?  If you are a reader, why do you come back again and again to your favorites?  What  turns you off of a blog?  Any and all comments appreciated.



Declutter and Organization Mindset

Whenever I can, I try to take a vacation day the day before Thanksgiving.  I am fortunate to have extended family on both sides that host, so it isn't because I am trying to get ready for guests.  Often I am at my max accrual, and it is also always my birthday week, so a little gift to myself.   I also take it off  in hope that I can jump start a little pre-December, preholiday organization so that I feel like I can enjoy the month better.  Last year, I couldn't take the day off.  I was out of sorts anyway with having neither of my older kids home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas, and I just felt off the whole month.  I realize that more  December and Christmases than not, we will be a small household again, so grieving for past days aside, I need to take back my enjoyment of the season. I owe my youngest the experiences she remembers from before, complete with my setting up my Christmas village. That will be Saturday's project, if I can get my act together today.

Fall is very busy for most people.  If you have school kids, everything ramps up fast, new things launch in faith communities, the season changes so we in the north are looking at transitioning homes for winter.  We were extra busy with things with DD#2-two sports, four choirs, one orchestra, and a whole lot of taxi service. This year we had a glorious fall in terms of weather, so procrastinated a lot of things that should have been done in order to get outside more.  That coupled with an extra business trip, and my daughters move, my house feel really chaotic.  We have been dressing too many mornings with pulling clothes out of the dryer, rather than dressers and closets.  I have a front entry closet that I know have some snow boots somewhere buried, but can't quite get to them without a full out declutter. And yet, my procrastination gene kicks in, even today.  The picture above is what it looks like outside,  snowy and wet. You can see we haven't even dealt with the  patio set-still hoping for one more nice November day to sit out and enjoy my morning coffee. I'd much rather grab my Paris cup, brew up a good vanilla hazelnut cup of coffee, and spend my day with you all blogging and reading. 

I'm making a deal with myself.  I did the grocery store run after dropping my daughter off, so that is done.I have the dishwasher and washing machine running while typing this.  After I finish, I will stake out a practical to do list and break it into chunks, alter as I need more or less time to complete. I'll build in  a couple natural beaks-perhaps noon and 4:00, and pop back on line.  Yes-I have a plan. I want to get to the point where at least my laundry  is all clean and in rightful place, my kitchen is serviceable to the point I can prepare the side dishes I am bringing to family dinners and gatherings this weekend. I've put the "Best of 2013" CD mix my friend Steve makes each year on the player and am ready to dive in.  But first, I need to finish my coffee.

Accountability and Accomplishments

Sometimes the hardest person's expectations to live up to is our own. I was feeling woefully unambitious on Friday, but had convinced myself to be energized for the weekend.  I made myself a to do list, and here is how I fared.

 Here was my motivational check list for Saturday:

• Wake up early; do not linger in bed and waste away precious daylight

Sort of successful.  I was up and had bread made and two loads of laundry done.  I then spent too long on a post for this blog, reading other blogs, and soon enough, it was after 11:00.

• Walk a long time, slow and patient and let pup sniff away

Pup and I had a good walk, though just around the park and pond by our neighborhood.  It was a sunny day, and though the temp said 47, it felt so much warmer.  He drained himself making sure the whole neighborhood of dogs know he was there, and was pretty tired and thirsty by the time we got home.

• Purge at least one shelf, cupboard, or closet-determine if for sale, donation or throw

Managed one small bag collected from my daughters room of laundered clothes she will not wear again. Forgot to send with DD#1 when she went by the charity shop to donate, so it is still sitting in my entry.

• Clean and organize pantry, fridge, and freezer-there is something causing an odd smell somewhere

Found the smell-weird concoction left in a bowl, and the lid was off, mixed with a flat beer smell.  I didn't get the whole refrigerator clean and tidy, which meant I still have the next task on my to do list as well.  

• Take a picture of my food waste so I hold my self accountable next time to use what we have

See above.

• Bake!!  

Mastered this one-down to the final little loaf of bread and one saved for father-in-law. If I hadn't run out of eggs, this would have been more successful.

• Wash bedding and get it out on the line so I can sleep with sweet smells of fall

Someone was burning leaves again, and I can't get my gumption up to call them out on it, so the smell would not have been lovely and fall, but damp and smoky.

• Open a bottle of red, and marvel at all I've accomplished

Sort of accomplished, but with a beer. We joined a few siblings for a happy hour beer at the local bar and grill, and can't beat a $1.50 draft.

 

On the extra side, we got a few birthday and Christmas gifts purchased thanks to extra 30% discount at Kohls,. The covered large frying pan my daughter wanted was on sale on it's own, plus in a set of cookware., appealing as she also said she doesn't have a good macaroni or spaghetti pot.  We ended up getting the whole set-spendier than we had planned, but if having the right cookware from the onset in her apartment means she will be that much more likely to cook instead of take out food, I think it was a  good investment.  Other gifts were also for her, and my son, whose college dorm room, and cheap towels bought after their graduation are probably getting a little thin.  We picked them both up two sets of a towel and wash cloth, in a decent quality store line we buy for our own everyday use, on clearance at 60% off, and another 30% on top of that, making each set, under $4.50.  They're grown-ups now and practical gifts will be appreciated-I think. I'm pretty good with a calculator, and purchased just enough to get the bonus $10 Kohls cash for every $50 spent, which will also be applied in short order to gifts for others, as I have no need of anything for me or for the house. 

All in all I am not going too feel guilty about what wasn't accomplished or pat myself on the back for what was.  I'll add to my list for today, to tackle once home from a birthday lunch.  My contribution to the Chinese food menu is beef and broccoli, and Napa Asian Salad.  I hope both are a hit.  Hope your weekend is going splendidly.