Hen23's Journal~Goodbye

[Farmfresh]

Even with that time off from school it seems we will never get caught up sometimes. I really hear you. I tend to leave things that aren't pressing because "I'll have more time to do it this summer." Then I have such a pile up that I think I'll go crazy.

This year hubby and I had a little "problem" because he wanted to go on vacation about a week before I felt I could possibly have things in order around here so I would be able to go. We went round a bit - he helped out a bit and I let somethings go a bit and we did have a nice little trip after all.

I also "overbook" my time. Someday I will realize that working in the garden for 3 hours in the heat will drain you so much you really CAN'T go grocery shopping or clean the house on the same day.

Then we have the panic.

About the first of July I suddenly look around and think - oh NO summer is going to be over soon. Even though I realize I still have several weeks. I look at the over large list that I made to do and sometimes actually panic about it. Same every year like I will not be able to do any project when school starts or something. Meanwhile I have hubby saying "Wow I wish I had all of that time off to do what I wanted each year."

 

[Henrietta23]

Thanks for the support. I've tried the Fly Lady stuff before. I'll have to see if it's similar to the one you mentioned Keljonma. DH is a teacher but he works a summer job. He does sometimes wonder what I've done all day. How about keeping the kiddo alive! Some days that's all I seem to have the energy for! Tuesday was our last day of school. My coworker and I spent the day ripping apart the Speech Language room. We gathered all the old files and put them in one of the less accessible files and got the current stuff where it is easier to get at. In short we made the room a much more usable space for her and the new Speech Pathologist who will start next year. I came home aching and exhausted, almost unable to cook dinner my feet and legs hurt so bad. I did it though and promised myself that night that I'd at least do one thing each day. Even if it was a small thing it still will count and hopefully I won't be beating myself up for not doing "anything". My birthday is July 23 and I always hit panic mode around then. It is more or less halfway through so I guage how much I haven't gotten done at that point and start feeling bad about myself. It's a stupid cycle but I do it every stinking year!
I am being moved to two different schools next year. I really want to start the year off feeling like I have it together. More than usual anyway. The past three years I've started jobs after the neginning of the school year. I hit the ground running without feeling prepared. This upcoming year I have a chance to change that.
And if we can just get that darn garden fence up I'll be able to start my garden on time next spring. Really!!

 

[keljonma]

Fly Lady was a student of Pam and Peggy's original classes and then got permission to run with the card system. Because I've been doing the system for so long on my own, I never heard of Fly Lady until last year.

The part I like best about the card system - it is flexible. Since I design it for my life, it changes every time we move, and as our work schedules change.

DH's work schedule at the hospital changes daily, so I don't have a set "day off", "light day" or "heavy day". It means I can get even large projects done and have fun too. And if you are in a rush to get out the door, you can easily get help from other family members by asking them to do a card or two. Also, letting the family know exactly what you want to get done before you go have fun helps them see what it is that needs to be done. Ok, guys, I have 4 cards to do and we're off to the zoo.... kind of thing.

edited for typo

 

[Farmfresh]

Until then at least get a big pot or two and plant yourself a tomato. It will make you feel lots better!

I understand the drain that children have on you - especially in the summertime when they more or less need entertained.

You should schedule a fun event for your son in with the worky stuff. That way when you two DO fritter a day away playing you will be able to realize that that is probably more important than any other job on your list including eating!

Too many kids are parked at one form of "babysitter" or another while parents do "important things" - your son is lucky to have you at home in the summer.

 

[Aidenbaby]

I like FlyLady but have always struggled. It's not so much her fault. It's more that once I get a routine going, I have a nasty habit of bucking the system... any system. I've been "meaning to do" my garage for YEARS. I have enough baby/toddler clothes in there to cloth a small orphanage. It's really very sad.

 

[Henrietta23]

I'm so glad you gals "get it"! I do have a few things planted in pots on the deck. (Another reason I need to quit feeling sorry for myself.) DH is trying to tell me it's the dreary wet weather we've had for what seems like months here in New England! We did have a fairly nice day yesterday and went to Old Sturbridge Village, one of my favorite places. I still had the blues kick in while standing in the bookstore. Probably because I was looking at gorgeous garden books!
It's supposed to rain again today. Blech. I will make one area of the house look better than it did yesterday. I will feel a little better. Last night I yanked a bunch of books that we haven't looked at it in years off the bookshelves that flank my fireplace. Books on dog breeds we no longer own, garden projects I'll never have time for, etc. I did feel a little better then. I'll just have to be careful not to buy them all back at the next library used book sale. :/

 

[keljonma]

Hey, AB, I hear ya! I have been moving the "clean out old catalogues" card for over a year!

Right before Quail_Antwerp and her dh arrived, we moved the old catalogues to the garage for the recycle drop off. There were 3 brown grocery bags full of catalogues from 2006-2009!

Pam and Peggy suggest in their book that if you want to skip a card, put a small X on the bottom of the card in pencil. Then move it to where the job would be done next, just as if you had done it. Then the next time, if you do the job, erase the X; but if you still have no motivation, add another penciled X, and move the card again. Pam & Peggy allowed themselves two Xs before they buckled down to do the job. I think as long as a project card is in the box, I'll get to it one of these days.

I think one of the best things I got from their book Sidetracked Home Executives, was this mantra.... I didn't get into this mess over night, and I can't expect to get out of it over night.


H23 - I think Old Sturbridge Village is just terrific! On the gardening front we aren't having as good a year as last.... and only a portion of that is due to the weather.

 

[Henrietta23]

I have videos to return at the library tomorrow. I'll have to see if they have the book.

 

[Henrietta23]

Off to church camp with my son tonight. We have to drive across the state at rush hour. Ugh. We'll be there two nights and return Thursday evening. Should be......fun :/. I know he will have a good time, hopefully so good that he will be ready to go on his own next year.
Back to packing. I can't find his hooded sweatshirt anywhere......

 

[keljonma]

My niece just got back from church camp - she had a blast and made two new friends. They are already emailing each other to stay in touch, as they all live in different parts of the state. I'm sure your son will have a great time too!