My gosh, when I said my strategy for getting though the dead of winter was to stay busy, I don't think I knew what I was setting myself up for.
The last few weeks have been busy in a way that I can't remember being since my college days. Some of it is fun busy, but a lot of it is, well, just busy.
We're in the heavy soliciting period for the Chance Auction for Sadie's school, so it seems that any spare (read: non-working) time that I have has been spent either calling or visiting on local merchants. I have a list of a few dozen to get through and it is surprisingly time-consuming. It is a worthwhile cause, so in that sense I am happy to do it, but jeez...I'm looking forward to this phase ending.
Sadie is once again performing in the talent and variety show at school and this year I've taken on a more active role of working with the group of girls. We've had a tight timeframe to pull an act together and rehearse it, so evening rehearsals (to the tune of several times a week) are added in to the mix, as well. This weekend I need to run around and get the costumes pulled together, too.
Add to that school store and the family item drive we are doing for Blossom International and I am freaking busy.
Work has actually been insanely busy, too (start of the semester and all that), so it feels like from 7am to 11pm, I'm walking around kind of buzzing with a list of 'to-do's' in my head.
As much as I do enjoy the hubub (sp?) of being busy and I've gotten to know some really nice women through volunteering, I think it is time to say enough is enough for right now. I definitely don't like that between the soliciting, committee meetings and rehearsals, we don't always get to sit down together at dinnertime. And, I don't like that the one thing that I feel I have wiggle room to drop off my daily 'to-do' list when time is tight is a trip to the gym. So, the T&V show is the first week in February and once that is over, I'm not looking for other activities. I had actually volunteered to be on the planning committee for my 20th (gulp!) high school reunion, but I am rethinking that one.
Anyway, I guess all of this has been a good exercise in figuring out how much is too much and being more selective about what I get involved in.
We've had a bunch of fun busyness, too (dinners with friends, birthday parties, snow tubing), but there is something less fun about fun activities when down time is at such a premium. I'm definitely looking forward to a quieter February.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January
Trying not to let the winter blues set in, but it is hard. January is just such a long, cold and dreary month. I'm doing my best to keep us busy so hopefully, the month will move along.
Eden's fourth birthday is next week. I can't believe my 'baby' is turning four - how did that happen? We're having her party this weekend, though I've been keeping the discussion of it pretty low-key. After all, this is January and it isn't inconceivable to think that she could end up sick the day of and we'd need to reschedule it. But, if all goes as planned, we're having about 10 kids to the house for lunch, cake and games. She has all these adorable little classmates, so I think it will be a good time.
I'm on the committee for the big chance auction dinner Sadie's school holds every spring. This is actually shaping up to keep me very busy over the next few months, between meetings and the actual work. It's been a great way to meet people, too. Anyway, I plan to spend much of the long MLK day weekend running around hitting the bulk of my assigned list of businesses to hit up for donations.
The following weekend, we are going away to the Poconos for the weekend with the Gills. This will be a blast, I'm sure. We're going to tube at Camelback one day and hit the local sledding hill the other. If I hadn't sworn off alcohol for the next 7 weeks (trying desperately to get bathing suit ready for our FL trip), I would say I was looking forward to lots of partying after the kids were in bed. Oh well, I suppose one can party with perrier, right???
The last weekend of the month we've got Saturday night plans with the game night crowd at Melanie and Dave's and a tentative plan to head into the city on Sunday.
So, there you have it...I've just raced us through this dreaded month in the space of four paragraphs. Let's see how that works out. ;)
Eden's fourth birthday is next week. I can't believe my 'baby' is turning four - how did that happen? We're having her party this weekend, though I've been keeping the discussion of it pretty low-key. After all, this is January and it isn't inconceivable to think that she could end up sick the day of and we'd need to reschedule it. But, if all goes as planned, we're having about 10 kids to the house for lunch, cake and games. She has all these adorable little classmates, so I think it will be a good time.
I'm on the committee for the big chance auction dinner Sadie's school holds every spring. This is actually shaping up to keep me very busy over the next few months, between meetings and the actual work. It's been a great way to meet people, too. Anyway, I plan to spend much of the long MLK day weekend running around hitting the bulk of my assigned list of businesses to hit up for donations.
The following weekend, we are going away to the Poconos for the weekend with the Gills. This will be a blast, I'm sure. We're going to tube at Camelback one day and hit the local sledding hill the other. If I hadn't sworn off alcohol for the next 7 weeks (trying desperately to get bathing suit ready for our FL trip), I would say I was looking forward to lots of partying after the kids were in bed. Oh well, I suppose one can party with perrier, right???
The last weekend of the month we've got Saturday night plans with the game night crowd at Melanie and Dave's and a tentative plan to head into the city on Sunday.
So, there you have it...I've just raced us through this dreaded month in the space of four paragraphs. Let's see how that works out. ;)
Monday, January 4, 2010
Reflecting
There were a number of times over the past couple of weeks that I thought to sit down and write this post, but it seems as though I was always busy, running somewhere, preparing for company, recovering from a late night...so, my end of the year reflection post will just have to happen in the New Year. Better late than never, I say.
In a way, the past few weeks have really been representative of 2009. I looked back at the goals for the year that I set at this time last year (exercise more and really put an effort into having girlfriends), and I really think I did well on both fronts. I think it is safe to say that I have become a pretty committed gym rat. I make it there 3-4 times a week, and enjoy my time there. A big part of this was the result of me making it a priority, rather than just something I tried to squeeze in around everyone else's schedules. It is nice to just put myself first for something, and I'm thankful for Evan, who easily and happily holds down the fort while I go.
As for making and nurturing friendships - 2009 was a great year, too. I definitely put more effort into tending to the friendships that I've had for years, with plenty of girls night out, couples 'dates' and family get togethers. One of my friends told me that my 'let's get together' spirit inspired her to get out of her cocoon, and it is safe to say that unlike past years, I do feel that we were invited out as much as we hosted and made our own fun, if that makes sense. So that is a good thing. I also made some new friends this year, and while all of them aren't that close comfortable fit that you have with people you've known for years, it has been fun getting to know new people and feeling more a part of the social fabric of the town, if that makes sense. the soccer field, PTA meetings, and school events are now filled with with friendlier faces. Finally, I've posted before about how awesome and friendly our neighborhood is, but something really clicked in 2009 where we no longer feel like the 'new kids on the block' (I guess after four years, we no longer are). We had a lot of fun socializing with neighbors, both casually and formally this year. We are so blessed in so many ways, but mostly by the people that surround us (physically and emotionally).
2009 also was a year of immense growth and change for the girls.
Right before my eyes, Sadie is blossoming into a more social self-confident little girl. This was the year she learned to swim, joined a soccer team, performed in the school variety show. As this new year begins, she is busy learning a new skill (ice skating) and preparing for a repeat performance in the school show next month. She is learning to deal with bullies and all sorts of things that as parents we wish we could protect them from, and doing it with such confidence and finesse that it makes my heart so happy. Her teacher has recommended her for pull-out enrichment, which makes this mama super proud, too.
Eden really transformed from a toddler to such a grown up little preschooler this year. I won't lie - three was not our easiest year with her, but as the year ends and her fourth birthday looms close on the horizon, it does seem as though we have pulled through the worst of it. The traits of hers that have made this year a parenting challenge (stubborness, determination, confidence, ambition) will serve her so well in life, so I have tried my best not to squash them (ha, as if I could). We had a moment this week that I think really sums up where we are in the journey of making it through the terrible three's...she was eating lunch (salami sandwich and a side of applesauce). She had finished half of her sandwich and all of her applesauce. She asked for more applesauce, and I told her she needed to finish her sandwich first. She made her trademark "hmph!" sound that often preceeds a bout of whining and then stopped. She said to me, "I almost had a fit, but then I didn't", and then finished her sandwhich without any drama. This is a turning point! She also continues to amaze me with how bright she is. Since pulling her from daycare at Cindy's house, we have not made any effort to keep up with her reading. I didn't want her to feel pressured, and I had read a compelling article which basically argued that little children only have the opportunity to be little children once in their lives - there is no need to push them to learn/do what they will most certainly learn and do at a later age. This really resonated with me and we completely backed off. Well. Just because we backed off, doesn't meant that Eden has (that whole determination/ambition thing), and she has really continued on her own, attempting to read everything from words in books to the back of the cereal boxes to street signs. Her teacher suggested to Evan and I that we should consider moving her up a level to pre-K (we're not going to, btw...for a few reasons), and again, hard not to feel so very proud of her. I can't even begin to imagine what this next year will bring for her in terms of learning and exploring, but I'm looking forward to watching it unfold.
Finally, this year was good to Evan and his business. While he sometimes laments at how little money he is actually making, we both feel so fortunate that he has found his vocation and gets to actually earn money doing something that he loves. I know his business will only continue to grown, so if this is the lowest point we will be financially, well...it's not such a bad place to be.
I guess that brings me to goals for this next year. Aside from the mundane (finally stop biting my nails) I really want to get our financial picture secure and healthy. We have made great strides in this area in the past year (setting and keeping to a monthly budget), but we have plenty of work still ahead of us. While we have done well sticking to our budget, I would love to have a little more breathing room in said budget - I really don't want to feel one big car or home repair away from disaster. I'd also love to be able to indulge in things from time to time (dinners out, or an excursion into the city with the girls) without having to do all sorts of scrimping and planning and creative budgeting to allow for it. This, of course, depends on our expenses going down and/or our income going up. I've already got some irons in the fire as far as our expenses (and, congrats to me...as of last Tuesday, I just paid my very last student loand payment), but mostly I'm putting my hopes on the latter. The year is off to a good start, with Evan's pipeline starting to fill up already, so I hope the trent continues.
Anyway, it will be fun to check in this time next year and reflect again. I have such a feeling of optimism about this year and sometimes I just think that attitude is half the battle. So, farewell 2009 - you were so good to us, and hello, 2010!
In a way, the past few weeks have really been representative of 2009. I looked back at the goals for the year that I set at this time last year (exercise more and really put an effort into having girlfriends), and I really think I did well on both fronts. I think it is safe to say that I have become a pretty committed gym rat. I make it there 3-4 times a week, and enjoy my time there. A big part of this was the result of me making it a priority, rather than just something I tried to squeeze in around everyone else's schedules. It is nice to just put myself first for something, and I'm thankful for Evan, who easily and happily holds down the fort while I go.
As for making and nurturing friendships - 2009 was a great year, too. I definitely put more effort into tending to the friendships that I've had for years, with plenty of girls night out, couples 'dates' and family get togethers. One of my friends told me that my 'let's get together' spirit inspired her to get out of her cocoon, and it is safe to say that unlike past years, I do feel that we were invited out as much as we hosted and made our own fun, if that makes sense. So that is a good thing. I also made some new friends this year, and while all of them aren't that close comfortable fit that you have with people you've known for years, it has been fun getting to know new people and feeling more a part of the social fabric of the town, if that makes sense. the soccer field, PTA meetings, and school events are now filled with with friendlier faces. Finally, I've posted before about how awesome and friendly our neighborhood is, but something really clicked in 2009 where we no longer feel like the 'new kids on the block' (I guess after four years, we no longer are). We had a lot of fun socializing with neighbors, both casually and formally this year. We are so blessed in so many ways, but mostly by the people that surround us (physically and emotionally).
2009 also was a year of immense growth and change for the girls.
Right before my eyes, Sadie is blossoming into a more social self-confident little girl. This was the year she learned to swim, joined a soccer team, performed in the school variety show. As this new year begins, she is busy learning a new skill (ice skating) and preparing for a repeat performance in the school show next month. She is learning to deal with bullies and all sorts of things that as parents we wish we could protect them from, and doing it with such confidence and finesse that it makes my heart so happy. Her teacher has recommended her for pull-out enrichment, which makes this mama super proud, too.
Eden really transformed from a toddler to such a grown up little preschooler this year. I won't lie - three was not our easiest year with her, but as the year ends and her fourth birthday looms close on the horizon, it does seem as though we have pulled through the worst of it. The traits of hers that have made this year a parenting challenge (stubborness, determination, confidence, ambition) will serve her so well in life, so I have tried my best not to squash them (ha, as if I could). We had a moment this week that I think really sums up where we are in the journey of making it through the terrible three's...she was eating lunch (salami sandwich and a side of applesauce). She had finished half of her sandwich and all of her applesauce. She asked for more applesauce, and I told her she needed to finish her sandwich first. She made her trademark "hmph!" sound that often preceeds a bout of whining and then stopped. She said to me, "I almost had a fit, but then I didn't", and then finished her sandwhich without any drama. This is a turning point! She also continues to amaze me with how bright she is. Since pulling her from daycare at Cindy's house, we have not made any effort to keep up with her reading. I didn't want her to feel pressured, and I had read a compelling article which basically argued that little children only have the opportunity to be little children once in their lives - there is no need to push them to learn/do what they will most certainly learn and do at a later age. This really resonated with me and we completely backed off. Well. Just because we backed off, doesn't meant that Eden has (that whole determination/ambition thing), and she has really continued on her own, attempting to read everything from words in books to the back of the cereal boxes to street signs. Her teacher suggested to Evan and I that we should consider moving her up a level to pre-K (we're not going to, btw...for a few reasons), and again, hard not to feel so very proud of her. I can't even begin to imagine what this next year will bring for her in terms of learning and exploring, but I'm looking forward to watching it unfold.
Finally, this year was good to Evan and his business. While he sometimes laments at how little money he is actually making, we both feel so fortunate that he has found his vocation and gets to actually earn money doing something that he loves. I know his business will only continue to grown, so if this is the lowest point we will be financially, well...it's not such a bad place to be.
I guess that brings me to goals for this next year. Aside from the mundane (finally stop biting my nails) I really want to get our financial picture secure and healthy. We have made great strides in this area in the past year (setting and keeping to a monthly budget), but we have plenty of work still ahead of us. While we have done well sticking to our budget, I would love to have a little more breathing room in said budget - I really don't want to feel one big car or home repair away from disaster. I'd also love to be able to indulge in things from time to time (dinners out, or an excursion into the city with the girls) without having to do all sorts of scrimping and planning and creative budgeting to allow for it. This, of course, depends on our expenses going down and/or our income going up. I've already got some irons in the fire as far as our expenses (and, congrats to me...as of last Tuesday, I just paid my very last student loand payment), but mostly I'm putting my hopes on the latter. The year is off to a good start, with Evan's pipeline starting to fill up already, so I hope the trent continues.
Anyway, it will be fun to check in this time next year and reflect again. I have such a feeling of optimism about this year and sometimes I just think that attitude is half the battle. So, farewell 2009 - you were so good to us, and hello, 2010!
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