tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50812665917017496932024-03-13T17:43:38.641-04:00Through Christina's LensAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556656489134970494noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-61698961131430108622013-05-20T21:43:00.001-04:002013-05-20T21:43:13.429-04:00HiatusI'm finding that I've lost a bit of oomph for posting on the blog over the past few weeks. A loss of afternoon nap time, among other things, is not helping the matter.<br />
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Please expect a (lengthy) break before you see any more posts from me. Enjoy your summer and stay well.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556656489134970494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-17742483008899173892013-04-23T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-23T09:00:09.006-04:00Ready to Organize, but Not Sure Where to Start? (Giveaway)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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Are you enthusiastic about tackling an organizing project, but aren't sure where to start? Or do you know you'll only get the job done with some cheerleading and encouragement?<br />
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I'd be delighted to help!<br />
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That's exactly what I did for my friend, whose <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2010/10/room-by-room-kitchen-makeover.html" target="_blank">kitchen</a> is featured in these photos. We organized for function and efficiency, and relocated objects so that she could install a dishwasher. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w8EaPOko2s/UWdYkvmaXfI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/N_E6DJFIe9I/s1600/Pano_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6w8EaPOko2s/UWdYkvmaXfI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/N_E6DJFIe9I/s1600/Pano_1.jpeg" height="146" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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If you have an upcoming reason to organize, or are just frustrated with your stuff, here are a few ways that I could help:<br />
<ul>
<li>Assess
a problem area in your home/office and offer verbal
or written suggestions on how to better organize it. </li>
<li>Physically assist you in organizing one or more spaces, providing
motivation, ideas and labor. I promise this can be fun; many hands make
light work.</li>
<li>Guide you through setting up online bill pay or other paperless solutions. </li>
<li>Help you find charitable or eco-friendly disposal options for things that you no longer want or need.</li>
<li>Organize items and list them for sale on eBay, Craigslist, Freecycle, etc. or prepare for a yard sale or Mother's Mart.</li>
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Of course, I'd be happy to problem solve and brainstorm along with you if you have a more specific need. Reach me at christina (dot) alderfer (at) gmail (dot) com.<br />
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Ready to get started? I'm giving away a two-hour organizing session to one lucky reader this week. Please enter by commenting on why you need the help. I'll choose a random winner to be announced on Saturday. Good luck!<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-89951481789000046222013-04-16T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-16T09:00:10.479-04:00Cleaning Schedule/Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AO49ryLYDrw/UWMRYUgmArI/AAAAAAAAAc8/tVQoSr8HJxo/s1600/iStock_000012318456XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AO49ryLYDrw/UWMRYUgmArI/AAAAAAAAAc8/tVQoSr8HJxo/s1600/iStock_000012318456XSmall.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now that the warm weather is upon us (thank heavens!), I thought it might be a good time to re-post the link to my <a href="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/38327307/Cleaning%20Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">cleaning schedule</a>. For those of you who are, um, thinking about spring cleaning.<br />
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Nothing fancy here, just a jumping off point for you to adapt to suit your home and family needs. If you don't like mine, there are hundreds of others in cyberspace to choose from.<br />
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Incidentally, since I developed the checklist, I read <a href="http://www.home-ec101.com/carpet-care-101/" target="_blank">this post</a> and learned I should be vacuuming a lot more often. Like almost every day. Since we are at home most of the time, that is one time per week for every person and pet. <br />
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(Shhh...Does anyone know if this is for real, or a conspiracy put forth by carpet companies?)<br />
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Enjoy your day!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-53922675853545153872013-04-12T11:00:00.000-04:002013-04-12T11:00:08.721-04:00Welcome and Thank You to Moms from JAM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTfFUDt4pIU/UWMLUQhn61I/AAAAAAAAAc0/9SasEPGn9RY/s1600/MP900185197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTfFUDt4pIU/UWMLUQhn61I/AAAAAAAAAc0/9SasEPGn9RY/s1600/MP900185197.JPG" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome to those of you who are reading for the first time. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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I'd like to express my sincere appreciation to the Moms who allowed me to speak at <a href="http://www.calvary-church.com/ministries/-adult-ministries/women%27s/mops" target="_blank">JAM</a> this morning. It was a pleasure to see faces both new and familiar!<br />
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If you'd like to review a copy of this morning's presentation, please <a href="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/38327307/2013%2004%20JAM%20Presentation.pdf?dl=1" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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I hope you were inspired and encouraged to tackle some spring cleaning and organizing projects. And, of course, I hope you'll follow by email or subscribe to the blog (along the right column) for future tips and encouragement.<br />
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Happy Spring!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-77042459561031001152013-04-08T11:00:00.000-04:002013-04-08T11:00:06.743-04:00Point A to Point B<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_brrBgu1h0/UWGwAUiXh5I/AAAAAAAAAck/zifpgFTbC8o/s1600/MP900285098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_brrBgu1h0/UWGwAUiXh5I/AAAAAAAAAck/zifpgFTbC8o/s1600/MP900285098.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
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My preschool age son is enjoying a new workbook that teaches pencil control.<br />
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It's really fun watching him concentrate (think of how people often stick their tongues out while cutting). He hasn't yet fully decided if he's left or right handed--we think it's probably left--so he's alternating hands.<br />
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He starts at the green dot, follows the path of whatever illustration (trash truck, flying bird, skier, etc.) and finishes at the red dot.<br />
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If only life were as neat, predictable and easy to navigate as workbook pages. Sigh.<br />
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(Can you tell I was one of those kids that got super excited about new books, notebooks and pens at the start of the school year?)<br />
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But here's what I'm learning: <b>It's not just about getting from one dot to the other. It's what happens in between that really matters.</b><br />
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This weekend, my husband and I discussed my tendency to wish away the present as I anticipate the future. I was listening to some empty nesters talking about their impromptu plans to just head to the shore for a day. It sounded really nice. <br />
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I wish, oh how I wish, that I could be so spontaneous. I tell myself I could be spontaneous if <b>I </b>were an empty nester. But right now? I don't think we could do that. With a preschooler and
toddler, it takes military-style tactical manuevers to get out the door.<br />
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Truthfully, I'm not sure I could do it, even without small children. I'd be worrying about what was left undone at home. I'd mentally be somewhere else, doing something different, again.<br />
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This is dangerous thinking.<br />
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<b>If I don't purposefully choose a
course for my life--or as a Christian, submit to God's will for it--there will always be a
savvy marketer happy to help me fill my time and empty my wallet. </b><br />
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So I want to intentionally enjoy each moment. Stopping to smell the roses, if you will. This requires me to be proactive, setting goals to make this season meaningful. They don't have to be perfectly
executed, but they will push me to aim higher than no goals at all. <br />
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It will also be important to try and stick with the plan when the day goes off course. As I've been reflecting during the past months (this is much bigger than one conversation with hubby), I've recognized how easy it is to react, explode with frustration, and vow to get less upset next time, without making any real changes. <br />
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In the next two weeks, I'm planning to take a big step back and sit in a quiet place where I can think clearly. I want to map out a general direction for the next few years, establish priorities, and maybe even draft a <a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/values/45290.html" target="_blank">family values covenant</a>. <br />
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I can't wait to get started, even if my progress is a little shaky for awhile. <br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-76600699290083816632013-03-14T14:00:00.000-04:002013-03-14T14:00:01.385-04:00Happy Pi Day (and taking a bite out of your inbox)Happy March 14 (3.14) or Pi Day!<br />
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Instead of pie, I was really thinking about <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-big-fat-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookie/" target="_blank">making cookies today</a>. I always feel virtuous and want to eat well when the weather warms up, but now that it's gotten cold and windy again today, I just want comfort food. <br />
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I figure the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/mix-and-match-quiche/index.html" target="_blank">quiche</a> I'm planning for supper will be a fair equivalent to pie, since it is in a pie crust. Plus I want to keep testing the pie weights I bought.<br />
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Quiche is becoming a bit more common at our house since I've discovered my husband doesn't find it too girly. It's a modified omelet, really. But the real reason is that we've been so blessed by the beautiful brown eggs my father-in-law's hens are laying.<br />
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Can I brag and show you an adorable picture of my son and one of the hens when both were a bit newer?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-filVubzQ4Uo/UUINYvduLxI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ayGaT4ACR0Y/s1600/Guy+and+Chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-filVubzQ4Uo/UUINYvduLxI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ayGaT4ACR0Y/s320/Guy+and+Chick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On an unrelated note, if you struggle to keep up with the volume of emails in your life (personally or at work), you'll want to check out this post from Money Saving Mom on <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2013/03/how-i-keep-my-email-inbox-to-fewer-than-5-emails.html" target="_blank">limiting the messages in your inbox</a>.<br />
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Happy Pi Day!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-88103251608391453322013-03-07T14:00:00.000-05:002013-03-07T14:00:03.598-05:00Cultivating Contentment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhzdXZSBrT0/UTeYskhrM5I/AAAAAAAAAcA/RB-neYiXIqU/s1600/MP900422142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhzdXZSBrT0/UTeYskhrM5I/AAAAAAAAAcA/RB-neYiXIqU/s320/MP900422142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago, I had a delightful conversation with a "Mentor Mom" at my <a href="http://www.mops.org/" target="_blank">MOPS</a> group. She is also a friend of my husband's family, and someone I have come to admire for her hospitality, sewing, and all-around pleasant demeanor. Like my mother-in-law, she's a <i>lady</i>. </div>
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(My late mother and me--we'd just be called women, and that's on a good day! Ha!)</div>
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Where was I? Right. This dear sister was showing solidarity and acknowledging just how challenging it can be to mother young children, be a wife, keep a home and still lead some degree of the life you had before children. Then she used a fascinating phrase...cultivating contentment.</div>
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As you may already know, I like to get things done. And quickly. I like to look ahead at upcoming challenges and I am eager to accept work. However, my focus is usually on completing the task and getting to the finish line. Then, I say to myself, I can put up my feet with a book and a glass of lemonade. It's not long after I sit that I realize there are 10 other things I've been meaning to get around to doing. The work keeps coming.</div>
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I'm realizing that I must slow down. There is joy in the process of work. I should choose to relish the time spent with family or people on my team. Work is not only about accomplishment, it's about relationships and helping others. <b>And really, aren't relationships the most valuable part of life?</b></div>
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My <a href="http://iweb.tntech.edu/rclougherty/workshop/page1/page3/page3.html" target="_blank">Concrete Sequential</a> style has drawbacks. I'm ashamed to admit how often I've excused myself from conversations that didn't seem worth my time; it was just chit-chat. But that robbed me of the opportunity to get to know someone better. I've completed projects on my own because I could do the work, but that was without considering that I could have learned something. I frequently find myself wanting to split up work when it comes to cooking or running errands with my husband, even though we like spending time together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow” </span></span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Swedish proverb</span></span></b></td></tr>
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So, how am I <i>cultivating</i> contentment?<br />
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Mostly by changing my perspective. <br />
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First, I've acknowledged that life is fluid and can't be contained in categories. Being "caught up" is really a myth. I hope most of you know this one, but for me, the mental shift took work!<br />
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I'm also accepting that my agenda is only partially important. Each day comes with its own set of priorities that I may or may not have control over. I cannot get into a snit if the day develops differently than planned, especially if there is opportunity to love on someone important. <br />
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Then there is the whole issue of what I'd like to do, as compared to what's good enough. I'd like to look a certain way each morning but it's not worth yelling at my children so that I can apply full makeup. Life will go on if I make a cake from a box mix. I don't always have time or energy to produce my very best. I can't waste energy feeling guilty about these things.<br />
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Finally, I know I have a case of <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/champagne_taste_on_a_beer_budget" target="_blank">beer budget and champagne taste</a>. Yet I remind myself that I am blessed in so many ways. Simply by living in this country I am among the 5% wealthiest people in the world. There is so much that I can do in terms of giving, entertaining, and creating a happy home without breaking the bank.<br />
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This cultivation process will likely take my entire life, but I'm starting with conscious choices to be content even when my heart isn't fully on board.<br />
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How are you choosing contentment?<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-23548596834835751132013-03-06T14:08:00.000-05:002013-03-06T14:08:32.918-05:00Still here...I'm busy working on another post for you, one that I'm very excited about and don't want to just slap together.<br />
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This is what my front yard looks like today. (Sorry it's miserably windy and wet and I don't want to leave the safety of my porch!) We'll be getting a new roof installed as soon as the weather cooperates. <br />
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And there in the back, do you see that red, white and blue For Sale sign? Yep, that went up last week.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-21004503315200496022013-02-21T22:00:00.000-05:002013-02-21T22:00:02.256-05:00Organizing Mistakes (Part Four: What's Your Motivation?)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This post
concludes a series on mindsets and marketing ploys that sabotage attempts at
real organization. </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hi, my name is Christina, and I'm a recovering perfectionist. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I was the little girl who, at three years old, was lining up shoes under my bed and shelving my books according to their height </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know a few things about the blurred line between healthy and unhealthy attitudes toward having a nice home and an orderly environment.<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></b></span>I<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> <span style="font-size: small;">s</span></b></i></span>truggled with "coulda, shoulda, woulda" for a long time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Say No to Shame </b></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">..."If only I could get my kids to clean up their rooms, then I can have people over"...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">..."If only I could tackle that remodeling project, then we can invite the boss to dinner"...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">..."I'd like to get to know my neighbors, but our furniture is Early American Yard Sale"...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">..."I can't even keep up with my laundry, let alone find time to volunteer or serve"...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">..."If only I was more organized, then everything would be better"...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">..."When we have more money, then I'll feel better about hosting family dinners"... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">..."When I get caught up with the landscaping, then we'll have that birthday picnic for Susie"... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Someone will always have more than you, but a lot of people have less
than you do. Will your friends and family remember the cobweb in the
corner, or the bright smile on your face and a warm cup of coffee? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have a friend who PURPOSEFULLY ignores <span style="font-size: small;">some </span>cleaning chores, depending on who her guests might be. She knows that if she sets the bar too high, they will feel awkward and hesitate to return the invitation. Amazing, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">That was a real revelation for me, since I always thought my dirt and clutter was what would make them uncomfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">People remember how you make them feel. Consider that having a house that looks like Better Homes and Gardens might be a wee bit intimidating. Having a home where there is laughter and space to breathe is nothing to be ashamed of.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Missed the <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2013/01/organizing-mistakes-part-one-january.html">first</a>,
<a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2013/02/organizing-mistakes-part-two.html">second</a>
or <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2013/02/organizing-mistakes-part-three-once-and.html" target="_blank">third</a> post in this series?</i></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Say No to Guilt</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Can't hold a candle to the culinary skills your sister-in-law possesses? Had to downsize your house because of finances? Been spending hours on Pinterest sighing at the lifestyles other people have? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cuVmwfnA0Vs/USbN8RLcnCI/AAAAAAAAAbI/-5GNawQ9F8s/s1600/iStock_000014071976XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cuVmwfnA0Vs/USbN8RLcnCI/AAAAAAAAAbI/-5GNawQ9F8s/s320/iStock_000014071976XSmall.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Try to stop comparing your home or job or kids or your whatever to that of people around you. It won't make you feel better and rarely will inspire you to get ahead.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Don't get me wrong, this is hard. Still, I've come to the conclusion that guilt is one of those things that can get you down only if you let it. It's a choice to be okay with how you are. Celebrate the difference and focus on your strengths, not your perceived weaknesses.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Learn from Pain</b></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pain is a great teacher and can be a motivator. When it
comes to disciplining children, a lot of psychologists talk about
reality and natural consequences. These are painful but effective.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SUefW1RfL4/USaBiGro2OI/AAAAAAAAAao/eeCHzQRHhUE/s1600/MP900442931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SUefW1RfL4/USaBiGro2OI/AAAAAAAAAao/eeCHzQRHhUE/s320/MP900442931.JPG" width="243" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It's human nature to try to avoid all forms of pain and
discomfort. Some people focus on organizing with the goal of preventing
pain: I WILL NOT lose the keys again. I WILL get my papers figured out so I don't <span style="font-size: small;">have to pay another</span> late fee.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It's painful for your child to get a failing grade because an assignment was left at home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It's painful to have your credit card rejected, especially in front of an audience. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It's painful when you have to pay outrageous overnight shipping charges because you forgot to order something in time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">But <span style="font-size: small;">are reality consequences</span> enough to get us to mend our ways and get proactive about (respectively) readying backpacks, keeping an eye on bills, and reviewing future obligations? It would be nice, but it's <span style="font-size: small;">part of a process.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Next week I'll have a special post for you about goals and life themes, which I hope will help put all this in perspective and put some legs to this information.</span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-27636025087258565322013-02-13T14:00:00.000-05:002013-02-18T14:44:07.693-05:00Organizing Mistakes (Part Three: Once and Done Mentality)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This post
continues a series on mindsets and marketing ploys that sabotage attempts at
real organization. Missed the <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2013/01/organizing-mistakes-part-one-january.html">first</a>
or <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2013/02/organizing-mistakes-part-two.html">second</a>
post?</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you’ve glanced through magazines, read articles,
or even paged through books on the subject, it seems that most people find
“getting organized” to be a project: buy the bins, throw out/donate a bunch of
things, then arrange them in a cute way, and voila! You’re done.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I heartily disagree.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Home or office organization is an ongoing task. It’s
not only about achieving an uncluttered, rational filing system for your
belongings and paperwork. Organization truly lies in a system that can be
perpetuated with minimal effort. </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(Is this too
much common sense for ya?) </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikp8_p3naWE/URvhmLG6zGI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/EqWTiKqcIKU/s1600/MP900383003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikp8_p3naWE/URvhmLG6zGI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/EqWTiKqcIKU/s320/MP900383003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Let’s use cleaning floors as a parallel. Perhaps you
move into a new home where the floors were sorely neglected. It’s a project to either
replace the floor covering or get the grime off, but it’s possible. Your end
result is a clean floor. Great. </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But, steps are needed to continue to keep the floor
clean. It won’t magically repel dirt going forward. You must take steps to
prevent it becoming soiled (say, taking off shoes at the door) and regularly
sweeping or mopping. You might find that in the winter, you need to put out an
extra rug to catch gravel. In the summer, you may have to put a mat outside to
keep grass clippings at bay.</span></b></div>
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<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Similarly, with organizing, you will probably have
to adapt and flex your system as you find new needs or challenges that need to
be addressed. </span></b></div>
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<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The good news is that by maintaining your system,
you’ll never have to make organizing a project again. And just like cleaning,
if things fall a little behind, it won’t be that hard to catch up. We all get
sick, have intensely busy times, and get off routine for a variety of reasons,
so it’s </span>more important to</b><b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span>maintain a reasonable level of organization </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">than ditch the idea
because you haven’t achieved organizational nirvana.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And this is one of the times that I’ve fallen
behind. In fact, I’m writing this post instead of picking up
my living room, which looks like this:</span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47wXB2i-Q_Y/URvf222tx3I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/0ek6s_oK1mU/s1600/P1020169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47wXB2i-Q_Y/URvf222tx3I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/0ek6s_oK1mU/s320/P1020169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And my kitchen counter, which looks like this:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWBlUbZsNpU/URvf45TwDpI/AAAAAAAAAaE/U3eUcTCnZz8/s1600/P1020170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWBlUbZsNpU/URvf45TwDpI/AAAAAAAAAaE/U3eUcTCnZz8/s320/P1020170.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<b> </b>Ugh. </div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, and to continue my
goal of making my home an enjoyable place to be, you better believe I’m going
to be caught up before tomorrow evening. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">How have you been viewing organization? As a project
or ongoing task?</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Additional Resources: <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2011/09/cleaning-chart.html"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cleaning Chart</span></a>, <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2012/01/nightly-routine.html"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nightly Routine</span></a></span></b></div>
Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-12689006246824178462013-02-06T20:30:00.000-05:002013-02-06T20:30:01.459-05:00Organizing Mistakes (Part Two: Rearranging Clutter)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Today we continue the series on mindsets and marketing ploys that sabotage attempts at real organization. Missed the <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2013/01/organizing-mistakes-part-one-january.html">first post?</a></i></div>
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As you know (have I said it enough?), I’m not one for buying a lot of bins or containers to house unorganized things. This is because<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> pretty containers just beautify your clutter.</b></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/408701734903444808/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/550/e9/1a/f1/e91af1c045c259e004b407be2d6dea45.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">
Source: <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cm/goodhousekeeping/images/PF/organize-craft-space-1009-s3-medium_new.jpg" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">goodhousekeeping.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/cerenityz/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christina</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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One of the several <a href="http://pinterest.com/cerenityz/unrealistic-organizing/">photos I've pinned sarcastically</a> to highlight the beautification of stuff. However, where are you supposed to work, and who has perfectly sized and color coordinated fabric scraps?<br />
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Aside from kids’ toys--which inevitably become a jumbled mess in under 10 minutes--putting disorganized things in pretty containers can give you a false sense of security. Especially if those boxes are all the same.</div>
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You probably won’t be able to find things any faster. </div>
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You’ll definitely be less willing to sort through a pile tucked in an opaque container, because out of sight means out of mind. (Certainly doesn’t work for <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2011/03/leftovers.html">leftovers</a>!) </div>
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It’s not a system that you’ll be motivated to maintain, because until the container is overflowing, you’ll find it handy to just dump things in there.</div>
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So, what’s the bottom line? You don’t just need places for your stuff. You need less stuff.</div>
And rather than hear me say it six more ways, here’s a fabulous (and eloquent!) article on finding <a href="http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2013/01/how-much-stuff-should-you-own-the-answer-is-simpler-than-you-think/" target="_blank">just the right balance</a> of possessions and space.<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-51643165140593193602013-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:002013-01-29T09:00:13.826-05:00Organizing Mistakes (Part One: January Whirlwind)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Welcome to Part One of a new series. I’ll be identifying common errors that
sabotage our attempts at organization.<br />
<br />
(For those of you who grew up in my era, cue the mental Beastie Boys
soundtrack. Indulge for a few seconds. …And, now we’re back.)<br />
<br />
Whether you are struggling to get organized or just want to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> organized, I’d imagine that you are
tempted by the first culprit I’d like to address: the January whirlwind.<br />
<br />
No matter where you look, the instant that Christmas is over, everyone is
trying to restore order. <br />
Stores reduce prices in attempts to move inventory. The radio station
quickly (and frustratingly) switches back to their typical playlists at 12:01
am on December 26, leaving you with no more musical joy for holiday gatherings
that happen after that moment. Magazines <s>instruct</s> invite you to tidy up
your home, using photos with plenty of white in the palette. Everyone packs up
the formerly adorable decorations that have now just become “clutter”. And there
are New Year’s organizing resolutions aplenty.<br />
<br />
Obviously, if you are still with me, you know that I believe getting
organized is a good thing.<br />
<br />
But more important is staying organized.<br />
<br />
You know that it takes anywhere from 21 to 30 days to make an activity into
a habit. You also know that changing your personal behaviors requires extra
motivation and discipline. And if you have a family, you know you’ll also have
a bit of convincing, training and reinforcing that you need to do.<br />
<br />
Is this a wholesale decision to make on December 31? No, not at all. While I
am wild about doing things as well as possible and as fast as possible, this is
not the time nor the situation. Planning and patience are required.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 16.0pt;">January Do’s and Don’t’s</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do not</b> run to the store and <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2012/02/lets-clear-something-up.html">wildly
purchase bins or specialty containers</a>.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do not </b>empty out large quantities of
cabinets or cupboards with the goal of wiping down and rearranging them. You
will burn out. Quickly.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do not </b>assume that one week of vacation
and a full iPod will be enough to perfect the organization in your life.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do </b><a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2012/02/cheap-motivational-device.html">set
a timer</a> and tackle one shelf or one drawer at a time.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do</b> realize that small, successful steps
will pave the way for you to make larger changes. It’s okay to start with a <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2011/06/lost-keys.html">central
place for keys</a> and progress onto emptying the
bedroom-turned-storage-closet. Later, much later.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do </b>take time to identify the problem
areas or “subjects” (e.g. paperwork, children’s belongings, kitchen storage) in
your house and brainstorm ways to improve the problem with family members.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do </b>take the list of disorganized issues
(above) and assign each area to a month of the year. Work on each issue for a
month and evaluate the impact.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do </b>realize that staying organized will
require ongoing effort. We’ll talk more about this later.</li>
</ul>
So, how are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? <br />
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<![endif]-->Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-42787324855929687182013-01-23T13:00:00.000-05:002013-01-23T13:00:03.746-05:00Grace Again<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Do you recall my <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2012/04/confession.html">confession
post</a>?<br />
<br />
Once again I find myself in a similar situation: I lost my phone.<br />
<br />
This is one of the reasons that I don't have a smartphone. Let me recount
the history of my cell phone fatalities: washing machine "ride",
thrown down the basement steps by my eldest son, died for no apparent reason,
dropped on the sidewalk and cracked the screen, and now, MIA.<br />
<br />
In my mind, it's just not worth investing in anything too nice until I get
this problem under control. Fortunately, the much-younger-than-me employees at
the wireless dealer didn't make fun of me. They just gave me a new SIM card.
For free. Oh, and they also gave me an admonishment to consider buying a
protection plan.<br />
<br />
For now, that new SIM card is in the phone with the cracked screen. I’m
hoping and praying the old phone turns up. If not, you can believe I’ll be
buying another unfancy phone. Hopefully it will last awhile.<br />
<br />
Do you have any tips on how you keep your phone safe and healthy, especially when leaving the house involves many bags and small children? <br />
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<![endif]-->Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-69768968886673232013-01-22T13:54:00.001-05:002013-01-22T13:54:21.286-05:00Spiritual and Mental ClutterThough I've posted links to Glynnis Whitwer's blog before, I was especially moved by her <a href="http://glynniswhitwer.com/2013/01/clutter-free-day-2-i-align-my-thoughts-with-gods-2/" target="_blank">post today</a> on quieting our hearts, minds and souls so that we can hear God's voice.<br />
<br />
I hope you find it meaningful.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Disclaimer: Though I enjoy Glynnis' blog and often read her devotionals, she has no idea who I am!)</span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-23300755900809594012013-01-17T15:18:00.000-05:002013-01-17T15:18:15.984-05:00Decluttering Success<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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A (very) belated Happy New Year to you!</div>
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For the third time in as many months, I feel like I’m on the
cusp of “catching up”: bills paid, little snippets of paper under control,
cleaning mostly up-to-date and only a handful of items on the to-do list. I
hope I don’t jinx myself in terms of getting sick!</div>
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<br /></div>
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One of my proudest accomplishments: I’ve recently purged a number of items from our home via <a href="https://www.blogger.com/ebay.com">eBay</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/craigslist.org">Craiglist</a> and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/freecycle.org">Freecycle</a>. Though the proceeds have been minimal, I am
delighted that these items have been given a second chance and will not be
heading to the landfill for a while longer.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfK666zvkkI/UPhacvak89I/AAAAAAAAAZY/Fc5PhkQiBqA/s1600/IMGP5074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfK666zvkkI/UPhacvak89I/AAAAAAAAAZY/Fc5PhkQiBqA/s1600/IMGP5074.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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To date, we’ve parted with:</div>
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The above-pictured Ikea chairs (Freecycle)</div>
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A papasan dorm-style chair (Craigslist)</div>
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A spare set of yard sale golf cubs (Freecycle)</div>
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Four teddy bears that I was once collecting (eBay)</div>
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A necklace I never wore (eBay)</div>
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A highly breakable crystal bowl not compatible with young boys (eBay)</div>
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As a result, the basement is a lot less cluttered. I also
have a few bucks in my PayPal account!</div>
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If you are highly motivated to pass on some of your earthly
treasures this year, here are a few tips that I’ve gathered from my personal
experience. I’d love for you to add your ideas in the comments section.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Choose the right
listing venue</b></div>
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You must first decide if you want to dispose of your item
quickly, or if you are willing to be patient in order to make some money.</div>
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<ul>
<li>eBay
is a great way to get broad exposure for items that are relatively small and
easy to ship. Though competing with many other sellers, you can offload almost
any item in new or good condition that appeals to the average person (jewelry,
accessories, clothing, children’s items, household items, etc.)<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>Craigslist
is a great option for items that are inconvenient to ship or that are showing a
little bit of use, such as furniture, large quantities of clothing, large toys,
etc.</li>
<li>Freecycle
is a great way to get rid of nearly anything, and quickly. Your only investment
is time in reviewing the myriad emails and putting the item out on your porch.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Facebook
is a growing way to announce that you have items to part with. It’s also
a terrific way to find a lender if you need to borrow something for the
weekend. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRYvwmpqir0/UPhbqfbIfkI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kQoO3eAe3xs/s1600/MP900442965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRYvwmpqir0/UPhbqfbIfkI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kQoO3eAe3xs/s1600/MP900442965.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Put yourself in the
buyer’s shoes</b></div>
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Who doesn’t love free shipping? If you are listing an item
on eBay, offer free shipping. However, please save yourself frustration by
first packing it up and taking it to the post office or UPS store and having
them give you a price to ship it as far away as possible. (I always seem to end
up selling to people on the West Coast.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Build the shipping into your cost and be realistic. </div>
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Also, be sure to take good photos of what you are offering,
even on Craigslist. I’ll be turned off by seeing the item in your dank-looking
basement, wondering just how creepy you might be. Take a few extra minutes to make it presentable. An honest
representation about whether the item has been in the home of a smoker, or
about stains/wear is also something I would expect before buying.</div>
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On the other hand, don't be ashamed of your ugly, beat-up possessions. There is probably a do-it-yourself-er that would love to get their hands on project materials. Remember that one man's trash is another man's treasure.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Time it right</b></div>
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Hands down, it seems like Sundays are the best day for
Craigslist and Freecycle pickups. Post your items on Thursday or Friday night
so they are gone before the next workweek begins. This is also a good timeframe
for eBay auctions. People are more prone to be available to place last-minute
bids when they are home, especially on these dark winter evenings.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
So what are you looking to get rid of soon? How will
you get the word out?</span></span><br />
Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-24094416144979679452012-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:002012-12-19T09:00:08.712-05:00Emotional Whiz Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9a_Smuhazic/UMjYDSSS_uI/AAAAAAAAAX8/ci3ZWYQsXKY/s1600/Garrett+and+Nolan+June+Hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9a_Smuhazic/UMjYDSSS_uI/AAAAAAAAAX8/ci3ZWYQsXKY/s320/Garrett+and+Nolan+June+Hug.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I have two amazing little boys who teach me so much about the world. I am learning that they are also excellent mirrors for me and sort of a litmus test for my own inadequacies.<br />
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You see, if you don't already know, parenting is a humbling experience. Imagine with me...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Realizing you've left the house with no makeup or appreciable hairstyle, but plenty of drool and/or snot on your collar. </li>
<li>Talking down a child who is insisting on a balloon from the party store, when you only wanted to run in and return a $2.99 item. He plunks his bottom on the sidewalk and refuses to walk to the car.</li>
<li>Having your nursing babe grab at your shirt in front of complete strangers, only to have them return a smirky smile.</li>
<li>Holding out your hands, imploring your child to just, "throw up here" so he doesn't get it all over the carpet at the library during storytime.</li>
</ul>
A wise person said, "I was the perfect parent until I had children." We think we know a lot about how children should be reared until we are in the trenches, dealing with tantrums, sickness and just plain immature behavior.<br />
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I've long said that if my boys have the basics--enough rest, food and opportunity to eliminate--life is swell. However, after some recent experimentation and contemplation, I have two more items to add to the list:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQPna1v8OvE/UMjZKoCV9AI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/AuJ3OYbgm0E/s1600/MP910218702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQPna1v8OvE/UMjZKoCV9AI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/AuJ3OYbgm0E/s320/MP910218702.JPG" width="320" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<b>Eye Contact</b><br />
When I was growing up, my Mom (a cat fanatic) explained to me that if you want to bond with a cat, you should look it in the eyes and slowly blink at it. I'm still of the opinion that cats tend to choose one favorite person in the house, but it's commonly agreed that emotionally healthy people like eye contact.<br />
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I realized how often I was expecting my kids to "just play quietly for a minute" so I could tidy the kitchen, put away groceries, or pack the diaper bag to go somewhere. They were supposed to be happy on the floor while I was quickly walking back and forth. So when I <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009H7J72E/">read part of this book</a> and realized that I wasn't giving much focused eye contact, I tried it out on my kids. So far, it really seems to be making a difference, not only in them, but in me. I find some very maternal feelings welling up when I take just a few seconds to gaze into their precious blue eyes.</div>
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<b>Free Play</b><br />
I really do think that my kids would be happiest if I just laid on the floor with them all day long while they played next to, or on top, of me.<br />
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That idea just about bores me to death. I thrive on accomplishing things.<br />
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These kiddos, they are smart. They know when Mommy is rammy* and can't just BE. This is something I'm really trying to work on, mostly for their sakes. Being present in the moment and lingering a little too long on the couch is not a bad thing.<br />
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The bad Mommy police will not come after me if we are a few minutes late to storytime, but the kids will remember if there was yelling and a battle to get dressed. The more exasperated I become, the more irritated they become, and the spiral begins. I'm the parent and I need to choose to go more slowly.<br />
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It's also really important not to overschedule their day. They want to wrestle and play trains and rearrange every.single.toy. in the house. And slowly, gradually, I am able to fold laundry or knit or even clean nearby while they do their "work."<br />
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What are you learning about the needs of others in your life?<br />
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*Sorry if you aren't PA Dutch. This means agitated, wiggly, a little anxious and eager to get a move on.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-35124600240179927362012-12-12T14:00:00.000-05:002012-12-12T14:00:07.234-05:00Deja Vu<h3 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>It's déjà vu all over again. -Yogi Berra</b></span></h3>
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It seems like this house has been on an every-other-week cycle of sick-recovering-sick-recovering. And most amazingly, it's been Mommy who's been down for the count more than anyone else. (And we aren't talking sniffling, sneezing, etc. We are talking full-out stomach sickness, twice.)</div>
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I am totally learning how to ask for help from others. Getting over the guilt of having to call family members home from work to do "my job"...not so much. </div>
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There are a number of growing edges for me in this situation: <br />
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<li>There is no choice but to let the housework go.</li>
<li>I must accept help from others without being able to quickly reciprocate. It's fascinating how I display this pattern of having to "even the score" with those who assist me. Like I'm afraid they will reject me if I need too much.</li>
<li>My boys really can rise to the occasion when Mommy struggles to do more than lay on the floor. I was so impressed with their emotional IQ on this. (More in a future post.)</li>
<li>I've been reminded again that I cannot keep running on fumes, and maybe a 9pm bedtime isn't cool, but it's what I need right now.</li>
<li>We must wield the bottle of hand sanitizer as a mighty anti-germ-warfare weapon every time we get in the car from an errand or play date.</li>
</ul>
Allow me to share with you my new triage plan for personal sanity in times following illness:<br />
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<b>Deal with the dishes</b><br />
I get really grossed out thinking about what grows on the dishes that accumulate on the counter during these spells of illness. The first thing I tackle is unloading and reloading the dishwasher (washing hands often) and cleaning the counters and table<b>.</b><br />
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<b>Gather laundry</b><br />
More heebie-jeebies lurk on towels, dishcloths and clothing (especially if your kids are snotting on your shirt...and don't pretend that never happens in your house!)<b> </b>I at least try and wash everything on hot and dry it, even if it sits in baskets for a few days before being put away.<br />
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<b>Sanitize</b><br />
Finally I wipe down all the bathrooms and any surfaces that we tend to neglect--doorknobs, light switches, remotes, etc. because heaven knows you've been stumbling around and watching more TV than usual.<br />
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<b>Rest</b><br />
Just step over the clutter and go to bed. It will be there in the morning!<br />
(And for whatever reason, it's just easier to clean when there's daylight.)<br />
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So what's your game plan when sickness has thrown your household into chaos and confusion?<br />
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Today's disclaimer: For those of you familiar with the roots of déjà vu, I do not believe in reincarnation.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-42481430419951484752012-11-14T22:00:00.000-05:002012-11-14T22:00:00.852-05:00A New Theme<a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2012/10/reality-check.html">As promised, some changes are underway</a>, though please don't expect them to be fast or furious. <br />
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You may have noticed at the top of your page that I have a much-shortened "mission statement": Musings on managing the stuff of life.<br />
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When I was a young girl, there were times when I'd lament to my mother, "I'm bored." She explained (warned) me that someday I would not be bored. In fact, during this season of mothering three and one-year old boys, there's not much I wouldn't give to find myself bored for an afternoon! <br />
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While I was driving the other day, I reflected on some of the technological changes that I've seen in my 32 years. (I heard a radio report about seminars for seniors who wanted to text their grandkids and learn to use iPads which started this line of thought.) I remember playing Duck Hunt on the neighbors' Nintendo, which was so much more advanced than our Atari--you know, color and all. Someone handed down their electric typewriter. My family bought our first PC--a Gateway 2000--when I was a freshman in high school. I received my first cell phone right before I got my driver's license; it rang from my Christmas stocking. Then came my own first desktop computer, my laptop, my netbook, etc., etc. It's just amazing, really.<br />
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The first clothing that I bought with my own money was purchased in order to fit in. Then it was a uniform for my first job, then career clothing for my first real job. A wedding dress followed, then maternity clothes, then baby clothing, and now I'm buying clothing that fits a woman with a "new" shape, if you know what I mean.<br />
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With life seems to come the accumulation of stuff. Some of it--no, a lot of it--is material possessions, but there are also friendships, memories, ideas, hopes. There are things we need, things we want, things we hate to part with. Things we have no idea we had (more on that at the end). <br />
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We have infinitely more choices than men and women in previous generations. Yet, with so many products, devices and amusements available to us, we must work hard to squelch the clutter and reclaim the important and meaningful aspects of life.<br />
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So here, in this blog corner, is a place to make conversation about how to manage the stuff and find balance.<br />
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A Do and Don't for Today <br />
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Do: Think about subliminal messages. A quote from <a href="http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/9-daily-habits-that-will-make-you-happier.html">this article</a> was so pointed that it really got my attention today: "The entire point of broadcast TV is to make you <em>dissatisfied with your life</em> so that you'll buy more stuff."<br />
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Don't: A retired couple I worked with during a downsize was going through their attic and figuring out what had to go. Amongst the memorabilia they found a life-sized statue that their son had created in a college art course!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-80595472764659725732012-11-01T13:48:00.002-04:002012-11-01T13:48:50.962-04:00The Stuff (Almost) No One Tells You AboutI think <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/i-want-run-away-2012-11/">this devotional</a> was written just for me today. Maybe it will encourage you, too.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-43555642448419570272012-10-31T21:09:00.000-04:002012-10-31T21:09:51.146-04:00Reality CheckHi, everyone. I'm sorry it's been over a month since I last wrote.<br />
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I assure you there is a good reason. Also, I assure you some positive changes are coming to my little corner of the blog world. (Hang with me for a few paragraphs).<br />
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Since the Internet is a big place, I don't want to put too many specifics out there. What you need to know is that everyone in my family is safe and managing for the most part.<br />
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When I was a working-outside-the-home gal, I worked in a retirement community and we learned about this group of folks called the "sandwich generation." Those are people who are caring for an elder in their family, often a parent, in addition to trying to raise their kids. Now I'm standing in the same shoes. Once again, I've had an a-ha moment, realizing how lightly I took this role. (I had the same kind of a-ha experience when my Mom passed away. I didn't really understand HOW hard it was or what was helpful to say to people.)<br />
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As I write this, I realize how petty this may sound, but this is the first time in my life that I'm just plain unable to see the bottom of my to-do list. And forget tackling those fun ideas I'm just starting to find on Pinterest, or the books I want to read, or keeping the amount of white space in my inbox that I want. I've found the outer limits of my "capability."<br />
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I'm sure many of you have lived or are living in this zone, treading water or just putting out fires. I'm trusting that it's going to be for a finite period of time, but I don't know. I've actually huffed around in weak moments saying, "I guess my life just isn't ever going to be about anything <i><u><b>I </b></u></i>want to do." Then I proceeded to go on and fantasize about maybe doing fun stuff in retirement.<br />
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It's disgusting the nasty stuff that lies dormant in your heart, isn't it? Clear countertops and decluttered closets don't mean pure thoughts, no sirree! Maybe I should have a t-shirt like the neighbor boy's that has a picture of a lobster and says "I'm a little bit shellfish."<br />
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So what does this mean for the blog?<br />
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For starters, I'm going to talk a little bit more about bringing balance into your life.<br />
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One of my goals right now is to be "present" wherever I find myself. That means not worrying about the dishes when I'm out in the yard with my kids. It also means not worrying about my kids when I'm listening to a healthcare provider giving me caregiving instructions. It means gazing into my husband's eyes and asking after him even when we're ready to collapse after the kids go to bed.<br />
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I'm also going to continue to try and allow myself to receive more help from others who love and care about me. Some of them read this blog, and I want them to know how grateful I am for them. <br />
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Finally, the blog might become a bit more about me. I purposefully kept it sterile in the beginning, and I still want to maintain professionalism and privacy. Still, we are all human, we are all growing during this journey of life, and we can't exist in a vacuum (...although my son thought it would be funny to go inside the dishwasher when I started it up tonight).<br />
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Are you feeling the tension between necessary responsibilities and time for self-expression and self-care? What kind of changes would you like to see from the blog? Thanks in advance for your comments!<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-61355611472676612952012-09-25T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-25T09:00:06.686-04:00Keeping Short AccountsI thought my life was pretty full: a husband, two active little boys, church involvement, playdates, etc.Now some changes have happened in our family and I'm finding myself caregiving for family beyond those who live under the same roof.<br />
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Life can change in the blink of an eye. Or at least an ambulance ride.<br />
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This experience caused an important thought to resurface in my mind: it's so important to keep short accounts.<br />
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Don't put off making that phone call to say "I Love You" or "I'm Sorry" or whatever you want to share. Put a date on the calendar to get together with friends. Even if you have to reschedule later, commit to being present with those you care about.<br />
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Along the same lines, but in a more nuts-and-bolts application, I really try not to put off until tomorrow the things I can quickly do today. I'm in the middle of reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Getting-More-Done-Outperforming-ebook/dp/B00408AN78"><i>Getting More Done: 10 Steps for Outperforming Busy People </i>by Chris Crouch</a>. He suggests that you immediately address anything which can be done in under two minutes. He also has a great quote about maintaining white space in your mail program:<br />
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"Most problems related to email center around one issue: how long you typically allow an email to sit in your inbox." --Chris Crouch</blockquote>
I pay my bills when they come in. I read the mail every day. I return voicemails as soon as possible. Not only does it keep the clutter down, I exert less mental energy remembering it for another time.<br />
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When I worked, I often looked through my files and papers making sure that someone else could easily find stuff if one day I didn't come back (due to going into labor or winning the lottery, of course... :)<br />
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I guess it boils down to this: If you've got "to-do" items that will affect others if they go undone, it's time to make them a priority. We never know what tomorrow holds.<br />
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The dusting, eh, not so much...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I downloaded Chris Crouch's book on my own, with no financial incentive. All opinions are my own.</i></span><br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-6197373866226281162012-09-18T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-18T09:00:07.136-04:00For a SmileA quote from the famous Erma Bombeck:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch fire, or block the refrigerator, let it be."</span></i></span>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-19800635500260001362012-09-11T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-11T09:00:05.213-04:00Make the Most of Your Meals (Part 7)Well, I've decided to spare you the rundown this week on my grocery purchases and menu, largely because of some family matters that made for helter-skelter meals. I'm not sure I have the mental clarity to recall what all we ate.<br />
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I've been waiting to talk about couponing. I've been so tempted to reference it in previous posts, but have restrained myself. There is so much talk about extreme couponing and the drugstore game (just Google those if you need more info; you'll be overwhelmed), and then there are just a bunch of plain Janes like me who clip coupons to save a few bucks here and there.<br />
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As an aside, I saw the aftermath of a little extreme couponing gone wrong this spring. I was out at yard sales and saw at least 30 cans of air freshener on one table. Really? I can get on my soapbox and rant about non-chemical ways to conceal unpleasant smells, but perhaps we should just move along.<br />
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So, here's how couponing works for me.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Disclaimer: It may not work for you. It may infuriate you. I am not you. It's okay.)</i></span><br />
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<b>Using only "free" coupons. </b>This means coupons that arrive in my mailbox, or those which can be printed online. I've chosen to cancel my newspaper subscription because as much as I love the idea of sprawling on the bed or couch and reading the paper, it's not my stage of life. And while I love the funny pages, magazine and coupons, I'm not saving as much as I am paying for the Sunday edition.<br />
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<b>Clipping/printing coupons just for things I already use AND know I'll be purchasing again soon.</b> This is really important when it comes to keeping costs down. There is a reason companies issue coupons: they want you to buy their product. They want you to be brand loyal. Okay, that's all well and good, but just because I use an item doesn't mean I must clip every coupon for it. So, even if I save $1.00 on each jar, I simply don't need to buy a jar of mayonnaise each month.<br />
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<b>Resist the temptation to use every coupon clipped.</b> Why is this so hard for me to do? I look at that pile of coupons like a "to-do" list. Must. Redeem. Every. Coupon. Not a good choice. That food item must fit into a menu or realistically be usable within a few months.<br />
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<b>Stack the savings. </b>If, like me, you buy a lot of groceries at Target, you need<b> </b>to <a href="http://www.allthingstarget.com/start-here/coupon-policy/">stack coupons</a> by matching Target coupons and manufacturer's coupons. I'm sure other stores do this as well. (Do tell, if you know about it.)<br />
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<b>Abandoning the coupon when the house brand is cheaper.</b> It always pays to do the math. So often, the generic brand is cheaper than the name brand even with a double coupon. <br />
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<b>Consider what you are buying.</b> There just aren't many coupons for produce, fresh meat or nutritious cereals. There are, however, a LOT of coupons for junk food, personal care products and other "non-necessities." Just consider that a deal isn't really a deal unless you will use and benefit from the product, in addition to saving money.<br />
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So, there you have it. My musings on how to cut the grocery bill in seven installments.<br />
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On a personal note, let me say that this experiment has made me more accountable and conscious of my food purchasing and disposing. At the same time, it's not worth stressing yourself out as you strive to pinch every penny. Life must go on and it's okay to have takeout or buy a frozen pizza at full price every now and again. Time is money, too.<br />
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Have a great week!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-32313981048283818592012-09-05T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-05T09:00:07.811-04:00Make the Most of Your Meals (Part 6)Hi again! Hopefully you are still hanging in with me and finding some ways to reduce your grocery spending and/or food waste.<br />
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One of the things I've really been "chewing on" (in the mental sense) is eating less. One almost-too-obvious way to cut down your grocery spending is to eat less food. And let's be honest: there are very few Americans who struggle to achieve a minimum weight. <br />
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Perhaps it's the back-to-school season that brings this subject to the forefront, but in the past weeks, I've read half a dozen articles that reference the importance of eating a nutritious breakfast. I remember skipping breakfasts back in my junior high days, but I could never do that now. I love breakfast!<br />
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Have you ever heard this proverb?<br />
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Eat breakfast like a king,<br />
Eat lunch like a queen, and<br />
Eat dinner like a pauper.<br />
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(As an aside, I also read a reference to a study which found that people who had cake with breakfast lost more weight than those who had cake after dinner. With as much as I love a good coffee cake, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoo_fly_pie">shoo fly pie</a> or funny cake*, that did my heart good!)<br />
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Anyway, weren't we talking about eating less?<br />
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I realize that my son has a better day when he has some protein with breakfast. He also needs crunchy food sometime during the day, and I can't say what that does, but I find myself feeling fuller (more full?) when I have to chew more. There is something satisfying about dense foods, be it granola, baby carrots, steak, oatmeal, etc. Those certainly fill you up more than a bag of chips, wouldn't you say?<br />
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My menu this week was as follows:<br />
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Monday: Skillet Chicken Fried Rice and green beans<br />
Tuesday: Broiled Salmon with cranberry-almond salad<br />
Wednesday: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/ham-and-broccoli-ring-17833">Ham and Broccoli Ring</a> and side salad<br />
Thursday: Dinner out with family using a Groupon deal<br />
Friday: Leftovers<br />
Saturday: Dinner with friends<br />
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I imagine you find the idea of leftovers on Friday to be a very tantalizing idea! Especially when a lot of families have pizza on Fridays.<br />
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Well, it may <i>seem</i> be exciting, but <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2011/03/leftovers.html">leftovers</a> are a must if you are trying to save money and reduce food waste. Repurposing your food for a second round is possible, especially since some cookbooks are dedicated to a "cook once, serve twice" technique.<br />
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At our house, most recipes make a little more than we need for two adults, a preschooler and an infant just getting into solid foods. It's a natural choice to heat leftovers for lunches. We also usually have another noon or evening meal sometime during the week for a "leftover smorgasbord" where I pull out all the containers and we assemble our plates from the "buffet"!<br />
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Finally, if your freezer isn't as stuffed as mine, consider making a double batch of your next casserole, soup, or pasta dish and freezing it for a future meal. This really saves time.<br />
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Next week we conclude with my thoughts on couponing.<br />
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*I love that even wikipedia doesn't have funny cake. Maybe I'll write that in my spare time! This is a local treat that consists of a pie crust topped with chocolate syrup and a white cake-like batter. Some recipes call for the chocolate syrup on top, but it sinks as it bakes. Really no one outside the area thinks it's any good! Learn more crazy stuff <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_the_Pennsylvania_Dutch">here</a>.<br />
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081266591701749693.post-61895344002198633302012-08-28T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-28T09:00:00.494-04:00Make the Most of Your Meals (Part 5)We're more than halfway through this series on meal planning. Is anyone doing this along with me, or are you enjoying watching me suffer?!?<br />
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One very positive aspect of this project is that I'm not running to the store for just one or two ingredients. Plus, I
can start working on dinner any time during the day that I have a few
minutes to thaw, chop, or mix. <br />
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On the other hand, it's becoming tough to find the line between stocking up because of good deals, keeping the spending down, and having a manageable level of food in the house, so none is wasted. I am feeling very humbled looking at the bottom line each week.<br />
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On that note, I spent $89.71 on groceries at Target this week. I think this is where I've been having some trouble, because while I get a lot of food at Target, it's also mixed in with other household items like diapers, health and beauty items and other legitimate stuff. I had to open up a spreadsheet to figure out what exactly I spent on food items.My purchases included multiple packages of the following: peanut butter, snacks for the kids, cereal, and coffee, plus OJ, eggs, and frozen salmon filets. My hubby also stocked up on frozen lunches and crackers for the office, for when he's not taking in leftovers for lunch or being treated by vendors. <br />
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At the grocery store, I spent $50.22. What you see pictured here is from the first trip; we returned the same day for the absolutely necessary bread, butter, sugar, and $1.88 bottle of Hershey's syrup that didn't make it the first time. I was distracted...big time, but I did stick to the list for the second trip.<br />
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The refrigerated biscuits were on sale for $1 apiece and the krimpets were on sale, too, and just had to come home with me :) <br />
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The menu this week<br />
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Monday: A "hash" of sausage, pepper, onion, tomato and pasta with side salad.<br />
Tuesday: BLT sandwiches and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/zucchini-corn-fritters-recipe/index.html">zucchini-corn fritters</a> (you really must try these) to use up more produce and most of a carton of buttermilk<br />
Wednesday: Texas Roadhouse!<br />
Thursday: Salad with chicken<br />
Friday: Homemade pizza and salad<br />
Saturday: Dinner with friends<br />
Sunday: Panini and hand-cut fries<br />
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So, let's talk a little bit about freezing. I am still learning this, because it seems that as soon as I have room in there, it gets filled back up. Sometimes we can't find things without a little "discussion" between me and the freezer, or between me and my wonderful hubby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqK5Su-S8Jw/UDPnlDdaRJI/AAAAAAAAAUU/ep22w6fTvZs/s1600/MP900430624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqK5Su-S8Jw/UDPnlDdaRJI/AAAAAAAAAUU/ep22w6fTvZs/s320/MP900430624.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">[Again, not my real house, but fun to dream!]</td></tr>
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Here are some items I typically keep on hand:<br />
<ul>
<li>A variety of meats: ground beef, chicken breasts/tenders, venison, hamburgers, bacon, pulled pork, salmon filets, often salmon burgers, fish filets or fish sticks</li>
<li>Boxed lunches (e.g. Lean Cuisine) for my husband</li>
<li>Bags of shredded cheese purchased on sale</li>
<li>Breads: I stock up during buy-one-get-one sales and freeze bread inside a zip-top bag in its original package. I also freeze hamburger buns and hot dog rolls, sometimes bagels and English muffins purchased on sale.</li>
<li>Baked goods like banana bread or zucchini bread. It's much easier to make several loaves at once and pull them out of the freezer as needed.</li>
<li>Frozen vegetables, including green beans from the garden (ours or my in-laws)</li>
<li>Herbs like basil and parsley</li>
<li>Yeast purchased in bulk </li>
<li><a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2011/10/applesauce-party.html">Applesauce</a> that we make each October</li>
<li>Ice cream, sometimes popsicles, and dessert ingredients like cool whip, pie crust or puff pastry.</li>
</ul>
As I'm typing this list, I see a lot of non-essential things, but I also see a lot of common ingredients that are nice to have around. Except for prepped food like the baked goods, I can buy anything at the store anytime, though not necessarily at the best price.<br />
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I think this is where I need to focus: buying only at the best price and preferably with coupons. Also, it seems that I need to start treating my freezer a bit more like my counter top and organize it regularly. Part of the problem comes from quickly throwing in groceries after a shopping trip without finding a place for the items. (This usually has something to do with hungry or tired kids, but that's a whole other post.)<br />
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I think I'll revise my <a href="http://throughchristinaslens.blogspot.com/2011/09/cleaning-chart.html">cleaning schedule</a> to include a regular freezer "straightening" session.<br />
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Am I the only one with things falling out of my freezer?<br />
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Next week: Leftovers Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15629726054819341988noreply@blogger.com0