In 40 days, I turn 40 years old. Although I'm not especially
bothered by turning 40 (if any birthday was hard, it was either #18 or #39), I kind of thought it'd be fun to try and do 40
things (a thing a day) on and before the 'big day'. I'm going to send
my thirties off in as big a style as I can...
So what will I strive to do? Well, I can't travel too much (my
ability to drive has been impeded) and I won't be doing anything
crazy (like bungee jumping or skydiving) so in the grand scheme of
awesome, it may only register as a “6” - perhaps even just a “5”
- but it'll be my 5 and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.
You can follow along here on Barefoot Deliberations or find me on Instagram or Twitter. I will also be posting publicly on Facebook (I will specifically open up the 40x40 Facebook status updates and will Tweet links to them). The notable exception is the one item which stipulates "24 hours with no Facebook, Instagram or Twitter". I likely will still blog about it though - not totally decided!
Here, in a not yet determined order, are the first five things of the 40 things I aim to complete...
1. Finish & share my 40x40 list!
2. Sign my organ donor card!
3. Make a duct tape wallet for TroubleMaker (aka Brennan, who, with each year, outgrows his toddler moniker)
4. Store away our winter clothing & footwear
5. Make a kid summer "bucket list"!
Exciting, I know! Can't you just wait to follow along? Each Wednesday, I'll post the next five things on my list.
Showing posts with label surprises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surprises. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Organizing Revolution: Week One - Office Space
Here I am, once again, joining an organizing challenge. Why? Because I am "organizing challenged". I did The Organizing Junkie's 52 Week Challenge two years ago and had many, many successes and have kept *some* of the areas organized still and can attest to the fact that the things I learned that year have certainly have influenced the way I do things now. I use Laura's "PROCESS" often and am a container junkie as I found the only way I stand a chance is to limit myself and create visual boundaries by using a specific container for a specific function. When I started this, I sat down with a coffee and sketched out my zones (I'm a visual person and I like to see everything) and reviewed the PROCESS and see how I'd apply it to this job.
A little background on the space that now constitutes my office... Back in July 2011, we started a renovation - this included opening up what had been my husband's office onto the family room. We moved his office into what had been my sewing room (really, it was a giant junk dump that "happened" to have my sewing machines in it). There are pictures of the reno in this post. Also, in preparation for the move, I did my (then) sewing room) as part of the 52 Weeks of Organizing - that post can be checked out here.
The space has been fully functional since late 2011. Early in the fall, we installed new cabinetry as what I had was not working. Many things were purged then and it was tidied but never really "done" and I was always doing a "stuff shuffle". Enter Christmas and all the crafts we did left the space a DISASTER and much less inspirational than a room referred to as the "Design Studio" should be.
This challenge was perfect for me - I work well with guidance, an audience, pressure and deadlines. Without further adieu, here is my space! My design studio - interior design, craft/sewing and projects office!
A little background on the space that now constitutes my office... Back in July 2011, we started a renovation - this included opening up what had been my husband's office onto the family room. We moved his office into what had been my sewing room (really, it was a giant junk dump that "happened" to have my sewing machines in it). There are pictures of the reno in this post. Also, in preparation for the move, I did my (then) sewing room) as part of the 52 Weeks of Organizing - that post can be checked out here.
The space has been fully functional since late 2011. Early in the fall, we installed new cabinetry as what I had was not working. Many things were purged then and it was tidied but never really "done" and I was always doing a "stuff shuffle". Enter Christmas and all the crafts we did left the space a DISASTER and much less inspirational than a room referred to as the "Design Studio" should be.
This challenge was perfect for me - I work well with guidance, an audience, pressure and deadlines. Without further adieu, here is my space! My design studio - interior design, craft/sewing and projects office!
 |
| After - looking in from family room |
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| Before - looking in from family room |
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| Before - looking out to family room |
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| After - looking out to family room |
This is the cutting station but not much cutting was getting done. I'd moved a smaller mat to my portable table since I couldn't find the one on the raised table... Now there is plenty of room and I know where all my cutters are! Plus all my rulers and adhesives are back where they are supposed to be!
This has been my workstation for my "real" job since September when I went back to work a few hours a week. The computer is OLD and SLOW... So we got a new computer. It sat in the box until I decided to start this challenge - that's when my husband decided we should finally transfer everything. Soon, the dinosaur computer will be extinct and this desk will be really neat and tidy. I've also learned that my husband needs a kick in the behind in order to get his filing done. The big pile of papers in the "before" is his delinquent filing... It's now gone from the desk!
I really like that I can sit at machine again... And I've got space to open the other door on the sewing cabinet (that's where my serger sits). It's SO tidy! Once I can start feeling my arm again, I hope to sew something awesome!
The table also rotates around the room - as an extra return on the computer station, craft table and as pictured here, my design space! I can't believe I once again have room to lay out my samples and catalogs!
Sharing in all the awesomeness of the super Organizing Revolution! It's like these lovely bloggers knows there are lots of "organizing challenged" people out in the world! They should really wear capes!
PS Please ignore the open ceiling tiles. We are waiting to get the electrical completed and inspected so I can't close up the ceiling. It's an eyesore but now that the space is positively beaming with tidy, organized awesomeness, I hardly even notice them!
PSS I CAN'T believe I forgot to make the office reference to the movie "Office Space"! I had it all in my head before I wrote this and then, like so many things in my head these days, I forgot. So yeah, "Office Space"; a way cool movie.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
We-Design-Day: Mr. TroubleMaker, take down that wall!
Today, excitement happens! Today is Day One of our scheduled six day basement renovation. It is the culmination of six years of planning, 2MB worth of drawing’s, 25 shopping trips, 42 hours searching Kijiji for used items to reduce costs, scope creep, scope reduction, budget cuts, budget additions followed by more cuts. We’ve had a baby, three job changes and one career change but finally, after seven years in our home, we are ready.
Our “Crew” consists of five bodies. Our “boss” is a three year old, hammer swinging terror affectionately named “TroubleMaker”. The labourer is my super patient, extra awesome husband to whom I affectionately call “Hunny Bunny” but because that is neither macho or indicative of his role, we’ll just call him “The Thinker”. The brains of the group is truly my husband but since I’m the designer and manager of this little project, I’d take the title but I know full well that any issues we run into and all the hard stuff will be thought out and planned by my husband. Although the cat and dog have no official role, Max will not like the renovation at all and will likely hide and the cat will do her thing to supervise and get in the way by climbing all the ladders and give us hell from the top rung.
Our “Crew” consists of five bodies. Our “boss” is a three year old, hammer swinging terror affectionately named “TroubleMaker”. The labourer is my super patient, extra awesome husband to whom I affectionately call “Hunny Bunny” but because that is neither macho or indicative of his role, we’ll just call him “The Thinker”. The brains of the group is truly my husband but since I’m the designer and manager of this little project, I’d take the title but I know full well that any issues we run into and all the hard stuff will be thought out and planned by my husband. Although the cat and dog have no official role, Max will not like the renovation at all and will likely hide and the cat will do her thing to supervise and get in the way by climbing all the ladders and give us hell from the top rung.
Before the wall came down
We assembled all of our gear prior to starting. Over breakfast, TroubleMaker and I made a list. A list of the tools we needed and the steps we'd take to bring the wall down. Don't forget your safety gear - hearing, eye and body protection. Sure you're doing it at home but that's all the more reason to wear the proper personal protective equipment!
We assembled all of our gear prior to starting. Over breakfast, TroubleMaker and I made a list. A list of the tools we needed and the steps we'd take to bring the wall down. Don't forget your safety gear - hearing, eye and body protection. Sure you're doing it at home but that's all the more reason to wear the proper personal protective equipment!
Pry!
Our son is a machine. He was right in the thick of everything and being a great "halper". He pried, he hauled, he hammered.
Our son is a machine. He was right in the thick of everything and being a great "halper". He pried, he hauled, he hammered.
The boy and his tools
It was difficult to convince him that he did not need to take any other walls down. He rationalized to us that the other walls were old and therefore, should be replaced. Perhaps he was reading his Dad's blog about things getting older and wearing out!
It was difficult to convince him that he did not need to take any other walls down. He rationalized to us that the other walls were old and therefore, should be replaced. Perhaps he was reading his Dad's blog about things getting older and wearing out!
TroubleMaker Helping
It took us about 5 hours to get it all down and hauled out of the basement. We are right on and maybe even a little ahead of schedule!
It took us about 5 hours to get it all down and hauled out of the basement. We are right on and maybe even a little ahead of schedule!
Taking it down
One comment I will make is that it took an amazing amount of brute force to get it down. We've noticed a few "funny" things with the construction in our home... It, in most aspects, is great however there are a few things that are "amateur handyman" about the place. The 6" spikes used to nail the wood together... The patch job of the 2x4's used to build this wall are a story themselves. More than half of them had been sawed through at some point before being made into the wall. To compensate, another 2x4 was butted up against it and nailed in place (again with 6" spikes) for stability. The ceiling varies up to 4 inches depending on where you measure it and it all slopes downhill!
One comment I will make is that it took an amazing amount of brute force to get it down. We've noticed a few "funny" things with the construction in our home... It, in most aspects, is great however there are a few things that are "amateur handyman" about the place. The 6" spikes used to nail the wood together... The patch job of the 2x4's used to build this wall are a story themselves. More than half of them had been sawed through at some point before being made into the wall. To compensate, another 2x4 was butted up against it and nailed in place (again with 6" spikes) for stability. The ceiling varies up to 4 inches depending on where you measure it and it all slopes downhill!
Finished Product
Tomorrow is "Day One" of construction. Now that we've got a better view of what we're up against, it means a trip to the home store to get supplies. We are going to piece the carpet and lay our wood floor over it and we are faced with enclosing the handyman special bulkhead and rehanging the entire t-bar ceiling in the studio space. I had hoped to be able to patch it but do to the gross difference in the height, the only option is to remove it and rehang it flush to the adjacent space.
Remember earlier when I said that my awesome husband would likely think us out of any dilemma? Well, he did. I was confused on how we'd move the light switch. It will be re-installed in a few weeks when my step Dad comes and does some electrical for us but we needed to move it in order to take the wall down.
Try as I might, I didn't know how we'd get the wire out of the wood. I was prepared to get a saw and carefully saw through the wood until we broke through to the hole the wire was in. It didn't seem like the safest solution but the only one I would know how to do.
Thankfully, "The Thinker" was there and talked me out of it. Turns out it was a simple turn of a few screws and viola, the wires were disconnected from the box and slipped through. Betcha that saved us a trip to the emergency room!
Although we'll be completing the bulk of the project in the next few days, I'll be featuring each portion of the renovation on the upcoming We-Design-Day features. Thank you for stopping by and we'll see you again next week!
Tomorrow is "Day One" of construction. Now that we've got a better view of what we're up against, it means a trip to the home store to get supplies. We are going to piece the carpet and lay our wood floor over it and we are faced with enclosing the handyman special bulkhead and rehanging the entire t-bar ceiling in the studio space. I had hoped to be able to patch it but do to the gross difference in the height, the only option is to remove it and rehang it flush to the adjacent space.
Remember earlier when I said that my awesome husband would likely think us out of any dilemma? Well, he did. I was confused on how we'd move the light switch. It will be re-installed in a few weeks when my step Dad comes and does some electrical for us but we needed to move it in order to take the wall down.
Try as I might, I didn't know how we'd get the wire out of the wood. I was prepared to get a saw and carefully saw through the wood until we broke through to the hole the wire was in. It didn't seem like the safest solution but the only one I would know how to do.
Thankfully, "The Thinker" was there and talked me out of it. Turns out it was a simple turn of a few screws and viola, the wires were disconnected from the box and slipped through. Betcha that saved us a trip to the emergency room!
Although we'll be completing the bulk of the project in the next few days, I'll be featuring each portion of the renovation on the upcoming We-Design-Day features. Thank you for stopping by and we'll see you again next week!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Menu Plan Monday - A Week to Celebrate!
It's another Sunday night and I'm just relaxing and watching a piece on a local cable show about the historic homes in my City... Remember this house? Well, we've just learned that we may have been able to get funding to help restore it... Oh well! We're making some great changes to our boring, early 80's bungalow!
Did you catch my recipe review? I've got a new series of recipes on tap this week that I'll post a review on next Sunday!
This week, I'll be celebrating my birthday and the boys are ordering in dinner for me (yum)! We've also been celebrating this weekend as not only are we making headway in our renovation project but I've been offered a new position at work! And the party will continue next weekend as we will be hosting my mother-in-law and our good friend for a joint birthday celebration (our friend's birthday is Tuesday and mine is Wednesday)! What's on your menu this week? Have you checked out everything playing a long with Laura from the Organizing Junkie? Thanks for stopping by - see you again next week!
July 11 to July 17
Dinners
Monday: Cajun Chicken Caesar Pita Wraps
Tuesday: Gramma's Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Wednesday: My Birthday! The boys are ordering in Chinese for me!
Thursday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Spinach Salad
Friday: Nuggets & Fries
Saturday: A Taste of Thailand featuring Thai Cabbage Salad, Thai Satays, steamed rice, Thai Iced Tea with mango ice cream for dessert!
Sunday: Hamburgers and chips
Note: Underlined menu items have the recipes posted below.
Spinach Salad
5 cups baby spinach, torn to bite size pieces
4 large white mushrooms, sliced
2 to 4 hard boiled eggs, diced
4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Dressing
4 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Mix well - until sugar is dissolved
Mix salad ingredients well - tossing with 2 to 4 tsp of Olive Oil. Coat with dressing and toss again.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
It's the End of the World...
I'm not usually one to get caught up in the "end of the world" hype but what would May 21, 2011 be (to me) without taking the time to talk biblical prophecy! Keep in mind I am not a religious scholar, nor am I really all that well versed in the Bible. But I love drawing conclusions, making comparisons and talking to an audience!
April 1, 2011 is apparently 1,978 years since Jesus Christ was crucified (based on a year being 365 days a year) but taking into account a solar year is 365.2422, to get the number of 'days' since Crucifixion, you have to multiply the number of years by the number of days in a solar year - which comes to 722,449 days since Jesus Christ was crucified.
Next if you look at numbers that are of important religious significance - 5, 10 & 17 (to find the meaning, read this) and you multiply those numbers together once and then square them, you get 722,500. Which naturally, Preacher Camping realized is only different from the days since Crucifixion by 51! Coincidence? He thought not and decided to add 51 to the number of days since Crucifixion (because that's obvious) which brings us to May 21, 2011 - today.
He also decided the time would be around 6pm Pacific (7pm Mountain). Who knew Jesus was going to be so courteous to let us all know what time he'd be arriving! I like company like that! So as I type this, we're just over an hour and a half until the Rapture! I know I won't be going anywhere (meaning I'll have to endure on Earth cause I'm a nasty sort) so we're preparing a nice barbecue dinner for my Mom & Step Dad. Ribs, twice baked potatoes and corn on the cob. Then we're going to play Wii and eat Angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream... OHHHHH!!!! Is it just coincidence that we're having Angel food cake?! I think not! It's a sign...
Anyway, I suppose if he's right we'll know soon. If not, we've always got next year when the Mayan calendar runs out (because, yanno, the first priority for a dying civilization is to ensure they have enough days left on their calendar) and I recall the end of the world back in 1983 when I was 8 - I wrote my will that time. I'm really glad it didn't end then because I think I left everything to my sister and I know she would have just ruined my Rockstar Barbie!
I wish I had some deep and profound thoughts with the end so rapidly approaching but I don't have anything profound. I will ask my sister and the kids their thoughts...
Me to them: "Do you have anything profound to say?"
TroubleMaker: "No."
My niece: "To preserve nature and stop destroying it."
Princess: "No, I'm all out of deep and profound things to say."
I guess that just about sums it up! Oh... Except that R.E.M knew it was coming too - or at least I think they did... One of the lines in the song "The End of the World (as we know it)" talks about it happening at six o'clock... Coincidence?! I think not!
April 1, 2011 is apparently 1,978 years since Jesus Christ was crucified (based on a year being 365 days a year) but taking into account a solar year is 365.2422, to get the number of 'days' since Crucifixion, you have to multiply the number of years by the number of days in a solar year - which comes to 722,449 days since Jesus Christ was crucified.
Next if you look at numbers that are of important religious significance - 5, 10 & 17 (to find the meaning, read this) and you multiply those numbers together once and then square them, you get 722,500. Which naturally, Preacher Camping realized is only different from the days since Crucifixion by 51! Coincidence? He thought not and decided to add 51 to the number of days since Crucifixion (because that's obvious) which brings us to May 21, 2011 - today.
He also decided the time would be around 6pm Pacific (7pm Mountain). Who knew Jesus was going to be so courteous to let us all know what time he'd be arriving! I like company like that! So as I type this, we're just over an hour and a half until the Rapture! I know I won't be going anywhere (meaning I'll have to endure on Earth cause I'm a nasty sort) so we're preparing a nice barbecue dinner for my Mom & Step Dad. Ribs, twice baked potatoes and corn on the cob. Then we're going to play Wii and eat Angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream... OHHHHH!!!! Is it just coincidence that we're having Angel food cake?! I think not! It's a sign...
Anyway, I suppose if he's right we'll know soon. If not, we've always got next year when the Mayan calendar runs out (because, yanno, the first priority for a dying civilization is to ensure they have enough days left on their calendar) and I recall the end of the world back in 1983 when I was 8 - I wrote my will that time. I'm really glad it didn't end then because I think I left everything to my sister and I know she would have just ruined my Rockstar Barbie!
I wish I had some deep and profound thoughts with the end so rapidly approaching but I don't have anything profound. I will ask my sister and the kids their thoughts...
Me to them: "Do you have anything profound to say?"
TroubleMaker: "No."
My niece: "To preserve nature and stop destroying it."
Princess: "No, I'm all out of deep and profound things to say."
I guess that just about sums it up! Oh... Except that R.E.M knew it was coming too - or at least I think they did... One of the lines in the song "The End of the World (as we know it)" talks about it happening at six o'clock... Coincidence?! I think not!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Things That Keep you Awake at night...
Ok. I'm an insomniac - I have been for as long as I can remember. I do sleep but if my mind starts to work, there is no shutting it off until I get the idea that's keeping me awake out of my head.
First, I'm behind in my 52 Weeks of Organizing. Second, the wind has been banging everything around at night and I don't like it. Third, I want a pond and fish and a nicely landscaped yard. Fourth, I can't have a pond because my husband pointed out some problems: first, the neighbour has 8 cats second: we have a child third: I have to be responsible for it. Fifth, I've got a lot of stuff. Sixth, as much as I want a new house (my friend is placing an offer tomorrow on a brand new build) with everything brand new inside, I can't justify the cost of a new house. Less house, less yard (then we have now) and MORE money. Seventh - which is the real reason I'm awake - we've decided (sort of, maybe, kind of) to improve our house and make it ours.
Which has my brain working in 1000% overdrive. A new look inside and out. It's totally overwhelming to think that I/we can make changes to our home... It's been our home for seven years and now we might be really making it our home and I can't sleep... What colours will I chose? We will change the facade? Will it be too cramped with the conversion of the main floor for the studio?! It's all swirling away in my head and just keeping me up.
And don't get me going on the landscaping... I'm not much of a gardener - I don't have time to spend hours pulling weeks and watering stuff. Tonight we decided to seed lawn in the front part of the East (flower) beds that we dug up a few years ago. This got me toying with the idea of doing the same with the remainder of the East bed. Then I could get hanging baskets and small planters to do flowers in. I could then transplant the few plans we have (that I like) into an expanded West bed just off the patio. Then I wouldn't have the maintenance of such a large flower bed and I could do hits of colour with nice baskets or planters. And do not get me going on the front yard...
I better stop there or I will get no sleep tonight. It's going to be hard enough to shut the brain down from trying to figure out how to make our 1981 bungalow not have the frontage of a typical infill house... And being we have to re-roof this year, i have to make sure I have it moderately planned so the colour of the new shingles will 'go with' my eventual plan for the rest of the exterior renovation.
On second thought... Maybe we should just find a new house!
First, I'm behind in my 52 Weeks of Organizing. Second, the wind has been banging everything around at night and I don't like it. Third, I want a pond and fish and a nicely landscaped yard. Fourth, I can't have a pond because my husband pointed out some problems: first, the neighbour has 8 cats second: we have a child third: I have to be responsible for it. Fifth, I've got a lot of stuff. Sixth, as much as I want a new house (my friend is placing an offer tomorrow on a brand new build) with everything brand new inside, I can't justify the cost of a new house. Less house, less yard (then we have now) and MORE money. Seventh - which is the real reason I'm awake - we've decided (sort of, maybe, kind of) to improve our house and make it ours.
Which has my brain working in 1000% overdrive. A new look inside and out. It's totally overwhelming to think that I/we can make changes to our home... It's been our home for seven years and now we might be really making it our home and I can't sleep... What colours will I chose? We will change the facade? Will it be too cramped with the conversion of the main floor for the studio?! It's all swirling away in my head and just keeping me up.
And don't get me going on the landscaping... I'm not much of a gardener - I don't have time to spend hours pulling weeks and watering stuff. Tonight we decided to seed lawn in the front part of the East (flower) beds that we dug up a few years ago. This got me toying with the idea of doing the same with the remainder of the East bed. Then I could get hanging baskets and small planters to do flowers in. I could then transplant the few plans we have (that I like) into an expanded West bed just off the patio. Then I wouldn't have the maintenance of such a large flower bed and I could do hits of colour with nice baskets or planters. And do not get me going on the front yard...
I better stop there or I will get no sleep tonight. It's going to be hard enough to shut the brain down from trying to figure out how to make our 1981 bungalow not have the frontage of a typical infill house... And being we have to re-roof this year, i have to make sure I have it moderately planned so the colour of the new shingles will 'go with' my eventual plan for the rest of the exterior renovation.
On second thought... Maybe we should just find a new house!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
52 Week Challenge: Week 15
Week 15 - I can't believe I've been at this challenge for 15 weeks. That's staying power! I'm mostly keeping on track - although this week, my planned challenge did not happen.
You see, it's April - the middle of April and one would think that by this point in the year, it would be safe to change the winter coats for spring coats and winter boots for rubber boots and runners. But Alberta is a tricky place. So, this week, my plan and goal was to clean out the front hall closet. I wanted to pack away the winter coats and bring out the spring wear. Change winter boots for rubber boots and bring out the sandals and runners and stow the mittens, toques and scarves. I wanted to organize the picnic gear and sort the extra things we store in closet (like facial tissue). I had a plan, I had a goal, I even had the motivation.
I went to work this morning, plan in mind for when I got home.
But then it started. And it's been more than 12 hours now and it still hasn't stopped.
I've lived here all my life and the only month I've not seen snow fall is July. April storms are not an unusual, 12 to 30 cm of snow is.
So my planned task didn't get done. However, I have planned a trip to my Mom's with my sister and our kids... And I thought wouldn't it be a nice surprise if I made my "Week 15 Task" an organizing task for my Mom? Since I started the challenge, she's been inspired and has started her own list! So, tomorrow, when we get to Mom's, I'm going to tackle something on her list! Check back tomorrow evening for my update!
Evening update... We arrived safely at my Mom's... I set out to organize something and her reply to me... "Well, that would be great but the only thing that needs organizing right now is my cluttered mind..." So, since I'm an Interior Designer and not a psychiatrist, I looked for another task. My talented (yet oddly annoying) sister said if I really wanted a challenge, I should come and organize her house. That is a job not even Laura could (or would want to) tackle...
So this, I tackled my wallet. Sounds simple enough until one realizes I hoard things in there too... Like all the cards marking my prenatal appointments. I was pregnant in 2007...
There were also some requisitions for blood work... So long ago, I can't remember where they were issued. Many, many receipts (dating back to 2008) and the typical things like gift cards, store point cards and my bank cards. Also OLD business cards (mine and others) and remnants of sticky notes with partial phone numbers.
After a brief discussion with my Mom about the age of my wallet, it was unanimously decided that tomorrow, I will be buying a new wallet. For my current wallet is likely 15 years old. Now that it's tidy and organized and purged of many of the pieces of paper, it will be a joy to move it all to a new and shiny wallet!
Laura also asked some questions this week and it seemed to be the week for organizing closets... So my plan for next week is the front hall closet - the snow can't last forever... Can it? And the one habit I've managed to build since starting the challenge is remembering to always try to put things back where they belong. And although I struggle with this, my three year old TroubleMaker handing my wrist watch to me on Wednesday and saying "Mommy! Put this away where it GOES!"
For more inspiration, check out Laura and all the great people participating in the 52 Week Challenge! Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon!
You see, it's April - the middle of April and one would think that by this point in the year, it would be safe to change the winter coats for spring coats and winter boots for rubber boots and runners. But Alberta is a tricky place. So, this week, my plan and goal was to clean out the front hall closet. I wanted to pack away the winter coats and bring out the spring wear. Change winter boots for rubber boots and bring out the sandals and runners and stow the mittens, toques and scarves. I wanted to organize the picnic gear and sort the extra things we store in closet (like facial tissue). I had a plan, I had a goal, I even had the motivation.
I went to work this morning, plan in mind for when I got home.
But then it started. And it's been more than 12 hours now and it still hasn't stopped.
I've lived here all my life and the only month I've not seen snow fall is July. April storms are not an unusual, 12 to 30 cm of snow is.
So my planned task didn't get done. However, I have planned a trip to my Mom's with my sister and our kids... And I thought wouldn't it be a nice surprise if I made my "Week 15 Task" an organizing task for my Mom? Since I started the challenge, she's been inspired and has started her own list! So, tomorrow, when we get to Mom's, I'm going to tackle something on her list! Check back tomorrow evening for my update!
Evening update... We arrived safely at my Mom's... I set out to organize something and her reply to me... "Well, that would be great but the only thing that needs organizing right now is my cluttered mind..." So, since I'm an Interior Designer and not a psychiatrist, I looked for another task. My talented (yet oddly annoying) sister said if I really wanted a challenge, I should come and organize her house. That is a job not even Laura could (or would want to) tackle...
So this, I tackled my wallet. Sounds simple enough until one realizes I hoard things in there too... Like all the cards marking my prenatal appointments. I was pregnant in 2007...
There were also some requisitions for blood work... So long ago, I can't remember where they were issued. Many, many receipts (dating back to 2008) and the typical things like gift cards, store point cards and my bank cards. Also OLD business cards (mine and others) and remnants of sticky notes with partial phone numbers.
After a brief discussion with my Mom about the age of my wallet, it was unanimously decided that tomorrow, I will be buying a new wallet. For my current wallet is likely 15 years old. Now that it's tidy and organized and purged of many of the pieces of paper, it will be a joy to move it all to a new and shiny wallet!
Laura also asked some questions this week and it seemed to be the week for organizing closets... So my plan for next week is the front hall closet - the snow can't last forever... Can it? And the one habit I've managed to build since starting the challenge is remembering to always try to put things back where they belong. And although I struggle with this, my three year old TroubleMaker handing my wrist watch to me on Wednesday and saying "Mommy! Put this away where it GOES!"
For more inspiration, check out Laura and all the great people participating in the 52 Week Challenge! Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
How being creative led me here...
I love to create. I have since I was a little girl. Whether it was fashioning new furniture for my dolls from scrap pieces of wood in my Dad’s garage or sewing clothes (without patterns) from my Mom’s fabric stash, I was always putting things together to make new things or cooking up ideas for different things.
Sweater Set handmade by Brennan's Mom
I remember re-purposing the foot rest from my kid sister’s high chair to make a table I could use while sitting in bed and turning a first crochet project into a wall hanging (as I’d dropped enough stitches it could no longer be used as the intended pot holder it was supposed to be). I taught myself guitar when I was 13 and even began writing and playing my own songs a year or so later.
Baby blanket & card handmade by Brennan's Mom
I learned to sew, crochet, create with clay, make cards, scrapbook, arrange flowers and a whole host of other ‘crafty’ things because it’s just who I am. And today, when I started questioning my entire career choice, I began to remember all these things about me and perhaps why I chose to go into interior design ten years ago. Because honestly, three hours ago, I had no idea why I’d chosen this field.
Brennan's Nursery designed & all items in room handmade by Brennan's Mom
But what I did realize over these few hours was that I have not created a thing lately. And my job is of minimal creative value and other than my writing; I haven’t made time to do anything. I have a mother/son apron project half cut out on the sewing table and I owe my friend at See Spot Run a final crate cover! I was supposed to sew my niece pajama pants two years ago and then decided to make her gym bag from the fabric because she’d outgrown the pattern I’d purchased. I have somewhere in the neighbourhood of 100 metres of fabric waiting to be sewn into something… Anything… But it sits and collects dust instead. And the yarn – I tease my Mom about the thousands of balls of yarn but I’m just as bad – I’m just better at hiding it!
Wedding decorations handmade by Brennan's Mom before she was Brennan's Mom
So although I don’t know how to fix my current dilemma, I know that reading this on The Organic Sister's blog made me think perhaps I should try to apply myself more and find some time soon to get back to the things I know bring me joy.
Sweater Set handmade by Brennan's Mom
I remember re-purposing the foot rest from my kid sister’s high chair to make a table I could use while sitting in bed and turning a first crochet project into a wall hanging (as I’d dropped enough stitches it could no longer be used as the intended pot holder it was supposed to be). I taught myself guitar when I was 13 and even began writing and playing my own songs a year or so later.
Baby blanket & card handmade by Brennan's Mom
I learned to sew, crochet, create with clay, make cards, scrapbook, arrange flowers and a whole host of other ‘crafty’ things because it’s just who I am. And today, when I started questioning my entire career choice, I began to remember all these things about me and perhaps why I chose to go into interior design ten years ago. Because honestly, three hours ago, I had no idea why I’d chosen this field.
Brennan's Nursery designed & all items in room handmade by Brennan's MomBut what I did realize over these few hours was that I have not created a thing lately. And my job is of minimal creative value and other than my writing; I haven’t made time to do anything. I have a mother/son apron project half cut out on the sewing table and I owe my friend at See Spot Run a final crate cover! I was supposed to sew my niece pajama pants two years ago and then decided to make her gym bag from the fabric because she’d outgrown the pattern I’d purchased. I have somewhere in the neighbourhood of 100 metres of fabric waiting to be sewn into something… Anything… But it sits and collects dust instead. And the yarn – I tease my Mom about the thousands of balls of yarn but I’m just as bad – I’m just better at hiding it!
Wedding decorations handmade by Brennan's Mom before she was Brennan's MomSo although I don’t know how to fix my current dilemma, I know that reading this on The Organic Sister's blog made me think perhaps I should try to apply myself more and find some time soon to get back to the things I know bring me joy.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Mystery Lunch
Our house has been a little chaotic this week as the Momma (that's me) got the cold my boys had last week - and with preparing for our vacation, it's just added up to some busy days!
This morning, as I'm rushing to get out the door for work, I knew I needed a hot lunch. I venture down to the Freezer to see what is has tucked away in its darkest corners for hot lunches - namely, soups.
There were three containers of homemade Split Pea Soup, which I've since decided I don't like but tucked way at the back was a baggie filled with flecks of poultry, the gorgeous orange of carrots and the odd bit of celery, parsley and pasta. I drew the conclusion that it was soup... And I assumed I hadn't labelled it because how could I not recognise soup?
Well, I heated it today and it is soup. It is really good soup. But my inexperienced pallet has no idea if it's chicken or turkey and I honestly don't remember making it so I also don't know how old it is... But it tastes fresh and warm and it's like a hug from your favourite Grandma... And just what the Momma ordered.
There are a few things I do well in life and soup making is one of them. I just have 'the gift' - my issue is a toss things in a pot and don't write or measure what I toss in the pot! I did, the other day, make homemade chicken "stew-p" (pronounced "steww-ooop" - a made up word that combines "soup" and "stew") and I did record what I tossed in... But what I forget is I will randomly pull spices out of the cupboard and adjust the taste - so, I will share my 'recipe' (I'll add it to this post when I get home) but note a 'sprinkle' of this and a 'sprinkle' of that cannot be accurately measured.
So here is a lousy picture (the joys of cell phone camers)of my Mystery Lunch - paired with a tea biscuit and a slice of sharp cheddar, could life get any tastier?
This morning, as I'm rushing to get out the door for work, I knew I needed a hot lunch. I venture down to the Freezer to see what is has tucked away in its darkest corners for hot lunches - namely, soups.
There were three containers of homemade Split Pea Soup, which I've since decided I don't like but tucked way at the back was a baggie filled with flecks of poultry, the gorgeous orange of carrots and the odd bit of celery, parsley and pasta. I drew the conclusion that it was soup... And I assumed I hadn't labelled it because how could I not recognise soup?
Well, I heated it today and it is soup. It is really good soup. But my inexperienced pallet has no idea if it's chicken or turkey and I honestly don't remember making it so I also don't know how old it is... But it tastes fresh and warm and it's like a hug from your favourite Grandma... And just what the Momma ordered.
There are a few things I do well in life and soup making is one of them. I just have 'the gift' - my issue is a toss things in a pot and don't write or measure what I toss in the pot! I did, the other day, make homemade chicken "stew-p" (pronounced "steww-ooop" - a made up word that combines "soup" and "stew") and I did record what I tossed in... But what I forget is I will randomly pull spices out of the cupboard and adjust the taste - so, I will share my 'recipe' (I'll add it to this post when I get home) but note a 'sprinkle' of this and a 'sprinkle' of that cannot be accurately measured.
So here is a lousy picture (the joys of cell phone camers)of my Mystery Lunch - paired with a tea biscuit and a slice of sharp cheddar, could life get any tastier?
Monday, July 19, 2010
MPM#11
Our camping weekend was a success! Our first trip out in the Motorhome (now known as “MH”) is usually good but often we’ve forgotten to “reload” some essential supply or realize we forgot things like blankets or soap, but this trip, the only ‘forgotten’ things were:
Peanut butter
Jam
Hot chocolate
TroubleMaker’s Toothpaste
That is pretty good! Also nothing broke or wore out, which is also very good! Our first trip last summer (summer ’09) saw us break a vent cover (and of course, it rained most of the weekend) and the valve on the propane tank stripped (and caused a leak which my Hubby and Step Dad were able to ‘fix’ for the weekend). Although we did have a teensy issue with the coach battery (it was dead) my Hubby was able to fix it before we left, but not before he nearly sawed his thumb off in the process.
So one quick panic attack from me (and yes, folks, I’m a certified First Aider), several rounds of “Hizzzz zat?” from TroubleMaker in response Hubby’s trail of blood and one very large bandage later, we were off!
We arrived without incident at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park and then Hubby whacked his other thumb on some unknown object and was bleeding, again…
The weekend went well, we relaxed, we played in the dirt, chased TroubleMaker out of 1000 different puddles and swatted 1, 645, 234 mosquitoes. One nice thing about Alberta in the summertime is spontaneous weather (torrential downpours, sun, more rain, sun, thunder that scares the dead, more sun, more rain, repeat) and mosquitoes. I think we won the battle this weekend; and although I’ve got a couple of bites, TroubleMaker won the swatting war and has finally realized the benefit of insect repellent. He now knows trips outside do not happen unless he’s got “sun-skeen n’ bug spay”!
Our camping menu was altered slightly as we just warmed up a can of the Chef for dinner on Thursday. I always seem to forget how tiring the first day out is – packing 17 laundry baskets of clothing and toys for TroubleMaker to the MH will do that, I suppose… I made potato salad while we were out camping too and I’m a little less than impressed that the silly fridge froze the remainder!
The other thing I must mention is my birthday. On Tuesday, I turned 36. I told Hubby “do nothing – we’ll warm pasta up for dinner” since we had a great trip planned for the weekend and money is tight… I got home shortly after 4pm and I walk into the house and am met with silence. Deafening silence. No dog barking, no kid trying to climb on me – nothing. Even the Cat was MIA. I wait for a minute and listen – nothing. Then I hear a door in the basement “ah… Here it comes.” And again nothing but my darling, sweet husband coming up the stairs. Alone. By himself. He explains that he arranged for my parents to take TroubleMaker and Max for the evening so we could go out to dinner!
Many thanks to my Dad & Step Mom who always help out and an endless supply of kisses and adoration for my Hubby. Just when I think I’ve got things all figured out, you always change the rules and keep me guessing… I love you and thank you for your love.
Here is this week’s menu! (I’ll update tonight and add a few recipe links, I left the actual menu pinned to the fridge and can’t remember it all)
July 19 to July 25
Monday Perogies & Sausage
Tuesday Slow cooker Swiss Steak (see below for recipe)
Wednesday Slow cooker sweet & sour turkey meatballs with rice
Thursday BBQ Pork Chops with grilled veggies
Friday Nachos
Saturday Slow cooker sweet & sour turkey meatballs with rice
Sunday
Lunches
Leftover pizza, cottage cheese, yogurt and granola bars
Breakfasts
Homemade "Eggos", bagels & cream cheese, Banana muffins & cheese cubes, Toast, Bacon & Eggs
Hope you have a great week and for more Menu Plan Monday cooking and meal planning ideas, head over to Org Junkie!
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
1 pound of steak, cut into 1/2 strips
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
Combine flour & seasonings in large bag. Toss to combine. Add steak pieces and shake to coat all. Turn contents into a crock pot.
28 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 can mushrooms, drained & their juices
2 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup ketchup
3 tsp beef boullion
In a bowl, combine the above ingredients and pour over the dredged steak pieces. Turn crock pot on 'low' and cook 7 to 9 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
1 cup sour cream
During last 1/2 hour of cooking, add one cup of sour cream. Stir to combine.
Serve over plain rice or egg noodles.
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