Making Self-Improvements Tribe - Page 3

[almadianna]

Thanks Antonin I am sure I will. I just hate starting the new year off wrong...

Tomorrow is another day!

[Starflower]

Originally Posted by almadianna

Thanks Antonin I am sure I will. I just hate starting the new year off wrong...

Tomorrow is another day!

We're having a rough start over here too. We have so many changes we want to make that are all interconnected with each other. The main thing is putting family first and helping DD with her schedule (which means a better, more normalized schedule for me as well). DH seems able to adjust easily to new things; DD and I have a more difficult adjustment period usually.

Today we were going to get up early. Well, I did manage to get up a bit early, but not as early as intended. But since we're seriously adjusting a very late schedule to a moderately early one, we decided to try and ease into it a bit.

This morning when I woke DD for theater class - her first day back - she was pretty much impossible to get up. Then she said she felt a bit sick, so I took her temp and she had a mild fever. Bummer. Not a good way to start the week and the new year, but we're managing.

We'll see about classes tomorrow. And we will start the no screens after 6 p.m. thing tonight. That will be an adjustment for all of us - including DH.

[almadianna]

Originally Posted by Starflower

We're having a rough start over here too. We have so many changes we want to make that are all interconnected with each other. The main thing is putting family first and helping DD with her schedule (which means a better, more normalized schedule for me as well). DH seems able to adjust easily to new things; DD and I have a more difficult adjustment period usually.

Today we were going to get up early. Well, I did manage to get up a bit early, but not as early as intended. But since we're seriously adjusting a very late schedule to a moderately early one, we decided to try and ease into it a bit.

This morning when I woke DD for theater class - her first day back - she was pretty much impossible to get up. Then she said she felt a bit sick, so I took her temp and she had a mild fever. Bummer. Not a good way to start the week and the new year, but we're managing.

We'll see about classes tomorrow. And we will start the no screens after 6 p.m. thing tonight. That will be an adjustment for all of us - including DH.

you can get back on the wagon! I believe in you!

[AntoninBeGonin]

I need a hug . I bought something that cost $250. That's a lot of money to me since I haven't worked in over five years. I mailed $50 as a deposit back in October and sent the other $200 in early December. At least, I thought I sent the remaining $200. It turned out that the person did not cash the $50 check, so when I deposited more money into my bank account, and then looked at my balance online, the total I saw included the $50 that hadn't been cashed. So I thought I had the $200 in my account to cover the balance, when in reality I only had $150 . I just got a call an hour ago telling me that I owe $210. I only had $120 in my account to send so I had to get another $90 from the joint account. I'm so annoyed at the situation. I should have triple checked my account like I triple check everything else but I just figured she'd cashed the first check. Blah.

The reason I'm putting this in this thread is because one of the ways I'm trying to improve myself is by making better money choices. I want to spend money on what I really want, not just $5 here or there on junk. I was also really hoping to have saved $100 by my dear friend's birthday January 10th (my husband's brother who just passed away) to donate in his name. I knew I wasn't going to have it, and I was okay with that--disappointed in myself, but still okay--and now I've just gone to the bank, grabbed out the $100 that I desperately want to give in honor of him, and am having to send it along to fix some stupid misunderstanding. Good thing I'm not the crying type, or I'd be sitting here with a runny nose and red eyes. *Sigh* Ah well, live and learn. I will be more careful next time.

[almadianna]

Originally Posted by AntoninBeGonin

I need a hug . I bought something that cost $250. That's a lot of money to me since I haven't worked in over five years. I mailed $50 as a deposit back in October and sent the other $200 in early December. At least, I thought I sent the remaining $200. It turned out that the person did not cash the $50 check, so when I deposited more money into my bank account, and then looked at my balance online, the total I saw included the $50 that hadn't been cashed. So I thought I had the $200 in my account to cover the balance, when in reality I only had $150 . I just got a call an hour ago telling me that I owe $210. I only had $120 in my account to send so I had to get another $90 from the joint account. I'm so annoyed at the situation. I should have triple checked my account like I triple check everything else but I just figured she'd cashed the first check. Blah.

The reason I'm putting this in this thread is because one of the ways I'm trying to improve myself is by making better money choices. I want to spend money on what I really want, not just $5 here or there on junk. I was also really hoping to have saved $100 by my dear friend's birthday January 10th (my husband's brother who just passed away) to donate in his name. I knew I wasn't going to have it, and I was okay with that--disappointed in myself, but still okay--and now I've just gone to the bank, grabbed out the $100 that I desperately want to give in honor of him, and am having to send it along to fix some stupid misunderstanding. Good thing I'm not the crying type, or I'd be sitting here with a runny nose and red eyes. *Sigh* Ah well, live and learn. I will be more careful next time.

oh mama



Part of my resolution for this year is also to make better money choices. I have done what you are saying here before too... more often than I would like to admit!

again

[Starflower]

AntoninBeGonin

Mini update here. DD is feeling much better. And I actually feel pretty good today myself. It's been awhile. I like this. We'll see how hard it gets at 6 p.m. to stay off the computers though.....

[InMediasRes]

Starflower - Glad your DD is feeling better. We went TV free a few months back and it was really really hard at first. I am currently limiting my own computer usage. Today was rought, but was helped by the fact that our internet was down most of the day.

Everyone else who is struggling, . Hope today was better.

As for me, I'm rethinking my personal goals a bit. I still want to write every day, and the writer's block feels like it's crumbling a little bit, but I still don't have anything better than journaling to write.

DH and I had a long talk last night and came to the conclusion that we're going through the disillusionment stage in our marriage, so I am feeling like I really need to put more of my energy into my relationship with him than into my own personal growth, so I've adjusted some of my personal goals to reflect that. Part of it is realizing that even though we both really want time to ourselves, we are going to have to give that up to some extent to really dig in and make more connections with each other. It's scary when we notice that the only thing we talk about is the kids.

I am going to try to do more nice things for DH to show him that I care about him.

I am going to do my best to keep up with the housework in such a way that the housework does not become another stress in our relationship. Part of this includes asking him to do his part and helping him keep up with his progress as well (he agreed). So far I am doing really well with this goal. The last few days, I have made a real effort to keep the kitchen clean and the dishes going so that they don't pile up in the sink. I got tons accomplished today!

I am going to try to keep positive with the kids, and to focus on enjoying the moment with them. I have been doing really well with this this past weekend, and it carried into to today for the most part. I am coming out of the grieving process with my son's special needs, and am feeling like I am ready to take what we know and move forward, and it is helping me to enjoy him more and not just see the problems. I want to have FUN again!

I am going to read about and learn about things OTHER than parenting. That means spending less time on MDC. There. I said it. Smithsonian magazine showed up today, and I think I'm going to start small and just read that for now. I'll have something other than "I read something interesting on MDC" to discuss with DH at night.

So there's my list for accountability. I'm still refining, but my priorities are changing a little. Wish my luck!

[AntoninBeGonin]

Those are all great ideas, Leah . It sounds like the path you've laid out will get you to your goals.

[almadianna]

Today I got to work early!!



So far its a good start. How are you all doing today?

[AntoninBeGonin]

I'm happy for you!

As for myself, well, not good not good. The only productive thing I've done in the past two hours since my husband and kids left for the day is call the Spa to make a facial appointment. Woah, that was a lot of work . Gee, maybe it's time for a nap! I got a 4.0 last semester in a very hard program so this is my treat. A facial with hot stone therapy today (on special for $95, normally a $125 value ) and a reflexology session in a few days.

Heck, I haven't even had breakfast yet. Today's goals are: Eat breakfast, take a shower, run on the treadmill for 20 minutes, dishes and laundry, clean off the dining room table and pick up the downstairs floor. Hopefully I can have all that done by noon, which will give me plenty of time to get to my appointment at 1:00. Better get a move on, it's already 9:40 here. (Wasting time is what I get for not taking my ADHD meds. Bleh!)

[InMediasRes]

Originally Posted by almadianna

Today I got to work early!!



So far its a good start. How are you all doing today?

Yay!

Me, not great, seeing as it's 8:30 and I'm already on the computer. We have to think up something to do today or I'm going to be on it all day, I can tell.

Did the dishes from breakfast though... and did my writing for today already.

[AntoninBeGonin]

Originally Posted by InMediasRes

Yay!

Me, not great, seeing as it's 8:30 and I'm already on the computer. We have to think up something to do today or I'm going to be on it all day, I can tell.

That is so me. My goal tomorrow (and you can join me if you'd like ) is no computer time at all until I finish my morning to-do list.

Originally Posted by InMediasRes

Did the dishes from breakfast though... and did my writing for today already.

That's awesome! See, you do more than you think you do!

[rainbowmoon]

I this tribe! What an awesome way to support each other! I am feeling pretty good about 2010 overall. I think it's going to be a good year anyway as far as personal growth goes! I guess over the next few months this is what I am going to concentrate on;

1- getting rid of negativity on all levels. just am not letting it in and working on banning negativity..be it relationships that are not positive, my own negative bad habits,etc.

2- focus on self care- I am always putting myself LAST but for the first time in a long time I am going to put myself FIRST. this includes going to bed early, exercising, buying new clothes, seeing the eye dr,etc..the list is pretty long unfortunately as I have let alot of things slide in the last few years!

3- carving out more time for my creative pursuits- easier said than done but this is a high priority for me for the months coming up! I am also saving up for a spinning wheel and pottery classes come spring!

(I'm sure I will add more later!)

[InMediasRes]

Originally Posted by AntoninBeGonin

That is so me. My goal tomorrow (and you can join me if you'd like ) is no computer time at all until I finish my morning to-do list.



That's awesome! See, you do more than you think you do!

Ooooh! You're on!

Now I just hav to make my to-do list....

As you can see, I'm still spending too much time on the computer. Kids have been kinda resistant to going out yet, but I think I finally have everyone dressed and we're off to the dinosaur museum.

rainbowmoon. I am really loving this tribe too.

[almadianna]

Originally Posted by InMediasRes

Ooooh! You're on!

Now I just hav to make my to-do list....

As you can see, I'm still spending too much time on the computer. Kids have been kinda resistant to going out yet, but I think I finally have everyone dressed and we're off to the dinosaur museum.

rainbowmoon. I am really loving this tribe too.

you guys are braver than I.

I could not.. nope.. not gonna happen.. sorry... *pout*

[Starflower]

Whoever posted that making a phone call was no big deal: I often find it difficult to make phone calls even if I want or need to, so that sounds like an accomplishment to me.

Over here? Well, DD woke up at 2:45 in the morning and yelled "Mom! Barf bowl!" So that tells you what kind of night we had. I did get the bowl but not before the main mess, so I had to wash sheets and everything at 3 a.m. At least she was in her own bed next to ours instead of in between us. That really would've been awful. We had more sheets and stuff for her, but not for us.

She pigged out last night and had been bouncing off the walls, so I had thought she was fine. Guess not. She had no fever this morning, but I kept her home anyway. Now she seems fairly happy and is busily doing things on her own.

I need to get to the allergy doctor for my shot. One more after this and I'm on maintenance which means only going every 3-4 weeks instead of 1-2 times each week. Which is good since the insurance just started over with my mega-deductible. Yeesh.

So I should go today and get the shot in case I end up with DD's ick. If I don't go within a certain number of days, I have to repeat the shot and I get behind schedule.

We also may be getting a new-to-us couch today. If it's not raining, the lady will deliver it. We are buying a used leather couch we found on Craigslist to replace the ancient fabric one that flares up my allergies.

So I guess that's a little progress. My main thing right now is to take things in stride. I wouldn't say I'm trying to be overly positive - I'm just not like that. But I am being realistic about things and making sure I am getting my inositol powder the ND prescribed to help with the OCD.

OK. Off to take the inositol, then off to the allergist. It's a slow start, but all I am able to do with a sick kid. Luckily, DH works from home today so I can get to the allergist.

[rainbowmoon]

well I am off to a good start I think..and I actually took part of the day for ME!

-I took a bath this afternoon and relaxed (something I think I will do more often!). then I gave myself a much needed pedicure

-avoided some unwanted stress after that

-read some of a book I read every other year or so for inspiration- it's called "The Creative Year", it always gives me a boost.

-journaled a bit, defined some goals

I am off to make some tea now and settle in for the night with a movie and crocheting. I have been sick with a cold so I really just need to rest and take it easy. Though I have a million things I could be doing (not to mention work to do that I am missing out on!) Instead, I am taking care of ME first and hopefully tomorrow I will be well again!

Going to watch Botany of Desire on Netflix. It's supposed to be a good one!

btw speaking of such, do you mamas have any suggestions for inspirational movies or books?

[AntoninBeGonin]

Starflower, if I'd had a day like yours, I'd look like the poor person in your siggy with the stars around her head. I hope tomorrow is much saner for you.

My to-do list for tomorrow morning is to scoop the cat boxes, clean the entire kitchen, go through the cabinets and plan a few meals, and spend some time studying. I want to study Italian language for three hours (I know, that's a pretty big task), and brush up on my classes from last semester for one hour each. Time to put on my Little Engine That Could Hat "I think I can, I think I can...I know I can, I know I can...!"

Good luck to everyone tomorrow! Let's all post when we've reached our goals!

[Freedom~Mama]

I would love to join this tribe, if I may!

I am tired of making New Year's resolutions that I never keep. I have not made any strict resolutions but I am all about Self Improvement this year...it has been WAY too long since I took the time to focus on me. You know where that has gotten me? 50 lbs (or more) overweight, unhappy, with a low self esteem and self worth. Since getting married and having kids I thought that I had to just be Wife and Mom and I am...but I don't know who I am anymore. I really don't. It makes me sad.

This year I am going to stop being so hard on myself and make a commitment to myself and for myself to start exercising, getting my hair done, taking time to put on make up, do my hair and feel pretty and alive again. I had kids at 21 (am 27 now) and feel like my 20's have totally passed me by without me really living. I feel like I can and should be able to enjoy being a Wife and Mom and have an identity separate from that. I also am signed up to go back to school and am sooo excited. I start in 2 weeks! I am going to major in Elementary Education and I can't wait to start all my classes.

Anyway I look forward to getting to know all of you!!!

[almadianna]

So, it's another day. My goal for today is to make sure that the kid's winter clothes is ready to go because we are having legendary freezes tomorrow. Also tomorrow is the first day of our homeschooling group meeting for this year. My goal is to get everything arranged for that as well. Somehow I need to get some exercise into that and eating, and working.

So I guess I need more organization, that needs to be added to my goal for this year too I guess. More organization!