Zoo

Z is for Zoo.   My family is currently deciding if we want to get a membership to a zoo or museum this year.  We have done a membership to both in the past.  Typically it takes about 2-3 visits as a family to make the membership worth the money.  The trick is guessing how much it would be used. 

If I know we will be going at least 4 times a year, it’s a better deal to buy the membership and save money.  Other times, we think we will go and end up not going as much as we thought.   We may also feel forced to go to that specific place rather than doing other activities.  There are also other options that are free or minimal cost that the children like as much if not more than some of these places.  When budgets were tight, it was nice to have an option that was already paid for.   However, there were sometimes hidden costs such as gas and parking.  We are lucky to live in a place that has so many options.

Yawn

Y is for Yawn,    I am so tired.   I had a busy weekend filled with friends, food, and dancing.  Now I am tired.  I have a busy day ahead of me.   MUST FORCE MYSELF TO GO TO BED EARLY TONIGHT!  

e—X–tra

X is for eXtra.    There is a fine line between stocking up and having more than I need.  I have extra quick meals in my freezer and extra pens.   I like having frozen pizza and other quick meals on hand for when I have limited time or need a break, but the more I have the more I use.  I have extra pens, but some of the pens don’t work so sometimes I go through 5 different pens until I find one that is functional.

On the other hand, there are times of year where specific items go on sale.  Bubbles in the spring.  School supplies in the late summer/early fall.  Paying 50 cents for 5 of something makes more sense than paying $3 for the same item a few months later. 

Like everything, it’s a balance.  The trick is figuring out what stuff we will go through and what stuff I think we will go through.  Then figuring out if the amount we save is worth the space it takes up.

Wheels

W is for Wheels.  The garage is full of stuff, sadly none of the space is filled with cars. We have many other things with wheels including bikes, scooters, strollers, snow blower, lawnmower, and wheelbarrows.  Along with our wheeled treasures we also have chalk, tools, more tools, garbage, and mystery boxes.  One day we will use the garage for its intended purpose, but not today.

Variety

V is for vacuum.    Vacuuming is one of the few chores that I’ve become more consistent with.   I am more likely to do a quick vacuum now than I was 5 years ago.  It goes fairly fast especially if I don’t wait until the entire house is picked up.  The main problem now is waiting until no one is sleeping.  I only have a few hours between when my husband wakes up and when the kids go to sleep.  My husband doesn’t work nights on the weekend so that is the best window to get it done.  Off to tidy before bed.  I just found out we will have some visitors coming to our house tomorrow afternoon. 

Under

U is for Under.   What is under the bed?  Do I know what is there?  Spaces such as under the bed can end up being a black hole.   It seems silly to not use the space, but there is also difficulty accessing the stuff easily.  The other problem is that it is easy to forget what is there.  Right now, I have a pile of books, pajamas, and random items that fell off the bed.  For now, under my bed is relatively low on the lists of organization projects to tackle.  Have a happy day!  Happy A to Z! 

Try

T is for Try.   I am going to try to have burst of cleaning where that is all I do.  No TV.  No reading the mail.   Only cleaning.  I will allow music because I think it helps me rather than distracts me.  I have tried multi-tasking this week.  I will watch a show and fold laundry.  At the end of the show, I find half the basket still there. 

I have read many articles about mindfulness and about multitasking can waste time.  However, the  desire to have the best of both worlds wins out.  

Tonight I will try to stay focused on cleaning even if it is only for a little bit.

Slippery Slope

S is for slippery slope.   I find myself saying that I will take a day off of cleaning or skip a day of exercise or eat an unhealthy meal.   “One day is no big deal”   True.   If I truly only took ONE day off, I’d be okay.   I find that often one day becomes two days which becomes 3 days.   Soon I find that I am out of the habit and have to relearn the skill.   I’m still trying to find that balance between being kind to myself when something that I plan on doesn’t happen and letting myself relax too much that I loose focus on my goals.

Run

R is for run.   I went for a run today!   I am trying to be more consistent.    In many ways, organizing and running have a lot in common.

• Both require consistency
• If you stop doing either one, it feels like a lot more work once you start up
• Setting short term and long term goals make a big difference
• I was reluctant starting both of them
• Both topics are popular blog themes
• Both seem to come easy to some people and a mystery to others
• Both have the potential to greatly benefit my life

I just came back from the store with dishwasher detergent.  Off to start it.  Maybe I will have time for two loads tonight! 

Quilt

Q is for Quilt.   I recently received a big bag of fabric scrapes.   They are a wide range of colors and many have cartoon characters.   I am not a person who sews.   I helped my mom make a bed spread and some pajamas growing up.   Since then I have made a bean bag and small cloth bag.  

I am hoping to make use of the material.  Even if the projects turn out horrible, at least it will give me practice.  Many kids accept imperfections better than adults so I should be okay.   Who knows I may even make a quilt?   Probably not, but it’s the A to Z challenge and Q is a difficult level.

NOW I’m off to make coffee and pick up.   Anyone else relatively new to the crafting world?