I just thought I'd pass on a couple of links that have been incredibly helpful for me in getting myself better organized, or at least inspired to be!
Keeping the Home blog. Lots of great writing and teaching here as well, but at the moment she is also working through a series on building a Home Management Binder. Definitely pop over there and learn something!
Who hasn't heard of FlyLady by now? Excellent site. 'Nuf said.
I'm finally getting to the place where my morning routine is happening consistently. I'm sure that having the house for sale is helping. But for a solid week now I've kept up with the dishes, the laundry and the clutter, just by making sure it's all done before I leave the house to go anywhere. Which meant for a few days we really didn't go anywhere. But I got all caught up and now it's maintenance.
Want to know what I did to help with the laundry? I threw away my hamper. Yup. Tossed it out. So now all I have to catch the laundry are two baskets in the bathroom, one for darks and one for lights. When one is full, it goes straight to the washer, and voila, just like that the laundry isn't getting ahead of me anymore! Before, I was dumping it into the hamper in the laundry room (which will hold something like three loads if it's packed down). No wonder there was always more to do!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
Save Money and Calories - Eat from the kids' menu!
Such a simple thing to do, this is. Except that the restaurants make it more difficult than it needs to be. But if you're going through a drive-through, just order yourself a kid's meal. It costs less, and it has much less food, although what's in a kid's meal today really is enough for an adult. Eat slower, don't just gulp it down, and you'll see I'm right. The same goes for ice cream shops - most of the places I've been recently serve as much on a kid's cone as any adult needs to have! And you'll save yourself a couple of dollars just like that. That's actually what put this on my mind today. C and I went out for an ice cream cone at DQ, and instead of a small I ordered a kid's cone for myself. The order total went from 5.37 for a kiddie and a small down to 3.00 for two kiddie cones. Which means I have enough change left to go through the car wash later on. :-)
If you're eating in, this is trickier because most place won't let an adult eat from the kid's menu. If that's the case then just put a little more thought into your meal. See if they will do half-size servings. If they won't, then ask them to box up half of your entree before they even bring it out to you. Bring the other half home and you've got lunch for tomorrow! Or simply split a regular entree with your dinner partner.
Eating out doesn't have to blow your budget - either in cash or calories!
If you're eating in, this is trickier because most place won't let an adult eat from the kid's menu. If that's the case then just put a little more thought into your meal. See if they will do half-size servings. If they won't, then ask them to box up half of your entree before they even bring it out to you. Bring the other half home and you've got lunch for tomorrow! Or simply split a regular entree with your dinner partner.
Eating out doesn't have to blow your budget - either in cash or calories!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Tough Life for Stay-at-Home Moms?
Well said, Dr. Laura!
"The last few generations have been brought up with too much and too little: too much opportunity and things, too little gratitude and obligation. We actually have a large segment of our population that couldn't imagine giving without getting, sacrificing out of obligation, suffering out of responsibility, following through out of honor. "
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34558
"The last few generations have been brought up with too much and too little: too much opportunity and things, too little gratitude and obligation. We actually have a large segment of our population that couldn't imagine giving without getting, sacrificing out of obligation, suffering out of responsibility, following through out of honor. "
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34558
Thursday, March 8, 2007
International Women's Day
Today is International Women's Day. Sorry to admit it, but I honestly didn't know that until just now, as I was watching the 5:00 news. Oops.
Anyway, I was watching the feature on the news and it was pretty thought-provoking. Although there was a brief segment about the importance of removing the stigma of domestic violence and protecting women better, the real focus was primarily on the lack of women in the trades professions and what can be done about it.
"What can be done about it." Like it's a bad thing that women aren't turning out in droves to become carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Like there's some terrible tragedy that the trades are a male-dominated industry.
How about celebrating International Women's Day by celebrating our womanhood? We're different - why don't we embrace the differences instead of trying to erase them? Tonight would be a good night for mothers and daughters to sit together and celebrate that they are special and different and honored by God in their womanhood and girlhood, to be thankful that they ARE made differently from men. It might also be a good night for fathers to embrace their daughters and celebrate them for who they are. Let them know that you're proud of them, just for being your daughters. Show some extra love to your wife, for being the special woman she is.
Remember, we're not unequal - we're just different.
Anyway, I was watching the feature on the news and it was pretty thought-provoking. Although there was a brief segment about the importance of removing the stigma of domestic violence and protecting women better, the real focus was primarily on the lack of women in the trades professions and what can be done about it.
"What can be done about it." Like it's a bad thing that women aren't turning out in droves to become carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Like there's some terrible tragedy that the trades are a male-dominated industry.
How about celebrating International Women's Day by celebrating our womanhood? We're different - why don't we embrace the differences instead of trying to erase them? Tonight would be a good night for mothers and daughters to sit together and celebrate that they are special and different and honored by God in their womanhood and girlhood, to be thankful that they ARE made differently from men. It might also be a good night for fathers to embrace their daughters and celebrate them for who they are. Let them know that you're proud of them, just for being your daughters. Show some extra love to your wife, for being the special woman she is.
Remember, we're not unequal - we're just different.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Consideration - Without being crippled
The last few weeks we've been discussing "boundaries" in our ladies' class at church. I admit it surprised me the first day that I came into the class; I expected it to be a Bible study class. But it's been interesting. We've been talking about things like setting limits (self-protection), checking your motivation for doing things (service in love vs guilt or manipulation), and realizing that you are probably going to hurt someone's feelings by saying "No" or by making a particular decision, but that it won't do them any long-term harm, whereas not doing so might do you some long-term harm.
So it's been interesting. This morning's thoughts are heavily influenced by the last couple of classes, I think.
I've been thinking this morning about how our decisions have an effect on the people around us, and how we can be considerate of that effect without letting fear of hurting them cripple us in our decision-making. Whether it's a little decision like turning down a second piece of cake, or a bigger one like breastfeeding or homeschooling, someone is going to be affected and might even be hurt.
When it comes to breastfeeding - we all know it's the best choice, for many of us it's the only choice we're willing to consider. But I think sometimes in our mission to do the best for our child, we get into a place where we almost have blinders on. The last two generations of moms have basically been instructed by doctors and other "experts" that their milk wasn't good enough, or that breastfeeding was unsterile, or that formula was just plain better. Now we come along and we have better science, better knowledge, and are making the decision to breastfeed, which is great - but when we get questioned about our decision, how do we respond? Do we become defensive immediately, or do we take a minute to consider the other person's point of view before responding? Do we consider that they might be struggling with their own feelings of guilt or inadequacy (whether or not it's conscious), and respond graciously and lovingly, or do we lash out with something like "everyone knows breast is best" or by throwing out statistics?
And then there's homeschooling. Studies are proving that it works, and that it's a good choice. But it's still a minority decision which a lot of people are nervous about. Again, when questioned, how do you respond? Do you respond in love, explaining why you made this choice but why you also accept that not everyone can homeschool... or do you preach about the evils of the public school system? Do we come across as "holier than thou" or wierd and eccentric because we homeschool, or do we speak in love and grace, attracting others to us? Do our words make other parents feel bad about their own past choices, or hopeful about their future?
Just some things to think about. Consider what you say and how it is being received by the other person. Don't let their feelings cripple you or limit your decisions, but do take them into consideration and think about changing your presentation a little bit.
So it's been interesting. This morning's thoughts are heavily influenced by the last couple of classes, I think.
I've been thinking this morning about how our decisions have an effect on the people around us, and how we can be considerate of that effect without letting fear of hurting them cripple us in our decision-making. Whether it's a little decision like turning down a second piece of cake, or a bigger one like breastfeeding or homeschooling, someone is going to be affected and might even be hurt.
When it comes to breastfeeding - we all know it's the best choice, for many of us it's the only choice we're willing to consider. But I think sometimes in our mission to do the best for our child, we get into a place where we almost have blinders on. The last two generations of moms have basically been instructed by doctors and other "experts" that their milk wasn't good enough, or that breastfeeding was unsterile, or that formula was just plain better. Now we come along and we have better science, better knowledge, and are making the decision to breastfeed, which is great - but when we get questioned about our decision, how do we respond? Do we become defensive immediately, or do we take a minute to consider the other person's point of view before responding? Do we consider that they might be struggling with their own feelings of guilt or inadequacy (whether or not it's conscious), and respond graciously and lovingly, or do we lash out with something like "everyone knows breast is best" or by throwing out statistics?
And then there's homeschooling. Studies are proving that it works, and that it's a good choice. But it's still a minority decision which a lot of people are nervous about. Again, when questioned, how do you respond? Do you respond in love, explaining why you made this choice but why you also accept that not everyone can homeschool... or do you preach about the evils of the public school system? Do we come across as "holier than thou" or wierd and eccentric because we homeschool, or do we speak in love and grace, attracting others to us? Do our words make other parents feel bad about their own past choices, or hopeful about their future?
Just some things to think about. Consider what you say and how it is being received by the other person. Don't let their feelings cripple you or limit your decisions, but do take them into consideration and think about changing your presentation a little bit.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
On disciplining children
Well, I failed miserably at conveying this to my ladies' class on Sunday, but now that I've had time to put my thoughts together, I realize that regardless of the reaction I may have gotten from some of the ladies there, I'm not too far off the mark. Either I didn't think it through well enough to explain my thoughts thoroughly, or else I was talking to a group of ladies who just have different opinions.
One thing I've realized recently is that, even within the church, we have a very skewed perception of discipline. 'Discipline' and 'Punishment' have unfortunately come to mean the same thing to many people, and the real meaning of 'discipline' - i.e. training, raising, bringing up, etc, has gotten lost in the shuffle. It seems like many of us are just hoping for the best for the future, without really focusing on what we can do while our kids are very small. After all, "kids will be kids" and we should "let them be babies", right? *sigh*
Anyway, here are my thoughts on disciplining children. I'd be interested in hearing any constructive comments, because I know I'm not perfect and neither are my theories on raising kids.
- Don't act out of your anger and impulse. You will do and say things that will harm, not build up.
- Take a few minutes to cool off, send your child to another room if necessary, and then come back together when you're thinking clearly.
- Explain to your child what they did wrong and what the punishment is going to be.
- DO deliver said punishment.
- Take the time to instill correction, explaining to them what they should have done or should have avoided.
- Explain to them God's system of authority, that the parents are in charge of the children and that God is in charge of the parents, and that just as they need to obey you, you also need to obey God, and that God mandates for parents to correctly train and discipline their children. Not that you want them to be afraid of God or of you, but that you want them to understand the concept of authority.
I think that last one should be a part of everyday life, not necessarily part of the moment of correction. More that children should be taught this principle and understand it ahead of time.
One thing I've realized recently is that, even within the church, we have a very skewed perception of discipline. 'Discipline' and 'Punishment' have unfortunately come to mean the same thing to many people, and the real meaning of 'discipline' - i.e. training, raising, bringing up, etc, has gotten lost in the shuffle. It seems like many of us are just hoping for the best for the future, without really focusing on what we can do while our kids are very small. After all, "kids will be kids" and we should "let them be babies", right? *sigh*
Anyway, here are my thoughts on disciplining children. I'd be interested in hearing any constructive comments, because I know I'm not perfect and neither are my theories on raising kids.
- Don't act out of your anger and impulse. You will do and say things that will harm, not build up.
- Take a few minutes to cool off, send your child to another room if necessary, and then come back together when you're thinking clearly.
- Explain to your child what they did wrong and what the punishment is going to be.
- DO deliver said punishment.
- Take the time to instill correction, explaining to them what they should have done or should have avoided.
- Explain to them God's system of authority, that the parents are in charge of the children and that God is in charge of the parents, and that just as they need to obey you, you also need to obey God, and that God mandates for parents to correctly train and discipline their children. Not that you want them to be afraid of God or of you, but that you want them to understand the concept of authority.
I think that last one should be a part of everyday life, not necessarily part of the moment of correction. More that children should be taught this principle and understand it ahead of time.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tithing from your small business
Do you tithe on your business income? I admit it's something that I have personally been really bad at in the past. I always find myself paying the bills first and then hoping there will be a little something left over - unfortunately there never really is.
So... how to overcome this tendency? I think it comes down to being decisive and also if you tend to slip, it's important to set up a plan that's really hard to fail at.
I opened a separate bank account, and every time I make a deposit I transfer 10% to that account right there at the ATM. It's an account that I cannot access using my bank card, and I have to request a withdrawal to my chequing account a day ahead. Since I've started doing this consistently, I have literally seen an explosion in my business. I have several new clients, and also some new projects for old clients.
It doesn't always work this way, but I have often seen an immediate response to my little steps of faith. Financially I have seen very clear answers - there have been several times that I've gotten back exactly ten times what I offered.
God says clearly in the Scriptures, in Malachi 3:10:
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,
“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
Which makes me wonder why on earth I tend to fall back into my wishy-washy patterns so easily.
So... how to overcome this tendency? I think it comes down to being decisive and also if you tend to slip, it's important to set up a plan that's really hard to fail at.
I opened a separate bank account, and every time I make a deposit I transfer 10% to that account right there at the ATM. It's an account that I cannot access using my bank card, and I have to request a withdrawal to my chequing account a day ahead. Since I've started doing this consistently, I have literally seen an explosion in my business. I have several new clients, and also some new projects for old clients.
It doesn't always work this way, but I have often seen an immediate response to my little steps of faith. Financially I have seen very clear answers - there have been several times that I've gotten back exactly ten times what I offered.
God says clearly in the Scriptures, in Malachi 3:10:
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,
“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
Which makes me wonder why on earth I tend to fall back into my wishy-washy patterns so easily.
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