Friday, February 11, 2011
It's Not All About Me
As I consider the things I want to improve about myself, I've been thinking a lot about how I can make the world a better place as I go. I wouldn't feel very good about a change that was just about me changing for the sake of making more money or making myself feel better, even though there's nothing wrong with those goals. I just feel like there has to be more to me than that.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Developing New Routines
I know a lot of my online friends swear by the FlyLady, a site and program for developing routines to get the household decluttered and running smoothly. I really resisted the FlyLady because I'm one of those "I'll do it MY way" people, but I have found that there really are some very good ideas there. For one thing, she recommends incremental progress, which I've learned the hard way is much better than deciding to radically change how you do everything all at once, only to burn out three days later.
I've come to the conclusion that the only way I can achieve my goals is to develop some new routines to get things done and simplify the day-to-day. I started a couple of weeks ago to make sure that all the dishes get done every day. I'm getting better at it, and it really does make a huge difference in how I feel about the kitchen first thing in the morning. Now that it is February, I think I'll add a second new habit: putting the laundry away as it gets done.
I hope that by getting into these new habits, I won't have any days where I have hours and hours of work just to get the place decent. This will be crucial to my success when I return to school and have to study and do homework while keeping everything else from descending into chaos.
What new habits would you like to develop in 2011?
I've come to the conclusion that the only way I can achieve my goals is to develop some new routines to get things done and simplify the day-to-day. I started a couple of weeks ago to make sure that all the dishes get done every day. I'm getting better at it, and it really does make a huge difference in how I feel about the kitchen first thing in the morning. Now that it is February, I think I'll add a second new habit: putting the laundry away as it gets done.
I hope that by getting into these new habits, I won't have any days where I have hours and hours of work just to get the place decent. This will be crucial to my success when I return to school and have to study and do homework while keeping everything else from descending into chaos.
What new habits would you like to develop in 2011?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Falling off the wagon already?
I said I'd post at least once a week, but I didn't publish any posts last week. I started a few, but that doesn't really count. It only counts if it is available to the public on the front page. I learned some lessons about when it is a good time to write and about setting priorities, so it wasn't a total loss.
That's another thing this blog is about, I suppose-- getting back on the horse every time I fall off. My plans for overcoming my chronic procrastination and disorganization might include being instantly successful, but the reality is a completely different thing. It's work, folks.
Today I'd like to share a few sites that I have found helpful or interesting:
43things.com -- This is a sort of goal setting social network. Some people set "bucket list" goals, while others set goals like "wash all the laundry". The primary part is your list of up to 43 things (your goals), but it is a lot more than a list-- you can write entries on things you're doing or how-to guides on things you've finished, comment on other people's entries and guides, and "cheer" people on goals or entries that you like. It's a fairly social experience if you get involved. Or you can just use it as a list, if you prefer. The lists are public, but you can choose any username you like if you're worried about being found.
750words.com -- This site is so simple and so beautiful to me. All there is to it is writing 750 words a day. It counts the words. You can write privately. And it compiles a bunch of statistics that are fun too.
penzu.com -- I used to write on a couple of different public journaling sites, but Penzu is a private online journal with optional sharing. If you're looking for a place to keep a diary on the Internet, or if you just need a place to keep notes to yourself, you might consider a Penzu journal.
Ynsee Gaelg -- This is a site where you can go to get started on learning the Manx language. What's Manx? It's a Gaelic language that used to be spoken on the Isle of Man. There's Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Why learn it? I love learning languages for fun and I've got a friend offering his expertise in the subject. I am fascinated by the idea of language revival, so Manx is my "language of the year". I am having fun with it so far. Gaelg aboo! (Hooray for Manx!)
Also, you might notice that I have a FOCUS banner in the sidebar to the right. That's a charitable organization of Orthodox Christians. Check it out if you get a chance and consider lending your support.
And with that, I am going to publish this and get back on the wagon.
That's another thing this blog is about, I suppose-- getting back on the horse every time I fall off. My plans for overcoming my chronic procrastination and disorganization might include being instantly successful, but the reality is a completely different thing. It's work, folks.
Today I'd like to share a few sites that I have found helpful or interesting:
43things.com -- This is a sort of goal setting social network. Some people set "bucket list" goals, while others set goals like "wash all the laundry". The primary part is your list of up to 43 things (your goals), but it is a lot more than a list-- you can write entries on things you're doing or how-to guides on things you've finished, comment on other people's entries and guides, and "cheer" people on goals or entries that you like. It's a fairly social experience if you get involved. Or you can just use it as a list, if you prefer. The lists are public, but you can choose any username you like if you're worried about being found.
750words.com -- This site is so simple and so beautiful to me. All there is to it is writing 750 words a day. It counts the words. You can write privately. And it compiles a bunch of statistics that are fun too.
penzu.com -- I used to write on a couple of different public journaling sites, but Penzu is a private online journal with optional sharing. If you're looking for a place to keep a diary on the Internet, or if you just need a place to keep notes to yourself, you might consider a Penzu journal.
Ynsee Gaelg -- This is a site where you can go to get started on learning the Manx language. What's Manx? It's a Gaelic language that used to be spoken on the Isle of Man. There's Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Why learn it? I love learning languages for fun and I've got a friend offering his expertise in the subject. I am fascinated by the idea of language revival, so Manx is my "language of the year". I am having fun with it so far. Gaelg aboo! (Hooray for Manx!)
Also, you might notice that I have a FOCUS banner in the sidebar to the right. That's a charitable organization of Orthodox Christians. Check it out if you get a chance and consider lending your support.
And with that, I am going to publish this and get back on the wagon.
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