Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

What I’m Reading – June/July

July 30, 2019

Let’s start with what I read last month (June). I decided to re-read “The Messies Manual” by Sandra Felton. It was one of the first books I picked up on trying to conquer the mess in my home as a young wife with little kids. However, at that time, her suggestions just seemed out of my reach. She was talking about having a system, but her system felt difficult. I know I read at least two of her books trying to grasp the concepts, but it all escaped me in the busyness of my life. Perfectionism probably got me on that one. So, I revisited it last month and I understand it now, of course, having put systems in place to keep up with the day-to-day housekeeping.

The next book I read was “The Clutter Connection” by Cassandra Aarssen. This book tells you what kind of an organizer you are and in finding this out you can arrange your house to suit your organizing style. I am a cricket with a few ladybug tendencies. Mostly I like stuff in cupboards, closets, and drawers with a few things left out so I’ll remember to use them. I am also a perfectionist about cleaning and organizing (and all kinds of other stuff). I’ll admit I didn’t read all of the book, but I did read enough to get the idea of my style.

I also read “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” by Jean Kerr. I have seen bits and pieces of the movie with Doris Day and David Niven and decided I should read the book. The book is nothing like the movie! It is more bits and pieces of memoir, and the movie only used a few of those pieces to weave a story around. Having said that, I did enjoy the book – very funny! The best chapter was the one on detective shows or something like that. So, so good!

Moving on to July, I haven’t really read much. And if I read more than I’m writing about, well, I forgot to write it down. One book I did browse was “1,000 Books To Read Before You Die: A Life Changing List” by James Mustich. This one was a fun one to flip through and I did read a few of my favorite entries. At the end of each entry are end notes with extra info on the book, but also other books you might like in the same vein. I have several books with lists, but this one, although large, was also colorful and interesting and not just a list. If you are a book lover you should check this one out.

For the next few months, I have decided to read some books to help me with depression that is trying to make a comeback.
1. “How Can I Make A Difference When I Can’t Find My Keys” by Marilyn Paul.
2. “What Alice Forgot” by Liane Moriarty
3. “Full Catastrophe Living” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
4. “Codependent No More” by Melodie Beattie
They kind of focus on a theme – stressed out living – and I figured this was a good time to finally address my own issues with stress. I’ve just started reading the Marilyn Paul book and I think it’s going to be a huge help. It goes beyond just getting your house in order – it also helps to get you in order as well. One of the questions she asks is what is disorganization costing you. The thought came to me about my weight though and I can turn that question to “what is being overweight costing you”. I’m going to be making a lot of notes and journaling with this one! Also, I read Melodie Beattie’s book years ago and it helped me realize the problems I had. This copy is the latest version so it will be good to update.

And now for spiritual reading. I am up to 1 Peter in the New Testament and continuing Part 3 of the Catechism as well as the book We Live by Oskar Lukefahr. I am also reading “A Concise History of the Catholic Church” by Thomas Bokenkotter. I have long wanted to learn about church history and decided now was the time. I’ve had this book on my shelf for years so it was time to dust it off. I have decided to read the Psalms after the New Testament because I haven’t done that yet and it will dovetail nicely with Year 5 of “Read Your Way to Heaven” and Part 4 of the Catechism which is prayer.

So, there you have it – my two month reading update. I am looking forward to my planned reading and it will keep me from buying books or taking books out of the library that I won’t actually read. :-P It’s time for an action plan.

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End of June Update

July 23, 2019

It is now the end of July but what the heck – I might as well start catching up on my writing. I have several already written posts and it’s time to release them into the wild. :-)

What the hell?? June is almost over already? Geeez! It seems like it just started, but when the storms (think tornadoes and flooding rain) keep on coming, you feel like you’ve missed half the month. That said, this week has been gorgeous so we are soaking up the hot rays of the sun and not minding at all. We’ll see how I feel about that at the end of July. :-P

So, how has this month been? To start with, I had a use what you have kind of month for some things. Part of that is because we really spent out on stuff last month and the other reason is I wanted to get my credit card down to a zero balance again. I’m trying out Stitch Fix (more on that later) and I need to have some room for purchases.

In skincare and makeup, I’ve just been using what I have. However, realizing the skincare I have wasn’t working, I went ahead and bought a new cleanser and moisturizer both by L’oreal. I did not buy the Fresh stuff in my Sephora cart but I think in time that I will. I still need new foundation though so am looking into options there. I want something that’s light and easy to remove and two of the ones I really like and that really work are also really difficult to get off. :-(

We had another appliance emergency – our old water heater gave up the ghost by overheating and spewing water in the laundry room. We now have a new water heater and hope it lasts a little longer than the last one – nothing lasts as long as it used to though.

I’ve given up on planners temporarily and am just using a spiral notebook. I list everything I need to do that day and check it off as it all gets done. The one thing I need is a weekly board to put on the fridge or something though. I’ve got a huge monthly wall calendar so the month is covered, just need the week at a glance covered.

I’m getting back on the vitamin train and bought B vitamins (I’m on stress overload) and a calcium/magnesium one too. Together they are really helping and I’m feeling better. The next thing I need to do is have a full menu plan where I know daily what I’m eating at each meal – I’ve got to get that back on track. At least my Food Mover is ready for me whenever I’m ready.

So, I think that’s it. A post on what I read this month is coming up as well as two posts on the sad state of my wardrobe and how I’m trying to remedy that. Hoping your summer is going well and I’ll be back soon!

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» 2019 » July » Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

What I’m Reading – June/July

July 30, 2019

End of June Update

July 23, 2019

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