Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

What I’ve Read This Year

May 30, 2020

Not much sums it up. My problem is, I forget to write down on my log books I’ve read so it doesn’t look like much. I may have taken a book out of the library and read it but don’t remember. And of course, our library has been closed since early March so I haven’t been able to take anymore out either. But, I did the best I could to remember what I’ve read and here’s the list:

Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl – This is the prequel to “My Kitchen Year” so I was really excited to read it. The book documents Reichl’s years at Gourmet magazine and gives a little glimpse into how media works as well. It’s a fascinating and easy read so if you’ve read My Kitchen Year definitely read this one.

The Good of Giving Up by Aaron Damiani – I was thinking about reading this for Lent this year when I found it at a local thrift store – talk about Divine Intervention. :-) It’s not a Catholic book about Lenten observances, it was written for the non-Catholic and in particular pastors of those churches on how to bring Lent to their parishioners. It covers the history of Lent and the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I didn’t agree with everything, but overall it was good with plenty of ideas to think about.

Strange Gods by Elizabeth Scalia – I had been wanting to read this for Lent for a year so I finally bought it for this Lent. I have to say I didn’t like it as much as “Little Sins Mean A Lot” and it’s a lot deeper as well. For that reason I didn’t finish it – my head just blew up in places. It does give the reader things to think about as far as what are the idols you have in your life and modern life offers many. For that I think it’s worth trying.

Holiness For Housewives – Dom Hubert Van Zeller – This book was written in 1951 by a Benedictine monk. So, you might wonder how would he know about the vocation of marriage and motherhood. Well, he does know something of it and his advice is very good. It’s not deep at all so any mom with a few minutes on her hands can gain something from reading this book. The prayers in the back are a gold mine as well and if you don’t pray regularly, they are a good starting point. A book to keep close by and turn to when in need of spiritual help.

Self-Care For Moms by Sara Robinson – This is a beautiful hardcover book that gives a mom who is in need of self-care lots of great ideas on what to do to take care of their own needs. From five minutes to a week long vacation (when the time comes that you can) there are 150 activities to choose from. In reading I found that I’m already doing a lot of the 5 and 10 minute activities and over this summer I plan to get into more of the activities that take more time so I can start working on personal development which is lacking in my life.

Empty Nest – Full Life by Jill Savage – Okay, this is a Christian book so if you don’t like that kind of thing don’t read it. However, if you are looking for help as your nest empties or if you already have an empty nest and are struggling in your relationships with your adult children, I highly recommend it. I haven’t finished it yet but what I have read is very good and she offers a lot of been there done that advice. I don’t agree with everything she believes, but I’m not tossing it all out the window because of that either. It’s the first book I’ve read on this subject that gets real about your role in the lives of your children as they grow away from you – the do’s and don’ts if you will. So, if you need a little help like I do you may want to consider this one.

Rascal by Sterling North – So, I decided that I needed to read more novels and printed off the 2020 Reading Challenge from Modern Mrs. Darcy’s website. There are only 12 categories on it so roughly you’re reading one book a month which makes it easy to do. This book filled the challenge to read a book the decade you were born (in fact it was published in 1963 – the year I was born). I had read this book while homeschooling and decided to revisit it since it covers the years 1918 and 1919 – years of the flu pandemic. It is a beautifully written story of a boy and his pet raccoon and a true story at that. And it was set at a time when nature was still mostly undisturbed and kids knew more about nature than most adults do today. If you are looking for an easy read to fill your time while staying at home, this one will lift your spirits.

168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam – I was looking for a book on time management at our last library visit in March and found this one. I finally got around to cracking it open last week. And then I closed it up again. Not for me. There’s a lot of extraneous talk about time management research and I really wanted something that got down to the nitty gritty. It kind of does but more so for working people than an old stay at home mom. The one takeaway is – make your time count for you. Time goes by quickly and we can easily waste it on screens or on activities we don’t really enjoy. So figure out how to make the most of the time you’ve got for you and the ones you are closest to.

And that’s what I’ve read so far this year. Like I said, I probably have read more or even poked around a few odd books here and there, but these are the ones I remember. I’ll write more next week on what I’m reading now and plans for June. Happy reading!!

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Summer Schedule

May 26, 2020

Wow – is it May already? Oh, wait – almost June??!! Oh well…there’s been a pandemic so I’ve got a good excuse…maaaybe.

I’ve had almost three months during this quarantine to “Get Sh*t Done” – you know – my resolution/mantra for the year? Have I got much sh*t done during this time? Kinda. Not really. Everything felt really slow in March and the future so very up in the air. I was very down and cried often. Then, in late April, there was a military jet flyover of our town to honor hospital workers and I had a mindshift. Those jets flew right over my backyard and I yelled and clapped and cried. It was a real mood booster and the best part was – it fueled enough of a “we’re going to make it” mindset that I finally got back to work. I started keeping up on the housework better and keeping myself saner as well. This month I went even further – started a reading challenge (only 12 books for the year so that is doable), got back into my 3X5 housework cards, and I started a plan for June-August to get back on a schedule again so things can get done. That’s what I’m going to talk about today – my summer plan.

I wrote down all the things causing me stress. Then I wrote down what I could do to simplify my life and cut down on those stresses. The things that will make my house a little cleaner, put meals on the table regularly, and I’ll be taken care of too. Then it hit me – I’m terrible at time management, not consistent, not committed to my schedule. So, this is where I get serious and do something to get back on track.

Skincare – A streamlined A.M. and P.M. routine (cleanse, tone, moisturize, and CC Cream for SPF during the day). All products I’ve used before and had good results with (more on that later).

Meals – I’ve got a one month meal plan I found years ago from a state extension website that I’ve used bits and pieces of from time to time. This time it will serve the whole summer. It is a daily plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (even giving ideas for snacks) for four weeks including shopping lists. All I have to do is stick to the plan and meals are guaranteed on the table. It will also help to make sure I’m eating 3 squares a day.

Water – Drink more. I found one website that says 5-7 glasses is enough. Done.

Exercise – Hey – Richard Simmons has been posting 10 minute workouts on Youtube! I can do that. Ten minutes each day to start is a start. Or I could simply count more steps each day for a higher goal than what I’ve got now. Whatever it is I need to commit to something and then do it.

Housework – Flylady – exactly as she spells it out. No excuses. In 3 months time I could get a lot done!

Sticking to A Daily Schedule – I’ve come up with a daily schedule using time blocks and plan to stick with that so I can get some consistency in my day which will help me stick to this plan better. Lately I’ve been going from one thing to another some days with no rhyme or reason to it – this will hopefully give more stability to my day.

So that’s the plan. I start June 1 and will go right through August. Hoping I learn a few things along the way about me too and believing I can do this. I’ve done some amazing things before and I can do it again. :-)

Blessings and prayers and hugs to all of you.

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57 Things About Me

February 9, 2020

You know – because I just turned 57. :-)

1. I am an Aquarius

2. I don’t like knitting or crocheting

3. I would like sewing more if I felt confident

4. I’m not into DIY projects

5. I do like scrapbooking

6. I enjoy taking pictures

7. I love books and magazines (not digital)

8. I love coffee and chocolate

9. I’m organized… to a point

10. I’m a perfectionist and procrastinator

11. I’m a veteran homeschooler

12. I am addicted to planners and planning

13. I am a list maker

14. I have a hard time making decisions (um..perfectionist)

15. I like to cook

16. I love Nigella Lawson and watching her cooking shows

17. I do not like fried food much

18. I do not love potatoes – they are just ok

19. I do not smoke anymore, but I did once upon a time

20. I’m not big on drinking anymore but I was when I was younger

21. My favorite perfume is Ombre Rose

22. My favorite color is pink

23. I hate bad storms – especially wind and tornadoes

24. Kind of afraid of total darkness

25. I do not like to fly

26. I love riding on trains – not much on subways

27. I love museums

28. I love fashion and clothes

29. I am a makeup and skin care junkie

30. I come up with great ideas, but have trouble implementing them

31. I’m not the greatest housekeeper, but I’m not a complete zero at it either

32. Target is my favorite store

33. Sephora is my second favorite store

34. Audrey Hepburn is my favorite actress

35. My trips to Rome and Venice when I was younger were most memorable

36. I lived in London, England for five years back in the ‘70’s

37. I prefer Upstairs Downstairs to Downton Abbey

38. I will probably never can my own food.

39. My favorite car is a Corvette (1970’s)

40. My second favorite car is a Camaro.

41. Third favorite is the old Trans Am from the early 80’s.

42. I do not decorate my house seasonally.

43. I’m better at organization than cleaning

44. When I was younger I was more spontaneous – now I like things planned

45. My favorite season is summer

46. Favorite TV show – “thirtysomething”

47. Second favorite TV show – “What Not To Wear”

48. I would like to live in a city where you can walk to places instead of always needing a car

49. I get SAD in the winter or whenever there are more than 3 sunless days in a row

50. Bowling is the only sport I enjoy playing

51. Favorite decade of music – 1980’s

52. Second favorite decade of music – 1990’s

53. I’m not much for social media

54. I miss the old homeschooler blogs I used to visit

55. Lunch is the most difficult meal of the day

56. I love to write

57. I’m starting to feel my age

And one to grow on – My favorite Audrey Hepburn movie is Roman Holiday

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Words for the Year

January 30, 2020

As you know, I am not much for “word of the year” or resolutions. Heck the last few years I haven’t even really bothered – too many crises. However, I can’t keep that up because things aren’t getting done. Things that really need to get done. So, I’m going to dub this year the year to “Get Sh*t Done”. I already started by getting a couple of things done that were past due. And I’ll continue that next month. I may not get to hibernate but I know I’ll be happier to get these monkeys off my back. And maybe if I get all this sh*t done, I’ll actually get to hibernate next January. As if.

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Hibernate – Week 4

January 28, 2020

It’s the last week of January and did I hibernate? No, not really. But a few things that absolutely needed to get done did so at least there was that. I am taking today to just rest because I was out most of the day yeseterday and I need some down time. SO, I’m catching up on laundry and reading “Save Me the Plums” by Ruth Reichl. I read her book “My Kitchen Year” about her first year after being editor of the now gone Gourmet magazine and I really wanted to hear more of the story. Last year Plums came out but being the cheapskate that I am, I waited (and waited) until our library finally got the book. It’s great. It’s also the only book I’ve read this month. I’ve attempted a few other reads, but this is the ONE book I’ve actually read.

I also finally took the new portable dvd player my husband gave me for Christmas out of the box. I was so hesitant and then one quiet morning I decided to check it out. Larger than my other one, but very quiet running. I like it. So, I’m watching “My So Called Life”. Again. :-)

It’s going to be a drab week weather wise and I really would like to sit and write and plan out some things but I just don’t feel it. It seems like too much right now. I decided to exit Stitch Fix for good and even thinking about getting new clothes somewhere else feels like trauma. I do need to come up with a plan though because I really need pants.

So, my hibernate month ended up busier than I’d wanted but on the other hand I have had time to let a few things germinate and it really is time to get some things down on paper and then take the next step. Maybe I can be quieter next month – especially if the groundhog says six more weeks of winter.

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Hibernate – Week 3

January 21, 2020

I don’t know why I’m still saying I’m hibernating when clearly I am not. Yesterday we made a trip to a neighboring town since everyone had the day off. Not so much hibernating, but it was a fun day for everyone. Well, maybe not my husband – he’s not much on the shopping.

This week I may get to have more downtime since there are no appointments to go to. So, the plan is to keep up on housework basics but also plan time for some fun things like watching a movie or tv show I enjoy. Yesterday I found a brand new copy of “How To Steal A Million” for $8!! I could not believe it – I’ve been looking for that one for a long time and Amazon’s price is expensive. Time to grab the popcorn.

My birthday is on Friday and we will be celebrating Mozart’s birthday next Monday with a watching of Amadeus over the weekend. We usually do this every year but somehow it got lost in the shuffle last year so we’ve got to watch it this year. I’m tired of missing out on these movies we usually watch – even Christmas movies have gone by the wayside since my girls started going to public school. There’s just not as much time. I’m going to have to figure out how to fix that.

So, finally a quiet week. Here’s hoping I get to curl up and actually do nothing because next week is going to be a busy one.

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Hibernate – Week 2

January 13, 2020

So here I am at the beginning of the second full week of January and thinking this hibernate idea this month wasn’t the best. There’s been too many things going on for me to even think about it. That’s not a bad thing necessarily because some things needed to get done now and I also had a son visit from the west coast and we haven’t seen him in a year. That’s more important.

I have been doing a lot of thinking though and I’m getting ready to do some planning. I’m going to make a list of everything I need to get done this year and things I’d like to do/start this year. You can’t do it all but there are things that really have to get done. The other stuff I can fit in when I can, but I need to fit at least one want in each month.

Also – a menu plan for the month. And I mean ALL meals every day. If I want to get healthy than this is my first step. I’m not talking about elaborate calorie counting stuff – just getting meals on the table. And as in a previous post – I need to be sitting at the table eating and eating decent meals. After I make the menu plan, then I can go to the store and load up on what we need and make at least that part of my day go smoother.

Those are the two things I need to get done by Wednesday. The only other must do this week is to buy pants. I have some birthday coupons to use so it’s a good time. And I’m going to ask for help rather than try to go through racks myself to try to find what I need when the ladies working in these stores know what they’ve got and where to find it.

I still need to fit some downtime in each day too. I’d like to start watching My So Called Life again and may just do that each afternoon when I have the time – watch an episode at the same time each day. Like I would when it was on originally. This way I’m more likely to keep that time open.

Oh and that quiet thing? Yeah – not so much. I need to work on that more this week. I just really need to listen more and think about what I want to say before getting all reactive. A few things got pointed out to me over the weekend so I’m going to try to do better.

Anywho – that’s how things stand today. Now it’s off to bed to try to get back to sleep. Yeah – that half cup of coffee I had last night wasn’t the best idea. I am learning things like having 1 cup of regular coffee and 1 cup of decaf in the morning and nothing the rest of the day helps you sleep better. Yeah.

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Stop/Start

January 7, 2020

I was thinking today about…something…and realized that what I really need to do is this: STOP (insert something you need to stop doing) and START (insert the opposite of this or something that is better than the stop thing). Let me give an example:

STOP – drinking soda and START drinking more water

I’ve seen this around the internet as more/less but I think stop/start is more concrete. It’s a good way to get rid of bad habits and change my behavior for the better.

This is kind of like the little habits I added in last year. One of them was every time I go past a certain gas station I check the gas level in the car. Another was not leaving dirty dishes in the sink – get them rinsed and moved to the dishwasher. And they stuck. I need to use this power, if you will, to make other changes. I think the stop/start thing might do just that.

I’m going to end with a quote I saw in a magazine that kind of underpins this changing: Stop wishing for it and start working for it. How many times do we say “I wish” but never do anything to actually get towards that change we want? Too many. SO, time to stop what’s not working for us and time to start making changes to move us to what will. I’m in.

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Hibernate – Day 1

January 3, 2020

I started the morning off by thinking of how much I really do talk – which I already knew since Someone keeps bringing up the need to be quiet. And then I thought about how hard it is going to be to keep my mouth shut when I need to talk to someone or someone has talked to me. I need to limit what I tell and to whom. This has been a problem for some time and it’s time to kick what has become a not very good habit.

I also thought about how many conversations run through my head on any given day and this sometimes fuels a lot of negative thoughts, so quieting the mind is a must. I need to replace the negatives with positives or even acknowledging my feelings when a negative thought pops up and then let it float away instead of giving any more credence to it.

On a different note, I need to remind myself to do something I like or enjoy when I’m bored, instead of just scrolling through Instagram or seeing what’s on Youtube. I could watch a movie I enjoy, or write a blog post, or read a light novel (or get started on the classics). Or how about a walk or exercising at home? Although sometimes I could just sit and be quiet which is okay too. Boredom only really shows up after the housework is done so I need to find ways to fill that time that are meaningful to me. I always think “there’s no time for that” but there is.

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Rules for Eating

January 2, 2020

I’ve run across a lot of these over the years. One of them was to eat only when sitting at a table. No eating in the car or walking down the street as it tends towards mindless eating. Being seated at a table draws your attention to the meal which is obviously better for you. And I think you’re less likely to eat too much as well. I’m actually going to take this rule up. I rarely eat on the go, except if I get a snack or coffee while I’m out and haven’t eaten much in the first place. :-P Yeah, time to switch that up.

Which brings me to my other rule: eating. Eat a good breakfast, a good lunch, and a good dinner. What does good mean? Eating enough. Right now I’m eating very little at the table and snacking on crap the rest of the time because I’m hungry. Yeah – not so good. So eating is what I’m going to do. And not worry too much about organic vs. canned and that sort of thing – just eating regular meals. I think I’ll need to figure out the disconnect as well so I can re-think what I’m doing.

So, those are my two rules for eating. I just have to focus on putting nutrients in my body so my cells can be happy and keep going. And that’s enough for now.

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