Back to normal. The only problem is that most weeks, it’s normal to never have a normal day.
But hey, I’ll enjoy it while it lasts!
I remembered this morning, as lots of long-put-off to-dos were flitting through my brain, that I didn’t put “make a to-do list” on my list of non-negotiables that I posted last night. I knew I was forgetting something.
I struggled today with a rule that I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned before. I haven’t mentioned it because there are times when I break it, and you’d know.
I have a general rule that I don’t get on the computer until after lunch. I realized almost a year ago that I wasn’t doing my Bible Study consistently, but I was finding plenty of time to be on the computer. I would get on the computer the minute I got home from taking the boys to school. It was my daughter’s designated TV time, and I would drink my coffee and check my favorite blogs. It was my favorite time of the day. Except that I knew that turning on the computer first thing meant that I had it on all day and would often check “just one thing” and let that turn into an hour. More than once a day.
So I made the rule. When I get home from dropping off the boys, I drink my coffee while I do my Bible study. I can truly say that this is now my very favorite part of the day. I look so forward to it.
But when school is out and things are un-scheduled, I break the rule. For some reason, I justify it. So today, I had to talk to myself many MANY times to keep from turning on the computer. I didn’t turn it on, and again, I’m amazed at how much more I get done when I don’t have the computer on. I did my daily tasks, and even did lots of piddly tasks. The house looks so much better!
Today I:
Made bed after getting up earlier than the kids, ugh.
Emptied dishwasher.
Cleaned kitchen.
Swept kitchen.
Did more than 5 minutes of focused pick-up.
Checked bathrooms for clutter.
Hung up clothes in our bedroom.
Started a load of clothes.
Made a list!
Last night I:
Made lunches.
Put out clothes.
Wiped down bathrooms.
Checked on laundry.
Here we go, 2010!
Mar says
I work full-time and found that I would go into the office and spend an hour or more at the beginning of the day "just checking" things on the internet. What a waste since I would then need to stay at least an hour late to make up for this. My goal this year is to not do that and get home at a decent hour. I kept to that goal for today, at least.
Now I need to go do the dishes and some kitchen cleaning. Thanks for being my inspiration and secret slob friend.
Anonymous says
Isn't it true about the Internet? That is one of my changes for 2010 — to break the computer-habit. Cold turkey doesn't work for me, but I like your idea of setting time frames. I've also been getting back to "non-negotiables", as you call them, along with a renewed focus on less computer, more sleep, and more family time. After only three days, my husband has already noticed and complimented me on it. 🙂 🙂 🙂 We're still far from guest-ready, but I feel like I'm in control, rather than my house and my bad habits. You've really inspired me and I'm loving your blog. Thanks for sharing it with all of us closet slobs!
P.S. Sorry I keep commenting as Anon, but I don't have a blog of my own anymore and can't figure out how else to comment.
Anonymous says
WOW I sure can relate. I could spend hours and hours playing on the internet. I have to limit myself. I shouldn't be here now but I had to print some copies off to inventory my freezer and pantry. I still haven't made out my menu but will that and work on my paperwork.
Nony says
You can put your name in if you click on "Name/URL" and some boxes will pop up where you can enter your name and/or url. I didn't have a blog for a very long time, so that's what I used to do. THanks for reading!
Bethany says
THIS is why I have a love/hate relationship with my iPad. It’s so easy to “just pop on for a second.”
Lila B. says
I totally understand! My phone is my time wasting addiction. I’ve had to do the same thing and keep it almost as a “reward” at the end of the day, after everything else is done (well, usually done). 🙂