This week Deb has us thinking about 3 questions relating to cleaning.
What's your minimum standard cleaning routine?
Basically my minimum is quite low. Every night after dinner I tidy up from dinner, load and start the dishwasher, make Hunter’s lunch for the next day and basically ensure the kitchen area is clean and tidy.
What is your cleaning approach?
My cleaner comes once a fortnight. We spend the Sunday before she comes (she comes Monday) tidying – so she can actually clean. She mops all tiled areas, vacuums carpets, wipes kitchen bench/hotplates etc and kitchen table, cleans toilets, showers, bath, bathrooms including mirrors and sinks. The bathrooms, toilets, showers etc only get done by her once a fortnight. We generally don’t do them in between visits. Nor do we vacuum the carpet in between visits. We will sweep the family room/kitchen floor as required – maybe every 2nd day or so. This includes sweeping up any toys that have been left on the floor for the kids to pick up. They then get a few minutes to grab what they want and put it away or it goes in the bin.
We are quite lax when it comes to cleaning.
Do you use any systems to save you time and effort with cleaning?
The biggest issue I have is the clutter around the house. I’ve been going on about it all year – it’s one of my goals. We need to work on getting the kids to clean up their “stuff” better. I say we will do it every night – make them do it before bed, but again and again I find stuff on the floor and the kids in bed and I’m too tired to pick it up/or feel the kids should really do it. I feel better when the floors and clean and the place is tidy.
So no, I don’t have systems in place. My system is my cleaner and my Sunday frantic tidy so she can clean! Not a great system. I really want to get rid of the frantic tidy up.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Home challenge - catch up - weeks 24-27
Okay so I have slipped behind....life seems to be spiralling out of control - which is not what we wanted....so I'm attempting to catch up!
Week 24: clutter prevention
Challenge: Identify what your clutter issues are and devise a plan to prevent it coming back or getting worse. What can you do from today to prevent clutter?
The biggest areas for clutter are kids toys, Hunter's craft and kids clothes.
Kids clothes I think I can sort out easily - be sure the kids actually need the item before buying it. I often get a lot of hand me downs for Savannah – which are fantastic – but often come after I have done the clothes shopping. Not much I can do about this – but I aim to keep what we need, and pass the rest on. And seasonally go through their closets and pass down what no longer fits.
Overall I really like the idea of 1 in 1 out – but for some things this just isn’t practical – like the kids toys! I have just done a huge clear out of toys – in preparation of making room for Hunter’s birthday and Christmas. My rule is once there are no more spaces in the storage boxes, we have to get rid of something to get something new in.
Hunter’s craft/making/pictures etc are tricky. He LOVES making and as such as heaps of cardboard boxes, paper craft, paper and so on. He wants to keep it all. A few weeks back we had a clear out – in preparation for the next term’s work. I think we managed to get rid of just under half of his stuff – but there was quite a lot he just wouldn’t part with. The plan was we will take photos of every item and at the end of the year make a photo book of all his work. He has just bought home a whole heap of craft/paper work etc from the last 6 months at school. When I suggested we were to go through and see what to keep and what to photograph now he was horrified – as if we would get rid of anything Mum – it only just came home. So as this is his creativity I’ve decided we will have a clear out each term – photographing as we recycle so we can create the book at the end of the year. He has a couple of cubes to keep his papers, as well as on top of the cube storage box for his boxes etc. As long as these aren’t over-flowing I’m happy.
As an overall prevent clutter tactic we need to really think through purchases before buying. In the past we have bought just for the sake of it! This will also help in my goal of getting on top of finances. Where possible I would like to bring in a 1 in 1 out rule.
I also need to get back on top of my de-cluttering list. I've chipped away at a few more items - kids books I can now cross off along with jewellery box. Still a few more areas to look at though.
Week 25: catch up
Phew...nothing to do here
Week 26: everything has a place
Challenge: Go through your home and clear your clutter hot spots by assigning homes to things.
I have been doing this as part of the home challenge and now have a draw on top of the microwave for pens/stationary, my mail, Nigel’s mail, junk mail (the ones we want to keep a little longer) and miscellaneous – for things that need actioning. I have big tubs/cubes under my kitchen bench – and each hold a certain group of items eg. library books/DVDs, cookbooks, cords, hats/umbrellas, paperwork, name labels etc.
Generally I can’t think of too much in our home that doesn’t have a place – the issue is keeping it in it’s place. But as I tidy up over the next few weeks I’m going to be on the look out for things that are homeless – and try to find them a home (or boot them out!).
Week 27: home routines and systems
Challenge: Examine your household's routines and find 1 or 2 systems or ideas that you will work on implementing of tweaking to suit your home.
I’m quite good with home routines and systems. I already have the following set up:
In the kitchen
Time management
I have a personal diary and a family calendar – which basically keeps track of the same information – but my diary travels
Household planning/communication
This is an area we are lacking. We do our nightly what we are grateful for but that’s about it. I have ready many parenting books which highlight the importance of family meetings – and I keep thinking we will put it into place, but then don’t know what we would talk about. The kids are 3 and nearly 6, but I think I should just schedule an informal meeting to begin with so they get used to the idea.
Week 24: clutter prevention
Challenge: Identify what your clutter issues are and devise a plan to prevent it coming back or getting worse. What can you do from today to prevent clutter?
The biggest areas for clutter are kids toys, Hunter's craft and kids clothes.
Kids clothes I think I can sort out easily - be sure the kids actually need the item before buying it. I often get a lot of hand me downs for Savannah – which are fantastic – but often come after I have done the clothes shopping. Not much I can do about this – but I aim to keep what we need, and pass the rest on. And seasonally go through their closets and pass down what no longer fits.
Overall I really like the idea of 1 in 1 out – but for some things this just isn’t practical – like the kids toys! I have just done a huge clear out of toys – in preparation of making room for Hunter’s birthday and Christmas. My rule is once there are no more spaces in the storage boxes, we have to get rid of something to get something new in.
Hunter’s craft/making/pictures etc are tricky. He LOVES making and as such as heaps of cardboard boxes, paper craft, paper and so on. He wants to keep it all. A few weeks back we had a clear out – in preparation for the next term’s work. I think we managed to get rid of just under half of his stuff – but there was quite a lot he just wouldn’t part with. The plan was we will take photos of every item and at the end of the year make a photo book of all his work. He has just bought home a whole heap of craft/paper work etc from the last 6 months at school. When I suggested we were to go through and see what to keep and what to photograph now he was horrified – as if we would get rid of anything Mum – it only just came home. So as this is his creativity I’ve decided we will have a clear out each term – photographing as we recycle so we can create the book at the end of the year. He has a couple of cubes to keep his papers, as well as on top of the cube storage box for his boxes etc. As long as these aren’t over-flowing I’m happy.
As an overall prevent clutter tactic we need to really think through purchases before buying. In the past we have bought just for the sake of it! This will also help in my goal of getting on top of finances. Where possible I would like to bring in a 1 in 1 out rule.
I also need to get back on top of my de-cluttering list. I've chipped away at a few more items - kids books I can now cross off along with jewellery box. Still a few more areas to look at though.
kitchen 4 drawsmy bedside tablemy hanging clothestop of my walk in robejewellery boxbig kitchen tubs and cube areas- lounge room book case
- computer cabinet
Savannah's dresserSavannah's clothes in dresser- Savannah's built in wardrobe
Hunter's clothes- Hunter's built in wardrobe
kids books- kids artwork
kids toys- garage
Week 25: catch up
Phew...nothing to do here
Week 26: everything has a place
Challenge: Go through your home and clear your clutter hot spots by assigning homes to things.
I have been doing this as part of the home challenge and now have a draw on top of the microwave for pens/stationary, my mail, Nigel’s mail, junk mail (the ones we want to keep a little longer) and miscellaneous – for things that need actioning. I have big tubs/cubes under my kitchen bench – and each hold a certain group of items eg. library books/DVDs, cookbooks, cords, hats/umbrellas, paperwork, name labels etc.
Generally I can’t think of too much in our home that doesn’t have a place – the issue is keeping it in it’s place. But as I tidy up over the next few weeks I’m going to be on the look out for things that are homeless – and try to find them a home (or boot them out!).
Week 27: home routines and systems
Challenge: Examine your household's routines and find 1 or 2 systems or ideas that you will work on implementing of tweaking to suit your home.
I’m quite good with home routines and systems. I already have the following set up:
In the kitchen
- Meal planning + shopping list
Time management
I have a personal diary and a family calendar – which basically keeps track of the same information – but my diary travels
- The family calendar keeps track of hubby’s roster, kids activities, family activities, appointments, due date of bills, birthdays (so I know when to send cards/get presents)
- My personal diary also captures my daily outside of work to-dos, and it’s where I jot down ideas such as kids activities we could try, and I have a couple of pages for our holiday plans
Nightly preparations: I do the following:
- Kids clothes for the next day (school/childcare days only)
- Hunter’s lunch for the next day (school days)
- My lunch for the next day
Household planning/communication
This is an area we are lacking. We do our nightly what we are grateful for but that’s about it. I have ready many parenting books which highlight the importance of family meetings – and I keep thinking we will put it into place, but then don’t know what we would talk about. The kids are 3 and nearly 6, but I think I should just schedule an informal meeting to begin with so they get used to the idea.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Life challenge - week 23 - declutter your wardrobe
Decluttering - well I did some this week. My problem is once I get started I don't want to stop. Which is good - but bad in a sense that I tend to neglect everything else. So lucky for me decluttering my wardrobe was at the top of my decluttering list as that was week 23's challenge. I started with my bedside table - which had undies, bras, socks, long sleeved and short sleeved tops.
Who would have thought you could fit this much into 1 draw? Each photo is of one of my three draws...
My top draw collected "stuff", so I had to be brutal with that one. I also got rid of my 6 year old undies - that I bought for after labour with my son...big black knickers! I was still wearing them which is sad - so they had so say goodbye! So I now have 3 nice and tidy draws.
Next it was onto my handing clothes and top of the walk in robe. I put summer clothes into bags on top of my walk in robe and then had a serious declutter with the rest. I'm not a huge clothes person so didn't have too much - but did manage to get 1 full bag for goodwill. I had some shoes to chuck out too.
Hubby even got into the groove of things and had a tidy out on the weekend and had a full bag for goodwill and just as much for the trash!
I was then in a bit of a decluttering mood - so hit the kids clothes. I have done all their draws and hanging stuff - the only thing I haven't done is the top of their wardrobes....
Then the big one - the toys!! I knew this would be a big job and was overwhelmed where to start - which was why I put it at the bottom of my decluttering schedule. But I also knew I would feel better when it was done. Monday arvo, public holiday, hubby offered to take the kids to a playground so I could declutter. Well they were gone for about 2.5 hours - and WOW did I get a lot done! I'm proud to say I'm happy with the toyroom at the moment. 1 huge bag of trash (luckily it was our trash day today) and various other toys have been hidden in spots around the garage. My aim is to gather all of these up and attempt to sell them - possibly at the baby and kids market that is across the road. But that is another huge job in itself - so for now I'm happy to just have them out of the house. They are in the garage (hidden as last time I stashed old toys there the kids found them and bought them back in!!) and that is the last item on my decluttering schedule.
So wow - when I revisit my decluttering schedule - I've managed to cross of 9 items this week!!
Who would have thought you could fit this much into 1 draw? Each photo is of one of my three draws...
My top draw collected "stuff", so I had to be brutal with that one. I also got rid of my 6 year old undies - that I bought for after labour with my son...big black knickers! I was still wearing them which is sad - so they had so say goodbye! So I now have 3 nice and tidy draws.
Next it was onto my handing clothes and top of the walk in robe. I put summer clothes into bags on top of my walk in robe and then had a serious declutter with the rest. I'm not a huge clothes person so didn't have too much - but did manage to get 1 full bag for goodwill. I had some shoes to chuck out too.
Walk in robe - before
Walk in robe - after
Hubby even got into the groove of things and had a tidy out on the weekend and had a full bag for goodwill and just as much for the trash!
I was then in a bit of a decluttering mood - so hit the kids clothes. I have done all their draws and hanging stuff - the only thing I haven't done is the top of their wardrobes....
Then the big one - the toys!! I knew this would be a big job and was overwhelmed where to start - which was why I put it at the bottom of my decluttering schedule. But I also knew I would feel better when it was done. Monday arvo, public holiday, hubby offered to take the kids to a playground so I could declutter. Well they were gone for about 2.5 hours - and WOW did I get a lot done! I'm proud to say I'm happy with the toyroom at the moment. 1 huge bag of trash (luckily it was our trash day today) and various other toys have been hidden in spots around the garage. My aim is to gather all of these up and attempt to sell them - possibly at the baby and kids market that is across the road. But that is another huge job in itself - so for now I'm happy to just have them out of the house. They are in the garage (hidden as last time I stashed old toys there the kids found them and bought them back in!!) and that is the last item on my decluttering schedule.
So wow - when I revisit my decluttering schedule - I've managed to cross of 9 items this week!!
kitchen 4 draws
my bedside tablemy hanging clothestop of my walk in robe- jewellery box
big kitchen tubs and cube areas- lounge room book case
- computer cabinet
Savannah's dresserSavannah's clothes in dresser- Savannah's built in wardrobe
Hunter's clothes- Hunter's built in wardrobe
- kids books
- kids artwork
kids toys- garage
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Life challange - week 22 - declutter
WOW, this is a biggie for me! We moved into our house nearly 2.5 years ago. At the time it was a nice fresh start! We decluttered before we packed, and then some more as we unpacked. Fast forward 2.5 years and oh my gosh...it's found us again!
In week 22 Deb has us looking at decluttering. She makes it clear this isn't going to happen in a week - and could take a year - but chip away at it!
Okay step 1 for me - read the articles on decluttering. I read Deb's articles:
I started on the kitchen draws yesterday - and they are done.
So now I need to stick to the plan. My aim will be to do one area per week (and I've realised Sunday's are not good decluttering days for me - I'm tired then)...I will need to priorities as one of my top 3 tasks for the day to declutter an area.
Wish me luck!
I realised I keep many things 'just in case'. I'm conscious of money - and don't want to get rid of something if I'm going to need it in the future and have to pay for it again! I've got work shirts I haven't worn in over a year - but keep them just in case I decide to wear them next year (of course I won't - I've grown bored with them and changed style a bit!). The kids have heaps of toys which they don't play with anymore - but what if they decide the want to again?
I also have some memorabilia. Craft is a biggie for us too. Savannah is at childcare 4 days per week and brings home paintings and pictures on a daily basis! Hunter loves craft and during their play sessions at school, along with at after school care, he is continually making something that just must come home and he must keep! I recently went through my box on top of the fridge with all the pictures in it and kept just the best stuff - but I want to go a bit further and photograph each item and keep only a few.
I visually went through each room and thought about what needs decluttering...I then made a plan and a rough order:
- kitchen 4 draws
- my bedside table
- my hanging clothes
- top of my walk in robe
- jewellery box
- big kitchen tubs and cube areas
- lounge room book case
- computer cabinet
- Savannah's dresser
- Savannah's clothes in dresser
- Savannah's built in wardrobe
- Hunter's clothes
- Hunter's built in wardrobe
- kids books
- kids artwork
- kids toys
- garage
I started on the kitchen draws yesterday - and they are done.
So now I need to stick to the plan. My aim will be to do one area per week (and I've realised Sunday's are not good decluttering days for me - I'm tired then)...I will need to priorities as one of my top 3 tasks for the day to declutter an area.
Wish me luck!
Friday, 1 June 2012
Home challenge - week 22 - dining room and eating area
In our house we don't have a formal dining room as such. We have the main kitchen table (6 seater), which is in the family room and an larger (8 seater) outdoor table. We like eating outdoors in summer but lately, despite the cold, we have been eating outside. And the reason for that is our kitchen table looks like this:
If it's really too cold we just push things aside so we can all have a spot to eat. So the challenge to organise the kitchen eating area is timely for me. Eating together as a family is very important to me. It's the one time we get to be together and we say what we are grateful for! I couldn't imagine not having an evening meal together at the dinner table (before we had the kids hubby and I used to eat our dinner on our laps watching TV - not a habit I want to get the kids into!).
Decluttering the table isn't a biggie....hubby and I did a quick run around and in about 5-10 minutes we made it look like this:
Now the big challenge for me is keeping it like this! Our cleaner cleans the table if it's clear - so we tend to clear it up once a fortnight so it can be cleaned properly - but I would like it to stay in this clear state constantly! Now that it's clear again I'm going to give a good crack and keeping it clear!
If it's really too cold we just push things aside so we can all have a spot to eat. So the challenge to organise the kitchen eating area is timely for me. Eating together as a family is very important to me. It's the one time we get to be together and we say what we are grateful for! I couldn't imagine not having an evening meal together at the dinner table (before we had the kids hubby and I used to eat our dinner on our laps watching TV - not a habit I want to get the kids into!).
Decluttering the table isn't a biggie....hubby and I did a quick run around and in about 5-10 minutes we made it look like this:
Now the big challenge for me is keeping it like this! Our cleaner cleans the table if it's clear - so we tend to clear it up once a fortnight so it can be cleaned properly - but I would like it to stay in this clear state constantly! Now that it's clear again I'm going to give a good crack and keeping it clear!
Monday, 28 May 2012
Life challenge - week 21 - home audit
Week 21 - we are onto the home section. This week we are to do a home audit. I haven't completed a full audit yet - which I do want to do - but have pulled out the major problem areas.
My audit found the following:
- Lounge and bedrooms -
- carpet (we have a dog who has ruined the carpet) - it's stained, it's ruined and it's depressing
- we would like to replace with tiles in the lounge room - but it's a large cost
- hubby wants tiles in the bedrooms - but I'm not convinced yet (I like carpet on my feet in the morning) - we are not putting in new carpet whilst the dog is still around
- First action - get some quotes for tiles and laying, decide on option for bedrooms
- Lounge room
- Computer cabinet is cluttered
- Declutter
- Family room
- hole in the wall
- first action - fix it!
- Toy room
- cluttered - WAY TOO MANY toys
- first action - declutter (when the kids aren't home as they want to keep everything - this is the issue - finding time when I'm home and they aren't)
- Main bedroom
- would like a comfy chair for reading in my room
- Solution - told hubby and he moved a recliner chair from the lounge that wasn't used - I now have a nice comfy reading area in my bedroom - and the lounge room is a little more open!
- Main bedroom
- I wanted a full length mirror for the bedroom - we bought one and the kids broke it before we got a chance to put it up
- Hubby bought another one and put it where I asked for it on the back of the door - and I realised it wasn't a good spot (could only see it with the door closed which made the room too dark). It was also slipping so we took it down and it's currently sitting against the wall
- first step - hang it up!
- Ensuite
- towel rack broken
- first action - I've actually bought some large hooks for the back of the door for the towels - need to stick them on the ensuite door
- Garage
- cluttered
- First action - more shelving/storage solutions, along with a declutter
- Sliding doors
- fly screen destroyed (again the dog)
- Will replace fly screen - but not until dog is no longer with us
- Entries - front door, family room door, laundry, toy room
- with this wet weather dirty shoes are coming in and dirtying the floor
- First action - rubber backed mats
To me replacing the carpets are a priority - but it is a large cost. Given our overseas trip in September I'm not sure if we can afford it. But the first thing we need to do is get some quotes so we at least know how much we are talking about, and work out how we can fund it.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Life challenge - week 20 - revisiting goals
WOW week 20 already. I'm glad this one was about revisiting goals as I've been away for work, then it was my birthday and I had no time to look at anything. So I'm grateful for a chance to catch my breath. I know I've come a long way, but I've still got a way to go.
In week 6 Deb had us set goals. In week 13 we checked in, and now we are revisiting again. Update 1 is for week 13, update 2 is for now.
Friendships
Goal: Reconnect with my current friends
Update 1:
Yes I have been making an effort to talk to a friend on the phone or meet face to face. Still need to continue with this and make sure I do it each week.
Update 2:
It is still one I need to focus on. I do it most weeks, but not all. I've organised monthly lunches with one friend who I lost contact with but I've let the phone calls slide a bit as life got busy.
We had "new" friends over for dinner on Saturday night. Their son goes to school with my son and their daughter and my daughter are best friends at childcare. This is a friendship I want to encourage and continue.
Health
Goal: Go to bed by 10.30pm at least 4 nights per week (Sun-Wed, the nights I have to work the next day).
Update 1
Sometimes, but not 4 nights per week. It's my reading that gets me.
Update 2
Hmmm, no change from update 1
Goal: Walk up the stairs at work once, everyday I'm there.
Update 1
Yes, I do this everyday I'm at work. Have it as a task in my calendar and it reminds me until I mark it as completed!
Update 2
Yes - I'm still doing this 4 days per week (my work days)
Goal: Undertake 3-4 exercise sessions per week (mix of gym and treadmill)
Update 1
Not so good on this one.
I walk once a week with a colleague at work, but I've not been so good at getting to the gym or going on the treadmill. Averaging about once per week.
Update 2
No - I've let this area slide. I'm still walking once per week with my colleague. I'm not renewing my gym membership - but I need to focus on treadmill and exercises at home.
Goal: To brush my teeth twice a day and floss each night.
Update 1
Brushing - yes. Still can't get into flossing regularly.
Update 2
Very similar to last update. I had a dentist appointment last week though, and I'm motivated to get back into flossing. I have done it every night since my appt. in Thursday (only 4 nights - but a start).
Finances
Goal: To not spend more than we earn so we don't feel stressed about money
Update 1
Hmmm, just spent over $1800 on electrical appliances (new fridge and washing machine) and hubby bought a new car. So our finances are looking a little sad. But we do plan for a trip to Thailand this year so need to take another look at the budget to save!
Update 2
Trip to Thailand has been changed to trip to NZ and booked! Finances an area we need to look at!
Home environment
Goal: For our house to be free of CHAOS (as fly lady would say - Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)
Update 1
I have a cleaner once a fortnight! Yay, the place is lovely those days!
We are getting better at making the kids put their toys away before getting out new ones. Still room for improvement.
I'm still undertaking the 52 week organised home challenge, although am a little behind due to being sick and birthday planning etc. Need to do 2 weeks worth this week.
I've noticed if the kitchen bench is clean and tidy the whole place just feels nicer. I'm making an effort to have this tidy before I go to bed each night.
Update 2
I've let the 52 week organised home challenge slip a bit. Still have my cleaner and tidying the kitchen each night after dinner. Still lots of clutter and we need to work harder on getting the kids to put toys away.
Family
Goal: Spend quality time together doing things we enjoy (this is from our mission statement)
Update 1
We haven't put "family day" into practice yet. Things have been busy - we need to schedule in and make it a priority. I'm aiming for April (after we get through Easter) for our first family day.
We have started family movie night. Friday night's channel 99 (Go) has a kids movie from 6-7.30pm. We record it and start watching it when we are ready (usually 6.30pm) and then as we fast forward the ads it's usually done around 7.30pm. Just in time for the kids to go to bed.
Update 2
Family day is in practice. I have scheduled the days on our calendar. We went to the beach and playground in April and yesterday we took our family day to the zoo. It's been great spending quality time together.
Family movie night a bit haphazard now that Hunter has footy until 6pm on Fridays - but we are fitting some in - just going to bed later (more like 8-8.30)
We each say something we are grateful for each night. The kids usually say playing with their friends at school/childcare, but it's great they are getting the idea.
Goal: Focussed time spend with the kids
Update 1
Yes and no. We read to the kids each night, so spend time with them then. But I want to do more, more games, more fun!
Update 2
No change from last update
Goal: Nigel and I to spend time together one night a week
Update
Nope we haven't got to this one yet. Still seems technology or my reading is ruling us! We have different interests in TV shows so watch independently and then when Nigel wants to chat I'm busy reading. We must make an effort!
Update 2
No change from last update
So it seems I'm kinda going around in circles. The next month I want to focus on my health/exercise..then move onto time with Nigel.
In week 6 Deb had us set goals. In week 13 we checked in, and now we are revisiting again. Update 1 is for week 13, update 2 is for now.
Friendships
Goal: Reconnect with my current friends
Update 1:
Yes I have been making an effort to talk to a friend on the phone or meet face to face. Still need to continue with this and make sure I do it each week.
Update 2:
It is still one I need to focus on. I do it most weeks, but not all. I've organised monthly lunches with one friend who I lost contact with but I've let the phone calls slide a bit as life got busy.
We had "new" friends over for dinner on Saturday night. Their son goes to school with my son and their daughter and my daughter are best friends at childcare. This is a friendship I want to encourage and continue.
Health
Goal: Go to bed by 10.30pm at least 4 nights per week (Sun-Wed, the nights I have to work the next day).
Update 1
Sometimes, but not 4 nights per week. It's my reading that gets me.
Update 2
Hmmm, no change from update 1
Goal: Walk up the stairs at work once, everyday I'm there.
Update 1
Yes, I do this everyday I'm at work. Have it as a task in my calendar and it reminds me until I mark it as completed!
Update 2
Yes - I'm still doing this 4 days per week (my work days)
Goal: Undertake 3-4 exercise sessions per week (mix of gym and treadmill)
Update 1
Not so good on this one.
I walk once a week with a colleague at work, but I've not been so good at getting to the gym or going on the treadmill. Averaging about once per week.
Update 2
No - I've let this area slide. I'm still walking once per week with my colleague. I'm not renewing my gym membership - but I need to focus on treadmill and exercises at home.
Goal: To brush my teeth twice a day and floss each night.
Update 1
Brushing - yes. Still can't get into flossing regularly.
Update 2
Very similar to last update. I had a dentist appointment last week though, and I'm motivated to get back into flossing. I have done it every night since my appt. in Thursday (only 4 nights - but a start).
Finances
Goal: To not spend more than we earn so we don't feel stressed about money
Update 1
Hmmm, just spent over $1800 on electrical appliances (new fridge and washing machine) and hubby bought a new car. So our finances are looking a little sad. But we do plan for a trip to Thailand this year so need to take another look at the budget to save!
Update 2
Trip to Thailand has been changed to trip to NZ and booked! Finances an area we need to look at!
Home environment
Goal: For our house to be free of CHAOS (as fly lady would say - Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)
Update 1
I have a cleaner once a fortnight! Yay, the place is lovely those days!
We are getting better at making the kids put their toys away before getting out new ones. Still room for improvement.
I'm still undertaking the 52 week organised home challenge, although am a little behind due to being sick and birthday planning etc. Need to do 2 weeks worth this week.
I've noticed if the kitchen bench is clean and tidy the whole place just feels nicer. I'm making an effort to have this tidy before I go to bed each night.
Update 2
I've let the 52 week organised home challenge slip a bit. Still have my cleaner and tidying the kitchen each night after dinner. Still lots of clutter and we need to work harder on getting the kids to put toys away.
Family
Goal: Spend quality time together doing things we enjoy (this is from our mission statement)
Update 1
We haven't put "family day" into practice yet. Things have been busy - we need to schedule in and make it a priority. I'm aiming for April (after we get through Easter) for our first family day.
We have started family movie night. Friday night's channel 99 (Go) has a kids movie from 6-7.30pm. We record it and start watching it when we are ready (usually 6.30pm) and then as we fast forward the ads it's usually done around 7.30pm. Just in time for the kids to go to bed.
Update 2
Family day is in practice. I have scheduled the days on our calendar. We went to the beach and playground in April and yesterday we took our family day to the zoo. It's been great spending quality time together.
Family movie night a bit haphazard now that Hunter has footy until 6pm on Fridays - but we are fitting some in - just going to bed later (more like 8-8.30)
We each say something we are grateful for each night. The kids usually say playing with their friends at school/childcare, but it's great they are getting the idea.
Goal: Focussed time spend with the kids
Update 1
Yes and no. We read to the kids each night, so spend time with them then. But I want to do more, more games, more fun!
Update 2
No change from last update
Goal: Nigel and I to spend time together one night a week
Update
Nope we haven't got to this one yet. Still seems technology or my reading is ruling us! We have different interests in TV shows so watch independently and then when Nigel wants to chat I'm busy reading. We must make an effort!
Update 2
No change from last update
So it seems I'm kinda going around in circles. The next month I want to focus on my health/exercise..then move onto time with Nigel.
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