Hello there. We're home from the sun, getting back in to our routines. Yesterday morning, I woke up and decided that I need a plan to tackle everything I have to do and still have time to do the things I want to do. You know what I am talking about….that elusive thing called balance. I started by mapping out my week – writing down all the commitments, sports practices, etc. Then I planned our meals and made a grocery list. After I went to the store and cleaned up from lunch, I escaped up to the sewing room and frittered away the afternoon. See? Have-to and want-to, all in the same day. This morning, I cleaned the cat box, returned some phone calls and then
cleared my desk and cleaned out a closet. I put dinner in the slow
cooker and did some dishes. Now I am going to treat myself with an
hour of sewing before I have to get the girls from school. It's my own
little reward system. Have-to first. Want-to second. Hopefully, I can keep it up and manage to get a lot done in the meantime. I'll let you know how it works out.
Heather is posting good things about each day on her blog this week. I love this idea because it focuses on the positive which is so much nicer to think about than all those negative things that can get us down. Good things on this Monday:
– Kate was up and dressed, ready to go before I even got out of bed. She said she wanted to make my morning easier. Love that.
– I cut all the daffodils from the yard and they are making me smile.
– I am happy to be home because I love it here.
I hope your day is full of good things and that you get your have-to's done so you can have some want-to's also.
check out fly lady for some help establishing routines/rewards/habits. Happy sewing.
š liz
I’ve decided that it was time to really get back into a routine over here. Of course, now I’m reading blogs instead of vacuuming…
I’m right there with you…my have-to’s took a bit longer today — it’s the whole monday thing — now I’m off to my want-to’s!
good approach. It’s so hard sometimes though. The weekends fly by and I often find myself running around taking care of the need-tos without a break for the want-tos. But this past weekend was different. Saturday, I made my daughter the twirly skirt from your tutorial (great instructions, thank you!) and yesterday I made my sister-in-law a tote bag. Of course, now I have no idea what we’re having for dinner this week.
I just did most of my have-tos, so now it’s onto the want-tos. yay!!
Glad you’re back.
I did alot of have-to’s yesterday so I could do want-to’s today when the kids are in school, but the dishes are growing!
I love this theory. I hope it keeps working for you. You have inspired me!
I have done some have-tos today! Although, they did not include finishing the taxes. Tomorrow.
Thanks for the coffee. The machine is FIRST on my have-tos tomorrow!
Thanks for the inspiration….maybe I can start blogging again.
Well I clean out the closet and cooked dinner so far! My daughter have to go to pratice today then after that I hope I can do so want-tos like sewing! š
I luckily still have one child that naps, so the want-tos usually happen during that time. I don’t know what I’ll do in those transition years between nap-ending and school starting. I have a feeling the want-tos will take a big backseat – again.
You are so right – when my day starts with the ‘want to’ stuff, it’s usually over before the ‘have to’ stuff get’s attacked. Simplemom.net is another great spot for routine building ideas.
I have to write a 30 page paper over the next 3 weeks, so I’ve mapped out each day with a series of work and knitting breaks. It seems so much more manageable if I guarantee myself some fun time.
Good luck w/your list!
You’re so good, my want-tos always call louder to me than my have-tos!
I try to do it as you described, but many times want-tos come first. Thanks for motivation to do otherwise. I needed that.
Sadly (or happily actually) I never got around to the ‘want to’ because my ‘need to’ list was always so long. So I’ve reversed priorities.
Hey I did that today too. The slow cooker really helps. I love it when the washer is washing, the dishwasher is washing, the dryer is drying, the slow cooker is slow cooking, and I am sewing. I’ll look forward to your good things this week.
It always feels like there is more to do right after getting back from being away. It’s so good that you’re doing some want to’s along with your have to’s. š
Love the have-to/want-to balance you strike. So important as a parent. (And your want-tos are so much fun.)
http://www.bonbonliving.com
sweetest living for your family
Yes, here I am, reading your blog (a want-to) while my dishes are stacked in the sink. Off I go! Thanks for the reminder.
and now I have to return your phone call! Got your message … will give you a ring tomorrow, but yes – if you can squeeze it into your week, maybe we can check out the fabric store together!
and the holga film – Murphy’s (although I am not so sure they are doing black & white anymore). We’ll chat!
There is an entire book about this type of method, I think it has something about “eating frogs” in the title. Doing the ick first makes everything else in the day smooth and effortless. I start every day with the resolve to eat my frogs first. Some days go better than others! Last night I went to bed with a kitchen floor that sorely needed attention, but an entire quilt had been cut!
Godspeed,
Lori
How many times have I said this to my daughter… oh, examples are priceless aren’t they! I have some cleaning to do!
Thanks!
And I really liked your Good Things!
Yes I’ve gotten in the habit of making the coffee, feeding the cats, and washing the previous night’s dishes of a morning, before I even go near flickr š
here’s to a week of many good things…
Daffodils are the best. Cal picked a bunch of ours, much to my (gulp) surprise, and “replanted” half of them. I have really loved having them in the house and they’ve lasted far longer than the bunches I usually buy do.
Ah rewards! Well, they work for the kids, so why not. I could use a little more discipline in the must-do department!
Great advice as always, and I love the Moda Swell you are making something with! I made my first quilt using that range!
that reward system works, doesn’t it!? (calling you back in a bit.)
i sure know about that have to and want to routine. it’s always a struggle to find that perfect balance, isn’t it?
You’re so good. No wonder you get it all done. (That single girl would send me to the nuthouse, I’m fairly certain.)
I think when you get the have-tos done first you enjoy the want-to so much more. I always have this sort of guilt hanging around when I’m doing want-tos first with a lot of have-to’s staring at me. š
have to’s first… thanks for the inspiration!
Hooray for the positives and working on balance.
On a side note, I love my Bernina. I really should spend more time with it like you do. š
your approach to balance is sounding great…need to carve in want-to time! namely reading, knitting and sewing!
i am trying hard to balance those have-tos and want-tos this weekend. i am on easter break with papers to write and all i want to do is take photo walks and sew! š
xo