A Slow Start to a New Year

I played the piano tonight until my hands and wrists ached. I haven't been playing much lately, so it didn't take that long... Playing the piano is one of those things in life that make me happy, one of those things I'm trying to do more of these days, things that make me happy, that is. I've spent weeks, knowing the year was ending, knowing the time of fresh starts was drawing near, thinking, for the brief moments I could find in a house with 7 children and the never-ending to-do list that comes with that, about things I'd like to do, things I'd like to change, things I'd like to improve, things like cutting down on the number of 50+ word run-on sentences I write each day... Just kidding, I have no plans to change that. I write the way I speak, and, apparently, I can run on and on.

I've created a daily planner page, and instituted the MIT idea, Most Important Things. My daily to-do list can get to be a bit (totally) unrealistic, but I need to list all those things, or I'll forget they need doing. At the top of my page go my 3 MITs- if I can just manage to get those done, I can feel I've accomplished something (even if I have to move the rest of the day's list onto the next day's).

I bought a new 5 1/2" by 8 1/2" calendar to carry with me. It was almost audibly calling my name. The cover is the green in my blog header, and the pages have this faint green swirly vinelike floral motif. It was made for me, and it was half-price. That's almost my favorite price.

I'm recommitted to conquering my clutter (stash is NOT clutter). You should see the piles of clothes and shoes that are going out my door. Someone remind me that the next time I see some shirts for my kids on clearance for $1.87, that I/we/they don't need one (or 2) in every color... It's not really saving money if you buy 10 shirts you weren't planning on buying... ehem.

I have a few projects, for others, to finish up, and then I have some personal projects to tackle. I have several designs partially completed, and several patterns partially written, and have been waiting for that 'someday' that I'll 'get to it' to happen along, and, well, those days don't just happen, do they? Nope. Not for me. I'm hoping with some new wind in my sails I can make a few of those 'somedays' come my way. Make, as in, make the effort to get some more things done.

Spring is on its way. Yes, I know, it was 1o degrees this morning, but I could still see outside for a few minutes after 5pm- that is progress. Spring is productivity inspiring, and for me, even the thought of spring on a sunny winter day is enough to get me moving. I moved 2 dressers today, to 2 girls' rooms, and even put clothes in them. If I can get the rest of their closets sorted through and arranged yet this week, I will feel domestically successful. (There were recent room changes, rooms painted, woodlike floors put in 2 rooms, etc... and things have been a little scattered since...) 15 minutes at a time. It can be done.

As for knitting, well I have a couple new projects off the needles, but no good pictures, so I'll leave you with anaction shot of some of my kids- watch the 3 yr old...

Happy knitting-

ali