Church today was great. Part of the regular worship service format was replaced today by the annual Primary Presentation, which is our children's organization showing off what they've learned throughout the year. This is the first time in 17 years that I haven't had a child participating. It was really fun to look back and remember all the good things my kids did in Primary. I just loved seeing kids that I know and love (or whose parents I know and love) shine. Everyone had a part, and they all did so well, even the little tiny ones. I saw true bravery, because they were standing in front of a congregation of 400 people and they sang and shared so beautifully. When a meeting is particularly satisfying and enjoyable in our church, we say that we felt the spirit there, meaning the spirit of God filling our hearts with good feelings, peace and comfort. Today was definitely one of those meetings.
Coming home always puts into sharp relief what I shoved out of the way to put my focus on getting ready for being gone. This time, the pile is large. One of the habits I've tried to extract from my Flylady experience is the concept of Anti-Procrastination Day. That is a day when one focuses on doing those things that get put off for whatever reason. I have a few tasks that I consistently let drop to the bottom of my list over and over again, so this week, in preparation for the holidays, I am making myself accountable to the entire cyber-universe by telling you what I simply MUST get off my list. I have so many things that I'm giving myself the whole week rather than just one day. I know I'll feel better when I do. I will report my progress throughout the week.
- Mailing 4 packages. Why oh why is mailing things so hard? It really isn't, but I make it so. I want packages to be just so-especially if they are gifts or care packages for my sons. So, instead of just getting them in the box, I fret about wrapping and making a card rather than just writing or typing a simple note. Oh. My. Goodness. I shoot myself in the foot in so many ways. So, I now have a Click-n-ship account on usps.com (BTW, click-n-ship combined with free carrier pick-up may possibly be the best inventions since, let's say, air and sunlight.), and I have been making improvments in this area.
- Finishing my address list for Christmas Cards. I've failed for the last 3 years to get Christmas cards out to more than the first 10 addresses on my list. This year, my goal is 30 cards. I have the card designed, I just need to upload it and get them ordered. That's not the hard part. I do that every year. The hard part is getting the addresses together, then spreading out the addressing, sealing, and stamping so I'm not stuck doing it all at once and getting overwhelmed. I really like writing our letter and sending out a card-so this is not a crazy-making tradition that needs to be jettisoned, it is one that is meaningful that I want to get better at.
- Getting my brother's wedding photos proofed and online for them to see. I'm embarrassed to say that 6 weeks have passed since the wedding and I'm still fussing. I think I can explain this one with a difficult situation that happened that related to the photography, but sheesh, can I just move on and get it out of my head?
- Filing the last month's mail. Yes, I said "MONTH'S!" Again, I don't know why this one is a hater for me. It takes minutes a day, but I don't like doing it. I can only try to explain it by comparing it to being strapped on an anthill. Now, admittedly, I've never experienced this, but I'm pretty sure it might not be as annoying as filing. My inner therapist says, "I think this one boils down to being afraid I'm doing it wrong. So, either I need to find that out and do it right, or stop imagining some big-brother type analyzing my filing and just be happy my system works for me."
Oh good luck, I need to jump on board with you. I may start with a week of not saying up until 2 am every night, that may help. :-) I am excited for this weekend
ReplyDeleteI love flylady - I need to get back into some of her routines. I get your package-mailing issue -I do the same thing. Good luck with all your things this week and hope to see you soon!
ReplyDeleteChristmas cards? I haven't even thought about that yet. I guess it is that time. The primary program was great -- kids up on the stand the whole time, heaven!
ReplyDeleteYou are seriously on the ball, friend. I'm glad your life has been full of good things lately :)
ReplyDeleteI also need to follow your lead and have an anti-procrastination day (several in fact!). And you are right...there is something so motivating about accountability! Good luck and hope you get everything checked off of your list.
ReplyDeleteI am inspired by your list. I, too, have a phobia about mailing packages. Don't know why. It always works out just fine . . .
ReplyDeleteBest of luck.
Way to go! I'm having a "pro-procrastination week." It's horrible, but there you go.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm impressed with your ambition. Just reading all the stuff you want to do makes me tired! And I saw that you mailed your packages so way to go!
ReplyDeleteoh my friend! I've gotten so behind with what's going on in your life that I had to start back at early November! I wasn't going to comment alot, but reading your last bullet of "File last MONTHS mail" I had to. Of course you witnessed the towering paper of "to be filed" when you were here. Just want to say: I feel your pain. And even though I spent a weekend sometime last month re-labeling and purging my files so everything is smooth and easy to file, do I do it?!? I need an anti-procrastination WEEK!
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