Nagging

So I decided that I needed to get more organized. I set-up a calendar on my computer with important information and reminders. I would get a hint when I needed to update my blog, run a sale, renew items, or list new ones. Well, in the infamous words of my 16 year old, "EPIC FAIL!"

I get up each morning and turn on my computer. I then proceed to check into my shops, catch up on my threads, and check the email. Usually before I'm done, the phone begins to ring. After I have fielded a few phone calls I begin my days work.

Recently that has consisted of taking care of my 5 1/2 month old Grandson three mornings a week while my eldest daughter attends college. No problem. He is an easy baby. Happy, eats well, and sleeps well. A real joy to be around. My problem is I cant seem to think about anything else while I have him. I have trouble planning the rest of my day or accomplishing much while he sleeps.

When his Mother was a baby I could get amazing things done! My home was immaculate. She was on a schedule that allowed me time to indulge in whatever artistic pursuit I was into at the time. I visited friends, had company, dressed nice every day and dinner was always on time.

I am not sure where that part of me went. My home is generally tidy but seldom clean (by my standards) now. My Grandson has some patterns to his eating and sleeping but he is not on a true schedule so I generally have to wait until I am done babysitting to do anything artistic. I seldom go out or have anyone in, apply make-up and wear something other than yoga pants and a t-shirt but once a week and dinner.....HA....."fagetaboutit". We are as likely to have fast food on a Tuesday as we are on a Saturday!

My new "Reminder"!

I cant help but think that "this too shall pass". I will find some part of myself that will get it all together. I the meantime I have my calendar and its annoying reminders popping up on the computer screen to nudge me toward the items I need to complete for the week. Maybe I need a robot with a stick, The robot could jab me and say, "Hey! Go get some make-up on!" or "Dont you think you need to get dinner started?!?"

Until that time I guess I will have to deal with my computer nagging me each week.

Or maybe I could get some gumption. Does anyone know where they sell that?

Baby Steps to making a difference

I try, everyday, to be aware of the impact I am having on this planet, my country, my community, and my home. But honestly speaking; it isnt easy. I thought that by recycling I was having more of an impact, but I had a lesson to learn.

Natalie Beaty-Vickery, (The Family Herbalist), suggested I view a video called 'The Story of Stuff'.

Rose Petal Tincture photo courtesy of The Family Herbalist

What an eye-opener! This wonderfully illustrated video takes you from the extraction of resources used in our products, all the way through their disposal. Its shocking to learn how toxic we are making ourselves and our environment just by buying into consumerism. You will be surprised by how complicit you are in this. I know I was. But, dont be mistaken, this isnt a doomsday video. At the end, you have the opportunity to discover 10 steps you can take to help improve things.

One step suggested was to "DeTox your body, DeTox your home, and DeTox the Economy". You can take that step by heading over to The Family Herbalist  for information on taking a natural approach to your health care needs.

Other steps are as easy as "Waste Less". Its all about baby steps. Ive taken a few, now you take a few. Together our baby steps add up to a giant leap!

Musical Recycling

I have a favorite band right now! They aren't very well trained. They don't have an incredible stage presence.  What they have is "hope". They hope to someday get discovered. They hope to someday record an album. They hope to get a large fan base. They hope they'll book shows....soon.

Their lyrics tug at my heart....

"Everyone has their predicaments
And everyone has to face their fears
You might as well just hold your head high
Because believe me, they'll be around for a while"

I know that, at their age, they do feel their predicaments will be around a while. I remember that feeling. As an adult, I know that time and predicaments fly by and that, in retrospect, they will have for them as well.

With songs titled, 'When I Walk My Shoes Light Up' and 'The Chinese Always Have Driveways', to say they are "random" would be an understatement!

They started out as a two girl acoustic project but have had to add males to the mix to sustain what they love. I attended a show last Spring and they "recycled" a song I already loved. When I heard they were "covering" it I thought, "there is no way they can pull this off". Their vocalist is a girl and its a "GUY" song. Somehow it worked!

The name of the band is 'Death Be Not Proud'.  Check out their Facebook Site.