Ah, the halcyon days of summer. (Yes, I had to look that up in the dictionary.) Lazy days in the park, at the beach, by the pool. Impromptu trips to get fro-yo. Setting up the sprinkler in the back yard. Blowing bubbles, coloring, playing catch. Running through the woods, only going inside for lunch.
If you think that I'm describing my summers as an adult, I have a bridge to sell you. It's not far off from my summers as a kid though. No beach, but the occasional pool. And lots of time in the woods. Those were the days before Lyme disease.
Now, as a full-time working mom of 2 kids, I live and die by my schedule, which is kept on my Google calendar. I've got two - one at work, and one at home. During the school year, it's always a delicate balance. Thanks to full time preschool for the young one, and after school care for the elementary kid - it's not terribly bad. Until you add in:
- Sports
- Music
- In service days
- School holidays
- Norovirus
Then what is a difficult, but do-able schedule goes south and all hell breaks loose.
The good thing about having two engaged parents with reasonably flexible jobs, and the ability to work at home occasionally for a few hours (when the kids permit) is that we share drop-off and pick-up, and we work those around our schedules. I have late meetings with Asia 2x a week or more, husband has early meetings on some days. So those days he goes in early and I got in late. I do drop off and he does pick up. On other days, we switch. We make it work. Until. That day when it all falls on the same day:
4:10 meeting
4:00 - 7:00 big kid has to be at baseball for a game
4:15 to 5, little kid has soccer, and parent must be present
5:15 pick up for kid #3, who is not our kid, at music practice. Because we each take a day and that's our day and they don't get out of work until 6:15.
It probably goes without saying that *most* of our (relatively generous, because we are old and have seniority) vacation time goes to sick kids, or in-service days, or school holidays.
With all of that, I have to admit we all look forward to summer. But really, summer is no different when it comes to the schedule. Summer is full of "summer camp Tetris". I have a spreadsheet. Because: of course I do.
The weeks are laid out from week 1 to week 10.
The columns are laid out with
- kid name
- camp name
- camp start and end times
- camp location
- cost
And of course, I have two kids. The camps are first listed as "ideas" on the side. When we've booked and paid for it, I highlight them in green. Then, I have to put the camps into my all important calendar.
The calendar is important because for *some* reason, the vast majority of summer camps consider "full time" to be 9 to 2. I'm not sure who YOUR boss is, but MY boss doesn't consider 5 hours a day to be "full time". Sure, some offer extended care for a fee, generally $30-35 a day extra. That can easily take a $200 or $250 camp to $350 for the week. Times two.
When you overlay these crazy hours with your own work schedules, you can see why the calendar is so important. An example:
Week 2: Baseball
8:30 am, Parent A leaves home with kids. Make sure both kids have lunches packed. Baseball kid must have his baseball gear and lunch and snack and water.
9:00 am drop off kid #1 at baseball camp
9:20 am drop off kid #2 at preschool
1:30 pm Parent B leaves work to pick up kid #1 from baseball. And then goes home with said kid and works from home a few hours before picking up kid #2.
Which parent is Parent A and which parent is Parent B varies by the day. Fun times.
Week 4: Morning sailing camp and after noon lego camp
Sailing camp is 9 to 12
Lego camp is 1 to 4
Shoot me now
Week 5: Chess
Chess camp is from 10 to 2 pm. WTF
Week 7: Full day camp at the university. 7:30 to 5:30 baby! Lather them up in sunscreen, pack lunch, water, and swim gear. Whee!
All in all , we have 9 weeks of camp for a 10 week summer.
Big kid:
Full day camps (or at least close - 9 to 4 is what I consider "close enough") - 5
Fun but PITA partial day camps - 4
Little kid:
Half the summer in preschool, 3 weeks of camp, everything is full day.
Now, I do realize that the reason a lot of summer camps are short is two-fold:
1. It mimics the school day
2. Not enough "stuff" to do for more than a few hours. I mean, who besides my kid wants to play chess for 8 hours?
I'd like to argue that the typical school day and school year is antiquated. I mean, it was created decades ago when most people lived on farms. The kids had morning and afternoon chores, and they never went to school in the summer because they were busy in the fields and at harvest. Mom AND Dad were usually at home.
Now that it's 2017, I wonder if we might want to -ahem- adjust the school schedule to make more sense with how society lives TODAY. More than 70% of kids live in homes with 2 working parents. Companies are not often understanding of the need for flexible schedules. I'm not suggesting we have our kids in school for 40 to 50 hours a week (shoot, I don't like working those hours either!) But maybe a large-scale review is in order.
Who else lives and dies by their schedule?
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, June 9, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
2017 Goals Week 10 & 11
Whoops, I guess I missed a week? How did that happen?
1. Exercise: as of Saturday 3/18/17
Running: 300 miles: To date: 54.19 miles Whoo boy this went up a lot!
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 38.84 miles (this week we had a birthday and sleep issues)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 7.31 miles (very sad. Last week the pool was closed one day and the lifeguard didn't show one day. This week I made it once).
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 44.14 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 368 minutes
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 38.84 miles (this week we had a birthday and sleep issues)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 7.31 miles (very sad. Last week the pool was closed one day and the lifeguard didn't show one day. This week I made it once).
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 44.14 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 368 minutes
So, yesterday I ran a 10k race. I finished in 1:12:19, a 11:39 pace. Which is about 50 secs per mile faster than my training. And I am PAYING for it today (ow). I hit the carbs REALLY hard yesterday too. I was pretty tired.
This was 3 minutes faster than the 10k that I did in September. And it goes to show how they are all different. I really enjoyed the course...along the ocean for a lot of it, quite a bit of it in dirt. I run/ walk, so I played leap frog with 5 people for 4 miles until I could no longer leap them. The old guy? Turns out he's 73.
September was big, and I finished 47/87 in the 45-49 age group.
Yesterday was small, and I finished 10/10 in the same age group. My coach was 3rd.
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $96.77 & $83.69. My produce box was missing something this week too. Hopefully I'll get a credit. $1323.51 so far, or $120.32/ week. Not bad. Hm. I wonder if I'm missing some receipts.
3. Weight: I have no idea.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: fail. fail. fail.
Do game night once a week: More like daytime games on weekends.
I am enjoying the hikes with my friends on weekends with the run group, but have to get the kids out! There's water in the creek!
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket - working on it. It's looking good!
- crochet a purse: nothing
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: I cut a bunch of blocks. We are all making 20 half square triangle blocks for each other.
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Right now we are cleaning out closets - never did dig through stuff after Christmas. Donating stuff to the elementary school rummage sale. Not our school, but a different one.
6. Sleep: Um. So little guy had a cold. Monday night, he woke up crying every hour. So little sleep. Tuesday night I slept like the dead. Turns out it's because hubby slept with him. Weds night was worse than Monday, because he just wouldn't let me leave his room. I was awake for hours. Friday night I couldn't sleep because of race nervousness and last night was awful because big kid had a sleepover. Please don't ask me how last week was - I don't remember!
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. I'm not sure when or if I'm going to jump back on this train.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Ditto. See #7. I'm making a lot of things over and over again.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet. REALLY need to.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill! Haven't gotten the written estimate.
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket - working on it. It's looking good!
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: I cut a bunch of blocks. We are all making 20 half square triangle blocks for each other.
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Right now we are cleaning out closets - never did dig through stuff after Christmas. Donating stuff to the elementary school rummage sale. Not our school, but a different one.
6. Sleep: Um. So little guy had a cold. Monday night, he woke up crying every hour. So little sleep. Tuesday night I slept like the dead. Turns out it's because hubby slept with him. Weds night was worse than Monday, because he just wouldn't let me leave his room. I was awake for hours. Friday night I couldn't sleep because of race nervousness and last night was awful because big kid had a sleepover. Please don't ask me how last week was - I don't remember!
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. I'm not sure when or if I'm going to jump back on this train.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Ditto. See #7. I'm making a lot of things over and over again.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet. REALLY need to.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill! Haven't gotten the written estimate.
Honda is going to be fine, still driving the rental. It's an SUV and pretty sweet, but kinda big.
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch. Now we are discussing hiring a landscaper to do the work. Friend in the neighborhood.
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date. We went to the school fundraiser last weekend and had a great time. Wasn't much of a date - we tend to socialize with others!
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): Uh, lots of coffee this week.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships. I don't even drink that much anymore, but I did open a bottle Friday night. Bought two bottles at the school fundraiser.
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch. Now we are discussing hiring a landscaper to do the work. Friend in the neighborhood.
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date. We went to the school fundraiser last weekend and had a great time. Wasn't much of a date - we tend to socialize with others!
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): Uh, lots of coffee this week.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships. I don't even drink that much anymore, but I did open a bottle Friday night. Bought two bottles at the school fundraiser.
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. I managed this on my running days.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Jan, check. Feb, fail.
15. Host friends. Jan, check. Feb, fail. We did make it to the neighborhood potluck today.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
2017 Goals - Week 8
1. Exercise: as of Saturday 2/25/17 - Not my best week due to rain and sleep. I ran 2x, but didn't swim at all, and didn't bike either.
Running: 300 miles: To date: 29.01 miles
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 9.6 miles
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 5.04 miles
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 35.44 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 319 minutes
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $993.88. This was a big week.
3. Weight: 136.2! Stomach flu weight hasn't come back yet.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: fail. fail. fail.
Do game night once a week: Lots of UNO
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day). Moving along. Afghan #1 will be 120 blocks and will end by the end of April. Unfortunately, they must never reorder yarn at my Michael's. I had to sub a different blue for the 50-60F already, and now it's almost empty. And I had to sub ANOTHER blue. The only way to get it online is to buy 3, and shipping is expensive. So I could spend $49 and get free shipping, but that's WAY more yarn than I need, KWIM?
- crochet a purse: nothing
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing. I don't even remember what this is.
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Been really busy taking care of sick people.
6. Sleep: Meh, okay this week.
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. I'm not sure when or if I'm going to jump back on this train.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Ditto. See #7. I made chili, but does it count if I change almost everything in the recipe?
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill! Haven't gotten the written estimate.
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. We need a date. We will at least get one at the school fundraiser in March?
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): I only had one cup today!
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships. I went to pick up my wine shipment today. I hadn't been in awhile - and this is the winery that is 45 minutes away. She said I had 2 shipments. But I ended up with 6 bottles of wine. That's more like 3 shipments (I get 1 red, 1 white - 3 times a year). I was going to hit them up for donations for the auction - but I chickened out because they were packed.
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 9.6 miles
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 5.04 miles
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 35.44 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 319 minutes
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $993.88. This was a big week.
3. Weight: 136.2! Stomach flu weight hasn't come back yet.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: fail. fail. fail.
Do game night once a week: Lots of UNO
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day). Moving along. Afghan #1 will be 120 blocks and will end by the end of April. Unfortunately, they must never reorder yarn at my Michael's. I had to sub a different blue for the 50-60F already, and now it's almost empty. And I had to sub ANOTHER blue. The only way to get it online is to buy 3, and shipping is expensive. So I could spend $49 and get free shipping, but that's WAY more yarn than I need, KWIM?
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing. I don't even remember what this is.
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Been really busy taking care of sick people.
6. Sleep: Meh, okay this week.
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. I'm not sure when or if I'm going to jump back on this train.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Ditto. See #7. I made chili, but does it count if I change almost everything in the recipe?
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill! Haven't gotten the written estimate.
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. We need a date. We will at least get one at the school fundraiser in March?
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): I only had one cup today!
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships. I went to pick up my wine shipment today. I hadn't been in awhile - and this is the winery that is 45 minutes away. She said I had 2 shipments. But I ended up with 6 bottles of wine. That's more like 3 shipments (I get 1 red, 1 white - 3 times a year). I was going to hit them up for donations for the auction - but I chickened out because they were packed.
So, I'm confused because when I get home, my 6 bottles are 2 white and 4 red. Maybe they changed my membership? My 2 bottle membership is old, and they don't offer it anymore - I got grandfathered in for years. Anyway.
I figured since I rarely drink anymore, and my OTHER wine shipment comes in a week (another 6 bottles), that I would just donate wine from my personal stash to the auction.
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. I managed this a couple of days. Was really dehydrated this week.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Jan, check. Feb, fail.
15. Host friends. Jan, check. Feb, fail.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
2017 Goals - week 7
1. Exercise: as of Saturday 2/18/17
Running: 300 miles: To date: 26.51 miles
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 9.6 miles (made it one day, then got sick)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 5.04 miles
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 32.11 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 276 minutes (School dance, weights)
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $828.20, only $19.20 last week. That's super low for a few reasons: 1. I got a mild version of whatever stomach flu the kids had. So I didn't eat much. 2. We were on vacation, so we ate out more. 3. We were on vacation, so we didn't get our produce box. Actually, I'm *pretty* sure the total is bigger than this. I think there's a missing receipt with milk and applesauce that's in my husband's wallet somewhere. It will turn up later and end up on the year-end total.
3. Weight: Scale had me down 3 pounds before the trip, and my pants were falling off me. I'm sure they will come back though.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: fail. fail. fail.
Do game night once a week: We played cards on our vacation to Legoland.
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day). 50 blocks done out of 120!
The photo really doesn't do it justice.
- crochet a purse: nothing
- finish a quilting baby blanket: done. Mailed.
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Been really busy taking care of sick people.
6. Sleep: keep track of it and see if the low dose estrogen helps. I was sick. Slept like crap. I'm having a really hard time with heat. It seems like I go to bed cold, then get hot. When my husband comes to bed I have to strip down, and have been ending up on the couch. The estrogen is NOT helping. I think it's making it worse. And I'm getting headaches.
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. No attempt at this while I have been sick.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Nothing this week.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really. Ugh Facebook. Ugh Trump. Americans are so stupid. Do you know that in a single month, the cost to the US Taxpayers for him to go to FL has been $12 million?? That was the ANNUAL budget for the Obamas. Make America broke again!! I'd rather my tax bill go to subsidize the ACA.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill!
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. We need a date. We will at least get one at the school fundraiser in March?
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): I haven't had coffee since Tuesday. Tummy bug will do that. Been enjoying green tea. The hotel on this trip had Tazo Zen green tea with lemongrass and spearmint. Yummy.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships: I had a glass of wine at my winery before Valentine's day, and bought a bottle to donate to the school auction.
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. I managed this a couple of days. Was really dehydrated this week.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Done for Jan, not for Feb yet.
15. Host friends. Done for Jan, not for Feb. Not gonna happen.
Running: 300 miles: To date: 26.51 miles
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 9.6 miles (made it one day, then got sick)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 5.04 miles
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 32.11 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 276 minutes (School dance, weights)
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $828.20, only $19.20 last week. That's super low for a few reasons: 1. I got a mild version of whatever stomach flu the kids had. So I didn't eat much. 2. We were on vacation, so we ate out more. 3. We were on vacation, so we didn't get our produce box. Actually, I'm *pretty* sure the total is bigger than this. I think there's a missing receipt with milk and applesauce that's in my husband's wallet somewhere. It will turn up later and end up on the year-end total.
3. Weight: Scale had me down 3 pounds before the trip, and my pants were falling off me. I'm sure they will come back though.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: fail. fail. fail.
Do game night once a week: We played cards on our vacation to Legoland.
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day). 50 blocks done out of 120!
The photo really doesn't do it justice.
- crochet a purse: nothing
- finish a quilting baby blanket: done. Mailed.
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Been really busy taking care of sick people.
6. Sleep: keep track of it and see if the low dose estrogen helps. I was sick. Slept like crap. I'm having a really hard time with heat. It seems like I go to bed cold, then get hot. When my husband comes to bed I have to strip down, and have been ending up on the couch. The estrogen is NOT helping. I think it's making it worse. And I'm getting headaches.
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. No attempt at this while I have been sick.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Nothing this week.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really. Ugh Facebook. Ugh Trump. Americans are so stupid. Do you know that in a single month, the cost to the US Taxpayers for him to go to FL has been $12 million?? That was the ANNUAL budget for the Obamas. Make America broke again!! I'd rather my tax bill go to subsidize the ACA.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill!
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. We need a date. We will at least get one at the school fundraiser in March?
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): I haven't had coffee since Tuesday. Tummy bug will do that. Been enjoying green tea. The hotel on this trip had Tazo Zen green tea with lemongrass and spearmint. Yummy.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships: I had a glass of wine at my winery before Valentine's day, and bought a bottle to donate to the school auction.
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. I managed this a couple of days. Was really dehydrated this week.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Done for Jan, not for Feb yet.
15. Host friends. Done for Jan, not for Feb. Not gonna happen.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
2017 Goals - Week 6
Let me see if I can get back on track after taking care of sick people for 4 straight weeks, 3.5 of which were spent sleeping on the couch. I get to sleep in my own bed tonight, whee!
1. Exercise: as of Saturday 2/11/17
Running: 300 miles: To date: 22.4 miles
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 0 miles (rain, sickness, more sickness)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 4.19 miles (oy, been gone weeks)
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 24.95 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 276 minutes (School dance, weights)
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $809.10, avg of $134.85. Funny how a couple of weeks of sickies will do that. Homemade bread, white rice, applesauce, saltines, and plain pasta are cheap! Last 2 weeks were $101 and $71. I don't expect that to stay that low. I think my $7000 goal is going to be tough this year with growing boys.
3. Weight: Still good.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: We failed this month
Do game night once a week: Lots of games this week - Candyland, concentration, Olympus. Not full family but pairs of people playing.
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day). It's coming along really well. The low so far this year was in the 30s (purple) and the high was in the 80s (orange). For reference, there are 3 unused colors. Magenta (under 30), which we might not hit. But if we go to the snow for spring break, we will. (I want to use the temps where we physically are, not necessarily here in town.) Red is 90-100, and Pink is >100.
The photo really doesn't do it justice.
- crochet a purse: nothing
- finish a quilting baby blanket: done. I need to mail the sucker. My friend is due ANY DAY.
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Been really busy taking care of sick people.
6. Sleep: keep track of it and see if the low dose estrogen helps: It was okay. Maybe I'm getting used to the couch. I did not get up and go to the gym, however.
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. No attempt at this while kids are barfing and hubby is sick. I'm losing steam. But honestly, vegetarian has been easy.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Nothing this week.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really. Did okay here, unless arguing on FB about politics counts? I can't help myself. Some people are so young. And stupid. And young.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill!
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. He was sick and I was doing triple duty (work/ kid/ household). He's finally healthy but was sick for almost 3 weeks. I think we might try for a lunch date on Valentine's day.
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): I think I managed this 5/7 days.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships: No wine here! I don't remember the last glass of wine. But my winery is having a cupcakes and wine tasting this afternoon. I'm tempted.
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. I managed this at least 4 days.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Done for Jan, not for Feb yet.
15. Host friends. Done for Jan, not for Feb.
1. Exercise: as of Saturday 2/11/17
Running: 300 miles: To date: 22.4 miles
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 0 miles (rain, sickness, more sickness)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 4.19 miles (oy, been gone weeks)
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 24.95 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 276 minutes (School dance, weights)
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $809.10, avg of $134.85. Funny how a couple of weeks of sickies will do that. Homemade bread, white rice, applesauce, saltines, and plain pasta are cheap! Last 2 weeks were $101 and $71. I don't expect that to stay that low. I think my $7000 goal is going to be tough this year with growing boys.
3. Weight: Still good.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: We failed this month
Do game night once a week: Lots of games this week - Candyland, concentration, Olympus. Not full family but pairs of people playing.
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day). It's coming along really well. The low so far this year was in the 30s (purple) and the high was in the 80s (orange). For reference, there are 3 unused colors. Magenta (under 30), which we might not hit. But if we go to the snow for spring break, we will. (I want to use the temps where we physically are, not necessarily here in town.) Red is 90-100, and Pink is >100.
The photo really doesn't do it justice.
- crochet a purse: nothing
- finish a quilting baby blanket: done. I need to mail the sucker. My friend is due ANY DAY.
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions? Been really busy taking care of sick people.
6. Sleep: keep track of it and see if the low dose estrogen helps: It was okay. Maybe I'm getting used to the couch. I did not get up and go to the gym, however.
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week. No attempt at this while kids are barfing and hubby is sick. I'm losing steam. But honestly, vegetarian has been easy.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own. Nothing this week.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really. Did okay here, unless arguing on FB about politics counts? I can't help myself. Some people are so young. And stupid. And young.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing. But we did talk to the plumber about (finally) replacing the sewer line. Nothing like $8k bill!
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. He was sick and I was doing triple duty (work/ kid/ household). He's finally healthy but was sick for almost 3 weeks. I think we might try for a lunch date on Valentine's day.
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): I think I managed this 5/7 days.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships: No wine here! I don't remember the last glass of wine. But my winery is having a cupcakes and wine tasting this afternoon. I'm tempted.
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. I managed this at least 4 days.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Done for Jan, not for Feb yet.
15. Host friends. Done for Jan, not for Feb.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
2017 Goals - Weeks 4 and 5!
Two for the price of one! Because for the last 3 weeks at least 2 family members have been sick with something. First fever/ cold/ then infections because the cold wouldn't let go (antibiotics), follows by a stomach virus. Big kid missed 4 days of school, little kid still has it. Daddy and I are just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
1. Exercise: as of Saturday 2/4/17
Running: 300 miles: To date: 18.33 miles (running group started up again!)
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 0 miles (rain, sickness)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 4.19 miles
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 21.92 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 216 minutes (3 weeks, sleeping on the couch)
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $xxxx (gatorade, saltines, applesauce). I'm going to have to update you on week 6. No access to the home computer and haven't updated the spreadsheet.
3. Weight: Still good.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: Zippo. Nada. Unless cleaning up barf counts
Do game night once a week: Nope
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day): Orange! It was over 80 for 3 days.
- crochet a purse: nothing
- finish a quilting baby blanket: done
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions?
6. Sleep: keep track of it and see if the low dose estrogen helps: Not great sleep this week because I was sleeping on the couch (see sick husband and barfing children).
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week: Came close last week, maybe a little cheese. No attempt this week, but probably close anyway.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own:
Quinoa pineapple stir-fry from Veganomicon last week. This week, nothing.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really. Did okay here.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. He was sick and I was doing triple duty (work/ kid/ household). He's still sick, stomach bug this time.
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): This was a rough 2 weeks.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships: No wine here!
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. My doc thinks that my occasional light-headedness when exercising is a combo between low blood pressure + slight dehydration.
Mmm...note to self. Do not try to "make up" for a low water day after 7:15 pm. I woke up 5 times to pee. Ugh.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Done!
15. Host friends. We hosted before everyone got sick.
1. Exercise: as of Saturday 2/4/17
Running: 300 miles: To date: 18.33 miles (running group started up again!)
Biking: 500 miles: To date: 0 miles (rain, sickness)
Swimming: 50 miles: To date: 4.19 miles
Walking: 150 miles: To date: 21.92 miles
Weights/ yoga: 30 minutes a week (1560 this year): 216 minutes (3 weeks, sleeping on the couch)
2. Grocery bill: Keep it under $7000 ($134.62/wk): $xxxx (gatorade, saltines, applesauce). I'm going to have to update you on week 6. No access to the home computer and haven't updated the spreadsheet.
3. Weight: Still good.
4. Family:
Go on 12 family hikes: Zippo. Nada. Unless cleaning up barf counts
Do game night once a week: Nope
5. Crafts:
- Crochet a blanket (a "thermometer" granny square blanket, based on the temperature each day): Orange! It was over 80 for 3 days.
- crochet a purse: nothing
- finish a quilting baby blanket: done
- participate in my quilting group's exchange: nothing
- make 12 snowflakes: nothing
- attempt to make socks: I've pinned a bunch of instructions?
6. Sleep: keep track of it and see if the low dose estrogen helps: Not great sleep this week because I was sleeping on the couch (see sick husband and barfing children).
7. Food: eat vegan 2 days a week: Came close last week, maybe a little cheese. No attempt this week, but probably close anyway.
8. Cookbooks: Try 1 recipe from every cookbook I own:
Quinoa pineapple stir-fry from Veganomicon last week. This week, nothing.
9. Work:
a. Skills: Learn enough programming to automate the data pulls for problem lots (which requires pulling data from 2 different databases). Haven't worked on this yet.
b. Personal: Don't engage. Really. Did okay here.
10. Home: Contact contractor/ architect on adding a second bathroom.Nothing
11. Garden: actually plant tomatoes this year. Baby steps. Nothing
Ooh, need to add: put some ground cover in the back dirt patch
12. Spouse: once a month lunch date: nothing. He was sick and I was doing triple duty (work/ kid/ household). He's still sick, stomach bug this time.
13. Beverages:
- Drink less coffee and more tea (one cup coffee per day): This was a rough 2 weeks.
- Do not buy any wine aside from my two wine club memberships: No wine here!
- Drink two 24-oz bottles of water a day, minimum. My doc thinks that my occasional light-headedness when exercising is a combo between low blood pressure + slight dehydration.
Mmm...note to self. Do not try to "make up" for a low water day after 7:15 pm. I woke up 5 times to pee. Ugh.
14. Mom's nights/ dad's night once a month: Done!
15. Host friends. We hosted before everyone got sick.
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