Kelsie's Next 5 Things

New #1, #3, #4

2008-06-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Update later this week. I'm sleepy.

Things I've Completed Without Knowing It.

2008-06-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back again. I don't know what happened to March, April, May and most of June...where did the time go?

I was looking over my list and realized that I've completed a few of the items.

#1. Finish reading "The Case for Christ." I finished it the other day, actually. It was a really good read, but honestly, I couldn't tell you all the things that were in it. It's quite heavy and while it makes perfect sense and did nothing but solidify my belief in Jesus Christ, if you asked me what about the book made me feel that way, all I could do is tell you to read the book. I ordered the student versions of "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" and so far, it's interesting to compare the two "Case for Christ" editions. So far, the student edition says basically the same thing, but in a simpler way. I guess simple minds need simple explanations.

#3. Finish the "Family" wall at church. Something else I just finished the other day. I'll get a picture up here soon. It looks pretty good. ALMOST as good as I had envisioned it.

#4. File the papers. I don't even know where these papers are now. I hope they weren't important.

#5 Complete! Sorta. And NEW #5

2008-03-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it. The dishes may not have been COMPLETELY done (soaking in the sink, etc.) and sometimes there was stuff left arranged somewhat neatly on the stovetop, but the counters were clean and wiped each night. HOWEVER. I really want to make this a habit, and I know that at this point it would be VERY easy to stop, SO, my new #5 is to keep the counters cleaned off each night for

2 WEEKS.

5.2...Starting strong...

2008-03-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Almost bedtime, the counters are clean, the dishwasher is running. I have lots of places to be and things to do these next 2 days...either I'll putter out, or this will give me motivation to clean up right after people leave. We'll see...

General Update - March 2nd 2008

2008-03-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Zaak for keeping up with this! I need to get back to it.

* 1. Finish reading "The Case For Christ" (**NEW**)
I started reading this because of a new friend who has challenged me to remind myself why it is, exactly that I believe what I do, and I have added to that challenge by aiming to REMEMBER this time. It's sad, isn't it? My excuse is lame, I know...I just feel like my brain is on overload so much of the time, and it's easy to forget the "whys," even though I know I've been through this all before and had everything straight. But that doesn't help one little bit in the here and now when you're asked very good questions that you KNOW you should know your answers for. I'm hoping this book will help get me going. I got the book from the library (note to self...time to renew) and am about 1/2 way through. I think the best chapter so far had been the one I'm on now, "The Profile Evidence."

* 2. Learn a new piano piece
I haven't even picked one yet, but my students will hopefully be performing in a recital at the end of April, and I need something to play. Good motivation.

* 3. Clean the ceiling fans.
I cleaned the one in the kitchen. Just need to do the bedroom one. Wait, I think I did it. Nevermind. This one is DONE!

* 3. Complete the "Family" wall of pictures at church (**NEW**)
I came up with the idea and committed to do this quite some time ago.

I've made little steps: purchasing 100 of those little pine frames from Ikea, paint, brushes and some of those nice, large letters for your wall to spell "Family"...as well as some 4x6 mirrors to go in a few of the frames. I also got a bunch of people together to help me PAINT the 100 frames.

Now the pictures need to go in them, and they need to be hung in a STRAIGHT grid on the wall in the foyer at church. And the letters need to be hung. I hear this is a nightmare. Anyone done this successfully before? This all NEEDS to be done in the next couple of weeks...

* 4. File the papers that need to be saved from the former "shredding" pile
Honestly, I don't even know where this pile is. I think it's on the desk here somewhere. I guess this is a small part of my greater goal to generally pare down the contents of our house. I'm starting to feel closed in by "stuff."

* 5. Keep the counters clear each night for 1 week
Good goal for this week!!

#1.2 Complete?

2008-03-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't know if I did it or not. I didn't step on the scale, my clothes didn't fit much differently, but I definitely felt like I LOOKED better. I bravely donned my bikinis in Jamaica (posting pictures seems a bit egocentric, don't you think?) and was HORRIFIED by the pictures that came out my camera...that is NOT what I saw when I looked in the mirror. Oh, well. No sense crying now!

We used the G.I. Diet, and it was pretty good. Lots of healthy food, mostly non-refined, high fiber stuff. The recipes for muffins, granola bars, etc. were DELICIOUS. The meal recipes were hit and miss with Aaron. If I didn't like it, it was pretty much a sure bet that he wouldn't like it. If he didn't like it, there was still a good chance I would like it. For me, it was helpful because it kept me eating. My problem is not eating junk, or over eating...it's actually that I don't eat enough. Or often enough. I can go a day or two without eating much...I just don't think about it, and I think my body goes into that whole starvation mode.

Eating/not eating at the resort in Jamaica was a NON-ISSUE. Buffet for every meal, snacks at the snack bar whenever...yum!!!!

Now that we're home and I've had a week to recover, I plan on getting back on the "planning to eat" wagon. If I don't plan to eat, we won't eat. Simple as that...So, adding to the list of things to do tonight:

Meal plan.

#1.1

2008-01-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

Well, count that as a complete failure. Oh, well. Aaron and I have decided to both follow a "food plan" (ok, a diet) and increase our exercising from next week until when we go to Jamaica. I think I would like to TRY to lose 15 pounds. I know that the time does not allow for the "healthy" 1-2 pounds a week, but whatever. I'm going for it, anyways.

#2 COMPLETE

2007-12-04T11:01:00.001-08:00

OUCH. Well, I did it. I'll probably do it again. It hurt, but I'm hoping it's worth it. No pictures, sorry :P.

New #2

Learn a new piano piece

I have not played the piano for my own personal benefit and enjoyment in FAR too long....I'd like to again. I'll post when I have the piece picked.

5.1 - If at first you don't succeed....

2007-12-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

My first attempt lasted an impressive 6 days. Why did I fall at the last possible moment? Well, I ended up subbing all week plus teaching all of my regular piano lessons...I think things kind of fell apart after our mid-week potluck. Oh, well. Try again. I think I've got 2 days in a row right now.

New #5 - The Kitchen Counters

2007-11-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Now, you'd think that being that I'm not working many hours, it would be easy to keep an immaculate house. Not so. You'd be very surprised at how easy it is to fill a day with a little of everything...a little sleeping in (not too late), which means going to the gym later, a little more visiting with friends, a little more time to do errands around town (which probably would have gone undone, otherwise), a little time on the computer (ok, maybe more than a little)....SO as a small, attainable goal, working towards the goal of having a clean, mostly neat house (I don't mind a little "lived in" look...just not messy or dirty), my goal is to keep my kitchen counters clear of dirty dishes, mail, other paper, etc., etc., etc., as of bedtime each night for 1 week, any 7 day stretch.

5.1 - LONG Overdue

2007-11-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Apparently I've been living with Aaron for FAR too long...the punniness is really starting to rub off on me....AUGHGHGHGH!!!!

I went to the library to get a card. Very exciting. I filled out the info, paid my $10. They said I had to wait about 10 minutes to get everything in the computer, but I had places to be, so I said I'd come back and pick it up........................

.................A few hours later I returned to pick up my library card. A different worker was there, but said I couldn't have the card as I had outstanding overdue fees from my last card (I had almost forgotten I ever had a card before...). She didn't seem to really know what the deal was, so called the worker I had talked to earlier...I owed a grand total of $2.84, which HAD to be paid before they could release my card to me. A couple of things ran through my mind. First of all, I suddenly felt like some sort of petty criminal, as if I was trying to get a NEW library card to avoid paying my old fees. Or at least that's what I thought THEY thought... Secondly, I thought HOW ridiculous is this? I obviously got this card so I could use it...I'm obviously going to be back, so what if I don't pay the $2.84 right now? I dug through my wallet, and found I had about $0.78...between the ridiculosity of it all and the annoyance I felt at feeling like a petty criminal, I was ready to just say "forget it," but I didn't want to have to think about the $2.06 that I would have to bring in the next time...THEN, miracle of miracles, I found a $5 stashed in behind some cards in my wallet. Whew. So, I paid the $2.84. Now I have my library card.

Now if I could just find the $50 I seem to have misplaced...Grrr.

Going to the Library TODAY.

2007-11-20T10:32:00.001-08:00

I AM.

Upon reading the current 5 things, I realized that the climate and change of life view will make three of them either impossible to do, or really unnecessary. SO....I'm replacing my resume goal with braving the bikini wax for the first time, my concrete-raking goal with losing 15 pounds and my painting goal with cleaning all of the ceiling fans in the house. They are dirty...the fans, I mean.

New #5

2007-09-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

I LOVE reading...but it's one of those loves that's been left by the wayside the past few years....and one that I'd like to pick up again now that I'm taking this year "off." Being that taking this year off requires some financial sacrifice, a library card seems like the best way to indulge my love of reading without breaking the bank....though I would LOVE to be able to buy all those books myself....but....

Going to the library to get a library card.

5.2 This turned out to be more complicated than I thought...

2007-09-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Aaron's foot has really been bugging him (the cast, more specifically), so he's kept putting off going...but tonight was the LAST night, so I was going...with or without him....

He ended up coming, and we met our friends Norm and Stacey at the theatre for a double date. They got a babysitter for their kids, and we took a gamble and left the cat home alone. Ha.

Anyways, it was SO HILARIOUS! I haven't laughed that much in such a short amount of time in FOREVER....The basic premise is that Mr. Bean wins a trip to the French Riviera, along with a video camera. Of course, nothing goes right and his trusty camera is there to capture every hilarious and embarassing moment...If you like Bean, GO see this movie. The ending is a little cheesy (ok, a LOT cheesy), but the ride is worth it...:)

5.1 - Yay! It's HERE!!!!

2007-09-15T18:18:00.001-07:00

As I drove to work on Friday morning, I passed by the theatre to see (oh joy, oh JOY!!) that the Mr. Bean movie has arrived in my town!!! Unfortunately, with Aaron's freshly broken foot, he can't go until a little later this week....so I'll have to wait...

1.2...Procrastination sets in...

2007-09-05T21:41:00.001-07:00

I keep PLANNING to do a little bit of raking each day, but it's usually last on my list of things to do..after dishes, putting away laundry, all the other daily things. SO, even though I have to work early tomorrow, I'm GOING to get up before I go to the gym and rake downstairs for at least 1/2 hour...I promise.

New #4

2007-09-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

New goal: File the papers that I sorted out of the "shredding" pile that need to be saved.

I hope this isn't too "small..." It seems small, but I HATE filing things. I hate having to save papers...it drives me nuts. If I don't put it on here, I'm never going to get to it...until the pile is huge, or has attracted papers that should be shredded...

(Next time I complete a goal, I'm going to replace it with something FUN!)

4.1 - Does it count if someone else does it FOR you?

2007-09-05T21:26:00.001-07:00

Aaron went out and bought a paper shredder today, and shredded a bunch of stuff. We didn't have as much as Petra, but that's not counting the 2-3 boxes in the garage..boo...I decided "back-shredding" was just too overwhelming, so we'll wait till those boxes are 10 years old, then pitch them in the dump. They'll decompose!

New Petersen Paper Plan:
1)If it's a bill, it goes in the folder, gets shredded after it's paid.
2)If it's a personal document with name, address, etc., that is unwanted and unnecessary, it gets shredded NOW.

I finished the rest of the shredding while chatting on MSN tonight. I was very careful not to go beyond the "recommended shredding time" specified in the manual....I learned my lesson when I burnt out our first paper shredder in about 2 weeks. Whoops! I think the current stuff is now taken care of and the Triple P Plan can commence.

Here's to a paper-clutter-less existence!!!

New #3

2007-08-31T10:26:00.001-07:00

One of my goals for this (what was supposed to be, until "the basement") relaxed, at home summer, was to paint the trim on the windows at the front of the house. I had gotten them all scraped when they tore down the house next door...no sense painting in all of that dust! Then, the basement situation kind of exploded, so it got left by the wayside. Until now.

Now, it is my new #3 "thing." I'm kind of excited, cuz it will make the house look a little better, despite having a giant pile of concrete in the front lawn, and no front steps...AND I don't think it will take long (famous last words). It was pretty much ready to paint, so I think I'll just have to wipe it down and paint!

Yay for progress!

3.5 - Party Time!

2007-08-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Yay! "Thing" #3 is DONE. Everyone had a super fun time. The guys played pool and ate, the girls ate, then played pool, then danced while playing pool, then just gave up the pool altogether and hit the dance floor...by ourselves. Oh, well. Here's a few pictures:

Just try to pretend I'm not the only one not with it...

THE QUIZ! Cheylynn won with a score of 17/30...her prize was a Garfield shower mirror/am-fm radio...wahoo!

And here's video just to show you the difference between how guys and girls play pool:

3.4

2007-08-28T17:36:00.001-07:00

Oh, yeah. I guess I need a gift.

3.3

2007-08-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Almost done! The pool hall is good to go...7pm tomorrow...most people have been called with the details (I told them all awhile ago to block off tomorrow evening...).

So, I'll spend tomorrow getting together a cake, decorations (minimal), the "quiz," etc., etc., etc....

3.2

2007-08-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

So, the tentative plan is a night at the pool hall...I'm waiting to hear back from the owner about costs, food available, etc. Jim's idea of an "All About Aaron" quiz was a good one. I think I'm going to do that, too...have people just try to quiz him mercilessly all night on things that MIGHT be on the quiz....and then see how they do.

THEN, sometime in September, or thereabouts, I'll send him and "the guys" paint balling, sort of a second birthday/thanks for helping us with our basement thing.

1.1

2007-08-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Whew. This might take a while. Well, I'm kind of on a time limit, as I would like to USE my basement sometime soon. SO, I'm going to have to hustle...

Here's what I did today (to be fair, I only worked a couple of hours...spent the rest of the day clearing out the laundry room area, getting drinks, etc. for the guys...).

The "dirt only" area is the part I got done. For some reason, there was a layer of concrete UNDER some dirt which was UNDER the concrete that we knew as our floor...so I had to do a bit of digging...not strenuous digging, but it still took extra time.

AAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNND....here's what I have LEFT to do:

Are ya feelin' my pain yet? Go, ME!

3.1

2007-08-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....anyone have any stellar ideas for a birthday party? I got nuthin'. Nuthin' good, anyways.

I looked up stuff that happened in 1977...some good stuff. Star Wars, Saturday Night Fever (disco), Bohemian Rhapsody was big...I ran these by Aaron, but he's not into it.

Any ideas?

Sounds good to me...

2007-08-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well, here I go. I decided to join the "Next 5" ranks cuz, well, let's face it, I really don't accomplish much on a day-to-day basis. Call me lazy, call me unmotivated, or just call me overwhelmed. Onward and upward, I guess.

Whew. This is hard.

1. Rake the concrete/sand in the basement.
2. Polish up my resume, make it stand out.
3. Plan Aaron's 30th birthday party (It's on Wednesday, so this one shouldn't take long...)
4. (following Petra's lead)Buy a shredder and shred all junk paper from this day forward.
5. (....something fun...)Go see the new "Mr. Bean" movie

...ok, not so hard. Now how do I make my list show up on the side like everyone else's?