Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I'm finally getting around to the 6 random things about me!


A long while ago I was reading one of my favorite gal pal's blog and was tagged to share 6 random things about me. So I've now decided I could do it because I don't want to clean the house today or do anything else I need to do.



1. I'm obviously a procrastinator! Actually I go through varying degrees of laziness. I try to be on top of life but lately it seems that life is on top me. Oh well... I'll take care of it tomorrow!



2. I don't know how to say NO! This is completely genetic or a behavior that I learned from my mom. I find myself saying I can do this or help with that or be PTA President. But I really don't mind doing what I do! However, I do say no to the important things like drugs (thank you Nancy Regan) and when I know I can't do something!



3. I'm a closet chocolate lover. Whenever people ask me if I like chocolate I say NO, but I find myself craving chocolate every so often. Right now the M&M's in the trail mix are calling my name!



4. I love all things Japan. Ever since my sister hosted Mikako Nakagawa when I was twelve I have been in love with the country of the rising sun. I love it in Japan (I even eat fish when I'm there when I can't touch the stuff here!) and if I could live there I think I just might. I love my Nihon-jin family and miss them every day.




5. I've decided that I'm a little socially awkward! I feel like I never know what to say in most public settings. I actually feel more comfortable in not saying anything at all until I actually I say something and people laugh or it actually sounds profound. If I was on Seinfeld I would be George and I want to leave right after I say that cool thing so I don't put my foot in my mouth!!!!



6. I'm an artist! Since being a mom I have become very good at drawing the Wiggles, Batman, Spiderman, our family, animals, tractors, the General Lee and all sorts of things. I also get paid for my efforts with my children's smiles! I love my job!



Now that you've read my lovely random things...tag it's your turn. Good luck!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Economic Stimulus

We finally bought the second car that we've been debating about for years! It is so hard to want to have a car payment. However, it was time and boy am I having fun. Every once and a while Henry makes a few squeeks because he gets stuck in between booster seats. Maybe my kids will learn how to be nicer to each other. They don't fight as much as they did at first so hopefully having to sit right next to their siblings will create more brotherly love in our home...well at least I can pretend and hope and pray it will!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Why do I do the things I do?

The month of October seemed daunting before we left September behind. Way too many moments away from my family: Young Women calling, Enrichment Meetings, Stake Leadership, Young Women's Volleyball, PTA, helping a friend out in need, Young Women's Evening in Excellence, Tiger Cubs, Young Women's Presidency Meeting (class and leader), trying to find time to: go to the temple, date my husband, spend quality time with kids, read the scriptures, hang out with friends, exercise, eat right, clean my home, finish the do-it-yourself project aka finish the front room, canning, canning for a lady whose husband is in the hospital, volunteer at the kids' school, I think you get the picture. No wonder I've been sick for the past nine days!

So why do I do the things I do? Because I find them important. My family, friends, religion and neighbors are important to me. I want to fill my life, invest my time, on things that will last beyond today and have eternal rewards. Obviously something is going to have to be pared back but until I figure out how I found a book at the library "The Procrastinator's Handbook to mastering the Art of Doing It Now" that helped me reevaluate my life. (please note: I am not saying this is the begin and end all of books I just found it interesting and gave me food for thought and I just learned how to add links in my blog so I thought I would try it out! So that is why the link is here.)
http://www.ritaemmett.com/book_procrastinators_handbook.htm

There seem to be millions of self help books printed every year. I usually avoid them like the plague but for some reason I picked up this book from the shelf. As I read this book I decided that I didn't need to cut back but to spend my time wisely. Once time is gone it's gone! If we don't invest time wisely our returns will be like the current stock market-really low which equals a bad investment and no retirement! Which is what I want to avoid.

Therefore, my life may be crazy but I love what and who I invest my time. I'm working on learning how to be an "Anticrastinator" and spending/investing my time so that my return is eternal! So as I learn to balance my time portfolio a little better check out "My Stock Investments" and if you have any ideas how to use time wisely, especially when it comes to cleaning toilets, send them my way! I love my life and those who share it with me! Thanks for investing your time in me.