Weekend Must Dos.........

Its Monday, and its back to the craziness of the work week.    Saturdays and Sundays always fly by, and I really work hard to make sure I take time to rest and relax, but I also plan to do some house work and prep for the week ahead.  I find it helps our household run smoother throughout the week.

Here is a short checklist of things I try to accomplish each and EVERY weekend:

My Checklist for EVERY Weekend:

1. CLEAN HOUSE
I don't spring clean or deep clean our home every weekend, but I have developed a cleaning process that helps me get our house picked up and cleaned in an 1 to 2 hours each weekend. 

This process includes: 
 - Picking up the clutter that we have accumulated over the week  and put it back in its place.
 - Vacuum, dust, clean and mop the entire house.
 - Clean out my car, dust and vacuum my car, and run it through the car wash.
 - Laundry and layout clothes for the coming week.

2. MEAL PLAN and PREP

I spend about an hour meal planning every weekend.  I plan out what we are going to eat each day of the week, and make a grocery list.  Next I run to the grocery store and then come home a prep all of our fruit and vegetable snacks for the week.  Then on Sunday, I prep our lunch for Monday and layout food for Monday's dinner.  

This process includes: 

 - Make a meal plan for the week, and run to the store and pick up groceries.
 - Meal prep for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
 - Cook at least one BIG breakfast for Matt and I on the weekend. 

3. EXERCISE 

I really try to workout at least on day on Saturday or Sunday.  Some weekends I am able to work in two workouts.  Right now I am getting ready to kick off the 21 Day Fix Program again, and I can't wait for the great results from this program. 

4. BLOG PREP
 - Review blog calendar, and prep upcoming blog posts.

5. CAREER

- Review our team's Project Management Tool and get organized for the week ahead.

6. RELAX 

In the summer, I usually hit the pool at least one afternoon over the weekend.  I actually spend A LOT of time relaxing on the weekends.  The above tasks only take me a few hours, which means I have a lot of time to swim, hang out with family and friends, catch up on my DVR, read, and really relax. 

7. BIBLE STUDY
Last, but not least, I spend a little extra time in my daily bible study and prayer time.  I review my prayer list from the past week, and start a new list for the coming week.


Taking time to knock out these simple "To-Dos" on the weekend, really helps center me and bring balance to my life.  It also helps me find time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends too. 

What about you?  Is there anything you do to prepare and plan for the week ahead.

Random Happiness Thought........

These weeks just fly by!  I kept thinking today was Tuesday, and didn't notice till around lunch its was Thursday!!  Too much!! Things are going really well; however, I have to make myself STOP during the week and really appreciate all the good stuff that is going on in my life. 

I love this saying because it is sooo true!  There are moments in everyday that I put so much pressure on myself  to be soooo perfect that I forget that life is truly a journey about growing and developing into a better version of me. 

These type of reminders make me smile, bring peace, and make me happy, because it truly makes me appreciate how far I have come and to accept the journey in how far I have to go.

So true!!  

My Happiness Project - January Goals

A few months ago, I came across a book called the Happiness Project and was immediately intrigued. After reading a few of the author's blog posts and watching some You Tube videos, I decided to ask for the book for Christmas.  And, over the last week I read through introduction and first chapter, and decided this was something I definitely wanted to implement in my life.

The whole purpose of this journey is to determine what makes you feel happy, good, brings joy, energy and fun to your life.  What makes you feel bad, bring anger, guit, boredom, and dread.  What makes you feel right. What values you want your life to reflect? Build an atmosphere of growth where you learn, explore, build, teach, and help.

 

Once you determine these things, then you focus on one area a month for 12 months.  This January, I am focusing on ENERGY.  I need more energy to accomplish all that I want to do.  In saying that I must set small goals that I can obtain each day to help me gain more energy in my life.

  

January's Goals to Bring More Energy to My Life

• Exercise Everyday
• Eat Healthier, Writing Down Everything I Eat
• Eat Smaller Portions and No Eating after 9:00 p.m.
• Sleep More, Go to Bed Earlier (Goal 8-9 hours of a Sleep a Night!)
• Organize the Areas I Always Put Off (Underneath my sink, our guest room closet and drawers, the media room closet, and garage.) - Accomplished a few of these tasks over Christmas
• Stretch Every Morning and Before Bed 
• Wear Brighter Colors More Often (Yes, you heard me right.  The Queen of Black and Gray, I need to wear more color to give me more energy!!)  

I started doing a few of these "To-Dos" a few days ago, and already feeling great. Would love to know if you have read this book, or if you started your own happiness project? 

Here's to more Energy in 2013!!