In our ladies bible study group a few months ago, we were discussing the concept of not being in control of what is to come. Essentially that we really can't change much of what happens in our lives. I can't change the fact that my daughter has a very serious heart condition that will be with us for the rest of her life, but I can appreciate this moment, and that much of the heart stuff is now behind us. Our group leader, Dawn, asked how it made us all feel to know that ultimately all of this is in God's control (by "this" I mean, the universe...all of it!). Not our control. One woman replied and she said it made her feel terrified, not knowing what was to come. She always found herself stressing about what could be the next bad thing. We all sat in a few moments of silence after that. Then I spoke up said, "Well, what about the good things that are to come?"
Don't get me wrong, most people wouldn't use the term "optimist" to describe me, but I really do think so much of how we live our lives and view our lives is based on our perspective. So at the time, it didn't mean that Abbi's heart surgery wasn't a very hard time, it doesn't mean that our car needing $750 worth of work one week before Christmas wasn't a huge pain in the butt, or whatever other drama came to our lives in 2009 didn't suck. But it does mean that in the midst of all the ugly...there is SO MUCH beauty! There is so much more to life than the crap. And I know that sometimes the crap seems to take up the view, but I think with a little perspective, we can all find beauty...somewhere, somehow.
So onto a new year. There will likely be new failures. Probably some pain and sorrow. Definitely some good old fashioned crap. But in the midst, there will always be joy. Beauty. Goodness. Love.
So some things that I would like to "work on" in 2010 include the following:
#1.
More regular reading of this book.
Its life to me (as often as I forget that fact). That would be the Bible (just to clarify). And yes, some mysterious substance spilled on it, which has kind of made this funky green shadow on it. Oh well, just adds a little character I say!
#2.
Be better.
I need to give more of my time, my patience, my love, to these people...
(My husband and my two children).
#3.
Get rid of this gut!
Well, I wasn't about to take a picture of my gut, but lets just say this girl has got some work to do. I no longer have the breastfeeding excuse . Or the "I just had a baby" excuse (although, 13 months ago should count for something!). Or the weather, although I will say nothing is more unmotivating than a weather report with temps in the negative teens for over a week. Sigh. Ultimately, for me, it just comes down to plain lack of discipline. So how do I plan to do it? No gym memberships, or phone calls to Jenny for this gal. I'm just planning on cutting down my portions, no eating in the evenings (which really is the killer in our house), and getting more exercise (walking with the kids, perhaps jogging when time allows). Ahem, just perhaps not when its -25° with windchill outside.
#4.
Be more studious.
Continue pressing into my studies. Whew, its hard to believe that by August I will have completed 4 (maybe 5) courses out of 20-30. Ugh. Yup, I definitely have a long road ahead of me, but hey, in keeping with my opimistic tone, I could say that I'm already 1/5th of the way there! I got an A in my Sociology course, so I really do know that I can excel in this, its just a matter of doing it. I'm quite pleased with how far I've gotten in my History course over Christmas, although I will be quite relieved when this beast of a course is behind me. I'll be starting my Criminology course next week on Monday nights. Just please, please, please don't be as dull as Canadian History. That's all I ask!
Next I'm onto household goals. Things I'd like to see "dealt with" in 2010. We often joke about the "to do schedule" around Nepper's Landing. An example would be the kitchen. That won't be getting done until Spring 2011. The backyard? Likely Summer 2012. Its quite funny when I have a task I need Rob to do and he'll mutter out something about how its not due for work until 2013. Well, actually no, sometimes that's not funny at all, but its still slightly humourous in another moment!
#5.
Deal with Gabe's blasted dresser!!!
This was Rob's aunt's dresser which Rob then had. So it does have sentimental value, and good lines, so I'm not ready to toss it to the curb just yet, but it is getting close!
As you can see I started on it, and then realized just how much work was ahead of me, and kind of chickened out. I got two drawers stripped, and pretty much had enough of that!
The stripping, sanding and staining still seem like way too much work. At this point its quite tempting to just sand and paint it. We'll have to see, but I really, really want to see this dresser in some sort of presentable state!
Because...that's just plain 'ol ugggggly!
#6.
Finish Gabe's closet.
Somehow it got left in such a disastrous state, its basically no longer functional, and drives me crazy. I have no where to hang his clothes (I think we took his rod and put it in Abbi's closet), so well, it just ends up filled with boxes, junk, you name it!
We have our extra blankets and games on the top shelf, but again, it could just be so much more!
#7.
Do something...ANYTHING...with the front hall closet!!!
This closet directly ties in with Gabe's closet, because we will remove the bi-fold door, and that will replace the totally tacky 1970's metal sliders in Gabe's room. We plan to turn this space into a little mini mudroom, inspired by the uber-fab "Wicked Awesome Mudroom Makeover" over at The Shabby Nest. Now that's really all the inspiration I need to make this room beautiful.
I will admit, I do cringe each and everytime we have guests over and they go to hang up their jackets and see my shame. (Geesh, out of all those shoes, only one pair ended up on the shoe rack!)
Sigh, and then theres the cleaning product fiasco. Yes, I know. Hideous. Just plain hideous.
#8.
Paint the main floor bathroom.
I call the color in our kitchen, front hall and bathroom "Prison Grey." Rob disagrees, as one who has actually seen the inside of a prison, he says the color is nothing like that. (*Now before you go phoning everyone you know to tell them that Rob Nepper was in prison, please see my Rob-in-prison disclamer below!) But regardles, I despise the greyness, and need something a little brighter, a little funner. This little number could definitely be completed in a weekend.
#9.
Deal with the desk. Dun, dun, dun...
I know I often complain of the disgustingness of my desk on my blog. And perhaps you sit at your equally messy desk, and think, "well, then why doesn't she do something about it then?" Honestly, I plan to. I want to. I need to! I hate having it in our living room. Perhaps despise is a better word. Having it in the livingroom not only leads to me spending way more time that I should on it, but it also means that my desk filth is apparent to all. So solution? Move the sucker to the basement! Bwa ha ha, no one will be onto me then!
Actually no, I'm hoping to find another desk on kijiji. One with more functional storage, like drawers! As open and airy and funky as this desk is, it has zero storage. And any storage it does offer is out in the open, and it just gets so busy, and well that just turns into filthy!
#10.
Craft room or Bedroom? Or both perhaps?
I'm kind of torn for #10. I technically could make it my Top 11 of 2010, but well, that would work better for 2011 ;)
So craft room? Well, its not scheduled for completion until 2011, so until then, I have to make it work! I'm fairly pleased to report that since taking this picture 2 days ago, I've actually found the top of my craft table again. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.
More regular reading of this book.
Its life to me (as often as I forget that fact). That would be the Bible (just to clarify). And yes, some mysterious substance spilled on it, which has kind of made this funky green shadow on it. Oh well, just adds a little character I say!
#2.Be better.
I need to give more of my time, my patience, my love, to these people...
(My husband and my two children).
#3.Get rid of this gut!
I thought I was looking pretty fab in this picture, but then I realized with some camera angling, a little baby here, a little blanket there...well, we can all look fab. Did I mention these are the stretchiest pants I own??? This picture was taken post-Christmas dinner!
#4.
Be more studious.
Continue pressing into my studies. Whew, its hard to believe that by August I will have completed 4 (maybe 5) courses out of 20-30. Ugh. Yup, I definitely have a long road ahead of me, but hey, in keeping with my opimistic tone, I could say that I'm already 1/5th of the way there! I got an A in my Sociology course, so I really do know that I can excel in this, its just a matter of doing it. I'm quite pleased with how far I've gotten in my History course over Christmas, although I will be quite relieved when this beast of a course is behind me. I'll be starting my Criminology course next week on Monday nights. Just please, please, please don't be as dull as Canadian History. That's all I ask!Next I'm onto household goals. Things I'd like to see "dealt with" in 2010. We often joke about the "to do schedule" around Nepper's Landing. An example would be the kitchen. That won't be getting done until Spring 2011. The backyard? Likely Summer 2012. Its quite funny when I have a task I need Rob to do and he'll mutter out something about how its not due for work until 2013. Well, actually no, sometimes that's not funny at all, but its still slightly humourous in another moment!
#5.
Deal with Gabe's blasted dresser!!!
This was Rob's aunt's dresser which Rob then had. So it does have sentimental value, and good lines, so I'm not ready to toss it to the curb just yet, but it is getting close!
As you can see I started on it, and then realized just how much work was ahead of me, and kind of chickened out. I got two drawers stripped, and pretty much had enough of that!
The stripping, sanding and staining still seem like way too much work. At this point its quite tempting to just sand and paint it. We'll have to see, but I really, really want to see this dresser in some sort of presentable state!
Because...that's just plain 'ol ugggggly!
#6. Finish Gabe's closet.
Somehow it got left in such a disastrous state, its basically no longer functional, and drives me crazy. I have no where to hang his clothes (I think we took his rod and put it in Abbi's closet), so well, it just ends up filled with boxes, junk, you name it!
We have our extra blankets and games on the top shelf, but again, it could just be so much more!
#7. Do something...ANYTHING...with the front hall closet!!!
This closet directly ties in with Gabe's closet, because we will remove the bi-fold door, and that will replace the totally tacky 1970's metal sliders in Gabe's room. We plan to turn this space into a little mini mudroom, inspired by the uber-fab "Wicked Awesome Mudroom Makeover" over at The Shabby Nest. Now that's really all the inspiration I need to make this room beautiful.
I will admit, I do cringe each and everytime we have guests over and they go to hang up their jackets and see my shame. (Geesh, out of all those shoes, only one pair ended up on the shoe rack!)
Sigh, and then theres the cleaning product fiasco. Yes, I know. Hideous. Just plain hideous.
#8. Paint the main floor bathroom.
I call the color in our kitchen, front hall and bathroom "Prison Grey." Rob disagrees, as one who has actually seen the inside of a prison, he says the color is nothing like that. (*Now before you go phoning everyone you know to tell them that Rob Nepper was in prison, please see my Rob-in-prison disclamer below!) But regardles, I despise the greyness, and need something a little brighter, a little funner. This little number could definitely be completed in a weekend.
#9.Deal with the desk. Dun, dun, dun...
I know I often complain of the disgustingness of my desk on my blog. And perhaps you sit at your equally messy desk, and think, "well, then why doesn't she do something about it then?" Honestly, I plan to. I want to. I need to! I hate having it in our living room. Perhaps despise is a better word. Having it in the livingroom not only leads to me spending way more time that I should on it, but it also means that my desk filth is apparent to all. So solution? Move the sucker to the basement! Bwa ha ha, no one will be onto me then!
Actually no, I'm hoping to find another desk on kijiji. One with more functional storage, like drawers! As open and airy and funky as this desk is, it has zero storage. And any storage it does offer is out in the open, and it just gets so busy, and well that just turns into filthy!
#10.Craft room or Bedroom? Or both perhaps?
I'm kind of torn for #10. I technically could make it my Top 11 of 2010, but well, that would work better for 2011 ;)
So craft room? Well, its not scheduled for completion until 2011, so until then, I have to make it work! I'm fairly pleased to report that since taking this picture 2 days ago, I've actually found the top of my craft table again. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.
I need to use the storage space I do have - better! A lot of this stuff could be put in the storage space under our stairs, and I have a gazillion little cubbies that could house all sorts of crafty/sewing fabulousness.
I reorganized these two cabinets yesterday, and I'm actually very pleased with how much I can now fit in it. And of course, lots is going in the trash!
Look at my cute little paint stuff drawer :)
And my fab sewing drawer. I'm still fairly impressed with how much thread I have, considering I didn't really think I was a "sewer."
Er. This drawer is all the memento type stuff that needs to be scrap booked. Really, its not that much...just the first 28 years of my life is all (note: much sarcasm in that last sentence). Sigh. Regardless its all somewhat tidy, in one drawer, and perhaps that will go on the to do list in 2020.
Or do we do the bedroom? I want it painted a delicious, creamy brown on the upper half. I see something long the lines of Hedgehog brown (Purdy's Chocolate, you know the ones!). We are planning on doing white board and batten on the lower half. Partially because its cool, and partially because some _________ (fill in blank with angry word) decided it would a good idea to paint over numerous layers of wallpaper. Golly, thanks! Also, if you've seen Kimba's fab job on her board and batten living room, you will fully understand!
I walked upstairs and took this picture. No primping or priming or re-positioning. Just in its often messy state. Definitely looks more impressive when the before picture is super ugly ;)
We want to get rid of the classic metal sliders, and do a "His" and "Her's" closet. I mean, this really is a giant closet, now it just needs functionality. The futon will be moving to the basement once the basement is ready for it, hopefully with a new, sturdier mattress and...hopefully soon! (much exciting progress has taken place in said basement over the past week!).
So there you have it. That's what I came up with over the past couple days thinking this whole "New Year's" thing over. So much potential!
Anyone care to share their resolutions for the new year?
Look at my cute little paint stuff drawer :)
And my fab sewing drawer. I'm still fairly impressed with how much thread I have, considering I didn't really think I was a "sewer."
Er. This drawer is all the memento type stuff that needs to be scrap booked. Really, its not that much...just the first 28 years of my life is all (note: much sarcasm in that last sentence). Sigh. Regardless its all somewhat tidy, in one drawer, and perhaps that will go on the to do list in 2020.
Or do we do the bedroom? I want it painted a delicious, creamy brown on the upper half. I see something long the lines of Hedgehog brown (Purdy's Chocolate, you know the ones!). We are planning on doing white board and batten on the lower half. Partially because its cool, and partially because some _________ (fill in blank with angry word) decided it would a good idea to paint over numerous layers of wallpaper. Golly, thanks! Also, if you've seen Kimba's fab job on her board and batten living room, you will fully understand!I walked upstairs and took this picture. No primping or priming or re-positioning. Just in its often messy state. Definitely looks more impressive when the before picture is super ugly ;)
We want to get rid of the classic metal sliders, and do a "His" and "Her's" closet. I mean, this really is a giant closet, now it just needs functionality. The futon will be moving to the basement once the basement is ready for it, hopefully with a new, sturdier mattress and...hopefully soon! (much exciting progress has taken place in said basement over the past week!).
So there you have it. That's what I came up with over the past couple days thinking this whole "New Year's" thing over. So much potential!Anyone care to share their resolutions for the new year?
PS. And no, Rob did not spend time in prison for any reason other than leading a men's bible study. Yes, he does have a few tattoos, and owns a leather skull cap, but nope, no prison time for my man.
I still use the "I just had a baby excuse" (to myself) and mine's turning 2 on Monday. ;) ;)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked the slippers. ;)
Long post with great resolutions. Shall you set yourself a reminder at the 6 month mark and see how you're coming along?
ReplyDeleteI've started running again. It is time for me too and I've run out of excuses.
xo
I think mine is getting moved with out going insane:o)
ReplyDeleteReally, I have several things on my mind but little time to write. I plan to start my new year in Feb.
Abbi had heart surgery, how come?!?!
ReplyDeletei hope she gets better fast!
:)