|
|
Ready,Set,Declutter!
|
Lisa James: Posted on Friday, September 02, 2011 1:25 AM
 At the center of every strong family is a mom that fights to make things better for her children in every way imaginable!
Long term planner, master efficiency and time-management expert and best friend.
At the end of the day she is a loving advocate, who is in the trenches EVERYDAY!!
By necessity, she just gets it done.
I love to hear details about the daily lives of great moms. The skill and finesse that it takes to keep the family machine running smoothly, all while managing finances, commitments to community and often times second jobs at night. And not simply for one or two runny noses, but often times for upwards of 5 or 6!!
I get winded just thinking about the laundry and dishes for 2 on a weekly basis!!
A mother is an invaluable asset to the community!
A coworker mom friend of mine has a schedule that rivals any company CEO's. She gets more done in her mornings for her family (before she comes to work) than most accomplish all week. Its just a normal day for her!
Everyone benefits from having great moms in their midst. When life becomes overwhelming, it's a mom's sage wisdom that pulls a household/community back to practical realities!
BACK TO SCHOOL. BACK TO THE BUDGET. BACK ON TRACK!
WE are all responsible for building our communities.
But moms give us a mindfully crafted ROADMAP to get us there!
Moms help remind us when its time to get back to basics because they don't have the luxury of being off track--EVER.
When my life takes me off on a tangent, my mom reminds me of what is truly important and needs getting accomplished.
After all, it's moms' unyielding efforts that propel us into our often uncertain futures with gentle, loving pushes forward. We gather ourselves, organize and start
yet again with the help of our moms.
Whether it's preparing for the next game, the next recital, the next big life move...our moms give us a fresh perspective to get it done.
Its what they do!
|
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 2:25 AM
There are times when its easy to be pleasant, mindful, gracious... and others when you have just hit your limit.
Most often that moment collides with another person's real need.
We live in times where everyone needs something.
Today I am pressing my RESET BUTTON. I say this having thought long and hard about what my intentions are and give myself permission to not GIVE anything that I cannot give freely and without stress. Sounds harsh, but sometimes it comes to that. Women give until it becomes apparent to loved ones that something is extremely wrong. "You need to rest more! You're burning the candle at both ends..."
But what friends and family sometimes fail to realize is that your commitments to them are intertwined with the often grueling schedules that we maintain! Saying NO means also saying NO to the very people that say they don't want us stressed out.
Asking for favors at the last minute, expecting others to drop everything for you, making special requests...can all create anxiety in the person asked.
I notice that when my schedule is jam packed with must dos, I don't want to have to do anything on my own time. Even fun things sound overwhelming--the logistics of going some place, who's attending? what to wear (and do I have to iron it)? the time,the place, what if any itenerary is planned...A changed iteneray at the last minute or no itenerary also creates anxiety for me. Going with the flow sounds relaxing enough, but for many people its just another way of pulling you into several activities that you are not necessarily up for or mentally equipped to handle at the time!
How important the event, can also add to the stress of attending!
If your car runs out of gas on the interstate, you can't argue with it or ask it to continue to go! Well, you can try, but little good will it do. You are not in a position to go any further. You come to a dead stop and require roadside assistance. Period. But just before that, your low fuel gauge comes on, usually giving you a heads up in ample time to reach a gas station.
The hoops we find ourselves jumping through to please others deplete our stores of energy in the same way and do us little good in the long run. But at what point do we notice? Women get few symptoms of heart attack before one comes, so we must be vigilant about preventing stress and anxiety in our day to day lives. So what is the gauge for slowing down and stopping before it gets to that point? Who reminds us to take better care of ourselves. Perhaps it is a close friend or family member (that isn't biased and will tell us the truth!) or a coworker that notices you have more on your mind lately...Or maybe its YOU! Usually the friends and family that we rely on to tell us are also the ones who will be disappointed if we slow down as it relates to them.
I remember the cruise ship captain on that tv show LOVE Boat...He would smile and greet guests as they arrived, and reassure and calm weary travelers. His presence throughout the ship was a calming reminder to others that someone would be manning the helm at all times. Even if the trip is all about FUN, there is always someone
reminding you that things are running smoothly.
Who reminds us about living in balance? Who reminds us to say NO when it comes to maintaining our sanity, even when it means doing so at someone else's expense.
Living in balance really is a struggle sometimes! But it is critical if we want to maintain our sanity!
|
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 3:59 AM
Love Sacky style purses?
Hate how you have to dig forever for keys, your wallet...?
My Hack: Insert a medium sized Tupperware container into the bottom of
your purse to keep it sturdy. Add individual inserts to group
items for easy access.
Spend less time trying to find your items!
|
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 1:27 AM
 Today was potluck day at work. It was significant because there was absolutely no reason for one.
No birthday. No baby shower. No promotion. No retirement.
But I decided we (the team) needed one. Every chance I got I mentioned to the supervisor and coworkers that we needed to have a potluck. We all stay in at lunch, but eat in groups--informally, but somewhat segregated by table. Usually the Filipinos sit at one table, Hispanics sit in another area...
This was my attempt at creating community where it didn't exist prior. When people, coworkers in particular gather around food something wonderful happens. Dialogue opens up. Bridges are built.
A friend used to say "Go Where The Love Is". It was his mantra.
I liked the saying and would use it often! I used to think
THE LOVE meant a specific person, such as associate yourself with those that are supportive of YOU, YOUR vision, and GIVE YOU something!
Now I believe the love isn't a person but an OPPORTUNITY or DOOR that you choose to create by building a bridge toward better outcomes, through sowing seeds of goodwill, and waiting to see what unfolds.
In my case today THE LOVE is... - creating moments at work that are filled with passion and enjoyment where others don't expect care to be taken
- sharing for absolutely no reason (an orange, a banana, a compliment...)
What does "Go Where The Love Is" mean to you?
What is a saying that you use to describe how you see the world?
|
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 3:46 AM
 I've been thinking alot about how we create beauty and meaning in our lives and how we get there through our list making.
Our lists can help get us where we want to be. But so often we are sidetracked from what matters most by the lists we created.
Most of my lists reflect the week that lies ahead. But I've been thinking alot about the lists that arise from passion and design... not just the obligatory fix that, go there, pickup that grocery list.
I am addicted to list making--as my friends and family can attest.
There's the Personal Assistant in me that sees the list as a necessary evil to be maintained no matter what is going on. But then there's the Designer in me that sees the list as this dynamic exciting thing that I create.
I salivate as I put a red line through a completed item or a big DONE stamp atop a task. And I am constantly penciling in more items as friends and family share their calendars with me. God forbid I should miss an appointment or gathering! but I'm working on that!
If my list were a tree, each branch, and leaf for that matter would be yet another list to be checked off.
And since I switched from paper lists (franklin planner) to digital lists (blackberry memo pad), to my surprise they have expanded. Something about typing versus hand writing notes has made me a bit more manic about the list making. Right now my lists are more like weeds that have overtaken the garden. But no worries.
With times very uncertain and stressful for so many, my lists provide comfort. Most things we cannot control (fuel prices, job layoffs, natural disasters, deaths...), but we can most definitely set our intentions through list making and prepare for new days and opportunities to start again!
What does your list look like? Are you on the right path? What keeps you motivated?
I highly recommend Life Mapping by Bill Cohen.... this book has changed how I make my lists today!
|
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2011 5:05 PM
 I frequently wander the web for words about clutter. We all have some form of it in our lives in one way or another. Spending this Memorial day Weekend checking off lists...while simultaneously making new ones for next weekend, I am inspired by others and amazed at how we build these little projects into what are already very hectic days. This blog post will be an ongoing conversation...with myself (always a loner!) to gain more insight into what I do on a daily basis. The Little Red Hen Studio Blog has a funny post ala her Wolves at the door. We all need a bit of humor to get us through our cluttered and over-scheduled days! Feel free to visit this topic with your words. I'm getting lonely out here! |
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Friday, May 27, 2011 2:07 AM
 After several weeks of minor struggles and small inconveniences I have come to the conclusion that life will always be some combination of prep,cleanup and a willingness to embrace what is often times an annoyance. Its how I learn to handle it all on a daily basis that will be the true test of my abilities.
One of my jobs requires me to be very disciplined mentally. There is very little room for mistakes, and the culture is always about TEAM. There is little PRIVACY-- and very little autonomy.
The upside??
I have come to expect my personal time to be more disciplined and what I choose. My mental dialog is mine to create! No unnecessary drama! No taking what I have worked so hard to maintain! I try to stay self contained, mindful...and when someone doesn't do the inner work on his/her end this is unacceptable. So what started out to be a tough transition is now a meditation on wellness, discipline and intention. Strict rules and regulations at work allow me to bring more intention to my personal life and all that I do at work.
Now when given constructive criticism, I resist the urge to make excuses,because there is always a new perspective to gain from a coworker. Taking and accepting advice takes practice. Leaving my ego at the door 24/7 is impossible. But I try to bring patience and my good intentions to it. One side note... My overall diet has improved because to have mental
clarity and discipline brain food is a necessity! I need stamina to
perform at my best.
|
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 2:05 AM
I worked for an Architect that would always ask me if I was having fun. Initially I thought it an odd question. Work may be pleasant, sometimes bearable, but not usually fun. She said we should be striving not just for efficiency, but FUN. What does fun mean? I can think of a few ways to describe fun, but in relation to work I must admit I have yet to experience the two simultaneously!
Children know what fun is. Upon dropping a friend's girls off to school I shouted "HAVE FUN" as I left. They looked quizzically back at me as if to say "THAT'S A NO BRAINER!". Kids don't need to be reminded to have fun. Adults do.
In a conversation with her 5 year old son about why I wasn't visiting him to cook as often these days I told him that my jobs were keeping me very busy and that I miss our time together cooking and...HAVING FUN. "Why can't you work less and have more fun," he asked? Well, to make more money sometimes I need to take on additional jobs and hours.
"Why can't you work less jobs and make more money?" Kids do say the darndest things!
Well, that would be nice but jobs don't usually pay more money for less work (Darn!)
He said, "Why is that? "
Hmmm...
Trying to explain underemployment and why adults have to have jobs in the first place to a 5 year old is tough!
But it did give me pause for a moment. Because he is right. I should be spending my days having more fun. Work is necessary, but having fun should also be a requirement.
My cup is filled with both. So why don't I make both a requirement?? We all could learn a thing or two from kids and their ability to require a blissful experience during all activities, no matter how simple. FUN/CREATIVITY is at the core of everything kids do! They build fun into all aspects of what they do on a moment-by-moment basis. Adults are lucky if we have fun once a week! Somewhere we have lost the ability to make having fun at work and home necessary. We would all be much more productive and pleasant to be around if we made having fun a top priority.
|
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 4:09 AM
 Must admit, I am hooked on 99cent only stores!!
My mom started going there back when I was still
shopping at the main chain stores. I thought I needed all the options that the chain stores provided.
She would come home with all those pink bags (now the reusable ones!) and a couple extra bags of items for me to try and still stayed within her budget for the week. I didn't know that they
had so many of the brands and items that I liked and some that I didn't think to try.
I was a coupon clipper, but would never use them in time! Most of the items didn't fit my preferences anyhow and that's part of the reason I wasn't motivated to get there in time!
Now I just head to the 99 with a very simple shopping list, but always leaving space for items not on my list for the pantry such as:
fresh garlic cloves assorted onions canned tuna
canned refried beans condensed soups cartons of chicken or vegetable broth canned spaghetti sauces
canned salsa verde
organic canned tomatoes
baking soda for cleaning
My shopping list always includes the organic cactus tortillas (nopaltillas)! I am hooked! They make great tacos, quesadillas, and chips!
I think of my trips to the 99 as frugal shopping hunts. The small produce sections provide simple options where simple is exactly what is needed! It makes for less confusion about what to prepare. Back when the major supermarkets went on strike, rather than cross the picket lines, like most people I headed to Trader Joe's, which got me used to shopping and choosing from a smaller selection of brands, produce, canned goods, breads,...you name it! You had about three choices for every item on offer. Like shopping at a general store! But I grew to like that approach and appreciated the purchases more because of it!
I forgot what my preferences used to be when I
had more choices (than I wanted) in every category. Simplifying the
items made for a better shopping experience overall. It forced me to
shop more frugal, albeit creatively. I noticed the difference
immediately. With less items to choose from, your menus become simpler, which teaches
simpler eating habits. Then you begin to think about eating and cooking
differently. Every meal does not have to be a use- every- appliance or-
pot-and-pan- in- the- house- to- prepare- it- meal! You tend to consume
more raw foods and less meats as well.
As I navigate the 99, I scan the sections for brands I recognize, even organic offerings and overall healthier brands. I try to avoid the high sodium, sugary and empty calorie choices. I don't even walk down the soda or candy aisles, unless I'm making my way to the produce section. The snack aisle can be tempting as well, but there you can find healthy crackers such as RyKrisp and WASA nearby. The refrigerated section has several good yogurt options and cheeses on hand.
Some of my 99s finds... WASA crackers with fruit and cheese make a great European style snack or meal!
No cooking involved!
Three-pound bag of oranges is great for snacks throughout the week or juicing for your breakfast OJ.
Mangoes provide a creative alternative to grapes or other fruit.
With mini bananas for your cereal, one is enough.
Single portions of mixed nuts and raisins are great to go in your purse and help stave off the between-meal hunger pangs!
Plantains are a unique addition to your beans and rice dishes.
Meal replacement/energy bars such as Kashi's GoLean bars taste great!
Cucumbers are great as a snack alone or with salt, pepper and olive oil!
Shredded carrots are a fast addition to meals!
My mom usually preps hers in a large salad with lettuce and red cabbage that she also uses for adding to her taco filling throughout the week!
Asian pears are a great alternative to apples...usually more crisp and just as tasty!
There is no end to the ideas you can come up with if you set your mind on living more healthy and frugal and stores like the 99cent only stores can help! |
|
|
Lisa James: Posted on Saturday, January 08, 2011 12:58 AM
Come back to your breaths, and this present moment. Even if it is the labored and exhausted present. "What class are you signed up for my girlfriend asked"? "The ALL LEVELS class." I should have signed up for the BEGINNERS class. But NOOOO I had to take the
ALL LEVELS...because I had taken Yoga before on several occasions....several years ago, thank you!
But I never suffered through a class like this. With the first signs of a cold coming New Year's weekend, I wanted to go into 2011 having had at least one class under my belt before 2011. Since it wasn't 2011 yet, TECHNICALLY it wasn't a New Year's resolution... just a lame attempt at leaning into the new year with optimism (and a bit of EGO)...and a really sore throat to boot (just a carry-over from 2010!) "I will go at the pace I decide," I said to my girlfriend. Ooh!!, even I didn't really trust it once I said it. But we'll see. There's still time to dust off some of my "old moves..." asanas.
And that's exactly what happened. But not in a good way. I was having difficulty on several levels. Wearing my socks didn't help, creating gripping problems (but I was freezing cold!)
The ego is such a powerful thing! at what point during physical pain and exhaustion...when you know you can't go any further in that moment do you give up the ghost!
About 30 minutes.
I return to Child's Pose...panting like a dog between poses.
In days of old ( the 1990s :)), YOGA was a magical, mystical experience for me. I even remember the song we sang during class.
May the longtime sun shine upon youuuuu...,
all love surround youuuuu...
and the pure light within youuuuu... guide your way onnnnn...
Guide your way onnnnn... Guide your way onnnnn!!!
Today its just plain tough!!! No singing. No sitting and just breathing. No skating through this. As a matter of fact I think I lost my skate key...somewhere between the last plank pose and the handstand...that I couldn't hold, 'cause my slippery palm and fingers couldn't grip the mat to hold my pear shaped body up . But all is well. I keep telling myself this while in the present of the moments. Being rusty and out of shape is just part of thoughts going through my mind.
"I am where I am and it is what it is" Translation: I go at my own pace and accept things as they are in this moment.
Sooo grateful for the Savasana (corpse pose) at the end!! I almost went right to sleep during this pose from sheer exhaustion from 2010! I left the class humbled, but to return again in 2011. I promise.
|
|
|
|
|
