You know what is cool? So many times you guys will mention something that you see in my day through reading my posts that I didn't see and VOILA, it becomes like a little eye opener. A bright spot so to speak. When commenting on how my Saturday went, Pearlieq mentioned that I refocused my energy in the evening. You know, that is true, but at the time I didn't see it and therefore didn't realize that I was refocusing.

This obviously means a step in the right direction where I have begun to learn some skills that I don't have to counciously think about as often.

So unlike the "before".
Yesterday was pretty good. I cannot begin to tell you how much was accomplished. I feel so good. DD18 cleaned out the pantry, as DD15 had to work. Our pantry is like a huge walkin closet (not as big as some that are in bedrooms now, but pretty big) and ends up holding and storing a lot of stuff that is not used often. Plus over the past year it has more than accumulated "stuff". Of course, I spent the most time putting things back where I wanted them. Did the same thing with the previous closet. Thought about how we really use it and what stuff is missed because it is up too high, etc. Then set about organizing it for success! Even found a bunch of tins for Christmas cookies this year.

The kids crafts fit in so well on one shelf (a large shelf), so now the storage area for those items is closer to where they work on them. Easier for them to see and momma's hard and fast rule now is: If you don't put it away when you are done, I throw it away.
It may seem strange, but I can really see how Dr. Phil's comment about setting up your ENTIRE environment for success can increase your weight loss efforts and help you maintain later. Think about it. A good portion of us probably have areas that we let pile up for one reason or another. After the pile gets to big, it is overwhelming to tackle (especially if there is a lot of them), and so we get a little depressed, don't want to think about it and go do something else, like watch tv and then eat. Yes, I have done this many many times and not realized it. Not that my house is a total disaster, but know one really knows the amount of effort that goes into speed cleaning when we have company coming.....ssshhhhh.
So think about this. Not out of the book, but the book did help me rethink some things. Yesterday, I was thinking about how I can maintain my closets for success and eventually all other rooms. Then better yet, how does that help me in this weight loss journey? If I make sure that everyone puts things where they go the first time (including myself) and not just let it be dumped for me to later go through it, then I am saving my life with a one minute act. In one minute, this is what I would have accomplished by simply putting something away:
1. The item is put away
2. The item won't become part of the pile
3. The pile won't become overwhelming because it doesn't exist
4. My house will be cleaner and easier to maintain with little effort
5. I won't become overwhelmed from the non existant pile
6. I won't get depressed since I won't be overwhelmed
7. I won't ignore everything by sitting on the couch and eating since there is nothing to ignore
8. I won't gain weight since I won't be eating when I shouldn't
9. I will be more active by walking the extra 10 or 20 feet to put an item away.
10. I will be happier since I will have reduced some stressors and set up my environment for success.
11. I will have more time for my family since the amount of time spent on the house will actually be less if things are put away after use.
Now how great is that one minute? Pretty cool.
You know what sounds silly? I used to live my life that way when I was a thinner person. The house was always in order (not immaculate, but in order). Where then did I let that one minute escape me? Oh well, the important thing is that I am finding it again and getting back to the real me.
I did get some projects in my office done yesterday, my little plan of sectioning time for things did work. My office is getting more organized and I managed to get somethings out into other areas of the house where they will really be used.

It's getting there.
Now the down side, which really isn't bad. I didn't get that exercise since I focused so much on getting things done and didn't do a good job of taking breaks. But at least I was active. I also didn't eat well, not bad, but not great because I didn't make time for eating. Can we say that I went from one end of the fence to the other?
AM snack was carrots. Lunch was late, only because I didn't stop and I was in the kitchen with the pantry!

DH had some chips on the table and as I was organizing, I grazed on those for a little bit, but didn't over do. When I finally stopped for lunch there wasn't any tuna. Who ate the tuna?

No one knows. Quick thinking before I eat all the chips.........LC Chicken Chow Mein. I didn't eat the whole thing, just wasn't hungry. Then I realized that our dinner was supposed to be chicken and rice, the same as my lunch, so much for that. PM snack, I ate some of DH's pasta, again very late. Supper. We had a taco dip/salad. It's kind of like a warm salad when we do it for supper. Pretty good, but I ate too much and then when recording on fitday, I realized that it is not as low in calories as I had thought. Those refried beans will kill you, but at least it is protein?

Water was good.
New day!
Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 1/2 c. canteloupe, 1/2 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c. tea w/vanilla
AM snack: veggies and cheese
Lunch: Tuna wrap and salad (better go shopping)
PM snack: fruit and milk or the smoothie
Supper: Probably some leftovers. We have plenty of salads and fruits.
Goals for day:
1. Watch the clock better for planned breaks
2. Stop for my meals and snacks, don't work through
3. 15 minutes of exercise before each snack
4. 2 hours on GS
5. 3 hours on paperwork
6. Bills
7. 1/2 hour honing on Library Board budgets (meeting tonight to approve budget)
8. 1/2 hour to clear my copier & the daybed in my office
9. Dejunking of the little kids stuff.
Sounds like a lot of stuff to do, but I am not worried. I accomplished alot yesterday, I can delegate, and was fine with the things I didn't get to. Let's see what happens when things are a little more specific.
Enough Yakking. Time to get the rest of the day going. Everyone have a wonderful day!
