It’s almost here!

Stupid me volunteered to take an extra shift on Saturday which means I won’t have the time to place my order online. Luckily I saved and organized a list for Ørjan so he can do it for me that morning. (If he doesn’t forget!) It was smart to take the shift because I’ll need the money to pay for my order ($300+ US) but it’ll mean yet another Saturday spent at work. Sigh. All in a day’s work I guess? It’s a good thing that a Saturday shift pays around $400.

• mail off updated info to NAV
• laundry x3
• pilates x3 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
• sign up for PULS
• write birthday announcement for RanaBlad
• make-ahead and freeze dinners
• CHILI!!!
• frame artwork
• buy all supplies for birthday bake-a-thon
• clean kitchen
• bake for Magnus
• confirm and research for London trip
• clean living and wash the floors

I had this past Saturday off which was great, but it doesn’t beat having a Monday off.  It feels like I’m playing hooky because I can sit and watch tv, sit for hours online, and I could even take a nap if I wanted to.  Of course I’m smarter than that and will probably try to do alot of work in the house, but it’s still a thought.  I plan to pace myself today and actually treat myself during my afternoon/Futurama break.  I’ve got some lovely foot clay from LUSH that I’ll use to scrub and polish, a good ol’ pumice stone to really exfoliate, and then I’ll top it off by soaking and massaging my feet again in a hot foot bath.  Now here’s what needs to be done:

• Laundry x3
• Clean out fridge
• Bake lemon sponge pudding
• Wash kitchen and diningroom floors
• Detailed cleaning of kitchen
• Tidy bedroom
• Organize Magnus and Sophie’s birthday gifts
• Brainstorm for M&S’s birthdays
• Send out emails
• Meal planning for the week
• Beefstew for Magnus
• Plan new exercise regime
• Start planning our London trip!
• Cardio and pilates (Need to be extra careful due to hip injury)
• Print announcement for cafe
• Pack M&S’s daycare bags
  

For my own sake I’m just going to get this out of the way now.  I don’t usually like to make New Year’s Resolutions but I know that some of these had to wait until now and not a day earlier.  Yes, some of them will typically top any blogger’s list, but these are things I really want to achieve and include in my daily routines.  They’re not for the sake of making a list either.  (I love making lists.)  So here we go in no particular order:

1. Quit smoking - This is at the top of my list because I’ve been smoking at work because I haven’t been able to deal with the stress and now I seriously regret it.  The cost (my health and wallet) is something I just can’t justify any longer.  I could say, “Sure, it’s only really a pack or two a week” but just one cigarette is too much.  It makes my hair and clothes smell, I don’t like keeping it a secret, and let’s not forget the stigma.  I want to be healthier in 2010 and I won’t make any progress if I continue to smoke.  I’ve been trying to cut down for weeks and I’ve been battling because of the holidays.  It’s a social thing and impossible to say no.
2. Excercise - Months ago I was doing both cardio and pilates but I haven’t been able to squeeze in the time.  I’m lucky if I can squeeze in pilates three times a week but I never feel fully accomplished.  I was going to join a spinning class with some people from work but the first sessions never happened because that week I was incredibly sick.  After that I just passed on the opportunity, but I fully intend to attend some classes in the new year.  I’d really like to get into better shape before summer hits us.  I’m not reaching for a cliche bikini-ready bod but I’d like to feel more confident when the weather warms up.
3. Save $$$ - In March and April we’ll be travelling quite a bit and it won’t be easy without some extra money.  Three nights in London, a few weeks in Hamilton and Toronto, and if we can afford it we’ll go across the border for some shopping.  I’d also like to spend a few thousand dollars on new camera equipment because at this point I’d like to take my hobby to a semi-professional status.  I’d also like to make it a point that I will be more careful about how I spend my money.
4. Read - I find very little time to read books, magazines, and my old textbooks.  I’ve been trying to keep some books by my side of the bed but I always end up passing out before I reach the third page.  I should probably make a list of books I’d like to read this year to get me started.  One thing I’d like to find time for is refreshing my language skills.  I have many textbooks and novels in French and German and it might be good idea to pull them out to see if I’m as fluent as I used to be.
5. Cut out meat - I’m not sure I’ll be able to cut out meat completely (or right away) but I’m definitely going to give it a go.  Believe it or not but once upon a time Iwent through a meatless-period and even considered myself a vegetarian.  Gasp!  Since my region isn’t exactly the most veggie-friendly area to live I don’t think I’ll give up eggs or milk but I may reduce my intake.  This is going to be hard because I really love salmon!  I’m slightly apprehensive about cutting out meat because of my anemia, but I’ve been researching iron-rich and fortified foods that I can add to my diet.  When we go into Mo tomorrow I’m going to visit the healthfood store to see what kind of tofu and meatless food they can offer.
6. Be more honest with myself and others. I consider myself to be a very honest person but at sometimes I hold back because I’d rather not reveal how I feel.  There are many times I’m unhappy or unsatisfied with something about work but I always keep my mouth shut.  There are also many days I wish Ørjan would help with the house and the kids but just sigh at the end of the evening.  Here’s the really tricky one – when people ask for my opinion I will give it to them.  No more sugar coating it!  I have no intentions of being mean or rude, but I won’t lie when I really dislike something or find something false.  I think this is a positive move on my part.
7. Start writing. This includes personal diary entires, blogging, and letters and people at home.  I’ve been slagging when it comes to that promise I made to keep better contact with family and friends.  Yes life is chaotic but there are no excuses now.
8. Make time for my hobbies and crafting. Ørjan bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and I have nothing but good intentions for a line up of projects, but the real question I have to consider is whether I actually have time for it.  I can sew, infact I’m quite ok (thanks to some classes) but I also procrastinate more than I’d like to.  I’ve purchased fabric over the past two years but have barely touched it.  Now with my weightloss I have to take in or hem my jeans and I can’t do this without my sewing machine.  Maybe I’ll start tonight.
9. Piano-love. My kids love banging the keys and playing along with me when I have my musical moments, but I’d really like to spend more time with them trying to get them interested in music.  I have no expectations that I’ll be training prodigies but it would be nice if they enjoyed it.  Perhaps when we go to Canada for Easter I’ll bring back some of my old books just for a refresher.  At the moment I’ve only been playing kids songs (themes from Totoro and Drømmehagen) and random music you might hear an icecream truck playing.  I was classically trained – I must put those years to better use!
10. Give. This is a promise and committment that I will give more time to myself, others, and the community.  Since I started working again (it was never meant to be full-time!) I feel like I’ve been more negative and have given up on many of my beliefs.  I want to be more positive and give more live and time to those I hold close.  If I can keep my life balanced I will volunteer for more than just extra hours at work.

This list isn’t written in stone and I’m sure that I’ll add more as the months approach, but I wanted to get this up as a reminder to myself that I have things to strive for this year.  It’s a work in progress and there’s no possibility for failure.

With only two days left until Christmas (in Norway we celebrate on the 24th) there’s still so much I have to do!  And trust me, it’s not for a lack of motivation either – I just don’t have the time!  The kids are finally in bed so I’m going to have to bust my butt for the next couple of hours.  Since I work tomorrow I’ve been trying to keep myself motivated to stay on task. Here’s the list of tasks I MUST complete!  (I’ve got 3-5 hours)  I’ve decided I can do this tomorrow.

• Boil stock for the gravy
• Prepare stuffing for the turkey
• Make herbed butter mixture for the turkey
• Find/wash/iron clothes for xmas
• Do laundry x2
• Iron xmas table cloth and curtains
• Wash serveware/serving sets and glasses for dinner
• Decorate gingerbread house?

I’m sure there’s more I wanted to do so I’ll come back and edit this much later.

Tomorrow’s hopeful list

• Detailed cleaning of living room
• Hang curtains
• Clean and organize fridge for dinner
• Last minute decorations
• Bake?
• Dessert?
• Last shopping trip before holiday

I have to be at work for 13.00 but today’s our Christmas lunch so I’ll have to come in earlier.  It’s nice that we have a lunch for us but regretfully I just don’t have the time for it.  Saturday was meant to be my day of baking but since I got called in my plans completely changed and now I’m struggling to squeeze in time for the huge tasks that seemed so small last month. I’ve been working so many extra shifts and although the money is great I realize I’ve been working too much and hope that next year I’ll learn to say no.

I wanted to bake a gingerbread house from scratch this year but now I’ve resorted to using ready-made dough.  This morning I had all the intentions for rolling out the dough and baking the plates but I just couldn’t be bothered.  Instead I’ve been baking baked gingerbread polarbears and moose (to be decorated tomorrow) for Magnus and Sophie and gifts for the kids in this place.  When I go into work this afternoon the first thing I plan on buying is a ready-made gingerbread house kit.  The kids are so young that I think they’ll just look at it anyways.

Luckily Tuesday and Wednesday are day shifts so I’ll be home in the evenings and maybe I’ll find the time to prepare for Christmas.  Incase I never mentioned it we’re hosting Christmas dinner and I have yet to find the time to prepare a single thing!  I have to iron the tablecloths, wash the serving plates/dinnerware, and let’s not forget the food!  I’ll be preparing a Canadian-style dinner so I feel slightly less pressure, but how will the Norwegians receive it?  Ha!

Now I’ve got less than two hours to get myself ready, prepare and plate dinner for Ørjan and the kids, and squeeze in some pilates if I can manage it!  I would like to clean the kitchen and diningroom but it’s doubtful I have time for that.  Ach.  Time, I just need more time.

I took today off thinking that Magnus and Sophie’s Lucia/Christmas breakfast was today but ooops it’s actually tomorrow.  No worries though because I plan to use my last remaining day off to prepare for Christmas and all the insanity it entails.  In Norway we celebrate on the 24th which realistically means I only have a week to prepare the house for dinner, guests, and anything else that I’ve been avoiding until now.  Saturday was a waste because we spent half the day in Mo and then the evening playing Guitar Hero (with red wine!) and it took an extra hour to wake myself on Sunday.  Now I’ve got so much to do today and I’m not sure I’ll be able to accomplish everything.  Here’s hoping!

• Clean fridge
• Clean bedroom/wallpaper last wall
• Wrap last gifts
• Decorate the tree
• Hem the kids’ Lucia dresses
• Laundry x3
• Write remaining Christmas cards!
• Print out photos for daycare
• Upload photos
• Pepperkakehus!  (Gingerbread house)
• Pilates
• Plan next week’s schedule
• Prepare tomorrow’s dinner
• Drag myself to the shop to get foooood! (I hate this weather!
• Prepare camera equipment for tomorrow

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Friday I cut my fingers at work (got slammed between the storage door) and Saturday I fell down the stairs when I missed a step taking out the garbage.  My right hand is sore and my left foot is so tender.  My clumsiness couldn’t come out at a better time.

It’s my only day off this week and tomorrow we’re getting a visit from Ørjan’s dad.  (If you didn’t know Ørjan doesn’t have too much contact with his biological father for reasons I can’t get into now.)  It’s my strong belief that when you have guests it’s your obligation and responsibility to treat them with respect and be as hospitable as possible.  Whether you’re hosting a party or just having someone for coffee I feel it’s important to have a clean house, something to offer them, and have everything prepared well in advance.  I feel the same way about being a guest as well – As a guest you must dress your best, bring/offer something, and be well-prepared in advance.  Since Knut (dad) will be picking up the kids from daycare because I have an evening shift there’s plenty to do.

Here’s what I plan to scratch off my list:

• Get Christmas gifts ready
• Detailed cleaning of bathroom(s)
• Detailed cleaning of living room and kitchen
• Vacuum and wash the floors
• Clean the fridge
• Do laundry x3 (plus linens)
• Pilates!
• Print out photos for daycare x2
• Write out Christmas cards
• Homemade lasagne (which means homemade sauce!)
• Tidy bedroom
• Send and research info for Magnus’ hospital trip next month (We’ll be in Bodø [Norlandssykehuset] for a week next month for his testing)
• Upload photos
• Bake oatmeal cookies for visit and work
• Send business plan for Christmas sale
• Late night physio appointment?  (If I can manage to squeeze it in after work!)
• Skim through the 257 unread emails in my inbox
• Blog if there’s any time leftover

The list looks long but I’m determined to accomplish each task and make no excuses!  Now if only we had a little daylight/sunlight my day would be wonderful.  Yeah, it’s early December which means we practically live in darkness for the next month and a half.  Ahhhhhhh!  Maybe I should make some coffee for a quick mood-boost.  I’m already anxious… maybe because I have more energy since I forced myself to eat a bite for breakfast?  Now if only I didn’t have a sleepy kitty on my head this might work out.

It’s mid-October but my mind is already in holiday mode.  Christmas is my busiest season because not only does it mean extra hours, it also means I tend to lose my sanity as I struggle to find balance in my life and work.  People have already started approaching me about Christmas orders and while it makes me blush, I already feel a severe headache boiling in the back of my head.  In the past couple of months most of my posts have been about the stress and exhaustion I’ve struggled with to balance family and work. My main  fear for next month is that it’s just going to be shit.  I won’t lie.  I need to plan my upcoming schedule carefully because I don’t want to risk being burned out.  In any case, here’s what my week is looking like:

• Clean/scrub bathroom
• Bake for work
• Laundry x3
• Weeknight sushi! (Ørjan’s working more overtime and I like to treat him.)
• Send notices to the club
• Start organizing and brainstorm new packaging for Christmas orders
• Print and frame Sophie’s daycare family
• Order supplies from Canada
• Send out early surprise gift
• Christmas shopping!  (The madness began two weeks ago!)
• Manga order
• Photograph items for etsy shop
• Plan meals for the week
• Update my exercise routine

Granted I only have two days off (Monday and Thursday) I’m still optimistic that I can scratch everything off my list.  I just need to be strict and wake up to the reality that the next week is going to be tough.  I’ll definitely be making more money but my hours will be rough and I doubt I’ll get enough sleep.  Ouf.  I complain, but oh I love the stress.

Today is a planning/activity day at Magnus and Sophie’s daycare which really means one of us had to be home with the kids.  Of course I said I’d do it and now I’m working an evening shift instead.  Ach.  At least now with some time at home I can finally get some things done around here.

• Daycare errands
• Reserve flight and order other tickets for upcoming trip(s)
• Laundry x10
• Clean bedroom
• Plan dinners for the next week(s)
• Bento order
• Send mail/packages
• Inquire about Magnus’ hospital testing
• Magnus’ pediatric appointment (17.09.09)
• Sophie’s appointment (??.09.09)
• Bank meeting
• Run through new menu
• Edit and reprint menu
• Planning for uncle J’s birthday
• Detailed cleaning of the twin wagon
• Hair appointment
  

Oh there’s more… but my brain can’t seem to function right now.  Need sleep.  Maybe I should add “sleep more” to the list?