Motivate, Schmotivate...

Did you ever have one of those days where your brain is processing 50 million things at the same time? For instance, every time I want to blog, I get bombarded with ideas of things to write about. Each idea is worth about one paragraph, and there really isn't much transition material to mesh one idea into another. So, I sit around, talk with the girls, get a drink of water (I'm now faithfully drinking at least 4-6 glasses a day)and slap my hands when I start to reach for something sugary!

My registration with the website to post weight loss failures like NOT exercising, NOT being honest about keeping a food diary and NOT following any of the rules.... sort of went out the window! The school I work for has challenged another nearby school to a "Biggest Loser" type of contest. The Gestapo at my school who is running this contest has issued everyone their orders. "You vill co-opevate with us" he says with a smile.

I have to 1) weigh myself once a week; 2) write down every piece of food that I shovel into my bird-like mouth; 3) follow a rigid and unrealistic food plan (I am kidding a little about this) and 4) exercise for 20 minutes a day. I can't just walk the dog, or chase her around the house...I have to bench press her, lift and (whatever that other word is that professional lifters do) "squat", sit-ups, free weights (with family size soup cans), and don't forget the "Thigh-Master" exercises! I really would like to tell this guy a thing or too, but he knows what he is doing. Some time ago, he was laying flat on a gurney in the hospital, having a heart attack. He made a deal with the big guy, and he has more than come through with his part of the bargain. He is the most buff teacher we have at the school, and that includes all of our really hot P.E. teachers! And, he is the nicest person you'll ever meet! He is an inspiration to anyone who wants to improve their health and mental well-being.

Wow! I've managed to stay on target for more than a paragraph! Once I get going, it starts falling into place! Sometimes I rock! I will keep you posted on the progress when I weigh in again on Sunday! I hope that you are having a good day. If not, try to give a smile to someone and really mean it. If you can't do that, write, watch TV, or walk the fish...just stay away from the kitchen!

Let's Get Organized - Part 1

I'd like to share some information that I found in a workbook about getting organized. For me, organization is the key to start making changes in other parts of my life.

There are a dozen or so steps involved in becoming an organized thinker. One of the steps involves sitting down at night (after everyone else has gone to bed and it's just you and the dog) and planning the next day. Make a list of things you want to do on separate index cards. Then put the cards in order of priority. Make sure you have a card for shopping, meeting your bff for lunch, and getting a massage by Raul. Some people like to use blank business cards as these are easier to slip into a pocket or purse.

Another idea is the "do-it-now" system, where you don't put anything in a "pending" stack. Deal with paper and phone calls when they are first acquired. This will involve making instant decisions on some matters, but once dealt with, they're DONE! For instance, tell the collection company that is calling, you "just don't have time" to pay the bill! When reading mail or listening to messages, try scanning for major ideas to determine importance. If food, prizes, or gifts are mentioned, it's probably junk mail and you should immediately dispose of it. (Remember to shred anything with your name and address on it so that the info does not end up in the wrong hands.) If a phone message does not need a response, delete it and go on.

A "Lesson in Honesty" is to always do what you say you will do. If you give your word to complete something by a deadline, make sure that you keep it. If you can't keep your word, cry, plead and rant until you are dismissed. Then make a new deadline. Follow through on promises made. People remember who they can count on, and Kids remember...everything!

In communicating with others, be concise. Don't jerk anyone around. Write memos or emails instead of letters. Keep your words in memos and telephone calls to a minimum. Avoid long explanations or reasoning, as it sometimes alters your original idea. Say, "I can't go to lunch," instead of "I can't go to lunch because I've got so much work to do, and I have to make a doctor's appointment and pick up the dry cleaning, and yadda, yadda..."

Lastly, try to not spend your entire day blogging or on Facebook! I know it's addicting, and there is so much exciting stuff going on, but if you set a time limit for the computer (like we do for our kids with games, TV, etc.) AND stick to it, you will feel content that you participated, and still had dinner on the table by 6:00.

Good luck. Let me know what you think!