So I'm going through a phase. My girls have apparently noticed a pattern with me and it goes like this: I get very enthusiastic about something, a project or a lifestyle change, and I get a little manic and very enthusiastic with it all. For a while. It never lasts (hence my grudging acceptance of the word "phase"....) and I NEVER LEARN FROM IT. I'm consistent I'll give myself that.
I have often defended myself, to me a phase is never wasted, never pointless, I've learned something from every one, even if I haven't maintained the new improved Wendy, and automatically reverted to the lazier, more wasteful, more stressed me. Every time!
But I've been thinking about this. My phases have become repetitive over the years, which must mean they're not phases, they're just stages! One example is cooking from scratch - I've done this on and off for years and years. When I have the time I cook, when I don't, I don't.
Then there's de-cluttering. I blummin' hate mess but a minimalist I am not and never ever will be. And like cooking, on and off I have a big de-clutter, tidy up and organise. When I have the time I keep things organised, when I don't, I don't.
Being frugal and thrifty... One of my most regular, most faithful phases that puts the fear of God into Robbie and the girls because I can be VERY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THIS ONE. When I have the time I write lists, trawl the internet, markets, car booties and charity shops, and tighten the Hannah budget belt like a pro. When I have the time I save money, when I don't, I don't.
Now, one of the points of this Blog was for me to record my progress with some of the above (as I was going through a phase at the time...!) So I am preparing. I am organising. I am gearing up... Because I am DETERMINED that when I go back to work next month, when I go back to being busy with work and my Degree, my home life will run like clockwork. Oh yes. That's right. 3 phases on the go at once... Run and hide girls!
So, first a wardrobe overhaul. I have half of a small wardrobe, two drawers and a couple of storage boxes. Not a lot.
So, the clothes I do have need to be worth keeping, and here's where honest opinions are welcomed. If something doesn't suit me it's a goner.
Pink shift dress. £2 from the CASE charity shop.
Think I like it...!
Flouncy number from eBay. Bit low cut (primark vest top'll fix that). £2.50 from eBay.
No idea when I'd wear it. So far it's only outing has been to see Blondie - my dress and I loved that little trip yes we did!
This is a keeper, these are my "What'll I wear today? Oh I know, my cream trousers that are a bugger to iron but go with anything!"
Next - get organised. Getting there. That's one drawer of paperwork and three shelves done. Theory being that when I go back to work everything is bang up to date and I'll just need to keep on top of it rather than constantly spend time looking for things or repeating stuff. Which I do a lot.
And then there's organsing my routine. I love myself a good self-help book that actually gives you sensible suggestions. Did the "1 week to personal success" exercise way back in 2006 and it was actually quite good. May well do it again. Never a bad thing to consciously root out the rubbish in your life to make space for TIME.... the stuff of dreams!
Frugal and Thrifty. Easy just now as I'm on holiday! £1.50 for the most beautiful deep purple Gladioli. I love flowers, positively lift the spirits donchya think?
And we played Monopoly last night. And I won. For the VERY FIRST TIME.
So very proud of myself and very smug at my cleverness.
The board before I put hotels on Park Lane and Mayfair. Oh yes!
And what else have I been doing that's quite literally going to change my life? I've cleaned out my Email and Facebook. Took me hours but omiword what a difference it's already made. I get at least 50 work related emails a day and only because my address has been passed onto any Tom Dick or Harry that wants to sell me a fax machine, sanitise my keyboard or sell me a sandpit. No more! I sat one night and unsubscribed to literally hundreds of sites, and since then I'm lucky if I've had 3 emails a day. I can't quite believe the difference this one small act has made actually. It's so nice to have a tidy Inbox!
As for Facebook... Small is beautiful is all I can say. A condensed version of the original, with only a handful of relevant sites "liked", and the odd, negative "friend" discreetly unfollowed, and now I can check it once at night in just five minutes, and it's enjoyable because it's stuff I want to read. Again, life changing! Both of these things now neat and tidy and relevant. Happy days!
So, if all goes to plan I will now have more time for the things I love. Like these three things for example:
Eldest all dressed up for a job interview. Poor love tried jogging last week and has ended up with very painful tendonitis in both her ankles. Can barely walk and is in agony. Good little Mummy rubbed Arnica oil on them before the very important interview that I REALLY hopes she rocks.
And she was so grateful she willingly and happily let me take a pic of her in her new interview outfit. Not.
Millie. Dark and mysterious and very difficult to get a decent pic of! She's in there honest, see, eyes!
That's right Belle, stay there looking all arty while I take a quick pic....
No, take a picture of my face, go on, I'm gorgeous!
If anybody has any hints or tips for saving time, saving money, and making life a bit easier, please let me know!
Be back soon!
Wendy x
