routines...

My life has been a roller coaster since I started my new job.  For my first 5 weeks, I had such an inconsistent schedule, that I couldn't get into a routine.  That made it hard to adjust the rest of my life to working full-time again.  Now that I am on a permenant schedule, I think that it will be easier.  I have already started to make some changes.

First one is picking up.  I used to pick up 3-4 times a day during any transition with the boys.  I stopped doing that and it has been chaotic!  I told myself this week, that it was OK for me to sit and relax on the couch, but NOT before the toys were picked up and the dishes taken care of.  So far so good...

Second is meal planning.  I got out of the habit of cooking lately...and I hate it.  Not only have I put on about 20-25 pounds in the past year, but we had been eating crap.  Now that I wont be here for dinners, it is SO important that I make stuff during the day for dinner.  I have this really cool book that Real Simple had at target (clearance $3.50!!) that has pockets for recipes, a meal planner, take-out menu holder, and shopping list.  it is the size of a 2-subject notebook, and lets me plan a month at a time!  Now, I never followed it to a tee, but at least it gave me a guideline!

Lastly, it is OK to stay home.  I have been on the go all summer, that I haven't taken advantage of out house and backyard.  I need to stay home and play outside, take care of the yard and gardens.  We started out so strong only to have slacked off.  Not any more :)  

My goal is to have my routine in place so that when my classes start in 2-3 weeks, I wont be a mess!!  This is going to be a great fall!!