Gifts of Time and Other Things

I had a great post for you today with a little video.  But the vlogging gods are against me today or all of the folks in San Francisco at the WWDC are sucking the internet juice and making it impossible for me to upload a video.

Maybe tomorrow.

I've been wanting to write this post for a week now so I guess today is as good as day as any.  I've been on a Self-Help Book kick.  I'm always working hard to better myself and seek a better understanding of why I feel the way I do.

If you have any issues with shame or not feeling like you're good enough....you have to read Dr. Brene Brown's books.  The most recent book that I read from her was The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. It made me realize that I am enough just the way I am and that if people don't like who I am...that isn't my problem. I'm not everyone's cup of tea and that is okay!  I also learned that my past doesn't define me and that I can't let other people shame me into doing what they want.  My goal is to live a wholehearted and authentic life.

Because of this book...I'm reading more, creating more, reflecting more and loving the life that I've created for myself.

The next two books I had on hold at the library and they became available at the same time. They were perfect to read together and resulted in the creation of a time sheet that I fill out daily keeping track of what I need to do....and how I spend my time.



168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think helped me realize that I have much more time than I think I do.  Once I started writing down what I was doing each day and where I was spending my time....I was much more conscience of how much time I was wasting. I can easily lose several hours in front of the computer.  I decided what things are most important to me.  Creating with my kids, reading, sitting on the patio with a glass of wine and my husband.

I'm going to purchase a copy of Organized Simplicity because she has the best organizing tips I've ever seen! Her tag line on her book is...the clutter-free approach to Intentional Living. I love that!
She calls her sheet, her daily docket and I borrowed her MIT idea for my sheet. MIT stands for Most Important Tasks. I only make three a day so that I know that I can get them done and I love marking things off from a list!

The book that has made a huge difference in my life.  The final piece of the puzzle.  I truly believe that God put these books into my hands in the order that he did because he wanted to me to see where my time was going....and how there were things being neglected.  I was being neglected and I was neglecting him.  One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.  Time is racing away from me and how I spend my 168 hours each week is important.  I need to pay attention to the moments and thank God for them. The many gifts that are right in front of me each day....each week.

It's already been my goal to give my kids' the best childhood that I can.  To give them experiences and teach them lessons but there are so many little things that I wasn't noticing.  Things that you can only notice if you are still....and paying attention.  Living in the moment!


Many people want more time in their day....they don't have enough hours to get everything done. Are the items on your to-do list really that important? Here's what I want you to know.  You have all the time you need.....the trick is to do less, pay attention more and count your gifts.  And living in a 990 square foot apartment with less stuff is also very helpful!



"I'm sharing my awesome with Momma Made It Look Easy and you can too!

In case you missed it.....

Our 2011 Summer of Fun List
My Summer Reading List

What I Learned This Week: Crazy Edition

I learned that bonding with a child doesn't cost anything but time.

I learned that I'm stronger than I think I am and I'll do anything to protect my children.


I learned that iKeith voted for Ross Perot and his Dad had a giant sign in his yard which resulted in him being on the news because it was against the law to have a political sign that tall.

I learned that iKeith ate a fortune cookie whole and then couldn't figure out why it was so chewy. He's been stressed out....

I learned that my kitchen is big enough to make some delicious food...I'd venture to call it cozy.

I learned that I'm lucky to be in love with my best friend. 

I learned that every 29 days I need a 5150.

I learned that Don (of Don/Dawn*) likes to sit on the stairs outside my apartment...smoking and reading a book. He also likes to drink Miller Lite and make his dog howl. He howls and then his dog howls. Don...I hope it gives you hell.

I learned that if I eat too many carbs...I get insomnia. I'm turning into an old woman.

I learned that I can't run in the cold and that yoga makes me happy.

I learned that *my people* take their kids to the new Discovery Park in Wheat Ridge.  You know...my people....Mom's that bring McDonalds for their kids' lunch.

I learned that I forgot to watch The Event this week and I didn't miss it. Sorry Jason Ritter.

I learned that if I try to win friends and influence people by baking amazing muffins that the universe will try to screw me and will have iKeith's bosses wife send in muffins to the office too and then my awesome muffins will make her look bad and I'll be challenged to a re-match even though my muffins where clearly better.

*You remember Don/Dawn...my downstairs neighbors.  

What I Learned This Week: Cujo Edition

Things I learned last week.

I learned that Friday it is Suit Up Friday at iKeith's office.

I learned that I'm afraid of my own Halloween decorations.

I learned the location of the dog that keeps waking me up at 5am...I've learned the phone number to call to complain about him.

I learned that a neighborhood grocery store had bacon on sale this week because Don/Dawn* made it every day this week.

I learned that I can't not eat cookie dough even though the package says not to.

I learned that my in laws will be moving to California soon...and I have to find a storage unit for my belongings that they are storing.

I learned that my daughter thinks she has a penis.

I learned that our new favorite game is Zingo (which we call BA Zinga...10 points if you can name the TV show that is from)

I learned that I am not very bendy....yoga is hard!!

Don/Dawn....my downstairs neighbors. How confusing must it be to call their apartment.

What I Learned This Week: Octoberfest Edition

I learned that my father in law can't hold his liqour and gets extremely tipsy after three beers at Octoberfest. What kind of alcoholic is he?

No more beer for me....

 I learned that some people like to wear crazy outfits in public for attention.

I learned that a certain time share in Breckenridge won't let you come check out the resort if you don't own your home.  Good Luck with that guys....

I learned that I should stop making football bets with my friend Jessica. Thanks a lot Broncos.  Enjoy your candy Jessica and Craig!

I learned that going for a run with my giant maxi pads only slows my ass down.  Literally.

I learned that my daughter has social anxiety when she refused to go to story time at the library.  And then she was put out because they don't serve snacks.  We checked out books and went to Starbucks.  I learned that she likes Jazz.

Starbucks is where it's at!

I learned that my daughter doesn't like babies because they make too much noise and they have big butts.  She doesn't care for the cloth diapered heiny look.

I learned that I can walk into a room full of people I don't know and make friends.  As long as they are bloggers.  Thanks Mile High Mamas for making me feel so welcome! 

I learned that I need to shop at better stores because someone in my group had my military style jacket on. Embarrassing!  

People in mirror are larger than they appear

I learned that I don't really want to visit the Amazon because there are some scary fishes there. 

I learned that I miss my Dad.

I learned that weeks when iKeith is on a deadline at work are long, hard and stressful. But the app is awesome and I can't wait to tell you about it.

I learned that the kids and I love to have lunch with iKeith in downtown Denver.  

I learned that some of iKeith's former co-workers were laid off yesterday and I'm thankful that we got out of there when we did!  

I learned that if I leave the house a lot during the week...my google reader post unread number gets incredibly large.

What did you learned this week?

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