My lesson of the week

Scheduling the way I do seems like madness to many.  Why would a sane person schedule so much stuff - even if it IS fun stuff - all the time?  (Of course, my sanity is definitely up for debate, but that's an entirely separate blog.  Let us focus on one thing at a time, shall we?)

On Monday, I learned why I schedule so much...and also remembered that I wasn't always this way.  You see, I started recalling life with only one child - a child who likes time to, as she says, "do nothing" - and the calm peace that often was felt in the house.  My daughter and I would often just stay home and relax in the summer, maybe go to the park for a bit or a walk around the neighborhood.  In many ways, my daughter is a mini-me.  While she loves to check out new things and explore life, there is a part of her that also revels in the idea of lounging around the house and...well, that's it, just lounging around the house, reading a book, watching TV, writing.

My son is a different story.  Sure, sure.  He SAYS he wants to stay home, but his idea of staying home also includes jumping off the couch, running from one end of the house to the other at full speed, shooting a toy rocket until it ends up being broken into three pieces, and screaming when he doesn't get his way.  This frenetic behavior also results in an injury or two: always one with my daughter yelling "ow!" from an accidental scratch, a smack, a kick; sometimes a bump on his own head requiring ice.

Long story short: He needs more activity.

On Monday, he didn't get enough activity and by the end of the day, I was wondering why on this earth did I think staying home was a good idea.  While I did manage to clean the bathroom, clean up the family room, and get a ton of laundry done - all productive accomplishments - by that evening, I had regretted my decision to stay home all day and thought a messy house filled with dirty laundry was a better alternative.  (My husband would disagree, but we aren't talking about him right now! haha)

So, yesterday involved a trip to San Francisco for lunch with my mom, martial arts for my daughter and me (my son got to watch), and picking up his friend.  Today's schedule included a visit to my chiropractor, the pool, and my son's Tiny Tigers martial arts class.

And you know what??!!  I may be freakin' exhausted, but my son was much better today.

But I am exhausted.  Originally, the plan was to go to Discovery Kingdom tomorrow, but honestly, I am not sure I am up for it.  And guess what?  Mini-me says she would forgo it, too; she is also really tired.  HAHA.  Of course, I'm not sure my son would be willing to give up Discovery Kingdom, mind you.

Reflecting back on this, I realize there has to be a happy medium. It's definitely a good thing my son keeps us so active.  I wonder how lazy my daughter and I would get without him around. haha.  However, I don't think being on the "go, go go" on full speed is a healthy way to operate. Something between "doing nothing" and being "full speed ahead" is the new plan.  Clearly, what I need to do is schedule activities at home...thus, it will be more relaxing but still engaging...like this activity we did last summer (photos from July 2009):

We made these "cars" from cardboard boxes.  This summer, I'm thinking it's ROBOT time!  I've been collecting cardboard boxes and toilet paper rolls for a couple weeks.  We'll see what sort of creation we can make!  That activity coupled with reading some books, taking a nap, and enjoying sitting on the deck in the backyard sounds delightful!  Maybe we'll also schedule a visit to the Intel Museum (on a different day); there is a robot there!

Obviously, I have learned that I need to schedule fun things at home alongside trips away from home.  If I don't create more balance, I think I'll be comatose by August.

That's my lesson for the week - a repeat lesson from last summer, for sure, but as the saying goes, "I'm getting up on in years, so my memory ain't what it used to be."  So, if you see me racing from one place to another at full speed, make sure to remind me to slow the heck down!  I mean, it IS summer!  I should be relaxing more!

Scheduling Summer Fun...

I tend to overschedule.  It's just what I do.  Even in the summer - a time for relaxation and rest - I schedule one thing after another.  I am forever making lists and trying to fit everything in and get everything done.

Here's what I mean.  The following is a photocollage of last week:

The past week included a playdate that involved a slip-n-slide and dress up (photo bottom left); a trip to the beach (top right); two appointments; a few hours at the pool (bottom left); volunteering at my son's preschool; the movie Karate Kid (top left); taekwondo classes; martial arts belt promotion (middle); and Father's Day, which included lunch and shopping.

I have no idea why it is I schedule myself this way.  Bad habit, maybe? Actually, today we were supposed to go see Shrek, go to martial arts class, and then pick up a little boy whom my daughter babysits.  However, my son had such a sleepless night last night - which obviously gave me a sleepless night as well - that he'll be desperately needing a nap when the movie was playing.

And you know what that means!?

We aren't going to the movie!  hahaha.  And the little boy my daughter watches isn't needed our help today, so that means we only have one thing on the agenda: martial arts class.

It's nice not to have to go anywhere right now.  Of course, I do have laundry going and am planning to vacuum the house.  Oh, and I have to go grocery shopping and entertain the kids.  Speaking of those kids, my son had a meltdown already this morning; he also shot a toy into my daughter's eye; and my daughter has proceeded to ask me if she can get on the computer (bored, already?).

Gah.  Maybe THAT is why I tend to schedule so many things!  Who wants to go grocery shopping, clean, and deal with whiny kids?

Then again, at the moment, they are playing REALLY nicely - laughing and having a good time.  :)

I feel like a kid in a candy store!

Summer is here: the weather is beautiful; I don't have to work; the kids are home; days are ready to be scheduled with fun and exciting things.  The beach is awaiting our arrival.  Playdates are calling our names. Museums, zoos, and parks are ready for our visit. Crafts and other activities are beckoning.

There is so much I want to do and see.

I have no idea where to start. I feel like a kid in the candy store!

This week, we have so much planned: a playdate, a beach trip, lunch with an old friend, martial arts class, a visit to Nicky's daycare.  This summer, we are planning to go visit my uncle in Fresno, take a trip with friends to the Delta for some RV camping, go to Great America multiple times, drive out and see the dolphins at Discovery Kingdom at least three times, make it to the beach at least a couple times, and enjoy a short family trip somewhere yet undetermined.

I know.  I know.  Summers are also supposed to be for lazy days.  I'm sure we'll have some of those, too...but for now, I am trying to fit it all in.  We'll do as much as we can, but I'm sure there won't be enough days for all we want to do.  There never is. :P

All I have to say is....Just like the kid in the candy store, regardless of whether we get to all of it, I know we'll surely have fun trying!

From Paper Waster to Paper Maker...

In my profession as a university instructor, I am in contact with entirely too much paper waste.  Faculty assign paper after paper, and even in the age of computers, many of us require students to print out the papers to submit them. 

I am guilty of it, too.

At the end of each semester, I am surrounded by graded papers that students do not want returned: stacks and stacks of paper.  Obviously, I recycle the papers - and our county does pick up paper - but I feel like I should be doing more with it.  For years, I just re-purposed them, giving it to my kids for drawing paper, donating it to a preschool for art, and using them as notepaper after cutting them into fourths. 

However, isn't there more I can do with paper?  And what about scraps?  As a scrapbooker, I also am responsible for many scrap pieces too small for re-use.  So...what to do, what to do.

A few weeks ago, I started researching the craft of papermaking.  I recently purchased some papermaking supplies and can't wait to get started.  The papers will have a more textured feel, but they can be used in cardmaking and a whole host of other ways.

It looks like something fun my kids and I can do as a summer activity.  It's a win-win: they'll learn something, protect the environment, and have fun while making a mess.  Who can beat that?

And...it's yet another way for me to reduce my ecological footprint.  Right now, I impact my environment in too many negative ways.  While I've never seen myself as a "tree-hugger" type, I think maybe I should try...because according to this survey, "If everyone lived like you, we would need 3-4 more planet earths for resources."  

Err...really? 3-4 planets? Clearly, just throwing recyclables into the proper container isn't enough.  Thus, my plan to "Be More Green" is to tackle papermaking!   I'll keep you updated once I actually make something with my paper scraps! :)

For those interested in making paper (and helping the environment), here are some links to get you started:

• Paper Making Supplies: http://www.arnoldgrummer.com/product/paperMaking/productDetails.cfm?prod_id=1
• Online Instructions: http://blog.michellekaufmann.com/?p=508
• Alternate Online Instructions: http://www.wipapercouncil.org/makepaper.htm
• Video Demonstration of Papermaking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIF-5ZhxMmA