10 days in

I'm trying to do this on my iPhone, so this should be interesting (for me at least).

I have actually succeeded in spending a LOT more quality time with my daughters. In implementing the 10-10-10 strategy, I've received a couple huge bonuses.

1. The girls share and take turns better. As soon as they are told "time's up" they hand each other whatever toy it is they normally fight over.
2. Cuteness from both girls - they each take one of the books I've read them for the night and cuddle it to sleep. Zoe then takes about 5-10 more with her.
3. Mommy-fail moment - I told Alanna I would get egg-timers for the 10-10-10. Unfortunately I keep forgetting to shop. Even more unfortunate - Alanna remembers every.damn.day. At least she takes the alarm from my phone as a substitute ... for now.
4. I've been able to get onto a set schedule with their bedtime. This has the added benefit of allowing me to "leave work at work" when I'm with them. Because I'm not struggling to get them into bed until 10-11 at night, I can clear my mind until they're in bed. No more divided attention - woo hoo. And, since theyre now in bed by 8, I can get back to working on the ridiculous workload that is impossible to complete during the day. And, get some crafty stuff done - WOOT!

Which leads into the next accomplishment. I've completed one craft project (crayon hearts) and started another (valentine bags). Added bonus is this is using up things I already had - so burning through some of the clutter.

I did purchase one impractical gift to make me #furiouslyhappy . I love these shoes!

I haven't made as much progress with the weight and related working out, nor have I made my intended progress on my clutter. I think I need to make more concrete goals ... Such as, reduce wardrobe to X by such and such date.

Bryan and I will have date night when I get back from my work travel next week.

And, while I haven't tried any new recipes, I have been filing them away to make them soon.

Here's hoping the next 10 days show more results!

Day 1 - Ended as Intended

So, day one ended as intended.

I got my starting weight. No I’m not sharing it.

I got 10 minutes of physical activity in … while watching Biggest Loser.  Which is a nice change from drinking a bottle glass of wine or eating a box of few cookies or crackers instead.  Unfortunately, 10 minutes was pretty much all I could do.  10 minutes is pathetic though. Increasing tomorrow by actually PLAYING the 30-day shred DVD that has been sitting in the player since December 25^th.

I got my minimum 10-10-10 quality time with the girls.  Here is Zoe enjoying part of her 10 minutes:

Another one of my active intents is to leave work at work as much as I can – and leave work on time. Shutting off work (for the most part) and just focusing on their silliness and fun was a great end to the day.  The 10-10-10 process also helped the girls with sharing and turn taking – an unexpected bonus. 

I spent at least 10 minutes going through my vanity.  And realized I’m going to need to spend a great deal more than 10 minutes a day if I want to make any progress on my clutter. I did manage to get rid of some expired vitamins and a small trash bag of things I’ll never use (again).

Started planning date night #1 with Bryan.

Bring it on Day 2.

2012 - It's time to be in-10-tional

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions.  I think I’ve made a couple over the years, but I do believe I promptly forgot or ditched them in the sober light of day (reality).  However, this year I want to do things differently.  2011 kicked my ass.  I may be late to the New Year party, but I’m truly planning on making 2012 kiss my ass instead. 

I’ve read a lot of blogs in the last week that speak about being more intentional in 2012 and I realized that was what I was lacking.  Active intent.  Practiced intent.  Planned intent.  So I, too, will be more intentional this year.

I guess it’s pretty fitting that I figured this out now … to be able to start on the 10^th … must be a sign I should take seriously.  So, I’m starting with a list of 10 things I intend to do this year.  Each item will also have some connection to the number 10.  And, if I find myself crossing an item off the list, another one goes on.

I intend to update my list on the 10^th of every month.  But, I also hope to document everything that happens on this journey.  I want my daughters to see this when they are older and know that active, practiced, intent is how we make ourselves and those around us happy.

I expect to screw this up.  I intend to surprise myself.

·         Perform 10 acts of service

·         For 10 days straight, spend 10 minutes a day going through my clutter and determine whether to:

o   Sell

o   Donate

o   Rework

o   Trash

§  If, after 10 days, all my true clutter is gone, I’ll be amazed.  If it isn’t … well, we’ll just tack on another 10.

·         For 10 straight days, spend intentional time with my daughters.

o   10 minutes of Alanna’s choice

o   10 minutes of Zoe’s choice

o   10 minutes of book-reading with the girls

§  I’m never going to be able to do this again and again and again because I have to travel for work at times, but I will try to do it in some fashion even when away.  Ultimately, I just want to make sure I give them each at least this amount of time every night I am able.  I figure 10 days in a row should at least establish a routine.

·         Lose 10 pounds

·         Spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day excercising (you know, to accomplish the one above)

·         Start and finish 10 new craft projects

·         Read 10 books

·         Treat myself to 10 things even especially if they are frivolous (but not financially irresponsible). I think of this as my own personal red dress

·         Try 10 new recipes

·         Go on 10 dates with Bryan

Wish me luck 'kay?