Today I decided that I am going to get a little off topic and talk about a few things that are happening in my life, so please excuse my post if it doesn't make much sense and I go from one topic to the next.
So I think I am almost done week 2 of my spending fast and as weird as this may sound I feel like I have way too much time on my hands. This cannot be a good thing, though I suppose it is a good thing. Did I or should I say we as a family really go shopping that much that we didn't even realize how much we actually did it and how much time we were spending doing it. And here I thought we were making progress with becoming less of consumers. Clearly the process is happening now. Also let me add how tricky birthday shopping can be when you only have 7 stores to choose from and your shopping for a 2 year old. I could have taken the easy way out and just grabbed a gift card, but come on how exciting can a gift card be to a 2 year old when it's not even exciting for me as an adult. But I managed to pull together a pretty good present and I would have to say the birthday girl seemed pretty happy.
Now onto the next thing. Recently I have learned that I am a behind the scenes kind of girl. Ha who would have ever thought that? I always wanted to be a famous person when I was kid...maybe even sometimes I still dream of it. But for the first time I went and volunteered where I had to physically be seen by complete strangers, and boy was I out of my comfort zone. Just before I was about to pull into the place I prayed to God that he would help me get through the evening. Well I made it through the evening and my eyes were wide open the whole time about how blind I was to world around me. Here I thought to make a difference I was going to have to go to a different country, well folks that is not the case. I can drive 20 minutes to see what a difference I can help make. Now back to the behind the scenes thing. Though I will continue to go back to help volunteer, I definetly feel like I am being led to help in creative ways. I never considered myself creative but I'm telling you, it's finally coming out and I am loving it!
Have you ever felt like your heart was going to explode? Ya, me too. I had that moment today when I was given three blogs to read. At one point I was bawling at the kitchen table while a bunch of kids were looking at me like I was crazy cause I was staring at a computer screen. Plus it didn't help that not one but 2 of the blogs showed pictures of Haiti, where I am heading to in March 2013. Yes, let's ruin Jo-Anne before she even gets there. But I will take it as a sign of it preparing my heart.
After today, I sit here and wonder, Why Me? Why I am so lucky to live in such a marvelous place, where I can choose to have something? Why was I chosen to do the things I do? Sometimes people question the way my life has changed. Shouldn't they be happy that I have become a better person, that I want to make a difference? I thank God that he has been so wonderful to give me a second chance. My life is in no way the way I had imagined it to be, but it's far better. So if I need to continue to change for His glory, then I am His.
"For I know the plans I have for you,"says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Month 4- Spending
Today I start a new month and everytime I start to think about I cringe. So let me first start with how my Month 3 ended.
Month 3 for my family was an overall success.It was amazing to see how much stuff we had in our house and got rid of and I probably couldn't tell you what 90% of it was. The kids all did really good on their days when they had to look for things to get rid of. Super proud of them :) But just yesterday as I was putting stuff away in the kitchen, I had already found myself complaining about that we still have too much stuff. I don't understand why I allow these things to take space in my house if there isn't spot for them. It's because the little voice is saying you may need them someday Jo-Anne. Really? Couldn't I just get rid of them now and then if I ever do need them get them when the time comes? But then I think, wouldn't that be wasteful spending if I already have them and just keep them stored away? See this is how my head works. I overanalyze everything.
Now onto this coming month. Eeekkk, only shop at 7 different places for a whole month. Call me crazy but I actually start to feel a bit light headed thinking about. What if I choose the wrong places? What is my family going to for a whole month without spending money for our entertainment? Please understand this. When I think of family time and having fun, I think dollar signs!!! It's terrible I know.Time for this mamma to get creative. I have already decided that the kids will go get their CRA cards which will allow us to go to the outdoor base pool and swim for FREE!!! And it will allow us to go spend a day at Kingslanding for FREE with of course a picnic packed lunch. I can do this, I know I can. I just have to keep myself away from places that will call my name and tell me to shop. So basically I should lock myself up for the next month. Why oh why must I love to shop. It never occured to me how hard this month might be until well...today.
So you may be wondering where are my seven places of choosing. Here you go:
1) Sobeys-Everyone needs groceries
2) Sobeys Gasbar- We need gas to get around
3)Dollarama- I am dayhome provider, I need supplies
4) Costco- Need a place for cheap milk and eggs
5) Shoppers- This is where I do my coupon shopping on the day of 20x the points
6) Canadian Tire- Who knows when you might need tools.
7) Boston Pizza- It's Ethans birthday tomorrow and it's our tradition to go out for supper
There you go, now you know where I will be when I'm out shopping.
Have you thought about joining in? Pick 7 places to only shop or maybe cut out 7 places to go to for the next month, maybe you'll see a few extra dollars this month.
Well here my family goes...
Month 3 for my family was an overall success.It was amazing to see how much stuff we had in our house and got rid of and I probably couldn't tell you what 90% of it was. The kids all did really good on their days when they had to look for things to get rid of. Super proud of them :) But just yesterday as I was putting stuff away in the kitchen, I had already found myself complaining about that we still have too much stuff. I don't understand why I allow these things to take space in my house if there isn't spot for them. It's because the little voice is saying you may need them someday Jo-Anne. Really? Couldn't I just get rid of them now and then if I ever do need them get them when the time comes? But then I think, wouldn't that be wasteful spending if I already have them and just keep them stored away? See this is how my head works. I overanalyze everything.
Now onto this coming month. Eeekkk, only shop at 7 different places for a whole month. Call me crazy but I actually start to feel a bit light headed thinking about. What if I choose the wrong places? What is my family going to for a whole month without spending money for our entertainment? Please understand this. When I think of family time and having fun, I think dollar signs!!! It's terrible I know.Time for this mamma to get creative. I have already decided that the kids will go get their CRA cards which will allow us to go to the outdoor base pool and swim for FREE!!! And it will allow us to go spend a day at Kingslanding for FREE with of course a picnic packed lunch. I can do this, I know I can. I just have to keep myself away from places that will call my name and tell me to shop. So basically I should lock myself up for the next month. Why oh why must I love to shop. It never occured to me how hard this month might be until well...today.
So you may be wondering where are my seven places of choosing. Here you go:
1) Sobeys-Everyone needs groceries
2) Sobeys Gasbar- We need gas to get around
3)Dollarama- I am dayhome provider, I need supplies
4) Costco- Need a place for cheap milk and eggs
5) Shoppers- This is where I do my coupon shopping on the day of 20x the points
6) Canadian Tire- Who knows when you might need tools.
7) Boston Pizza- It's Ethans birthday tomorrow and it's our tradition to go out for supper
There you go, now you know where I will be when I'm out shopping.
Have you thought about joining in? Pick 7 places to only shop or maybe cut out 7 places to go to for the next month, maybe you'll see a few extra dollars this month.
Well here my family goes...
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Days Are Getting Harder
Day 25 and it's my turn to get rid of 7 things. So far I sit here with a pair of high heels and a star shaped muffin pan. I wonder aimlessly around the house looking at ALL this stuff yet I struggle with finding just 5 more things to get rid of. How can it be so difficult to get rid of some of this stuff. I don't dare touch my beloved Nicholas Sparks books or go down into that basement where my scrapbooking stuff is and take something out of there. You know I might need it someday... someday when I actually decide to get back into, if that day ever comes. What about some more clothes? Guh, didn't I rid of enough already!!! I could probably get rid of another pair or two of high heels....BUT I might need those one day too, cause you know I wear them so often as it now *sarcasm*.
I am lost and completely frustrated that I am struggling to get rid of just 7 things. It shouldn't be this hard. I want a more organized life, this is a good thing. But there goes that voice telling me you need to have that stuff, and you know what else, you should have more. Society is telling me that more I have the happier I'll be, but I really know that is less is more.
Well I'm off to complete this mission today and see what I come up with. But I shall remember this, maybe hang it on the fridge for a good reminder today.
Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destry, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do no break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
I am lost and completely frustrated that I am struggling to get rid of just 7 things. It shouldn't be this hard. I want a more organized life, this is a good thing. But there goes that voice telling me you need to have that stuff, and you know what else, you should have more. Society is telling me that more I have the happier I'll be, but I really know that is less is more.
Well I'm off to complete this mission today and see what I come up with. But I shall remember this, maybe hang it on the fridge for a good reminder today.
Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destry, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do no break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
Friday, June 22, 2012
Cheapo
I am having so much fun with this month. Seriously it's like a game for me to see just how much stuff I can remove from my house, you should see the pile we have going on downstairs. At first I was like okay let's just get rid of 7 things a day but after seeing how much nicer the rooms look when they are clutter free the days to get to rid of more just can't come fast enough.Even the kids are doing so amazingly well with giving away their things. No fights about having to get rid of toys, I will admit though I do stray them away from the books. My family loves books, I'm sure we have well over 500 books and that's only kids books, Chris and I I'm sure have a collection of over 100 between the two of us. But there has been a few where they made valid points about some books and why we shouldn't keep them.
The problem we ran into early on is, what do we do about garage saling. Yes this a weakness for my family, I would probably more so say for me and the boys. We just can't beat those great deals out there. But we all agreed on a rule, if we buy something we must get rid of something else in the house. Works out great.
Here comes my next problem. I am cheap person, I love deals and hate to pay full price for things especially when I know they are going to go on sale. Food is the biggest thing for me. If I can find a great deal on food then it was well worth the wait. I remember once shopping with my mom and I was looking at the discount food and she commented how much I was like my father. Well I guess I can thank him now for teaching me well,haha. But now I feel like I am becoming an even cheaper person. I don't want to pay full price for anything. I know somethings I just have to suck it up and do it, but I just planned out a new project for myself and thought I wonder if it's possible to create this thing free. Not likely, but you better believe I am going to try, so hopefully I will have people out there that can help me. Wink wink to all my friends out there. And I'll be doing my best at shopping around for the items I need.
Well I'm sure you all hear my excited of how much fun I am having this month, I just might not want it to end.
Have you been decluttering your house???
The problem we ran into early on is, what do we do about garage saling. Yes this a weakness for my family, I would probably more so say for me and the boys. We just can't beat those great deals out there. But we all agreed on a rule, if we buy something we must get rid of something else in the house. Works out great.
Here comes my next problem. I am cheap person, I love deals and hate to pay full price for things especially when I know they are going to go on sale. Food is the biggest thing for me. If I can find a great deal on food then it was well worth the wait. I remember once shopping with my mom and I was looking at the discount food and she commented how much I was like my father. Well I guess I can thank him now for teaching me well,haha. But now I feel like I am becoming an even cheaper person. I don't want to pay full price for anything. I know somethings I just have to suck it up and do it, but I just planned out a new project for myself and thought I wonder if it's possible to create this thing free. Not likely, but you better believe I am going to try, so hopefully I will have people out there that can help me. Wink wink to all my friends out there. And I'll be doing my best at shopping around for the items I need.
Well I'm sure you all hear my excited of how much fun I am having this month, I just might not want it to end.
Have you been decluttering your house???
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Month 3 Crazy!!!
Just five days into Month 3 and I have gone crazy. At first I was thinking how hard this was going to day, but this morning I looked into Katya's room and all the babies finally made me realize we have way too much stuff. So with the help of Katya we now have a spot for everything in her room that doesnt involve being on the floor. Giving away some of her baby stuff was much easier than I thought. I thought I was going to have to deal with the meltdown mode. Phew missed that one. So after that I looked into her room from the doorway and it inspired me to purge. So next I started on my room. I want an organized house and first I must start with getting rid of all this STUFF!!! Plus some ideas are brewing in the Orlesky household ;)
I'm hoping that I can somehome convince the boys to get on board and really clean out their room, but I'm sure that's more of wishful thinking.
Now that I think of it, I should have really take some before and after pics.
Well that's just a quick little update. I would also like to thank all of you who continue to encourage me and read this blog. Means the world to me to know that people are cheering me on.
I'm hoping that I can somehome convince the boys to get on board and really clean out their room, but I'm sure that's more of wishful thinking.
Now that I think of it, I should have really take some before and after pics.
Well that's just a quick little update. I would also like to thank all of you who continue to encourage me and read this blog. Means the world to me to know that people are cheering me on.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Month 3- Possessions
"It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich." Psalm 37:16
7:15am I wake up to hear the tv already turned on and to see my son watching it. *sigh* Did you really miss the tv that much? I'm guessing so. Yesterday was our last day of very limited technology, and I have to say I am pretty proud of my family. I will admit that my last week was awful for texting, but it was really only to 2 people. One of them is my little sister who I have a hard time ignoring, the things she tells me makes me laugh and be thankful that I am in my late twenties,haha. No offense baby sis. And the other one is one of my go to girls and I seriously couldn't imagine not having her in my life,so sometimes I just had to tell her stuff.
Went onto facebook this morning, and when people said I wasn't missing much they weren't lying. Decided that anytime I see something completely useless, it will just be clicked away. I don't care what game you are playing!!! But I was happy to see that one of my girlfriends shared with rest of us today that she had her baby girl,glad I didn't miss that update. Congrats April!!!
Anyways, enough with Month 2... now onto Month 3. Possessions. Gulp. Get rid of 7 things a day. My house is going to be empty by the time we are done. HAHA I joke, we are pretty much hoarders, and Im pretty sure I'm going to have to cut out garage sales for the next month. I made a list of which room we will go through in the next 30 days and who will pick stuff each day. Kids are going to throw a fit when it comes to their rooms. It's actually where I make them keep there most favorite things, so it's going to be toughy for them.
Chris and I are actually quite excited for this month, I am pretty sure we complain everyday about how much junk we have. Today started with Chris in our bedroom and the first thing gone from our room is??? The television!!! Woo-hoo!!!
Here's a challenge for you, since I started today, why don't you??? Maybe you can't imagine doing 7 things a day, but even 1 item a day for the 7 days of the week for a month would be a great start, or 7 things a day for a week. Not sure what to do with all the stuff. Have a garage sale or if your in the Fredericton area bring it to Bibles for Missions. Or maybe you know of someone who is in need of it. Just get rid of it!!!
I'm happy to be back, but like I've said before, I'll definetly choose my family over technology.
7:15am I wake up to hear the tv already turned on and to see my son watching it. *sigh* Did you really miss the tv that much? I'm guessing so. Yesterday was our last day of very limited technology, and I have to say I am pretty proud of my family. I will admit that my last week was awful for texting, but it was really only to 2 people. One of them is my little sister who I have a hard time ignoring, the things she tells me makes me laugh and be thankful that I am in my late twenties,haha. No offense baby sis. And the other one is one of my go to girls and I seriously couldn't imagine not having her in my life,so sometimes I just had to tell her stuff.
Went onto facebook this morning, and when people said I wasn't missing much they weren't lying. Decided that anytime I see something completely useless, it will just be clicked away. I don't care what game you are playing!!! But I was happy to see that one of my girlfriends shared with rest of us today that she had her baby girl,glad I didn't miss that update. Congrats April!!!
Anyways, enough with Month 2... now onto Month 3. Possessions. Gulp. Get rid of 7 things a day. My house is going to be empty by the time we are done. HAHA I joke, we are pretty much hoarders, and Im pretty sure I'm going to have to cut out garage sales for the next month. I made a list of which room we will go through in the next 30 days and who will pick stuff each day. Kids are going to throw a fit when it comes to their rooms. It's actually where I make them keep there most favorite things, so it's going to be toughy for them.
Chris and I are actually quite excited for this month, I am pretty sure we complain everyday about how much junk we have. Today started with Chris in our bedroom and the first thing gone from our room is??? The television!!! Woo-hoo!!!
Here's a challenge for you, since I started today, why don't you??? Maybe you can't imagine doing 7 things a day, but even 1 item a day for the 7 days of the week for a month would be a great start, or 7 things a day for a week. Not sure what to do with all the stuff. Have a garage sale or if your in the Fredericton area bring it to Bibles for Missions. Or maybe you know of someone who is in need of it. Just get rid of it!!!
I'm happy to be back, but like I've said before, I'll definetly choose my family over technology.
Friday, June 1, 2012
7 Days to go
It's been three weeks since I have been very limited to my technology and I am having mixed emotions about next week coming. I learned yesterday how fast the world of the technology is changing. In the three weeks I have been off facebook apparently there has been changes made. I was listening to the one radio station I allowed my family to listen to and they were talking about how now you can see the audience percentage of who looks at your posts and such, and something about making a movie on your timeline??? I was kind of listening to it but the distraction of the kids in the back seat were making it difficult to hear.
I think the one thing I miss about not using the computer is all the great ideas that people come up with that and they kindly share to the world so we can use. I tried the library but I am not a browser type, so looking at the many books is far to overwhelming for me. I like the convenience of looking on the computer,seeing a picture of a craft or food and thinking "Hey that looks like fun, or that looks good." and then just doing it.
I don't miss facebook. I mean it sucks that there are things I know my close friends are talking about and I can't see it, but I guess if it's really that important they would call me...right??? But the best part of not being on there is not having to see people's statuses that are so ridiculous and shouldn't even be on there in the first place. So note to self... I will NOT write a status anymore that has no importance. You will not read about what I am eating anymore, you will not read about the silly things my kids did that made me laugh, I'll save that for when we actually talk in person...like real people should do.You will not know where I am going and who I am going with. I think I'll just ask questions when I need a quick answer, I'll share what's going in the world and the things I think you should know about. I'll comfort you with God's word, that's right you read it. Call it what you want, but if His words can comfort me, how can I keep them to myself, when it could possibly comfort someone else in my life.
In the past three weeks, I have learned what a blessing God has given me. I have an AMAZING husband who I fall in love with more everyday. How is that possible? Because I WORK at it!!! Having a good marriage doesn't just come naturally, I can't just expect everything to come to me the way I want it. Though somedays that would be great, it's just not going to happen. I also have someone pretty awesome kids that God blessed me with. I have Ethan who has some great patience and is so full of love and has no issues showing emotions. Then there is Cohen, who never stops moving, has no issues expressing himself and just never gives up. And then there is Katya, who would attach herself to my hip if I let her, loves cuddles and is always there to comfort her brothers when they are hurt.
So from now on I am definetly going to choose family time over computer time :)
I think the one thing I miss about not using the computer is all the great ideas that people come up with that and they kindly share to the world so we can use. I tried the library but I am not a browser type, so looking at the many books is far to overwhelming for me. I like the convenience of looking on the computer,seeing a picture of a craft or food and thinking "Hey that looks like fun, or that looks good." and then just doing it.
I don't miss facebook. I mean it sucks that there are things I know my close friends are talking about and I can't see it, but I guess if it's really that important they would call me...right??? But the best part of not being on there is not having to see people's statuses that are so ridiculous and shouldn't even be on there in the first place. So note to self... I will NOT write a status anymore that has no importance. You will not read about what I am eating anymore, you will not read about the silly things my kids did that made me laugh, I'll save that for when we actually talk in person...like real people should do.You will not know where I am going and who I am going with. I think I'll just ask questions when I need a quick answer, I'll share what's going in the world and the things I think you should know about. I'll comfort you with God's word, that's right you read it. Call it what you want, but if His words can comfort me, how can I keep them to myself, when it could possibly comfort someone else in my life.
In the past three weeks, I have learned what a blessing God has given me. I have an AMAZING husband who I fall in love with more everyday. How is that possible? Because I WORK at it!!! Having a good marriage doesn't just come naturally, I can't just expect everything to come to me the way I want it. Though somedays that would be great, it's just not going to happen. I also have someone pretty awesome kids that God blessed me with. I have Ethan who has some great patience and is so full of love and has no issues showing emotions. Then there is Cohen, who never stops moving, has no issues expressing himself and just never gives up. And then there is Katya, who would attach herself to my hip if I let her, loves cuddles and is always there to comfort her brothers when they are hurt.
So from now on I am definetly going to choose family time over computer time :)
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