End of January

We managed to make it to the end of January. My pantry challenge was a great experience. I did manage to whittle down some of the stockpiles I had in the shelves, and have gotten pretty good with remembering to make my meal plan and grocery list based on what we already have. This week is going to see some chicken and salads, pasta and sauce, and chicken and dumplings (yum!). I even made a tentative plan for next week as well. We'll see whether or not that plan is put into action!

This is going to be a very busy week. Meetings, parent nights, an orthodontist appointment, paperwork and kid activities await us. I'm trying to figure out how to have energy for it all! I did get some housework done tonight (Bathrooms, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, planning, balancing the checkbook, and a little bit of clutter control). Having those items done is a big deal. We were so busy this weekend that I wasn't sure if I would even get that much done! I hate going into a new week behind the eight ball. At least now I feel the eight ball is behind me.

I'm also hoping to try to shoehorn in a little exercise this week. Loola has become interested in running, and seems to enjoy going out with me (even though I am painfully slow!). It is a good motivator for me. I used to really be into running and took part in a number of races of all different lengths. It seems that has fallen completely by the wayside in the last five years or so under the weight of obligations that, in my opinion, have been more important. Now, however, I'm seeing the runs as an opportunity to have a positive influence on my daughter, to show her how to care for herself, to give her confidence, and also to give us a chance to bond over the miles we pound out on the pavement. I am hoping to make this my next challenge for February. I would like to see us get out more often than not, and to possibly eye up a race to do together this spring.

I think that is a good goal for the upcoming month, don't you?

Sorry there aren't any pictures this week. I didn't remember to grab the camera until we were eating, and well, by that point it was too late! I promise to be better next week!

Well all, I bid you a good week. I will check in on my progress on the running front next weekend!

Be good!

T