I have one. A problem. And I’m just now realizing it. Wait, I knew it was a problem, but the degree of the problem was just realized.
I want to do too much.
Please tell me that there are others that are guilty of this, too!
The funny thing is, I convince myself that these are needs – but in all actuality they are wants! A perfect example would be the laundry. I need to do laundry. But I’ve convinced myself that it has to be done every 3 days. Don’t get me wrong – every 3 days keeps the loads smaller and quicker. But, until someone is on their last pair of underwear – really – it is not a need! I find myself stopping all that I do – to do laundry every Wednesday and Saturday because I “need” to. But it is time I faced the truth – it is just a “want.”
A “want” that sucks away my time! And that is just ONE EXAMPLE! I have tons of them!
And this is with everything! I love how I’m slaving on 6 different projects at one time. Trying to dance the art of balance. Laundry, dishwasher, one of the kid’s “about me” poster, a painting, emails and the boys’ Christmas tree decorations! {Yeah, you read that right.} And then I realize it is already tomorrow and I really didn’t finish any of the projects!
Let me see raised hands of who is guilty!
The best for me is when I’m working feverishly because I “have to finish all this before tomorrow, because tomorrow has its own list of to-do’s, needs, wants” {whatever you want to call it!} Only to realize that it is 2 am and surprisingly – tomorrow is already here!
It is a ridiculous and a sick cycle, . . . . and yet, I just can’t help myself!
And because I know you want to know what type of flippin’ Christmas tree decorations I’m working on in August/September, I figured I could show you.
Remember last year, the boys had 3 trees . . . and I made that incredibly cute garland with the cut out circles sewn together??? Well, I ran into a small problem with that adorable stuff – it kept breaking! The clear thread just wasn’t strong enough to hold all the circles and especially that glitter paper because it was heavy stuff.
So, I did what anyone would do – I gathered them all up and planned how I would “need” to sew them together before next year!
Fortunately for me, I found a much bigger Christmas tree for the boys’ room last year a day or so after Christmas for cheap! Now, none of the lights worked and it did have a small issue. But for 10 bucks . . . . I couldn’t let it go!
Yes, it is one of those Alpine trees. A really tall one! And I did get it at Hobby Lobby, who just so happens to sell them {in perfect condition} for $129.99. Ten dollars was a great deal, no matter what its issues are! I had already spent 45 minutes of my day clipping out all of the non-working lights! But do you see the small issue? Look close. Here this might help . . .
Uhmmm, a part of the branch is broken. Okay, the trunk. ALRIGHT! You got me! About a third of it is just broken off!!!! But come on – 10 smacks!!!! And really, that is an easy fix!!!! I will tell my husband exactly how he is going to repair it! {haha!}
Since I bought this tree, I have been collecting odd letters. Since I’m raising all these brainiacs, I thought they would love the idea {they did, by the way!} of using all the letters as ornaments.
I’ve started mapping them all out. And when I need something to look at – other than canvas and paint – because that does happen – the “need” for a change in scenery – I work on a letter! After all, I “need” to have them completed in about a few {10 or so} weeks. I know, ridiculousness!
And back to that garland . . . . I thought it would be great to use white thread and run the garland through the machine a couple {or 5} times!
It was very important that the stitching was not perfect. {haha!} Honestly, that was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. A crooked seam. It was killing me. But it was needed! I really like the funky-ness of it! And this time I attached all 3 chains together – I think it ended up being 32 feet. Also, I added some grosgrain ribbon at each end – just in case I had to tie it off!
Good grief – what a project.
And I just realized something – I never posted the second painting that matched the cow painting! Here you go!
It’s a new month – let’s see if I can blog a little more often. I really feel the need!
About Kim
No you aren’t alone I have a bizzillion projects in my head – all WANTS. I thought when I became an empty nester life would be “boring” not yet Seems like I over volunteer or my mouth spits out Sure I CAN DO THAT……arggghhhh Here it is 2 am and I’m still up! So yes there are some of us out there – maybe more than we think!
Dang! I was hoping there was hope after my kids got older!!!! haha!
Guilty as charged! Here’s another one with a ton of “need to do’s” and like Jo have a bizzillion projects inmy head. Crazy!
I just have to ask as I’ve been wondering following your blog for quite a while, how much (or probably little) sleep do you get each night? It seems like you’re always up late and then get up again the next day long before the sun does. Are you one of those people who are lucky enough to only need like four hours of sleep and then being able to be awake- and busy- for the other 24?
Love your art and your blog!
I average about 4 hours a night. But lately, I’ve been going to bed at 8 and waking at 5!?!?!?! There are times that I do need more sleep and try to listen to my body. But this new routine the past week has got to go! Because when I wake up with a ton left to do from the day before, I feel horrible!
Yay! Christmas. According to my Christmas counter, we have about 114 days till the big day.
The heck with the laundry, tree garland is much more important, and it’s perfect.
haha!! Yes, my counter is on, too! I’m all about it! And it’s Sunday, I’ve got to start the laundry! hah!
Ok, remind me not to read your blog before 6am. You make me TIRED! LOL
I have to admit though I am guilty of wanting to get too much accomplished in one day. Maybe that’s just a mom thing? OCD control freak thing? I dunno. but yeah, we need to cut ourselves some slack when it comes to I “NEED” to get this done. Some things can skip the priority list some days.
Love the garland!
There are days I’m definitely more OCD than others! But I’ve done better the past few days! And I say better – basically, I’m figuring out what is a need verses a want!
*raises hand* Oh, I most certainly have a to-do list a mile long of things that don’t really need to be done…just things I want to get done…that tend to feel like needs…and that make it ridiculously hard to maintain a healthy balance!
I love the stitching on those garlands – definitely worth it (though it would kill me to not go in a straight line as well…)!!
It is funny how I see other stuff that other’s have done with the crazy stitching and always love the look! But I’ve never been able to bring myself to do it! But I just imagine I didn’t do it! haha!
Oh, I certainly have days like this….but in my own, slacker mama, definitely NOT type A, kind of way! I have a question. How in the world do you keep 32 feet of garland from getting into a huge knotted mess? The one’s I made for Chelsea’s party would knot up just by looking at it wrong. It drove me CRAZY! I love everything you do and can’t wait to see how everything looks this year!
THAT is exactly why I ran it through the machine 5 times!! Because you are right, mine was knotted up, too! But it doesn’t knot now! At all. Run yours through a few more times! But you are going to have to make it all crazy and not straight lines!!
Oh Girl! Breath. Your not alone. . . and I definitely got my panties in a bunch when the laundry isn’t done! But it never is in my house. . . so I walk kinda funny a lot, hahahha.
Add to that, that I am homeschooling, trying to paint, keep on top of the house, make dinners, juggle activities ~ NOT to mention that I just went through my Christmas decorations and was brutally detached and rid myself of various getto garland that I had collected over the last (20) years ~ FINALLY!
{okay. Breathing deeply now} And I can’t even imagine doing the amount you are! But I too have ~ are you ready ~ um, 3 Christmas trees. And now that I have baby #4, am seriously trying to restrain myself from getting one all for him. I have even already begun preparations for his Christmas stocking (which only requires a simply mail order, but I get great glee from still planning on ordering it).
I do have a planner now (a mom agenda ~ LOVE IT) to help become more organized and plan my projects more precisely! Go figure. . .one more thing to manage ~ LOL.
I couldn’t do the homeschool thing – although, I have thought about it! My kids would only learn about statistics, accounting and stuff like that! My mind thinks in numbers only!!! haha! I am trying to plan my projects out better, too! But the priority thing is the worst! That is the part that gets all crazy!
Ha! You crack me up!! (And I just realized I wrote that in my own post about you a little bit ago — http://jennisseasons.blogspot.com/2011/09/blogs-i-enjoy-company-girl-coffee-92.html) Anyway, I suffer from this same disease. . .thinking I can do more in a day/week/month then I really can. My husband recognizes it and points it out quite often
O.K., I’m not on to Christmas decorations yet, but have lots of things marked for potential gifts this year. If I think I’m going to actually get that stuff done. . .well. . .better get to work!! I love, love, love my full busy life though and know you probably wouldn’t have it any other way either.
I just read your post! You know, there is a lot ready to be built on in our cul-de-sac. haha! My husband rolls his eyes a lot. That just fuels the flames! I try to tell him it is his fault because of his reactions. I, too, have a huge list of stuff to make for decor and gifts! I’m afraid that I’m running out of time if I don’t hurry up and get on it!
And you are right, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Ok…here’s something else to throw out there to *hopefully* add to your plate! Are you planning on making Boo blocks for this Halloween? Please, please, pretty please??!!!!
OOOH cannot WAIT to see how this turns out??!