I am such a Type A person, it’s almost frightening. I have big problems just leaving things as is. I want to polish them up a little…you know? Make ’em shine. But in the past few years, that has really, really hindered me. I spend more time making “To Do” lists full of items I “must” complete (in a timely manner, of course) than I spend doing what I really love. I have been teased for years by my family for my absolute inability to not send a thank you card. Or a birthday card. Or a bat mitzfah card. Or a new baby gift. You get the point. I just want people to know how much I appreciate them in my life or how much I support them during a difficult time. And heck, sometimes I just want to make them smile. Trust me, I know all of these things are wonderful. I love feeling like I’ve made someone’s day with a little note of thanks or love. I mean, who doesn’t love getting mail?
But this “have to do” mentality has slowly crept into every facet of my life. Is there a free moment? Let’s design some new templates for the blog! Tate is napping on a Saturday afternoon? I should probably clean out the entire linen closet and reorganize by color! My schedule is so jam packed I find myself still sitting at my desktop at 11:30 at night, after working a full 12 hour day at the real life job? Well, hell, let’s write a post so I’ll be a bit ahead of schedule.
You get the idea.
I have a hard time saying no. When someone needs help with something, whether it be to proofread a brochure or to teach them how to use Photoshop, I want to help. I have been very lucky to have some amazing teachers along the way, and I want to pay it forward. So I’ve said yes, for years and years. The problem is, when you say yes all the time, people start to expect it. They are annoyed when you can’t help and pissy when you are unable to assist them. And then you feel more pressure and worry you’re upsetting everyone. It’s a lose-lose situation.
So, lately, I’ve been tossing the “To Do” list. Sure, I still take photos for friends or help out when needed with a project, but I’m learning to live as a Type B person. I mean, I still haven’t sent thank you cards for Lulu’s birthday, and at this point, I probably never will. Two weekends ago, Trent was home from work and we were so lazy, we were almost unrecognizable. Trent started to get a bit restless, feeling like he’d wasted the whole weekend. But me? I spent the weekend loving on my husband and kids. We went wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We didn’t do a bit of yard work or house work or errands. I freaking loved it.
Sure, Monday I was scrambling, but I’m learning it’s okay to be behind on your “To Do” list. Like, really, really behind. So if I owe you a thank you, please consider this my note of gratitude. Thank you. You’re the best.
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-08-05 22:15:362012-09-06 09:58:11Finding My Path - Part 5: On "To Do" Lists
Oh, hey everyone. It’s Friday, isn’t it? My brain is so fuzzy, I’m not sure if I actually remember what the day is anyway. This week I had such grand plans, but after a super productive Monday (I went running at 5 a.m.! I have to say that because I did nothing else all week except lay around like Jabba the Hut) everything went swiftly downhill. Monday night I came down with a fever and by Tuesday night, after fighting through a day at work and even a happy hour, I was down for the count. I spent Wednesday on my couch and my bed, alternating between eating soup and moaning.
Wednesday night Lulu had her first sleepover at a friend’s house and she was so very excited. They had an amazing time until I received a call yesterday afternoon to let me know the mom of Lu’s friend had found lice in her hair. Yup, Lu had lice. And then when I picked up Tate from daycare, I checked him and hoo boy, he had it too! Yay. And guess who else was infected…yours truly. It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it.
I don’t share this to be gross or whiny, I share it because I feel like a lot of the time blogs can make people look way more fab than they probably are in real life. I mean, I am pretty amazing most of the time, but sometimes I’m in a shower cap vacuuming all my furniture and washing every piece of linen I own while picking bug eggs out of my kids hair. Let’s keep it real, people.
Again, and yes I know this is annoying, my new life mantra and attitude made this situation so much less horrible than it could have been. Though I was mortified that my kid apparently brought lice to someone’s home, the other mom couldn’t have been more gracious. Turns out she’s a pharma rep with a friend who has spent the last few years developing an organic, safe lice treatment, so she knew exactly what to do. She even had a kit on hand that she gave to me to get rid of all those little buggers. (Sidenote: This product is AMAZING. If you ever have to deal with lice, I highly recommend. Safe enough for little Tater and got rid of everything.) It could’ve been so much worse. We were lucky. And a bonus, the treatment made my hair look model gorgeous, so there’s that.
OK, enough griping, here’s some fun links to get you through the weekend, whether you’re holed up with a headcold/lice or just trying to stay out of the heat:
– Have you been watching the Olympics? Obviously we have, and we are loving the swimming and the gymnastics. Ever wondered how those leotards stay right where they are supposed to? Check out this article on how they are made. Super interesting stuff. I had no idea how detailed it all was.
– Speaking of gymnastics, tonight NBC is airing a documentary on the “Magnificent Seven” and you’d better believe Lu and I will be watching!
– This workout segment on the Sarah James show looks perfect for me. And by perfect, I mean quick and convenient.
– This documentary on HBO about supermodels aging looks fantastic. Can’t wait to check it out.
– I’ve always wanted to take the kids camping, but haven’t bitten the bullet yet. This post on backpacking with kids gets me excited though. We might need to bust out that old tent!
Here are some Instagrams from the past few days (weeks, years, hell, I have no idea…). You can follow our adventures by following me over there @crazy_bananas. Have a happy weekend, all!
Have you seen the movie Moonrise Kingdom yet? I want to live inside of it. I got a tip from a friend that it was a great little film, but didn’t have the chance to see it until recently. Everything about it made me happy. The clothes, the cinematography, the super strange love story, the dancing on the beach in your underwear…yeah, it was pretty fantastic.
The main story is about two young weirdos who fall in love via letters and their escape to be together. It’s set in 1965 and I covet pretty much everything the main character (Suzy) is wearing. Other things to covet? Her record player and her yellow suitcase full of science fiction books she stole from the library. Also, the plaid. So. Much. Plaid. This is a good one, people. Go see it.
Finding My Path – Part 5: On “To Do” Lists
/3 Comments/in Finding My Path, Happiness, Work /by MeganI am such a Type A person, it’s almost frightening. I have big problems just leaving things as is. I want to polish them up a little…you know? Make ’em shine. But in the past few years, that has really, really hindered me. I spend more time making “To Do” lists full of items I “must” complete (in a timely manner, of course) than I spend doing what I really love. I have been teased for years by my family for my absolute inability to not send a thank you card. Or a birthday card. Or a bat mitzfah card. Or a new baby gift. You get the point. I just want people to know how much I appreciate them in my life or how much I support them during a difficult time. And heck, sometimes I just want to make them smile. Trust me, I know all of these things are wonderful. I love feeling like I’ve made someone’s day with a little note of thanks or love. I mean, who doesn’t love getting mail?
But this “have to do” mentality has slowly crept into every facet of my life. Is there a free moment? Let’s design some new templates for the blog! Tate is napping on a Saturday afternoon? I should probably clean out the entire linen closet and reorganize by color! My schedule is so jam packed I find myself still sitting at my desktop at 11:30 at night, after working a full 12 hour day at the real life job? Well, hell, let’s write a post so I’ll be a bit ahead of schedule.
You get the idea.
I have a hard time saying no. When someone needs help with something, whether it be to proofread a brochure or to teach them how to use Photoshop, I want to help. I have been very lucky to have some amazing teachers along the way, and I want to pay it forward. So I’ve said yes, for years and years. The problem is, when you say yes all the time, people start to expect it. They are annoyed when you can’t help and pissy when you are unable to assist them. And then you feel more pressure and worry you’re upsetting everyone. It’s a lose-lose situation.
So, lately, I’ve been tossing the “To Do” list. Sure, I still take photos for friends or help out when needed with a project, but I’m learning to live as a Type B person. I mean, I still haven’t sent thank you cards for Lulu’s birthday, and at this point, I probably never will. Two weekends ago, Trent was home from work and we were so lazy, we were almost unrecognizable. Trent started to get a bit restless, feeling like he’d wasted the whole weekend. But me? I spent the weekend loving on my husband and kids. We went wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We didn’t do a bit of yard work or house work or errands. I freaking loved it.
Sure, Monday I was scrambling, but I’m learning it’s okay to be behind on your “To Do” list. Like, really, really behind. So if I owe you a thank you, please consider this my note of gratitude. Thank you. You’re the best.
Happy Weekend!
/1 Comment/in Grumples, Photos, web /by MeganOh, hey everyone. It’s Friday, isn’t it? My brain is so fuzzy, I’m not sure if I actually remember what the day is anyway. This week I had such grand plans, but after a super productive Monday (I went running at 5 a.m.! I have to say that because I did nothing else all week except lay around like Jabba the Hut) everything went swiftly downhill. Monday night I came down with a fever and by Tuesday night, after fighting through a day at work and even a happy hour, I was down for the count. I spent Wednesday on my couch and my bed, alternating between eating soup and moaning.
Wednesday night Lulu had her first sleepover at a friend’s house and she was so very excited. They had an amazing time until I received a call yesterday afternoon to let me know the mom of Lu’s friend had found lice in her hair. Yup, Lu had lice. And then when I picked up Tate from daycare, I checked him and hoo boy, he had it too! Yay. And guess who else was infected…yours truly. It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it.
I don’t share this to be gross or whiny, I share it because I feel like a lot of the time blogs can make people look way more fab than they probably are in real life. I mean, I am pretty amazing most of the time, but sometimes I’m in a shower cap vacuuming all my furniture and washing every piece of linen I own while picking bug eggs out of my kids hair. Let’s keep it real, people.
Again, and yes I know this is annoying, my new life mantra and attitude made this situation so much less horrible than it could have been. Though I was mortified that my kid apparently brought lice to someone’s home, the other mom couldn’t have been more gracious. Turns out she’s a pharma rep with a friend who has spent the last few years developing an organic, safe lice treatment, so she knew exactly what to do. She even had a kit on hand that she gave to me to get rid of all those little buggers. (Sidenote: This product is AMAZING. If you ever have to deal with lice, I highly recommend. Safe enough for little Tater and got rid of everything.) It could’ve been so much worse. We were lucky. And a bonus, the treatment made my hair look model gorgeous, so there’s that.
OK, enough griping, here’s some fun links to get you through the weekend, whether you’re holed up with a headcold/lice or just trying to stay out of the heat:
– Have you been watching the Olympics? Obviously we have, and we are loving the swimming and the gymnastics. Ever wondered how those leotards stay right where they are supposed to? Check out this article on how they are made. Super interesting stuff. I had no idea how detailed it all was.
– Speaking of gymnastics, tonight NBC is airing a documentary on the “Magnificent Seven” and you’d better believe Lu and I will be watching!
– This workout segment on the Sarah James show looks perfect for me. And by perfect, I mean quick and convenient.
– This documentary on HBO about supermodels aging looks fantastic. Can’t wait to check it out.
– Omigod avocado salad nom nom nom.
– I’ve always wanted to take the kids camping, but haven’t bitten the bullet yet. This post on backpacking with kids gets me excited though. We might need to bust out that old tent!
– Lane made homemade face scrub and I WANT IT NOW.
Here are some Instagrams from the past few days (weeks, years, hell, I have no idea…). You can follow our adventures by following me over there @crazy_bananas. Have a happy weekend, all!
Moonrise Kingdom
/1 Comment/in Fun /by MeganHave you seen the movie Moonrise Kingdom yet? I want to live inside of it. I got a tip from a friend that it was a great little film, but didn’t have the chance to see it until recently. Everything about it made me happy. The clothes, the cinematography, the super strange love story, the dancing on the beach in your underwear…yeah, it was pretty fantastic.
The main story is about two young weirdos who fall in love via letters and their escape to be together. It’s set in 1965 and I covet pretty much everything the main character (Suzy) is wearing. Other things to covet? Her record player and her yellow suitcase full of science fiction books she stole from the library. Also, the plaid. So. Much. Plaid. This is a good one, people. Go see it.