Monday, March 30, 2009

Is anyone out there???

Hello people,

What in the world would we do without Heidi leading us into our NY resolutions??? Thanks for keeping us accountable!

Life is good! Hmmm... where to start? I bought myself an iPod Touch for my birthday and it's AMAZING! I have several applications to assist me with my goals. For example, there's an actual goal tracker, money tracker, gratitude journal, journal, yoga exercises, personal trainer, scriptures, and SOOOO much more! I LOVE IT!

One of the applications I love most is the Gratitude Journal. I keep it with me throughout the day and jot down bullet points with things in my life I'm grateful for. I haven't been doing it for long but it's definitely already impacted me so instead of the glass is half empty or half full, I'm just dog gone grateful to have a cup!

I've also made slight progress with working out. I read Heidi's progress where she said she's at least walking 20 minutes. Well heck, I'm lucky if I make it 5 minutes! You set the bar pretty darn high Heidi!

Other than that, I need to improve but I will my whole life! I'm starting to be more okay with my progress than my lack of progress! In "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" (my FAVORITE BOOK EVER) he says your "in basket" will never be empty so be happy with life as it is. Obviously it doesn't mean to stop setting goals, but it means life is good no matter what our progress is.

Anywho, that's about it for me. I love you gals!

P.S. y'all should check out Trisha's YouTube videos. They are AWESOME! Most of them have had at least 700 views. You rock Trish!

Love, Tiff

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Geez...this joint is dead

Where did everybody go? OK - I know where I went - which is nowhere. Just mostly here at home working on not being too miserable. But motivation-wise, I've taken a major vacation. I'm still not feeling completely human yet. I'll have 1 or 2 better days and then BAM! I just feel horrible for the entire day. But, hey, it's been almost 3 days now, so that's progress, right?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want to start back into my goals. To focus on them instead of just getting through the day. On my bad days, I will cut myself major slack. On my better days, I will not overdo it, but definitely work harder at it.
So, with that in mind, the next week these are things I really want to focus on:
1. Me & my family washing our hands (or using sanitizer) before we eat every meal (I know this isn't one of my original goals, but I'm so bad at it & I think it will help us with sickness.
2. Not leaning into ANY mirrors to get a closer look. Washing my face at least once a day.
3. Exercising (even if it's a 20 minute walk) 3 times.
4. Fix at least 3 dinners this week.
5. My house has pretty bad since I've been sick, but this week I'd like to try and stay on top on the laundry and get back in the routine of keeping the sick clean, running the dishwasher @ night, and cleaning the bathrooms in the morning.

And here's the long version... (LOVE YOU GUYS!)

TOP 5 GOALS FOR 2009:
1. To be able to see myself and others as Jesus sees us.
This goal has taken a major nose-dive. I haven't been praying for it (most of my prayers have revolved around trying to strengthen my back for the burden of being sick), but I need to start. It sure is a chore to see myself as Jesus sees me right now - I feel so fat, ugly, sick & BLAH. My attitude as been so negative and pessimistic. I need to pray for this and try to look in my eyes & see my potential - & see who my girls need me to be.
2. To serve others more often and more cheerfully.
So - I know the best way to get through a trial is to stop focusing on yourself and to serve others. I'm going to try harder to help my neighbor Robyn while she goes running by watching her boys. I'm also going to pray for a better attitude when the day starts that I can serve my family and meaningfully say "I'd be happy to!"
3. STOP attacking my face, arms, and legs by popping zits.
This is one of my major goals this week. NO leaning over the counter. Wash my face at least once a day.
4. Media: Avoid media with swearing, sex, or violence. Use my precious time to SEEK I have definitely regressed on this one. I read a book that wasn't necessarily bad, but I REALLY wouldn't call it inspirational. I also have watched a couple romantic comedies that portrayed sex before marriage and swore. NOT where I want to be heading. On the plus side, we're watching a financial seminar DVD series that is Christian and is really amazing. VERY faith-building.

"B" GOALS (important, but not top 5):
1. Prayerfully attend the temple no less than 10 times.
We were shooting for yesterday & it didn't happen. I should have called the Warrens. I need to plan better for this month.
2. Stay out of debt and Pay tithing and generous fast offering every month.
We are thankfully still out of debt. We'd be in a whole lot of trouble if we weren't. We did pay fast offering this month.
3. Write in my journal once a week (doesn't include blogging)
I did write down a couple intense dreams this past week. Glad I got them captured.
4. 1 anniversary vacation, 3 family vacations (includes camping), 1 "lovers get-away", and 1 "girls only" getaway!
Girls get-away-check :), we're still planning our anniversary vacation for May. Can't wait!
5.When fasting, start the night before (5pm Sat-5pm Sun)
Again, not going to work, but I do need to find something that will help me be more humble - epseically on fast Sundays. It didn't even feel like a fast Sunday to me. I need to make my prayers more fervent and heart-felt.
6.Write at least one "love note" from God every night.
Not good. Hope to pick this back up this week - even if it's just 1 thing.
7. Get our food storage and 72 hour kids up to par.
I am feeling good about it!
8. Appreciate my loved ones more.
Jason has been so amazing. I need to show him more how much I appreciate his love and service to me.
9. On the computer no more than 1 hr a day (except newsletter/slideshow days)
This hasn't been good. I decided that I only want to check Facebook ONCE a day. I really don't need to look at the computer more than once a day anyway.
10. Keep Word of Wisdom: Bed by 10:30pm, eat fruits and veggies and each meal and for snacks, exercise 4x a week.
Bed:FABULOUS! I haven't gotten to bed past 11 for a couple weeks now - mostly because I feel miserable & can't eat & can't read, so I just have to go to bed & try to sleep it off. Eating: I am going to try & eat more fruits & veggies, but right now I'm still eating whatever sounds like I won't throw it up! Exercise: once this week! Hope to make it 3x next week.

"C" GOALS (work on these, but not at the expense of A or B)
1. Stop being so sarcastic.
Bad. I am truly sorry to anyone I was sarcastic to.
2. Meal plan for each week.
It's been HORRIBLE since I've been sick, but I hope to make a few real meals this week.
3. Look for opportunities to share the gospel.
Yes, mom, my blog does help to share the gospel, but I need to do better about reaching out.
4. Bear my testimony 6 times.
Not this month...
5. Plant a garden.
I think we're getting close to that time, but I am having a hard time. Do we rip up the backyard & put so much time & effort into a garden when we may be moving? I need to pray more about this.
6. Put up a picture of the temple, the prophet and Jesus in our rooms.
ALMOST done! We did get pictures of Jesus, a temple and the first presidency in the girls rooms, but we need to put some up in our room.
7. Keep up with the FLY lady - keep our home ready for visitors and keep the routine
It's been pretty bad since I've been sick, but this week I'd like to try and stay on top on the laundry and get back in the routine of keeping the sick clean, running the dishwasher @ night, and cleaning the bathrooms in the morning.
8. Make Birthday Books for the girls
Gotten behind since I've been sick. Ireland's birthday is really only 3 months away! Ahhh!
9. Transfer all camcorder tapes to DVD
I am lost on this now, but I need to help mom this week & would like to start getting caught up.
10. Date night w/ sweetie 3x a month
Not yesterday, but we've had some great moments together this week. Maybe we can plan one for this week.

FAMILY GOALS:
1. FHE once a week
We did on Monday - about Joseph Smith.
2. Scriptures/conference/inspirational songs during breakfast
On the mornings I feel good, I need to MAKE SURE the scriptures or conf is going.
3. Stay out of debt
The Financial DVDs have been great! We're learning so much about God's way with money vs. the world.
4. Move to a small town
Working on it.
5. Be on time to church every week.
We were about 15 minutes early this week! And Ireland did GREAT in nursery!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I am alive...sort of

Hello everyone! Yes. I am alive. Basically.
But other than being alive, that's about it.
My main goal for the past few weeks has been to not throw up. I accomplished that last Sunday, but have regressed since then.
I'm keeping optimistic, though, and hope to be able to expand my goals in the near future. I know I keep saying that, but I really think it will be true soon. One the the midwifes I've been talking with says that 9 weeks is the worst since that's when the placenta implants, so I'm hanging on and hope to be able to feel substantially better soon.
I'm so glad that everyone is still posting. You're all doing great! Love you!

Helloooooooo...

Hey ladies,

Goals... hmmmm.... what are those? And resolutions, what the heck does that mean??? Just kidding (sort of.)

But seriously, I've been struggling lately. I ruptured my ear drum last week and haven't been feeling well but that's not an excuse. I will do better!

I've been okay at planning my day and listening to inspirational books. Now that I have a 45 minute commute each way, I'm able to pick up books on CD at the library. I recently finished one called "The Last Lecture." Talk about AWESOME! I would encourage you all to read or listen to it. It's a true story about a professor who is dying of prostate cancer and only has a few months to live. He writes his last lecture to his family and his students. Very awesome and it helps put life into perspective.

Other than that, same old same old, which means life is wonderful (even though I don't always see it that way.) There's a country song I love that brings it all home. It's called "Lucky man." Here's the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAQoOkkvp4

Love y'all!

Tiff

Sunday, March 15, 2009

2009 March week 2



Celebration: 8 days with no sugar (this helps with my overwhelmed feelings)
better progress on keeping my check book register
Our Writers retreat
Challenges: Food storage, neck therapy

Thanks ya all for being part of this. Heidi, you were inspired!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Last Week and This...




Well, last week was AWESOME as far as accomplishing goals and getting a lot done! The month of March has been really slow! So, that's really unfortunate, but fortunately it gives us time to get other things done that needed to be done. Last week we got all of the crown molding and base boards done in the salon, finished our chair railing and put it up, stained all of the wood in the stairway (we have wood panelling) and painted my station in the salon! On top of all of that I washed my face day and night every day, excersized 4 times, read scriptures every day, and we made 3 you tube videos. It was a great week!
This past week I haven't excersized. But I've still been good about washing my face and scripture study. We've been good about making you tube videos, I wrote a whole page all about extensions to go on the website, and Darrin made a sale on www.TVStandsElect.com!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! That's a huge milestone (and one of our March goals)! I've also had more clients this week than last so that's good.
So-there you have it-these past two weeks have been pretty progressive in my opinion :)

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Yipee! The "New Post" invitation is open to my eyes!


Hi guys,

First, Sorry. I couldn't find the posting button for a while but I see it today! Yea!!

Second, my friend, Adiaha, from the Caribbean is planning to join us. Cool Huh? We should hear from her soon!

Third. Now that we have been working our goals for 2 months now I decided that I would switch around. The goals I'm doing well with are moving over for new ones. Here is my new list (notice the PROGRESS ON part)

GREAT goals
• Progress on WATER BEFORE BREADS, sweets or seconds
• Progress on Exercise progress
• Progress on neck: physical therapy
• Progress on Timer with Computer
• Progress on finances – Bus. Acct. not transfers, daily acct.
• Progress on creating loving memories
• Progress on faith booths with God: temple, church, serving
• Progress on memorize positive songs for sharing
• Progress on Share and or sell 300 MJ books by April
• Progress on Thanks thinking
• Progress on Food storage
• Progress on dates-kids, grandkids)
• Watching grandshildren
• Progress on -------------------------------------------------------
• Progress on -------------------------------------------------------

Have a Great Day!!
Love,
Mom

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tiff's updated goals


Hello ladies, I wanted to post my updated goals so you can help keep me responsible. Can you tell I have a lot of time on my hands at work...!
Love y'all!
Tiff

Monday, March 2, 2009



Okay, so I've been quite the slacker about posting, lately I've felt a bit like this guy. I keep trying to get up and I can't seem to get there. Anyway, my excuses are valid up to a point. My computer was sick for a while, but now I have it back and it is doing okay. So, no more excuses for me. I'm still doing pretty well with the exercising and getting the kids to bed, BUT I've pretty much been pathetic with the water drinking and eating six fruits and veggies a day. I'm in the grey area when it comes to salad eating, reading scriptures and ten second hugs for my kiddos. And of course I can never seem to get up by 6:30, maybe it's biologically impossible for me....big sigh! Doing something silly every day..well I tickle the kids and joke a little, but I rarely get out of my comfort zone and really play with them, that's what I want to do and I haven't done the fifteen minutes of laundry thing much either, I also rarely ponder on a scripture mulitple times a day or go to bed by 11:00, it's usually between 11:30 and 12:00. BUT I did go to the temple twice last week...yeah me. So, this week is a pick yourself up, visualize and pray you do better week. Never, never, never give up...right??





Heidi - week #9 blah, blah, blah

First of all, I'm SO HAPPY to see everyone posting. I missed you guys - and your amazing support.
I almost didn't want to post because last week was...well, blah to say the least. BUT I KNOW that when I stop posting then I'm going to stop trying all together & I don't want that, so here goes. Last week, I pretty much just ate when I was hungry (which was a LOT), slept when I was tired (which was a LOT), and took care of the necessary things. That was about it. yup.
I'm really trying not to use my pregnancy as an excuse, but it is turning that way. I wonder if Jason wasn't home if I would not be so lazy, or if my children would simply be watching way too much TV every day. Jason just has been spoiling me. I truly do feel tired so much and I feel like I'm on a boat that is constantly rocking. So far no puking - knock on wood - but I feel pukey most of the day - especially if I don't eat at least every 2 hours. I told Cindy I got nauseous just stirring my malt-o-meal the other day. ANYway, I'm rambling, but I do want to do better. I like Cindy's graphic, though. I am lacking the motivation to get motivated. That's where prayer & you guys come in! My cheerleading squad!
So - here's my update. I'm looking forward to feeling better soon and getting more on top of things, but I'm NOT giving up either way!!

GOOD STUFF:-I did make a few good meals last week.
-I didn't attack my face
-I did send my amazing sisters/mom/grandma a card to let them know how awesome they are
-We did go to the temple last week (sort of...initiatory - I waited for about 40 minutes and told them I had to go. There's no way I would have lasted another 30-40 minutes without food!)
-I felt like our media choices were good for the most part.
-Better on my love notes from God

BLAH - NEED TO DO BETTER:
-Keeping my home clean & keeping up with the laundry
-Eating & Exercising. Both horrible. It's hard because there aren't a lot of things that sound good to be so I justify eating whatever sounds good, even if it's bad for me. Well, that just ends up leaving me feeling BLAH. I should even just walk for 20 minutes a day. It would do me a WORLD of good at this point.
-Spiritual things: Praying, scriptures, and striving to love and see as Jesus does and serving others has fallen by the wayside. I NEED His strennth and help and I know He's ready to give it if I just ask.

I'm not Dead

Folks, I'm not dead-just so everyone knows. I haven't posted on here for a long time so I'm sure people might have been wondering if I was rotting in my house. Welp, I'm not :) so that's good, right?
I have been pretty good with washing my face, prayers, scriptures, keeping my house clean, and pondering lately.

I've been bad at excersizing. Let me re-phrase that-I have not excersized-not even once!

But as mother said, that's why God invented new days, for new beginnings. And I especially like fast Sunday's because that means that it's a new day, new week AND a new MONTH! Sweet! So, Darrin and I sat down and set some new goals for the month of March. They are as follows:

-make 10 NEW you tube videos (I do videos of how to do different styles-and they really help to get people to my site! We haven't made a new one for quite some time.)

-Get to bed by 12 and wake up by 9

-Start and Finish our taxes (thank goodness that dad is going to help us! I don't know what we'd do without him!)

-Paint the Living Room

-Finish Crown Molding in the Salon

-Make a CLEARANCE section on the website of products that we've had for a while.

-Make Credit Card forms for the Salon

-Sell at least one TV Stand from TVStandsElect.com (Darrin's Site-This one might be tough. There's still a lot to improve on the site. It's complicated!)

-Save, Save, Save!!!


So, there you have it! I hope that Darrin and I can do this every month-set new goals. I think it's helpful to reset goals month to month based on what's working and what's not. And based on what will help you in a shorter amount of time then throughout the year.


I also excersized this morning (and I'm already sore!)! So, that was good :) yay! The salon is doing pretty well too! Just getting better and better every month. I'm lovin' it! And I love you all!

Hello ladies....

So I've revised my goals slightly. I changed my "hour of power" with 20 minutes of exercising, reading, and meditating to half hour of power (it still rhythms right...!) I also added doing one unexpected nice service for Adam once a week.

I've done pretty well at not sleeping more than 9 hours and only eating one bowl of cereal. Other than that, I was slacking but I liked mom's title of "there's always next week." I have a cute illustration from a day calender Aunty Al gave me that has a picture of a chick coming out of an egg that says "Begin again. It's a brand new day!"

What I really want to focus on this week is tracking our March spending and also keeping a journal with 2 accomplishments, 2+ blessings, and one thing I can improve on.

That's pretty much it folks. I was transferred to another community that's about 45 minutes away from my house. I've only been here a week but I think I'm going to like it and I'm super grateful I'm still employed.

Anyways, I love y'all!