Relaxing... or Not

Insanity is the essence of life it seems!  I feel like I have been thoroughly enjoying myself by visiting, having company over, running here and there, avoiding homework, spending some time to heal and work through stressed relationships and working with my husband on the farm.  Even though most of these things are fun, entertaining, helpful and make me feel cheerful, I feel just exhausted.  I haven't been "working" at my job or doing much homework so shouldn't these activities count as relaxing and fun?   Today I could lay around and just sleep, but unfortunately I've procrastinated too much and homework is going to take up the rest of my day.  I love homework!

In the short of things, I better get my petute in gear.  Goal for the day:  3 loads of laundry, paper done for Research Seminar, Family Violence reflection paper done, supper made, dishes done, and paper for General Practice 3 done. Now, where do I find some liquid motivation???  

Goals - another exciting part of life

One wish that I have for my children is that they understand the importance and power of setting goals.  Of course I am a goal setter, along with my husband, and without it I probably would be working a low level job for the rest of my life, struggling to get by, my husband's business would have been bankrupt, we would have lost our home, and I wouldn't be writing this blog right now.  Thank God for Goals!!! 

Eric and I talked for over 2 hours about our farm goals specifically yesterday.  Good news again: Milk price is supposed to see a dramatic increase beginning in February.  It's about time was my thought!!!  

Additionally, the vet was over to do a pregnancy check on the cows and all but 12 were bred.  This is fantastic, as we were worried about the bull we had, but he must have done his job.  Anyway, back to the relation to goals.  Eric and I were on a top 100 farms in Minnesota list for 7 months this year for selling a quality milk product, however our production rates were not satisfactory to our standards.  Always something right... 

So we had decided this year that we are going to build a free-stall barn to fix the environment problems which decrease the production.  Along with this we have been discussing possible solutions for making the buildings more "green" and sustainable including solar or windmill energy, white roofing, a rainwater collection system, a manure tank system, a reusable water heat system, geothermal heating and going into organic farming which is the way the future is looking.   

Lots of discussion was held...  Overall outcome:  By 2013 we will be on the top 100 list for the year for quality and will be on the top farms in the county list for production.  This would be a huge accomplishment and then we can keep looking up and revisioning from there. 

I just think, two years ago we began this journey.  We have made it through the two of the most difficult years in dairy history and did a pretty darn good job of it.  I am certainly looking forward to all the changes to come in the next two, and can't wait till the day I can stand back and go, "Wow! We did it!" 

Thankfulness

Fabulous is the word I would use to describe this month so far, despite the weather.  Yesterday I was able to convince my proffesor to allow me to do a paid internship if I land the job I'm eyeing.  Even though I may not get the job, this was still a great accomplishment and I'm excited! 

My husband is wonderful and he always, well almost always, makes me smile in the morning.  Milking together in the barn last night and this morning while exchanging a light amount of sarcasm, discussing the news, and planning our future vision in life provides a great start for the day.  I love him.

My children make me laugh and warm my heart.  Last night in the barn Taylor and Brady were dancing in circles, laughing and singing all dressed up in their winter gear.  It was quite a sight!  Then they decided to lay their coats on the floor and play "pretend sleeping" on the floor of the milkhouse.  So darling they were while they were quiet....  I also talked to Lars last night on the phone and he sounds so happy!  He jokes around on the phone, asks me when I will call next, and tells me all about his day then he expresses how much he misses me and loves me.  I am loving it and taking it all in!  Funny how much of a difference taking away one person makes...   I was on facebook last night and saw a couple of Roger's senior pictures as well.  Such a handsome young man!  Very proud of him and think of him often.  He has so much potential, I just hope that he realizes that. 

I am so thankful for my family.  I have a wonderful husband, magnificent children, loving parents, awesome sisters, and a strong and supportive extended family as well.  How much more can a person ask for.   

New Begginings

It's official, my little sister Kim is a Knight in San Fransisco!  She took a one way flight outa this cold state and landed in a 51 degree cultural dreamland.  Missing her and wishing her the best, and very proud of her new adventure!  

In other news, another positive chalked up for the year.  For five years I have held my tongue and was able to unleash the wrath!  I politely was able to tell someone to never contact me again.  Even though this sounds horrible, it has been long awaited and I took much pleasure in the opportunity.  After which I was elated all evening and last night when everyone was in bed, I sat and cried a few tears of happiness.  Completely enjoyable!  Funny how something sounding so negative can feel so wonderful, but I think at some point most of us have wished we could do this with someone or another.  I've wished it for years with this one person, and my wish was finally granted. 

That's enough about that.  Life has been good.  I've experienced some great happenings with my family this last week and have been doing some reflecting back on what exactly it is that I want to do with my life.  The combination made me remember what my strengths are, why I want to make changes to improve lives of the elderly and how they mesh.  Sometimes a refresher on "what am I doing and where am I going" is great for the mind.  So, here is an early morning "cheers" to all the new begginings! 

Miracle or Coincidence

Becky, my sister, wrote about going home this weekend and I went home as well.  My youngest sister is moving from small town Minnesota to San Fransisco, CA to attend college.  There was a party; of course I went!  What happened?  Magic, inspiration, and love.   God was present in that home last night and it was apparent.  Coincidence that a few people were able to not only make ammends unexpectedly through a chance meeting?  That they would express their love and concern for one another?  That inspiration was a common word in conversation?  That tears flowed openly between multiple people due to happiness? 

Hugs, laughter, smiles, stories, music, dancing, and the toilet were all shared by many.  Family, friends, neighbors, long lost school mates and more...  

No, not coincidence.  Heavenly, and well needed magic, that was meant to take place in its good time which was when we could heal as a family which happened last night.  Believing in a miracle is precious, but witnessing one is earth shattering to the heart. 

Professionalism

Today I am off to meet someone new who will be an important future network for me, and also someone I will be collaborating with over the next few months.  I have heard wonderful things about the woman and am very much looking forward to meeting her in person.  Yet, my anxiety about "what should I wear", "do I look professional", "what if I say something dumb", "what if this is a flop" etc. start running through my head.  I hate self doubt... 

I took 5 minutes this morning to do some self-motivation and reassurance, I made a plan for the day, and after I got done telling my husband that I was right about something and he was wrong, I felt much better.  :~)   However, I keep thinking about how much emphasis we as a society put on impressions.  Clothes, hair, shoes, makeup, jewelry, proper outerwear, etc.  This is part of what defines a first impression, and it is somewhat irritating to me.  The amount of money that goes into these things is ridiculous, and the more money usually the nicer a person can look which is difficult for those without money.  Anyway, now that I am done rambling about the injustices of first impressions I better get my butt in gear so I can go make one.  Because as much as I may think it's an injustice, I still play the game and try as much as possible to fill the requirements of a successfull first impression.  Does this make me a hippocrit?  Something to think about I guess...

Excitement!

Excitement can be in the smallest of packages, but lately we've had an abundance of excitement in our home.  Yesterday, my daughter's blatent excitement was over her new coat! 

Eric and I have both experienced this excitement as well lately.  We were able to defer our farm payments till the end of July which will allow me to get through school without having to sell many spare limbs or children.

I have been very excited as I am on my last semester of school, YEAH!!!  I am going to be writing a grant for the ITOW Museum in Perham, MN, I am losing weight, and I am setting and achieving goals, which are all exciting to me as well. 

My overall excitement today is thinking about how well my children are doing.  I am so proud of all of them!  Roger will be graduating this spring.  He has grown up so much and has been facing some hard decisions.  I am proud of him.  Lars has matured beyond the elementary level and will be finishing his 6th grade year.  His knowledge and resilience is inspiring to me.  Taylor is in kindergarten and has all of her invitations for her birthday made out.  (Her birthday is in April)  She is learning so much, and is so independent it drives me crazy yet makes me proud.  She is going to be a handful though...  Then there is Brady.  He is in headstart and provides for much of the laughter around here.  Bless his crazy little heart! 

Anyway, I better get back to some schoolwork... but Yay for excitement, and blessings!  They go hand in hand don't they!?!   What are yours? 



Absorbing

My mind was swimming by 5 a.m. this morning.  Papers to write, reading to do, laundry to do, dishes from supper etc....  So here I've been sitting in my recliner just writing away and taking a couple 5 min. breaks here and there to do laundry.  Dishes can always wait... 

One of the articles I'm reading is one of the many by Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart who I really enjoy.  Native history and culture is fascinating to me and I find that when I read about it I feel like I just can't absorb enough information to satisfy my curiosity.  I took a very simple Native American course this last summer that briefly touched on multiple dimensions, but none very deeply, and even all the education we've done is not satisfying enough to me.  I feel that I am quite educated on the history and historical trauma, but want to know so much more about their culture. 

This led me to the decision that I am going to bring my children to a pow-wow this summer.  What better way to learn than to immerse yourself in culture, right?  I also have a Native American friend whom is an incredibly strong and inspiring woman, and I'm sure would let me tap her brain for information as well.  She's taught me a few words and traditions in Ojibwe already which has been wonderful!

Anyway, my son just asked me if I could open a bag of cookies for him, so I suppose that was a hint that I should make breakfast. 
In appreciation to those that read and post,
Migwetch! 

Indecisive

Throughout the school process I have come to realize many things about myself.  One of them is that I am not very great at just making small talk.  I like conversation to have a meaning and point, and when it doesn't I feel like I don't know exactly what to say at times.  Needless to say I don't think I could ever be in sales...  

Over achieving is also a struggle for me.  As much of a benefit and strength this is, it can also be a hindrance.  We have two senior capstones this semester and I am having an incredibly difficult time deciding what to do. I've decided that my indecisiveness is due to being an over achiever.  I keep telling myself that simple is better and less stressful, but it's not working well...

On a second note,  I was happily able to cross multiple things off of my list today!  I cleaned and organized the barn this last week, have been in the barn at least twice a week as a family, wrote a fabulous resume' (Thanks to the resume' God- Aunt Marcia :-), and added to my list again.  I started eating very healthfully this last week as well, but unfortunately today I fell off the wagon.  Will saddle back up for tomorrow though.  I just need to keep thinking about how fabulous I want to look for graduation! ;~)

Asparagus

 I love asparagus!  Today is a new day and I am starting on a low carb diet.  I did really well with this last year and followed it for 9 months.  Then I went back to school in the fall and fell off the wagon resorting to cheeseburgers, curly fries, pizza, and nacho tator tots.  With my new found ambition I decided that today was the "official day", which means grocery shopping. 

One of my favorite low carb diet veggies is asparagus.  Cheesy, creamed, tossed in butter, grilled, wrapped in bacon, chopped in salad, or chopped over a mushroom and swiss with fried onions...   (this is making me hungry)  There are so many great ways to eat asparagus.   However, when I went shopping I saw the price and wanted to keel over. $6.99 per lb.  This is ludicrous!!!  Maybe we should plant all our fields in asparagus this spring... or not, but it's tempting for that price. 

This brought me to the thought that I can completely understand why children and adults eat unhealthy and we have an obesity problem in the U.S.   No one can afford to eat healthy anymore!  If you can buy mac-n-cheese and a pac of hotdogs for $2 why would you buy asparagus for $6.99 per lb.  Something is wrong here...  

I have to do two capstone assignments this year for class and this really makes me think that I should do something on sustainable farming and community gardening.   Hopefully some day when life isn't so hectic I can at least make a change in my local community to implement these things.  In the meantime, I don't think I will be eating much asparagus. 

Free Stall Barns

Discussion and questions about, "what is a free stall barn", "are you still going to milk in a parlor", and others that asked in person got me thinking that I should maybe do a little education today.  Okay students, pull out your notebook!  ;~) 

My husband and I are tentatively planning on putting in a free stall barn.   As discussed yesterday briefly, my husband and I struggle with our dairy cows as we have clay ground which creates a mud problem yearly.  This leads to stress on the cow, hairy warts on their feet, muddy teats, feed loss (as it is stepped into the mud), increases the cost of bedding, increased dirt work costs yearly, and is just plain miserable to drive, walk or do anything in.  This last year alone I figured the loss of milk from environmental stress, or mud, to be approximately $40,000. 

A free stall barn provides as seen in the first picture here, shows how each cow has a stall to lie in so they don't step on each other and are comfortable.   They usually use baked sand as bedding which lowers the bacteria count, is comfortable and keeps the animals cleaner.  These units would be placed on the outer edges of the barn and are raised from the cows walkway.  In the center of the barn is a wide alley which is used for feeding.  The tractor and mixer would be able to drive through the center and spit feed out along each side.  The cows would then walk up to the center alley and be able to eat throughout the day.  There is little feed lost as the cows can't walk or poop in it, and it is spread on concrete so none is lost to the elements. 

The barn is set up with gates to be able to move the cows and connected to the catch pen by a breezeway as seen in the second picture here.  Once in the catch pen the gates are switched and they return to the free stall barn through the same breezeway. 

The free stall barn is profitable not only because it will save on the loss of milk production due to the improved environment, but actually should create a 10-15 lb. increase per cow due to the overall comfort and improvements.  To clarify this a little, a 10 lb. milk increase per cow per day = approximately $25,500 per year at a low-average milk price.  (The milk price varies)  This is additional to the expectation that we wouldn't have a $40,000 loss. 

I'm not going to bore you anymore with all the numbers, but wanted to explain a bit more about a free stall barn and how it's beneficial.  The benefits, in our case, significantly outweigh the cost of building.  Now I just need to convince the Farm bankers...  ;~)

Great Minds Think Alike

Three years ago my husband and I decided we needed a "get rich quick" scheme and became dairy farmers.  ;~)  Actually, my husband really wanted to farm, and I love farming as well so it seemed like the thing to do.  Since we've began farming things have been tough.  It probably didn't help that I returned to college at the same time, but that's besides the point.  There are always struggles of some kind whether they are financial, crop related, feed related or cow related.  Our biggest issue is mud.  We've known this since we started and just keep plugging away and trying to adapt things to best suit the muddy conditions.  However, the effect the mud has on the cows themselves is not something that we have been able to fix. 

Lately my husband and I have been doing a lot of projecting for the future as far as building plans, ideas, projects etc.  We do this often and really enjoy it.  Yesterday, I was riding to school with my friend Erica and telling her how I thought we needed to build a free-stall barn because it was the only way to fix the mud problem efficiently.  Then, last night in the barn I was talking to my husband and he said, "I was thinking today and decided that we should build a free-stall barn".   I looked at him very strangely apparently as I had thought about the same thing all day.  This conversation led to discussion on the best way to do it, which we both have different opinions on of course.  I really thought to myself about how it must be a sign that we both happened to think about the same thing all day.  Eric also had some other ideas that were social work related which sparked my interest, but that's another story.  For now it looks like more building will be in the future... 

Call Me A Nerd

Throughout elementary and high school I always enjoyed classes and learning.  But yesterday after a class, I truly felt it in my bones.  It's official, you can call me a nerd.  It was my first day back to classes for my social work major yesterday.  The class is qualitative research seminar method.  I've found that I really enjoy reading research on anything, particularly when it matters to me.  Funny how that is...  Anyway, we went through the syllabus which includes 4 papers which lead into each other.  The end result is a qualitative research paper; go figure given the name of the class.  In orer to complete the paper we need to come up with three questions that intrigue us which begins the research process.  By the time we reached the end of the syllabus my mind was reeling with questions and I found myself scribbling ideas down on it.  I left class feeling like, "I can't wait to get started!"  Since I think I may have been one of the only people feeling excited about doing research, I've decided that this must officially make me a nerd. 

In other news, I was able to somewhat catch up with a dear old friend this week.  She is one of those people who I could go years without talking to and we can visit like we never missed a beat.  While I was going through a rough period in my life many years ago, she was there for me.  In fact, without her, I would never be where I am today.   She is a strong, beautiful, dynamic woman who is making a difference for her students, (she is a teacher) and I am proud to call her my friend.   She asked for donations for some of her kids, grades 2-5, and I responded as I have so many clothes Lars has outgrown and want to donate themm.  So they are going to Green Bay!  (And even though she's a Packer's fan, I forgive her ;~)  So here is a big thank you and a hug to my friend, Becky Blaul-Sliva!   

A Solid Start

A New Year and I've checked a few things off my list already!  Scrubbing fly poo off of the barn cieling and walls was not on the list, but it should have been because I did it all afternoon yesterday...  inspector comes today or tomorrow.   I was thinking to myself, "If I could be as productive every day as I was yesterday, think about how much I could accomplish!"  Besides cleaning the barn I finished reorganizing and cleaning my living room, cleaned and organized my bedroom (which was quite the feat), and put away all my clean clothes.  Organizing my bedroom was on my list so I was able to check that one off; what a good feeling! 

School starts today and I have mixed feelings about it.  I am really ready to go back for myself so I can have a routine again, get it over with, graduate and get a job.  Yet, for my family I am a little sad.  School means less time for the kids and my husband, and not getting home till later in the evening.  However, it's only for a few months and then it will all be over with.  (I keep telling myself this) 

On a higher note, I can smell the coffee brewing as I type, I have been eating healthier, and my best friend started a blog.  This makes me smile. :~)  Erica is an amazing woman, without whom I would have never been able to accomplish as much as I have in school, and life in general.  So here's a big thank you to Erica!  And take a minute to peak at her blog at bejepson.blogspot.com   She made a list too! :~) 

Modern Technology

This morning, thanks to my horrible eyesight, I was thinking about technology.  It all started with a phone call at about 7 a.m. from my husband.  We dairy farm, and I usually tend to not get up at 5 am with my husband.  I prefer helping with chores in the evening, which means waking up around 7ish with the kids, doing house chores in the am and making breakfast.  Well, this morning I hadn't woke up yet and my husband needed my help immediately.  He needed assistance with a cow that was in the barn and she was ready to go out.  With my brain not quite functioning I was searching for my contacts with no success, so I decided to go to the barn without them in.  (I don't have glasses for backup either)  So, I was helping out for a few minutes with the problem cow and then Eric said he needed to go fill the wood stove.  So I am alone in the barn, which is normally fine, but being half blind is a little different.   I was trying to see when the milkers were done, so I had my head pretty close to the cows feet, yet was still safe, and one stomped and scared the living %$#% out of me.  Even though you know they can't hurt you because there is a bar separating them from you, it still got to me. 

This is when I started thinking about modern technology.  Farming used to be the way of life pre-industrial revolution.  Even though glasses may have existed, how many people actually had them, and how well did they work?  How in the heck people could farm, without the technology and without great vision is beyond me.  I have difficulty functioning without my contacts.  This also makes me think about my grandpa who is legally blind.  I give him so much credit; he is an amazing man and lets nothing stop him.  That is a whole nother story though.  So needless to say, technology, contacts, glasses, laser surgery; all priceless inventions.  And lesson learned: don't go to the barn without my contacts. 

P.S.  I did find them when I came back in.  They fell on the floor next to the bathroom counter.

Conjumbled

I've really been trying to work with my 2 youngest children on being kind and sensitive to people, especially each other.  They are extremely competivive, which probably comes from my husband and I since we are as well, but it has led to some very naughty behaviors. (For the children I mean :~)  The name calling, declaring who is better constantly, and the fighting has become unbearable.  Lately I feel like we are gaining some ground and that they are understanding the, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" concept.  So this morning I hear Brady call Taylor a name and she says, "Brady how would you feel if someone called you that name?  It would feel bad, wouldn't it."  Brady responds, "Well how would it feel if someone kicked someone in the nuts?  That would feel bad too!"   Not sure if this is the result I was looking for, however I guess I should be happy that he is understanding the concept... 

In other news, a good friend of mine was in town so we had dinner and went browsing around window shopping.  Her dad passed away, the service was the day before and I could see the pain she was having.  We had a nice time, but I feel like I should have said more to console her.  When it comes to the matter of loosing a loved one, I feel like the words get conjumbled in my head and I don't know what to say.  I listen and try to understand, but I have never lost a close loved one, so therefore I just don't know what to say.  I can't imagine how difficult it is or how much it would cross my mind.  So I try to think, "What would I want to hear?"  But I can't think of anything that would make it better, so I just try to be there to listen. 

These situations is where my husband is a saint.  He lost his father quite a few years ago, has lost his grandparents, and a good friend throughout his life.  He can look at someone and know exactly what to say and has a way with words in this situation.  Standing back, I can see how much his words mean to people.  He spoke to my friend on the phone, and I don't know what he said exactly, but she was moved by his words.  I was glad and relieved that in my loss of words, that she found some comfort and relief maybe in his. 

For those that don't know my husband, he is not the really sensitive, or tactfull type of person.  But, he is genuine and loving, and his ability to be a connoisseur in these situations makes me love him all the more. 

Little Things

This morning I awoke to my 4 year old saying, "Mom, I farted in the bathroom and I peed!" and thought about how much I appreciate the little things throughout the day, such as his commical remarks.  So I came up with a list of things I enjoy.  I love lists; did I mention this?  :~) 
1. The smell of coffee brewing in the early morning
2.  The sound of  kids giggling
3.  My husbands sense of humor
4.  The way my husband's face lights up when I walk in the barn to help
5.  Brady's outlandish comments
6.  Lars wanting to cuddle with his mom (even though he's in 6th grade)
7. Roger's slight North Carolina accent mixed and his respectful personality
8.  Listening to my children play make believe
9.  Seeing my kids learn new things  
10.  Hearing my cat purr as he lays on me in the morning and at night
11.  Hearing the sound of the baby calves bellering as they are starving in the morning
12.  Seeing the baby chickens run under their mama in the yard
13.  Looking at the crystals in the trees on a winter morning
14.  Exploring pictures that Jack Frost made with my children
15.  Watching the deer, wild turkeys, fox and various other animals in the woods
16.  Seing my family picture on the wall every day
17.  the smell of bacon (it makes everything wonderful!)
18.  Smelling laundry fresh out of the dryer
19. Cuddling on the couch with my husband after chores
20.  Spending time with my kids at the beach, fishing, sledding, playing games, reading, cooking, or almost anything, it's all good
21. Hearing from mine and Eric's family on the phone
22. Hearing Brady say, "Mom, I love you and I missed you all day" numerous times each day

The list could go on and on, but I will stop here.   Just writing the list brings a smile to my face and reminds me about how fortunate I am to have a home, and a loving and wonderful family.  Life is too busy; so take a breath and remember to stop and take note of what you appreciate.  It hopefully will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside, just like it did me. 

Finding Ambition

Christmas break has been nothing less than insane!  However, now that it's over I feel that I really need to get back into a routine.  My ambition to do anything in my house has been severely lacking, and it makes me feel horrible because now I am lacking ambition and have a messy house.  Ugh...  So, I am wondering why I am missing so much ambition; what is it that makes me feel like this?  Unhealthy eating, lack of self-care, overtired from an overcrowded schedule, everyone else's ability to not care, a missing cleaning fairy... I'm not sure.  The combination of everything probably.  So then there is the "how do I fix it" question.  If I am not sure exactly why I have a severe lack of "cleaning ambition", how do I get it back? 

Well, one step at a time I guess.  Things don't fix themselves which means that I need to take some initiative in making the difference.  Which brings me back to my 2011 list.  Eating healthier, exercise, limiting computer time, and listening to music I think are where the answers lie.   So, step 1: Start a chore chart for myself.   Step 2: Clean kitchen and take down Christmas decor.  Step 3: Catch up on laundry (folded and put away)  Step 4: Reward myself for completion on my chart.  Whether it be playing guitar for 1/2 hour (also on my list), buying myself a piece of jewelry or something small, or relaxing with no purpose (off the computer of course).   

Now, what to make for breakfast that's healthy...  maybe I should make grocery shopping step 2... :~)

Stealing the List

My sister Becky has a blog at www.totallyserial.com/blog and I love reading it!  She decided, after being inspired by another blogger, to start a 2011 list of things to do.  I AM STEALING THE LIST!!!   I am a goal oriented person, and this made me sincerely excited!  So, here is my list:
1. Plan a menu for at least 2 weeks at a time
2. Take food out of the freezer the night before I am going to need it
3. Buy myselft a new jewelry set that I love
4. Spend 2 nights a week as a family in the barn
5. Read one book to my kids each night
6. Try a new recipe, or ingredient once a month
7. Organize my bedroom
8. Learn to fingerpick a song on guitar
9. Make a better budget
10. Read one local paper per week
11. Attend a group camping trip
12. Begin exersizing again
13. Learn 2 new healthy recipes
14. Have a date night with my husband
15. Set a 20 minute time limit for the computer
16. Make a chore list, with rewards, for my kids
17. Clean my house for 30 minutes per day except Sundays
18. Finish the wedding album of Eric and I
19. Crochet a blanket
20. Attend a local activity
21. Color and cut my hair
22. Graduate with honors
23. Quit buying much junk food
24. Take 5 minutes each morning to clear my mind and make a plan for the day
25. Call the boys more often
26. attend church at least twice a week
27. reward myself for something done
28. send out 5 thank you notes
29. Get my hair colored as a stylist suggests
30. organize a party
31. volunteer time once a month
32. write everyones birthday on my calender
33. buy stationary for writing letters
34. write 5 letters for no reason, but to stay in contact
35. research  and understand feed rationing
36. spend a day with my best friend Erica doing something fun
37. teach Lars some guitar
38. pack dinner for school at least 2 days per week
39. paint my entry way
40. teach Lars to bake/ cook this summer
41. go to at least 3 card parties
42. play basketball at the court in Wolf Lake with mine, and the other kids in community
43. go fishing more often
44. Learn to make Kuchen (questionable spelling) with my Grandma
45. make deer jerky
46. make home made gifts with my kids
47. Print out photos of my kids and put in an album
48. organize the kids room
49. buy a new mattress for my bed
50. Buy new sheets for my bed
51. Make a doctor, eye doctor and dentist appointment for myself
52. learn to play a song with my husband
53. clean and organize the barn
54. write a fabulous resume'
55. go camping more often with my kids
56. have coffee with a neighbor
57. Put away the Christmas decorations
58. add to my list as I see fit

So there it is.  Now, lets see if I can put it to the side to cross them off as we go like Becky is.  This will make me accountable as well.  :~)

Novel Ideas

Something I learned this year in college is that according to organizational Theory Y, people inherently want to work.  People possess creative abilities which are many times left untapped due to the hierarchical society that we live in.  I've thought about this idea many times as I have worked as the low man on the totem pole for years, and believe that there are many untapped resources available in staff who don't have a title or a degree. 

So, in my efforts to change society, one project at a time of course, I have been engaging in discussion with my 11 year old son who is a history buff, about a project that I am hopefully going to get the opportunity to attack.  Thanks to my Aunt Marcia, an intelligent and delightful woman, I may be able to help out the local ITOW Museum.   The museum holds a unique opportunity as when you meander through it you are able to hear testimony of the impact that performing in the service has had on each individual.  The personal interviews are captivating and moving.   If any of you are in Perham, MN, it is a must see. 

What does this have to do with organization theory you are probably thinking.  Well, children have some of the most novel ideas.  I decided that in order to put forth my best effort that I needed help.  Utilizing the mind of my 11 year old son seemed to be the most appropriate way to generate ideas.  (and for me to feel that I am changing society :~)   

The outcome was fantastic!  Even though I can't share my secrets, I couldn't be more impressed with my son.  His diligence to really help his mother, and the museum, was amazing.   Children are such an asset and an unutilized resource when we really think about it.  Tapping their brain is like opening a treasure chest; you never know what is inside.