Lots to do....

I have once again found myself at the end of the weekend and wondering where the time went.... Friday night I went out to dinner with a belly dance gal pal and then I helped her pick out a really cute pair of shoes (and I bought myself a scarf - I have started to wear scarves lately to change my "look"). =) Then, on Saturday, I went to dance class, FINALLY got my haircut and picked up a couple of things at a nearby mall. I just went and wandered around for a bit and it was nice to be out of the house for a while, watching the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. Then, today, we played hand bells at church and then I went and did some Christmas shopping of my own. When I came home this afternoon, I ran laundry through the washer and dryer, but of course I haven't done anything else with it. I really HATE doing laundry....

It's funny sometimes. There are some household chores that I don't mind doing, however, I don't always keep up on them because who am I trying to impress? I'm never home and my dogs don't seem to care (as long as they have food in their bowl and they get the occasional treat and tummy rub). There are times where I really do have the best of intentions to keep things picked up around here but then, before I seem to know what happened, things are all over the place again. It's kind of ironic that it happens, since, once again, I'm hardly ever home. I guess that's something that I should resolve to work on in the upcoming year... Since I am hardly home, I should really make an effort to put things away when I use something because who honestly knows when I'll have the opportunity to find time to put it away again....

I have been doing some thinking this past week (I know, scary, right?). I think along the road to finding myself I have made several wrong turns. I have avoided some of the rest stops along the way to help myself but have used the on ramps towards helping others. Granted, I have found the way back to the road of finding myself but sometimes a little worse for wear because I have expended so much energy towards others. Not that I want to stop helping others - I don't think I'll ever stop wanting to help others. However, I do need to remember that I'm important too. (Now that I've written this, I have taken a brief break from writing to paint my fingernails. They are bright blue but that's what makes them fun.)

I do have to remember to remind myself that I do have to make time for myself along my journey otherwise I'm not going to be able to help anyone. Because I am so busy with things, I often find myself helping others in my "down" time. I need to remember to make time for myself as well; even if it's just taking the time to paint my finger/toe nails a fun color.

Another thing I am going to attempt to work on is not bringing work stress home with me. If it's something I can't change, and it won't change if I bring that stress home, why not leave it at work? If I leave it at work, it'll be there waiting for me the next day so why not get some sleep at night in order to be better equipped to deal with things? I know that for me, this is going to be easier said than done but it is a goal to work on.

Well, in an effort to feel like I accomplished something this weekend, I think I am going to sign off from the computer so I can attempt to address some Christmas cards before heading to bed. Wishing everyone sweet dreams! =)