Oh the routine of it all

Years ago I purchased a book and started reading it and then put it down and then picked it back up again and probably got to the same part of it I read before and put it down again.  I haven't finished that book AND I have no idea where it is since the move!  In all honesty, I have several "books" I handle that way.

Exercise, for instance, is a "book" I pick up and put down and pick up and put down.  Wouldn't you call that a routine????  Dieting is another "book" that I can't quite get to the end of the chapter.  Would that be a routine?

Back in 2007 or '08 I applied to seminary to work on (and complete???) my masters in Christian education (MACE).  As part of the application process you are asked to write an essay about a book and how it has impacted you.  I didn't think I would "wow" them with all the murder mysteries I was reading so I looked at my "Christian" bookshelf.  I picked a book and started reading and was able to write an essay (I admitted in my essay that I was reading this book at the moment and hadn't finished it yet.) and that was the end of that.  I wrote my essay but I didn't finish the book.

What do you call someone who starts projects and doesn't finish them?  Strawberry???  "Oh, she's just being a.....strawberry!!!"

For one of my classes this semester I was asked to choose a book or devotional and blog about it; yes, I have another blog!  My book choice was that same book I chose back in 2007 (or '08) for the application essay.  I am pleased to report I am approaching the end of the book.  I can't tell you the feeling of accomplishment I possess.  I started something and I'm about to finish it and I WILL finish it.  I have a habit (routine?) of writing the date in the books that I read.  Each chapter holds the month/ day/ year.  Some books have several start dates in the first few chapters.  It is a reminder that I've started that book (several times) and haven't finished it.  I don't know why I am this way--  Life gets in the way....I didn't get into that book at the time....I've taken the book somewhere and can't find it (have I mentioned my organizational skills???  LOL).  That last thing happens more times than I care to admit!

Y-e-a-r-s ago, I attended a MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group.  One area of MOPS is a creative offering.  Each week, the women work on a project that will be completed by the end of the MOPS gathering.  The thought behind this is mothers with pre-schoolers never have that feeling of accomplishment-- there will always be diapers to change, laundry to do, dishes to wash, etc, etc.  This is one time when they can work on something and take home a finished project.  It's a marvelous thought.  We are creatures who like to complete a project and mark it "done."  In my case it is only a theory.  The other day, Hubby went in to work on his day off.  I imagine that is a common problem with those living right next door to your work or even people who work out of their homes.  He said he just needed to finish up some things.  My devotion book for Advent is called "Sabbath."  So I told him he needed time off (a Sabbath) and that his work would never get finished....there would always be something else cropping up.  I wasn't trying to be negative, but that's the way he heard it.  Poor guy....nag, nag, nag!

In actuality, our work is never done.  Even after losing weight, I will have to continue to work at it, otherwise the weight will come back and in most cases with a vengeance!.  There really isn't an end to this "book."  Does that sound negative?  Realistic?  Like a lot of work?  Yes!!!!  Some things can be completed, like my book.  Others will not.  Just like the dishes I wash and put away, those same dishes will find their way back into the sink.  I can look at it negatively or realize that some things cannot be totally "done" and I will need some sort of routine to help me along the way.

Which brings me back to that book I can't find.  Although, it is a book to help with de-cluttering and getting a handle on all your stuff, the author stresses the importance of routines.  I find this book very helpful (when I can find it!).  The title is "Sink Reflections" and it all begins with having a clean, shiny sink.  Keeping the sink clean and shiny is one of the routines.  My goal for today will be to make sure my sink is clean and shiny before bedtime.  Such a small insignificant routine, but one small step to help me take charge of my life and consequently my eating habits.  When my sink starts out being a mess, my day will follow suit.  Just take a look.  This morning I was greeted with a bunch of crap in the sink.  What a way to start the day!  First thing in the morning I'm reminded how out of control I am.

Could this be the source of my bad morning mood?????  LOL

Wouldn't it be better to start the day this way???

 

And speaking of finishing a project AND a clean shiny sink....looky at what Hubby accomplished!

Before.....

During....

And ......Ta Da.....

Hubby installed an instant hot water dispenser and then changed out the faucet to match the hot water dispenser.  Ain't it beautiful??  This project has been crossed off the list.  Whew.

Happy New Year, Grainiacs.  May we continue to travel down this road together and glean insight to ourselves and others as we welcome 2013 with all its blessings.