I like breakfast. It sets me up for the day. This time of year, I love a bowl of porridge. Not only does it work as a filling breakfast, but it is healthy for me. It is meant to help lower cholesterol and provide other health benefits.
There are some days when I have little time and I end up grabbing a quick bowl of cereal before rushing out the door, rather than cooking up a pan of porridge. I know it would be quick in a microwave, but you need a microwave to do that and its hard work to clean the pan after cooking porridge overnight in the Aga.
This weekend I sat down over a bowl of porridge and pondered about how I could have porridge during the week. I need more time. I could get up five minutes early, but that is easier to do when the sun is up and not hiding, as it is at this time of year. That leaves the second option. I need to streamline my morning routine.
A few weeks ago, I posted about integrating the FlyLady system into our lives. I’ve made a few more changes to the way I run the house and our lives, but I’ve not really tackled my morning schedule. Yet.
I lose time, each weekday morning, running around the house, finding everything that the children need to take to school, while the children munch away on their breakfast. A matching pair of socks, without a hole in them, I hate to admit, but it can set me back five minutes. Times three children and I’m losing time just finding their clothes. The FlyLady recommends that, the night before, you lay out your clothes for the next day.
I know, it sounds so obvious. Also, she suggests, checking your next day schedule, the night before, to see if there is anything that you can do to make your morning run smooth. I know I can hear a few tut-tuts and feel the shaking of heads, but I don’t usually do any of these things. Up to now.
Last night, I laid out all of their clothes for the next morning, with their help for a change! Packed a swimming bag, sorted out lunch money and school bags before I headed to bed. Not at the 10:30 as she recommends. Still working on that one!
This morning, I had time for porridge, before rushing the well-prepared children out of the door to school. A little bit more planning means I have time to take care of me. It is so simple. So obvious. Oh, so much less stress for me. I want to do this every single day!
I’m joining in with Maureen’s Taking care of Mama series again. Hop over and find inspiration about taking care of you.
Anyone else taking time to take care of themselves, today?
I tried FlyLady once before and did learn a lot from her – everything is so simple and obvious, I always wonder why I didn’t think of it before. I’ve gotten away from her routines in the last few years. Your post is inspiring me to give it another try.
It is a bit like have a really organized friend as a neighbour, who can’t see how badly organized I am. Easier to take advice in that scenario. Even when it is obvious. Nothing earthshattering new, but a brilliant reminder of what I could be doing. My stress levels are better. Hope you find her helpful again. 🙂
I have been struggling to find time for breakfast too, but I think we’ve finally got a solution! I wrote about it today: http://milkymumma.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/sailing-away/
Love the idea of the hammock. Yeh, for starting the day with breakfast.
I am so glad I am not the only one!
And this morning I totally forgot a Dr’s appointment, so I am back to checking my schedule the night before. 😳
I am a BIG fan of Fly Lady
I’m sure there must be a button we could all put on our blogs, so we recognize someone else who follows the FlyLady. I’ve not got it nailed yet. While you forgot your appointment, I sat in the dentist reception, this afternoon, with the horrible thought that I had left bread rolls in the oven. By the time I got home, the bread had been baking for two hours! The children used the hard baked ring of rolls for frisbee practise. Hmm.
On Mondays I give myself permission to stay in my pj ‘s and read blogs. very restful after a busy weekend.
I love this idea. I bet you look forward to Mondays. Definitely your day. Hope you are having a good one!
This is food for thought. Excuse the pun! I am in such a hurry I am eating breakfast at work and taking a flask! I need some of that porridge! xx 😛
If only you were nearer. I’d say pop over. At least you are getting a good breakfast, even if it is at school. Far worse if you skipped it completely.
ME time!!! Last week was so totally no me time – eeeuuch, errands, boring/demanding visitors!!! I consider me time having time to hang out with my kids not just working, not just school and not just chores… but time for picnics and walks on the beach and stories in a blanket fort… this week we are going to have me time for sure – thanks for the reminder…
We all need time to do something other than must-dos. I so hope you get lots of “you” time, this week, to balance out for last week. Your children are so lucky!
And of course I have a great book for you… “Rock and Fossil Hunter” It is part of the Dorling Kindersley Nature Activity Series…. totally totally cool book full of fun things to do and a field guide… the isbn for the one I have is: 0-7566-1127-X blogged about them here: http://www.se7en.org.za/2008/10/10/se7en-of-the-best-science-notebook-inspirations
Thank you se7en. I must check out some of your other science suggestions. Eldest is gobbling books at the moment and loves knowledge, so a few more like this would be timely. Thought you might have a well tested list! 🙂
One of my resolutions for the year is to take better care of myself.
So to do this I need to be more so much more organised. LOL
It is a win-win situation. The more organized I am, the more time I have. For me, I feel more in control, so that is less stress and guilt. No one organization system suits everyone. The trick is to make it a habit, which I’m still working on. I wish you luck with your resolution.
Porridge sounds yummy…must eat breakfast…must eat breakfast….
the virus still rules here gosh darn and drat
Hope you all feel better soon. Its the pits when it goes on and on. 🙁
I’m so loving all that you’re doing…I can totally relate…when the house runs smoothly mama is happier indeed! Tomorrow I’m tackling my house clutter…for me, the clutter can get overwhelming, and it’s amazing how negatively it affects my mood!
Thanks for lovin’ yourself!
xo maureen
I am trying to conquer my clutter, too. I always think that I must hang on to something just in case I need it later. I must face up to the idea that most of it doesn’t warrant the cupboard space.
Loving your Monday series. Its helping to keep me on track!