random...but efficient!

I've got nothing too exciting to say, but I'm outside sitting on the edge of the porch, watching Jacob ride his bike on a beautiful, breezy day and it seemed like a nice opportunity to blog.

efficiency
Anyone who has lived with me knows this word is a big goal of mine. When it doesn't happen, I feel like I've wasted time, money, effort, etc. But on the other hand, it is convenient too. I mean, who really wants to do MORE work? Yes, my work to be more efficient has AT TIMES been more work in attempt to do less work, but I can't succeed all the time, right?

(While I"m writing this, Jacob found a nail....nailS actually....I should probably watch him a little more carefully.)

Speaking of efficiency, last week, I went to the grocery store DAILY. AND I brought a few coupons with me. But each time I loaded Hannah and Jacob in the grocery cart, I realized I forgot the coupons. Not only did I waste time, but money! Plus it was super double coupon week at Kroger!?! Obviously, I need to work on this particular area of efficiency.

(Update: Jacob has found 7 nails so far....and a jack...and a dead locust.)

I guess I better find something new for Jacob to do, but I'm pleased...not only did I finally blog, but I watched (really I was!) Jacob, AND got my yard picked up! 7 less nails......what a great kid!

Everything I've learned about life, I've learned from....karaoke

So far, this is what I've learned:
1. People are putting themselves out there....cheer them on
2. The shyest person in the room steals the show
3. Look for challenges: pick songs atypical of you and your preferences
4. It's not about how you sound, it's about how you mean it
5. Laugh at yourself
6. Dance, or if you're me, bounce
7. Sing your heart out...

masochistic?

I love running.
I definately don't look like a typical runner, but I finally feel confident enough to put myself in the runner category.
I'm not sure why I like it. Many days, I fight the urge to stay in bed or on the couch.....sometimes the urge wins. But once I'm out there...once I've warmed up and have a steady pace, there's nothing like it. I think the reasons why some people hate running are the exact reasons why I love it. I absolutely love how tired, sore, and worn out I feel after a run. I feel satisfied that, in that moment, I have won a small battle over self-doubt and my body's urge to hibernate.

....but I'm trying

Change in the Gaff household:

-I finally finished my summer job and can be home with Hannah full time!
-We have a new member of the family: my dear friend Vickie. While waiting for her house in T-ville to sell, she moved into our modest little house and has begun the process of settling into a new job and town.
-I'm determined to learn how to cook. But tonight wasn't a great start: LOTS of veges, undercooked (our grill ran out of gas) and crossaint rolls (from a tube). That's it. Yep.
-Hannah's bathtime moved from the sink to the tub today. Screamed bloody murder.
-Karaoke. Friday. First time. Can't wait.

house blues

On most days, we love our old house. Despite it's "a work in progress" appearance, it's been cozy and full of character. However, this weekend Isaac fixed our leaky bathroom sink, and now our tub is leaking. We discovered this when Isaac noticed that our kitchen light was dripping water! This cannot be a good thing, right?

Part of me wants the damage to be so bad that we are forced to gut the bathroom and kitchen, so I can speed up the day I get my new cabinets, flooring, etc. But the realistic part of me PRAYS that it's an easy fix because the bill would bring us to tears....we'd have to resort to child labor. Sorry, Hannah.

After the roofing project, and taking care of Hannah full time, this project could not come at a worse time.
I hope Isaac's return to work will actually be a rest from his summer "break." Oh well, what can you do?