2010 An Intentional Life

I have had a lot on my mind the past few months...so much so that I've defaulted to not doing all I should be doing to take care of myself and keep my life running smoothly. I saw someone had created a vision board on a blog that I read and I remembered that I made one last year that helped me keep a little focus...at least for the first part of 2009! (Scrapblog is a wonderful tool for a dream/vision board.)

I realize more and more that we have to create our lives. I do trust God in that process but I can't sit and wait. I have to actively be who I want to be. Laziness and lack of motivation is a constant battle for me. I know I could be worse (I do have my bursts of productivity) but I don't like the inconsistency. I want to be more consistent, if even in the smallest of ways.

I'm ready for a little change!

Making Your Home A Haven: Bedtime

With the exception of Friday and Saturday, I would like to go to bed by 11p (12a at the latest!). I wake up around 7a on most days, and I know I need to exercise more discipline in my daily routine because when I do, I have much less of a stressful day.

Concerning the morning routine...that goes hand-in-hand with this bedtime challenge. For instance, last night I didn't go to bed until after 1:30a. I was super sleepy when I set my alarm, and though I set it, I didn't turn it on. So that means all I had time for was a quick shower and grabbing a few easy foods (a banana, soy yogurt and a tupperware of mashed potato carrots). And I was nearly 15 minutes late for work.

Making Your Home A Haven: Morning Routine

Making Your Home A Haven: Morning Routine

I'm hoping this will get me back into a good morning routine, just planning out the basic things I need to get done. I usually have about an hour and a half to get ready in the morning because of my work schedule. I've gotten pretty lazy in moving around in the morning. This is my morning routine (in order).

1. Get dressed and ready for the day.
2. Bible.
3. Pack for my practicum.
4. Pack lunch.
5. Green smoothie.

The Story of Stuff

Have you seen this video? This is a really good video that discusses extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. Annie Leonard breaks down a number of things to help people understand the process, even if they don't know much about it. Check it out!

I got it.

A Diva Cup! I finally decided to buy one and try it out. The fact that it is reusable is great, but what really made me decide to buy one was my monthly trip to the health food store to buy organic, chlorine free, applicator free tampons. I realized that 4 boxes of those cost the same amount as one Diva Cup that can last me for one full year. I would spend about $90 a year for tampons but only $30 a year for the Diva Cup...not bad at all!

I'm sure many of you have heard about the Diva Cup, I've seen it all over blogdom, but for those of you who don't know, I'll fill you in!The Diva Cup is a small silicone cup that you wear during menstruation. It doesn't need to be pushed into the vaginal tube as far as a regular tampon, which is nice, and it holds all of your menstruation fluid, etc. You empty the cup every 8 to 12 hours depending on your flow. If you have any questions about how to clean the Diva Cup, and how to clean while you are out and about, check out their website.

I started using the Diva Cup yesterday afternoon and I haven't had any problems yet! No leaks, though I have been wearing a pantyliner just to make sure, until I feel more comfortable that I have it in correctly. I have not really had any discomfort but I did have to trim the stem about 1/4", according the tips included in the directions. It also comes with a great little pouch to hold your Diva Cup while you are not using it and little lapel pin! Also, be sure you check and make sure you are buying the right size, the box will give you directions.

Any other Diva lovers out there??