Redoing my “To-Do” List

I make to-do lists daily. They’re never complicated, usually one word reminders of tasks to do, pick up, drop off, mail in, fill out… ok maybe a little complicated.

But I realized something recently. I’m not on the list.   No-where to be found.

I suspect this began when our boys were babies.  Like many moms, I got used to caring for, planning for, organizing and doing for everybody that somewhere along the way … I forgot about me.   This, as a parent, is a good thing… to an extent. You have to be selfless to be a good mom, in my opinion.

But … from now on, I’m putting myself back on the list and I’m asking you to do the same.   Make room in your life for you – your thoughts – your dreams – your needs – and put yourself on your list. 

I’ve started with baby steps, after all old habits die hard.  These are my top 5 tips for making this possible:

1. Give yourself permission to go to bed when tired. Simple but effective. Every time I slip my toes beneath those crisp cotton sheets an hour earlier than I normally would, I smile smugly to myself.   
2. Use a slow cooker now & then. Not only is supper ready when I get home but my house smells wonderful AND I have time to do other things I enjoy like catching up with the hubbs & our teenaged son, working out, walking the dog, etc.
3. When you have down time, prepare two extra meals. Freeze one; keep the other handy in the fridge. If I’m cooking roast chicken on Sunday it takes hardly any more effort to prepare a 2^nd chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.  Same with grilling. The result? During the work/school week we have fresh, home cooked food to enjoy, it’s simpler to eat together (because the food’s ready) and we save $$.
4. Bring your lunch with you. You’ll cut costs, eat what you like AND most importantly – have your lunch break free to do things you take pleasure in like go for a walk, visit the library, stop by a farmer’s market, read, shop, etc.
5. Pursue your passions!  Just start: I love to write. I took a blogging workshop last week and here I am!  Met some lovely people and learned some handy tips.

Putting myself on my “to do” list has made me 1) better rested, 2) more organized, 3) less cranky, 4) more playful, and 5) a better wife and mom.

P.S. Here’s what’s in my crock-pot today: 

Bodacious Beef Dips. {This makes 9-10 servings and is ready in 8 hours}

•  4 lbs chuck or rump beef roast
•  1- 12 oz can of beer
•  1- 10 oz can French onion soup
•  1- 10 oz can beef broth
•  2-thinly sliced onions
•  Several grinds of black pepper
•  1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional)

Directions:    Place fully thawed roast in slow cooker. Pour soup, broth, and beer over the roast. Grind pepper over the top, sprinkle with thyme and top with sliced onions. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 7-8 hours. When finished, take meat out of crock pot, place on cutting board and cut into slices or shred with a fork (it will be that tender). Place meat back into slow cooker and mix with juices and onions. Serve on crusty rolls with sliced Swiss or provolone cheese, if desired. Reserve some of the au jus for dipping the sandwiches.   We like this with a salad and oven roasted baby potatoes. Bonus: for the 3 of us, this makes 2 meals. Yum!