Procrastinators Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from chronic procrastination.
Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.
Milo 9pm (last CI for the night)
I've decided I've finished work for the night. I spent a long time doing my weekly plan and the info for the client, and I only want to work for another 20 minutes and I need more time for the stage of the presentation that I'm at. So I'll put it off (again) and number it ;)
Hi pro! Again, I'm leaving just as the rest of the world wakes up ('cept Rexroth who's already well into Monday). Sigh! Chat to you all tomorrow (well tonight for you, really) :).
Ta Da:
- most of morning routine (up, showered, dressed, hair, makeup, kids dressed and fed, made bed)
- put dishwasher on
- CUOP
- pack kids bags
- go to friends (leave at 10)
- buy bread on way to friends
- back home and DS to bed
- CUOP again
- put washing on (after we got home - ran out of time this morning)
- finish morning routine (swish'n'swipe, decide on dinner)
- unpack dishwasher
- weekly review (didn't quite get to finish my plan)
- tidy dining table
- washing on line
- washed bibs and washcloths (in machine)
- read to kids for a while. They are drawing now - and DS has not cried for 5 minutes straight now. Must be a record this afternoon...sigh!
- put some ironing away from last night's session
- prepared dinner
- did all dinner dishes
- chatted to DH about that promotion he wanted to do (in fact, he had gone and done it because I took too long to get back to him on it!)
- returned insurance broker's phone call
- got halfway thru pile of towel folding
- finished putting clean towels away (from weekend washing)
- prepared bathroom for kids baths
- kids' bath, book bed (DH did do most of this :))
- weekly plan
- updated all my routines in ACT! to consolidate them so my day didn't look so 'busy'. It's much easier to read now and I'm unlikely to forget my routine tasks now, and can still look them up if I do forget.
- prepared information to send to client as requested (when I get her email address)
To Do:
- put bibs and washcloths on the line (urgh, it's too cold outside to do this now. Luckily there aren't many, will hang them on airer inside)
- evening routine (shine sink, wash face, brush & floss, lay out clothes, check calendar, pack kids bags for care, take dinner out of freezer for Tuesday night)
Ditched:
- ring work re payroll stuff-up (can leave this and talk to them in person tomorrow if I don't get time)
- work on presentation (1) (I'm sure it's rolled over more times, but I'm starting counting NOW so you can all yell at me when it says (5) by the weekend }:))
pro's first check-in - 7:30am EDT US
My back still hurts. This bed has to go - and is going today. Happy, happy!
I didn't shower or brush my teeth last night so I have to do it now (want to do it now).
Milo 8pm
I'm tired and resisting working. Must make myself, I have put off working on the presentation for over a week now and although it's not urgent, I really want to get it done way ahead of the due date (for once in my life).
Ta Da:
- most of morning routine (up, showered, dressed, hair, makeup, kids dressed and fed, made bed)
- put dishwasher on
- CUOP
- pack kids bags
- go to friends (leave at 10)
- buy bread on way to friends
- back home and DS to bed
- CUOP again
- put washing on (after we got home - ran out of time this morning)
- finish morning routine (swish'n'swipe, decide on dinner)
- unpack dishwasher
- weekly review (didn't quite get to finish my plan)
- tidy dining table
- washing on line
- washed bibs and washcloths (in machine)
- read to kids for a while. They are drawing now - and DS has not cried for 5 minutes straight now. Must be a record this afternoon...sigh!
- put some ironing away from last night's session
- prepared dinner
- did all dinner dishes
- chatted to DH about that promotion he wanted to do (in fact, he had gone and done it because I took too long to get back to him on it!)
- returned insurance broker's phone call
- got halfway thru pile of towel folding
- finished putting clean towels away (from weekend washing)
- prepared bathroom for kids baths
- kids' bath, book bed (DH did do most of this :))
- weekly plan
- updated all my routines in ACT! to consolidate them so my day didn't look so 'busy'. It's much easier to read now and I'm unlikely to forget my routine tasks now, and can still look them up if I do forget.
To Do:
- put bibs and washcloths on the line (oops, forgot about this..)
Evening
- send information to client as requested (well, I had to leave a message asking for her email address because I didn't have it after all. I will prepare the info anyway ready to send when I get it)
- work on presentation
- evening routine (shine sink, wash face, brush & floss, lay out clothes, check calendar, pack kids bags for care, take dinner out of freezer for Tuesday night)
Ditched:
- ring work re payroll stuff-up (can leave this and talk to them in person tomorrow if I don't get time)
Rexroth 11.31 BST
Todo today
Up prayer
emails - Mum very much better and leaving hospital soon. I 'should' feel grateful, I do feel grateful so why do I still feel so grumpy?
washup in kitchen
clean cooker top
deal with mail
look out for/deal with builder if he comes
go into church if open for quiet
go to volunteer project - don't feel like it.
ask sewing machine shop if my old machine is of any value
email brother re Mum
email two friends
shopping for bread
journal
prayer
bed
And thats it. I feel unhappy, grumpy and generally as though the universe in not the way I want it. I'm not sleeping properly. My futon is over 20 years old and I need a new bed. Can identify with pro on this. Have found what I think I want i. e. matress and base and need to visit the shop to make sure.
Regards Rexroth
futon mattresses
I thought I was imagining that my futon mattress was much less confortable - just one more example of how I don't take my own thoughts and perceptions seriously. Then in researching a new mattress, I read on the store's Web site that cotton mattresses compress over time and become hard and lumpy. If I had any doubts about whether I had any business buying a new mattress in my current financial straits, that eliminated them immediately. My back hurts constantly lately - and really hurts when I've been lying in bed for a while (for example, reading). That's ridiculous!
I knew about futon mattresses with springs because I tried one while buying the futon frame. It was lovely, but I thought at the time it was an extravagance. I ordered mine over the phone. I got a Gold Bond (that's the brand) Comfort Coil (that's the model) since Gold Bond is supposed to make the highest quality futon mattresses, and Comfort Coil is the best choice if you fold your futon into a couch every day. I don't know what's available in England, though - might be different.
Progress 18.35 BST
I've got a lot done and there is some more to do so I'll just get on with it.
Regards Rexroth
Hi Rexroth
Sorry to hear you're grumpy. Here's an article I came across recently...
7 Surprising Keys to Happiness
by Colin G Smith
Have you ever had one of those days where you just wish you were in a better mood? Perhaps you tried to shift your state of mind to something better but struggled to achieve it.
Sometimes we get stuck in our own 'stinking thinking' and forget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to lift your mood that many people have found useful and some of them may surprise you!
1. Go for a walk.
Most folk know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. If you can, go into a natural environment with flowers, trees and birds. What will you notice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the bird sounds, or the sunlight shining through the tree foliage.
2. Listen to some quality music.
Music creates magical effects. It can shift the listeners state within moments. Why not dig out that album you haven't listened to in ages or why not tune in your radio to something you've never listened to before.
3. Think of others less fortunate.
The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than many, many people on this planet! What if you were to imagine being in space looking down on the amazing beautiful earth, noticing all the oceans and lands with the clouds above. And then thinking about the fact that there are many human beings that are starving, homeless and in lots of pain. Allow your compassion for them to grow.
4. Read something radical!
How many different types of magazines can you get these days?! Have you ever waltzed into a big newsagents and just browsed through the magazine racks? It's incredible. Why not buy a magazine you wouldn't normally buy. You never know you may discover something wonderful!
5. Laughing at laughter.
Have you ever had the experience when you just laugh for no good reason? Isn't it great! Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Can't think of anything funny? Try grinning at yourself insanely in the mirror and notice how difficult it becomes to control your giggle muscles!
6. Simple breathing meditation.
A great exercise that you can do anywhere is a simple breathing meditation. No need to dress in orange robes. Simply find yourself in a comfortable sitting position with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That's it! Do this for ten to fifteen minutes and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised how you feel afterward.
7. Doodling just for fun!
Remember when you were young and you used to doodle with crayons for hours? Kids love drawing silly little pictures, why not adults? So get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw - doodle away until your state of mind shifts.
You might agree that these are all pretty simple and that's what's so good about them. Making changes, mundane or profoundly life-changing, are easily and quickly achieved by putting into action simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques.
Colin G Smith is a licensed Master Practitioner of Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP) and author of 'The NLP ToolBox', a personal development book that enables the reader to master any area of their life with amazing speed. Complete information on Colin G Smith's books are available at his website, including a FREE personal development eBook. http://www.NLPToolBox.com
Maybe that might be off some help????? It can't change your mattress, though ;).
Thanks Milo
Thanks Milo for your kindness in posting this. I read it just before I went out for my voluntary work. I'm going to file it somewhere safe so I don't lose it.
Of what is suggested 1.Go for a walk and 3. Think of others less fortunate are immediately most helpful.
I often walk and I could have chosen to do so this morning rather than sit in front of the computer messing about and feeling frustrated.
Also 3. as this afternoon when I was working with people who are much less fortunate then I,I forgot myself and my grumps and was just focussed on trying to give then what they wanted and needed.
Regards Rexroth
Rexroth 22.45 BST
Done everything except buy bread and still have to send one email to friend, email is written and I just need to check it and then bed (or rather uncomfortable lumpy hard old futon on the floor. A futon that I've been meaning to do something about for..... time... poor me...(this is irony) Grateful and glad of support Rexroth
congrats, Rexroth, and...
...should I tell you how incredibly much better my new mattress is as a way to inspire you to get a new one? It's like heaven. :)
Congratulations on getting everything done!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Milo 5:30pm
Phew! The mood was broken by the drawing. And DD, who refused to let him stir her up. Whenever he was rude to her, she just ignored it and said "Look! I've coloured in a butterfly!" or "Wow, that's beautiful, DS!" (of course, she doesn't call him DS...duh..). Eventually he gave up being rude and played happily with her the rest of the afternoon. He even ate all his dinner happily, too, thank goodness.
Ta Da:
- most of morning routine (up, showered, dressed, hair, makeup, kids dressed and fed, made bed)
- put dishwasher on
- CUOP
- pack kids bags
- go to friends (leave at 10)
- buy bread on way to friends
- back home and DS to bed
- CUOP again
- put washing on (after we got home - ran out of time this morning)
- finish morning routine (swish'n'swipe, decide on dinner)
- unpack dishwasher
- weekly review (didn't quite get to finish my plan)
- tidy dining table
- washing on line
- washed bibs and washcloths (in machine)
- read to kids for a while. They are drawing now - and DS has not cried for 5 minutes straight now. Must be a record this afternoon...sigh!
- put some ironing away from last night's session
- prepared dinner
- did all dinner dishes
- chatted to DH about that promotion he wanted to do (in fact, he had gone and done it because I took too long to get back to him on it!)
- returned insurance broker's phone call
- got halfway thru pile of towel folding
To Do:
- put bibs and washcloths on the line (and take off the clothes if they've dried, but I don't think they will have..)
- finish putting clean towels away (from weekend washing)
- prepare bathroom for kids baths
Evening
- kids' bath, book bed (hopefully, because I have done it a few nights in a row now, DH will do most of this and I might go and lay down for 15 minutes...am re-reading a Harry Potter so would love to run off and read }:). It's so nice in our bedroom in early evening this time of year, we get afternoon sun so it's warm and golden and cosy)
- send information to client as requested (she asked last week and I forgot - she just rang now to remind me, how horrible is THAT?)
- work on presentation
- weekly plan
- evening routine (shine sink, wash face, brush & floss, lay out clothes, check calendar, pack kids bags for care, take dinner out of freezer for Tuesday night)
Ditched:
- ring work re payroll stuff-up (can leave this and talk to them in person tomorrow if I don't get time)
Milo 4pm
DS is in the foulest mood this afternoon. I'm not exaggerating whenI say he has pretty much cried nonstop since waking up. So between screaming hysterical tantrums he improves to a constant sob. Fun times here. I don't mind sayig I can't wait until he's in bed tonight. Counting down the hours....(2.5 hours and 1 minute to go....).
One light, DD has been great. She has been trying her hardest to cheer him up (instead of antagonising him like she usually likes to do when he's grumpy) and has been doing and saying adorable things. She said to me at one point very excitedly "I know, Mum! He LOVES spiders, I'm going to go and find him some to look at!" and off she raced. Funnily enough, it was the first thing that had stopped him crying for a few minutes.
Ta Da:
- most of morning routine (up, showered, dressed, hair, makeup, kids dressed and fed, made bed)
- put dishwasher on
- CUOP
- pack kids bags
- go to friends (leave at 10)
- buy bread on way to friends
- back home and DS to bed
- CUOP again
- put washing on (after we got home - ran out of time this morning)
- finish morning routine (swish'n'swipe, decide on dinner)
- unpack dishwasher
- weekly review (didn't quite get to finish my plan)
- tidy dining table
- washing on line
- washed bibs and washcloths (in machine)
- read to kids for a while. They are drawing now - and DS has not cried for 5 minutes straight now. Must be a record this afternoon...sigh!
- put some ironing away from last night's session
To Do:
- put clean towels away (from weekend washing)
- ring work re payroll stuff-up (can leave this and talk to them in person tomorrow if I don't get time)
- prepare bathroom for kids baths
- prepare dinner
Evening
- send information to client as requested (she asked last week and I forgot - she just rang now to remind me, how horrible is THAT?)
- work on presentation
- talk to DH about the promotion he wants to do
- evening routine (shine sink, wash face, brush & floss, lay out clothes, check calendar, pack kids bags for care, take dinner out of freezer for Tuesday night)
Milo 2pm
Haven't made much progress!!! :)
Ta Da:
- most of morning routine (up, showered, dressed, hair, makeup, kids dressed and fed, made bed)
- put dishwasher on
- CUOP
- pack kids bags
- go to friends (leave at 10)
- buy bread on way to friends
- back home and DS to bed
- CUOP again
- put washing on (after we got home - ran out of time this morning)
To Do:
- finish morning routine (swish'n'swipe, decide on dinner)
- unpack dishwasher
- weekly plan and review (I'll start that next while DS is sleeping)
- tidy dining table
- washing on line
- put clean towels away (from weekend washing)
- wash bibs and washcloths
- ring work re payroll stuff-up (can leave this and talk to them in person tomorrow if I don't get time)
- do something fun with the kids
- prepare bathroom for kids baths
- prepare dinner
Evening
- send information to client as requested (she asked last week and I forgot - she just rang now to remind me, how horrible is THAT?)
- work on presentation
- talk to DH about the promotion he wants to do
- evening routine (shine sink, wash face, brush & floss, lay out clothes, check calendar, pack kids bags for care, take dinner out of freezer for Tuesday night)
me, either
>Haven't made much progress!!!
I gotta go to bed, but my bed is so hard and my back already hurts. :(
Milo 9:30am
Hi all!!! Hope your Sundays are wrapping up nicely and you're all refreshed for a new week :)
Ta Da:
- most of morning routine (up, showered, dressed, hair, makeup, kids dressed and fed, made bed)
- put dishwasher on
- CUOP
To Do:
- finish morning routine (swish'n'swipe, load of washing on, decide on dinner)
- pack kids bags
- go to friends (leave at 10)
- buy bread on way to friends
- back home and DS to bed
- weekly plan and review
- tidy dining table
- washing on line
- put clean towels away (from weekend washing)
- wash bibs and washcloths
- ring work re payroll stuff-up (can leave this and talk to them in person tomorrow if I don't get time)
- do something fun with the kids
- prepare bathroom for kids baths
- prepare dinner
Evening
- send information to client as requested (she asked last week and I forgot - she just rang now to remind me, how horrible is THAT?)
- work on presentation
- talk to DH about the promotion he wants to do
- evening routine (shine sink, wash face, brush & floss, lay out clothes, check calendar, pack kids bags for care, take dinner out of freezer for Tuesday night)
I still haven't...
...figured out exactly how far ahead you are. I think it's 14 hours. If that's so, let's see... It's 9:45pm here, so that would make it 11:45am Monday where you are. If it you posted this message at 7:15pm EDT US, then it was 9:15am there. But I think you said you'd already wasted half the day, so it must be later. Someone else I knew in Australia was 17 hours ahead, so then it would have been 12:15pm on Monday where you are.
Exaggerating
I said "I have wasted a lot of Monday". Not half precisely, I was exaggerating ;).
I really meant that for the amount of Monday I'd been in, I'd wasted a lot of that already! ie, dragging my feet, dawdling, spending too long in the shower, etc :)
It's about 14 hours, you're right.
Is it Monday already?
I was hoping for a few more hours before Monday started ;)
You're lucky
I have already wasted quite a lot of Monday. At least you still have a chance not to!!!!! :lol: