Trying Something New

I am actually trying several somethings new.

The first is, I made my first meal today using fresh herbs. I know it's a sin to admit such a thing, but it's the truth. My green thumb does not include houseplants, and I have never had an herb-garden. There is no way I could ever justify spending the $$ on fresh herbs, so I never used them. Besides, garlic is enough flavor for me.

However, I have been buzzing around the Internet lately noticing how many people there are out there who really do cook with more flavors than garlic and onion. Who knew? So I started wondering if I was missing something. When my honorary aunt gifted me a wonderful basil plant, I saw it as a golden opportunity to try something new.

I threw some basil in the soup I made today. It actually wasn't bad. My taste buds must be very limited, because I kept thinking the soup tasted "funny", but DH (who has much more food experience than I) absolutely loved it. Even Big Sprout ate a lot of it, considering there were veggies in there. So it goes on the list: herb garden for next year, and learn how to cook with them.




The second thing I have been trying is fairly silly sounding, but if I can't sound stupid in front of the entire world via the 'net, who can I sound stupid for? Ready? Here it is....I am trying to look like a girl every day. I am the queen of the "wash and wear" lifestyle. Most of the clothes I wear are sweats, or jeans and men's t-shirts. My hair? twisted up into a loop and secured with a jaw-clip. Makeup? yeah, who has time. I just don't really care to take the time to worry about how I look.

Now some people (my father probably foremost) would say that as long as I am comfortable, everything is fine and I should continue to look like I do. I agree. The thing is, if I do up my hair into a hairstyle that is flattering I feel good. The act of taking the time is pleasurable. I want my clothes to remain comfortable, but I also like catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror and not having to cringe. The process of cleansing and moisturizing my face is pleasant, and I like knowing I look my best. I do enjoy pretty scents and fine fabrics, looking good and feeling presentable. I just haven't felt like taking the time. So I am going to make sure I do.



I am also trying to make sleep a priority. This is probably the hardest for me. It is very important to me that my home be presentable and that I provide a welcoming and tidy home for my family. I want to come home from a 10 hour shift and be able to clean, cook, garden, preserve the harvest, and be totally available to my children. I am having to realise that real life doesn't work that way. I have been following the Flylady system (much-adapted) for about two years now, and it does help, but I just can't seem to keep up with it all. So I have decided that the kids will be the priority, then sleep, and then I can worry about the housekeeping. Often this means that scrubbing toilets has to be put off, but I am hoping that as I get more sleep I will have more energy and feel a little less cranky about all the housework.

I am pushing Big Sprout to start taking care of her own stuff, too. It's an uphill battle, but I am determined. I am going to need all the help I can get around here if I actually start sleeping.