January 2, 2012

fail early, fail often


Yesterday, in a flurry of flapping notebook pages, I wrote out a plan for myself.

The ideas, the inspiration, the resolve....my head was in a whirlwind and I frantically tried to write all my scattered thoughts down on paper before they vaporized forever.

Photo shoot dreams.

Craft project lists and clipped coupons for a visit to see my good friends Michael and JoAnn.

Blog post ideas.

Things I need to finish up for my little senior photography business.

Major and minor home projects that I want to tackle this year.

Thoughts on better eating and an exercise routine.

I wondered just how much of my new found (new found since last January) drive for structure and health was natural and inborn, and how much was driven by the retail world and their yearly marketing of work-out clothes, treadmills and home storage systems.

I'm pretty sure it's more the latter and I'm just easy prey for a good ad campaign, although perhaps we were created with a natural, yearly fresh start instinct. I'm sure there's a chance the wise men returned home in January from their trip to see the Baby Jesus with an urge to spruce up the camel barn, and a resolution to walk to the watering hole more often instead of always riding the donkey.

I made out a daily schedule for myself, in hopes that if I scheduled in things like exercise, I would actually do it.

My schedule starts with a six a.m. wake-up call, and even though the banks are closed and the mailman has the day off, it is a Monday and therefore a perfect day to start my shiny new, organized and healthy life.

However, coming off a week of staying up late and chronic sleeping in, I instead started off my day with an hour long game of snoozies with my Blackberry. After an hour, the phone was tired of the every five minute thing and went on strike.

Slacker.

My daily date with Jillian Michaels was scheduled for 7:30, but at this very moment it is 9:18 and I'm sitting in my chair writing a blog post that I wasn't scheduled to write until 10:00, after I'd cleaned up the kitchen and started a load of laundry. Additionally, I have absolutely no clue where my Jillian dvd is currently living, as we broke up sometime last spring and I haven't heard from her since.

So, I will do what I always do, and justify my failure by telling myself that it's a national holiday and you shouldn't start a new life on a national holiday and then I'll quote Scarlett O'Hara and tell myself that, "After all, tomorrow is another day."

And, " I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

And then I'll go on a hunt for my workout dvd, and get sidetracked by an urge to watch Gone With The Wind, and end up spending the day in front of the tv eating all the leftover Christmas cookies while scouring Pinterest for some great wintertime craft projects.

Fiddle-dee-dee.

62 comments:

  1. See, I KNEW we had mutual friends -- even across the miles. Of COURSE: Michael and Joann! Great couple. I think their favorite number is 40 -- at least, that's all the speak to me about!!! LOL HAPPY 2012, Dear Friend.

    This is our last day of crazy freedom around here. Tomorrow, it's back to the routine. Hallelujah! Can I get an AMEN? This lack of structure and routine is totally wearing me down. (or puffing me up. One of the two.)

    Enjoy the day! ~Sal

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  2. Hmmm sounds like my life! My hubby calls it my adult ADD. I hope 2012 brings you lots of happiness - even if Jillian is never found and those winter crafts stay right on pinterest.

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  3. Oooh, cookies! :-)

    I have a lot of these same plans but I like to think of them as 'guidelines' in case/when I fall off the discipline wagon (assuming I get on it first). If only time with pinterest counted as a workout .... I'd be doing great! Happy New Year! xo -amy

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  4. This was so funny to read. You tell a great story!

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  5. And there is not one thing wrong with that!!!♥ Enjoy your day :)

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  6. ha, at least you sat down and made a list! I didn't bother with it this year because I figure if I need that much structure to motivate me then it's time to work on the motivation itself. Does that make sense? anyway I baked perfect chocolate chip cookies this morning and I'm baking an apple pie today. Sounds like a good way to start a new year... hope you enjoy your time on the couch today...

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  7. You are soooo well intentioned thats enough sometimes! Enjoy those cookies and Gone with the Wind!

    Denise
    xxxxx

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  8. Yeah, I'm starting tomorrow too. I've already had hot chocolate with whipped cream. The expire date was Jan 3rd so I had to use it. ;)

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  9. Hey! That sounds like a great day to me. Enjoy the cookies!

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  10. Are you peeking in my windwo? That sounds an awful lot my day. My theory is that until the Rose Parade in in the history books, the new year is not officially started and I can't justify throwing the holiday sweets out until then. I think I know where my video is...my Gone with the Wind video that is. And you are right,"Tomorrow is another day." Happy new year funny lady. Patty

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  11. Being a fellow list maven, I too have my list making skills going in full on mode. I have lists of home projects to complete, weekly and monthly cleaning that needs to be done, sewing/crafting projects, projects for my son's new place, wedding ideas out my ears and eyes, seeds to buy from my catalog list, lists from last year that didn't get done, etc.

    I am however proud that I did get on the treadmill this a.m.... the real treadmill in the basement, that has a built in tv, for that Gone With the Wind DVD, so no excuse not to use it for more than a holder for the vacuum cleaner attachments.... I am planning on sticking with exercise and healthier eating... at least until August 18th!

    Happy 2012!
    ~Chris

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  13. I can totally relate to this post. So closely in fact I could have written it myself!!

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  14. I read an article once about lists. Type A people make lists. They live by their lists and they take great pleasure in crossing items off their lists. If Type A people do something that isn't on the list, they write it on the list just so they can cross it off. Type B people make lists, too ... but the list is not so important to a Type B person and it tends and to get lost.

    Count me firmly in the Type B column.

    I wish you the very best with your goals for 2012. Happy New Year ... and Happy New YOU!

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  15. Thanks for making me laugh! i am so much like this too!
    happy new year anyways!

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  16. Scarlett was a pretty smart gal! Happy New Year!

    Kat :)

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  17. I can relate . . . truly! This morning I found myself trying to decide whether to dump the bits of this and that, found in bags here and there, in my mouth or in the trash. Finally . . . fortunately . . . I decided on the latter because most days the "dumping" has been in me and NOT in the trash.

    I have decided to not resolve to do anything . . . Because resolving something makes me think something is wrong with what has already been. And things have been pretty fine . . . So I guess I will scratch resolving to do this or that or to be this or that and instead just live and enjoy.

    And eat a few cookies along the way . . .

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  18. sounds just like the life of a mouse in my favorite children's book 'If you give a mouse a cookie'. It is pretty much how I live my life 24/7 and I love reading your post and realizing that I am not alone. Good luck with all your plans. My list was made at 1 am...I can so relate. :)

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  19. Same here! I had such high hopes for today. Oh well. Tomorrow I'll be better ;)

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  20. I love love love this post.. you got way further than me.. you made the list. I gave up before deciding to try to be a better person. LOL!

    Hugsssssss.. Teresa :-)

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  21. You always put in words just what I am thinking-only in a much better style. Thanks for your wit and your wonderful comments.

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  22. Well that's all of us...I didn't even make resolutions this year. Well...at least not out loud (that way when I break them I don't feel so bad).

    Allyson
    http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com

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  23. If anyone ever tells you that working out is fun....
    they are lying!
    I do think that eating Christmas cookies is a heck of a lot more fun.
    I am just starting a new diet and new exercise plan today. We can wish each other luck.

    Danielle

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  24. Ahhh, you are the best! Love your writing and you always inspire! You just put a skip into my day!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  25. Dear Teresa,
    The fact that you have "dated" Jillian in the past is a great start...we've never even been out on a date before. I did however have a brief fling with that handsome thing called "Tae Bo" in the 90's whilst living in a tiny apartment with my brand new husband.

    Today I have a collection of insulation around my thighs and middle that I'm sure will come in handy some day...like when I'm stranded on a deserted island all alone...oh wait...that sounds really lovely. My abdominal muscles have been stretched to infinity and beyond after sweet baby number three joined our home last year and are virtually useless. I have one bulging bicep muscle that is so huge from carrying my nine month around all day I walk off kilter.

    Maybe it's time Jillian and I officially become an item... I've never been one to rush into a relationship... I'll ponder this new venture while I down a few more chocolate covered cranberries...

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  26. I've been doing those same things including the daily schedule. It's a sickness. At least we share it.

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  27. ...and this is why we love you! You are REAL, just like the rest of us! Hope you popped some popcorn for the movie! laurie

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  28. Sounds like a plan to me! What a cute post. Have a very Happy New Year!

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  29. So true it's winter so I designate myself to watch the weather before dd17 drives to school Need to goto bed early to get up. won't last a week. ADD has its merits though. No list because it's the same every year gets shorter as the kids roll out.

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  30. i think you should put "become writer" on that list too... your posts are always so clever and crack me up! thanks for the laughs and as always, pretty photos...am drooling over your kitchen faucet knobs (yep, only weirdos like me do that).

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  31. I laughed at your part regarding the Wise Men! I'd never thought of it before but I'm sure you're right ... they did a little sprucing up once they returned home. It's only natural.

    And as I'm reading about how much healthier this year is going to be for you, I was munching on m&ms. That wouldn't be so bad if I, too, hadn't made a pseudo-commitment to be healthier this year. :P

    Like you said, there's always tomorrow. At least the floors got mopped today!

    BTW- I would wish you a lot of luck with your Sr. photo business, but clearly, you don't need it. Your photography skills and your sweet personality will carry you far. ;-)

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  32. As long as you can say what Rhett said at the end of the movie, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a d___," then you are doing pretty good. :) Thanks for the good chuckle. I didn't exercise today either because, hey, the banks were closed; shouldn't the treadmill be too?

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  33. Love it! Can't wait to see what you, Michael and Joann cook up! Hope your 2012 is wonderful! I look forward to reading your blog and I appreciate you sharing your talents with all of us.

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  34. LOL! You crack me up! Better luck tomorrow!! :)

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  35. You'll be happy to know that Costco is carrying a nice selection of Jillian dvds this month so if you can't find your existing copy it'll be easy to replace! :)

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  36. I can't get up because I have gotten into the holiday late night tv watching...and snacking on bad choices. Tomorrow is another day...but I can't care. Jillian is a narcissist. And a Nazi. And looks fantastic. Ugh.

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  37. You always make me laugh and I love your sense of humor. I went to visit Michael and JoAnn yesterday too. If you have a Hobby Lobby, all there fall and Christmas stuff is 80% off. Got some gorgeous fall and Christmas garland that I could never afford otherwise. Now I just have to wait 9 months to use it.
    Cindy

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  38. :-) I NEVER start anything on a Monday! Why child - it's the perfect storm of failure. February is a good month to change - don't be pressured by all this January hype.

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  39. Well then!! Tomorrow is definitely a new day!

    Stay warm....I want snow here!!

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  40. I'd a big list maker too but I'm behind the times this year. Not a single list has been made. Hmmm, that might be a bad omen!

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  41. Perhaps you were rebelling agaist the List. Start tomorrow with absolutely nothing planned and see what happens!

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  42. Great Goals and . . .
    how fun to be drinking coffee and blogging.

    I say get a jazzercise DVD - way more fun that Jillian Michaels.

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  43. Lucky for me I don't have to do anything to prepare for a New Year's fitness resolution. I still have the workout clothes and DVDs from last year. With the stickers still on...
    Stevie @ ruffledfeathersandspilledmilk.com

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  44. I think I am going to refrain from posting any resolutions or goals for the New Year. I always fail miserably....So don't feel bad. I'm right there with ya!

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  45. I just love reading your posts. So funny. I also love the pitchers on your window.

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  46. What a fun post! Oh the making of resolutions for the New Year. At least we all have good intentions! :)

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  47. Dear Teresa, Pinterest you say?
    I have yet to go there.
    I am afraid to go there.
    I have heard things.
    I am afraid that if I go there I may get sucked in and I may never come back!

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  48. Jillian and I have broken up and gotten back together a few times since last February. I worked out with her playing on my laptop - no sound, so tired of her hollering - and watched TV or listened to a podcast on my phone. I did see results - but I've never made it further than level 2. This week, I am doing the 100 workout and I LOVE IT! It takes about 15 minutes. All you need is a sports bra and tennis shoes. Google it - it's awesome. Btw, your blog is awesome. I love your photos and I love the easy going, natural way you write. You are very witty!

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  49. I heart you! Scarlett and I, we completely endorse that tomorrow indeed is another day! And always a better one ;)

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  50. Awesome! I love it! What a simply perfect post!
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  51. Best post I've come across in ages. I am so glad you slacked off and wrote this instead of staying on schedule. XOXOXOXO

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  52. Hi Teresa, I've just discovered your utterly gorgeous blog and have spent the last hour wallowing in beautiful photography, witty words and have had my eyes opened to more fabulous corners of the USA. It's much more fun ogling your place than ironing my kids' school clothes and packing their lunchboxes.
    I'll be stopping by regularly from now on.
    Happy New Year from Kate in the chilly Cotswolds, UK

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  53. What is it about that photo that makes my heart happy? :) I failed early, I started over.....diet wise I don't want to fail often. I have BIG goals that don't include BIG pants. But thanks for this you inspire & always bring a chuckle. Hope you had a blast on that lil road trip of yours!

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  54. "'m sure there's a chance the wise men returned home in January from their trip to see the Baby Jesus with an urge to spruce up the camel barn, and a resolution to walk to the watering hole more often instead of always riding the donkey."

    I just read this to Cork whilst cackling. You do my heart some Big, Bad, Good, Benj.

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  55. Hi Teresa, I found your blog through pinterest and have been scouring the pretty photos! so I just have to ask where did you get your pretty faucet in the photo above? We need a new one and I really like yours! thank you love! Happy day! Tara

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    1. Hi Tara!
      It was from Home Depot....probably 12 years ago.
      Good luck on your faucet hunt!

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  56. i am obsessed with your blog so i say, don't change anything you are doing.... :)

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  57. Uh huh! I um, kinda bought a juicer online to start drinking green juice for lunch... and then lost my ambition when I realized it wouldn't get here until the 9th. Well, leftover cheese and sausage it is. Sinner.

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