May 1. New Habits.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm taking some baby steps toward creating new habits.  My ultimate goal is to feel better about myself and where I am with certain things, but also to be more organized and to have a bit cleaner house.

Here are some things I've already started doing, before I even took on this new challenge:

1.  I joined Weight Watchers in January (and have lost more than 32 pounds so far).  I faithfully track my food to make sure I'm staying on program.

2.  As part of #1, I make it a point to get at least 30 minutes of exercise three or four times a week (unless I'm sick, then all bets are off).

3.  I read every day.

4.  I've inventoried my freezer and am making meal plans mostly using what food we already have in the house.

5.  I've reestablished our household budget and track our expenditures daily.

So, as you can see, without even intending to I've already started down this path.

Here are my two new habits for May:

1.  Every night, I will wash and put away all my knives.  If you've been reading this blog for a while, or know me in person, you know that I love to cook.  The kitchen is one of my favorite places to be.  I have a very nice set of good quality knives, which I don't treat with the respect they deserve.  They never go in the dishwasher, but they also don't get cleaned right away if I'm cutting anything that requires more than a quick rinse.  My goal is to wash them as I use them, but if that doesn't happen I'll definitely make sure I wash them in the evening.

2.  Every day, I will wash, dry, and put away one load of laundry.  I started easy on myself - yesterday I had to wash my daughter's sheets (pull-up leakage).  Actually, that will probably be my load three days a week or so.  But laundry is my nemesis - I get it washed and dried ok, but it's the folding and putting away that creates the problem.  I have about five loads to catch up on this afternoon, and then I'll be starting fresh. Hopefully by taking a few minutes each day to tackle a small amount, I won't end up with piles of laundry everywhere.

Little things, but a good jumping off place!