What inspires you?

When I watch the sunset across the Sandia Mountains, turning them from tan to pink, I feel extremely powerful and small at the same time. The majestic beauty makes me want to create that new Picasso or build that deck in the back yard.

Yet, I know that my time here on earth is temporary. I want to make an impression that lasts yet am insecure or unsure as to how to accomplish it. But I found that ultimate inspiration - the one makes my existence permanent and satisfies the over-achiever in me.

My children! Investing my time with them guarantees my existence and that of my elders.

1. I tell them family stories and relate with them about my experiences growing up in California. This gives them insight into me as a person, not just mom and a sense of history and belonging.
2. I walk the talk and try to be an example to them. When I make mistakes in front of them, I acknowledge it and apologize followed by a discussion about appropriate behavior.
3. I try (though I really need to work on this on) to really listen to them without distraction or hurrying them through their dialogs. They need to feel that what they say matters and is important.

So what inspires you? Maybe it's your mother or that co-worker next to you. Let me know and see how many people we can inspire together.

See ya next time!
KittyKat

Back to School

In my household, "Back to School" applies to my boys and myself.

I currently work full time while attending college part time. This is a huge juggling feat. I have to master my kids schedules in order to determine my studying schedule. Lucky for me my classes are on-line and I can do classwork or homework whenever I want.

But since I like to sleep, I try to limit myself and get to bed by 10:30 every night (Ha!).

I have come up with some great ideas that has helped me combine my homework with my kids activities (for that perfectly scheduled day that has no emergencies!).

• Keep an ongoing list of activities and assignments with the due dates written next to them. I use a huge wipe-off board that's posted in the upstairs hallway. This incorporates all of our schedules and projects over a 3 month period.
• Keep a copy of the list on your calendar that you carry in your purse (not a steamer trunk)
• Have a menu list posted on the refrigerator so that your hubby knows what to do with that ground beef that's defrosted in the fridge (Whether it tastes good or not is optional).
• Meet with the entire family weekly to review the schedule. Made daily reminders every morning as you leave the house. It's usually my husband who needs me to bring his homework to him, not my kids!. (He's a school teacher).
• I also keep a running list of household chores for the kids and special projects that need my husband or my attention. We try to get to at least 3 during each weekend. (I guess I should take down those snowflakes from my high living room ceiling now! Nah.)
• I limit my multi-tasking. I know that this sounds counter productive but when I can focus one one thing for 15 minutes straight without interruptions, I able to product more quality work than if I'm constantly bothered.

I hope these tips help. If you got any ideas, I'd love to hear how you handle your life -with or without pharmaceutical assistance (ha). Drop me a line!

Talk w/ you next time.
KittyKat

A New Beginning

Hello Everyone!

This is my first time with a blog. I've been trying to determine which tactic to take in developing this site. Should I discuss:
Home and family life?
What about trying to discuss the environment and politics?
Read any good books lately?
Health and Yoga?
Working with an ogre?

I've decided to discuss everything! A women is not defined by only one aspect in their lives - we are multi-faceted. We delve into everything and apply 150% of ourselves in the process. The hard part, of course, is in achieving a balance. A harmonious existence with others and our own bodies.

So join me as I start this blog. We'll discuss issues, spilled milk, global warming, children's books, yoga, religion, bullies, husband, elder support and other pertinent topics. Let's have some fun while we're learning something or venting our frustrations.

It should be a great adventure!

Kitty Kat