chores.

I have been SUPER PRODUCTIVE lately and am totally loving it. I guess I should also mention that this productivity has been for two days. But still. Feeling good. So good that I made a Chore Chart last night to keep on top of things.

-click to enlarge-

(It's not pretty, but it gets the job done.)

If anything I know myself. And I know that I am a tad neurotic, hence my need for lists and charts to remind me what needs to get done. You may be wondering at the lack of cleaning actually included on this chart, or what wallet means or that I need a reminder to change my sheets. (yes, I know that's wrong) My craziness stems from a strange place of loving systems. I need to start somewhere, and this is the minimum. I should try to remember that.

How do you keep your home pretty and clean?

workout in the park.

I went to SELF's workout in the park this weekend at Grant Park. It was awesome dancing and working out in the middle of Chicago. Not only did I get to do Urban Rebounding and Breathwork Meditation, but there were a lot of freebies and a lot of positive vibes.

I went with my sister, and we spent the time laughing, goofing around and having fun. It left me feeling wonderful to live in a city I love and living a life full of meaningful relationships.

One of the most resonating effects it had on me is paying attention to how much women, or people in general, criticize themselves. Or more specifically, me. I'm going to make it a goal of mine to be more conscience of it.

I don't need to know what (insert celebrity here) is doing.
I don't need to worry about having the "right" clothes.

I need to laugh.
I need to smile.

And I need to continue learning and growing.

Isn't that what life's all about?

checked out.

As some of you know, I love libraries. No not, love. LOVE. So I may be a bit biased, being a librarian and all, but I just love spreading the word of what's available at public libraries -- like fishing poles and museum passes.*

Hence, my new, or more aptly, regularly updated blog. I started it last year, but wasn't sure exactly where to go with it. Now I'm all set, and I'd love to see you over there!

Not only will you find out that I *just* started paying attention to Lady Gaga, but you will also see what I can't wait to get my hands on like The Cove that I've had on hold since it was Oscar nominated. Soon it will be mine.

So swing on by and say hello at CHECKED OUT!

Pretty please?

*FACT

slacker sunday: mother's day

Today was the first day I hosted a get together at my new place, and I must say I loved it. My sister and I made two quiches, fruit salad and some cinnamon muffins. Dee-lish!

It was so nice to spend the day with my mom and family on such a special day. Hope everyone had a wonderful day as well!

madness.

Have you ever had that feeling where you think: once I get this done, I'll be all set. I used to have this feeling all the time. Now that I'm older, and wiser of course, I know that this isn't true.

Case in point.

Once I move, I'll have time to take care of the rest of my life.

Has that happened? Well. Kinda. Or, not really.

The problem right now is all I want to do is decorate my apartment. Organize it. Make it my home. But in the meantime I've acquired three jobs. One main, two small part-timers. But all that time adds up.

And here I am again. Waiting for things to calm down.

But I have learned. Life doesn't calm down. It just keeps going if we're lucky, and I strangely feel comfort in that.

This weekend I enjoyed a picnic, some home furnishing shopping, some True Blood, some al fresco meals. I love weekends like that. Little plans but full of fun times.

So what exactly have I learned?

I've learned that I need to make time to relax. I need weekends without plans. I need to enjoy the madness.

Enjoy the madness. Yes. That's what I must do. Do you?