Routine Technique

In the past, I used to burn myself out by staying up late to finish assignments. That's how I got my MS degree. Living at home with my folks made it super easy, because after work, often they were so glad to see grandma and grandpa, the children ran into their arms. Yay! now I get a chance to do my assignments! And trust me, they weren't easy, but they were tons of fun.

Once I decided to move out about 2 years ago, it became a challenge. When I'd get back in I'd be exhausted, but still had to tend to my home first before hitting the books, and consequently, the hay.
I've come to know that the best thing for me to do is to sleep by 9 or 10 pm and rise at 3am.
I would get so much done, it was incredible, and I'd still have plenty of rest.
What also helped is choosing to prepare the meals for the week in advance, and having the children's lunch/snacks packed from the night before.

In the morning, I'd get myself ready first while they were sleeping, then wake them up and get them started on their way. Communing with God and asking him to be the God over the alarm has been helping, because when your body wants rest, no alarm can wake it!

Single Parent Thankfulness

Many people ask me how do I do it. And honestly, I haven't stopped to think about how. I've always had to just do. What may seem stressful and burdensome to one person is actually one person's everyday life. I enjoy the lessons I learn and hope to share my joys with others.

On another note, I'd like to take a step back and recognize God for all He has done. He is awesome. He directs and leads me into every single prosperous path. And when I thought I knew more than he and did things on my own and utterly failed, He was there to guide me, not blame me. I have heard the saying "I'd rather listen to dumb animals than listen to humans talk"  Well in my case, listening to humans and people over listening to God was a dumb move, and if you're doing the same thing, then you are essentially stating that the created knows more that the Creator. Don't ever do this!

Trader Joe's Carrots vs Pathmark Carrots

So my camera is acting up. These pics are ones I got from the internet. I recently purchased carrots only a day apart and I am so annoyed.
1 bag of carrots is professed to be fresh. I got it from Pathmark.
The 2nd bag I got from Trader Joe's, only a day afterward.

I recently made carrot cake using the Pathmark carrot before I got the baby carrots. So I had to wash and scrape them. Even scraped, the organic carrots are more vibrant.
I ask myself why truly good food is expensive and hard to get to unless you live within walking distance or have a car.

IPod Lullaby

My kids get restless sometimes and can't fall asleep. I'm currently enrolled in an online school, and I work fulltime. So when they go to bed, that's my time to really get it in.

So I find a soothing song, and place the volume on a low setting, lock the screen and place it under their pillow.

What happens if you have multiple kids? Buy a pair of $7-$10 computer speakers. They will work with the IPod and IPhone.

Nifty Tub Cleaning Tip

Once I was so so pressed for time, I really was in no mood for bowing and bending over a tub.
then it just hit me..."Use the mop." The tub and walls couldn't have been cleaner. My hands didn't even get wet, which is a big deal for me, because I have eczema and I am constantly moisturizing.

You can also use a dedicated bottle brush cleaner to clean the sink/face basin.