Rule 7. Reset when things get hectic

When things get a bit out of hand, I'm going to check back over my rules and start again ... after a night off with a glass of wine and bar of chocolate!

Rule 6. Save alcohol for special occasions

Since my husband has been seriously training for the Great South Run (10 miles for Cancer Research, www.runningsponsorme.org.uk/stuartburnham) we haven't really been drinking in the evenings. It has made such a massive difference that I've decided to make it a rule.

I can't say that I'll give up drink because, let's face it, that's just not going to happen! Sometimes I really feel like I need a glass of wine at the end of a hard day, and it's fun to drink when socialising. I don't think the girls would appreciate it if I turned up to Grub Club with a bottle of lemonade. (Incidentally, it's not on this month because the others are going to see Take That in Belfast tonight - I just couldn't bring myself to go with them. Just couldn't do it. Going to see Arcade Fire next month though.)

So there we go. Less alcohol makes you feel more alert and less sleepy. Talk about stating the obvious! :o)

That reminds me: The Oxford Wine Festival is on soon. If you want a fab night out with a difference, I recommend it. Top tip: Don't get so drunk that you can't remember how much wine you've ordered at the end of the evening.

No more guilt!

It's great not feeling guilty about stuff!

As long as I get on with things the best I can, I know that there's nothing to feel guilty about.
I've found it easier to ask for help as well, knowing that I'm doing my best.
I've also realised that other people don't see me the way I see myself, which sounds a bit weird. Very difficult to put into words. I think I criticise myself far more than anyone else does.

Well, it's a nice frame of mind to be in, anyway, I hope I can keep it up.

Facebook

(www.facebook.com)
It's such a great way of staying in touch with people.
If you need a bit of a boost, there's always someone there to cheer you up, and if you're feeling good you can spread the love!
You can share photos and thoughts, or just have a bit of silly fun.
Check it out, and invite all your friends.

(Sounds like an advert, I know, but it's true!)

Rule 5. Don't feel guilty

I don't know why. Maybe it's a girl thing. Maybe it's just me.
I spend so much time feeling guilty and it really brings me down.
I worry that I'm not doing enough for the boys, I'm not doing enough housework, I'm not a good wife.
But the fact is: I am. I am doing my best pretty much all the time and, as my mum told me, you can only do your best.
So I have decided to stick two fingers up to guilt and get on with things.
I feel better already. :o)

Thoughts whilst ironing

I'm sure that something is amiss,
I'd be in a constant state of bliss,
If I found house work to be fun,
Because there's always something to be done!

Decluttering progress report

Well, the kitchen is still clutter-free although the clutter box still hasn't been emptied.
The bathroom is clutter-free (no box needed, just the bin!).
The living area storage baskets and drawers have been started on.
The bedroom desk has been cleaned out.

It's a good start, and it certainly feels great.
I reckon I can get the whole house done by Christmas... just in time for a whole new lot of clutter!