Something's Gotta Give

It might seem like I have it all together, juggling a job, kids, hubby, and house, but in reality, there's never enough time to do everything on my list.

This past weekend, my list included putting away 4 loads of clean laundry, prepping goodie bags and food for my daughter's birthday party in the park, getting us to school/work and back, and getting us all to bed early so that we wouldn't be cranky on party day.

That's a pretty big list, and it didn't all get done. My priorities tend to be extremely out of whack, and I get major anxiety if the little things get pushed aside. I had a vision for the perfect pinterest/budget friendly party, and when the weekend started to go off plan I was very irritated with everyone.

Party Decor Goal

Party Decor Reality

There are only 24 hours in every day, and if your list is unrealistic, something's gotta give. For me, self-care and time with hubby are the first to get knocked to the bottom. I KNOW that this is terrible, and those two need to be at the top. Tell that to my brain which races with ideas and plans and overloads my days and nights.

DIY Graham cracker ocean treats

I'm working on changing my attitude to stress less and enjoy more. Easier said than done.

George Carlin has a quote "Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things." I love that quote because I do sweat the petty things, and it's not good for my mental, physical, or financial health.

So I'm trying. Every day and night I'm working on my priorities. I take time to meditate. I ask myself, do I really need to worry about xyz, and I pray. I trust that everything happens for a reason, and as much as I hate snapping at my loved ones, those moments lead to conversations that can move us towards a healthier tomorrow.

It's been said "Don't compare your behind the scenes to someone else's highlight reel" and my behind the scenes has a lot of tears and occasional yelling. Of course those moments don't get captured on film. We're all just doing our best, and very much "faking it til we make it".

Since I'm writing this at 2:45 AM, and I'm working on healthy priorities, I'm going to stop now, and get some more sleep.

Sweet dreams and flying machines,
~Mama Gali

Why I Love the Library

I love libraries and I'm not afraid to say so!

Growing up, I had a small library about 2 blocks from my house. After school and on weekends I'd grab a big bag, leash up the dog, and walk over to Parkville Branch. They had a bike rack outside where doggies would wait while I filled up my goodie bag with books and movies. Whether you're bored, on a budget, or a bookworm, the local library truly has something for everyone.

I'll admit, often my book haul would be heavier than recommended for middle school shoulders, (free weight lifting!), but I wouldn't trade those walks for anything. 

Hi, my name is Gali and I'm addicted to books. On the bright side, its only a problem if it impairs functioning, right?

Thankful for tacos, I hear that!

Visiting the local library, first with my mom, then with friends, now with my own kids, has taught me so much. I have an excellent vocabulary, and an appreciation for figurative language.
Cookie monster is obsessed with chocolate chip treats, Gali monster is obsessed with books. Give me a good book and a few hours to read, and I'll be one happy mama.

Honest confession, recently I haven't been reading for pleasure as much as I once did. Why? Mountains of required reading in college, full time job and full time family, and social media ruining my attention span are a few of my excuses.

Anyway, today I had a stack of books to return (my eyes are definitely bigger than my bookshelf) so I packed up the kids and headed over to Harris County Public Library Lone Star College Branch. We easily spent 2 hours there, and skipping her nap helped my toddler get to bed early.

(Practical life item: Lacing)

Simple puzzles with large knobs - great for infants/beginners

I left the library with a stack of books, a new friend, and a happy heart.

Thanks HCPL and LSC, for a wonderful afternoon.

Spin a story: early literacy sequencing game

Manipulatives for little hands

 Board teaching colors, numbers, animals, & latches

So, long story short,
why do love the library?
Here's a list:

• So many books!
• Puzzles
• Coloring table 
• Kids corner with puppets and games 
• Infant/toddler Storytime
• Social clubs
• Creative seasonal decor
• Magazines
• DVDs/Blu-Ray
• Teaches responsibility by charging for late returns
• Computers
• Mommy friends
• Free air conditioning in summer

• Did I mention all the books?
• Ebooks
• Audiobooks 
• Graphic novels 
• Books to encourage good behavior 86y z
• Books to talk about sensitive topics like divorce

P.S. There's an app for that. Yes y'all, it's TRUE, libraries are NOT obsolete. They have Instagram accounts and multiple free apps (Libby, Overdrive) and computer classes too! Check out your local library, or mine, for more details and the event calendar.

Kitchen Hack

FYI, this blog isn't all serious stuff, I'll be sharing recipes and jokes and random photos too.

So for those of us who cook, however that might look, have you ever had a pot boil over? To prevent the mess, try laying a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. I have no idea why, but it works.

As promised, here's a recipe:
5 Minute Oatmeal to Get You Going When You're Stuck
Ingredients:
old fashioned oats
1 small apple
Raisins to taste (substitute/add prunes or apricots as desired)
A few shakes ground cinnamon (substitute sky cinnamon as desired 😋)
Brown sugar to taste (I suggest 1 tsp)

Instructions:
1. Boil water, 1 cup for 1 serving
2. As the water is boiling, dice (that means chop in itty bitty cubes) apple or other fruit
3. When the water is boiling, add oats (.5 cup for 1 serving), add raisins, apple cubes, cinnamon, and sugar
4. Cook 5 minutes (it might still look watery but fear not, it will set after you turn off the heat)
5. Serve warm and bon appetit!