Finding Motivation

I've always found it hard to get motivated. I'm a procrastinator. I work better under pressure (I tell myself) so waiting to do things at the last minute works for me -- just me. But it doesn't work well for a family of 5. It makes my husband crazy and I have to say our household is, at times, a bit to chaotic. I try to make lists to help keep myself on track. I've always been an avid list maker. It helps -- a little. But with the July 4th holiday approaching and an out of town conference to follow, I think I better kick my list making into high gear today and get cracking. I have a LOT to do.

1. clean house and do laundry -- this is a permanent item on my list

2. buy a new suitcase -- my old one bit the dust on my last flight

3. make second list of all clothing, accessories and toiletries needed for conference (you don't need to see that)

4. go to grocery store to stock up for hubby and kids and to get items needed for 4th of July party dishes I'm taking to the annual party next door (big party at my neighbors house every year) (4th of July trifle I've never made but looks good and a barley salad I sort of made up -- I'll post the recipes below).

5. make another list for hubby of all the activities he will have to transport kids to while I'm gone at conference -- golf lessons and tutoring are the two going on next week

6. try to get nails done and maybe a pedicure

Ok I think that covers it. I better get started although all I really want to do is put on a bathing suit, grab my book, and go sit by the pool and read. (Thursday and Friday are the days I don't work and in the summer they are my pool days...but not today).

Wish me luck. :-)

http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/4th-of-July-Trifle-10889

Barley Salad

This salad can be changed to suit your taste. Quinoa can substitute for the barley, balsalmic, white wine or rice vinegar could substitute for the lemon juice, cranberries could substitute for the cherries, etc.

Prepare 1 11oz. box of quick cooking barley (I use Mother's ) This is about 2 cups.

1 c. chopped red pepper

1 c. chopped celery

1/4-1/2 c. chopped green onion (I put less b/c I don't like onions)

1 cup chopped dried cherries

1/2 c chopped walnuts

big bunch of chopped parsley -- say 1/2-1 cup or so

Vinegrette

1/2 c olive oil

1/4 c fresh squeezed lemon juice

1-2 cloves garlic pressed or minced

salt and pepper to taste

If you make with vinegar, you may want to add some dijon mustard and a little sugar or honey.

Just keep adjusting the vinegrette till it tastes good, then toss with the salad. Best if you refridgerate for a few hours and then bring to room temperature before serving.