Long term planning

 I'm a big fan of long term planning. I began this happen years ago as I tried to deal with the fact that I have a big imagination and that imagination can cause chaos without a strategic way to deal with it. By planning ahead, I always have something to look forward to and work for--I enjoy looking forward and planning for positive events. 

So as I think about what I'm looking forward to, I am also thinking about the work I have to do to make the upcoming events and experiences a positive reality. 

Entertaining

We have a number of fun family/friend events planned for the days ahead. These are events are a simple as a dinner party with friends and as complicated as special celebrations. There's lots to do to prepare for these events including the following:

• House organization, clean-up, and updates: this is a job that's never done, but a job that requires steady attention. Bottom line is that my house doesn't have the right space for many of the objets, supplies and tools I use regularly, tools and supplies such as gifts, kitchen equipment and creative materials. I've got to do some reorganization to make more room--this is dull, but needed work. 
• Cooking practice and planning. I'm a fair cook, but not a perfect cook. Sometimes my experimental nature gets in the way of a top-notch meal. I have to solidify the recipes and planning that really work when it comes to a good meal for entertaining. It's always better to serve a tried-and-true recipe than experiment with guests--I've yet to learn that lesson. 
• Our yard is a big mess since builders have been here to update our roof and siding, so there's lots of yard work that needs to be done. 
• It's time to rent the rug cleaning machine or hire a rug/floor cleaner to clean up the few rugs and tile floors that we have. 

Essentially to make our home comfortable and welcoming, there's lots to do and the gray days of early spring are a good time to do this work. 

Travel and Fun

I love having adventures to look forward to, and taking the time to read all about those destinations and adventures creates a more enjoyable event. We have a lot of fun adventures to look forward to including the following:

1. local biking and hiking day trips and overnights
2. visiting relatives and friends who live in different locales
3. camping - yes, to save money and force ourselves to be more adventurous we'll camp here and there this spring, summer, and fall
4. beach days
5. a once-a-year travel adventures to a far off place

As I write this down, I realize I have some work to do to update adventure supplies and equipment. I also have to get in shape to complete the hikes and bike rides. 

Celebrations

Celebrations are those special occasions that create wonderful memories. Celebrations don't happen all the time and that's why it's important to plan well for those good times. The planning requires that you have the right clothes, good energy, sometimes lodging/transportation, and awareness of what to expect and how to participate in positive, helpful, joyful ways. 

Creativity

Creating, in my opinion, brings a lot of meaning to life. I love having a number of projects in the works. Right now, my projects include the following:

• this year's garden
• party favors
• cookbook creation

Health and Fitness

To do any of the above, as good as possible health and fitness matters. 

Onward.