FlyLady.net: Special

Anti-Procrastination Week Results - Part 1

"I am one of those perfectionist types who never starts anything because of how long I think it will take to do a good job. So then I feel guilty about never doing it, but can't seem to get the nerve to start. I've been wanting to play my piano and guitar for some time but rarely do. I know I can do it for just 15 minutes a day. Practice makes better, not perfect!" - Fluttering in Ohio

Taking Care of Ourselves - from our members

Wow, you would not believe the number of emails I have received from people who are booking doctor's appointments, hair appointments and more! Congratulations. Remember, Finally Loving Yourself means taking care of yourself. It starts with a simple phone call!

Made appointment to get my first mammogram. I have been putting it off because it does not sound like fun. Thank you for protecting my health. Flying for 3 weeks in KY.

I finally made a call for an appointment....I received a gift certificate for Christmas for a 1-hour massage. Next week I am having a special relaxation afternoon. Thank you, FlyLady.

I finally got my cholesterol and blood pressure checked--I've recently lost 30 pounds of body clutter so I was hopeful it would be OK. It was OK! And, it only took 12 minutes (yes, I timed it) from the time I entered the place until I was done! Flybaby in Ohio

Dear FlyCrew: I started my new exercise routine at Curves today. It was a lot of fun. I've been putting it off since the beginning of the year, I wanted to do it but was afraid to get started. I don't know anyone in the neighborhood who would go with me so I just started on my own. Hope to make new friends there. I also started on my 2003 tax return today. Let's hope I can finish it off before the middle of March when I need it done because of going to a financial meeting for a college loan for my oldest son.

I already had mammogram, haircut and lunch with a friend appointments scheduled for this week so I had to think of something else to do. I bought a new pair of tennis shoes, needed since January, sent a December holiday card I just got the address for and mailed photos from last July to a friend. I still have to get January's photos developed. - flying in Bellevue WA

I returned the extremely ugly and suitable for a senior citizen ( I'm 30 something ) pyjamas that I got for Christmas. For the exact amount I got a beautiful pair of black satin pyjamas with a very cute ( and sexy! ) lace top. I also finally booked an appointment for a massage that a friend gave me last summer for watching her son. I even procrastinate on doing things that I love that are wonderful for me! A struggling flybaby

Made my mammogram appointment today!!! Thanks for the kick in my “franny”! - Ga. Flybaby

Hi, FlyuCrew, Our local health department has a wonderful battery of blood tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, all sorts of things that show how your kidneys and other giblets are working) for only $39. Today I made an appointment to have the test done and face the truth about my health. Many thanks for pushing me off my perch! --Illinois flybaby

I got on the treadmill. I've been listening to my husband tell me I'd feel better if I'd get on the treadmill for weeks now. So, I set my timer for 15 min and I DID IT! - in NC

This took longer than 15 minutes and COULDNT be done in babysteps, but i FINALLY got around to putting the color on my hair that i bought way back in late OCTOBER!!!!!!!just got through drying it-looks great!!!!

Hi FlyCrew, I finally made an eye doctor's appointment. I haven't been in over two years, and at this point I can hardly ready! I also repotten an African Violet! - in RI

Dear Flylady and Crew, I must have been reading your minds. Even before seeing your anti-procrastination message I had already colored my hair (long overdue) and folded and put up three loads of laundry that were sitting in baskets in my bedroom. Wednesday I am scheduled to see the Ob/G and I'm already trying to schedule childcare with my husband so that I can go and get my haircut. It's so important to do the things for my appearance, otherwise I avoid the mirror. And as a SAHM I get dressed to shoes but often do not brush my hair, I can't bear to look at all the gray! thanks to all - stumbling in IL

I cleared out the drawer, supposedly kept for table mats. It is right behind my computer chair., very hand for important papers !!! Amongst the mass of overflow, there were 12 pens and 10 note or stickup pads, something I can never find amongst all the other clutter and papers that keeps accumulating there. From one small draw I filled over a carrier bag with rubbish/trash that was not needed any more :)) And some important lost items were put safely in the right place.

I did it! Pampering and Anti-Procrastination in one fling! My hair appointment is set for April, just before our trip to California to visit family. I have been growing my hair out for over a year and will, once again, donate the locks to "Locks of Love". This is exciting -- a new 'do', color (first time ever), and the opportunity to help someone else in the process! Thanks FlyCrew, for all you do for us on the website, it really is the best I've seen. So uncluttered and clean, easy to follow and refreshed each day. God bless you today and may your family vacation in March be a refreshing to your spirit. Flybaby in Oregon

I made a very long overdue appointment for a complete physical!

I have been putting off my Doctors appointment for several weeks now, not because I feared going but because of the time off I would need from my work. I am a working mom and have had to take time off for my kids almost every week this month. Now I am almost out of my daily medication and have to go. I probably would have kept procrastinating and run out of medicine if I hadn't received your message today. I have to take care of me and Finally love myself. Thanks! Flybaby in SC

I went and got my haircut (last haircut was in March 2003) and I bought me some new bras (last bra shopping date -- unknown). It's what I asked my husband to give me for my birthday. Time for me with out the 4 little ones. A new cut and new undergarments. I feel like a new woman. - FLYing high in CO

I went and got my hair cut this morning while my daughter was at preschool. Since I choose to go to a place that does not need appointments I made myself just walk in the door and do it. Thanks for the reminder to not procrastinate any longer! - in Minnesota

I went to water aerobics today and exercised for 1 hour!!!! I wanted to stay in bed but I made myself get out from under the covers and go to the Y for the class. I feel so much better now!!! - in Huntsville

Today I made eye exam appointments for my DH and myself!

I have been putting off getting a massage because of time and money. Well, I was having trouble with my neck (I have had neck injuries due to car accident and I hold tension there) and I finally made an appointment and went. Talk about a renew your spirit and pamper mission!!! I am running around with tons of energy today! I am so happy that I finally made it possible to go!! Why did I wait so long??? I could afford it this week due to working on FACING my finances! Yay! I love Flylady! - from Knoxville, TN

After my shower, I took the time to blow dry my hair. Usually I do not do this unless it is an "occasion."

Surprise

I know these lists are so much fun, that before you know it, too much time has passed by and all the things you PLANNED on doing have been sidetracked away. We are SHEs (Sidetracked Home Executives) afterall. Time for a FlyCrew Surprise!

Before you read any further, quick go get your phone book and make that ONE appointment you have been putting off. Go, Go, Go, no more excuses, you can do it!

Let me know how it goes. Send an email to FlyCrew@flylady.net and put "Appointment" in the subject line.

"If you don't take care of you, who will?" - Kelly

Blessing Our Mouths

I scheduled a root canal that has been "waiting" for two years! Thanks, I think.

This is so lame, but I have been putting off making a dental appointment since 1999!!!!!! I moved to a new community, 100 miles away from my regular dentist and needed to find a new one. Well, I just kept putting it off and putting it off and finally, TODAY, I just sat myself down, picked up the phone and made the call! Of course, being a brand new patient, he won't see me until June 10th but at least I am 'on the books' for a cleaning, x-rays and complete exam! I Did It! Thanks for nagging... it works! Flossin' & Flyin' in the CA mountains

FlyCrew, Although I have been subscribing to FlyLady for some time, I am still just a little FlyBaby. I sometimes have lapses (sometimes bigger than others) but in general I have established some good habits for both myself and my family. Just today, I scheduled a dental appointment for myself, something that I have been neglecting since losing health and dental insurance over a year ago. Attention to my health has been suffering, so my next anti procrastination project is to find a health clinic in my area and to schedule a long overdue physical. Thanks for that little "nudge."

I scheduled an appointment to have my wisdom teeth pulled!! This is something I have been putting off for almost a year! A year's worth of complaining about headaches due to my wisdom teeth will be coming to an end. When I saw the email saying to pick one thing you have been procrastinating and to do it, I decided there was no better time than now to get it done. Of course... who likes going to the dentist anyhow? Ready to AH! in Iowa

The last time I took my DD to the dentist I was forced to pay for X-rays because our insurance only pays for them once every 12 months. For several months since then I've been meaning to find out exactly what our insurance covers and what it doesn't so that doesn't happen to me again. We are very seriously overdue for new dental appointments. The dentist's office has sent us several reminders. Today, thanks to your challenge, I finally went to the filing cabinet, found the information, sat down, and read it. Total time: about 7 minutes. If it wasn't Sunday I'd make the appointments right now, too. That's tomorrow's task! Thanks for the nudge ... FLYing in Spokane

FlyCrew, I've put off going to the dentist since pregnant with my daughter who is going to soon be four. (Didn't want the x-rays then or have the money, and was too tired, as a 43 yr. old Mom after her birth.) Now I'm 47 and although I dreaded the visit, I made the appointment for my birthday present to myself. I went last Thurs. and although I've had some problems with hot/cold pain, receding gums, and feared gingivitis, guess what? No cavities, no problems that could be detected on x-rays or visual exam. I even got complimented on doing such a good job of brushing, and made myself a 6 month appointment to get them cleaned again. (And I'm making one for my husband too, during his spring break from teaching!!)

I have been putting off getting a massage because of time and money. Well, I was having trouble with my neck (I have had neck injuries due to car accident and I hold tension there) and I finally made an appointment and went. Talk about a renew your spirit and pamper mission!!! I am running around with tons of energy today! I am so happy that I finally made it possible to go!! Why did I wait so long??? I could afford it this week due to working on FACING my finances! Yay! I love Flylady! - from Knoxville, TN

Surprise

I can here the groans already. You know where THIS surprise is going. I had to separate out the dentist appointment from all the other appointments because the dentist is MY BIGGEST procrastination thingie. I really dislike going to the dentist. And now, I am in a jam. It has been (gulp) many years since I have had a proper cleaning and checkup. So, now you know what I did this week LOL. My appointment is booked for March. No guilt, no fear (well not much...). I know I am not the only one who has waited too long for this visit.

Your turn. Has it been more than 6 months, or years like me, since your last appointment? Quick before you think about it too hard, or make up too many excuses, pick up the phonebook, pick a dentist, and make that appointment. We will do it together!

Let me know how it goes. Send an email to FlyCrew@flylady.net and put "Dentist" in the subject line.

"We are going to FLY with smiles on our face!" - FlyCrew

Taking Care of Our Family Members, Including the Four Legged Ones!

I have an appointment on Thursday to re-do my Will. My current Will is over 20 years old whoops!!! and I'm not happy about the disbursements, so I am looking forward to sorting this out - it has been that thing "niggling at the back of my mind" for quite some time and it is finally being done YAY! Fluttering madly - Sydney Australia

I made appointments today! My daughter has her 3-yr check up tomorrow (3 months late), both my kids get their hair cut today, both kids go to the dentist at the end of March(that's the soonest appt they have!), and I bring my car in on Monday to be serviced. I did each one of these during one of my 7-minute tasks (I work for 7 minutes then read my book for about 2 minutes).

I made eye Dr exam. appointments today. I was at my family dr and they are in the same building so I just walked over and made the appointments. All five of us could get in during the march break at the same time, imagine that, and I thought that it would take up 2-5 days to get everyone in. I've known that my middle DD has needed this appointment for over a year but you know we SHE'S, just kept putting it off but no more:) barely flying in Ontario

Well, I finally did it! I signed my 3 year old daughter up with Medic Alert. It was scary, so I kept putting it off. I knew I shouldn't, but I did. Now, however, she's registered in their system because of her multiple food allergies. She'll get her bracelet in a few days, and then I'm going to order her a pretty bracelet that she'll actually want to wear. As she gets older and gets involved in more activities where mom isn't right beside her, I know it will be a visual reminder to her and others that she has food allergies. And you know what? It wasn't that bad! I had a wonderful woman helping me on the phone, and I actually feel relieved knowing that if something were to happen to me, there is someone out there that can be contacted who knows her information. Thanks for the push! FlyBaby in DeKalb, IL

I Did It! I finally ordered batteries for my DH's wheel chair! Poor guy has been hassling with recharging batteries that won't stay charged and putting up with a wheel chair that dies in the middle of the isle at the mall for months now. I ordered them and as soon as they arrive they will be replaced!! - flybaby from IN

I made a doctor's appointment for my husband that he has needed. Just a routine check-up, but he needs to be followed closely for his diabetes. FLYing in Dublin, CA

I finally took my large and unruly Newf to the vet for his overdue shots. I had been putting it off, as I thought he was going to be a rowdy nightmare at the vet (my husband used to take care of these visits) Well guess what! He was so good, and so docile for me, that now I realized I can take him anywhere. Maybe my dream of training him as a therapy dog is not completely out of reach.

O.K. I finally made the appointment to get my dogs shots. I've known since December that I have to get shots and license, so now it is the last week of February-but I got his appointment for Thursday.(He has to have his license by Mar.1) Also, we are looking at a different van and I called to get quotes on insurance--isn't that a pain? I DID IT!! - in Three Rivers MI

FlyCrew--- I cleaned and changed Litter in Cat Litter boxes:o)

Blessing the World

It is amazing how a simple act can touch the people we are close to, and people we have never met.

I combined the anti-procrastination week idea with today's mission to clean out from under our beds. I got married in September 2003 and my wedding dress spent several months riding around in the trunk of my husband's car where it was stuffed on the morning after the wedding as we were leaving for our honeymoon. He was tired of it in his car so I stuffed it under our bed. I knew from before I got married that I wanted to donate the dress to Making Memories (charity that resells wedding dresses to fulfill wishes for breast cancer patients). I had bought the box a few weeks ago but never boxed the dress up. So today, I boxed up the dress and it is ready to go to work with me tomorrow to be shipped out to help fulfill someone's dreams as mine have already been fulfilled. - Constantly fluttering flybaby in IL

Hello FlyCrew, First of all, thanks for all you do to help keep us moving and motivated. For ant-procrastination week I started off contacting two important people. My son's girlfriend is away at school, and although I send her an occasional e-mail, I haven't sent her an actual letter yet. I sent her an e-mail asking for her mailing address so that I can write to her occasionally. I know I still love getting actual letters, even though I mainly communicate by e-mail. The friend I contacted is one that I have not seen in a while. I am going to try to get a dinner date set up with her and a few of our other friends. We all took classes together at college and it would be nice to see everybody again. Thanks for the inspiration! Flybaby in Virginia

Today I sent a thank-you e-mail for a gift that I received from my landlords in December. First (when I got the gift) I wanted to send the "perfect" thank you note, but I couldn't find their address. They live in England, so I didn't want to pay for a long distance phone call. (excuses, excuses....) By mid January, I was getting embarassed and guilty. By the beginning of February I had forgotten about it. Today I found the packing slip under my desk, decided enough was enough, and whipped out an "e-mail thank you." Phew! One less thing to stress over. - Flybaby in CA

Today as always there are many calls to make, appointments to schedule, a LITTLE bit of cleaning (LOLOLOL), and so on forever! Like everybody else. But when I read your procrastination note, I knew what to do. I put together a care package for a friend of mine whom I've not seen in years. Her new husband died about three years ago after two bone marrow transplants (and a different care package). I called her not long ago after no correspondence for almost a year, and found out she had a new love and a new baby on the way, due the same week as her former husband's birthday. I put in our family's favorite children's book, a lovely notebook (she is a poet), puppy booties, power bars, sunflower seeds, green tea, some organic macaroni in a box, and so forth. I know I can't send a box to everyone I'd love to send to, but one is better than nothing. Keep the love flowing around the world, a little at a time. Now I'm off to make some of those calls. peace from Minnesota

For procrastination week, I got in touch with a friend whom I haven't talked to in 14 years. I kept putting it off because I felt stupid, but I finally realized that we have missed each others weddings and births of our children, and if I procrastinated anymore, we would be grandparents! We were best friends from 9-19, and then something happened,What? Who knows, but all is forgiven and now I have my "sister" back. Thanks for the push! Flybaby in NJ

I wrote all birthdays and anniversaries on my calendar. I have already missed 2 birthdays and one anniversary this year. No more guilty feelings now. Tomorrow, I will go out and buy as many cards as I can for all the occasions, plus a few cards in case I'm invited to another shower, or a friend gets ill.

Hi! Today I got 5 boxes in the mail for the Russian penisula of Chukotka. Alaska Friends of Chukotka has a humanitarian project to send warm winter clothes and school supplies to the impoverished villages over there and I have had these big boxes in our family room for months all ready to go except for the labels. So, I labeled them, got my DH to help me cart them to the post office and they are off.

I flung one bag of clothes and one box of mismatched china to Am-vets! I also blessed somebody else with two mopeds that have gone unused for 11 years. Let the anti-procrastination continue........until tomorrow. Flying in Elmwood Park, IL

I finally called Purple Heart and donated the truck that had sat in our driveway for 3 months not working. It was so much easier than I thought it would be. Now I have a tax deduction for next year and my driveway is clear of clutter. Flybaby in Michigan

Hi FlyCrew, My Aunt, ages ago, asked me to make up a quilt from old pieces someone in her family started years ago. Well I took the pieces home ( about 4 years ago ) to do this in good faith. Needless to say it got put aside with everyday life and my procrastination. Yesterday we had a snowstorm, and I decided today was the day. The quilt is finished ! ( I tacked it, this goes faster than hand quilting the whole thing ). Now my Aunt can give it to her Great Grandson as planned. This has made me feel quilty for so long - what a weight off my mind !!!

Finally called a retirement home to volunteer with the residents. I have been meaning to do it for years. Now I'm calling Bingo for them 3 days a week.

FlyCrew, I wrote an email to my lifelong dearest friend. I have been putting it off for several months and decided to put it on my list of things to do just for me! Thanks for the prompting. Email will become an organized part of my day from now on.

Surprise

Reach out and touch someone. Do you have a friend, family member, or neighbor that you have been meaning to call or send a quick note to?

For this Surprise, quick, go grab the phone and call a friend. If you are the letter writing type, but haven't found the time to write a "perfect" letter, then just jot down a quick note, put it in an envelope, address it, mail it, and be proud of yourself! Someone you love will appreciate the thought!

Let me know how it goes. Send an email to FlyCrew@flylady.net and put "Touch" in the subject line.

Later this week, how we are blessing our homes, finances, and vehicles during Anti-Procrastination Week!

"You can do anything for 15 minutes." - FlyLady

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