sending mail

Since we're halfway through the month, I thought it would be good time to check in on my letter writing goal for the month.

I started by thinking about what was keeping me from writing letters. Here were struggles:

1. Finding all the cards I thought I had
2. Remembering to address the envelope
3. Finding a stamp
4. Getting it to the mailbox/postoffice

During our spring break cleaning overhaul I noticed a 2 recurring ideas in the books and articles we  read about organizing. 1: A place for everything and everything in its place. 2: If you need something on a regular basis, find an easy access storage system. Kind of felt like common sense at first and then I started assessing my storage solutions.

Previously my card and letter writing suppliers were stored in boxes and drawers. These were practical places and the boxes were cute and decorative, yet I rarely looked inside to use the supplies. I happened to have a desk organizer on my desk that was storing... let's just say stuff that didn't need storing. Once I cleaned it out I decided to give it a new purpose. My newly simplified and clean desk only has two things on it. A place for pencils and pens, and a place for cards. I also bought a book of stamps and clipped it right on the edge of the card holder. Problems #1 and #3 solved!

I have had great success since displaying my cards where I can see them. Sometimes I see a card and thinking of someone. Other times, I'm at my desk working on the computer and I think of someone who might need a letter. I can quickly grab a card, jot a note, and find the address on my computer. In one sitting I've got the letter written, addressed and stamped. No more problem #2!

Problem #4 is probably the hardest for me. Our mailbox system is a little tricky so I've found the most success by putting the card on the passenger seat of my car and either dropping it off on my way to work or when I'm running errands. So far I've sent 3-4 cards a week and it has felt so good! I love the thought that someone is sorting through bills or ads and then finds a little envelope of love!

april goals

Alright April, here I come!
I'm just setting three goals this month. They feel lofty so it seems appropriate.

Cleaning/Organizing
We've talked for awhile now about how best to purge and organize our house. Yup, 2 years into living here and we're finally getting around the a big overhaul! In December we did a Music Studio Overhaul and it has been an amazing space for Seth's studio and practice. We also started hanging art on the walls so it is beginning to feel more like a home. That being said, we are both overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that still exists in our small house and are motivated to do something about it. We're looking at a few different methods for how to best tackle this major project and since I can't set goals for other people on my blog I've narrowed it down to this. Once a week take a load of things to the donation center. Whether it's clothing, books, kitchen supplies etc doesn't matter. My main goal is to get things out of the house then out of my car and to a place where they can be more useful. Sundays are my goal day for this to happen because I can put it in the car before church and swing by the donation center on my way home.

Run More Miles!

print by Elise Blaha Cripe

My participation in the Big Climb last month meant I was hyper focused on circuit training and strengthening my legs and abs. Not a bad thing but it meant my milage shrank. I did run a 5K in March and was pleasantly surprised by my time. After running 7 miles with my mom last week I realized how much I miss hitting the pavement. So with my new kicks and Spring Break to get started, I'm ready to rack up the miles! I'm think about the 50 mile goal that mom and I used to aim for when we were first starting out. It feels manageable without being too lofty. I already logged 2 today, so I have 26 days to get 48 more miles!

Send 2 Cards a Week
I already started this goal on April 1 and just love the feeling of sealing up an envelope and putting on a stamp! I'm pretty set with cards between a resent "thank you" card restock and my HappyMail deliveries. I'm hoping to spread the love a little outside of my normal circle but it's hard since address sharing is kind of retro. I feel like I'm spoiling the surprise when I ask people for their address, but really, who doesn't love a fun card in the mail :)

I am excited to see how these goals pan out. Spring Break always gives me a boost so here's to hoping it will inspire me to finish strong! Happy April!

//get to work print found here//