Monday, May 17, 2010

bit by bit

I'm not a little bit at a time kind of gal.  I like to get things done and checked off of my list.  Once I get a plan in mind, I'm all about getting it to the finish line.  This can be good and this can be bad.  It's good, because things tend to get done around here, but it's bad because sometimes I don't enjoy the process as much as I could.  I tend to miss out on the beauty of the scenic route while I've got the pedal to the medal and my check list in hand.  I'm slowly learning to work bit by bit.  I am working on enjoying the process and taking the time to reflect and rest in the midst of a project.  
This weekend the girls and I unloaded two truckloads of mulch and dressed several of our beds. (They were a huge help!!  Thanks girls!) We still had energy left (OK...I still had energy left) and there were still plenty of beds left to mulch, but I'm proud to say that I made the decision to stop after those two truckloads.  John even offered to go and get me a third load of mulch before he and John Samuel headed off to a ball game...but I declined.  I knew that even though we didn't finish, we had done enough for the day. 
I was so proud of myself and the purposeful way I called it quits. After my shower, I sat on the deck and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, reading and knitting (and throwing in a load of laundry or two!).  We'll be back at the mulching again soon, but in the meantime I'm learning to enjoy the process.
How about you?  Do you have a 'bit by bit' or a 'git-er-done' kind of approach when you've got projects that need tackling? 

18 comments:

Kristyn Knits said...

my tendency is to git-er-done, but recent events in my life have taught me to savor and linger in every moment. so happy you finished "enough" of your project to be able to enjoy the process and progress.
your garden is stunning! a bit of a dream for me.

Debi said...

I wish I had your "stick-to-it-ness"... I am easily distracted! Your garden looks great and I love your new header!

The WoodLand School said...

Good for you to recognize your style -- and to try something new!

I'm a wham-bam kinda gal. I start many (many!) projects ... then I lose interest and move on to something new. I think I'll take a lesson from you about trying to savor the moment and actually finish something (ooooh -- it will be a challenge for me).

Christina said...

Both! It depends on the project and how interested I am in it, what my energy level is, and whatever my current mood it. Right now, for example, I'm tired and contemplative and *should* be sticking to getting the dishes done and sticking to blogging. : )

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

Definitely I'm a get-it-done kind of gal. I hate lingering and at the end of the day, I love to cross one more thing off that list.

Your garden looks lovely. So calm and relaxing. The dark mulch makes everything pop. Beautiful.

cinnamongirl93 said...

Ahhh, I'm very similar to you. I like to get it all done. I like to challenge myself to work hard and cross stuff off of my list. My hubby is the same.

Love your pictures today!!!

From All Stitched Up said...

I love your gardens and the basket of flowers is so pretty. We never seem to get things 100% done. That's why I'm spending my time finishing up projects all around the house.

Tonya Gunn said...

I am definitely a bit by bit person. The only problem with this is that my head can get overwhelmed with all the bits I have going on at the same time.
Your gardens look great.
Warm wishes, Tonya

At Home Mommy Knits said...

I have a git it done know thing but my just turned 3 year old and 5 year old don't always see it my way and so I usually have a few projects going on at one time :)

Cyndi said...

Your yard is Beautiful. I am trying to take time to "smell the roses" too, infact that is one of the reasons that I took up knitting again. I was hoping that it would teach me some patients.
I am getting a little better at taking my time and enjoying the process with out loosing interest.
So good for you for enjoying the rest of your afternoon.

cathleen said...

That's funny you should mention this. My husband and I were sitting on the garden bench on Saturday evening discussing this same thing. He said I need to slow down and enjoy the process. I tend to try to do everything all at once and then get tired and quite crabby. He's so right. You did a good thing, Lisa...stopping. Like Scarlett O'Hara said....tomorrow is another day!

Larissa said...

Your beds are gorgeous! not a weed in sight and i love the super fine mulch your used. i'm a get it done kinda person and i, too, am slowly learning to enjoy the fruits of my labor. today i spent every free minute i had driving around the country learning about chickens and coops and talking to some of the most colorful folk! must - get - everything - done - now!

Ruth said...

Definitely a git-er-done girl here. I have to remind myself to stop and enjoy or the moment will be gone.

Ruth

Gloria said...

I use to be a get-it-done kind of gal too when it came to most projects. As years have gone by, I think I have learned to not stress as much over things (they are always waiting for me to come back to them!). I did not do art for a long time because I wanted to get a painting all done in one day. I have learned that with many things I should enjoy the actual process of creating...:)
Your garden is beautiful! You and your girls did a great job...enjoy!

Gigi said...

I'm so envious of your beautiful garden -- just lovely!

Heather said...

Oh my, that last picture is so gorgeous. I try and stick to one thing at time, and not stop until I am finished. I know myself well enough that if I stop, I rarely come back :)
have a great Monday Lisa

a friend to knit with said...

ah.....
if only... if only i liked to garden.
yours looks LOVELY!

ali@skeinsherway said...

What a wonderful process to enjoy!