It’s here! SHU’s book arrived yesterday! I’ve never known anyone personally who’s written a book, so that was exciting enough. But then… in Chapter 6, “Planning Your Day With Intention (Because Every Day Counts)”, she mentions ME! Little old me! Sarah asked me months ago if this was okay, and of course I said yes, but I just kind of assumed it would be edited out somewhere in the process. When I turned to that chapter and saw my name, I almost dropped the book.
I cannot wait to read this entire book, and it’s not just because she mentions me, or because I know Sarah. I really feel like I connect with Sarah’s philosophy behind planning. The point of planning isn’t just to show up on time to our dental appointments and remember to get the car serviced… it’s so that we can live our lives as fully as possible, and make the most of our finite and precious days.
While I’ve gotten better about planning, I definitely feel like I need some help. I’m good about the weekly planning (and yes, I show up on time to my dental appointments) but I have trouble with big picture planning. Every January I choose a word for the year, and by February I’ve forgotten all about it. I have Kendra Achachi’s seasonal planning notebooks (oh yes, coincidentally gifted to me by Sarah!) and I start them at the beginning of each season, but then never go back to look at them.
I feel like I’m cobbling life together as I go, and things are going pretty well. But with some better planning, I could be living a bigger life, and I’m ready for that. I have a planning day coming up…
BUT FIRST. I’ve shared the drama with my cat Charlotte. She was sick, she had a stroke, I spent a week caring for a VERY special needs cat, then we had to say goodbye. Now that I’m coming out of that funk, I’ve realized that oh yes, Christmas is still coming. IN ONE WEEK. AAAAUUUUUGH!!!!!!!!!
You guys- I don’t think I’ve ever been this far behind. I’m still ordering gifts. Nothing has been wrapped. I haven’t done any baking. The house is a wreck (and we host guests for Christmas Eve). Of course I still have work- I have to fit in a long run- and on Sunday I’m spending the entire day driving my daughter and friends to Orlando for an anime convention.
At first I was bemoaning the “loss” of that day. But… wait a minute. I COULD spend my time in Orlando (I’ll have many hours to kill while they’re at the convention) running all over the place looking for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. OR, I could get as much done as possible before then, and take that day on Sunday as a planning day.
I’ll find a Barnes and Noble, and sit with my new planner, Sarah’s book, and a cup (or two) of tea and just relax. Christmas will still come and everyone will have gifts to open. The house may not be spotless (but hopefully our guests will be distracted by how cute Foxy is- they haven’t met him yet). All will be well!
Do you consider yourself a good planner?
Are you ready for Christmas???
33 Responses
Yesss! Every day counts!!! You’re in the book! That is so, so cool! A spot well deserved. And it sounds like you’re figuring out how to make that day in Orlando count and I love that for you. You’re an awesome mom for taking them to that!
I am really good at planning at work (maybe too good, because I can be inflexible) and planning my workouts. I feel less good at planning in a general sense, which is part of why I’m so excited to read SHU’s book! Mine came yesterday and I can’t wait to read it over the break!
It sounds like we’re kind of in the same planning boat- good at the little things, need help with the big picture. We’ll have to compare notes on the book and how we’re making it work!
How exciting! Your Christmas will cone together- friends and family will be fun regardless of what item you might forget to buy or if Foxy knocks ornaments to the floor.
I only plan week by week- long term I stink. I’ve have to do a lot every day, I can’t lift my head up to see into the future. There’s nothing to plan anyhow- just the to-do list additions and completions.
Hang in there- you’ll get the important stuff done!
Thank you! And, I know that feeling of not being able to lift your head up to see into the future. That’s what I feel like right now. I’m hoping we can both get to a place where we can make those future plans.
There is SO MUCH GOING ON for you right now, Jenny. Including being in a book. How cool is that??
I am feeling decidedly uncool here in Canada where I just learned my PRE-ORDERED book (back in May!) might not arrive until after Christmas?? What? I guess if it comes after Christmas I can call it a Christmas gift, but what I really wanted was to spend a few hours this weekend reading said book. Anyway, how did this comment become about me and my complaints.
Wowzers. You have a busy weekend ahead. I hope the trip to Orlando is fun. How kind of you to take them all that way for the conference. I feel like you took them last year, too?
I did take them last year! There’s always some reason why the other moms can’t drive them (ahem- like maybe they’re busy getting ready for Christmas???!) Anyway- that is a bummer you have to wait for the book! Well, it gives you something to look forward to when Christmas is over.
How exciting!!
I guess I am ready for Christmas- we have all the gifts (which is not a lot and there were ordered back in November), we have to wrap them, that doesn’t really take long. I may swing by a store and get some kinder eggs for the kids, for their stockings, and I don’t really bake. Actually, I do make cookies with them the week between Christmas and new years. Only once a year lol and that is enough for me.
We are having an open house party on Christmas Eve but this year it’s catered.
Ha! I wish I could cater every meal from now until the 26th. I’m so impressed (and envious) that you ordered your gifts in November. I would love to do that but people aren’t good about telling me what they want until well into December (despite my incessant nagging).
How exciting to get a mention in SHU’s book! Mine is on my way and I can’t wait to dig in! I am a good planner in general but I have a complicated relationship with goals because I am very type 1 and an enneagram 1. So I tend not to set them or if I do, I don’t see many, because I am crushed by disappointment and shame if I don’t achieve my goals. :/ 25 in ‘25 is a good approach for me because they are small things and most of what I chose to do is fun and I need more fun in my life. But I need to work on my shame around goals. It’s on the list of things to work on with my therapist but that list is long. Sigh.
I think you took Angie to this same conference last year too? Enjoy your day on your own. It sounds delightful! And I hope you feel ready for Christmas by the 24th! Don’t worry about your house. Your friends won’t care. Have everyone help with tidying up so it doesn’t all fall on you. I am not super ready for Christmas either but I have today and tomorrow off so plan to wrap and finish up all my prep. Christmas snuck up on me this year, too, I think because thanksgiving was quite late. And then with these December bdays we have a lot going on. And I am just not having a normal fall in general after the accident. So I feel you!
actually . . . there are mentions of you in the book too!!!!!! You will tell me when you see it (it’s anonymous/more of a concept thing, but I think you will recognize it!)
I’m guessing there’s something about “should-less” days in there!
Yes, you have an extra reason this year for not being on top of things. Although- it does sound like you’re in good shape for Christmas.
At least you know yourself well. It sounds like the “fun goal” approach is better for you. You definitely shouldn’t have to bet yourself up about not achieving goals- it’s not like you’re a lazy person!!! When I think of all the things you do with the boys, plus all the work travel, all the books you read, races you ran this year… that’s more than a lot of people who did set a ton of goals.
I am definitely not a good planner. I would say I set up intentions but know from the start that I won’t do all of them because circumstances change and my priorities change, so I allow myself to change/adapt too.
You have the right to grief Jenny as long as you need!
Thank you Coco! Yes, grief doesn’t stop just because life gets busy.
I am not a good long-term planner. I also am not ready for Christmas but I do have a plan for getting done what needs to get done including a hella lotta baking this weekend!
Oh, are you having your cookie extravaganza? I’m baking tonight and tomorrow night- I told the family someone else has to cook dinner!
How cool that you’re mentioned in a book! I also struggle with long-term planning — for instance, there’s gonna be a lot of logistics for my upcoming 125 mile race in May and I’ve only just started thinking about what I’m gonna need to do for that, and I know it’s gonna come up quicker than I thought!
I’ve pretty much bought everything for Christmas, but I’m stressed because the thing I ordered for my mom from Etsy two weeks ago is now not gonna come until after Christmas which is super annoying when the seller said it would be delivered between the 15th and the 25th. But there’s nothing I can do about it and I’m sure my mom will be understanding! I still need to wrap all the gifts but that will have to wait until I’m up at my parents’ house this weekend. Oh, and I have to pack for two weeks away!
Well, if it makes you feel any better, I haven’t done a lot of planning for my race in MARCH. Granted- the logistics are a little easier because I don’t have to travel to get there, but still.
Yes, that is SUPER ANNOYING when a gift doesn’t arrive in time when they said it would be there before Christmas!!! I know your mom will understand, but still- it’s not the same as opening it on Christmas Day.
Oh how exciting, not only for SHU’s book but to get a mention in it! Every day DOES count.
I am reading a book called The Relaxed Woman and it is the most affirming and inspirational book I have EVER read, and I want the whole world to read it and take away all the lessons. I am so affected by it that an entire post is going to be written about it. Your post today reminds me of it because it’s about the importance of rest and restoration in our lives. I 100% think you should take that day as a planning day and just cosy up with your planner and ideas.
I am a planner and am generally very organized. This week has tried me a bit though as there has been a lot to do – things seem to come in waves!
ooh that book sounds great, I am excited for your review and will add to my list on that rec alone!
Oh, I’m looking forward to this post! I haven’t heard of that book.
I cannot wait to read SHU’s book! The only reason why I haven’t started it is that I’m on a trip and it was delivered the day after I left. I’m usually a kindle reader, but when someone I know writes a book (this is time #1 for me as well), somehow that warrants a physical copy.
No matter how crazy life is, some of it can be managed by planning, but not all of it. You still have a kid at home, so that means a regular occurrence of cobbled together events. When someone gets sick, that’s also going to upend things, whether that someone has two feet or four feet. So I say cut yourself some slack already! You’re doing great.
You are correct that your guests will not notice whether the house is spotless or has just had a surface clean because FOXXXXYYYY. That’s a great time saving tip lol.
Thank you Birchie! I appreciate the encouragement. Let’s say I’m doing pretty good- there’s always room for improvement.
I love that phrase and am so happy it’s in the book!!!!! Honored that you allowed me to use it 🙂 I really you love the rest of it and I LOVE the pic. So many amazing pics with lights, wreaths, and trees in the background – absolutely love it.
I’m soooo looking forward to diving into it. I keep wanting to skim just a little, but I’m making myself wait so I can read the entire thing cover to cover.
I love the idea of setting the trip as a deadline and then enjoying a planning day! Seems like a nice chance to unwind and see the big picture after a busy season.
I’m not great at planning. I’m great at setting goals, but most of my goals that need planning go unfulfilled. Ha! That’s okay, though. It’s just who I am. A day spent planning does not sound relaxing to me – it sounds very stressful!
A day at Barnes and Noble sounds so lovely! Good luck finishing up everything you have to do… I know it feels so crazy! We leave TOMORROW for Ireland and on the plus side, I feel like I get a little “pass” on some of the final things I normally scramble to do leading up to Christmas. We typically host my parents for Christmas, which involves grocery shopping and cleaning and more baking and having all the presents wrapped. Well, we’re really only exchanging with my sister’s family in Ireland (we’ll do a gift exchange at home later but it does not make sense to lug presents to Ireland and back for our own family) and I’m not wrapping those gifts until we arrive due to packing limitations!
Definitely exciting to be in SHU’s book!! I actually FORGOT that I’m one of the Planner Peace case studies at the end! haha! Such an honor!
I have seasons of being a good planner and seasons of flying around like a chicken chasing a cricket, lol
I like to think I’ve been getting better as I’ve gotten older, and I’ve got a lot of ideas for changes to my approach(es) in 2026.
My plan for the next day or two will be a gift-wrapping marathon, haha … my family does wrapped stocking stuffers for everyone, so I’ve got all those + various wrapping in general to do. Debating whether I want to do so to my audiobook or Christmas music…
How exciting that you’re in a book, Jenny! Congrats!!
I can’t say I’m surprised at all… You always inspire me with your attention and commitment to running.
Exciting that you got a mention in her book! And congrats to SHU for her publication. Might check that out.
There is a B&N not far from the convention center on Sand Lake Rd (and a Trader Joe’s nearby). Be prepared for the mess that is Sand Lake Rd + I4 + Universal. 🙁 Don’t forget your SunPass, too – all the damn toll roads around here lol
Merry Christmas!
I also received Shu’s book in the mail and can’t wait to dive in over the holidays. I want to spend a little bit more time on better planning next year. 🙂 How exciting that you were mentioned… can’t wait to read about that 🙂
Jenny, this is when I wish we lived closer so that a) I could come over and help you with all the wrapping (MY FAVORITE THING) and b) we could have a planning date together! I got a new planner for 2026 and I need to sit down with it to get it all started. There are some pages that need to be filled out before 2026 starts, so it’s time to get ready for that!