Let's Get Organized

Hello my sweet friends,

I am wrapping up WEEK THREE of our new reality. Life with the college kid is going well. Our newly public schooled high schooler's time and homework management are improving. The little one is flourishing in second grade -- and enrolled in her beloved ballet.

The only one floundering is me! Yep! It seems that six hours of complete freedom is more than I can handle. I have so many options but I'm not using most of them. The house isn't cleaner (well, the kitchen is... I'm the only one eating here). I'm not getting a whole lot more work done. And I certainly haven't figured out how to add scrapbooking to my day. Two decades of photos and memorabilia sit, ignored in their boxes.

I need a routine! Will you help? I've made it easy! If you have a great organizing tip -- for the house, for photos, for chores, for work, for time management, for ANYTHING, please share it.

You can share two ways (I am getting organized!!!). Leave a comment sharing your best tip. OR link to your great organizing post using mclinky AND leave a comment so I know you posted. I promise to read each and every one!

If, like me, you struggle to get organized, maybe these tips will help you too!

Here's to getting organized!!!

The 30-10 Method

Chores. Dinner. Grocery shopping. Writing. The dog. Kids. Taxes.

Image credit

So many things clamor for my time. Sometimes, I'm paralyzed by it all. Where do I begin? How will I ever get it all done? I've tried lots of methods to manage my day. The list doesn't work; marking items off doesn't get my blood pumping. The slip method, writing all the tasks on individual pieces of paper to pull from a jar, doesn't work either. The schedule -- write from 8-9, clean the kitchen on Monday, the bathrooms on Tuesday, etc. -- just reminds me how far behind I always am. Unexpected additions to any of these methods derails me.

Then I discovered a new method, ironically, something I've used with my son to manage his schooling for years. It's the 30-10 method. Not a great name, perhaps, but a great tool for time management.

To begin, I pick a task, any task, I must complete. Then, I set the oven timer for 30 minutes and work hard at that task. When the timer dings, I reset it for 10 minutes and indulge myself in whatever I want. Sometimes, I savor a quiet cup of coffee on the porch. Other times I read. Rarely, I work on another task.

Break over, I reset the timer and return to my work for another 30 minutes. Then I set the timer for ten minutes. At lunch, I take an hour break to eat and walk the dog.

Working in thirty minute increments gives me plenty of time to focus on a thought. Taking ten minutes to rest gives my neck and shoulder muscles a healthy break from the computer. Semi-finished thoughts get time to percolate. Refreshed by my mini-breaks, I get more done than if I just try to push through.

A surprising side benefit to this method, my headaches have substantially diminished. I had no idea how seriously I had strained my neck and head muscles by bending over a computer all day. Fewer headaches means I have even more time than I used to since I'm not sidelined by them anymore.

If you struggle for organization as I do, I hope this method will help you! Please let me know how it works at your house!

Blessings,

Please allow 10 days for processing

A couple days ago, I shared my Clean Slate approach to 2012.

In general, the junk mail clean-out has been a success. But... (There's always a but.) Some companies require a 10 day processing time. I'm not a techno-whiz, not by any stretch of the imagination, but I wonder what could possibly require 10 days in automated computer email. Anyone out there know what could take so long?

As to the improved diet -- and I don't mean weight-loss, though losing the muffin top is a goal -- that's been a little harder. We got a lot of chocolate for Christmas. It seems only right that I should help my family's overall health and participate somewhat in the reduction of the choco-pile, especially since the majority of it was given to me! Perhaps I should amend that goal to include 10 days to "process" all that chocolate!

As to time with God... well, that's been a quiet, one-sided conversation. Mine. I talk. I listen... so far, I'm hearing crickets. Here's the tough thing when talking with God... sometimes He's quiet. Grrrrr! I like quick fixes, answers, solutions. God likes me to grow, stretch, mature, and trust. I'm not trusting well these days, not God, not others.

How is it that I can know the words, "...that in all things God works for the good of those who love him," (Romans 8:28), and not trust? How can I know that God has a good and pleasing plan for my life (and the lives of those I love) and still struggle to walk in that plan?

The second half of Romans 8:28 concludes with "and have been called according to his purpose." I think the answer to my questions rests in understanding that second half. Not just understanding, but trusting... that God has a purpose. He wastes nothing. He uses everything for our good, when we trust in Him.

My heart is spinning in circles... trust God. Then you'll understand. I don't understand, so how do I trust. I know He's listening, quietly -- oh so quietly. I know those crickets I hear aren't an absence of God. No, those crickets are his ever patient, ever loving self waiting on me to really step into trust.

Looks like I've got some growing to do this year... Please allow 10 days (or 10 months) for processing. I need all the time I can get!

Love,

Clean Slate!

As the new year presents itself, fresh, clean, unblemished, I find myself assessing my life. The 2012 calendar is brand new, full of promise. If only people could throw away last year and start over so easily.  Since I can't do that, I will start making a few changes to "clean up" my life. Not resolutions, mind you. Resolutions are made to be broken. And broken resolutions heap mess on us. Who needs more mess?

Instead, I'm implementing a few simple changes to get started right. Hopefully, some will become habits I maintain all year long. Feel free to join me!

First, I decluttered my email! Yep. We can opt out of junk mail in the old fashioned mailbox -- and we can opt out of junk mail in email too! This morning, I went through my email and "unsubscribed" from all the junk that has grown over the past year. Honestly, I don't shop that much so why am I getting sale alerts every day anyway? What a time waster. And a temptation to spend. No thank you!

I'm also watching what I eat... yeah, I know. It sounds like a "resolution," but it's not. A few weeks ago, I was researching healthy eating and discovered a GREAT website: caloriecount.about.com. I played around on it for a few days, then I realized what a gem it is! It serves as a great weight-loss tool, but its greatest benefit (in my humble opinion) is how it teaches healthy food choices. As I use it, I find myself wanting to get an "A" for the day's nutrition -- and I make healthier choices. Our whole family is benefitting from more balanced meals. It doesn't hurt that as I eat healthier, the muffin top is shrinking! The website works for those trying to build muscle (my teen boys) as well. It also tracks activity. Want to indulge in cheesecake without having it live on your hips? The website suggests things you can do to burn the calories BEFORE you eat them. Really! 

Most importantly, I'm continuing my trek through the Bible. Sure, I only got through the first two books last year, but I learned so much. So here I go.... hoping to finish a few more books this year. We'll see how far I get. My son, who finds the Bible frustrating because he doesn't understand the timeline, is reading a chronological Bible this year. He's finished the first chapter and already finds it enjoyable to read! The more time I spend with God, the better the day seems to be.

2012: a clean slate. What will you do with it?

Lots of love!

Flip flops! Slow down to go faster.

Our pastor recently preached a series called "flip flops," Biblical truths that are the reverse of human thinking. For instance, to get ahead in life, don't push your way to the top. Instead, be humble, serve others. In Matthew 20:26-28 Jesus says, "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” To be great, serve others. That's exactly how Jesus lived.

A friend of mine shared another "flip flop" on his blog. We cram so much in the day, trying to get it all done... Go to Bryan's blog and find out why he thinks we should "Slow Down to Go Faster!" Bryan's site also includes a great resource for saving money and time. If you struggle with either of these (don't we all???), I hope you'll check it out too.

I am thankful that God has provided me with friends, like Bryan, who challenge me to think about what I do and why I do it! I hope you'll be encouraged to look at what you do and make life better.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Blessings!

Hurricane Survival Guide

Hurricane Irene packed a powerful punch all along the eastern seaboard. As winds swirled in our area, we decided to document the day to provide a hurricane survival guide for our friends north and south. (If you need a "real" hurricane survival guide, check out this link!)

Rule 1: Choose to embrace the interrupted day! Driving a car in gale force winds on water covered roads is quite dangerous. Stay home and embrace the "unscheduled holiday." We knew the storm was coming -- so we prepared a scrumptious breakfast casserole. (YAY! Power went out during the night AND about 10 minutes after the french toast finished baking... so we actually got to enjoy it!)

Rule 2: Plan appropriately for power outages. Our son practiced piano when the power went out, providing music for our day! (If you don't have a gifted piano player in your family, maybe you can play the kazoo!) No blow dryer? No problem. Let your daughter do your hair! And when you run out of other things to do, dust the house! Especially the ceiling fans -- seriously, we had no idea how dusty ours was since it runs non-stop when the power is on!

Nathan's hands blessed our day!

Ellie did a fabulous job with my hair.
Daisy did not like the howling wind and rattling windows!

Ben dusted carefully, every nick nack too!

Thanks, Rob!

Rule 3: Document any damage as soon as possible. Eagle-eye Nathan discovered the watermark on our kitchen ceiling. We seriously can't find where it came from -- the roof and flashing look good. Time to call in the pros. Bummer!

16 inches long. Sigh.... It grew from there. :(

Rule 4: Enjoy what you can! Ellie painted this beautiful rainbow -- a great reminder that even Hurricane Irene has to end sometime. The boys played wii, once the power came on and stayed on.

Our budding artist

"Whee" -- power's back!

Rule 5: Celebrate when it's over! Once we knew it was over, we got busy cooking. Crackers, cheese and fruit did not really qualify as lunch. Rob made pretzel chicken in mustard cheese sauce. I baked a triple berry pie. We all ate and enjoyed! Then we played Spades -- Nathan and Ben destroyed us!

Pretzel chicken in mustard cheese sauce
Thanks, Rachael Ray!

Triple berry pie
I did not add the tapioca. Great recipe!

Really, dude. You're killing us.
No need to think that hard!

Of course, had we been in the line of the storm, we wouldn't have been able to relax quite so much. We know that. We continue to pray for everyone affected by this storm, especially for those families who lost a loved one.

Love,

Why me?

Friends,
It's one of those days... the kind no one thinks anyone has but them. One kid decided to stay up late last night -- really, really late. Grumpy today. Not my fault, I want to scream. I tucked you in at a reasonable hour. You chose to get up after the house was dark and quiet. Not my fault!

Another one is so excited for school tomorrow that nothing makes sense today. I want to hit the fast forward button and get there, but then I feel guilty for wishing life away.

And the last one procrastinated. Doing things this morning that should have been done last week. Mad. Again, I want to scream, "I'm mad too! I wish you had listened!"

It's the last day of summer. Today should be wrapped in a big giant bow. A gift -- togetherness, fun, one last hurrah before the school year grind begins. Instead, we all are grumpy and frustrated. Why me?

Can you relate? Maybe your kids drive you up a wall? Maybe you set the expectations too high -- wanting perfect, but ending up with blah? Disappointed? Frustrated?

For the longest time, days like this ended as they began. Frustrated. At best, I was thankful we survived. But I don't live that way anymore. I've learned not to define the day by emotions, but instead to choose to take my feelings captive. Yes, captive. In a stranglehold (my feelings, not my kids) if needed.

Today I choose to live differently.
I sent the kids off to the pool (once the dallying one finished up).
I'm headed there soon -- after I shop for food to make a fun dinner for five to celebrate the end of summer.
Most importantly, when they left, I prayed. God, still my heart. Calm my frustration. Show me what's important. Today. Just today.

Gotta run!
A pool chair and three wonderful kids are calling my name!
hostgator promotional code

Getting organized with meal planning.

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

1 Corinthians 14:40

A Star Wars inspired meal: Tie Fighter ties, yoda soda and more.

Dinnertime at our house is often horrible! HORRIBLE! We've endured a long day and we're tired. Everyone's hungry. Tired PLUS hungry often EQUALS grumpy! Sometimes, thos pre-dinner bad attitudes spill over to dinnertime. Grumpy is NOT a pleasing appetizer!

Supper should be our opportunity to "be" a family, all together. It grieves me when this time is spoiled by grumbling! To combat the grumpies, Rob and I are committing to being more organized. Some of you are pros at this: you plan your menus for the week or the month. You prepare in advance. We are not good at that....

So we're taking baby steps. If you find dinner prep and planning stressful, maybe these tips can help you too.

1. Sunday afternoon we take "orders" from the kids (they share their cravings and meal requests) and then sit down for about 20 minutes to plan the week's meals.
2. I record the meals on our calendar (mine's on my computer -- and I attach the URL to any online recipes we plan to use).
3. Rob records the "shopping list" for the week as I read off the recipe.
4. We head out to the grocery store -- often it's Rob and Ellie for some daddy-daughter time!
5. Sunday evening, we prep the food for Monday.

That's it. Just a few simple organized steps offers us a week free of meal-planning stress. Not only that, we are eating healthier and meals get to the table more quickly. Most importantly, grumpy is no longer offered as an appetizer. :)

If you decide to try our "plan," please let me know if it works for you by leaving a comment below. If you have some quick meal-planning tips that we could benefit from, share those too. 

God didn't intend for us to live in chaos! Let's reclaim family dinner -- and the joy that goes with it!

Love,

Where does the time go?

When summer began, six long weeks ago, I hoped to accomplish much. The goal: get it done early and relax. Put the office together and get it organized. Finally. A place for everything and everything in its place. Today, there's beautiful furniture in the office. And boxes and boxes and boxes of papers. Stacked everywhere. Half done. I know it's there, but I shut the door. If I don't peek inside, I won't have to finish it. Right?

Can you relate? (Oh, Please tell me I'm not the only one!)

Maybe you've been meaning to organize your laundry room or pantry -- so you can find things more easily? Maybe your summer plan included doing more with the kids, but you've fallen into the same rut you do every summer, letting the days slip away unnoticed? Maybe you've been meaning to spend quality time with God every morning -- you know it will help you grow, but for some reason (or no reason), it just doesn't happen?

Time.

It's the one gift God gives that can't grow. Faith grows if we trust in Him. Wisdom grows as we gain knowledge and understanding. Trust grows when we face our fears in God's confidence. But not time.  Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence." Time is the one gift God gives that can't grow.

Job faced trials beyond anyone's imagining, losing his entire family, his riches, his health. Yet he understood time. He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will return there. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!" (Job 1:21). Job understood that life is not about what we gain here on earth. It's not about our pain or sorrow. Our lives, the good and the bad, are meant to be used to praise God. Plain and simple. Live for God -- every day that you have. Because when it's all said and done, that's all we really have: The life that God gives.

Time. The one gift God gives that can't grow.

My office waits. I know that organizing those papers will help me use the time I have more effectively. I know that each day with my kids means one day less to spend with them. I know that each day I don't spend with God means one day less to learn all the incredible truths He has just for me.

Yet I sit in my jammies -- it's 9:30 a.m. -- waiting for the day to begin.

Time.

Dear Lord, help me understand this precious gift you have given. Help me choose to invest my time in the things that matter to you. Order my days, guide my steps. Help me become like Job -- praising you through all the ups and downs. Rejoicing in YOU regardless of what the day looks like. Help me remember this precious gift of time and help me use it wisely. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen