I sat down with my colored pencils and began to dream up ideas for my Etsy shop. 10 minutes and 100 ideas later I was overwhelmed. Tension began to tighten my shoulders. There is so much I'd love to make but I have learned from experience that I must pace myself. I have to slow down and take things one step at a time. Sure it would be fun to run out and get more things to make more things but there is already so much I want to do that I simply could not add anything else to my list. Make that my three lists.
You see working in the school setting I tend to put off big projects for the summer. I have had so much to do that I separated my list into three, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day. I've started using a half sheets of scratch paper to prioritize what gets done. One long list just wasn't working for me so I've grouped things into these categories; to do, to go, to call, computer (so I stay focused) and notes for later. I also write down what I'm planning to have for dinner that night at the top.
One of my big summer projects was to organize my weekly meals and grocery shopping. I assigned specific meals to each night of the week (Mexican Monday) in the hope that I would have to do less thinking when trying to come up with ideas for dinner. Then I typed up the meals we eat on a regular basis and sorted the ingredients into ones we generally have on hand and those that I'd need to pick up at the store. Does this sound like a silly waste of time? Part of me thinks so but I'm crossing my fingers that it comes in handy when I'm up to my eyeballs with school and work.
Another big project on my list is to transfer our home movies on cassette tapes to the computer. I ended up buying this Dazzle converter only to find out that my installation code is a dud and I need to return it. This has been one of those never ending projects that I cannot wait to finish so I can stop thinking about it.
Teaching the girls some basic housekeeping skills was also on my list of summer activities. They do chores around the house but I recognize that they are ready to chip in more and take on greater responsibilities. I also recognize that this does not just happen on its own but needs to be taught. Today we had lessons in bathrooms, sweeping, vacuuming, laundry and cleaning the fish tank. They have helped with these before but now I'm expecting them, well Ava, to be able to do more chores like these on her own.
Feeling super motivated I also hit the backpack cubby. This box of papers collected from school and the backpacks have not been touched since the last day of school. I cleaned everything out and sorted into recycle and save piles. Ooooh, it felt good.
So another day of summer has passed and still not one stitch has been sewn. As much as I wanted to have fun and craft today it was also important to keep at those nagging projects that have been put off for far too long. Slowly, they are getting crossed off one by one and then I can indulge in my craft room without the mental clutter.
How do you stay organized? Do you have a meal planning strategy?
3 comments:
Hey, I've been meaning to do a menu-planning post! You gave me the push I needed--here's my method:
http://becoming-gezellig.blogspot.com/2011/07/not-to-get-all-stepford-wifey-on-you.html
I think sorting ingredients into things you have on hand vs. things you need to pick up at the store is very smart indeed.
And I love your contention that a "creative mess" can be inspiring, not just burdensome!
I'm a list-maker too. My lists are compiled on my phone because it's always with me so I just delete as I go. I don't categorize like you do, but I definitely need to add the "Computer" category so that my time spent in front of the screen is more productive!
When I'm really organized, I do a meal plan for the week on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. I come up with 5-6 dinners and go through the fridge/pantry to take stock of what I need to buy at the store. Then I do one big shop and have meals/food for the week. I usually have to run back to the store mid-week for produce but when I've done a really good job of planning this is the most cost effective, and time saving way for me.
Awesomee blog you have here
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