I have so many things on my To Do list right now, that sometimes I just need to sit on the porch and soak in one of our views. This was taken as the sun was disappearing to the west (over my right shoulder as I look at this). The clouds were just begging to be photographed.
So, I want to work on my frogs, I need to update my Etsy listings, the gardens need to be weeded, tilled and prepared for seeds and plants, and I'm still purging "clutter".
I think I'm going to set aside about a half hour each day to pull things to be tossed, given away or donated, and put those things into boxes or bags as I work toward that goal. You know. You can eat an elephant if you focus on one bite at a time (something I heard years ago about goal-setting). So, little bites of that project might be better and more efficient than setting aside a week to do the same thing.
I'd love to hire some teenagers to come and weed my garden, but I'd still need to supervise so the good things wouldn't be pulled, so either way, it will require my time. I think I may focus on that for a few hours today to see what I'm able to accomplish myself. Then, when my knees and back cry "uncle", I'll come in, clean up, and then work on my frogs.
Oh, and I have a hair appointment at 3 this afternoon. See how my attention gets diverted? Look! a squirrel! lol I think I'm going back to writing physical lists. I seem to accomplish more, especially if I start blocking out task times.
How do you manage your time? Do you write lists? How about an alarm clock or timer? I'd love to read your ideas. I'm open to anything (within reason). Share away!
PS. The lilac jelly set up (most of the jars, anyway). I'm happy - for now - with the results.
It's a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteYou are always so busy!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteThanks, dear. I'm not always busy. Sometimes, my hands or body force me to stop and "smell the lilacs". I need to learn not to feel guilty for just "being".
Hard to believe we're on the downside of another week already.
xoxo
Donna
Beautiful view! Now just have to convince yourself that you need to sit and enjoy it without feeling guilty about all the chores. Maybe, if it comes to hiring teens to help, it would work if you waited until things were more established so they could more easily see what was 'good'. Maybe there's a local gardener who hires out their services? I know there's a group here that are happy to come. Maybe even a senior who is now living in an apartment would love the opportunity to garden once again.
ReplyDeleteAs for making lists and setting timers, neither seem to work for me. I usually block off right after breakfast (until about 11) for my computer time which includes some time spent on Ancestry. The afternoons are spent with needle, threads and sewing machine, evenings are for knitting or crocheting or reading.
Hi MA:
DeleteThanks! That's EXACTLY what was going through my head!! I always feel like a sloth when I just sit. I feel like there's so much to do and so little time. I do need to change that mindset, I think. Handsome and I tackled the raised beds yesterday and accomplished quite a bit. I know I'm going to need help, but I'm like the stories I've heard of my dear mother-in-law. She hired a cleaning lady who came in on Thursdays. My MIL always cleaned up the house the day before in anticipation of her Thursday help. lol I like your idea of time blocks dedicated to certain activities. I'm thinking that I'll do that for the purging I want to accomplish, and as the summer progresses, it will serve me well with the gardening, too. Then, I won't feel guilty when I sit down to stitch. Perfect! Thanks for your insight, my dear!
xoxo
Donna
I know exactly what you mean about feeling like a sloth if you just sit and do nothing. I've never been a person that could sit and just be - I need to be doing something, anything, all the time. Your MIL wasn't the only one who cleaned ahead of the cleaners - I think it's a pretty common thing for most women to do that. They don't want the cleaners to think they're complete slobs.
Deletesherry of createology: Gorgeous view and one to be enjoyed for all it’s glory. I do not like making lists…I always say I could be doing a task instead. I am completely non focused which can be verified by hubby. I just do little bits here and there and whatever gets done is great with me.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry:
DeleteI think the best thing about lists, is that I can check off what I accomplish. I'm like a little kid that way. If I could give myself a gold star, I probably would. lol I like the way your approach the day, though, and may just have to give it a go. Thanks, dear!
xoxo
Donna
Now that's a view, two of my favorite colors, green and blue.
ReplyDeleteMy purging for this year, well the only way I can describe it is ruthless, I've purged a bit over the
past couple of years and been a wimp about it, times have changed. Every week when I put
the trash container at the curb I just say a prayer that the trash truck has a good hydraulic arm.
The give away and donate piles are a whole other story, I'll load up the back of the Explorer and then take a morning to make my stops to get rid of that too.
I'm a list maker, I look forward to crossing things off the list and always adding more as I think of them. I am easily distracted though.
I'm all about doing things myself, even if it takes a bit longer, at least I know it is done to my liking.
Shirley
Dear Shirley:
DeleteI'm certain we're soul sisters! I learned a long time ago that we continue on the same path until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. I'm ready for that change now. I'm tired of organizing things I never look at again...finding places for things, only to forget where I put them, and then cleaning, moving, sorting, arranging, and accounting for "stuff". I'm truly over it. I'm going to attack each room and methodically purge everything from clothes to crafts. I'm hoping for a lot more breathing space by fall...if not sooner. I'm also happier doing it myself than entrusting it to someone else. Although I try not to be a perfectionist - except in my needlework - I still think I can do those things better than anyone else. I just really need help with the heavy lifting now. Thanks for your perspective. It's greatly appreciated.
xoxo
Donna
Reading your response to Shirley brought something to mind - don't know if you've ever read any of Dana White's books but her premise is that everything you own should fit in a certain-sized 'container' and if you want to add something else to that 'container' and it won't fit, you have to purge something lesser-liked from said 'container'. Container, in this case, can be a shelf, or a closet or even a clothing rod inside the closet. I'm not good at explaining it, but I have to say her approach is the best I've come across. Doable for everyone. Ask Mr. Google for the book titles.
ReplyDelete