Today we're adding laundry into our routines.
I have been working on adding laundry into my daily routine for about 2 years. It works off and on, but I definitely see a huge improvement in my general housekeeping satisfaction when I am able to do laundry daily. I really hate to fold and put away the clothes, so if there is a huge amount of it to do, I don't want to finish the job. I'll fold everything and leave it in nice piles on the couch in the middle of the living room. Or piled up on top of the dresser. Or piled up on the chair. Pretty much anywhere but in the closet or in the drawers.
When I do a load of laundry every day, or every couple of days, the amount of clothes that need to be put away is more manageable. And as a bonus, there is always room in the hampers to put the clothes so dirty clothes have no excuse for being piled up instead of being in the hamper. Plus, in the summer time I like to hang dry a lot of the clothes, and if only one load of clothes needs to be dried there is actually enough room in the bathroom to do it.
Showing posts with label Baby steps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby steps. Show all posts
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Day 19
And so we're reading some more testimonials today.
It is starting to get frustrating that we aren't having more WOW! moments with this. It's important to remember that it's a slow and steady process and that each new habit needs to get established before we add another one.
And to show that I am working on it:
I wish cleaning was a once and done thing. Alas, it is not.
But amazingly if you dust more often less dust accumulates.
It is starting to get frustrating that we aren't having more WOW! moments with this. It's important to remember that it's a slow and steady process and that each new habit needs to get established before we add another one.
And to show that I am working on it:
I wish cleaning was a once and done thing. Alas, it is not.
But amazingly if you dust more often less dust accumulates.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Day 17
Today we are setting ourselves a bed time.
This gives us "permission" to think about ourselves a little bit. We need rest and down time and it is not selfish at all to say, this is not an emergency and can wait until tomorrow, I'm tired and I need to rest to do a good job at this. Of course there are going to be some things that do need to be handled right away, but unless someone is bleeding, starving, or actually sick, most things can wait until you have had a chance to rest.
I already have a weekday bedtime for myself of around 11:30, but I don't have to be awake until 7. If I had to be awake earlier I would have to go to bed earlier, I can really tell when I haven't had enough sleep, and everyone around me can tell too. I know some people don't need as much sleep, but think of it as a time when you turn off the TV/computer/other demands and just recharge and reconnect with yourself.
This gives us "permission" to think about ourselves a little bit. We need rest and down time and it is not selfish at all to say, this is not an emergency and can wait until tomorrow, I'm tired and I need to rest to do a good job at this. Of course there are going to be some things that do need to be handled right away, but unless someone is bleeding, starving, or actually sick, most things can wait until you have had a chance to rest.
I already have a weekday bedtime for myself of around 11:30, but I don't have to be awake until 7. If I had to be awake earlier I would have to go to bed earlier, I can really tell when I haven't had enough sleep, and everyone around me can tell too. I know some people don't need as much sleep, but think of it as a time when you turn off the TV/computer/other demands and just recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Day 16
Today's official project is to read an email from Flylady. If you get the emails, no problemo.
Today's unofficial project is to read 1 post from an organizing inspiration blog or thread. Here's a few possible ones:
http://letstalkorganizing.blogspot.com/
http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/
http://www.declutterit.com/
http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/
http://www.organizedwithstyle.com/blog.htm
I picked that first blog because of the post from Nov 2 about friendship, and this passage:
Today's unofficial project is to read 1 post from an organizing inspiration blog or thread. Here's a few possible ones:
http://letstalkorganizing.blogspot.com/
http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/
http://www.declutterit.com/
http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/
http://www.organizedwithstyle.com/blog.htm
I picked that first blog because of the post from Nov 2 about friendship, and this passage:
Many times people feel like they aren't good enough, and that contributes to their clutter situation as they surround themselves with things to feel better. But we are all good enough. So lets all call on a friend and reminder them that they're good enough, and pay it forward.When you see the clutter around you, when you feel like you need to get "organized", when you approach the overwhelming sensation of life, stop for a minute. Don't run out and buy the first book you see on the subject, look around you. When was the last time you called your best friend? When was the last time you took an hour from your day to catch up over lunch with an amazing person in your life? When was the last time you sat and poured out your heart to someone who won't judge you for being you? Sure, your laundry will still be there when you get back, but how refreshed will you feel after an afternoon of silliness? I can guarantee you that it will make getting that garage cleaned out go a heck of a lot easier.
Take a few minutes over this next week and send a special note or make a call to a friend who has made a difference in your life. It will surprise you how special it will make you both feel. As for me, I think it's time I let those people in my life know just how important they are to me and the positive impact they have had.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Day 15
Today we are making our beds.
The actual thing is to add one thing to our morning routines that should be happening on a daily basis. So if bed's are already your hug, then maybe hanging up the towels can be your new morning item. I will not be making my bed because there is still a person sleeping in it when I leave for work, but I think I am going to add a morning 5 minutes of stretching. I don't think there are any rules that the things we add have to be house cleaning only things. I recently added putting on makeup to my morning routine, but since I already started that like 2 weeks ago, I won't cheat and use that.
Besides, I really want to get more bendy - I can barely touch my toes.
The actual thing is to add one thing to our morning routines that should be happening on a daily basis. So if bed's are already your hug, then maybe hanging up the towels can be your new morning item. I will not be making my bed because there is still a person sleeping in it when I leave for work, but I think I am going to add a morning 5 minutes of stretching. I don't think there are any rules that the things we add have to be house cleaning only things. I recently added putting on makeup to my morning routine, but since I already started that like 2 weeks ago, I won't cheat and use that.
Besides, I really want to get more bendy - I can barely touch my toes.
Day 14
Today, we are learning the importance of having an up to date calendar.
I am not good with keeping up calendars. Well I am good at keeping up my work calendar, but it is with me like 99% of the time. I use an Outlook calendar and I update all my work stuff right on my computer, and then it automatically syncs up with my work phone. So anything work related gets loaded into my work phone and then it sends me little reminders so I go to my meetings. I do not want to keep my personal calendar together with my work calendar, so I keep a regular wall calendar on my fridge. It never gets updated.
I have started carrying a notebook in my purse, and I put big things in it for each month, but that is not the same thing as carrying a calendar. I think I really want an electronic pocket organizer, but I am not sure if that's in the cards for me. I do have a personal cell phone though, and considering how few things I actually need to load onto a personal calendar, today sat down and put in all the birthdays into my phone's calendar. It's a pretty basic cell phone so it doesn't do all the fancy things that I'd like it to, but this combined with my notebook probably accomplishes the same thing as the iPod Touch that I want.
I am not good with keeping up calendars. Well I am good at keeping up my work calendar, but it is with me like 99% of the time. I use an Outlook calendar and I update all my work stuff right on my computer, and then it automatically syncs up with my work phone. So anything work related gets loaded into my work phone and then it sends me little reminders so I go to my meetings. I do not want to keep my personal calendar together with my work calendar, so I keep a regular wall calendar on my fridge. It never gets updated.
I have started carrying a notebook in my purse, and I put big things in it for each month, but that is not the same thing as carrying a calendar. I think I really want an electronic pocket organizer, but I am not sure if that's in the cards for me. I do have a personal cell phone though, and considering how few things I actually need to load onto a personal calendar, today sat down and put in all the birthdays into my phone's calendar. It's a pretty basic cell phone so it doesn't do all the fancy things that I'd like it to, but this combined with my notebook probably accomplishes the same thing as the iPod Touch that I want.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Day 13
Today we are doing a mission. The official zone for this week was the living room, so all the official missions for this week were in the living room.
But the main thing about missions is that they are things that need to happen with some regularity in that particular zone. Last weekend I did a kitchen mission, I cleaned out the refrigerator. I took some before shots, but for some reason no afters, so the afters are from today, a week later. Which makes me happy, since it still looks pretty decent. A few drips and drops, but still looking good overall.
Before
You will notice that something had dripped in the bottom of the meat drawer. I think it was these pork chops. Eww.
That poor piece of ginger oozed out all of its gutts before it shriveled up and died.
After
But the main thing about missions is that they are things that need to happen with some regularity in that particular zone. Last weekend I did a kitchen mission, I cleaned out the refrigerator. I took some before shots, but for some reason no afters, so the afters are from today, a week later. Which makes me happy, since it still looks pretty decent. A few drips and drops, but still looking good overall.
Before
You will notice that something had dripped in the bottom of the meat drawer. I think it was these pork chops. Eww.
That poor piece of ginger oozed out all of its gutts before it shriveled up and died.
After
Friday, October 31, 2008
Day 12
Today we are deleting emails. For those of us in the group who are getting the official emails everyday, the official project of the day is to delete those. For those of us who are not getting those emails, we should go through our inboxes and weed through a little bit. I think this could be a 2 minute hotspot even.
I get a lot of emails at work, so keeping my home inbox tidy is the last thing I want to do. But when there are 80 emails stacked up, I end up missing the stuff I want to see because I don't want to weed through the clutter. So I can see how this is going to be a useful project in the long run. For those of you with really awesome spam filters, hey you're ahead of the game!
I get a lot of emails at work, so keeping my home inbox tidy is the last thing I want to do. But when there are 80 emails stacked up, I end up missing the stuff I want to see because I don't want to weed through the clutter. So I can see how this is going to be a useful project in the long run. For those of you with really awesome spam filters, hey you're ahead of the game!
Day 11
Today we are designating a spot to collect our inspirations. The program recommends adding a page to our binder to jot down the inspirational things that we see and hear. If you're keeping a binder, that would totally work. I am sort of keeping a binder, but it's not with me when I'm getting inspired. So that doesn't work for me. What does work for me is keeping a google Notebook.
I use Firefox, so I have a little icon on the bottom right of my browser, and when I'm out and about on the internet and I find something inspirational, I just click open my notebook and jot it down. My inspirational notebook is linked over on the sidebar.
If that doesn't work for you, that's ok. There are other possibility. Some people like to keep Dream Boards. Usually it's a cork board that you pin images and phrases to. Some people use them to help focus their meditation. Some people like making those motivational posters. I think it is important to gather your inspirations. It gives you something to focus on when you're feeling down and being too tough on yourself. So however you do it, remember it doesn't have to be perfect to be nice!
I use Firefox, so I have a little icon on the bottom right of my browser, and when I'm out and about on the internet and I find something inspirational, I just click open my notebook and jot it down. My inspirational notebook is linked over on the sidebar.
If that doesn't work for you, that's ok. There are other possibility. Some people like to keep Dream Boards. Usually it's a cork board that you pin images and phrases to. Some people use them to help focus their meditation. Some people like making those motivational posters. I think it is important to gather your inspirations. It gives you something to focus on when you're feeling down and being too tough on yourself. So however you do it, remember it doesn't have to be perfect to be nice!
Day 10
Day 10 is the one we've been waiting for, the big "We can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes."
Now, if you're like me, there are some rooms which you can pretty much take care of in 15 minutes, and some rooms which 15 minutes would barely scratch the surface. So when you set out be realistic with yourself. If your file cabinet is a 2 hour project, then just make the 15 minutes dedicated to sorting 4 or 5 files.
So how this works is you decide what you're going to do, set the timer for 15 minutes, and then just do that activity for the 15 minutes. During that 15 minutes we are only doing that activity, and if we're not done when the timer goes off, it's ok. We've made a dent, and probably a significant one.
On the side bar you can see some of my 15 minute before and afters. I purposely started with my bedroom and the guest bathroom because I knew I could totally put those two rooms in the Win column in 15-20 minutes. I think it is really important for us to choose the right size project for this first 15 min adventure, because we want to give ourselves some really good positive reinforcement. I do not think it is cheating at all to clean the cleanest room.
Now, if you're like me, there are some rooms which you can pretty much take care of in 15 minutes, and some rooms which 15 minutes would barely scratch the surface. So when you set out be realistic with yourself. If your file cabinet is a 2 hour project, then just make the 15 minutes dedicated to sorting 4 or 5 files.
So how this works is you decide what you're going to do, set the timer for 15 minutes, and then just do that activity for the 15 minutes. During that 15 minutes we are only doing that activity, and if we're not done when the timer goes off, it's ok. We've made a dent, and probably a significant one.
On the side bar you can see some of my 15 minute before and afters. I purposely started with my bedroom and the guest bathroom because I knew I could totally put those two rooms in the Win column in 15-20 minutes. I think it is really important for us to choose the right size project for this first 15 min adventure, because we want to give ourselves some really good positive reinforcement. I do not think it is cheating at all to clean the cleanest room.
Day 9
Well as I was away from home for a few days, my internet schedule was a little out of whack, so these posts are a little bit late in coming.
The project for day 9 was to do a 5 minute room rescue. This does not mean a complete cleaning. This is a MIL is calling because she's around the corner and the room needs to look halfway decent ASAP cleaning. So first things first, grab a trash bag. If it's trash it goes in the bag. Everything else gets stacked semi-nicely and then any large dusty surfaces get wiped down with a duster. Bing bang boom.
The project for day 9 was to do a 5 minute room rescue. This does not mean a complete cleaning. This is a MIL is calling because she's around the corner and the room needs to look halfway decent ASAP cleaning. So first things first, grab a trash bag. If it's trash it goes in the bag. Everything else gets stacked semi-nicely and then any large dusty surfaces get wiped down with a duster. Bing bang boom.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Day 8
Today we're starting to really formalize our routines. The program recommends that we use a 3 ring binder to do this. This is because for most families, there is at least 1 3 ring binder just kicking around the house, and most families have some extra binder paper too. And later it's going to be recommended that you cart this binder all around with you because it will become a repository for your useful information.
I do not want to cart a binder all around with me. But I do like the idea of having a binder where all my different processes and routines are written down. I'm into written routines first of all (I think having things written down can help with "compliance" which is why at work I always recommend having every process be written down), but I also have an ulterior motive. I have a dream that one day there will be a complete set of routines for taking care of the whole house, and then I will be able to ask the hubster to do the living room and I won't have to detail step by step what that means. He is awesome at following a process, he is not so awesome about seeing on his own how things flow into each other. He also really likes checklists. Since my 2 goals for this are to have a better division of housework and to have a tidy house, I think that writing down my routines is important.
Others will obviously have different goals, and so today's project might not suit their goals. But I have been around a lot of different kinds of people, and I really think there is a lot of value in sitting down and just even putting a checklist down on paper to help you see how much you do each day, especially if you're feeling down on yourself for "not ever getting anything done". I don't think it is necessary to micro-itemize each thing you do each day, so if you don't want to list out 1. Wake up. 2. Go to the Bathroom, etc, then just put the big things down. But remember not to short change yourself either!
My Morning Routine:
1. Pack lunches.
2. Start load of laundry.
3. Walk doggy.
4. Go to work.
My Evening Routine
1. Walk doggy.
2. Put laundry in the dryer.
3. Empty dishwasher.
4. Make Dinner.
5. Wipe down counters.
6. Fold clothes.
7. Prep laundry for next day.
I do not want to cart a binder all around with me. But I do like the idea of having a binder where all my different processes and routines are written down. I'm into written routines first of all (I think having things written down can help with "compliance" which is why at work I always recommend having every process be written down), but I also have an ulterior motive. I have a dream that one day there will be a complete set of routines for taking care of the whole house, and then I will be able to ask the hubster to do the living room and I won't have to detail step by step what that means. He is awesome at following a process, he is not so awesome about seeing on his own how things flow into each other. He also really likes checklists. Since my 2 goals for this are to have a better division of housework and to have a tidy house, I think that writing down my routines is important.
Others will obviously have different goals, and so today's project might not suit their goals. But I have been around a lot of different kinds of people, and I really think there is a lot of value in sitting down and just even putting a checklist down on paper to help you see how much you do each day, especially if you're feeling down on yourself for "not ever getting anything done". I don't think it is necessary to micro-itemize each thing you do each day, so if you don't want to list out 1. Wake up. 2. Go to the Bathroom, etc, then just put the big things down. But remember not to short change yourself either!
My Morning Routine:
1. Pack lunches.
2. Start load of laundry.
3. Walk doggy.
4. Go to work.
My Evening Routine
1. Walk doggy.
2. Put laundry in the dryer.
3. Empty dishwasher.
4. Make Dinner.
5. Wipe down counters.
6. Fold clothes.
7. Prep laundry for next day.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Day 7
So today we are thinking about our night time routines and we are adding one simple thing that will make our mornings go easier. The program suggests picking out our clothes for the next day. This is because they place a great deal of importance on getting all the way dressed every day.
I do get all the way dressed everyday for work, but I don't lay out my clothes the night before. Mostly because I don't have somewhere to lay them out on. And picking out an outfit in the morning takes me like 30 seconds. So what I am doing, to make my mornings go faster is to put the load of laundry that I am going to run in the morning in the washer along with the soap and setting the dial. So now hopefully all I will have to do in the am is start the washer. My mornings are super rushed so even though I always intend to start a load of laundry in the AM, I only do so like twice a week and then I end up having to do like 5 loads on Saturday instead of zero.
I do get all the way dressed everyday for work, but I don't lay out my clothes the night before. Mostly because I don't have somewhere to lay them out on. And picking out an outfit in the morning takes me like 30 seconds. So what I am doing, to make my mornings go faster is to put the load of laundry that I am going to run in the morning in the washer along with the soap and setting the dial. So now hopefully all I will have to do in the am is start the washer. My mornings are super rushed so even though I always intend to start a load of laundry in the AM, I only do so like twice a week and then I end up having to do like 5 loads on Saturday instead of zero.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Day 6
Today the program finally has us doing a cleaning activity. About time, I don't know how they expect people to come to a cleaning and organizing program and to wait until day 6 to actually start cleaning and organizing. Well, I guess we have been "shining our sinks" the last 5 days, but I don't count that.
So anyway, today we are finally starting to tackle hot spots. You know, those flat surfaces that have a super-magnetic tractor beam for clutter? Today we're spending 2 minutes on one hot spot.
Some of mine:
So anyway, today we are finally starting to tackle hot spots. You know, those flat surfaces that have a super-magnetic tractor beam for clutter? Today we're spending 2 minutes on one hot spot.
Some of mine:
Friday, October 24, 2008
Day 5
Today's project is something that's a little bit weird for me. Today we're supposed to write down what those voices in our heads say negatively about ourselves, and then turn that into something positive.
I am not really into this sort of exercise, mostly because I am not really that into this sort of "feel good" stuff. Not that I'm against thinking positive thoughts about myself. I'm just not into writing myself inspirational notes. But in the spirit of the day's project:
I'll do what I can, when I can, and that's ok.
It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Every little bit helps.
I am not really into this sort of exercise, mostly because I am not really that into this sort of "feel good" stuff. Not that I'm against thinking positive thoughts about myself. I'm just not into writing myself inspirational notes. But in the spirit of the day's project:
I'll do what I can, when I can, and that's ok.
It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Every little bit helps.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Day 4
Today we are leaving ourselves a sticky note reminder to ourselves to get all the way dressed, do our hug item and spend 2 minutes gathering inspiration.
Personally I am flat out not doing this. I have a huge problem with post-it-aholicism at work, and I don't need to be bringing that home with me. If you happened to have some dry erase markers laying around, you could leave yourself a note on the bathroom mirror, and in the morning wipe it off with a little bit of toilet paper.
The point of this exercise is to put yourself in the mindset of a formalized process. Now some people aren't doing the official program because they don't want such a formalized process - what should they do? Well, the point of having a formal process is to make sure that everything that needs to get done gets done. I think part of this journey for us will be to design a program that works for each of us and to share the different ideas that come up so we can learn from each other.
Personally I am flat out not doing this. I have a huge problem with post-it-aholicism at work, and I don't need to be bringing that home with me. If you happened to have some dry erase markers laying around, you could leave yourself a note on the bathroom mirror, and in the morning wipe it off with a little bit of toilet paper.
The point of this exercise is to put yourself in the mindset of a formalized process. Now some people aren't doing the official program because they don't want such a formalized process - what should they do? Well, the point of having a formal process is to make sure that everything that needs to get done gets done. I think part of this journey for us will be to design a program that works for each of us and to share the different ideas that come up so we can learn from each other.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Day 3
So far we're just supposed to be keeping it going. So today we're doing our hug item and getting ourselves dressed to get down to business. If I was getting the reminders on the schedule today would be to spend 2 mins reading the reminders. I am not going to get the reminders, so I will not be reading them. Instead I'm getting inspired by other people on the same mission.
Things I'm thinking about for the future of our project:
As far as I can tell the day-to-day thing is based on doing an activity for 15 mins, 5 mins, or 2 mins. So I think we should start gathering a list of activities/chores/areas/etc to put in those categories.
Here's what I'm thinking of for my home so far:
15 min areas
Our bedroom
Our bathroom
Guest bathroom
Right half desk
Left half desk
Under desk (might be 2 or 3 areas)
Guest closet (I think this is 6 or 7 areas!)
Kitchen
Garage (I think this is 4 or 5 areas)
5 min areas
Living room
Dining room
Front closet
Laundry room
2 min areas
Mail
Shoe area
Things I'm thinking about for the future of our project:
As far as I can tell the day-to-day thing is based on doing an activity for 15 mins, 5 mins, or 2 mins. So I think we should start gathering a list of activities/chores/areas/etc to put in those categories.
Here's what I'm thinking of for my home so far:
15 min areas
Our bedroom
Our bathroom
Guest bathroom
Right half desk
Left half desk
Under desk (might be 2 or 3 areas)
Guest closet (I think this is 6 or 7 areas!)
Kitchen
Garage (I think this is 4 or 5 areas)
5 min areas
Living room
Dining room
Front closet
Laundry room
2 min areas
Shoe area
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Day 2
On day 2, the program recommends getting all the way dressed, and even lacing up your shoes. Huh? Well the point is to physically remind yourself to get down to business. Does this work for everyone? Well, I work outside of the home, and I have to dress in business casual. I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't do housework in my work clothes. I'm just not that careful, something always ends up on my clothes, and then I have to change. And wash an outfit that I barely wore!
On the weekdays, I don't see any reason not to do my morning stuff in my pjs. Other than pjs=sleepy time. The point of the day 2 exercise is to physically remind yourself to get down to business, and for me shoes has nothing to do with it. For me, putting on my watch means I'm starting my day. So I'll be washing my face and putting on my sunscreen every morning, which takes about 5 mins to soak in, then I'll be putting on my watch. I can't get dressed until my sunscreen dries anyway, so that gives me a guaranteed 5 mins every morning to do some hot spot maintenance!
On the weekdays, I don't see any reason not to do my morning stuff in my pjs. Other than pjs=sleepy time. The point of the day 2 exercise is to physically remind yourself to get down to business, and for me shoes has nothing to do with it. For me, putting on my watch means I'm starting my day. So I'll be washing my face and putting on my sunscreen every morning, which takes about 5 mins to soak in, then I'll be putting on my watch. I can't get dressed until my sunscreen dries anyway, so that gives me a guaranteed 5 mins every morning to do some hot spot maintenance!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Getting Started - Day 1
FLYing, I think is supposed to be about seeing how the little things add up. The very first thing the program encourages you to do is clean up your sink and then shine it. Then every day no matter what you're supposed to shine your sink, to remind yourself that little things are worth it. Seeing that clean sink every morning is supposed to be a nice hug to get you started each day.
So the important thing to remember is that your daily hug does not need to be a clean shiny sink. In fact, if looking at that sink every morning pisses you off because you hate shining the sink, then that is the complete opposite of daily hug. Find something else that just makes you feel good, takes 15 mins or less to complete, and can be done even if the rest of the house is in chaos.
For me, I'm going to start straightening out the shoe area.
So the important thing to remember is that your daily hug does not need to be a clean shiny sink. In fact, if looking at that sink every morning pisses you off because you hate shining the sink, then that is the complete opposite of daily hug. Find something else that just makes you feel good, takes 15 mins or less to complete, and can be done even if the rest of the house is in chaos.
For me, I'm going to start straightening out the shoe area.
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