As I was cleaning up my office earlier today I came across a paper with my Red Cross Certificate of Completion card printed on it. Has it already been a week since I took that First Aid course? Had the six days between last Saturday and today actually passed that quickly? How is it possible for moments and minutes to turn to hours and days in the span of a breath or a heartbeat? For that matter, how has my precious seven pound, first born baby girl become a teenager? Hasn't it only been the span of a breath since I was a child, a teenager, a recent college grad, a newlywed, a first time mother? The longer I live, the more I realize that human life is exactly like the breath that David describes in Psalm 144:4: For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow. - Psalm 144:4 Alarming? Not at all. In contrast, I find these thoughts exhilarating. One life. One single life, and whether my years are forty or ninety-four, every breath is a gift. Every … [Read more...]
9 Tips to Organize on a Budget
When most people talk about getting organized, they dread the idea of doing it simply because they think it will break the bank. There are so many other things to spend our money on other than straightening the house, right? I could name a list of things I would rather spend money on than baskets and closet systems. What's important about your organizing systems is that you realize two things: 1.) If it's a permanent fixture that you can't change or move with you to a new house, rethink it. A lot of closet systems fall into this category. Make sure that if you splurge on a closet system, that it is still customizable in the event that you move into a new house. 2.) Realize that your needs and the ways you live are constantly changing. You will realize once you have completely organized a space that maintaining the organization begins with its functionality. If it is not practical to the way you live, it will not work. It is okay to re-organize areas, re-evaluate your needs, and … [Read more...]
Making Lists are Key to an Organized Life
A few years ago, I relied on my memory to get me through each day. As I have gotten older, I have a lot more responsibilities and tasks that need to get done daily, weekly, and monthly. With these added tasks, it did not take long before my "forgetfulness" wore me thin, and I sought an easier way. Now I LOVE making checklists, spreadsheets, shopping lists, to-do lists, and more! I see how effective they are, and I embraced having to use them for even the simplest of things. Here are some types of lists to get you started: Grocery Lists: Use categories like: poultry, produce, canned foods, breads and cereal, dairy, snacks, etc. General Shopping Lists: cleaning, decorating, toiletries, medication, apparel, electronics, miscellaneous, etc. Appointments: meetings, lunch-date, doctor, dentist, optometrist, etc. Cleaning Schedules: List each day of the week, and list each chore that needs to be done and how often/which day. Work Schedules: List employee name, create table/graph, … [Read more...]
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