Fall Check-In: My To-Do List 2.0

In the blog-o-sphere, there are some things that I want to be anonymous and others where a swift kick in the hiney is needed for accountability.  Looks like this is the latter.

Originally, I posted a February Vacation-week to-do list.  I needed a jump start, a reboot, a refresher on my life.  I figured, I could make a to-do list, get some things done, and feel accomplished, especially since I wasn't going anywhere for the vacation other than some local trips with the kids.  I posted it, revisited it after the week was over... and it flew off into internet space...

Well, time has passed, and some of these original items are still pending... so it looks like I'll tackle the To-Do List 2.0

1) Credit cards will be paid off monthly. Yipes - still the #1 on the list.  I really want to get on the envelope system before 2013 is done... Dave Ramsey's Envelope System is something that I have wanted to do for years, but have never quite gotten around to it... There has to be a way of doing it as well as online banking... I just need to figure out how!

2) Finish the Fireplace Mantle and Stairwell.  Got the stairwell painted the last week of June, but have yet to put on the railing, fix the last three stairs, or finish the fireplace surround.  Would like to get all that done before the holidays.  Might have to bite the bullet and hire someone...

3) Train my kids to clean up after themselves. Still.a.work.in.progress...for ALL the kids.

4) Extend this new mantra to my classroom. New school year, with the same potential issues.  I'm vowing to do the 5-minute clean up each day before I leave, with the expectation that I will be able to set out my first period items before I leave.  Good habits need to be formed.  This is a must!

5) Make two loaves of bread each week. It's interesting what people won't eat, especially when they dislike one-pot meals that I favor.  I'm going to focus on the basics now - rice, beans, soups, breads, Crock-Pot meals and shopping lists and encourage those who complain to help with the planning.

6) Pay bills online and automatically. This is hard when you are living paycheck to paycheck, which I admit I am.  An auto pay works well - when you have money in the bank.  Unfortunately, my employer also had three separate times last school year where there was an issue with direct deposit, so I'm a bit reluctant to put the BIG items like the mortgage on auto pay.  But some of the others are on a credit card to be billed automatically, then I'll pay the card when the money is in.  Hopefully that will work.

7) Automatic savings transfers This one is partially in progress again.  I really want to have the little amounts each month for the annual expenses like scout camp or school field trips.  Five dollars per week isn't missed - but is very easy to spend if it's there...  Little by little, a little becomes a lot!

8) Slow down and smell the roses. This is easier said than done.  I think a part of me is addicted to staying busy, but I know that I need to slow down and pay attention to little things along the way.  Tell those around me what I appreciate about them and model that behavior for my kids.  Just gotta do this one...




9) Assault the piles of junk. The never-ending piles of stuff:  appliances, clothes, old school items, books, toys...  I don't feel I have enough 'big and generic' items for a tag sale, but I do have specialized items that should be posted on Ebay.  Even a small item might be of interest to someone who is searching for that last item for their collection.  I just need to start parting with my collections.  Slow and steady (and maybe it will pay for Christmas!)



10) Put away what you take out.  This also sounds goofy, but is hard for me.  I'm a sprawler.  I spread my stuff out on the table and work, not in piles, but in almost a fan-like array.  Then I stack.  I sort items in piles with the intention of filing them or recycling them or taking them to school to put away there (and then they find their way into yet another stack of papers with good intentions).  I will find a location for everything.  And then, put it in it's place.  I think that's why I really am in LOVE with my label maker (Brother PT1290).  With it, I have to commit to a location for an item, and train myself to put said item back to it's home.  Of course, I may need an intervention after I over label everything, but it's putting me on course to a path of organization.

We'll see what the future of the fall will bring.

Check out my other blog HERE where I try to document my journey to curb the chaos in my life both at work and a play.  Feel free to leave a comment or a suggestion, especially any ideas to help me tackle all my figurative dirty laundry (and the actually dirty laundry...)

Thanks -

Leprechaun Plunge for Food Bank

Get into the groove

The summertime loose schedule was wonderful - it seemed that I was able to get chores done at my leisure, yardwork and exercise when I wanted to, a feeling of satisfaction as I could immerse myself in a book or craft project.

Now, the school year has thrust itself upon me. Commandeering the classroom, the homefront, and the scout pack is a juggling act in and of itself. But while that is a true balancing act I still need to ensure that I can keep a balance for myself.

Back to the AYF way of thinking - the Four-Fold way of life: PMSR - physical, mental, social & religious. As the weather cools off, I do notice that my physical self slows down (no more mowing lawn, less geocaching, less gardening and hauling plants) but I still need to find ways to motivate myself through the winter. Mentally, keeping the monotony of school (perpetually being in the 8th grade...) at bay is a challenge. The same problem can be twisted around to become fresh and exciting for both the students and for myself. Socially, even though my social circle is actually fairly small, I need to solidify my friends vs. my colleagues. Talking shop at social events does need to be limited. I'm quite guilty of that myself. My religious side is one that is definitely becoming more spiritual as opposed to a physical location. Finding peace with my contributions to the larger society is one way that I have found a way to get in touch with my spiritual self. Meditation, slowing down to enjoy the small things, appreciating nature and the little quiet that I have with a cup of coffee are becoming more and more precious. It's interesting to me to see how my perspective has changed in the last few years. What is important: self-preservation, family, standing your ground for what you believe, health. Looking ahead while learning from the past.

Spring into action and stand up for yourself

To know oneself, one should assert oneself.
Albert Camus

Soul searching is a good way to pass the time. Identifying your interests, your dislikes, what makes you. My creative side is coming out...as I find junk to make into something new.

Inspiration hits me especially when Spring finally rears it's feeble head after the winter we've had!

The grass is finally visible. The Derby is done. Testing is around the corner. The garden is being planned out. And I'm down to my last jar of salsa! Let spring hit.