The Clean Up

Off to start to clean and organize after our trip.  It was a great trip with only a few complications.  Off to clean and return to the real world.

 

First coffee then clean the fridge before groceries.

Pre-Vacation Stress

I am approaching the vacation.   While I am very excited for the trip, I’m finding that my stress level has increased.  I’m trying to get work related tasks done for both this week and next.  I am also trying to run errands, pack, and prepare for the trip.   I would also like to have the house be clean so that I don’t have to come home tired to a messy house. 

Along with all of these tasks,  I want to keep up with normal priorities: get sleep, play with kids, help kids with reading/learning, run, exercise, and relax. 

I was doing okay with everything until today then today I became overwhelmed.  Well I’m off to wind down and head to bed.  Maybe find something quick to wipe or tidy. 

Maybe all of this is made to make me appreciate the vacation even more!  One moment at a time.

Sitting Room

What started out to be a formal living room has shifted to be a kids toy room.  The room houses art supplies along with many toys.  I am happy with how the room functions overall.   There is room to play and also places to sit. 

The sitting room is also the room that I have decided that the children are in charge of cleaning.  Most of the mess in that room is from them.    The space is also small enough that they can clean it in a relatively short amount of time especially with the guidance of adults.

I am frequently telling them that they can have a dessert or go somewhere or watch a movie after the sitting room is clean. 

 

Off to wash dishes, eat ice cream, and go to sleep.

Estimation and Honesty

I’ve decided time management comes down to a few main skills.  For me, I’ve been thinking mainly about estimation and honesty. 

Estimation

     How long will the task  ACTUALLY take?  The tasks that will just take 5-10 minutes often end up taking much more time when you factor in set up, clean up, drive time, etc.  The other side of the issue is tasks that I dread and put off that in reality only takes 15 minutes out of my life—less time than it took me to convince myself to do it.

Honesty

     Honesty is the realizations of the situation.  If I am tired and cranky and burnt out,  I will likely get less done or take longer to do the same tasks.  I may be able to complete the drive in 4 hours, but realistically I will probably want to take a break, drive slower, or leave later than intended. 

I read a great post by 365 Simplify that discussed taking what you need and kindness towards yourself http://365simplify.com/2014/06/06/day-156-take/. I think that factors into productivity. Taking what you need instead of running on fumes and not beating yourself up if the to do list is not completed.

Tackle the Mess

The mess started slow and is now up to full speed.  Dishes, laundry, floor.   A few too many days of putting it off because I had too much to do or was tired or needed a break.  

Tonight is the night!   (Update to follow)

The update is underwhelming. I did fold the clothes and empty the dishwasher. Not the productive burst I was hoping for, but slow and steady is probably a better approach.