Thursday, April 29, 2010

Time to Organize!



Now that I am home, I have to learn how to manage my time...
...because it keeps disappearing on me!



I always thought that if I wasn't working and had the time...
...things at home would be so much more organized...



I've been home a few weeks now and although I am loving it...
...I certainly don't have things under control!



My sisters and girl friends are sharing their tips ...

...like focus on one room at a time...



...I seem to move things from one room to another...



My friend Evi told me to give myself some more time to adjust.
She offered to come help me.
So have my sisters.



It's ok, I can do this by myself...
...I'm just a little overwhelmed.



Tomorrow is another day!

If you care to share any organizing expertise...I am all ears! :)


For those of you who are interested in the silverware markers that I have shown (see previous post)...I bought mine at Anthropologie.
I have an old set of stamping tools but haven't tried making my own yet...however...


Rosemary from Roses Petite Maison creates them and does custom orders...

...and Rita from Beach House Living also creates markers from silverware and sells them in her online shop.


...and I just read Jenny Doh's post on Crescendoh and hammered spoon jewelry is being offered in their new online shop!

Hope your Friday is full of fun and...
...productive! :)

34 comments:

Angela said...

I have major problems managing my time. So I'm hoping you receive lots of good advice and I can read it!!

Beach House Living said...

Isn't it amazing how time slips away when your at home? You begin to wonder how you had time to work.

Thank you so much for mention about my stamped garden markers. I happily do customer orders.

Regards,
Rita

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I'm always trying to get organized, too...it's a constant battle...

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Laura,

Focusing on one room at a time seems to bring better results for me since I like to see results fast. :0) Although I do have to say when you take things from that room to another room to get it out of the way that can create temptation....just fight it! ha ha

Even with staying focused I still do not know where the time goes...I've asked Father Time to please slow down but so far he's not listening.:0)

Have a wonderful day and do drop by when you have free moment.

Hugs,
Stephanie ♥

afistfullofweeds* said...

I have always heard that the 1st thing to do is purge. But, thats the hardest thing to do for me, so, Iam like a dog chasing his tail, and never accompolish much. Guess Iam NOT the one to ask! LOL!

fiberdoodles said...

I have a very hard time staying focused. I work at home so I try to discipline myself and only allow myself so many minutes per room. I set the kitchen timer, then rotate to the next room. It works for me. Don't get discouraged, you will figure out what works for you but enjoy your time.

Maija said...

I'm learning so much reading your blog!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Time slips away from me each and every day and by the time I get to bed I don't know what happened with my day. I so need to get organized so as not to feel overwhelmed but it is an ongoing process. Just when I think I've got one area tackled, I realize I've moved things and made a mess someplace else. Calgon take me away! Have a fantastic Friday. :) Tammy

Unknown said...

organiseren?? hmmm ... kunt u Spel dat woord voor mij ?????:)...... ik doe veel, maar niet in een normaal patroon! Ik doe dingen soms gepland (YEHAAAAAA), maar soms ook als het opduikt in mijn hoofd, ik overreden, doe het en verder gaan met iets wat ik dacht ondertussen: D. ..... Beneden heb ik soort van grip op de dingen .... soort van ... maar upstair ..... O jee, o lieve ..... dus als u dont mind ..... Ik ga al gelezen de tips ga je krijgen.
Maar misschien zijn ook leuk voor u om te weten ...... je bent niet alleen! * Grijns *
Maar je vriend was ook gelijk .... neem de tijd aan te passen, er komt een tijd dat ""..... klikken en u krijgt uw eigen 'systeem te krijgen "..... vandaag is vandaag ... ... morgen vertrekken voor morgen!
ENJOY!

Groeten
Lynda

Rumour has it said...

Dear Laura,
organizing? I would like to have all control over it, but ´unfortunately´ there are some kids messing around here, and a husband, and workers, and... and... :D
I like it when all is well arranged and stocked, but not too clean neither. Friends of ours live in a home that seems like a showroom of a shop, too neat and tidy for me :)
Courage to you! And best greetings, Marjolijn

manon 21 said...

Un bon weekend organisation Laura.

Amitiés de France

Manon

It's me said...

Hello Laura.good luck with organizing your things my love................have a good happy sunny weekend !!

Hugs from Ria

jacklynn4 said...

Hire someone! I hired a professional organizer. Not because I couldn't do it myself, but because it forced me to DO IT. I traded her antiques for organizing time.
jackie
bliss farm antiques

Unknown said...

It's not easy staying home. Everyone thinks everything should always be done. I think I can do this tomorrow. Oh well, blogging gets in the way too. I substitute teach when I want to and love it.
Enjoy your day!

decorator to the stars said...

WHAT I DO IS THE NIGHT BEFORE MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU NEED TO DO & THE NEXT DAY CROSS IT OFF AS YOU COMPLETE IT; I KNOW IT SEEMS A BIT REGIMENTED, BUT IF I DIDN'T MAKE A LIST, I'D BE WANDERING AROUND ALL DAY WASTING TIME :) GIO

Unknown said...

Since retiring, I seem to never find enough time to do what I need to do to get things done. You will find yourself wondering just how you did it all before. But, then you fall into a great, relaxing, meandering, peddling, slow-paced, happy, creative pattern of a joyful life.

Take it one moment at a time and breathe it all in,

Welcome to having more time to yourself,
Kate

Kim from The Sheep's Nest said...

Organizing, hmmmm, been trying to do it all my life and every time I do just a little I can't find anything! Good luck to you! Kim

a whole lotta love said...

Thats what I'm doing today! Put on some really great music. That's definitely step number 1. When I have great dance music on it gets me so motivated. Step 2.. trash bags and donate bags! We all have too much stuff! Step 3.. definitely one little section at a time. I used to go through and pull out all this stuff from everywhere and then get so discouraged because it was everywhere. Just start on a messy closet or chair. You'll feel so great when one thing is done, it gives you more energy for more. Happy Spring Cleaning!

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Sounds so familiar, Laura. I've read some great tips in your comments section, some of which I also try to use, like put on nice music. I like the idea of lists too, but I think the trick is to not go with grandiose ideas, but small, achievable steps, so you can actually cross items off the list. A week-by-week general master plan might be a good idea, just to keep a big picture of things. Oh, and I do think rewards are a good idea, especially for big milestones. p.s. my mind works in layers, so I usually find any cleaning up or organizing takes more time than it would for others - for me, it's a complex process (maybe for you it's a little bit similar...?) p.s. the whole being home thing is still very new to you so go easy on yourself and enjoy yourself too :)

Julie@beingRUBY said...

HI Laura
Well I am playing catch up on your posts this week.. been a slack blogger once again... but let me tell you.. you know I am a blue girl like you.. but that pink post.. the Bucket Full post.. is a bucket full of lovely!!! so beautiful..... and the buttons to... the pink petals and buckets just spoke lovely words too me.. hahaha [love love those plant markers too]

So.. about that organization.. you so don't won't to see my unit.. it has become worse since i have been off work.. I'm good at focussing when I work from home.. but just loafing... i'm hopeless... maybe the key is to have small goals that must be met at regular intervals.. just as if I had a deliverable due each day for work.. I should really do the same with tasks around home.. anyway. I think you will find your rhythm..... you need to play first.. and after all it is spring your way!!!! Thanks for posting the giveaway and goodluck.. xxx Julie

trash talk said...

In my mind, I'm an organizational giant, but when it comes to feet to the pavement time...squirrel! I get so easily distracted that my to do list gets misplaced and I'm doing everything but what I wanted to!
Shortly after I had been home, I began to wonder how on earth I did what I did and worked full time. Now I know...deadlines...I need deadlines. You'll find your own rhythm...just takes time...which there is never enough...which brings us back to your question. See...squirrel!
Debbie

Suzanne said...

I've gotten some very good tips from Leo Babatua at Zen Habits. He wanted simplicity and to focus on what gives him joy and has attained that now. He has six kids, has lost weight, run a marathon, has a successful blog, published at least one book from that blog...I could go on. Where he is now is too big a jump for me, but his journey was small steps. You can read his story if you go to Start Here in his sidebar and then go down to the area about his life. What you call disorganization looks beautiful to me. It all depends on what you want. Leo has some good tips I've used. And I also really like Karen Kingston, Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui, and Clearing Clutter with Feng Shui. She has a very interesting life, too. I think I'm drawn to both of these people because of the joy and peace they find in life living the way that fits them best. Her blog is http://www.spaceclearing.com/html/kk-blog

I love the joy you find and share every day. Thank you!

vicki archer said...

My thoughts exactly......have a great weekend, xv.

Bleudelavande said...

Oooohhh Laura, I'm trying to get organised too!!!
I love so much that tea-pot and those flowers!!!!
Have a nice weekend my friend

Andy's Attic said...

The pitcher with the little blue flowers is so sweet. Now to organizing and time...I was more organized before I retired. I, too, thought that when I retired I would get things really well organized. Instead, a new life happened. I started Andy's Attic and it keeps me very busy. And very happy. I'm having fun and getting to know more great people and the organizing thing just takes a back burner. You have gotten many great tips and I wish you luck with organizing but...really...relax for a while and enjoy...
Annette

Theresa said...

My recently retired husband and I were having a similar conversation! He is amazed at how fast the day goes. This morning, I had big plans ALL at home... well my Daughter needed my help with one of the grandkids and then my grandson was sick at school and needed to be checked out. I commented to my husband, see how they day goes... Grandchildren come first:) Have a blessed day my friend!

Susan Freeman said...

I'm not sure how much advice I can offer. Whenever I have time off from work, the hours fly by so quickly and I don't accomplish all that I had planned. For me it's easy to feel overwhelmed, so I just focus on one little task at a time. When I complete one task I am encouraged to complete another. For example, when I finish tidying up a room and fluffing the pillows, I am so happy that everything is so cozy that I just want to carry on.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Lilla Blanka said...

Hi sweetest Laura!

Time, yes it seems to slip away so fast.. by not planning to many things (to do over the weekend for example) makes me able to get more things done, strange...

Lovey photos! I love this time of year...
Wishing you a great weekend!
Mia

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I envy people that can organize and stay organized. I seem to make a mess when I'm creating something and have to come back later and clean it all up!

Isn't it wonderful to work from home and to be the boss of your own day. Have a lovely weekend.

hugs
Sissie

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Hi Laura - I wish I could pull some magic organizational skills out of my hat, but sadly I suck at it. I guess what works best for me is list making, that is if I remember to read the darn list!

You'll get it down right, it all takes time doesn't it? All my best to you for a lovely weekend. xx

A Refocused Life said...

Laura,
Beautiful images. I'm in year three of being home and I'm still trying to figure out how to find time to get organized. It's just too much fun to find other things to do.

Have a wonderful weekend. Rita

Gert said...

Love your photo's...I knw exactly what you mean about organizing time. I've been retired for 1 year now and have yet to figure it out...ha
Blessings...
xoxo Gert

Unknown said...

When I left my corporate job years ago, I thought the same thing. Wow, everything will be so organized and I will have the time to do things I always wanted to. Uh, hmmm. Now I am just wondering how I got so much done when I was working full time (with five children no less)!
Looking back, I guess that is why I was featured in our local city's business journal. So, I wonder did I use up all my smarts then or am I just exhausted now? Be kind to yourself, you have earned it and besides it's not like you have to get up early and go to work tomorrow. Enjoy some down time!

Ange said...

Dearest Laura, I think it all comes down to knowing and having trust in yourself. It seems to me that the more I have to do the better organised I am. But everyone needs to have empty moments too. If you were an organised person in your corporate life, you will be at home as well. Allow yourself the time to adjust and that impulse to busy yourself will come of its own accord out of frustration one day soon.

If you were not so organised naturally but needed a structured environment to help you be so, then set yourself some gradual goals and write them down day by day. It will give you some objectives to reach. But still - allow yourself the transition time. Enjoy those quiet moments of doing absolutely nothing without guilt. You deserve them and they are to be cherished. That's when all that inner joy can come bubbling out at the sheer act of just being!

xxx