This week’s Little Victories, on the Path of being a Good Parent and Family Member, Family Manager and Professional Organizer:
- For 37 minutes on Sunday morning, all the laundry was actually done and put away.
- Found the gerbils and got them back in their cage.
- Purged a bag of books from our bookshelves to turn in at the used book store for store credit.
- Removed and recycled 15 cardboard boxes from my garage and basement storage closet.
- Purged two bags of toys and a bag of clothes. The charity picks the three bags up on Thursday.
- Cleaned and re-arranged the basement play area – again – with my sons’ help, to encourage responsibility for and maintenance of their toys. Made mental note to request No Legos and No Nerf for Christmas.
- Started my own Christmas shopping at a mall on vacation last week.
- Started a Christmas envelope for gift certificates and $5 bills (it’s a wonder how quickly they add up!).
- Started conversations about family holiday celebration details (who is hosting / coming / bringing what).
- Over-decorated, just for one week, for Halloween at my youngest son’s request. Tacky? Yes. Worth his happiness? Yes.
- Winterized the deck and garage, and pulled my tomato vines for the season. Ate my last tomatoes on a very yummy salad.
- Sat on the couch and watched a good movie with my hubby, start to finish.
- Seized teachable moments with the kids to talk about our faith, Algebra, problem solving, laundry, and accounts receivable and payable.
- Went to Evergreen Car Wash to remove road-trip remains and glitter (don’t ask), just in time for 3 strangers to stop me and ask me about my business (meaning they first checked out my car to see it if was clean and organized). Whew!
- Made a great lasagna that all 5 of us actually loved (trust me, this is noteworthy). Added that recipe to our “Favorites” binder!
- Booked 12 classes for 2011, and took good care of my clients. Met with a friend to talk about how to incorporate organizing products into my business structure.
- Asked for and received help with Cub Scout meetings (this is noteworthy, I’m not very good at asking for help!).
- Saved $22 off my $190 total grocery bill just with my coupons. Spent 10 minutes each going through the ones I had and clipping this week’s, giving me a $60-an-hour return for my efforts. Pretty good!
- Stopped by the store to price bedding and blinds for my sons’ room, but not purchase. Will wait for the next credit card billing cycle or perhaps pay cash. I have my BB&Beyond coupons ready, know my budget, measured for blinds, etc. I am ready to go, without going into debt!
- Said “Yes, of course you can come over on Tuesday, we have room for you” to a friend, because my house is ready and organized.