Yesterday

Okay, here's what I did yesterday:

• Vacuumed the whole house (except the stairs...I think I'll only do that once a month since I really hate it)
  
• Replaced the cat litter
• Cleaned the toaster oven
• Cleaned the microwave
• Replaced the outside garbage bag (yuck)
• Washed makeup brushes
• Washed bathroom rugs
• Washed mattress cover
• Swept porch
• Washed my purse
• Cleaned the downstairs bathroom
• Put up a new shower liner

Wow! I was beating myself up because I didn't get everything done I had planned to, but this is awesome!!!!! I love lists!

I'll let you in on a secret. Last week I started a new "system" for keeping track of house cleaning using index cards. I had read about it a long time ago in the book Sidetracked Home Executives, and recently my reception coordinator offered to help me set up my own card system.

So far, here's what it does for me:

• Helps me focus on what I am planning to do today, without worrying about stuff that's not on my list because I'll get to that another day.
• Gives me perspective on how much work taking care of a house is.
• Helps me prioritize, knowing how much time I will have to spend cleaning that day in order to get my list done
• Lets me skip things if I don't get them done and re-file them (can skip up to two times).
  
• Gives me control - I decide if I want things done weekly or monthly or every other day or whatever.
• Helps me plan my week. I have an "errands" day, a "planning" day, two "heavy cleaning" days, one "free" day, and one "family/rest/God" day. And one "baking/yard/car" day. This gives me freedom to relax on my free days in return for focusing on my busy days.
  

Anyway, I have a love-hate relationship with it. I love that it holds me accountable and I hate that it holds me accountable. =P I do love that it's like a job where I set my hours. This probably isn't helpful though because two of you ladies already work!

If any of you girls want to do this I'd love to help!!! The most annoying thing to me was buying supplies, so if you seriously want to do this I'd love to provide you with supplies and a tea date for a Christmas present!

becca: We drove by Home Depot in Southcenter the other day and I was reminded of when we surprised your parents by buying a Christmas tree! That was so fun and spontaneous and it was so pretty!!! PS - I'm still waiting for your lentil soup recipe!

Angela: I miss you a lot. We must get together soon. Joe is very patient with my girl-talk, but he responds like a guy and not like a girl (imagine that!)

Candice: Did you ever get your teapot fixed? Did you find out if you can get reimbursed for shipping damage? Have you and Justin talked about when next you might visit our side of the country? If so we HAVE to schedule a tea date for the Bragger Bloggers!