Are you a Flylady? Series 11 of 32 (Using my timer)

Hi all,

  For those of you following this series....Welcome Back!  For those of you new here....Welcome!  If you're new, don't worry, you can read from the beginning of this series here.

If you've never heard of Flylady, you can read all about it here.  

  I want to start off by saying, God gave me a reminder yesterday to appreciate the regular old days!  A regular day can be extraordinary when we think about it.  Having that migraine yesterday, made me appreciate this morning so much more.  I woke up feeling great, that is truly something to be thankful for!   

  Today, along with taking time to declutter, I'm going to implement my timer into regular daily cleaning.  Since I've started a Morning Routine, and a Bedtime Routine (back on Series 9 of 32), I've started adding things on my list that I like to accomplish everyday, an afternoon routine.  In order to make this list not seem so daunting, I will set my timer (on my iphone in my pocket) for 7 minute increments to complete each cleaning task (for the exception of the kitchen).  Why 7 minutes?  Well, Flylady's motto this year is "Let's go for seven in 2011."  So that's why I'm using the number 7. :)  

  There are things on my list that I know won't take anything near 7 minutes, so I don't pull out the timer for those.  Most things on my list can be done no problem, while others can't.  For the things that just HAVE to be done, I'll continue the extra couple of minutes to complete it.  The things that are a huge task, I'll stop make a note (if needed) of where I left off, and work on it another 7 minutes the next time.  This will also help my daughter not feel too overwhelmed with her list of to do's.  She knows that 7 minutes is not long at all, and knows she can give it her all during that time, then she's through.  

  Here's a peek at my lists so far.  This is just my Friday list...the afternoon list is different on other days. (Some of the things on the list I'll talk about in a future post) 

  

  My morning routine works best for me this way.  While my husband's getting ready for work I go down, do the first three things on my list, while fixing our cups of coffee.  (The what's for dinner, is my reminder to make sure I have sat something out of the freezer if needed)

  My afternoon routine, are the things that I just like to get done sometime during the day.  These things get done in between my teaching homeschool.  While my daughter is doing her independent reading assignments, or worksheet/seatwork, I tackle my list. 

  The Vacuum Fm. Rm. + extra 7 minutes is this:  Because we have a pet, I like to vacuum the family room everyday.  On Mon, Wed, and Fri, I add an additional 7 minutes to work on the other rooms, and steps.  Believe it or not you can knock out a lot of vacuuming in 7 minutes!  This is one of those things I was talking about before, if I don't get the rest of the house done in that 7 minutes, I just make a note of where I left off, and work on that the next time. (usually ends up being the steps)  

  My daughter is in charge of her room, and class/playroom.   

  If you're wondering who Princeton is well....

Isn't he adorable?!  :)

Last is....

my bedtime routine.  The 2 minute hot spot is basically just picking up anything left behind like the book I was reading, and plugging in phones to charge overnight.  

  I like to check the calendar and weather before deciding what clothes to lay out for the next day.  

  Yes, I did add to the list brush/floss teeth and wash face.  Not because I can't remember to do this, but because it feels good to check even the most obvious things off.  Just boosts that sense of accomplishment just before bed. :)

  Have any of you jumped on the bandwagon?  How are you doing?  How about those of you who are veterans....how are things going along?  I hope you all are still enjoying this series, and continue to follow my journey.  

Until tomorrow, have a wonderful day!

Jennifer