My Rube Goldberg Moments

I suppose it happens to us all. Today I woke to a cold, clear morning, a blessed hour ahead becuase of day light savings time. The first thing I discovered was my lovely kitty had taken revenge on my rug, my off white rug, not a good idea in wall-to-wall carpeting with cats and kids. I headed out with the Oxy Clean, which does well, and tripped a couple times. He was angry because I didn't get up to feed him at 3 am and 4 am, his normal snack times. I had to clean it up, and find snacks, all before I made coffee. I got to the pot to make the coffee, and dumped the coffee into the water compartment, not the basket. I tried to empty it, and the Mr. Coffee fell apart. I tried to fix it, and dropped part of it on the floor, flipping the kitty bowl with leftover shepherds pie. [He didn't like it]. I did a lot of bend and stretch to fix things. Finally, I got breakfast going and did some clean-up, and the cat then tried to steal a piece of bacon out of my plate. Not bad for a 22 year old + cat. He is now snoozed out, having gotten what he wanted, including a fitting punishment for me.

I hope to finish my leaf ornaments today, and to continue baking. I got started yesterday; it helps to have a second fridge, as I do. I can hide the goodies till later from my 12 year old, who finds all things and who lusts after cookie dough, raw! I also began to sort and to hide Xmas presents. One has to do what one has to do.

Organization is key to happiness; I used to be much neater, but I'm still organized. A few tips here and there; lay out clothes for everyone the night before school or work. I try to do it for two or three days, complete with jewelry. I put my glasses and hair bands and barrettes where I can find them, too.

Get books and materials together the night before. I have some peace of mind knowing I can get out and run if I have to, with what I need. I hate forgetting things, and I keep all flash drives, disks, post-its, pens and pencils in a little blue pouch one of my bosses gave me for Christmas several years ago. One of the best presents I ever got re work!

I keep a separate computer file for each class I teach, and a disk or drive or each set of writings or book. I use accordion files for research materials, and though I have thousands of books everywhere, I have certain book cases and work areas where I keep reference books, and books for projects I'm rsearching. I also keep a file box with bills that need to be paid. I not the date on the bills for due date, and also the date I paid them. I include catalog orders and cards there. I keep my credit cards and IDs in the same places, and do checks to make sure all is in order.

I also review my bank accounts every couple of days to make sure all is well.

I used to be able to organize my cleaning routine, living room every week, rest of the house alternate every other week. That is harder to do, but I keep up on dishes and vacume a couple of times a week. I keep new purchases in bags for a week or two in one place, but then go through them, sort, and put away what I need to.

Not everyone I know or live with is as organized, and this is a terrible challenge. I am making baby steps with my little boy; he will pick things up when asked,now, and does apologize about forgetting or making messes.

Using calendars and appointment books helps, and I keep little notebooks and post it notes. Schedules are good, too.

Have a meaningful Veterans Day; think of all those who have died for our freedom, and who are defending it now. Turn the clocks back, and have a good week!