Just some little thoughts

I know I haven't posted in a while.  I haven't really had the time lately in all honesty.  When I have had the time, I haven't really been inspired.  A few sad things have been happening around me as of late, which has been draining my inspiration to write; at least about anything that isn't related to these kinda unhappy events.  At least on the home front everyone is well and happy, and that is a good thing (not to sound to Martha).

I have been reading a little Capote lately.  Breakfast at Tiffany's, which I did not realize was a short novel, was quiet interesting and very different from the movie.  They totally cleaned it up and gave it the old hollywood happily ever after.  I wonder if that was due to Audrey or not.  The novel also has a couple short stories included that are rather interesting and make me realize that not all writing needs a happily ever after or a blatant plot that slaps you in the face.

I also read some Earnest Hemmingway.  He, too, has a very unique style that I find a little...dry? Not really, but I can't really put my finger on it.  I read the Snows of Kilamanjaro and some other short works.  Nothing jumped out at me as a new favorite.  Maybe I will have to try something else.

It kind of sucks that everytime I go to the library the books on my list are not there.  I have been picking up other stories (those above included) by the same authors I am seeking.  I guess in a round about way I am getting more reading in this way.

Well, as I said, I am not very inspired lately.  This post is simply to let you know I am still here.  I will post something a little more substantial later.

FBM

A Little Organization Won't Hurt Anyone...Right?

Whether I am truly an obsessive compulsive person or not, my love for organization is a fact!  Periodically I will ask my husband if he minds if I take on a little project, though I think there is no need since he seems to actually appreciates it.  I have spent hours reading through organizational books quite happily; making notes on which projects could be applied to our home or how I can modify them for our use.  My daughter laughed at me one day saying "Mom, you are organizing your plans to organize!".  It was true.

Here are a couple of ideas that I found actually useful, and I hope someone else will too:

- Use an accordion file to store your kids art work and at the end of the year choose the ones you want to keep long term and place away in their "keep sake" file.

- Keep automotive supplies in a laundry basket in your trunk (wind shield washer fluid, jumper cables etc.) so they are not strewn all over.

- Place a small basket on the back of the toilet for extra rolls, and the larger package under the sink for refilling.

- Get smaller baskets from the dollar store for under the sink in the bathroom, the medicine cabinet, the linen cupboard etc. to organize all the little things that tend to get lost or jumbled.

- Put a full set of bed sheets folded inside one of the pillow cases.  Keeps them all together and make is easier to grab the set (especially for kids).

- Collect all your cards and place them in one box with a pen and address stamp.  I also keep a list of family and friend addresses in the back of the box.  Easy to do a quick thank-you note, Christmas cards, invites etc.

- Keep old coffee tins (with lids) or glass pasta jars for craft supplies.  Clear glass or plastic is best so there is no rummaging for what you want.

- Try to keep boxes in the storage room to the same size; easier to stack and move around as needed.  Also label with masking tape "Mom's Clothes", "Winter Hats & Mitts", on all sides so there it is easy to identify contents.

- Use ice cube trays to keep earrings and other jewellery organized in a drawer but also separated so it is easier to find pairs.

- Use little baskets in your underwear drawer to separate socks, underwear, bras etc (especially if you don't like to fold them).

- Keep all gift bags, tissue paper, and boxes folded down and stored in one of the larger gift bags.

- Small glass jars can also be used for all the lose screws, wall plugs, and other hardware that is rolling around the bottom of the tool box.

- Recycle last years Christmas cards into beautiful gift tags for next year (you know you didn't want to throw them away anyway).

- Use tissue boxes for clothes pins, plastic bags, remove a side and use for lose gravy or spice packets.

- Put all electronic charges and cables in one place. Wrap a bit of masking tape around the end and label what it belongs to.

I really like the whole "Everything has a place" concept, as well as "Birds of a Feather SHOULD flock together" - put like things together! I'll see if I can think of some more, but right now the little man is waking up.

FBM