tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32197700879281402932024-03-08T18:43:51.903-05:00The Organized MinimalistUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-44497531735553143322014-01-07T15:53:00.001-05:002014-01-07T15:54:06.501-05:00The Organized Minimalist's College Study Tips and Tricks for Successful Learning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
1) Study Scheduling- For every class you take, you'll probably need to spend about thirty to forty-five minutes a day studying or doing homework for each. You won't usually have to study this much every single day of the week for the entire, but two hours a day, five to six days a week spent on homework and/or chapter reading will probably be your average amount. When you study so consistently, it won't be a big deal if an emergency comes up and you can't study for a day (or even a few). It's very tempting to put things off until the last minute, but doing so won't create a relaxed life or a peaceful mind. Pacing yourself by studying a little bit day in and day out will help you absorb material better, compared to cramming. Spacing out studying should translate to better test scores, properly edited papers and full understanding of chapters you read, thus meaning you get higher grades. Obviously, different subjects and different professors will have varying levels of demands, though.<br />
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2) Study Location- Designate one comfortable, well-lit place to study. A dining table may be better than a desk- it's entirely up to you. I prefer lamps as opposed to overhead lights, as overheads will create more glare on textbooks and papers. This area needs to be a place where you can spread out your textbooks, binder(s), notes, laptop or other device with Internet, etc. I always keep a zippered, compartmentalized pencil bag with a small stock of supplies in my study space. This includes a mini-stapler with some extra staples, a pair of scissors, several good pens, a couple of No. 2-size mechanical pencils, a big eraser (I use this so much with math homework, it's embarrassing!), notecards, Wite-Out, a couple of binder or paper clips, yellow highlighters, Post-it notes and Post-it flags. A trash can with extra trash bags should be close at hand. You may want to put some extra lined notebook paper and maybe a hole puncher there, too. A big basket or pretty container can hold your supplies when not in use, if you can't leave them out all the time.<br />
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3) Preparation for Study Time- When studying, always have everything you'll need before you start to minimize distractions and interruptions. Something to drink, your cell phone or electronic device(s), binder, textbooks, office supplies, study aids like flashcards or printed out PowerPoints, etc. If you like to study with music or the TV on, get that going beforehand, too. Personally, I need a white noise machine, fan or music going all the time when I'm studying, as little household noises will distract me terribly otherwise.<br />
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4) Timers- Use a timer to keep on track, because it's easy to lose all sense of time. I have an app called Kitchen Timer on my Smartphone, but I also have an magnetic timer from flylady.net. My FlyLady timer can be set either to vibrate or to buzz. Use your timer both to signal when studying should stop and when breaks need to end.<br />
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5) Study Breaks- After 25-45 minutes of studying, I take a 5-15 minute break. I highly recommend alternating studying with something physical (a household chore, getting a drink or snack, playing with your child, taking a quick walk outdoors, etc.) This will keep your energy and brain going better. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration (which will slow down your brain and body). Remember to eat a light snack or meal every 3-4 hours for a brain boost, too. My favorite snacks are Greek yogurt, string cheese or eating two salt-free whole grain rice cakes, an apple or a banana with peanut butter.<br />
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6) Rest Days- I recommend taking one or two days a week off of studying (plus major holidays), if at all possible. Depending upon how many classes you take and the toughness of them, this may be difficult or even impossible. But I try to take at least every Sunday off from studying, plus any major holidays. Giving my brain that rest one day a week is restorative (kind of akin to giving your body a break from an exercise routine).<br />
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7) Prioritizing- Write out in advance what you MUST accomplish for college that day and/or week in order to turn things in on time. Always start with the homework due first and/or your toughest subject at the beginning of your study session. Work systematically, completing the studying or homework for one subject before moving on to the next. Cross off completed items from your to-do list or calendar as they're done.<br />
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8) Setting Up Your Materials for Success- Here's how I organize my binder: I use one very large binder to hold everything for all of my classes. I always print out the syllabus for each class and put them in sheet protectors at the front of each divided part of my binder. As soon as I receive it, I also put my professor's phone number and email address in my cell phone, so they're on me at all times.<br />
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I use plastic dividers with pockets on both the front and the back to separate subjects. In the front pocket go assignments that I'm still working on, ones passed out in class by profs. In the back pocket go finished assignments and papers. I just use loose-leaf, college-ruled paper to write notes on. I find this simpler to organize than spiral notebooks- but everyone's different. In my binder are little slots for a highlighter, pens, a calculator, pencils, etc. I always make sure I keep this stuff in there.<br />
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I have an Emergency Medical and Surgical History sheet for myself at the very front of my binder. If anything happened to me, that info is there for anyone who has to see it. (You may be young and healthy enough that this isn't needed, but I thought I'd share that idea just in case.) Having a map of your college campus at the front doesn't hurt, either. Make sure that your college has emergency contact numbers on file, in case you're injured or become ill unexpectedly.<br />
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9) Weekly Organizing and Cleaning- Assign one day a week to clean out your purse, backpack, binder(s) and/or wallet. Keep this day the same every week. I always do this on Saturday myself. Assign one or two days a week to clean house, go to the grocery store, get gas in the car, etc.<br />
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10) Filing Papers- Use filing to your advantage. Even if you just buy an inexpensive file box (or a banker's box), some cheap manila folders and hanging file folders, you will thank yourself later! It doesn't cost much- a file box can be as cheap as $8, and manila and hanging file folders don't cost a lot.<br />
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I have an inexpensive file holder on my desk, with several separate slots to it for holding various files. In it, I keep a labeled file folder to hold already-graded papers and other items not needed for my binder (but that can't yet be thrown out) for each subject. At the end of the semester, when all final grades are in and checked for accuracy, I simply toss the unneeded papers out and empty/Wite-Out the label on the file folder for reuse.<br />
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Keep important college papers in a hanging file folder in your file cabinet, like any paperwork for admissions, letters of recommendation and financial aid stuff. Also keep any receipts in an envelope or file folder, if you itemize these expenses for your taxes.<br />
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11) Overall Scheduling, To-Do List and Task Reminders- Use a calendar and/or day planner, if you don't already. If you prefer a wall calendar, FlyLady sell a good one (www.flylady.net). I simply use Google Calendar. Anytime I think of a task I have to do, I type it into the appropriate next time slot. I set my calendar to email reminders to my Gmail account for everything I put in it, too. This keeps me super-organized and streamlines to-do's.<br />
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12) Writing Major Papers and Oral Presentations- I spend fifteen to forty-five minutes a day, five to six days a week, writing or working on Excel spreadsheets or PowerPoint presentations for class (as applicable). Starting early on the semester is absolutely key. It's extremely tempting to ignore writing work during the first weeks of classes, but doing research and starting papers early prevent cramming and late-night panic attacks later on. If I don't need to write or edit my work that day, I re-read the writing assignments the professor wrote up (and email them with any questions, if needed), or I use the time for researching. The earlier you come up with the topic that you'll be writing a paper or presentation on, the sooner you can start researching and writing for it. After writing your final draft of anything, step away from the paper or presentation for awhile. Come back when you feel mentally refreshed and edit it then, double-checking spelling and grammar. I also re-read the assignment one last time before turning it in, just to make sure that I didn't skip over some required element of the paper.<br />
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If your professor will allow it (some are really cool and will offer this, so long as you give them a reasonable amount of time), send them a copy of the final paper to review before you turn it in. Their suggestions can help you get the highest grade possible. I do this whenever possible, and it's often saved me from making an error somewhere.<br />
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13) Accepting Your Needs and Limits- Be realistic about your personal limitations and body's cycles of energy vs. exhaustion. Schedule studying for your sharpest hours, if that's at all an option. (I know that sometimes it isn't, though!) If you're a night owl, work with this and study when it's dark out. If you're an early bird, take advantage of the morning time. Try to get minor household chores out of the way before studying, so that your head is clear for focusing on the college work. If we have lots of personal or household to-dos hanging over our heads, that can be a real distraction while studying.<br />
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14) Preparing for Each Class Period- Read the chapter which will be covered in the next class beforehand, if at all possible. Write down any questions that come up while reading which the book doesn't ultimately answer, so that you'll know what to ask come next class period. If provided, skim over supplemental materials and websites given by professors before class, too.<br />
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15) Reading for Classes- It's entirely up to you, but I often save my study session time for doing actual homework or practice problems from a textbook, and spend an hour or so before bedtime on college reading. Generally, I read the chapter(s) I'll be going over in the next class period, according to the syllabus. I typically stick to reading on only one subject a night. Reading the material right before bed, highlighting and writing down any questions as you go, has been shown in some studies to help people retain the info better. When done consistently, this will almost certainly make it possible to keep up on chapter reading.<br />
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16) Professor Notes- If they'll allow it, download or print out the PowerPoint presentations, flashcards or professor's own notes. Read them along with the chapter(s) assigned before and after class. This is an essential aid for many students, having teacher notes available for them to peruse at their own pace, so don't be afraid to ask this of your professor. This is true even if you take good notes while in class. Downloading my accounting professor's PowerPoints to my Smartphone REALLY helped me ace the class. I was able to look over them before class (just like reading the chapter) and determine my weak points in advance. Then I'd have a general idea of what questions to ask and where I'd have to give extra attention in class time taking my own notes. You'll probably still want to skim over or re-read the chapter again after class, but it will make learning go much more smoothly and quickly. I usually re-read the notes or PowerPoint one more time after class too, just to reinforce the material. This really helps come test time!<br />
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17) Using Technology to Your Advantage- I write all papers, presentations and spreadsheets in Google Drive. Since it's on Google's own servers, I won't lose my work if my computer or cell phone crashed. I keep my address book, recipes, poems, etc., on there, too- that way, they're available to me at all times via my Smartphone or laptop. Unlike MS programs, your Google account can be accessed anywhere. This means no flash drives to carry around! Since Google is password-protected, it's a secure option. It's easy to transfer Google docs to Word, Excel and PowerPoint presentation format, too. You can also email your Google work via a URL link so it's shared easily, instead of having to attach documents the old-fashioned way to emails.<br />
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18) Dealing with Forgetfulness- I always pack my binder, backpack and lunch the night before class. I put my backpack and anything else that I'll need to take with me the following day by the front door. This makes my mornings less hairy and keeps my stress level down- and I'm less likely to forget important things I have to take with me. Anything and everything you can do the night before- laying out tomorrow's clothes, bathing, prepping lunches and snacks, making sure you have clean laundry, running the dishwasher, etc.- will help create smoother mornings and less stress. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-81214498633801273192013-12-17T18:42:00.003-05:002014-03-03T18:39:43.446-05:00Prioritization...The Missing Link in Many To-Do Lists <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I was unloading my dishwasher today, I came up with the idea for this blog entry. I've been battling low motivation and a scattered brain, like so many people do every day. Fortunately, I'm learning some really helpful tools (long story). I realized today why a lot of to-do lists don't work, and why I myself hated them for so long. To the already-overwhelmed brain, a to-do list just looks all the more daunting. Where do I start?, one asks, looking at the list. How do I know what to move onto next after I'm done one task? The answer? Creating a list by priority.<br />
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I know. Some of you are thinking, "Well, duh, Liz. I could've told you that!" But my brain just doesn't always think logically. Maybe you're not like me (you were born with better analytical skills) or maybe this little reminder on priorities will be exactly what you need to read. Even though it just about kills me ;), I list all of the things that I want to get done that day in terms of priority. Not just randomly, as I would've done with a to-do list in the past. If you're born organized, you already knew this. If you're like me, you may have picked it up along the way, but maybe didn't apply it. That old saying, "If you fail to plan, then you've planned to fail", comes to mind. I winged it for years. No to-do list or anything in the a.m. Just flew by the seat of my pants. That can be fun, at least periodically. But it usually doesn't make for a very satisfying life, one filled with achievements you can savor. To get everything done now that's required in my life, I no longer even have the luxury of choosing to be disorganized or to ignore planning time. Between writing work, college, studying, applying for a zillion scholarships, caretaking, homemaking, etc., sheer insanity would be the result if I didn't plan out my days now.<br />
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I encourage you to take five to fifteen minutes each morning and write out your own list of daily goals, in order of priority. You don't have to call it a to-do list, if that term is unappealing to you. Call it whatever you want. It won't magically give you motivation, but it will provide a sense of focus to see the flying thoughts of your brain put down on paper (or in your cell phone, if you're technologically-inclined). There's something about writing on paper that I still love, when it comes to writing it goals, be it short-term or long-term ones. I love technology, and I love going paperless, but paper will often get ignored less by me than the five zillion notes scattered electronically throughout my techie tools. But that's just me. I look at my list a few times in the day, keeping it close by. Because my memory sometimes fails me, writing things down is also a way of stopping forgetfulness in it's track. Whatever doesn't get done today, I simply move it to the next day's list.<br />
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Doing this is also a form of a reality check. Many of us think, "I can get this, this, this, that...and even more than THAT done!" Then when we make out the list of things rattling around in our brains, we see that we've written down seventeen items. Seventeen things that we're supposed to accomplish in eight hours. If you took the list a step further, and wrote down approximately how long each task would take (another step that I HIGHLY recommend you adopt as standard operating procedure), you may see that there's no way on earth that you or any other mortal being could accomplish all of those things in one day. You might be able to get half of those items on the list checked off, assuming that you have a high level of energy and get no interruptions or anything unexpected happening (which I've found never to be the case!)<br />
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Which leads me to my next recommendation. Get real with yourself. You may have wanted to get up at 4 a.m. every morning, work out for an hour in the morning, keep a spotless house, achieve that 4.0 GPA, make $250,000/year at a spectacular job, have time for every single person who needs you every time that they need you, and so on. However, if your average wakeup time for thirty years has been 7 a.m., you haven't exercised since 1986, are dead on your feet at 6 p.m. every evening without fail, and hate cleaning with a passion...you're going to have to modify, delete or delegate tasks from your life. You'll make yourself insane with frustration, guilt, anger and resentment if you consistently set impossible goals for yourself. It's important to acknowledge the constraints of time, your own energy level and any health problems, technology snafus (the bane of my existence lately!), and the inevitable human interruptions that will occur in your life. In other words...you aren't going to become a Superman or -woman. I greatly admire people who can work forty hours a week, go to college full-time, exercise six days a week consistently, always have a flawless home, and yet always seem available for community or religious services. But while I certainly do stretch myself, I will never achieve such perfection. Be very careful in comparing yourself to other people and their accomplishments.<br />
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I suggest aiming for three to five top-priority things to get done a day. Some days you'll be raring to go and will end up getting way more done. Other days, you'll be sick, overwhelmed by the unexpected demands of someone who needs you right now, or you're away from home for so many hours that getting one major thing done will be astounding. Accept this. People with young children, busy careers, a long commute, no help in the form of housekeeping, people with disabilities...the list goes on, but the truth remains the same. Life happens and when these things occur, your ability to get a ton done each day IS affected. This is not your fault! You shouldn't just, "Try harder!" You're not likely to be undisciplined, lazy or a failure if you just can't get it all done. Please, please don't beat yourself up. There will also be instances when you'll need to just take stuff off of the to-do list entirely, because the time or resources to do the item with simply aren't available. Do what you can each day with what you have available, and drop the rest.<br />
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Here's to being an organized minimalist,<br />
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Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-71627985735402869752013-10-27T21:51:00.002-04:002013-11-22T12:54:37.364-05:00The Rules I Live By For A Clean House and a Calm Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been a procrastinator since birth (or so I'm told). I've lived mentally-overwhelmed for many years, though I fight that well. I just finished reading a good Kindle book that taught me something big, called <span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black;"><em>Your Life Can Be Better: Using Strategies for Adult ADD/ADHD</em>, written</span> </span>by Dr. Douglas A. Puryear, M.D. Now, I've had FlyLady and many other good mentors for years now via books and the Internet, but I know that I can always use new tools in my belt to manage life even better. This latest book helped me crystallize an absolute truth for me, one that I know will also apply to many of my readers (especially the ones who often procrastinate, just like me). When you want to consistently do something in your life, <strong>make a rule out of it</strong>. So, in order to help all of you, I'm outlining <strong>my rules</strong> for living, from a.m. to p.m., each and every day. They're non-negotiable; that's how they work for me. They bring calm, order and cleanliness to my life. They make my own world as peaceful as possible in the midst of this insane universe. Many rules are rooted in FlyLady's plan for lifestyle management, some others I picked up along the way from others and then certain rules I just developed on my own. I hope that outlining my rules will help you develop and stick to your own ones.<br />
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<u><strong>The Rules</strong></u><br />
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<strong>When I wake up-</strong> I make my bed. I hasten to add that I don't mess with achieving hospital corners or military-style bed-making. I just straighten up the pillows and bedspread, tuck in the sheet, turn down the flat sheet and bedspread, then spritz it with a little Febreze Fabric Refresher. Since my mother is disabled, I also make her bed whenever she gets up. Every bed that's been slept in should be made each morning when the person gets up for the day. <br />
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(<strong>A note about bedding- </strong>I change the sheets every week on Mondays, during Weekly Home Blessing Hour. The old used sheets are washed, dried and put away on Mondays, too. I do this for both my bed and my mother's bed each week. Like making the bed daily, the weekly changeover is a set-in-place rule. Every three months when the seasons turn, I wash all of the other bedding- mattress pads, blankets, pillow covers, etc. I also turn the mattress over or around, if possible, and vacuum the mattresses to get out some excess dust.)<br />
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<strong>When I head to the bathroom first thing in the morning-</strong> I swish-and-swipe my bathroom. If the mirror needs wiping down, out comes the Windex. I always use a Lysol wipe to disinfect some surface in the room, whatever happens to be a little dirty or dusty that day (the vanity, toilet exterior, floor around the toilet, etc.) Then I swish the toilet bowl with some Lysol All-Purpose cleaner and a bowl brush. Sometime during the day, I also do this for my mother's bathroom.<br />
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<strong>I start a load of laundry- </strong>It's a rare day that I don't have at least one load of laundry to do. I follow through with washing, drying and putting away every load. Sometimes I must do this task later in the evening, if I have no time in the a.m. to perform this chore. But if I can get it done in the morning, I do so. <br />
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<strong>If I'll be making dinner that night, I find out what it is I'll be cooking-</strong> If I need to put out something to thaw for later on that night, I also do it now. If you'll be using a recipe, I highly recommend double-checking it now to make sure that you aren't out of something important. I also double-check the expiration dates on stuff in my pantry or fridge to make sure that the items I'll be using aren't expired. Time goes by so quickly in life that it's really easy to think, "I just bought that ------" when actually it's ten months old! This "dinner check" means that occasionally I'll end up saying, "Oops, I'm out of ------", meaning I need to make a grocery store run that day. But it's better to find that out at 9 a.m. rather than at 6 p.m. that night as I'm about to start cooking! I'm trying to plan more efficiently now so that this doesn't happen anymore. (<strong>Ideally,</strong> I would sit down once a week the day before going to the grocery store, and carefully write down my dinner menu plus my additional grocery list. Then shop once a week and get everything I need that day at the store. But that is an ideal right now, not my reality. And I just have to work with reality!)<br />
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(<strong>Note:</strong> I clean out my fridge and pantry once a week. This doesn't mean that I take all the items out, scrub everything down and rearrange stuff to look like it belongs in Martha Stewart's house! I just throw out leftovers that are more than two days old, any condiments with mysterious and unknown "dates of opening" in my mind, anything expired or just not palatable to me anymore for whatever reason. Then I simply wipe down the fridge shelves really quick with a Lysol wipe or cleaning cloth/antibacterial cleaner- not the whole shelf, just what's exposed once I've cleaned out the fridge.)<br />
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<strong>I unload/load/run the dishwasher, as needed-</strong> Typically I've run the dishwasher the night before, so I empty it now. I also try to keep my sink empty throughout the day and evening, so that cooking and cleaning is easier. I love starting the day out with a clean kitchen!<br />
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<strong>I eat breakfast- </strong>Besides abiding by rules for my house, I also have rules to follow for my health every day. Eating breakfast may mean sipping on a protein shake, eating a bowl of cereal or chowing down on a bagel- whatever I'm craving that day. I try to make whatever I eat during the day healthy and full of protein, vitamins and minerals. It gets my brain and digestion working to eat breakfast. I drink a <em>small</em> cup of coffee in the morning, as well.<br />
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<strong>I grab my water bottle-</strong> I use Flylady's stainless steel one. I own two of them, so when one's getting washed in the dishwasher, I can use the other one. I keep this bottle by my side, all day, every day. I try to drink 64 oz. of water a day. If I work out intensely or do a lot of housework, I often end up drinking even more that day. <br />
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<strong>I brush my teeth, wash my face, put on some perfume, get dressed to shoes, style my hair, put on my jewelry and apply some makeup- </strong>Even if I plan on doing absolutely nothing that day, I still perform my full grooming ritual. I never want to be embarrassed to see someone if they come to the door, if I have to go outside for a bit or run an errand unexpectedly. I want to look and feel my best every single day of my life, with no exceptions. I should add that I dress casually- bootcut pants, a polo shirt and lace-up sneakers are my typical uniform. Comfort is key, but one can be comfortable and still look pulled-together.<br />
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<strong>Once I'm done getting dressed, I lay out tomorrow's outfit- </strong>I find this to be a more logical time to lay out tomorrow's clothing than at night. It's up to you- just make sure it gets done each day. Rules are easier to follow if they're done in a particular order every single day. And they're easier to remember that way, too.<br />
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<strong>I clean out the litter box-</strong> Again, this is self-explanatory. After I clean the box out, I spritz some Lysol Disinfectant around the area. I'm pretty into disinfecting, I must admit...<br />
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<strong>I take out any trash bags that are full to our apartment complex's outdoor bin-</strong> Pretty self-explanatory once more, right? :D<br />
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<strong>I brush down the furry areas down where my cat likes to sleep, quickly feather-dust the house, run the carpet sweeper (I have wall-to-wall carpet in all but my kitchen and bathrooms), then spritz Febreze on the upholstered furniture- </strong>This sounds really long and complex to do daily, but it actually doesn't take much time. I've learned to work quickly. It doesn't need to be perfect. My cat doesn't shed much, but she leaves little clumps of fur here and there that make my home look dirtier than it really is, if I don't follow this daily routine. Doing this routine doesn't mean that I never have to vacuum the floors or upholstery, or do detailed dusting. It's designed to make my house look company-ready day-to-day, not leave it obsessively clean. More importantly, when I follow this routine, my home looks and smells nice <strong>to me</strong><em>.</em> That is really what's of primary importance here! A clean home (or the <em>illusion</em> of clean, at least) makes me feel calm and happy, so this chore is worth the time invested to complete it.<br />
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(<strong>A note about the household-</strong> I take a dusting mitt or cloths and furniture polish or Windex, depending upon the surface, to my household surfaces every Monday for Weekly Home Blessing Hour. Then I vacuum the upholstered furniture and all the flooring. I wash the vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms during this time period each week, too. But the daily cleaning that I do makes the weekly work go faster. The Weekly Home Blessing Hour is also a rule I follow, though realistically it takes me more like two hours to complete. The smaller your home, the faster this will go, and vice versa. I'm not a speed demon, I admit. I have tricky knees and a bad back, so I'm careful in order not to wrench anything out of position. I know, I know- FlyLady wouldn't be happy with me taking more than an hour to do my home blessing. Oh well. In this case, my rule trumps hers because it's my own life! :)<br />
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<strong>If there's a Zone Cleaning to be done that day, I do it-</strong> This may involve "extra credit" type work, like doing Kelly's Mission for the day or detailed cleaning, which you'll know all about if you're a fellow FlyBaby. Sometimes I just use the time (up to fifteen minutes) to deep-clean an area that I know needs it. There never seems to be any shortage of these places in my home! Baseboards, underneath or inside of cabinets, all of the closets...yikes. I only do this on weekdays, taking weekends off deliberately. <br />
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<strong>I get the mail, sort through it, tossing the junk, dealing with the important stuff <em>now-</em></strong><em> </em>I also clean out one file folder or desk drawer a day. This is also my time to respond to check my voicemail, read any phone messages, pay bills, write business emails, make important phone calls or set up appointments for things that need to get done. If at all possible I do this routine during normal business hours, in order to avoid procrastinating if I've got to call or email someone. Handling this stuff on a daily basis means that, usually, very little time is required of me to get home office-related work done. When it doesn't get overwhelming, there's really not much to procrastinate over. Sticking to this rule of daily mail-sorting and responding plus doing a very minor desk clean-up means that I also have no paper clutter. <em>Zilch.</em> Isn't that worth the work involved right there?! Though she dislikes me for it sometimes, I also make my mother do this daily now, as much as I can force her to comply, that is. In the end, she's glad I make her live a de-cluttered life...I'm such an awesome daughter sometimes. ;D<br />
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<strong>All of my keys go to one little dish on the living room end table when I'm done using them-</strong> House, car, mail keys, etc. Everyone in the house must use this dish. Period. I don't care how tired I am. I put things back where they belong when I'm done with them. FlyLady advises us of this. I agree with her, and have established that as another steadfast rule.<br />
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<strong>All jackets, purses, cardigans, backpacks, sunglasses, etc., get put back where they belong when you're home for good that day-</strong> DON'T LET FATIGUE RUIN STICKING TO THIS RULE! I speak from experience. Establish ONE place for ALL of these items and put them back in that one home every single day or night when you're done with them. No exceptions. You'll thank yourself later. It makes housekeeping easier. Make others in the household abide by this rule...or more realistically, pick up after them if they forget and they're not children that you can threaten with some kind of punishment. ;D Yes, it's a pain in the neck sometimes, but it's worth it.<br />
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<strong>I light a scented candle or two shortly before it gets dark-</strong> It just makes my home lovely. It's a FUN rule to follow!<br />
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<strong>I do a 2-minute Hot Spot cleanup-</strong> This usually involves cleaning off one of my living room end tables, the ottoman or basically...ANY surface that my mother has gotten a hold of that day. De-cluttering and organizing her miscellaneous stuff could be a full-time job alone! But I only spend two minutes max on this and no more, every single day.<br />
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<strong>Around 6 p.m., I start dinner-</strong> I make dinner from scratch nearly every night. It's just healthier that way. I throw on an apron and get to work. If I'm home, that is. Sometimes I'm at college, and on those nights I just eat something quick but healthy whenever I get home, like a bowl of soup and some whole-grain crackers.<br />
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<strong>Within an hour of eating dinner, I clean up the kitchen-</strong> This was not a fun rule for me to establish, because I hated doing kitchen duty, especially when I was exhausted after work or school. When I was young, I didn't even notice kitchen messes until they were just ridiculous, as in having no clean flatware or drinking glasses left. I wasn't brought up to clean up after dinner each evening. But when I made it a firm rule to clean up every single night after dinner, it got easier over time. FlyLady recommends shining your sink nightly. I, however, recommend just putting on your big boy or girl pants and cleaning up the darn kitchen completely. A dirty kitchen is embarrassing and hard to work in. If you're a cook or a baker at all, you don't need the hassles that come with waking up to an icky kitchen each day. After dinner, unload/load/run the dishwasher, if you have one. Wash the dirty dishes, pots or pans. Prep the coffeemaker or teapot for tomorrow, if need be. Wipe down the countertops, stovetop and sink. Change the kitchen dishtowel and hand towel. Feed the pet(s) if needed, and give them fresh water. Fill your water bottle for tomorrow and put in on the fridge door, so it's ready to go. If you take a packed lunch to work (or have immediate family member that does), prep this stuff now as much as possible. Make them help you out if they can do it! If the kitchen floor is quite dirty, take a broom, mini-vac and/or mop to it. Until doing these things become an ingrained habit, you may want to put a checklist on your fridge door or cell phone so you don't skip a step in the routine.<br />
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<strong>Once dinner is digested, I exercise-</strong> Ick. I still hate doing this most nights. But it's necessary in order to stay in some semblance of shape. It's a rule that still leaves me kicking and screaming, at least as I start out. If you can manage to perform morning workouts, do so. I just personally can't face exercising first thing in the morning. Sometimes, all that I get done is some gentle yoga or stretching. I simply make it a point to get in at least fifteen minutes of movement every evening. (I also try to get in a quick outdoor walk at some point during the day, though by no means does that imply I'm in great shape!)<br />
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<strong>After exercising, I brush and floss my teeth, take a shower, dry the shower tile and bathtub with a clean hand towel, groom for bedtime and dry my hair- </strong>I love taking an evening shower. Taking a shower at night saves me time getting ready in the morning, for one thing. Performing a tough workout beforehand makes my shower afterwards feel even better! Wiping down virtually all of the moisture from my shower tile and tub means that I almost never have to clean my bathtub, because it never gets mildewed or dirty. The main thing with this rule is to not wait until I'm dead-tired to being doing all of this, like my idiotic younger self would do! Now, I'm single and child-free, so I have the option of not putting myself in last place every night. I get it, that not everyone is so fortunate. Please adapt these rules to your life. These rules were NOT designed to make life harder- just the opposite! Do what you can and drop the rest.<br />
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<strong>I make sure that my backpack or purse is packed and ready to go for the next day-</strong> As I'm in college full-time now, I make sure that I have my appropriate binder(s), textbooks, any assignments that are due the next day, school supplies like pencils, that my wallet is in there, that I've refilled any used-up supplies like lip balm or tissues, etc. The same thing applies with a purse. Put it by the front door or some other consistent spot. If you have anything special that needs to go out the door with you tomorrow- a paper prescription, a special project, a particular presentation on a flash drive- make sure that you put it in your bag and/or by the front door the night before. Procrastination and poor memory often go hand in hand (once again, I speak from experience!) When you're not stressed out, your memory will be better and you'll likely be able to think more clearly. Keep your keys on a hook by the front door. Buy a purse or backpack that allows you space to take your water bottle and a travel umbrella with you each day, if at all possible. (Note: I like cross-body purses like ebags Piazza bag or the Donner Bag. My backpack is one from Dakine and it's awesome- it has well-padded straps, the straps are highly adjustable and will fit even the biggest arms and shoulders, the zippers are super-strong, it holds a lot and it's also feminine in design!)<br />
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<strong>Before bed, I sip a cup of Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea, read a book or magazine for a bit, write in my journal briefly and spritz Aura Cacia lavender spray on my sheets-</strong> Ah, my sleep hygiene routine. This is the most enjoyable rule to follow by far! The point is to pamper and relax ourselves before bed. It should be a time to decompress from the day. I make sure that if I need to get up at a certain time, too, that my alarm clock is set. Right before hitting the sack, I put in ear plugs and turn the alarm clock around so I don't see the time on it at all. (This just helps me relax more.) I go to bed when I start getting sleepy- I no longer fight it and stay up later than I should. I must be aging, with all of that being said...<br />
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<strong>And oh yeah...I blow out the candle before going to bed. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">;-D</span></strong><br />
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Here's to being an organized minimalist, <br />
Liz <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-59926504966653101602013-08-30T18:31:00.000-04:002013-09-23T13:52:41.676-04:00When Depression and/or Anxiety Threaten to Take You Down, Here's What Can Help<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was reading FlyLady's Morning Musing today and got to thinking. She wrote about her past struggles with depression and mentioned that she's suffered from it three times in her life. And of course (my brain being what it is), that made me want to start writing to my own readers. When you get to "know" FlyLady through her program and various writings, you just don't think of her as the type who could get depressed. She seems so upbeat, content and positive. She writes in an encouraging manner and seems to have a good attitude about life. How could someone who seems as "sunny side up" as her get depressed, too? I used to think depression only happened to people like me- an overly analytical brain, brought up in a household where negativity was expressed more than positivity, a not-so-happy and rather chaotic childhood. FlyLady is a SHE, a dreamy and creative type by nature, from what I've read. And I can certainly relate to that! Like me, she had to learn the hard way how to carve out routines and turn chaos into order, both in her household and in her personal life. I'm not, however, as sunny as FlyLady seems to be! I was told by my fifth-grade teacher, when I was all of ten years old, that I was a negative person. I suppose that she had a point, but I also think that my teacher resented my analytical nature. It is a difficult balancing act between being realistic/analytical/logical and being negative, I can tell you.<br />
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Anyway, I've struggled with depression many times in my life. It waxes and wanes. I've had periods where it lasted just a couple of days and times when it persisted for months. Sometimes it's been accompanied by crippling anxiety and even agoraphobia, while other times it's just made me feel as nothing in the world mattered at all. To feel as if you have nothing you care about, no personality, no passions- that's awful. And I've been there, more times than I would like. There are many different elements to depression, some of which are kind of like offshoots, such as depersonalization. If you read forums on these topics, one realizes that LOTS of people- from all these various walks of life, professions, ages, job titles, socio-economic backgrounds, income brackets, etc.- experience depression and similar problems. It doesn't just affect negative natural worriers like me, it can hit anyone at any time. And neither depression nor anxiety always have a cause that can be identified, either. Despite all of the research that's been done, there are simple no one-size-fits-all answers and there is still so much that doctors/scientists/researchers don't know about the topics. The more one reads on the subjects, the more confusing it gets! So what to do? There <em>are</em> concrete things that help. They're not cures, just aides to help get back some of the joy in life. <br />
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<u><strong>What I Know Will Help From Personal Experience</strong></u><br />
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<u><strong>Clean the house-</strong></u> Or de-clutter one space. Either activity works. When I'm depressed, anxious, have something brewing that's putting me into a whirlwind of thought (like a romantic quandary) or feel angry, I turn to cleaning or de-cluttering. For one thing, cleaning is always needed somewhere, so it's a reliable thing to turn to in times of distress. In other words, I can depend on it! I think that's why I find cleaning to be a stabilizing influence. It's something that grounds one into their physical space more deeply. To transform a room through cleaning and/or de-cluttering means instantaneous improvement in an least one area of my life. I may not be able to change the situation that was worrying me that quickly, but I have control over <em>something</em> when I get a room clean or straightened up. Wash the dishes, change the sheets, wipe down the bathroom sink, vacuum the upholstery, mop the bare floors, delete old computer programs you no longer use, trash unneeded emails, sort through file folders and remove unneeded papers. If you de-clutter and have items to donate, go out and drop them off at your designated receiver of donated goods. If you have trash to take out, go get it out of your home now. When you're feeling powerless (an emotion that often goes with depression or anxiety), seeing the visible results of cleaning and de-cluttering ventures will give you a sense of power back.<br />
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<u><strong>Follow Your Life's Regular Routines-</strong></u> I know what it's like to be exhausted, feeling deeply apathetic, saddened and/or paralyzed by depression and anxiety. I have firsthand knowledge of the feeling which goes along with this agony- the desire to simply lie in bed, hiding under the covers. Or sit in a recliner and stare at the television all day. It's often the brain and body's automatic response to emotional stress- do the minimum required of existence and nothing more. However, letting your home and yourself go to pot while you're suffering mentally will <em>not</em> help the situation. If anything, continuing the routines of life will help you get better faster. I'm not saying that it will take away the pain. But looking around your home or in the mirror and seeing chaos will not aid recovery. Make your bed, clean the toilet, unload the dishwasher and refill it with the dirty dishes, straighten up the main living spaces, respond to your paper mail and emails, pay your bills, mow the lawn, trim back hedges, cook healthy meals for yourself (and eat them)...all of the basics that will keep your life humming. Normalcy is the best friend of mental health, in my humble opinion. <br />
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<u><strong>Get outside-</strong></u> Fresh air. Sunshine or light raindrops on your skin. (Don't go out if it's blustering or icy out, obviously...) Go for a walk, go to an outdoor concert, to a county fair, to a farmer's market outdoors, to a wine festival. Anything that will get you out of your house and out of a rut. You can always just go sit outside and admire the trees, write in a journal or meditate, at least on nice days. Sunshine will give you needed Vitamin D too, which in and of itself can be a mood-booster. <br />
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Personally, I hate heat and humidity and love the cold, so autumn or winter walks are a joy for me. Unless it's icy or super-windy outside, I actually prefer strolling in the cooler months. I'm not a fast walker or anything. When I walk outdoors, I don't wear headphones to block out sounds. If you wish to listen to music or something, there's nothing wrong with that. But I like to be aware of the sounds around me when I walk. For one thing, I can hear cars or people coming. The noises of nature, though, can be soothing in and of themselves. Getting outdoors reminds you of a world beyond yourself, which is knowledge that depression or anxiety can steal from you (however temporarily that may be).<br />
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<u><strong>Give to others, especially those less fortunate than yourself-</strong></u> It's old advice, but it's true and worth repeating. There are so many hurting people in this world. Cooking a meal for someone, sending a greeting card to someone you love, reading to a child or elderly person, volunteering in a nursing home or hospital, going on a missionary trip, building a house with Habitat for Humanity, donating time/supplies/money to an animal shelter, working to raise money for a good cause or a political campaign...the list goes on. There is always a massive amount of good works to get done in this world, and frequently there aren't enough people to get that work done. This is just another way of getting out of your own head for awhile. Some may just call this distraction, but I believe that even if it is only that, it's a <em>healthy</em> way to forget your own problems for awhile. This is something that you must take on out of the goodness of your heart- not for what you may get out of it. That said, I believe that acts performed with a pure, good intention have a way of getting positively repaid by the universe.<br />
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<u><strong>Go on a retreat or vacation-</strong></u> Not always an option, I know. But even visiting an out-of-state family member that you get along with well can help. A vacation to see my grandmother for a week in 2006 was actually what started my simplifying and organizing quest! I didn't know it at the time, but that one trip was to be life-changing. <br />
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My Grandma owned a copy of Elaine St. James' <em>Simplify Your Life</em>. My company had been bought out by a much larger insurance giant and the changes which were occurring were almost entirely negative. I went from loving my job to dreading the workday. I had no idea what to do about that situation or the general sense of discontent that was permeating my rather stagnant personal life. I was also immensely frustrated with my home, because it was a mess with me and my mother (whom I lived with) both working full-time. I just could not seem to keep the house clean and organized. That book got my head thinking in whole new directions. <br />
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My grandmother lives in a very small town. The house she lives in has been in my family for seven decades or so. Members of my family have lived in that same small town since the 1700's! Actually, my ancestors helped found the town. Everybody knows everyone there. Life is slow there. People leave the land be, to a great extent, and don't believe in a bunch of development. That's a huge difference from the metropolitan area where I reside. When I went back there to this small town, for a whole week I had no one from work was bothering me. I had no access to a computer or the Internet and that was an unexpectedly pleasant break. I didn't have any work stress hanging over my head 24/7. I got time away from my mother (in and of itself a huge vacation!) I was hanging out with family who didn't care what I did for a living, how much money I made or what I looked like- they loved me just for being myself. That was so incredibly refreshing. I didn't have to wear a mask of power, success and ambition for once.<br />
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Besides reading that awesome book by Ms. St. James, I took lots of walks outside in the country. My grandmother lives out in the boondocks and it was so quiet during the day that you could hear a pin drop. Admiring the wildflowers, old trees, honeysuckle and everything else that undisturbed nature has to offer is soul-affirming. There's something about that experience which can't be duplicated. <br />
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I read my grandmother's many back issues of <em>Victoria</em> magazines and if any of you all also read them, you know that the magazine is full of beauty in so many forms. With my endless workload between home and my outside job, it was as if I'd forgotten the world's beauty. My creativity was stifled by my go, go, go lifestyle. I knew that I needed a change. I hope that if you take a vacation or a retreat, you'll allow yourself the downtime to experience what I did. I came back home from that trip with renewed energy, a new outlook on life and a fresh fire in my belly. I ended up changing so many of my habits, got back to my creative work and eventually also changed jobs. <br />
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Even if you can't actually go on a vacation write now, plan one. Plan your dream vacation as if it's going to be reality, if need be! Research what you'd need to do in order to visit your fantasy locale. Check out hotel rates and reviews, restaurants in the area, common phrases in the native language (if applicable), how much plane or bus fare would cost, what places you must see if you were to visit, comments from those who've already been there and more. At the very least, all of this will be a great distraction. And with anxiety or depression, sometimes getting distracted by a fascinating destination can be exactly what's needed, at least in the short term. Travel gets you out of not only your usual stomping ground but out of the mental space you're in all the time. Learning a new language, studying a new culture, reading up on history of a different people, visiting sites you've never been to before- all of this resets the brain. While I love having regular routines and believe that most people need the stability those daily chores provide, sometimes we need a break from the same old, same old. <br />
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<u><strong>Pamper yourself-</strong></u> Another old hint, but again it's one worth repeating. In times of depression, anxiety or grieving, self-care can be neglected badly. When self-care is ignored too long, it just creates more sadness and sometimes self-hatred. This vicious cycle has to be stopped proactively. The first step is often the hardest when it comes to doing things while you're under emotional stress. But getting started is vitally important to healing. There are times when you need to focus on yourself in a positive manner.<br />
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<li>Wash your hair and apply deep conditioner. Alternately, go get a haircut, perm or color job- whatever you like and can afford. A big pick-me-up can be going for a haircolor or cut that is completely different than what you've had for a long time. I normally stay blonde, but occasionally I go darker- or go auburn- for a change. Sometimes this requires a change in makeup (either deeper or lighter), too. This alteration in appearance seems really superficial, but it can actually be a real boost emotionally.</li>
<li>After cleansing your face and neck, use a facial mask or scrub. After that's rinsed off, apply toner and moisturizer.</li>
<li>After cleansing, toning and moisturizing your face in the morning, apply a full face of makeup to look your personal best. Or go get a makeup makeover at a local department store. You don't have to buy anything new if you don't want to. Just do something to see yourself in a different and better light, whatever that means to you personally.</li>
<li>Use a product like Crest WhiteStrips to whiten your teeth. Go get a dental cleaning if it's been more than six months since you've had one done (and don't have one scheduled). If you need it and have the funds, you could get your teeth professionally whitened or have other needed dental work done.</li>
<li>Use a body scrub or mask to slough off old skin cells and feel refreshed. </li>
<li>Get a massage.</li>
<li>Get a manicure or do one at home. If you don't have time or the inclination to paint your nails, you could just use a body scrub on your hands and then apply your favorite hand cream to them afterwards. My hands take a beating from hand-washing dishes and stuff, getting flaky skin between the webs of my fingers and looking older than I really am! So I love to make them look good again with the scrub-and-cream routine.</li>
<li>Get a pedicure or do it at home.</li>
<li>Take a nice long soak in a bubble bath or hot tub.</li>
<li>Sit in a sauna for awhile.</li>
<li>Go get a bikini wax. Okay, this isn't exactly pampering. But for some women, it can make them feel confident to wear lingerie or a bathing suit again. Do what works for you and applies to you personally. Maybe just getting a close shave on your underarms and legs will make you feel better! </li>
<li>Use self-tanner to get a glamorous faux-bronzing going on. Put a little gold or bronze sparkling powder on, too, after the bronzer or self-tanner dries. A little bit (20 minutes or so) of real sun exposure won't hurt, either.</li>
<li>If you can honestly afford it, buy a new outfit, pair of shoes or purse that you absolutely love. Or get something tailored that's been sitting in your closet unused because it doesn't fit quite right. If you don't have money, wear your nicest outfit that you already own one day, preferably out and about. Sometimes I would wear my prettiest dress and dressiest shoes to the office just because I felt like it. I'd always get oohs and ahs over it, which is so much fun to hear. It doesn't need to be a special occasion to dress up! I've even put on one of my cocktail dresses, my nicest makeup and just pranced around my bedroom before! It reminds me of my personal beauty and helps me feel glamorous for a bit. Silly? Probably. But that dressing up puts me in a good mood! </li>
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<u><strong>Read an uplifting, light-hearted book-</strong></u> Or read a book that enthralls you so much you can't put it down, regardless of genre. I love Stephen King novels. But I also like organizing, housekeeping and time management books (some would call that a weird form of enjoyment!) Some people like to read romance novels or thrillers. Others prefer religious-themed books. Depression and/or anxiety can make focusing hard, which is why I don't recommend picking a book that requires a ton of complex thought or concentration. I like reading about things like biochemistry but sometimes my brain just isn't up to that! Escapist books can be your best friend. When I was younger, I read a lot of self-help books. Go with your gut. People change, and what you enjoyed reading in your youth may not be what you enjoy now. On the plus side, reading will also help keep your cognitive abilities up, which is vitally important during times of depression and/or anxiety.<br />
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<u><strong>Start a new workout routine, preferably with an understanding trainer or teacher</strong>-</u> Whenever I get a little blue, adding in an exercise that I've never done before gives my brain a boost. I've heard that new cells are formed when the body does a movement it's never performed before. Over time, the cells then get used to this movement as you perform it repeatedly, helping you get better and better at it with consistent work. Aerobic weight-training, Yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, swimming, jogging, fencing...anything you're not used to will work. Pick something that will take some real effort on your part to accomplish. Exercise releases endorphins and affects the hormones in a happy way. Doing something new presents a challenge to the brain which can cause a lift (even if it is momentary) of anxiety or depression. Learning a new athletic skill is also an immense confidence booster, something else desperately needed when you're fighting for your mental and emotional health. Depression and anxiety often cause "brain fog"- and exercise helps clear that fog.<br />
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<u><strong>Talk to an old friend-</strong></u> This needs to be someone who is uplifting, positive and believes in you completely. No, these people aren't always easy to find, but when you do, cherish and nurture the friendship. And this goes both ways- <em>you</em> need to be there for them, too. Sometimes thinking of helpful, thoughtful things that you can do for others, then doing that activity, will pull you out of your depressed or anxious cloud. Catching up with a friend you haven't talked to in ages can really be a blast, too!<br />
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<strong><u>Take a class-</u></strong> This won't work for everyone's lifestyle or budget, but I can say from personal experience that nothing will get you out of a rut like taking an engaging college course, particularly in a subject you have great personal interest in. Taking an on-campus class (which is what I really recommend you do) may force you to face social anxiety and/or depression head on- and sometimes, that's exactly what's needed. You'll meet new people, gain insight and read some fresh material. It's something to put on your resume. It gets you out of your own head for a bit of time. Classes aren't always cheap, but many colleges offer non-credit (sometimes called continuing education) courses which are usually more inexpensive and don't always require expensive books. However, I think spending $600 on a class & a book can be a major positive investment, both in your mental health and in your wealth of overall knowledge. Getting out for a twice-a-week class on campus, for example, gives you something to look forward to for several weeks at a stretch. Educational expenses can potentially be deducted on your tax forms. A class give you something new to discuss with friends and family. Even the homework can be engaging and the brain may just appreciate the new challenge you've given it. At the very least, you'll gain a new perspective on a few topics and pass the time.<br />
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<u><strong>Watch a funny movie-</strong></u> I don't really like romantic comedies, as a rule. I prefer something like <em>Airplane! </em>or <em>Office Space</em>. Watching it with a like-minded soul is even better. Sometimes just thinking of certain scenes in funny movies will crack me up!<br />
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<u><strong>Write-</strong></u> Keeping a journal or writing in a blog can be therapeutic. It's not everyones' cup of tea. Don't worry about using proper grammar or perfect spelling. Don't judge what you write or let others criticize it harshly. I find that writing about something which I know will help others can lift me out of a slump or a period of self-pity. I think writing also helps keep the brain sharp, just like reading or getting outside does. Try writing fiction- a short story, a chapter for a novel, a play, etc. It doesn't have to be The Great American Novel that you strive to write. You can write about things that have happened in your own life and turn it into an autobiography. You can write a fantasy book. You can write about travel- either based on a trip you've taken or about a place that you want to visit in the future. It doesn't have to be fact-based, though doing research for a book can be a fun distraction for the mind.<br />
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Here's to being a happy organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-54751736174564792132013-08-23T15:10:00.001-04:002013-09-14T14:11:32.743-04:00Take Your Cues From Professional Cleaners to Get Housework Done Quickly and Properly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week and the week before that, I was on a kick of watching and reading about how professional cleaners get their job done. Janitors, professional housekeepers and full-time maids, etc. Even though I consider myself a fairly expert housekeeper and organizer, there is ALWAYS more to learn on the subject. I found some cool tools and videos that I thought might help my readers out here, too. But I found a lot of cleaners who are alleged experts who actually do some pretty foolish things while cleaning, as well! That's okay, though- better to do housework imperfectly than not at all, right? However, for the amateur housekeeper who is always on the lookout to cut time down while still cleaning efficiently and as perfectly as possible, I hope that the following links will be helpful.<br />
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My big video find was on YouTube. I watched this particular video several times over to get down the techniques, especially for shower/bathtub cleaning. Last week I cleaned my mother's tub with more speed and efficiency following the guidelines of that video. My own shower never needs deep cleaning because I wipe it down after every shower and keep it aired out properly. Once in a great while I'll use a little Comet in the tub to scrub away built-up dead skin cells and soap or I'll brighten the shower tile's grout with a couple spritzes of spray bleach. However, my mother is disabled and doesn't do the daily wipe-down of her shower with a towel, so I have to clean her bathroom every couple of weeks with "the big guns" (i.e., Scrubbing Bubbles and a good scrub brush). I know <em>Speed Cleaning</em> techniques (developed by Jeff Campbell- the book of the same title is available on Amazon if you're interested), but I was going a bit brain dead and needed a refresher on how to clean more quickly. It doesn't matter how long you've been doing something- occasionally you will need some re-training to renew your skill set. Wow, it was so much easier on my back to follow the right techniques again! The bathroom looked great afterwards and I got the cleaning done faster than ever. This video on YouTube was a half-hour training video for a hotel's housekeeping staff. However, a lot of hotel-style cleaning can apply to your own home as well. It was the very best of the dozens of training videos I reviewed. I highly recommend that you check out free training videos like these when/if you can find them. Sadly, this particular video was removed from YouTube for some odd reason. However, if you buy <em>Speed Cleaning</em> on DVD, the bathroom cleaning regimen is almost identical to what I originally found on the 'Tube:<br />
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<a href="http://www.thecleanteam.com/Speed-Cleaning-on-DVD_p_31.html">http://www.thecleanteam.com/Speed-Cleaning-on-DVD_p_31.html</a><br />
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Here is a 10-minute preview of what's in the <em>Speed Cleaning</em> DVD. Yes, it looks dated- but basically, the cleaning techniques and things to clean in the home really haven't changed that much since this video was produced. <br />
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<span lang="EN"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADd8ENrOtGc&list=PLRN7qxH_jUNu8GD6IbWV5HS8tptILejc2&index=7">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADd8ENrOtGc&list=PLRN7qxH_jUNu8GD6IbWV5HS8tptILejc2&index=7</a></span><br />
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I found some other cleaning videos on YouTube which overall use pretty good techniques for thoroughly but quickly cleaning a home, though. They were designed to teach professional cleaners, but you can still adapt the techniques to cleaning your own house. I recommend these because a) they're free to watch and b) they teach how to work around a room for dusting and cleaning in a logical, pretty environmentally-friendly fashion.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaET4T6-oGw&list=PLRN7qxH_jUNu8GD6IbWV5HS8tptILejc2&index=5">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaET4T6-oGw&list=PLRN7qxH_jUNu8GD6IbWV5HS8tptILejc2&index=5</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8cZtymS3eo&list=PLRN7qxH_jUNu8GD6IbWV5HS8tptILejc2&index=4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8cZtymS3eo&list=PLRN7qxH_jUNu8GD6IbWV5HS8tptILejc2&index=4</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kdogNDPsw0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kdogNDPsw0</a><br />
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This is a hotel cleaning training video. Obviously, you won't clean your own house every single day like the guy here cleans the room. But it gives some great tips on cleaning products and form that you can utilize for your weekly or bi-weekly housecleaning.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VVFUJmmWs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3VVFUJmmWs</a><br />
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Okay, I'm about to be critical here but...I must be. The following video is an example of how NOT to clean, as far as I'm concerned. You don't have to watch it unless you're curious. DO NOT get into a tub with both feet like the woman does to clean the tub in this video. You can use a deck scrubber brush on a long handle that's set aside for this purpose if you're cleaning a deep, long tub. (I recommend always using a clean, dry hand towel to wipe down a tub and shower walls right after you bathe so that this type of heavy cleaning is never needed. Run a fan in the bathroom to dry up moisture during and for awhile after your shower, too.) If you must step into a tub to clean shower tile or a tub, put a dry hand towel underneath your foot/shoe. Keep one foot outside the tub at all times for safety! Wear slip-resistant work shoes if at all possible while cleaning. I recommend wearing rubber gloves when cleaning a bathroom, too (something the woman in this video doesn't do, despite being a professional cleaner). Also, the work this woman does on a ladder is almost completely unnecessary. High areas in a bathroom don't get the splashes, dust, etc., that lower areas get, as a rule. Only clean these areas when really necessary, which probably won't be that often. High areas usually just get dusty, too- not actually "dirty". One of the very few exceptions to that rule is in a kitchen, where grease and cooking oils leave a film that must be cleaned off with something other than a feather duster. Light bulbs and fixtures which are high up can be dusted with a long-reaching duster or feather duster with a long handle. Occasionally a light fixture must be taken down and have the interior washed- bugs and dust get inside and there's just no way to clean them otherwise. But that is only an occasional chore, not something that has to be done frequently. But I digress. A squeegee on a pole can more safely clean very high mirrors or glass, as opposed to you getting on a stepladder to clean. I don't like using step stools in bathrooms unless it's absolutely necessary. There's no need to go around a bathroom more than twice, either. She uses Comet on the toilet, which really isn't my favorite product. I believe it eventually scrubs away too much of a toilet's surface and really isn't a strong enough cleaner for the job of killing the kinds of germs that live on that fixture. I really prefer to use a liquid or gel disinfecting all purpose or toilet bowl cleaner myself. All purpose disinfecting cleaner is great because you can use a little on a cleaning cloth to wipe down counters, in the toilet to clean and disinfect and then on a mop head to clean the floor. The less products you can use, the better for your wallet and probably for your lungs, as well. But here's the video clip, now that you've read my dissertation!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8APd5slNhQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8APd5slNhQ</a><br />
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I'm learning to re-use my leg strength and not my back to get chores done. When I watched the professional housekeepers and janitors, I realized that I was bending over at the waist way too much and not using my legs/knees enough. No wonder my back hurt so much! Though it was hard at first (I have knee problems and my legs are naturally my weakest body part), I started squatting and/or kneeling to get housework done. Getting down on hard floors is still challenging for me because I fell on a concrete floor directly onto my right knee about five years ago, and still can't put my full weight on that knee. However, I've been doing a TON of leg lifts, squats, step-ups and other leg training exercises in the last month and that's really been paying off! Physical fitness and using proper cleaning form in the body is absolutely imperative to stay a lifetime housekeeper.<br />
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As far as organizing the household goes, I've been watching YouTube videos from an awesome professional organizer named Alejandra. She is, even for my hyper-organized taste, a little OCD when it comes to organizing stuff. I thought <em>I</em> was bad because I organized my dresser drawers and closet by rainbow, but this girl takes organizing to a whole new level. Be warned- she will make even Martha Stewart look like a slob! That said, Alejandra has some awesome ideas. I recommend watching her stuff when the de-cluttering is done and what's left is the organizing that you do have in a pretty way. Alejandra is a whirlwind of youthful energy- but you've been notified in advance!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/HomeOrganizing?feature=playlist">http://www.youtube.com/user/HomeOrganizing?feature=playlist</a><br />
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I also REALLY like her "Products I Use" link for her favorite organizing tools. She's really creative and knowledgeable about these items.<br />
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<a href="https://www.alejandra.tv/shop/best-home-organizational-products/">https://www.alejandra.tv/shop/best-home-organizational-products/</a><br />
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Here's to being a cleanly organized minimalist,<br />
Liz<br />
<br />
<em> </em></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-29246230547413937512013-08-20T20:33:00.001-04:002013-11-15T22:08:04.637-05:00Another Post for Fellow FlyBabies: Sometimes it Does Take YEARS (Not Days or Weeks!) to Build All New Habits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, so I got inspired to write this post by a kind comment made on the blog entry I wrote for following FlyLady's program while disabled. I've always felt that letting each of you know about my personal struggles trying to make FlyLady's program work might be helpful, and I hope that's the case.<br />
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Just seven years ago, I was pretty darn disorganized. I was so embarrassed when people would stop by my house without notice. I was never tardy for work or anything, but I always felt I was playing "beat the clock" when it came to balancing work and home. I was frustrated as all get out. My mind felt like a tornado was whirling through it constantly. It took backbreaking housework to make my home look presentable every time that I attempted it. When I did clean, the house would look great, but only for about a day (if I was lucky). I blamed my full-time job for taking time and energy from me, but that really wasn't the problem. Because even when I <em>was</em> home all day puttering around the house during rare days off, I still couldn't seem to get anything of any value done. I'd try to get stuff accomplished, but it was if I was always playing catch-up- and I hardly ever won the game. I couldn't seem to prioritize correctly. I felt guilty spending time on formal exercise or going out with friends, because my house almost always looked like a mess. I honestly thought that I was missing some imperative gene that made keeping a home nice while holding down a full-time job, working out regularly and still socializing a fair amount of time with my friends possible. I was almost resigned to being a lifelong "messy", or having only certain aspects of my life be successes, with others relegated to "utter failure" stature. I worried about what kind of wife or mother I'd make in this state. But at least I knew that I had a problem, right? That truly always seems to be the first step in solving problems, knowing that there IS an issue to begin with.<br />
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I was desperately trying to get organized when I stumbled across FlyLady's program after doing a Google search one day on organizing. When I read her website's details, I had a major "Eureka!" moment. I was the type of person that just didn't see a mess until it was already out of control. The idea of daily chores were virtually unheard of to me back then. Habits? What were those? Undertaking a series of daily household routines never even entered my mind pre-FlyLady. She was describing <em>me</em> when she talked about sidetracked home executives (though I worked full-time outside the home, it didn't matter- it's a personality type we're talking about here). Wow, she got it! I was hopping mad that no one had pointed out the common sense stuff she was talking about before. All of those years that I was condemned for not being as neat, organized and together as other people, but the people doing the condemning never gave me any tools to be anything other than what I already was. Finally, someone gave the blueprint for a better home and a better life!<br />
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But it wasn't as simple as just following Maria Cilley's program step by step. I faced a lot of inner rebellion. Why the heck did <em>I </em>have to be the one doing all of the housework? Why should I schedule <em>my</em> life around cleaning? Why do <em>I</em> have to pick up after myself when no one else does in the house? (And yes, I blamed my cats for not picking up after themselves- total insanity on my part, LOL!) I must have written up and deleted fifty different control journals, the deletions coming along each time my inner rebel won the unending mental argument in my head. But finally I realized that if I followed the program, I actually wouldn't be a slave to a cleaning schedule. I'd have the darn cleaning out of the way in a relative jiffy if I followed FlyLady's plan, and then I could have loads of fun (or get other work done...) the rest of the time. It took me a couple of years to get over the rebellion, to be honest. If it has taken you some time to do the same, or you're still feeling that way, take heart. You aren't alone, and it doesn't make you a terrible person or homemaker. It's a natural feeling.<br />
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Anyway, I first started following her program in 2007. If you read her website, you may think that you can have your home swept into shape within a month or at least within a year. For some people that may in fact be true. But I'll be quite honest- it took me five years to <em>really</em> have the habits ingrained. And only now can I say that I do these things on auto-pilot. Make the bed when I get up, swish-and-swipe the bathroom first thing when I go in there each morning, unload/load/run the dishwasher as needed during the day and evening, wash the dirty pots or pans up promptly after dinner...these are all fairly automatic habits to me now. They're not always <em>easy </em>to accomplish or focus on, mind you- but I no longer need a reminder to know that they need to be done from any outside source. I actually see messes now immediately, which was a big part of the initial problem. It is a true habit now to put things away when I'm done with them, take dirty dishes back to the kitchen from the dining room, start a load of laundry each morning. If my chores don't get done for some reason that day, it's by my choice and not because I forgot. Five or six years to accomplish this mindset- not five days, weeks or even months. There's probably a scientific reason for that. I'm no scientist, but I do know that it takes some time to build new pathways in the brain, otherwise known as creating new habits. Every person is different. You may be lucky and get on auto-pilot far more quickly than I did. I had an upbringing to overcome where I wasn't taught ANY of this stuff. I'm also daydream-y by nature, not always grounded in the present time and place the way others are naturally. Just be patient, no matter what your circumstances are. The time is going to pass by regardless of what you do. <br />
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Some habits were easier to build than others for me too, and I think that you should fully expect the same for yourself. I got the laundry habit down rather quickly, within a few weeks. Within a few months, the Weekly Home Blessing Hour and other weekly events were etched in my mind. Within a couple of years, laying out clothes daily and making my bed became ingrained habits. Next came the swish-and-swipe. Last to come on board was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner every single night (mostly because I hate washing dishes, no doubt!) The chores that you like the most will probably become the first ones that you memorize, and the ones you hate will probably be the habits that you retain last. Now my house runs like a neat little battleship with a wise, intelligent captain...well, most of the time. Think of just how many years a dancer must train to become agile, fit and flawless enough to perform a whole routine for an audience. One learns those complex routines by doing each step over and over again in order until it becomes automatic, and that's after many months or years of training to develop a body fit for dancing in the first place. Or look at how many years it takes a person to become an accomplished engineer, able to design a building without flaws. That goal also takes many years of school, experience, overcoming failures and hard work to achieve. No in-depth knowledge worth having and no skill worth doing becomes perfect overnight! It has nothing to do with the innate intellect or talent of the person, it just takes years to retain enough knowledge and skill to get things done at a high level of excellence consistently. Some people have loads of energy, tons of mental focus and no disabilities. If you do suffer from a disability, though, the work may get done more slowly and perhaps with more pain involved. This is just the nature of life- and another good reason not to hold yourself up to a standard which you can't achieve no matter how hard you try. No two people are built alike. Other, more temporary things, also work against us. Depression, anxiety, grief, argumentative relationships with people in your household, acute physical injuries...all of these elements make even very short and simple chores more challenging, let alone the bigger and longer chores. Expect this to happen sometimes.<br />
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Don't put yourself in punishment mode if you are taking more time than you think you should be to "get it all done". You'll get there! Many, many times I thought that I just couldn't cut it when it came to mastering the FlyLady program. But here I am writing to you about organizing, when seven years ago I knew virtually nothing on the subject! Have faith in yourself. Celebrate the successes, even the tiny ones. I now have a 4.0 GPA in college, am an Honors student, my house looks better than ever before in my life <strong>all the time</strong>- and yet I also still battle fibromyalgia daily. If <em>I </em>can do it, anyone can conquer the chaos of life! It does take time, lots of reading on occasion and plenty of focus to get organized and then stay organized, but it can be done. Please don't let one bad day, week, month or even year stop you, either. Sometimes I just have to amend her program to suit that time period's particular problems. My main focus now is that I get done what's on her daily Flight Plan <em>at some point during that day. </em>In other words, not everything in the "Morning Routine" will always get done in the a.m.- I may not be able to get around to unloading the dishwasher until it's time to start dinner that evening. Getting it all done in the a.m. is an ideal (and a good one to have for many people), but it doesn't always work out in reality! It depends on my schedule, energy/pain level or if some crisis comes up during the day. I simply accept that now. FlyLady wants people to dump perfectionism. And to me, this includes demanding we get everything done in the a.m. as we believe a "perfect" follower of FlyLady would. Some people also are just not morning people (count me in on that one). Fighting this fact really isn't very helpful. Adapt, adapt, adapt the FlyLady lifestyle to work for you (and your family, if applicable). As FlyLady says, "Just jump in where you are!" Take those words to heart for good. If you get done what's on the program most days, sometime during each day, your home and life will stay in good shape! You will not be spending all day every day cleaning with her system, either. <br />
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Here's to being an organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-89475616610159778102013-08-15T14:02:00.004-04:002013-08-18T12:22:03.190-04:00Emergency Preparedness Step #14- If You Haven't Already Done So, Start a Control Journal <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is my final emergency preparedness task for you to complete. Credit for the control journal idea goes to The FlyLady (Maria Cilley). It is also called a household notebook in some circles. In this post, I'll simply be asking you to assemble some papers together for your emergencies into the control journal. It will not take you nearly the amount of time that you think it will, I promise, even if you haven't a clue what a control journal is right now. Please read my previous post if you need an idea of what's good to keep in a control journal all of the time:<br />
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<a href="http://lizturquoiseeyes.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-i-keep-in-my-office-in-bag.html">http://lizturquoiseeyes.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-i-keep-in-my-office-in-bag.html</a><br />
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If you haven't thought of it before, realize that not all emergencies will be weather-related. Some are medical in nature and some of them may happen to the main man/woman of the household, which I know is likely to be <em>you</em>, dear reader! Medical emergencies often throw people and families into a tizzy because no one is prepared to deal with them in advance. Now of course you cannot be prepared for any and all problems that will arise, but you can do an amazing amount of preparation with a minimum amount of effort and time. If you haven't already done it, type up and include a medical/surgical history page for the control journal, including your/your family member's full name, address and phone number at the top. On this page, list when and what type of surgeries they've had, what if any medications they are on and in what dosage, recurring/chronic health conditions, any and all allergies (food and medication). Put the name, address and phone number of their primary (family) doctor on it and include the same information for any specialists or psychiatric doctors that they see on a regular basis- once a year or more, that is. This information is something that should be saved in your documents on your computer. Don't include a Social Security number on it (they can get that later from you or from the patient themselves if needed), but do give a copy of it to any medical and/or emergency personnel that treat them, especially if they are <em>not</em> familiar with their medical history. For yourself, I recommend that you carry a copy of this in your glove compartment or (if you work outside the home) in a locked work cabinet. If you were in a car wreck or had an emergency medical problem come up at work, this information is incredibly helpful to medical staff and may be absolutely necessary info to have if you cannot speak in the event of an emergency like this. Even when a medical emergency happens to someone besides yourself in the household, you or your spouse could be in so much shock or worrying so much about the situation at hand that you could neglect to give paramedics or ER staff a vital piece of medical history on the person who's being treated. Make sure that all of your medical/dental insurance cards are up-to-date and in a safe but easy-to-access location. Carry your medical insurance card with you everywhere. If you lose it, immediately request a replacement card from the insurance company (there's no charge for this). <br />
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For yourself and any other adults in the household, I strongly suggest writing out and getting signatures for a durable power of attorney/living will. You'll most likely have to get it signed by two other people and at least one of them needs to be someone who will not financially benefit from your death. I've talked about the necessity of having this document before in my blogs and I continue to feel very strongly about filling this out <em>now</em>. This paper documents what you want done in the event that you're incapacitated, what your wishes are regarding life support, who in your family can make medical decisions for you should you be completely unable to do so yourself and (at least in some documents) your general funeral wishes. You can keep it in a file cabinet along with any life insurance information you have or you can keep a copy of it in your control journal- it's up to you. I don't think that filling this out is morbid- it's smart. You cannot be prepared for emergencies without facing facts and naturally, death is a fact of life. Please do this for yourself or you could end up having people make decisions for you that you really don't want should you become incapacitated or die suddenly. I don't care what age or health that you're in- take care of this! Any special requests you have about your own funeral, what you want done with particular possessions or who you'd want your children to go to in the event of your death all need to be in writing and preferably done in accordance with the legal guidelines for your particular area which will make all of that fully binding. Yes, you may think that this goes above and beyond a 72-hour emergency plan but I really don't think that it does. Even in what many would think of as rather minor weather-related disasters, sadly at least one person usually dies during the event. Remember that almost no one ever thinks, "This is my last day on earth. I'm ready to go now and I'm completely prepared." <br />
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For weather-related emergencies, make sure you have any and all evacuation plans in your control journal or at least all in one safe place (you could keep it without your household emergency supplies, for example). The control journal is a good place to store instructions on how to turn off gas, electric, water, major appliances, etc. Include directions out of town on multiple highways, back roads, etc.- you don't know what traffic will be like if there's a local or national emergency, so plan to have several different ways out of town mapped out. If you have specific family or friends that you'd be staying with in an emergency, include directions to their home in this journal. I suggest mapping out two routes to their home using different roads (if at all possible) via Rand McNally, Google or MapQuest. <br />
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One more thing- help protect your expensive electronics and appliances with surge protectors on each. This has nothing to do with a control journal, but I want to throw it out there while I'm thinking of appliances and major utilities!<br />
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Well, that's all on this topic for now. I hope that this series of tasks has proved helpful to you. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on this topic or have a request for more information.<br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-61427250163573271042013-08-12T14:00:00.001-04:002013-08-12T14:00:39.362-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #13- Emergency Preparedness for Your Automobile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now that you have your home in order for a 72-hour emergency, it's time to get any and all vehicles prepped for yourself and/or your immediate family. A first-aid kit, water, food, blankets, a waterproof flashlight- all of these are essential for survival should you either get stuck in your vehicle for a few days due to an emergency or have some other problem strike while you're on the road and cannot get immediate assistance.<br />
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If you had to travel to a campground, emergency shelter, a family or friends' home or sleep in your car, could you stay safe and warm enough? Would you have food and water to support everyone for approximately three days? You don't need to carry these supplies with you on simple runs to the grocery store or anything extreme like that. But if you have a very long commute to work (45+ minutes one way), a long car trip planned (especially to a rural area with no emergency services and few people around to help in the event of a disaster) or you have to leave your home for any extended time (more than three or four hours away, I'd say), please carry some supplies with you. An automobile-based emergency can be entirely different in nature from one which happens at home. Below is the Department of Motor Vehicle's list of needed items for an emergency automobile kit:<br />
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<a href="http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/emergency-kit.php">http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/emergency-kit.php</a><br />
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Please remember to adapt all of this to your family's personal needs and then plan accordingly. Obviously if you have a young baby or child along, your needs will change somewhat from a single person traveling alone or an elderly couple who have limited mobility and/or must have medications on hand to take at regular intervals. <br />
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If you are being evacuated from your home due to an emergency, try to make room in your vehicle's trunk or backseat to carry your home-based emergency supplies along, as well. This is another reason why I suggest that you always have your home-based emergency supplies in one place- they are easier to gather up quickly if they're all in one location. <br />
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Not only do I want you to stock up on a few additional supplies, but if you haven't already done so, I'd like you to print out directions to the local police and/or fire station, any friends or family you would be staying with if a disaster struck and to all major airports and bus stations in your area. Large-scale and long-term evacuations are beyond the scope of a 72-hour kit that I suggest you always have available at home or in the car, but nonetheless I'd like you to print out these directions now. If something happened to you and/or your spouse, your immediate family members will need to know how to get to the safe places you've designated in the event of an emergency. Some counties, states and other countries besides the U.S. still have plenty of emergency shelters in place that people can go to, but this is pretty rare nowadays as far as I'm aware from all of my reading. So please don't count on the local, state or Federal government to evacuate and protect you should the need for either one become a reality. (I'm not slamming what government agencies do in the event of emergencies, I'm merely being realistic- the government can and does frequently respond well to emergency circumstances but there are always mistakes and oversights which occur because that's just the human way.)<br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-46603219958564231702013-08-11T12:29:00.002-04:002013-09-09T20:45:41.863-04:00For Fellow FlyBabies...Regretfully (In a Way) Rethinking the Whole "Wear Your Shoes All Day Thing"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, so I'm feeling sort of guilty about this post for odd reasons. I have no real use or reason to feel guilty, but I was and am such a "devout" follower of FlyLady that this whole thing I'm about to discuss has given me issues, lol. But without further ado, here's my discovery- my back, legs and feet feel much better without shoes on all day. Your mileage may vary. But here's my tale.<br />
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About two years ago (a few years after adopting the FlyLady rule of wearing sneakers all the time, day in and day out), I started feeling shin pain (especially bad at night), restless legs starting in the late afternoon/early evening, achy feet, severely stiffening knees and decreased muscle tone in my legs and glutes. I also realized I could no longer squat down or lunge down much to speak of (especially while in shoes), which was putting a great strain on my back. Climbing stairs or even curbs was getting to be difficult, and not because it made me out of breath, but because of some decreased leg strength and how bad my joints felt in the lower body. I also literally could do no more than unload a dishwasher before my lower back started giving me extreme fits of pain and burning. Cooking was incredibly painful because standing in place was excruciating to my back. I thought maybe I was aging way before my time due to my fibromyalgia, perhaps that it was a medication side effect or me not doing enough abdominal workouts- I didn't attribute it to wearing shoes. Now, I've <em>always</em> worn sneakers which are not cheap, are designed for feet like mine (flat but with a fairly low instep), not old shoes, always with quality socks worn underneath, nothing constricting, always in the right size. I didn't wear heels or even flats, either- I lived in sneakers 99% of the time. Wearing shoes was certainly convenient when I needed to head out the door unexpectedly- but I didn't feel like leaving home very much anymore with my legs so weak and my whole body in so much pain.<br />
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I didn't set out to be rebellious to the FlyLady or her teachings. But my legs were aching so badly that I just couldn't stand the thought of putting on shoes anymore unless I had to go out of the house this past spring when my college semester ended. Shoes seemed to make me walk more slowly and made me feel heavier somehow. I couldn't quite understand it, but it seemed like shoes were throwing off my sense of balance, too. So I kicked them off, socks included! Barefoot only in the house became my new rule. Since it's been warm weather season, when I have gone out, I put on my most barefoot-type sandals, Tela from SoftSpots (not endorsing, just explaining). And oddly, without any other changes in my lifestyle, my leg pain almost completely went away within a couple of weeks of going without shoes all day! Just like magic, I'm telling you. I moved through my house much faster, helping me get chores done faster. My foot and knee flexibility returned, a bit slowly albeit, but it's returned. My ankles and knees feel much stronger. I can now squat and lunge down far more easily, which has also eliminated my back pain to a great degree (and that was BAD). With my legs and knees feeling better, I could exercise much more, meaning that I could start to feel my muscle tone returning (walking without the shoes was already expediting the muscle tone coming back, though). I can work out again without fatigue. Since I work out at home, I can also work out barefoot. Interestingly, I've found that my weight-training workouts feel more natural and I can get greater range of motion without shoes on, especially for lower body and abdominal workouts. Stretching without shoes on also allows for a deeper stretch throughout my body, too. And I've had no more back pain or burning that's worth worrying over! Cooking became enjoyable again. My balance is so much better. I've gone from being able to do maybe fifteen minutes of housework before needing a break to being able to clean for over an hour without a break! Doing laundry became effortless again. My knees feel 1000% better and never twist out of place anymore. I'm happy to get out of the house because I feel lighter, have less pain and am now more fit. As a side benefit, my carpeting and bathroom rugs have also stayed cleaner in the house. <br />
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After my discoveries of what the new and barefoot me were doing for my life (all of which are positive), I went on the Internet and researched to see if anyone else was in agreement with my experience. WOW, what a lot of talk this whole subject has going on, shoes vs. barefoot! And, yes, what I experienced has happened to a lot of people before me. I had no clue that it was such a debate out there or that so many people believe in going barefoot for very logical reasons, but it is a fact. I had no idea that there was a whole "barefoot movement" out in society, but there is. I also didn't realize just how well-designed the body is to do what it needs to without shoes! Who knew that most shoes actually weaken and deform the feet over time? (I didn't.) A lot of what they've said in the barefoot studies and movements, I've found to be true. I'm not going to start walking the neighborhood or my college campus completely barefoot, but for college this coming autumn I <em>am</em> going to be buying shoes which are designed to let the foot do what it does best- work naturally. In other words, these shoes just protect the foot from environmental damage, but otherwise do not alter the foot's movement or one's gait. They are very lightweight and I know that's what I need now. And when I'm home, I'm staying barefoot! <br />
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As to the dangers of going barefoot, I think that they're overstated in most cases. Yes, I've stubbed my toe once or twice. It hurt, but it certainly didn't kill me. Once I got an itty-bitty piece of glass in the bottom of my foot this summer, but thankfully I got that piece out and had no issue with my foot healing quickly or being able to walk that day or later on. Those little annoyances are farrrrrrrrr outweighed by all the benefits I've gained.<br />
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To counteract the inevitable roughing-up that walking around barefoot gives to the bottoms of my feet, I use a foot scrub in the shower and moisturize my feet after my nightly shower. Once in awhile I use a Diamencel buffer to get rid of the excess rough skin, though I leave the callouses mostly alone (since they're actually quite protective to the foot). I've never had the greatest of feet on the bottom anyway, always being prone to callousing and some dry skin. Going barefoot didn't make my feet much worse in this regard. And I'm now not convinced that "babying" feet via shoes is healthy, either. Sometimes callouses are actually NOT a bad thing.<br />
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I've known for a long time that one has to adapt FlyLady to their own life. Now I must advise that one must also be willing to listen to their own intuition above anyone else's teaching, no matter how much logic goes into what they say. I learned that lesson years ago, but apparently not well enough! I still see the FlyLady's point regarding shoes, I just can't live by her advice any longer full-time. To be clear, I still completely agree in getting up, showering or bathing (if not done the night before), getting dressed, brushing teeth & fixing hair/face upon awakening each morning. That tip drastically simplifies life. I just keep my shoes off in the house and keep a pair of minimalist shoes near the front door now. Problem solved!<br />
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Here's to being an occasionally rebellious organized minimalist, <br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-11450879394844929302013-08-10T15:59:00.002-04:002013-08-11T10:54:51.076-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #12- Have a Frank and Open Discussion About Emergency Preparedness with Your Family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today my task for you is to talk about what you would do in an emergency for three days (or more, if you want to go into that) with your immediate family, if you haven't done so already. It would be nice if that's done before buying or making any emergency supplies to begin with, but sometimes family members are resistant to this type of prepping, for a variety of reasons. That's why I put this task off until now for you- in some households, buying the supplies covertly for a little bit is the only way to get them in the house without panic or major resistance from others. I can assure you that any and all residual doubt or resistance goes away when the supplies are needed by those family members, though! I would also suggest that you discuss this topic with any extended family or friends that you would have to stay with if an emergency struck where you had to leave your home. And, for that matter, if they had to leave <em>their</em> home and stay with you in an emergency. For those who are single and live alone, not all of this task will be applicable, but I would still recommend talking to your extended family or friends no matter what your marital/kids status is.<br />
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Set up a "battle plan" now. Make sure that the people who live with you know where the emergency supplies are, what to do if water/gas/electrical needs to get turned off, where you would travel to if an emergency struck in your area, why you are prepping for emergencies in the first place, etc. There's no need to be alarmist or melodramatic with anyone, just bring it up like you would any other serious, practical topic. And there's nothing to fear by having this conversation. It's better to be prepared before a problem strikes and have everyone on the same page if an emergency strikes. Can you imagine how badly a military would be run if there was no set of rules in place on how to handle the various circumstances that come up in both their training practices and then on the actual battlefield? What if they had no supplies to handle these situations and no idea how to replenish these supplies when they're used up? If they weren't organized and efficient, how would a military go about delegating tasks to the appropriate people? What if there was no one in charge and then no one who knew what path to take in the event of a surprise attack? It would be utter chaos and extremely inefficient, not to mention exceedingly dangerous. Being ill-prepared even when you have the resources to get prepared now, engaging in procrastinating over the issue, refusing to believe that anything bad could ever happen to your or your family...that's just not what an adult should do. <br />
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Prepping doesn't mean that you are going to bring a disaster on yourself, it just means that you've realistically prepared for circumstances that very commonly affect people- earthquakes, medical emergencies, blackouts, tornados, floods, etc. What you prepare for specifically will depend upon the likelihood of certain events hitting your particular geographic area, the ages and medical conditions of people in your home, etc. No matter what your circumstances, you owe it to yourself and your family, if applicable, to be knowledgable about emergency preparedness and put some of your time, effort and income into it consistently.<br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist, <br />
Liz </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-6965939939225579152013-08-08T23:22:00.003-04:002013-08-08T23:22:27.037-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #11- Stock Up On Entertainment Items For An Emergency<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This one task is pretty simple, and you may not even need to do or buy much of anything extra here. For short-term emergencies, electronic items such as a charged-up portable DVD player, a tablet reader (like a Kindle Fire) or a charged SmartPhone (assuming you have a way to recharge it) can provide easy entertainment. ALWAYS keep items like this fully charged up, just in case! But I highly recommend also buying some very engaging paperback or hardcover books to read, maybe a few good board games, a deck of cards, a chess or checkers set and any other non-electronic, inexpensive means of entertainment that can be enjoyed in natural daylight or a lantern's light. Light-hearted novels, thrillers like Stephen King books and good autobiographies are my favorite emergency book choices. Hopefully, you will have already have purchased an NOAA radio and anything you need to keep items charged in an emergency, but additional forms of entertainment never hurt to have on hand. This may sound like an idiotic suggestion, but with so many of us virtually living online these days<em> </em>(including our children), we may in fact have to give a little additional thought, time and money to planning activities which are now considered old-fashioned in many circles. If your kids (and yourself) were without a computer, a cell phone, video games, a TV, etc., are you prepared to keep all concerned entertained? Emergencies are naturally stressful and you'll need some items available to lighten the mood. Yes, a blackout or similar circumstance can actually just give you time to merely chat and catch up with your family- but eventually, you'll probably need something else enjoyable to pass the time. Some people may choose to knit or take up some other practical skill towards prepping even when they're not facing an immediate emergency, a hobby that can be continued under almost any circumstance.<br />
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Note: I would hope whatever problem strikes, that you aren't so busy trying to stay alive that you'll have no chance to embrace the downtime. I realize that in some extreme cases, you and/or your family may be so engaged in simply trying to save yourselves and your home that entertainment will be the last thing on your mind. But my rule is to first be prepared for a three-day blackout or something akin to it, where you may or may not have to leave home. Making sure that the people in your immediate circle will have some fun respite in the midst of an emergency is just yet another practical prepping step, in my humble opinion. <br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist, <br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-8665334314106890462013-07-31T19:12:00.008-04:002013-07-31T19:12:53.414-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #10- Get Yourself in Shape for the Emergencies of Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lately I've been working on cardiovascular work, weight-training, stretching and knee rehabilitation exercises to strengthen my legs, shoulders, back and abdominals. I wanted to begin walking and hiking treks with my best friend (who's already in great shape) and I knew that I couldn't do this with her unless I got in much better shape. It's made me realize that what I'm training for would equally apply to preparatory training for emergencies. In emergencies, you may be required to walk considerable distances. You will have to be able to carry armfuls of items around, stretch, crouch, squat, work with tools, wash lots of items by hand...it requires fitness to survive and thrive in times of emergencies.<br />
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Having a strong immune system is utterly imperative for making it through a crisis, too. Look seriously at whether or not you are eating and taking the dietary supplements that you know you need for optimum health. Think about it. Who is going to take care of you or your family if you're out of shape and unable to keep up with the requirements of an emergency? Are you doing yourself any favors by eating low-quality food, not taking dietary supplements to boost our body's performance and not exercising. I'm writing this as much to myself as I am to you! Yes, life should be lived in balance. But it is necessary to get some exercise every day.<br />
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Times of emergency require endurance, flexibility, strength and adaptability. Some people are better-equipped naturally to handle this, but almost anyone can train to get better at handling these types of situations. <br />
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Here are some questions that you must ask yourself and answer honestly, to see if you're fit enough to handle an emergency situation with sufficient bodily ability:<br />
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* Can you lift up several grocery bags in one hand, a heavy suitcase, a large (full) Rubbermaid container, small children, pets and laundry baskets full of clothes easily and without getting very out of breath?<br />
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* Can you climb stairs easily? If you're in pain and that's the cause of not being able to climb steps, have you been to a doctor, physical therapist, etc., to try and resolve the issues?<br />
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* Are you able to balance on one leg? Can you squat, lunge, kneel and sit on the floor if needed? Can you easily pull up your own weight onto stairs, platforms, step stools and ladders?<br />
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* Can you walk for more than fifteen minutes at a time? Could you also walk with a backpack on your back for more than ten minutes and still be comfortable enough?<br />
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* Do you constantly feel tired? Do you often wish that you had more energy? Have you read and studied what you could be doing to improve your energy levels? Have you had a recent physical and blood work done to rule out any easily-treatable causes of fatigue (such as iron deficiency anemia)?<br />
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* Is your sleep hygiene what it should be to induce a good night's sleep? Sleep is the foundation of a healthy life. It's not a luxury to sleep well- it is a must to live at your peak when you are awake. Do whatever you have to do in order to get abundant, high-quality sleep each night. <br />
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* Are you eating healthy and taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement each day? It's not nearly as important to focus on what you <em>shouldn't</em> eat as it is to focus on what you can and should eat for optimum health. When you fill your diet with clean water, whole grains, lean protein, lots of vegetables, fresh fruit, herbs, spices, healthy fats (coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, etc.), nuts and seeds, I can promise that your cravings for sweets or salty foods will automatically go down. When your dietary needs are being met through whole, fresh food, your energy levels and brain chemistry will thank you. People who have incessant urges to eat sweets or salty snacks aren't lacking in willpower or strength; they are undernourished and are not eating enough calories in good food first. People who eat old-fashioned oats, green or black tea, healthy fats, two to three servings of fruit, three to five servings of vegetables (including a big salad full of dark leafy greens), an ounce of seeds or nuts, 70-150 grams of protein and a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa every single day simply don't have much appetite left for junk! Add a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement to cover your bases and I can guarantee you that you'll feel neither deprived nor lacking in energy! Eat the good stuff first and then if you still crave a treat, you'll be able to keep it at a reasonable portion size because you haven't been starving yourself. That said, look for healthier versions of sweeteners and favorite desserts to indulge in. Good nutrition aids in having a clear mind, and few things are more important in an emergency than having all your wits about you! <br />
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If you don't already have a program in place, I strongly urge you to slowly but surely get into a regular exercise program. Weight-training exercises, abdominal training, cardiovascular work and athletic stretching or yoga should all be a part of your program. Walking, hiking, running, swimming and biking are all excellent cardio choices which would help anyone who wants to become a more serious prepper get in shape. You don't have to go to a gym to lift weights, either. There are lots of good workout DVDs out there for cardio, weight-training and stretching or yoga. My favorites are from The FIRM and by Cathe Friedrich. Yoga helps not only with flexibility and developing good balance but also de-stresses and energizes (something seriously needed in any time of emergency). Taking one to two rest days a week from exercise is a good idea, so that your muscles have a chance to recover and so that your joints don't get overused. Cardio done three times a week for thirty to sixty minutes at a time, a total-body weight-training with abdominal work completed twice a week and stretches done after all of those workouts will ensure a high level of fitness- especially when combined with a good diet.<br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-67166049391069652252013-07-29T14:36:00.003-04:002013-08-12T14:04:05.606-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #9- Purchase or Set Up Emergency Communication Supplies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Purchase a solar- and/or hand crank-powered cell phone charger which works for your type of phone. There are a variety of options to fit all different budgets and needs. Remember that if you have a SmartPhone, you'll need the type of cell phone charger that can handle that. If it runs on batteries and/or AC power, too, that's great. But being able to run the charger on solar or hand-cranking power is important in case you run out of batteries, the batteries go bad or you end up in a disaster which ends up being even more long-term than what your initial backup battery supply was intended for. Naturally, in the case of a nationwide extreme disaster, cell phones aren't likely to keep working, but I'm not trying to prepare you for <em>that</em> level of problems. My main goal is to keep you and your household functioning for three to seven days in the midst of a regional problem or a blackout. <br />
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This cell phone charger/radio/flashlight combo also has an AC adapter, which is a nice option to have:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-Emergency-Flashlight-Certified/dp/B0071BTJPI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-3&keywords=NOAA">http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-Emergency-Flashlight-Certified/dp/B0071BTJPI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-3&keywords=NOAA</a><br />
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This will charge SmartPhones and is invaluable in times of trouble:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Turbine-Weather-Smartphone-Charger/dp/B007KFLVTM/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-10&keywords=NOAA">http://www.amazon.com/American-Turbine-Weather-Smartphone-Charger/dp/B007KFLVTM/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-10&keywords=NOAA</a><br />
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For those residing in the United States- If your cell phone doesn't have an NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio on it (all SmartPhones should have this capability or you should at least be able to download a program that does), then you'll need to purchase this type of radio. They're inexpensive and invaluable in times of disaster. Yes, a local radio station will have some news in the event of a problematic time, but I really think having NOAA is important, too. Below are some options for NOAA radios, chargers and similar supplies:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Midland-Consumer-WR-120B-Certified-Trilingual/dp/B00176T9OY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-1&keywords=NOAA">http://www.amazon.com/Midland-Consumer-WR-120B-Certified-Trilingual/dp/B00176T9OY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-1&keywords=NOAA</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WR-089-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B004068AWU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-8&keywords=NOAA">http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WR-089-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B004068AWU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122564&sr=8-8&keywords=NOAA</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weather-FR182R-Radio-Flashlight-Lantern/dp/B007T13LD6/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122867&sr=8-48&keywords=NOAA">http://www.amazon.com/Weather-FR182R-Radio-Flashlight-Lantern/dp/B007T13LD6/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&qid=1375122867&sr=8-48&keywords=NOAA</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Digital-NOAA-Weather-Radio/dp/B008N2O2GK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_5">http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Digital-NOAA-Weather-Radio/dp/B008N2O2GK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_5</a><br />
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Be sure to pack a cell phone charger, NOAA radio and flashlight in your car emergency kit, too. You don't want to run down your car battery just to charge your phone or listen to a radio.<br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-63617001877959008842013-07-27T13:02:00.005-04:002013-08-18T19:17:42.490-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #8- Make Your Environment Comfortable Even During Emergencies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I would like you to think about what you and your immediate family will need to stay comfortable during a time of crisis. Heat, cold, lots of humidity, excess dry air, sleeping accommodation quality...what will influence how comfortable you can be even without power or possibly even running water in your home? If you're in your own home, then at least you'll be in your own bed when you sleep. However, if you have to sleep in your car or in someone else's home, would you still be comfortable? Do you need a sleeping bag, blankets, extra pillows and/or a tent, if you were stuck in these circumstances? <br />
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Assume that it's a very hot summer day and your power has gone out. Do you have battery-operated fans that can help keep your house manageable to live in? This is a good time to dunk cooling bandanas in some cold water and pass them out to prevent heat stroke, too. If you are allowed to do so (I know renters often aren't allowed), do you have curtains up or high-quality blinds at the windows which can be closed fully to block excess hot air and sunshine from warming up the place too much? If you have shutters on your windows, are they in good working order so that you could use them to further prevent hot air and excess sun from coming in? Alternately, what if it's super-cold outside? Do you have a heater that you can use indoors, which doesn't rely on electrical power, in the event of a cold snap during a crisis? If you have a wood-burning fireplace, do you have plenty of dry firewood at the ready for the cold weather?<br />
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If you still have a home telephone line- Do you have at least one corded phone in the house? Remember that cordless phones don't work (at least in the U.S.) during power outages? Are you in the habit of keeping your cell phone(s) charged fully? If not, you need to start doing this. Pick a schedule to charge your phone and stick to it. I have a Smartphone and have to charge it once or twice a day. I charge it while I'm showering and grooming for bedtime each night, then take it off the charger to conserve power. Depending upon how much I'm using it that day, I often need to charge my phone once again in late morning or early afternoon to keep it perpetually above 50% charged. I look at my cell phone's charged status like a car's gasoline tank- I never want it less than half-full. <br />
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If it's at all possible, a generator is wonderful to have on hand during an emergency. However, many apartment dwellers, renters and condo owners don't have the option of relying on a generator. So we must be able to utilize alternate sources of energy, heat, cold, cooking, etc. Thankfully, in this day and age many preppers have written about this topic and many products are offered to get this done. Again, know that you don't have to do all of this today. Just begin to think about it, purchase items as your budget allows and keep them ready for use at all times. If you spend even five minutes a day on prepping, you'll be in a much better position should an emergency strike.<br />
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It should go without saying, but it case there's a need to say it...keep your home de-cluttered and clean. Clutter and emergencies are like oil and water. A really dirty house and sudden disasters don't mix. Period. Remember the possibility exists in extreme cases that you could be without trash service for several days (or even longer). Don't keep trash in the house more than a day. Common sense has to reign here- NO PROCRASTINATION IS ALLOWED. I try not to be hardcore with my readers, but I'm not budging on this rule!<br />
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This is all another reason to keep your laundry washed, dried and put away. Emergencies don't often give us much notice before they come up! Make sure that your blankets, sheets, towels and more are kept clean and ready to use in the event that you need them now. Purchase a small drying rack or some hangers with special clips on them that will allow you to air-dry laundry, as well, should your dryer go out. This is a good idea even if your power is working fine because obviously appliances can and do break down or just die completely without warning all the time. Keep up your daily and weekly household routines no matter what happens. Being prepared in advance will help you to continue performing those rituals which maintain your home and life well, even in the midst of a crisis. Write up a checklist for needed repairs inside and outside your home. When you notice something as you're trolling about that needs work, write it down and get to it ASAP (and as funds allow). <br />
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The questions to perpetually keep in mind when doing this kind of planning: Considering the events that frequently or have been known to hit my geographic area with at least some regularity (more than every twenty years), am I ready to protect my home and family to the best of my ability? Have I stocked up on everything possible and affordable to secure windows and doors in the event of such a disaster? This includes tarps, duct tape, working locks, etc. Are all of my doorways and windows free from clutter that makes them inaccessible? Are any doors, windows or other major parts of my home's structure in need of repairs? If a fire got started somehow and I was on the second floor, do I have an emergency ladder that I could use to get out should the first floor become impossible to get through and get out of? Are my gutters clear, bushes and trees trimmed back from my home, leaves raked (as the season warrants)? Is all of my insurance paid and are my policies up to date? Have you done your research on what insurance you should have and/or are required to have by law for your home, even if you're a renter? You cannot be dedicated to emergency preparedness and constantly going on a wing and a prayer with practical issues like this. If an intruder came along in the midst of such an emergency, do I have any skill or plan or equipment whatsoever to deal with them? Do I have enough food and water to last me and/or my family at least three days? If evacuation plans are already in place by my local government in the event of fairly commonplace problems (floods, tornados, etc.), am I aware of what they are and how to follow them? If I would need to go to the basement in the event of an emergency, is it clean, dry, de-cluttered and does it have an emergency exit to the outdoors? Are the basement stairs, whether they're indoors or outdoors, safe and not all rickety? Do all stairways have proper railings to help prevent falls? If an ice or snowstorm hits, do I have melting fluid, rock salt or kitty (something for tread), a shovel, etc.?<br />
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For those who are in any position of leadership (clergy, business owners, politicians, etc.,)- Have I done everything for my business and/or community to help prepare for commonplace disasters that I possibly can? Have I made use of all local resources and those online to help me prepare mentally and emotionally (not just physically and in supplies) for blackouts, weather-related emergencies, unexpected emergency room visits, etc.? Are all of my warranties, appliance and electronic handbooks, insurance papers and so on easy-to-find and organized? Does anyone know the emergency preparedness plans in my head or have I kept them entirely to myself? It usually takes a whole family, group of friends or community to turn emergency situations around and rebuild, so it pays to keep a strong network of educated-about-preparedness people in your life.<br />
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Here are some articles to further help you protect your home from specific weather-related disasters:<br />
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<a href="http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/hometips/severeweather/hurricane_prepare.html">http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/hometips/severeweather/hurricane_prepare.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/interior/8-ways-to-protect-your-home-against-tornadoes-and-hurricanes#slide-1">http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/interior/8-ways-to-protect-your-home-against-tornadoes-and-hurricanes#slide-1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/security/7-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-a-home-invasion#slide-1">http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/security/7-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-a-home-invasion#slide-1</a><br />
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Being calm, cool and collected in a crisis is a major asset, and rarely do unprepared people feel this way should said crisis come up. Typically, it is the well-prepared and those with backup plans who are able to maintain their emotional stability in the midst of some sort of trauma. Emergency preparedness helps build coping skills- it isn't just about having a set of supplies. This is not a skill set that should be underestimated. Planning for emergencies doesn't lead to a fearful attitude about life unless it's taken to extremes- planning for them actually <em>reduces</em> the amount of stress that you feel about such events, so long as it's kept in balance mentally. I don't believe in sacrificing the joys of today for a possible problem tomorrow, to be clear. We should enjoy what we have today <em>and</em> set aside a little bit extra so that tomorrow will also be as good as it can be no matter what happens. <br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-41311372483709105092013-07-24T16:41:00.003-04:002013-07-24T16:41:46.107-04:00Emergency Preparedness Take #7- Protect Yourself, Your Home and Your Car Against the Elements (and Other People)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, we're about halfway through our emergency preparation tasks now. Protecting yourself, your family, your home and your car against the elements is a pretty broad topic and involves many different areas of prepping. I don't expect you to accomplish any of these tasks in a day or even a week. Every person and every item will need different kinds of protection. And that protection will vary based on climate, geographical region, your health and the likelihood of particular disasters hitting you. Someone living in San Francisco, CA is going to having much more likelihood of experiencing major damage due to an earthquake than someone living in upstate New York. Others live in areas where week-long blackouts are par for the course, while others would consider that highly unlikely. Many regions which have particular disasters that tend to plague them repeatedly (San Francisco is one such place) already have written emergency preparations written up which document how to prepare your home and self to deal with those. I highly recommend that you look these sources up online. These sites will advise you on specifics that go beyond the scope of what I can broach here, such as how to turn off water, gas lines, etc. Everyone should be prepared for a blackout, water getting cut off and other very common mishaps, though. So I'll be focusing on what to do for preparation in those most common circumstances. In other words, I'll be covering the basics of seventy-two hour protection against a more "normal" emergency.<br />
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Get yourself and your immediate family members some rain and foul weather gear. A rain hat, poncho, some skid-resistant/waterproof boots are a good start. You don't want to be traipsing out in the dark of night some during a thunderstorm to cut off the power to your house in flip-flops and short shorts! If you had to evacuate temporarily, you want to have clothing and footwear that will make the job easier. Again, you'll need to look at your own health and where you live to determine what will work best for you. If you deal with harsh winters, then you'll need to have a good warm coat, gloves, a winter scarf, snow pants (especially if you live in areas that get deep snows) and winter boots with good tread to travel in. If the power goes out in the dead of winter and you had to travel to a relatives house thirty minutes away in order to stay safe and warm, could you do it? Think about the possible adventures and outcomes here, especially based on your past experience. I'm not telling you to worry about every little problem that could ever arise, just to be realistically prepared.<br />
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For this reason, I recommend that you have an overnight bag packed for yourself and any immediate family members at all times. This comes in handy not just for weather-related disasters, but in the event that one of you gets sick and has to stay overnight in the hospital. This isn't a bug-out bag, which is meant for an entirely different purpose. This is just a bag with the essentials that you'd need for a one- to three-day stay somewhere outside of your home. Please consult my previous blog on packing an overnight bag if you need some direction in this area.<br />
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Protecting your home will also be specific to your climate and the particular disaster that's hitting you, but you can prepare yourself ahead of time with at least some basics that will cover a variety of issues. Having a tool box with wrenches, pliers, a hammer, a small chain saw (in case you have to cut through a tree limb or something similar that falls on your house or car), etc., is a must. Keep the directions on how to turn off your major utilities in the tool box or in your emergency supply box in the house. Print these directions off now, if you need to, so that you're ready for a problem if it were to happen today. Plastic sheeting, duct tape, good sharp scissors and similar supplies should also be on hand to help protect and insulate windows and doors. If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood and waterproof matches, a firestarter or a good lighter and fuel for it.<br />
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A tool kit for your car should also be on the list of supplies, too. Don't forget to carry some extra water, motor oil, a gas can, a seat belt cutter and similar supplies when you go on a long journey away from home, especially during a time of emergency. Always keep your tank as full of gas as possible (or charged, if you drive an electric-powered car), so that you'd be okay to drive for a good distance in the event of an emergency. <br />
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Personal protection against intruders is such a vast topic that I hesitate to bring it up here in depth. People have such different feelings about what should and should not be allowed when it comes to protecting their home and loved ones. I'm not advocating going out and buying a gun unless that works for you, you know how to use it safely and you know how to store it safely. But there are many ways to help protect yourself without having to use weapons of deadly force. Pepper spray, mace, alarm systems that will work even if the power goes out...in today's world there are lots of options. In a relatively minor disaster, it's quite unlikely things like this would be necessary. But if you live in an area where it takes a long time to get emergency services, if you live in a high-crime area or if you just wouldn't feel peace of mind without preparing to defend your loved ones and property this way, look into these measures of self-defense.<br />
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This blog is by no means a full-out explanation on personal and home protection, but I hope it has served as a jumping-off point for you, giving some food for thought. <br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-34316386571960428612013-07-23T12:53:00.002-04:002013-08-10T14:21:21.057-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #6- Stock Up On Over-the-Counter Medicines and First-Aid Supplies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First aid supplies are essential for anyone and in any household. After gathering water and food, making sure that you have these supplies on hand should be your next goal. This is my favorite soft-pack first-aid kit. I've bought it for family members, too, and they've all loved the kit. They're so inexpensive that I recommend stocking up on one for both your home and then a separate one for your car. I've purchased them for extended family members and they have all loved this kit, too. <br />
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<a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=75575&catid=59967">http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=75575&catid=59967</a><br />
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If you already have plenty of OTC medicines in the house, then there's no real need to buy more unless you want to. But if you tend to be someone who is unprepared for emergencies, then following this step in our prepping plan is crucial. In a real emergency, running out to the corner store may simply not be an option. Just like water and food, stock up on these items a little at a time if you're on a tight budget and starting from scratch on this. Aspirin, ibuprofen (or something kind of similar, like naproxen sodium), stomach medicines like Pepto-Bismol, these are all essentials to have on hand in the event of an emergency. However, be aware that purchasing a starter first-aid kit usually gives you more bang for the buck with alcohol wipes, bandages and some small portions of OTC meds than buying each of the items piecemeal.<br />
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Don't forget to have a couple of Ace bandages, preferably in different sizes, and some high-quality adhesive bandages on hand, too. I have a four-inch-wide Ace bandage, which is good for smaller sprains like of the ankle, and a larger six-inch-wide band for things like supporting sore or twisted knees. My favorite brand of adhesive bandages is the Nexcare waterproof line. They stay on really well, are truly waterproof if they're sealed on correctly and protect cuts and scrapes so well from infection. Some preppers go all out and get dental kits, surgical supplies and battle dressing- but this is wayyyyyy beyond the scope of a 72-hour emergency kit! I'm not going to tell you how to prepare for Armageddon in this blog. :) I'm simply asking you to be ready to sit through three days of a power outage or more "normal" emergency where you can still be at home, someone else's home or in your car. <br />
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Some other toiletries are also important to have just in case. Have plenty of sanitizing hand gel or spray, soap (for yourself and also for dish washing/household cleaning), deodorant, etc., in the house already. For women and girls who are menstruating, stock up on some extra feminine supplies. If stores are closed or low on stock because of a local (or national) emergency, you'll want to have a box or two of your favorite products in reserve. Please don't be caught unprepared because stores are closed or inaccessible for a few days. Plan in advance for your purchases so that you're not running out of items in the event a disaster strikes. <br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-88324471132812804242013-07-21T13:29:00.001-04:002013-08-12T14:03:43.322-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task # 4- Buy and/or Store Emergency Water (and Water Treatment)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our next task is to buy or gather together some water for your emergency supplies. You may want to buy all that you'll need for seventy-hours worth of emergency water now, or you may decide to space it out. Remember the basic formula for determining how much drinking water to set aside- 3 gallons of water per person for a 72-hour emergency. If you don't want to buy water, go ahead and put some aside in containers from your tap. Here is a great article on storing water long-term:<br />
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<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Store-Water-Long-Term">http://www.wikihow.com/Store-Water-Long-Term</a><br />
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Set aside a gallon of water to place in your vehicle, too. Some preppers prefer to have some emergency water in packets, as well. These are good for camping, storing in the car and for backpacks, as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Datrex-Emergency-Survival-Water-Pouch/dp/B00ANY4EXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374256363&sr=8-1&keywords=emergency+water">http://www.amazon.com/Datrex-Emergency-Survival-Water-Pouch/dp/B00ANY4EXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374256363&sr=8-1&keywords=emergency+water</a><br />
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Some people use a WaterBob to store emergency water. As always, I suggest doing whatever works for you and your household. There will <em>always</em> be new emergency preparedness supplies suggested for purchase- remember not to get carried away and just stick with the basics. Keep in mind to prepare for a 72-hour emergency for all members of your immediate family at home and in the car first and foremost. Then and only then should you worry about prepping a bug-out bag (if you wish to do that at all) or for longer-term emergencies.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/waterBOB-Emergency-Drinking-Storage-Gallons/dp/B001AXLUX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374256435&sr=8-1&keywords=waterbob">http://www.amazon.com/waterBOB-Emergency-Drinking-Storage-Gallons/dp/B001AXLUX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374256435&sr=8-1&keywords=waterbob</a><br />
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Also consider buying a water filter and/or water treatment tablets to use in the event of your tap water becoming unusable as it comes out. Years ago, something happened in the town where my aunt lived with the water supply. I don't remember what the situation was that caused it, but their water was nasty and undrinkable for several days. The problem got fixed, but in the meantime they had to buy bottled water for everything- not just drinking water, but for bathing, cooking and housework, too. I'm not saying that you have to buy water treatment supplies, but they can be a help. If you are interested, here are some recommended supplies for that job:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aquamira-Water-Treatment-Drops-1oz/dp/B000OR111G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374256141&sr=8-1&keywords=water+treatment">http://www.amazon.com/Aquamira-Water-Treatment-Drops-1oz/dp/B000OR111G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374256141&sr=8-1&keywords=water+treatment</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aquamira-Frontier-Emergency-Filter-System/dp/B000OR115W/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp">http://www.amazon.com/Aquamira-Frontier-Emergency-Filter-System/dp/B000OR115W/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Potable-Aqua-Water-Treatment-Tablets/dp/B001949TKS/ref=pd_sim_sg_1">http://www.amazon.com/Potable-Aqua-Water-Treatment-Tablets/dp/B001949TKS/ref=pd_sim_sg_1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vestergaard-Frandsen-527950-LifeStraw-Personal-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4/ref=pd_sim_sg_4">http://www.amazon.com/Vestergaard-Frandsen-527950-LifeStraw-Personal-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4/ref=pd_sim_sg_4</a><br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-3244406855387351792013-07-20T18:15:00.000-04:002013-07-22T15:42:14.755-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #5- Buy Food for Emergencies and Something to Cook With<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This particular task may take awhile to complete, but it's worth it to work on this. Amazon has many of these items online that will work well for emergencies, but you can always just decide to pick up an item or two each week at the grocery store to set aside. Remember to only buy items that you and/or your family will actually eat! Mountain House and some other companies make breakfasts, lunches and dinners that you can just add a little hot water to and then serve. Canned soup, lean protein (tuna, clams, salmon), fruit canned in water, vegetables such as green beans- all great items to set aside. Peanut butter, granola bars (get the kind that won't melt if it's hot and humid), trail mix, dried fruit...there are loads of options here. Powdered milk (I prefer whole dried milk, personally), tea bags, ground coffee or beans that will work in a stovetop coffeemaker- don't forget these items. If you have pets, don't forget to set aside some extra food for them. Don't go berserk. Gather up enough food for the 72-hour period I've been talking about first. Put a few granola bars and some other snacks in the car, too. Watch expiration dates. If you end up not needing these items for an emergency, plan to finish them up in your family's normal meal plan before the items expire. Some of these items, though- especially foods from companies such as Mountain House- have a very long shelf life. Some people also buy seeds so that they can plant a garden. This is a great idea, but not everybody has the land to do this with. <br />
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Also think carefully about the items that you'll need to prepare food without electricity, such as a stovetop coffeepot, a butane cooker that's safe to use indoors, the butane fuel itself, a teapot, etc. Every household is different. If you have access to a fireplace that you can cook in, consider getting some cookware that you can use in there. While these are an additional expense, look at it this way- when an emergency strikes, you won't be totally reliant on neighbors, extended family, the government and more to provide your most basic needs. There's no way to prepare for every single disaster that may come your way. But if you're stuck at home without power, you <em>don't</em> have to just sit by and let your home and family go crazy. The peace of mind that you'll gain from knowing you're prepared for an emergency will be worth the expense and time spent on preparedness. If you start using a fireplace to do some cooking on a regular basis, for example, you'd be learning a valuable survival skill and would cut back on some electrical/gas use, too. <br />
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I recommend buying some paper plates, plastic flatware and plastic or paper cups so that you'll have less dishes to wash in the event of an emergency. You may want to go ahead and set aside some extra paper towels, napkins, Wet Wipes for clean-up, too. <br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist, <br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-13428189476457636712013-07-20T17:53:00.003-04:002013-07-20T17:53:59.356-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #3- Set Up Space for Your Emergency Preparedness Supplies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I would like you to either buy or make containers for your emergency preparedness supplies, setting aside a drawer, shelf or a closet (whatever works for your home/car/lifestyle) as needed. A small caddy, trunk organizer, plastic bin with a lid or even just a small cardboard box will work fine for the car. A big cardboard box, a shelf in the linen closet, some pantry space, a big caddy, a tool box or gardening tool organizer- all of these work great for the house. For the home, I would consider using a waterproof and bug-proof container that is made of thick plastic or a similar material, at least for storing larger amounts of food. Be creative. A child's sand pail, a gallon-size food storage bag or an old bucket that's been cleaned out can work well for storing supplies, too. It doesn't need to cost much or be perfect- just get started today by setting aside some room and a container for your items! Put a label on the container, especially for the house, so that you and others will know right off the bat what it's for. Don't mix other stuff in that container or on that shelf. De-clutter what you need to in order to make space for these items. Also consider making some space for additional flashlights and/or candles around the house today, too. I have a flashlight in each bedroom (they're in nightstand drawers), the living room, the dining room, in my office desk drawer and in the family car. I even have a mini-flashlight on my key chain. I have a votive candle or oil candle in every room, just in case. Emergency oil candles are great, by the way. They burn longer and with less soot than wax candles without taking up any additional room.<br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist, <br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-27138661011255649422013-07-19T13:16:00.001-04:002013-07-19T13:16:41.500-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #2- Set Up a Schedule of When to Purchase Your Supplies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Having a specific schedule when you'll be buying some emergency preparedness supplies is a good idea. Without having a list or a schedule, you'll never quite know where you stand on purchasing enough emergency supplies. You can opt to purchase a supply or two every week when you go to the grocery store, at least until you've purchased all of the items that you want. If you take a once-a-month trip to a Big Box or bulk-supply store, you can usually find good prices on emergency preparedness supplies there. There are many good online stores that sell emergency supplies and sometimes they have good sales going on, too. Some people like to shop for these items with their tax return or another source of special income once a year, especially if they are in need of a lot of items all at one time. It's entirely up to you, based on what works for your lifestyle, goals and budget. <br />
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Once you purchase your supplies, keep an eye on the items that have an expiration date, like water, food or OTC medicines. For this reason, don't buy items that you wouldn't use in the course of your day-to-day life. Plan to use the water, food and OTC meds up before they expire, if you end up not needing them for an emergency. Having one big shelf, one closet or one container (as space allows) where you keep all of your supplies will help you know what needs to be used up and when it should be used up by. <br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-17794299687435226022013-07-18T14:51:00.001-04:002013-08-09T14:27:40.918-04:00Emergency Preparedness Task #1- Write Out or Print Off Your List of Needed 72-Hour Emergency Auto and Household Supplies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Having a basic set of emergency supplies on hand is just plain smart, in my humble opinion. Being prepared for an emergency is something that brings peace of mind, and I can't think of anything more minimalist than possessing that feeling. There are many great websites, blogs and books on the topic of emergency preparedness. I highly suggest that you Google the subject. What I'm going to do for you here is present a series of practical, easy-to-accomplish tasks so that you can get done today for dealing with emergency situations. There's absolutely no way to prepare for <em>all</em> emergency eventualities- but a little preparation can go a long way.<br />
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My first suggestion is to make up a list of supplies today for both your home and also your car that would last you (and your family, if applicable) about 72 hours each. Many, many websites list those basic supplies, so I won't repeat that here. If you need it, here's a link to a minimal list of those emergency supplies:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/checklist_1.pdf">http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/checklist_1.pdf</a><br />
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Adapt this to your own and/or your family's needs. I love perusing Amazon for these supplies, by the way. Even if I won't be buying the items from that site, there's loads of comments and reviews from experienced preppers that are also incredibly helpful to read. There's so much to learn about prepping. People have thought of and invented supplies that would never come to mind for me. But if you're like me, don't get too carried away! Keep in mind the basics- keeping warm in cold weather, keeping cool in hot weather, having something to do (books, playing cards, board games, etc.), cooking supplies, sun protection, rain protection, light, shelter, food, water. <br />
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Your first priority should be stocking up on water. There is no such thing as having too much on hand, especially if running water ends for you if your power goes out. (Some people have this problem, others don't.) You don't have to buy the water itself; there are ways to store your tap water for later that are safe, too. For myself, I also bought some water treatment tablets and a little straw-like gadget that will filter water if my tap water got contaminated somehow. Second, have plenty of light sources available- flashlights, waterproof matches, lanterns, light sticks, etc. Third, stock up on food and OTC medicine, including something to cook on that doesn't rely on your household gas/electricity/coal. This is especially needed if you wouldn't be able to use your regular stove top or a fireplace in the event of a blackout. Look for a portable cooker that you can safely use indoors. If you can't cook outdoors due to living in an apartment or something similar, this is very important. Fourth, protection for yourself, your home and your car against the elements and other people who <em>aren't </em>wanted around your home in the event of an emergency. Blankets, towels, sheets to spare. Plastic sheeting and duct tape for your windows, doors, etc. Water to pour in the toilet if the electricity is out, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, toilet paper to spare...sanitation is going to be key in these types of circumstances, too. A portable heater and big battery-powered fan are important. Rain ponchos, hats and boots. Insulated sleeping bags and tents, especially if you live in a colder climate. Fifth thing to prepare for is communication- an NOAA radio, a crank- and/or solar-powered cell phone charger, etc. If you have a SmartPhone, be sure that the charger you buy works on that type of phone. Finally, especially if you have children, I recommend stocking up on things to do in times of a blackout or other emergency. Learn a few games that can be done with playing cards and teach them to your kids. Buy a chess or checkers board and (if needed) a book on how to play. Coloring books and crayons or a sketching pad and pencils are fine as long as they have enough light. Depending upon the circumstances, you may not be able to let your kids play outside and you may not have electricity, so they'll need to be able to entertain themselves in a different way. Some kids are happy playing with Barbies or G.I. Joes, something like that. For your car, I ask that you eventually pack a couple of different items like this so that you're always ready for an emergency. I'd recommend stocking up on some light-hearted magazines, novels or books for yourself and your family to read during these types of times, too. You can't be too prepared!<br />
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I suggest making a separate list (or printing off a ready-made one from online) for your automobile and then also one specifically for your house. Some people also make a list for a bug-out bag. It's entirely up to you. Carefully consider the likelihood that you would need to grab a bag and actually leave both your home and your car completely behind before investing in bug-out bag supplies. Some people live in a country or town where this is a very real possibility- however, for others it is only a very remote reality. I highly suggest preparing your home first, then car, then a bug-out bag, particularly if you are on a budget. Some people like to carry a small amount of supplies on them all the time, in a purse or other bag. There are mini survival kits and first-aid kits available, and of course such things as pepper spray or Swiss Army multi-tools that can be carried almost all the time on your person. This isn't especially minimalist, but it sure is organized! Again, use your common sense and judgment to determine what works for you and your budget. Three-hole-punch these lists and put them in your control journal or household notebook today.<br />
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Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-79406208592680577992013-07-08T10:21:00.001-04:002013-10-17T01:08:52.855-04:00Getting Over An Addiction in New Ways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>Aerobic weight-training-</strong> Getting into an exercise program such as The FIRM (especially the DVDs from 2005 and prior), Leslie Sansone or Cathe Friedrich can really provide dramatic results both mentally and physically. Aerobic exercise and weight-training each offer a lot of benefits; combined with some abdominal training and athletic stretches, it is often the only vigorous exercise a person needs to maintain a healthy weight when done five to six days a week. Requiring only the workout DVD, a few small sets of dumbbells, an exercise mat and maybe an exercise step, it can be modified to nearly any fitness level. Since it can be done at home, there's no fear to be had that you'll have to be seen working out by others. There's also then no hassle about having to drive to and from a gym. The psychological sense of well-being can be just as imperative to recovery as the return of physical fitness, and a moderate exercise program will give you some of each. Combined with clean eating, lots of fresh water and proper vitamin/mineral supplementation, it offers a foundation for physical recovery that very little else can compete with in terms of results. It's an activity to put nervous energy into and will help relieve depression (at least for a little while). Start slow and work your way up as your energy and focus allows. Obviously, the first couple of days of withdrawal probably won't allow for a thirty- to sixty-minute exercise routine to be performed, but after the initial worst days (and depending upon your starting condition) it can be done. Even if all you can do is five minutes of the workout, every day that you do a little something and at least start the work of rebuilding your body, you'll be making huge strides. Don't compete with anyone but yourself!<br />
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<strong>Air, HVAC and water filtration-</strong> The eyes, sinuses and skin can get extremely testy during withdrawal. Besides keeping your home as free from ammonia or bleach fumes, dirt, dust, mildew and mold as possible through regular housecleaning, filtration of common areas of impurities can make a difference in how you feel. No, filters aren't a cure-all, but reducing allergens and chemicals in the air and water can do nothing but help. Websites like Amazon, Lowes or Home Depot can provide you with the filters and air cleaners which have the best track record and reviews in these areas. <br />
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<strong>Appreciate and revel in the change of seasons or holiday periods-</strong> Not every climate experiences such changes, but if you're lucky enough to have them, celebrate them! I love autumn, personally, so I'm adoring this period of time. Burning autumn-themed scented candles, reveling in the beautiful foliage in all it's brilliant colors by taking walks or just looking outdoors and also decorating my home for the season are my ways of enjoying this lovely time of year. I won't kid you- sometimes you'll have to fake the enjoyment a bit. But the point is to notice the seasons, the climate, the sounds and sights of nature again. To look outside of ourselves and get involved in the world again. To appreciate the trouble people go to when they decorate for the season, be it Christmas lights, dyeing Easter Eggs or putting pumpkins out on their front porch for autumn. Take notice in the thoughtfulness of people around you, who try to make the world beautiful and do unselfish things for others. Enjoy holiday-specific coffee or cocoa at your favorite coffeehouse. There are lots of ways to appreciate the nice things in the world around us. Withdrawal, insomnia, depression and anxiety can be isolating and make us more self-involved, however powerless we may be about it. You may have to force yourself to ignore the desire just to go hide out somewhere in the midst of those feelings. But it's worth the trouble to try and do so.<br />
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<strong>Aspirin-</strong> Not everyone can take this, but if your stomach and other internal organs can handle it, aspirin can be a real help during this time. Ibuprofen is better for the stomach, I suppose (in small amounts), but that medicine doesn't work for everyone. I think aspirin is especially good when fighting joint inflammation, body aches, headaches and fever/chills during withdrawal. Some people find relief in ibuprofen, but some feel no relief from that drug at all. Some people don't even bother to try NSAIDs anymore, heading to the big guns of opiates, benzos or alcohol for pain relief first. I think that this is a mistake. Even when they're OTC, though, remember that each NSAID has different properties, side effects, advantages and drawbacks- research them carefully before buying and ingesting.<br />
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<strong>Aura Cacia Fragrance Mist, Lavender-</strong> This can be spritzed on sheets, blankets and pillows right before you go to sleep. It aids in relaxing the mind- something anyone who experiences insomnia needs, especially those going through withdrawal. If your sinuses are acting up badly in withdrawal, which often happens, you might want to skip using this until that symptom is gone. I believe that spraying this right before nodding off is the final step in good sleep hygiene. <br />
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<strong>Aveeno Stress Relief Body Wash and Mositurizing Lotion-</strong> A blend of lavender, ylang-ylang and chamomile, using these products before bedtime (or any time you're stressed out) can ease tension and leave you feeling refreshed. I find the fragrance light and unobtrusive to others, yet it stays with me enough to be worth using.<br />
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<strong>Beautiful fresh flowers or something else lovely for your physical space-</strong> Don't discount the small stuff- there's a reason why people in hospitals are given flowers, candy or a cuddly and cute stuffed animal. It doesn't need to be expensive; roses or other flowers which are only a day old but still completely new-looking are often deeply discounted in grocery stores. A small stuffed animal can be a cheerful little addition to a an otherwise drab and painful time. Any interest you can take up in a new painting, horticulture, going to a museum or something else that's beautiful to be around is both a distraction and a pleasure during tough times like this. I don't have a garden, but I buy fresh flowers once a month or so to fill my home with a little beauty. It can really transform a room visually, too.<br />
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<strong>Body powder, Head & Shoulders shampoo with pyrithione zinc, anti-fungal spray and antibiotic ointment-</strong> Increased sweating and the flushing out of impurities from within the body can lead to fungal and other infections during and after withdrawal. Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis can flare up during this period, so be prepared (this is what the Head & Shoulders is for). This won't be true for everyone, but besides showering or bathing every day and staying cool with a high-quality fan, an absorbent body powder can really help prevent clammy skin and skin infections which breed from the skin being too damp. I like Ammens Shower Fresh best- I find it's the most absorbent. In withdrawal, sensitive skin can be especially prone to drying out, peeling, cracking and rashes. Having some antibiotic ointment like Neosporin on hand can help when facial or body moisturizer doesn't cut it. I recommend using a non-fragranced, designed-for-sensitive-skin moisturizer. Many people do well with pure extra-virgin oils (like coconut) or pure body butters made without extra chemicals (like shea butter). Watch out for parabens and other common skin/systemic irritants if you have sensitive skin. This might be a good time to lay off of haircoloring, makeup and nail polish (if applicable), because your sinuses and skin might be more sensitive than usual for awhile. <br />
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<strong>Ear plugs and/or eye mask-</strong> This isn't something that I've heard discussed before, but there's nothing worse than trying to get some elusive sleep only to find the dawn of day, headlights or even a nightlight keeping you up. Equally, even the slightest noise can be disturbing when only light, fitful sleep is possible (and only for a short period of time at that). Besides using a fan for white noise and sweat relief, I think that having a soft eye mask and good ear plugs can be the difference between five or six hours of steady sleep and no sleep at all. I have no scientific proof that this is true, either, but I do know that insomnia can be the worst of all withdrawal symptoms (acute and post-), a lack of sleep certainly contributes to the body and mind healing more slowly and probably increases the withdrawal pains themselves. Withdrawal can be so much harder to sit through without quality sleep, so anything that can be done to prevent the causes of insomnia can't be thought of too highly. Hearos ear plugs are the best ones I've seen and used. The come in different "strengths" and are easily found in many drugstores, grocery stores and through online vendors. Similarly, soft sleep masks with either elastic or Velcro bands to hold them in place can be found without much trouble. Look for the ones that get the best reviews- I think Dreamtime's lavender sleep mask is quite nice, has minimal scent and isn't uncomfortable even for stomach sleepers who have their face to a pillow all night long. For less than $20, an eye mask and ear plugs can provide you with some rather inexpensive and non-drug-based sleep help.<br />
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<strong>Focus on your sleep hygiene, especially if insomnia is a problem-</strong> Don't settle for an uncomfortable bed. Your bedroom should be cool and peaceful. Keep your bed made with high-quality pillows, sheets and blankets. Having several light blankets that you can layer on or take off is best during withdrawal, when you alternate frequently between being hot and cold. Start your bedtime routine <em>before</em> you get to feeling dead tired at night! If you're going to take any mineral supplements or nighttime herbs, do so now. Decide whether you want to shower at night or in the morning. Nighttime showers or baths can be great because then it'll take less time to get ready in the a.m. If you don't shower or bathe at night, then remove your makeup (if applicable) and wash your face. Brush and floss your teeth. Get into comfy nightclothes that allow your skin to breathe and your limbs freedom of movement. Make a cup of bedtime-related tea (see below). Turn off all but one light to read or write by. Grab a relaxing book to read or your journal and engage in that until you're quite sleepy. Now is not the time to watch TV, work on your laptop or play around on your cell phone- your brain and eyes need to get a break from the light emitted from these electronics. You don't have to pick a set bedtime- but that doesn't hurt. Turn the alarm clock away from your view before turning off the light so that you won't focus on what time it is during the night. Turn on your bedroom fan if you need the white noise and/or the air circulation. Spritz your relaxing fragrance spray on your bedding. Put in your ear plugs, put on your hand lotion and sleep mask if desired. If you don't fall asleep after a long while of laying in bed, turn on one soft light and go back to reading or writing until you do feel sleepy. If you're suffering from insomnia, try not to get horribly upset. While it may feel like the lack of sleep will go on for eternity, that <em>will </em>pass. Your body will get back to normal eventually. In the meantime, focus on setting up your lifestyle to support healthy, restful sleep. Be proactive and continue building the habits that facilitate rest. The brain <em>can</em> be retrained to help you fall asleep more easily, but it takes doing these steps every night (preferably in the same order each time) for awhile before your mind will get the message. Don't give up on creating good sleep hygiene, because sleep can really be imperative in healing the body and mind.<br />
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<strong>Going to church, synagogue or some other house of worship-</strong> While not first on every one's list, I still believe that going to a spiritual center of some kind once or twice a week can be a big aid in recovery for many, especially in the period right after acute withdrawal. Will it work for everyone? Probably not. But daily prayer, a short Bible study or devotional reading each day and the dedication of one's life to a higher power can make a difference for some people. Regular worship services can provide a sense of community, a new social outlet and a much-needed charitable spirit for some people. It can provide a way to get your mind off of yourself for awhile, especially while you're involved in service opportunities. Similarly, offering your time and skills at a charity or community event can provide a deep sense of satisfaction, perspective and measurable progress often elusive in day-to-day life. (Building houses with Habitat for Humanity is one such example.) Alternately, getting involved in political, environmental and/or community outreach programs that are deeply meaningful to you can get you over the anxiety, depression, sense of time dragging on endlessly and self-pity that can plague many (ex-) addicts. At the very least, such activities make the days and nights pass by faster, fill up a calendar rather quickly and get things done that many in society have no time for or interest in.<br />
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<strong>Have a trip or vacation to look forward to-</strong> While I know this isn't possible for everyone, at least not in the immediate future, planning for a trip can be a great distraction from the myriad withdrawal woes and I believe will rebuild some of the positive brain feelings you've been missing. It should be a trip that you're truly interested in for your own personal reasons. The mere act of beginning to set the wheels in motion- even if a trip currently seems impossible- can cause the universe to act in interesting ways towards getting you that vacation. Research the places you want to see specifically, brush up on foreign language or culture skills (if applicable), read Internet articles and books from those who've already been to the region, browse through hotels, research the restaurants, check out the local sport activities available. You never know- you may find an inexpensive cruise or plane trip to the area you want to go to while doing this perusing. You don't have to set a specific date to go unless you want to, but go about it as if you'll be traveling there sometime within the next year even if it's just an imaginary trip for right now. Having an interest in a culture and language other than your own can be a great starting point for determining where you'd like to visit. I'd recommend that if you're doing this purely out of imagination, you pick a place that'll take a lot of research (and thus a lot of time and mental investment on your part) to plan. The more involved you can get your brain and heart, the better.<br />
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<strong>Hot and cold packs- </strong>A wrap that you can microwave is great during these times of achy muscles, bones that feel as if they're about to disintegrate and chills. A cold pack or ice bag is good for the times when you're sweating, cannot seem to cool down and feel inflammation. I find that a cold wrap lying on an upset tummy can make a difference. Warm or cold wraps which have a washable cover are the most desirable. Not to sound like a broken record, but Dreamtime's wraps can be put in the freezer or the microwave, have a washable cover and a pleasant but light fragrance which make them cozy for use. Alternately, you could use a hot water bottle.<br />
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<strong>Hyland's Relax Calf and Foot Cramps, Tablets or tonic water-</strong> Any product containing quinine can help with the dreaded, lingering restless leg and calf cramps that hit almost everyone during withdrawal. The tablets are little and can be dissolved under the tongue- no horse pills to swallow. The tablets or tonic water are completely harmless and can really help. Tonic water also helps (obviously) with dehydration, which the frequent urination and diarrhea during withdrawal can cause.<br />
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<strong>If doing household chores, running errands and getting organized is difficult (especially just the sheer fact of getting started), consider joining FlyLady or a similar program- </strong>While not appealing to everyone, <a href="http://www.flylady.net/">www.flylady.net</a> is a decent website to peruse and sends out daily emails which can provide motivation and structure for getting one's home and life back in order. While things like making a bed after getting up, doing a quick bathroom cleanup daily or washing dishes every night after dinner every night are easy for some people to maintain, not everyone feels that way. Very artistic, creative types who struggle with focus and life management need reminders to do things around the house sometimes, and there's nothing wrong with them. While I don't think it's a good idea to get locked into any lifestyle or mindset that's too rigid, I don't see that any harm can come from these simple but powerful daily chores. Even small routines can be overwhelming and exhausting during withdrawal and for awhile afterwards, but the little bit of physical exercise and slight feeling of accomplishment which comes with completing each chore can go a long way physically and mentally. Doing these chores will also help pass the time and give you something new to put your mind on for a little bit of time each day. De-cluttering can be very empowering and provides one with gratification and pleasure that's hard to come by other.<br />
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Once your brain fog dissipates some, make a list of the areas in your home and life that you want to de-clutter, clean and/or organize. Read articles, blogs and books on the subject(s) within these realms that appeal to you. If getting paperwork under control has been an ongoing issue, this can be a great time to set up a file cabinet with hanging file and manila folders, sort through and purge through the old papers and empty out those packed-with-paper areas so that the storage can be put to better use. Even starting with something small like cleaning out your purse or backpack can provide a sense of getting something positive done in your life, which everyone (recovering or not) needs every day to be happy.<br />
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<strong>Make a list of all the benefits you're coming across from quitting-</strong> These are going to vary from person to person and it'll also depend on what drug(s) you're trying to get off of. But list it all, preferably as they happen so you won't forget. A reminder of these positive things which are occurring can be what keeps you from going back to the drug you've worked so hard to get off of. Some of these things will happen during immediate withdrawal days, while others are only going to come from staying off of the drug long-term. Not every drug is the same, but here are some examples:<br />
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- Long-term bloating from face and body has gone away<br />
- Pressure on knee and ankle joints is eliminated (probably from the water and fecal weight that's diminished)<br />
- Lack of enthusiasm for doing household chores is gone<br />
- There's a desire to be out and about coming back, even mundane things like shopping at the grocery store<br />
- Interest in reading has returned<br />
- No longer over-sleeping<br />
- Desire to meditate daily has come back<br />
- Thoughts which were consuming while on the drug or medication have become far less so, making objective decision-making possible again<br />
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<strong>Pepto-Bismol- </strong>While I've heard loperamide mentioned often and Dramamine even mentioned a few times, Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets aren't something I've read of being used. However, I think they help with the achy stomach, diarrhea, burping and acidic feeling that can come from withdrawal. While everyone's experience is different, stomach and intestinal discomfort can linger on well after the other withdrawal symptoms are gone, so having every tool in the belt which can calm such issues is imperative. A chewable tablet which doesn't taste horrid can be a bit more tolerable to digest when you just can't stand swallowing one more pill, too.<br />
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<strong>Spending time with pets, especially play time- </strong>A pet's unconditional love, need for exercise and sweet purity of spirit can be so uplifting. Yes, it can be tiring at first to go out for a long walk, toss around a Frisbee or play, "Grab the long red ribbon until <em>you're</em> tuckered out" game, but it's worth it. Drug dependence can make a person apathetic to their pet(s). I think one of the chief joys of getting off of such chemical dependency can be a reawakening of love and concern for other beings- and a sweet, non-judgmental animal can provide an easy source of comfort that no human being can quite deliver all the time. If you're getting outside, too, it'll provide fresh air, exercise and sunshine to you.<br />
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<strong>Tissues with lotion-</strong> The sneezing, sinus drainage and watery eyes during withdrawal can be just insane. Be prepared with LOTS of tissues, like a big old box in every room! The kind with lotion seem gentler on the nose and delicate eye area. I like Puffs brand, but to each their own.<br />
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<strong>Vicks Dayquil-</strong> This is basically acetaminophen and a couple of decent sinus-clearing ingredients. Sinuses can really act up during withdrawal. I find that this medication eases allergy symptoms, sinus headaches, low energy and overall body pain. The liquid caps are easy to swallow and seem pretty easy on the stomach as long as you've eaten and are drinking plenty of fluids.<br />
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<strong>Walking-</strong> I believe that there are several benefits to starting a walking program (or jogging, running, cycling, hiking, swimming- whatever you are fit enough to do and really enjoy). For one thing, it gets the endorphins going, which is so important during withdrawal and post-withdrawal. It can help alleviate anxiety and depression to get those endorphins going. Secondly, aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and can help repair certain types of heart damage that's been caused by addiction and/or poor self-care. Third, setting goals- such as aiming to walk farther, faster or for a longer period of time every week- is an important part of addiction recovery. It's another thing to help take the mind off of cravings. Spending thirty to sixty minutes in aerobic activity each day can help relieve some restless leg and leg cramp symptoms, at least for people who do not have major physical ailments to start with such as arthritis. Walking each day passes time- and anyone who's been through withdrawal can certainly attest that time seems to go by with painful slowness during that process. It can strengthen the legs, improving their appearance. Increased aerobic activity can aid in weight loss. It can stimulate the appetite in those who've been struggling with a lack of desire to eat (or lots of nausea). As long as what you're eating is healthy and balanced, full of nutrition, then that's a good thing! Startly slowly if you're very out of shape and/or weak. Maybe just aim for ten minutes a day at first. Walking outdoors is spectacular- you're getting time out in nature (hopefully-this might not be true if you're living in a big metropolis). On sunny days, you're getting much-needed vitamin D from the sun. Even in the city, you get to go out and explore the sights with all of your senses intact again. A regular walking program may lead you to taking up hiking- a wonderful activity that can be a lifelong passion and adventure.<br />
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<strong>Writing- </strong>Whether it's in a journal, blog or for other creative purposes, writing provides a way to both purge the brain and pass the time. Buying a beautiful hand-bound leather journal, starting a new blog on a topic that fascinates you or doing creative writing for the first time can be symbolic to the mind and body that you're making a fresh start in life. Writing every night before bed can be another tool towards winding the brain and body down.<br />
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<strong>Yogi Herbal Supplement Tea, Bedtime or Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea-</strong> Yet another step in preparing for bed, but this is another gentle reminder to the body and mind that it's time to wind down in the evening. If you're urinating a lot while in withdrawal (especially at night), you might want to skip this step- at least for awhile. Once that common symptom is resolved, a nice cup of iced or hot tea (whatever your preference is) settles one's system nicely. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-41994670851629486792013-06-29T13:41:00.002-04:002013-06-29T13:41:15.422-04:00Storing Shoes 101<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Modern homes often have big walk-in closets within at least some of the bedrooms, which is great. But sometimes these closets are big on space, low on shelving and/or poor in overall design. Or there's plenty of shelving- but it's set at levels only Goliath or Paul Bunyon could see at eye level. Laundry areas are often guilty of this crime, but bedroom closets have to hold such a wide variety of items that they're almost always under-utilized because of this design flaw. Even shelving that's at a reasonable height can be placed too far apart to serve your particular needs, as well. Frequently you'll see one side of a bedroom closet have a single-hung closet rod for taller clothing. And then on the other side of the closet will be a double-hung rod for shorter clothing to be stored 2x2. This is great if all (or mostly) what you have to store is clothing and a few pairs of shoes in your closets. In smaller homes, though, these bedroom closets must serve as storage for vacuum cleaners, buckets full of cleaning supples, brooms, handbags and shoes. And footwear is what I'm going to focus on storing today.<br />
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Using closet storage to it's absolute square-footage advantage varies from individual to individual. The best book that you can read is by Linda Koopersmith, titled "The Beverly Hills Organizer's Home Organizing Bible". You'll learn how to maximize every sheer inch of space you call your real estate, as well as your handbag, office and everything else under the sun that you can think of.<br />
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If you cannot add to or move around existing shelving your closet (which is the first step that I always recommend- use what you already have on hand for storage before buying new items for storage!), you have the following footwear storage options to utilize instead:<br />
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<strong>Folding and/or stackable bookcases:</strong> Not just for holding books, these are a favorite of mine for holding sets of workout clothes, baskets full of odd-shaped items (like those giant old-fashioned photo albums), portable DVD players, media of all kinds, cleaning products, folded linens and shoes. Floor-to-ceiling models naturally tend to hold more in less space, but these come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Corner units, painted wood (you'd be amazed at the range of colors and shades available) and folding units ensure maximum flexibility at a minimum cost. A good folding bookcase will be as sturdy as a normal unit- read online reviews and be prepared to spend a few extra dollars on the more expensive folding bookcases, because this is one case where the cost is warranted. A variety of platform sizes ensure that you can make at least one of these bookcases fit <em>somewhere</em> in your house, too. A bookcase like this tucked under a closet rod or shelf can make use of space that otherwise stays empty. You could also hand free-standing shelves up, and if you have a drill and the skills to this, these make terrific use of blank walls.<br />
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<strong>Free-standing cubes, drawers and/or shoe shelving:</strong> These can come in everything from very mod styles to the very traditional. Free-standing drawer units can be a great way to store shoes, boots, sweaters, etc., in a closet. (The shelf above a double-hung rod can usually be made to hold so much more than they do in most homes.) These units may look like a piece of modern artwork or more like simple but very short bookcases with no bottom shelf. They may or may not need assembly, so pay attention to descriptions and instructions. As always, measure your space and write down the measurements before buying these.<br />
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<strong>Hanging shoe organizer (which have a single or double hanger):</strong> These come in either flip-flop style or look like a smaller version of a hanging sweater organizer for a closet rod. They will take away some of your space for hanging clothes, so keep that in mind before buying. These are best for those who have some hanging room to spare but very little shelf or free-standing space.<br />
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<strong>Over-the-door shoe organizer:</strong> Doors can really be utilized as storage in so many ways, provided that there is adequate room for the door to swing open, be reached easily for the items you're storing on them and be closed when you're finished. You don't want anything on a door that is already in too snug a place to open and close with ease now. But if space allows, an organizer can make up for square footage that's lacking. Don't buy these if you have doors which don't open freely or already stick when you're trying to close them, because these will add a little bulk to the top of the door. I recommend screwing the bottom of the organizer to the door itself too, or using double-sided Velcro to do this, so that the organizer isn't banging against the wall or door. This step provides some stability to the organizer, too.<br />
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<strong>Shoe trees:</strong> These come in a variety of sizes and finishes. My opinion? Buy a floor-to-ceiling model, because it allows you room to grow (especially important in master bedrooms where two people are sharing shoe storage space). You're using the footprint's worth of space anyway (no pun intended)- you might as well get all the way up to the top of your room and maximize the storage space entirely. The taller party can use the highest "branches" on the tree. Trees are an especially nice option when closet space is already used up and shoes have to be stored outside of there. This is due to the relatively large amount of shoes that you can hold in a small space, and in a free-standing manner.<br />
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<strong>Underbed shoe storage:</strong> I recommend this only for long-leg boots which cannot reasonably be stored in a closet OR out-of-season shoes and boots. The great advantage is that, assuming these are the zip-around kind, your footwear will stay virtually dust-free. A big disadvantage is that they're not especially easy for anyone with shoulder, back or knee issues to dig out from under a bed & root through if necessary. I think they're great for kids and younger people with no issues like this, but remember the old adage here- out of sight, out of mind. Not everyone is wild about having stuff under their bed, either (I'm with you). The outside of these storage units will collect some dust and make cleaning under the bed more of a pain in the neck. As with any storage piece, consider the drawbacks, cleaning they'll add to your schedule and advantages before purchasing.<br />
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Here's to being an organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-47479023021711625512013-06-28T14:58:00.002-04:002013-08-26T16:47:43.220-04:00Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning for the Kitchen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you're like many people, including me, the kitchen often seems like a monumental room to try and keep beautifully clean. After all, no other room in the house sees so much activity or so many different types of dirtiness- cooking oils, splatters from sauces, spices and dried herbs that fly off from the shaker onto the countertop, stovetop or floor...Not to mention it's typically where household pets eat and drink, often where people come in to munch on a snack (dropping cereal or other fun little crumbs underneath them). There are both big appliances and small appliances galore begging for attention from a cleaner. What's the household cook (who by default ends up being the kitchen-cleaner more often than not) to do? You must learn to take advantage of those precious moments when the oven is pre-heating, dinner is simmering away or you're waiting for the broiler oven to finish toasting up your bread. <br />
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When beginning your kitchen clean-up on a deeper level, make a plan that starts to the right of your kitchen sink and go around the room, left-to-right and top-to-bottom with doing chores. Following this logic makes it far easier to stay on track while working and keep a mental picture accurately of what has or hasn't been cleaned recently. If you feel you need to, make a detailed cleaning list like FlyLady suggests, but I recommend making out one specifically listed with <em>your</em> particular floor plan in mind. Do a little drawing on paper if needed of your floor plan and then write out your cleaning list. Use this as a checklist, keeping it on the fridge, in your control journal, on a whiteboard- whatever works for you. That way, you're keeping a recent record of what got done and where. (You can date when the job was done, too, but I don't think that's necessary unless you clean only <em>very</em> sporadically.) Below I'm going to list some suggestions- and a few rules- to keep your kitchen beautiful and functional with minimum time spent on your part cleaning.<br />
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Unless you love to do housework in silence, make it fun through sound. Call a friend up and chat while doing prep or cleanup work (you'll need Bluetooth or a hands-free headset linked to your cordless phone for this- I don't like speakerphone options because the sound is usually quite fuzzy and it can be disruptive to others in the household). I have a friend who uses phone time with favorite people to do chores she hates, so that her mind isn't focused on how much she dislikes the task at hand! Play music if you like- personally, I love putting on my iPod (which is encased in a belt clip/protector and I stick it right on my waistband) and tuning out the other sounds of the house while working. Good music is motivating- and this is very important if you usually hate cleaning and need the inspiration. You can always do up a super-motivating "Housecleaning Mix" with your favorite high-energy tunes in iTunes or wherever else you manage your music. Back in the old days before such computer programs were available, I stick a good dance music CD like Janet Jackson's <em>Rhythm Nation </em>on- very fun to listen to while working. Or you can put a TV show or movie on via your tablet, laptop or portable TV/DVD player. Use technology to your advantage this way. TV <em>can</em> be kind of distracting though, so be mindful of how you're spending your time while watching it. Don't pick a "side" motivational took that will actually make you work slower instead of faster.<br />
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Whenever you're about to work in the kitchen, put on an apron. Don't argue with me. :) Is it <em>really</em> worth getting cleaning supplies or food on your clothes??? I can't tell you how much laundry pre-treater I have been able to skip using on clothes because I wear an apron over my clothes while I work. Find one that's comfortable and is bib-style, protecting both your shirt and down to the low hip or possibly right above the knee if you'll be doing seriously grimy work. If you grill a lot outdoors, having the longer length can really make a difference. If you're especially busty or full-figured like me, get an oversized apron, not one that's made for very small people. They're sold inexpensively on Amazon and many other kitchen suppliers out there online.<br />
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<em>Plan your time well</em> <em>before you even step foot in the room.</em> Knowing what you'll be making for a meal in advance, reading over the recipe (if applicable) and prepping all of the ingredients beforehand makes the time sail by while cooking. It also makes clean up easier. If your kitchen is so cluttered that you have to perform ballerina-type stretches to reach items all the time or need someone else to grab stuff from shelves for you, then chances are your kitchen is either not well-planned or is overly cluttered. Some people have really small kitchens and then it's difficult to cull things out. But many of our ancestors had very little kitchen space and yet cooked for big families every night- sometimes we have to take a cue from them, get our items truly back to basics and focus on using what we do have in our kitchens really well. Also, sometimes using space better means investing in little pieces of kitchen organization. Simple things like a kitchen wrap holder (which holds Saran Wrap, aluminum foil and more upright in a neat stack), a bakeware rack or a magnetic kitchen towel holder on the refrigerator can give back precious inches or even feet to this room. In this day and age so many of these items are sold in multiple finishes and at a pretty reasonable cost that it makes sense to utilize these aids when needed.<br />
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But I cannot stress de-cluttering enough. I wasn't prepared to do organizing (and shopping for it) until I de-cluttered and knew what I really had to store in my kitchen for good. As FlyLady says, before you even THINK of cleaning deeply, get the clutter out of the room. A suggestion? Stick a Post-it note on your infrequently-used (once a week or less) small appliances. Date the note. Each time you use the item, put that day's date on the note. If you notice after three months that you've never used the small appliance since that original note was done up, consider donating or selling it. The only exception is items that you use especially for holidays (such as a blender you keep on hand to make corn pudding at Christmas, which you do ever year without fail). Put infrequently-used items in a pantry, coat closet, linen closet (think outside the box, especially if you have a small home), in a china cabinet or dining room buffet table. Try to keep all such items in one place in your home (one particular linen closet shelf, for example). But be realistic about what you should store and what you should give away/sell. If you have this appliance and you haven't made that special recipe in five years and you know realistically that you'll never again be the one cooking Christmas dinner, consider giving that piece away to the person or people that <em>will</em> use the item. <br />
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Sometimes your china cabinet or other dining room furniture will be an extension of your kitchen storage. As such, de-cluttering must apply to these items as well. The same rules apply. Remember FlyLady's two imperative questions: "Do you love it? And do you <em>use</em> it? How often are you using it?" Apply this philosophy to cookbooks, liquors, wine glasses, china, inherited pieces and anything else stored within that furniture. I'm not telling you to give away what you love or use, even if you only use it once a year. Just don't have so much stuff that you can't get to the items you use frequently because the infrequently-used items have the premium storage spaces.<br />
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<strong><u>The Deep-Cleaning Steps</u></strong><br />
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<strong>1) Put on your apron. Any supplies that you want to stock it with- Windex, cleaning cloths, a scraper, etc.- put them in the apron now.</strong><br />
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<strong>2) Put on Bluetooth earpiece or phone headset (and call your person of interest), grab your iPod, turn on the TV or DVD player, if desired. </strong><br />
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<strong>3) </strong><strong>Before beginning any other cleaning, start with an empty kitchen sink and an empty dishwasher. Just have your sink and countertops cleared off as much as possible, that's all I ask. If you have a bunch of dirty dishes to wash or load into the dishwasher, you can either reload the dishwasher with whatever is dirty now or put hot water in the sink to wash them up first. The point of this cleaning is NOT to keep up with the Joneses- it is to make your life less stressful. Cooking and spending time in a de-cluttered and relatively clean kitchen is just less demanding than cooking in a piled-up, filthy one. It's that simple. </strong><strong>I know it's tempting to go sit in front of the TV or computer and relax instead, but if your home is not as clean as you want it to be (or worse, is downright embarrassing to you when others see it), some of your free time should be spent creating a nicer home to live in. If you come across grimy filters, knick-knacks, utensil holders and more than can be thrown in the dishwasher, having the dishwasher empty will make it possible to just throw those items in and get it all done without worry. (Stick to the top rack for most items like this.) The filter of your oven range, your utensil holders, stovetop grates and much more can typically be put in the dishwasher and will come out beautifully.</strong><br />
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<strong>4) Remember to move around the kitchen from left to right and top to bottom, starting directly to the right of your sink. First thing to do is check your kitchen ceiling, vents and walls for splatters, cobwebs, dust and grease buildup. Remember, dust always follows the law of gravity. When you start from the top of your home when cleaning, the dust will land on a lower surface which will get cleaned shortly. When you work from the bottom of the room and go up (disobeying the law of gravity), you're going to end up having to re-clean surface after surface. </strong><br />
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<strong>This may be the time to grab a brush or cloth-covered wand (OXO brand makes a wand like this) that will take cobwebs off the top of cabinets, in between the grates of vents, underneath appliances and in the crevices of tight spots, like between the fridge and the kitchen cabinet next to it. Some vacuums have attachments that work great for these spots which harbor dust and dirt but are hard to get to. I have a Dyson vacuum and it has many such attachments, some of which rotate in multiple directions and work really well. If not, a dryer lint trap cleaning brush can be good for such tight and hard-to-clean areas. </strong><br />
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<strong>5) Your kitchen cabinets come next, with a special focus on the upper cabinets. Fingerprints, spots, splatters, dust- all an issue. It depends on the cabinet surface, but Pledge or Old English furniture polish usually work well for cleaning exterior surfaces like that. Old-fashioned Pledge is actually really good on stainless steel, too. If you have glass-and-wood cabinets, Pledge Multi-Surface is a nice alternative product because it won't streak the glass or dry out the wood. Some cabinets just need a damp microfiber or white cotton cloth over them, but if they're really gunky, pull out the furniture polish and polishing cloths. This sounds like a horrid job, but cleaning the outside of the kitchen cabinets really doesn't take that long. The procrastinating over it is usually worse than the actual chore itself! The last time I cleaned the outside of my cabinets, it only took eight minutes! Don't worry about cleaning the inside of the cabinets unless for some reason you have tons of dust, dirt, clutter or crumbs in them, especially upper cabinets. Cleaning the inside of full kitchen cabinets is a much bigger job. Get a safe, non-slip step stool to use if you're too short to reach the upper cabinets easily. If you have young children, though, your lower cabinets may also be a mess. People who cook and/or bake often will probably see a lot more spatters on their cabinets, too. I always try to clean up these messes as they occur but it's inevitable that some spots get missed. </strong><br />
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<strong>6) (Adapt the following to your particular floor plan.) On to the fridge, my friends. Focus on cleaning the outside of this appliance first. Start at the top and clean downward. Move the fridge if needed in order to get the sides and back of it clean. I suggest doing any "dry" cleaning- vacuuming, sweeping, etc.- first. A whish broom will get the vent underneath the fridge free of dust bunnies and dirt if you don't want to run the vacuum. Often the back wall of the fridge is just a nightmare of dust and (if you burn candles a lot) soot. I once filled my vacuum canister with black dust and a few flying furballs after never having cleaned the back of my fridge (or the wall behind it) in eight years! I was a total chicken, afraid I'd dislodge or accidentally unplug something if I pulled the refrigerator out from the wall, but it turns out I'd worried needlessly. The electrical cord was thick, long and couldn't come out of the wall easily, anyway. Most refrigerators actually move pretty easily, especially across bare floors- I have a small apartment, but I can still move mine forward and sideways to clean well. Be prepared to wipe or wash down the floor which normally lays underneath the fridge- that can get really nasty. </strong><br />
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<strong>Don't forget to wipe down the refrigerator door handle(s), the rubber gasket seal that goes all around the doors and the bottom vent of the fridge down at the floor's level. You can use an old toothbrush around the areas which need some scrubbing but aren't easy to reach with just a sponge or cloth. Baking soda and a non-scratching sponge with a scrubby side to it works well, though it'll require some rinsing afterwards. Some people use diluted chlorine bleach to clean their fridge, but I consider that a last resort technique. Personally, I like using a diluted all-purpose cleaner or some Red Juice from The Clean Team (Red Juice is food safe, as well, which can't be said for many cleaning products on the market.) You don't have to do this all in one day, either. Pick one day to do the outside, another to de-clutter the interior, the next to clean the interior of the fridge door (which can get really gross), then the shelves, then the crisper drawers. Five days and you'll have a sparkling fridge- talk about using weekday Zone Cleaning (another FlyLady tool) to your advantage! </strong><br />
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<strong>Once this heavy-duty cleaning is done, too, maintaining a clean fridge on a weekly basis is pretty easy. Now I just clean out any leftovers that need to be tossed and quickly wipe down my fridge with a Lysol wipe every Thursday. Since I do this once a week, the fridge never needs too much work. (I dust the top of the fridge real quick twice a week, too.) </strong><br />
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<strong>7) The oven range is our next stop. Put the filter in the dishwasher or replace it if it's really gnarly. You may need to wipe off the light bulb or replace it entirely if it's burned out. Often the inside edge of a range gets very gunky. Sometimes the only solution is a good cleaning brush with stiff bristles, some scrubbing cleanser (like Comet or Bon Ami) and plenty of elbow grease. Grease and dust become baked on these types of surfaces with the surrounding heat of an oven. Don't kill yourself over this chore, though. If all you can do is give it a good wipedown, that's a heck of a lot better than nothing. Remember, a light wipedown regularly will save you a heavy-duty scrubbing that has to be done sporadically. When you wipe down your kitchen each day after cooking, hit these oft-forgotten areas every couple days or so to keep the overall dirt and grease buildup levels to a minimum.</strong><br />
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<strong>8) The windows (if you have any), breakfast table and/chairs, bar stools, countertops, stovetop, kitchen sink and small appliances or any knick-knacks on the counters or shelves come next. Don't freak out on me. If you consistently clean your home once every week or two pretty thoroughly, touch-ups on small sections of these items are all that should be needed. This is especially true if you have good daily routines in place for light household cleaning and live in an already-de-cluttered home. Remember, only work until you've reached your time or energy limit- no more. If you're starting with a home that hasn't been cleaned in awhile or is quite old, it may take more time and work to get it clean enough so that it just takes quick work to touch up. There's nothing wrong with that. Think about it. If you devote just a few minutes a day to one area of your home for an entire week, especially if that time is spent solely on deep-cleaning a space often left untouched, you'll be left with a sparkling space after that period of time. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a clean home. Don't rush and make yourself crazy- your home <em>will</em> get clean. </strong><br />
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<strong>9) </strong><strong>Now you'll hit lower items. These are often overlooked because they're not at eye level for most folks. Certain parts of the dishwasher, lower kitchen cabinets and the oven(s) are the most-common sources of overlooked dirt in a home that doesn't get deep-cleaned regularly. Again, start out to the right of the kitchen sink for a guide. In my home, the dishwasher is to the right of the sink. If it's been awhile, sometimes I notice that the outside of the dishwasher, as well as those edges of the door which don't get cleaned when it's running, need a wipe-down. Food gets on those outer edges easily when dirty dishes are loaded into it each day. Remember that vertical surfaces usually do not need the same amount of cleaning as horizontal ones- but eventually, everything should be wiped down, especially if it's noticeably dirty. (Run a clean finger across the front of a surface if you're unsure- if the surface is greasy, gritty, etc., you'll have your answer as to whether it needs cleaning.) Use your favorite disinfecting wipes, a white cotton cloth or microfiber cleaning cloth plus all-purpose cleaner. The Clean Team (</strong><a href="http://www.thecleanteam.com/"><strong>www.thecleanteam.com</strong></a><strong>) sells a product called Red Juice which is an awesome, food-safe, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner. A product from the grocery store that serves a similar purpose would be Lysol Kitchen Cleaner, but there are many options in this day and age, including natural products. I've tried several of these products from sources that sell "green cleaners", but I have to be honest- the Lysol Kitchen Cleaner is what I always go back to because it just works the best. (That is purely my personal opinion, though.) Use whatever has the most amount of cleaning power with the least amount of negative environmental and health impact. Choose something that won't streak for the surface you're working on, too.</strong><br />
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<strong>Clean the oven on a night when you're using the microwave, crock pot, outdoor grill or something else to cook dinner. If you use just the stovetop, fine, but don't plan to clean the oven on a night you'll be cooking, because it just won't work (for obvious reasons). You don't have to dig out the Easy Off! I'm just talking about some basic maintenance items. The last time I cleaned my oven, I took BioKleen Degreaser, diluted it, let it sit for awhile on the oven surface and then just wiped it clean and dry. It looked fabulous afterwards- no harsh chemicals, no fumes, no rubber gloves needed, no scrubbing. Sometimes sheer <em>soaking</em> is all the cleaning power that's needed!</strong><br />
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<strong>If you have a gas stove and you aren't using the stovetop grates that night at all, put them in the dishwasher or wash and dry them by hand. </strong><br />
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<strong>(More instructions on cleaning a stovetop and an oven well are in the book <em>Speed Cleaning</em>, written by Jeff Campbell. It is a superb book for learning how to clean your whole house thoroughly but in a relatively quick and definitely a very efficient manner.)</strong><br />
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<strong>If you own a stainless steel appliance(s), then you may need to use a cleaner designed just for that type of surface. However, I've found that good old lemon Pledge works just great on stainless steel, wooden tables and chairs, kitchen cabinets and any leather pieces you might own. Windex or The Clean Team's Blue Juice is good for glass and some "laminated" surfaces (like the front of a microwave). Do be careful with Pledge in terms of where you spray it, because it <em>will</em> make a floor slippery if too much of it coats the floor's surface. I prefer to just spray the Pledge on a polishing cloth right over the sink or a trash can- any Pledge that coats the sink or trashbag indirectly will cause no harm. You can do this with a few cloths at a time, so you don't have to keep going back to the sink or trash can. </strong><br />
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<strong>10) Finally, we reach the floor. Assuming that you vacuum and mop your floor once or twice a week consistently, most of time all you'll need to do is deep-clean the baseboards, the rubber part which separates your cabinets from the floor (dust bunnies love these), the edge of the flooring itself (right where it hits the cabinets and appliances) and some corners once in awhile. No matter how good of a vacuum and mop you own and how consistent you are with cleaning, most floors will need a good hand-scrubbing in places here and there. Also remember that mysterious abyss known as the floor under your large appliances- fridge, oven, washer/dryer (if applicable), etc. If at all possible, move the applicances and give the floor normally covered by them a thorough vacuuming and washing. However, if all you can do is run a dryer cleaning brush or cloth-covered cleaning wand underneath to disengage and remove some of the dirt that builds up, it's still worth celebrating. While it's a pain to clean these unseen areas, it does help people with asthma or allergies to have that extra dirt gone. Removing that excess dirt/dust/grease also can help your applicances run better (especially the fridge) and helps prevent fires, too. </strong><br />
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Here's to being an organized minimalist,<br />
Liz </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3219770087928140293.post-87543043371828627072013-06-09T13:37:00.001-04:002013-06-09T13:37:07.646-04:00How Learning New Tasks Translates into Confidence That You Can Tackle Any Organizing Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I started college this past January, I did so as a student who last went to school half a lifetime ago. I was wary about my ability to keep up with people ten years younger than me or more. I had the mistaken belief in my head that I was too old to re-learn (or learn anew) higher mathematics and worried the entire time I was taking algebra that I'd fail the class. I resented having to take that type of course in the first place, considering that my majors aren't in a mathematical field at all. But taking the class proved to me an invaluable lesson- <em>I can learn new things just as well as I did when I was younger</em>! I won't be a raging success in every subject that I take on, but my ability to gain new knowledge and then use it is still intact. And I believe the same thing applies to <em>everyone</em> and in many situations<em>. </em>I know you might be thinking, "Yeah, right." But I think that each of you can do whatever it is you want to do with your life. <br />
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I may fail at things in life but it's rarely because I didn't give it my all mentally. All it took to succeed in algebra was applying myself, something that sounds simple in print but is in reality quite tough to put into practice day in and day out. When I actually read the lessons as assigned, doing all of the exercises and math problems step-by-step, I was able to retain what I learned better. So long as I <em>spent consistent time each day</em> studying, filling in the gaps that existed in my knowledge, I not only learned new skills but I became somewhat expert at using them. I didn't usually enjoy doing the actual work but I was buoyed by the fact that I climbed up the mountain of knowledge a little higher each day. I realized that I could not psych myself out by constantly thinking, "I can't do this." I think many students do the same thing mentally and thus give up before they've ever even really tried to master a topic. I'd never touched a graphing calculator before this class, for example. Now, I actually know how to write programs for my calculator, besides knowing how to use it to solve algebra! Was it easy? Not by a long shot. But it was and is possible to conquer even the toughest of subjects. I may not become a mathematical wizard, but I can do the best my brain and body will allow. I refuse to give in to self-limitations, especially mental ones. Anything is possible with a will to succeed, solid dedication to learning and tenacity. Every door I open to new knowledge ends up just opening another door after that yet again, and I personally find this very exciting, one of the most enjoyable aspects of life itself.<br />
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So how does this translate to organizing projects or learning new routines to make your life run more smoothly? It's quite simple. The same thing that I had to do to gain knowledge about algebra and get good at it is exactly what one has to do when learning new home maintenance routines, organizing or time-management skills. Very few people are born with the innate gifts of organizing or time-managing perfectly. It's a set of skills I'd say 90-95% of us have to learn, usually the hard way- through repeating the same steps over and over until they become a part of our very nature. Look at a ballet dancer for example, who must do the identical warm-up day after day after day, then builds their more elaborate dance repertoire step by step. To get to the point where something becomes second nature, most of us have to repeat the same routines repeatedly for quite awhile. No one learns full routines immediately, even when they have an innate talent for a particular task. Organizing, time-managing and simplifying are about self-improvement, especially early on in the journey, but eventually they blossom out to a point where you'll want to improve even more of the world around you. They're more important skills than they sometimes seem to be at first, because they end up being needed in every area of our existence.<br />
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Thankfully in this day and age much literature has been written to serve as guides on our way to mastering these tools. I encourage you to seek out such books- there are many great ones out there- and articles about the topic. There are tons of great blogs on organizing which provide help and motivation. No, not every suggestion an author makes will apply to you or be a fit for your personality or lifestyle. But you won't gain knowledge of what works and what doesn't without trying. It's <em>not</em> better to never try a system because you think it just won't work for you. There's nothing to be lost in making a solid attempt at something. The benefits almost always weigh out the drawbacks. If you try to implement a system, work at it daily and it fails, you'll still get something out of it! No inventor, scientist or any other great figure of history achieved their major successes without a lot of failures as they worked. It took many, many attempts to get an airplane off the ground, to get a working telephone, to develop electricity. Also, many times they'd would discover an item of immense value that came out of the mere attempt to achieve their final goal, often as a sort of accidental surprise. (Thomas Edison's work is a great example of this.) Consistent hard work, trial-and-error and just plain showing up to try accomplishing something of importance every day is what serves life best. You won't learn new skills, get tasks done or achieve anything of great value without taking steps backward. Nothing and no one in life is a perpetual fountain of success- all great people were willing to take the chance of failure rather than walk away and never try to achieve their goal at all.<br />
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Lest you think my experience was nothing but a bed of roses this time, I only did an average job on my algebra tests. I'm normally a good test-taker but higher mathematics are an exception to that rule. What made the difference in my final class grade was completing my workshops & homework, showing up and finishing the class out. I'll admit that I was not doing well on my tests, to the point where I thought I might not get a B in the class (the lowest grade I could get and still pass, in this case). I was tempted to just say, "Screw it", and not even show up for the last class to take the final exam. I didn't think I could get a B, I thought I was just not getting the material the way I should've been (considering my many hours of study) and frankly by the end of the semester I was a bit burned out. But I completed the workshops, the homework, the final exam and the class. And I passed with a B! No, my final exam was not a masterpiece, but the mere fact that I tried my best was enough in this case. Even if I wouldn't have passed, I would still have known that I gave it my all and psychologically, that was necessary to me. <br />
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I encourage you to view the development of your organizing, simplifying and time management skills in the same way. Stick the path out. Work on it a little bit every day, even when it's the last thing you want to be doing. Right about the time you think you'll experience your biggest failure is when you'll often instead get your biggest breakthroughs. And then, finally, your biggest success will come along. You cannot look at others who already have the skills under their belt and make negative comparisons about yourself. I will never be a mathematical genius. It'll never be something that I naturally grasp easily or have an enormous passion for. I'm glad there are people like that out there, but my interests lie elsewhere. However, I'm grateful for the lessons I learned- not so much the math itself, but the incidental stuff. Having to stretch myself in this way taught me a great deal about my habits and my psyche. Look at getting organized, simplifying and gaining time management skills the same way. I know that you'll get farther than you ever dreamed possible if you do this.<em> </em><br />
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Here's to being an organized minimalist,<br />
Liz</div>
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