Locating the Balance

Today was Monday, my last day as a Project Support Manager. Beginning tomorrow I will start training as Payroll Administrator. I'm up for it but to be honest I'm a little agitated. I can do this job, but it is NOT what I want to do! My heart is just not in this! I'll be honest, I'm doing it for the money. That's it. I dont have a bad attitude, I just see where I want to go and I am bucking every obstacle that threatens to get in my way. HOWEVER, as I said in my previous post, I know God is working on my behalf. I know that His plan is being worked out for my good. Oh Lord, please help me suck it up and listen to you!

I've been working on several projects that MUST be completed in the next two weeks. One of those is "Confessions..." I've got bits and pieces of it everywhere and I am pulling it all together. I'm also putting together my new promotional packet for my speaking ministry. I am excited about this but there are SO many components to it! AND I have to finish the LIFE Groups Resource Manual and meet with 50 different group leaders before the end of the month not to mention the other things I have to do before the fall kick off! I honestly have no idea how I will accomplish it all! And my "To Do" list is growing by the minute!

How do you all manage to balance work, home, family, projects, ministry, etc.? I'd love some feedback and suggestions- and LOTS of prayer!

Am I overcommiting? Am I crazy or do I just need the help of some driven women who can help get me on track?

Come on gals- I'm listening!

30 Day Organizational Challenge

(Photos are coming!)

Laura over at I'm An Organizing Junkie is hosting a30-day organizational challenge. Go there and sign up! You'll be glad you did! Oh- and there's prizes!

First thing up is to pick an area/room: I am choosing the “nursery/playroom” of my one and five year old girls. We moved into our house in early December 06 and this room is pathetic! It needs some serious organization and tools to enforce the much-needed order.

I have other rooms that need organizing as well, but I think this is my most “realistic” possibility for success.

Next create an organizational plan:

1. What do I want the purpose of my room or area to be?

A place my youngest girls can play, dress, and sleep without having to dig, stumble, or get frustrated trying to find what they need.

2. What do I need in or near the room to serve that purpose?

A new bed for Lexi (5yo), toy storage, closet organizers, shelving, bookcases, décor, stuffed doll storage; dressers or drawers

3. What can I remove from the room?

Clutter, toys, books, games no longer used

4. What problems do I see with the room?

It is very small, so making room for playing may be a challenge

5. What organizational tools might solve those problems?

Daybed vs. twin bed; bins, wall shelving, under bed bins; rolling drawers; labeling

6. What habits need to change to solve the organizational problems?

Teaching girls to put things in their “homes,” putting things away in their proper place as soon as it is misplaced

7. What kind of a budget do I have to create the organized room of my dreams?

$100 or less

8. What kind of a timeline is necessary to organize the room?

I think 30 days will be more than enough time.

9. What is my plan of action?

Start by downsizing and tossing, then do a layout of the room, purchase bed, determine what items need to be organized and tools needed to “house” them, then put the room together

10. Who can I ask to help me with this?
My husband! J

Extreme Home Organization: Sloan Edition

Okay, as I promised, here is my update on my home organization project!

This past weekend, I took inventory of all that needs to be done and what resources I currently have to perform.

The biggest issue I seem to have is lack of “order.” However, as I searched through my house, I realized that I had a lot of space not being utilized to its capacity and some not being utilized at all. So, my first order of business has been to list each room, where I have found disorder, and what organization resources I have available in that room.

My next plan of this extreme home organization makeover is to start one room at a time… the master bedroom is first!

Kitchen Organization- Great How-To

I found this in my quest for organizing my kitchen. It's simple and practical!

9 Traits of Organized Kitchens

1. The number one rule of an organized kitchen is to store items where you use them. Put your plates near the table, glasses near the fridge and cutting knives and board near island or counter where you cut up produce.

2. If you do any baking, set up a baking section. Store together all items you use when baking.

3. Clean and organize your fridge and freezer. Do a quick upkeep once a week on trash day. If you don't use it, get rid of it.

4. Move the excess clutter. For example, seasonally used items such as platters and holiday dishes are better stored in a basement or attic. Unless you have a very large kitchen, it is best to remove items that are not used on a regular basis.

5. How many glasses do you really use between dish washings? Store only as many as you regularly use (glasses, dishes, wine glasses, etc.), and place the extras in storage.

6. Go through your cookbooks and keep in the kitchen only the ones you use regularly. Seasonal cookbooks can be stored with your holiday dinnerware, others can be stored elsewhere or given away.

7. Here's a tough one. If you don't use it every day, remove it from your counters. So many of us complain about not having enough counter space yet we crowd the counters with items we don't even use.

8. Check out all the racks, drawer units and organizers on the market to more efficiently store your kitchen items. You'll find a variety of selections at home stores throughout the country.

9. Set up a small pantry somewhere in your home for extra cans of soup, coffee, etc. You'll save money by buying in bulk or during sales and you will save space in the kitchen for more important things. A small closet can easily be converted to a pantry. Once you have one, you'll never want to be "pantry-less" again.

Found it here: http://www.divorcekit.com/Kitchens/9_Traits_of_Organized_Kitchens.html

Anyone Seen "Organized" Tara?

Have you seen her? I’ve lost her somehow! The organized person who used to be me! I don’t know what happened! She was here one day, gone the next!

Honestly, I feel like screaming every time I see the chaos (my interpretation) in my house, car, etc. I know it is not as bad as it seems (to me anyway), but I am losing my mind! I have to connect with that organized person that used to reside within me!

My mornings are absolutely ridiculous! We are running later and later. The kids have actually been late for school twice this week! I HAVE to get it together!

So, I am going to make some resolutions (yep right here at the end of March), to organize my life, family & home!

I have done a little researching too. Practical researching- because honestly, I have all of the books- and well, now the books need organizing too! Back to what I was saying, I have researched and found answers right here on the web from fellow bloggers.

One thing I am reading like crazy is Rocks in My Dryer’s “Works for Me Wednesday”. And after I find something that will work for me too, I am going to do it right away! Another place I am frequenting is I’m An Organizing Junkie! She is also doing a 30 Day Organizational Challenge and I plan to jump on that bandwagon as well. I am also considering the Menu Plan Monday. I’m checking out The Lazy Organizer too.

Yea! I am finding practical tools and advice! As I venture on my new project… I will update my blog with my progress on Mondays. (Uh-oh, another commitment!) I am determined to get out of this rut!