wanting to get organised, where do i start?

[Bathsheba]

I also want to like FlyLady but her site is so messy and hard to navigate... and her little cartoon image of herself is just so aesthetically unappealing LOL I have wondered about making an Australian version of her concept... including how to work with kids/while pregnant etc because so many of her tips are impractical with small children around, sleep deprivation etc. And of course I would make the site nice and TIDY!

I plan to do the same thing Tan. I kind of know what I have to do. I have a good diary (The Master Plan) and I will have 4 child-free days each week (business hours) in which to work at home on this and a few other projects.

I suspect the first thing to get right is your sleep actually. You can't think straight and work hard if you aren't up to it energy-wise.

Then i think you need to group tasks... have a flexible routine than involves you doing the essentials daily in the most time efficient order.

Also i think you need to make sure you don't bite off more than you can chew.... and find a reason to be motivated.

Goodluck!

[Astrid]

I also want to like FlyLady but her site is so messy and hard to navigate... and her little cartoon image of herself is just so aesthetically unappealing LOL I have wondered about making an Australian version of her concept... including how to work with kids/while pregnant etc because so many of her tips are impractical with small children around, sleep deprivation etc. And of course I would

Feel the same way. I have an ex friend who goes on about it, but her only child is school age and she does not work. So she has all day to follow FL, she has completely forgotten how to do things with a little one around your legs and has not idea about doing anything with two children. Hey that is always a business idea for your Bath Make your own site.

[Bathsheba]

Yes, if only I had the skills to design a web site!

I'm filling out my new Master Plan diary tonight. The more I think about it the more being organised depends on an efficient, easy and satisfying documentation system. You have to co-ordinate everything ahead of schedule in writing or electronically depending on preference. You need visual maps of each day all in one place. Ideally you have the shopping list, the To Do list, appointments and other goals all together... or at least in the same place.

Today I moved my cook books out from the pantry and put them on a shelf right next to the dining table where I fill out my diary (which is also near the phone). A simple thing but it means that I don't have to get up and down and walk between the pantry and dining table every time I want to meal plan. I didn't really meal plan much last year. Just kind of "wung it".

I got a new iphone for Christmas... apparently you can download nifty shopping lists etc. It will be interesting to see if I weave this into my routine. I'm basically a lazy person... but when I do actually do something it's done properly or not at all. I swear that if I do ever concoct a system anywhere as near as popular as FlyLady it will appeal to people who like it simple!

I also think it helps to know whether you are a morning, afternoon or night person and push yourself a bit harder at "your" time. My most productive times are between 9am - noon (at which time I have to stop to watch the ABC's Midday Report) and then from 7pm - 9pm. I like to be in bed at 10pm to read. I like to turn the lights out before 11pm. I'm not a night owl like I used to be. The late hours are good for creativity but I have to be practical ATM until the house is more organised.

Getting back to the productive hours... I conceed that I am a mess in the afternoon. My energy is low and the kids are extremely demanding. I also want to devote more time to helping my teen DD with her homework this year so I know that realistically it's best not to push myself on the domestic front too hard at this time... it just ends up in despair.

Sorry to hijack thread with my own life... just reflecting on what has worked and what has not for me.

[tan32]

Thanks ladies I will def check out those books.
My main times to try and get everything ready seem to be in the morning, although i tend to be more productive when Lachlan goes down for a nap as its hard when you are putting things away and he is dragging them back out, otherwise I find when all the kids are asleep at night a great time, but i also like to use this time to re connect with DH .
However Dh is on holidays for another week so I am going to get started tomorrow, first on the list is getting Lachlans toddler bed set up and his room and toys sorted, then its on to Hamish's room and painting the other bunk bed and putting that up and sorting through toys again.

Then I will go through and make a pile for the local op shop and a pile to bin and a pile to try and sell either on ebay or a garage sale... Well thats my plan anyway