Do you have unfinishe
d household projects lying around? I can tell what my clients’ projects are at a glance – there are light bulbs that need changing; clothing that needs repairing; pictures that need to be framed and hung; and gifts that need to be wrapped. They are sitting out on the counters, tables, and floors, all waiting to be done. But they aren’t getting done. Why not?
Are you the organized one in your family? Does it seem pointless to try to stay organized, with everyone making messes right behind you as you go around the house tidying up? Here are some sneaky ways to get them onboard with your organizing systems.
I originally wrote this post for World Back Up Day (Don’t be an April Fool – Take the Pledge!)
But…really, shouldn’t every day be Back Up Day?
(Click to view video: “What Would You Do if You Lost Everything?“)
I’ve never attended the Iowa State Fair. I gain weight just reading the 2019 Food On A Stick menu! But I did visit the fairgrounds a number of years ago on a genealogy research trip with my dad. Why? Because the land formerly belonged to my 2nd great-grandfather, Calvin Thornton. Prior to that, it belonged to his pioneer father-in-law, John Harris, who left it to his daughter, Araminta. (So, it was really hers…and, well, who knows who it “belonged” to before they came to settle in the area, right? But I digress…)
Which path will you take?
What are you worried about?
I think we all worry sometimes, don’t you? We worry about our health, and the health of our loved ones. About our appearance, and how we measure up to others. About money, and how our businesses are doing. About whether or not we’re being good parents. We worry about (fill in the blank).
And what does worrying do to us? It causes stress, sleepless nights, stomach aches, arguments, etc., and sometimes it causes us to not enjoy life’s pleasures…..yes?
So, who am I to tell you to stop worrying?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Illness is stressful. The less you have to worry about, the more you can focus your energy on getting well. And getting organized will help you worry less.
This concept applies to any prolonged medical condition that results in decreased energy and mobility.
Here are some examples:
- recovery from a planned surgery
- an unplanned medical or health event
- a major illness
- a chronic condition
- depression
If you are not expecting to fully recover, getting organized will help you to enjoy your “new normal” to its fullest.
AHA! I was RIGHT!
Right about what, you ask?
Right about where my Grandma Hankins was born (Villa Mae Lawrence Hankins 1904-1986).
If I’m in a storage unit, it’s usually to help a client move out of it. Sometimes they don’t even remember what’s in there, and they’re horrified to realize how much money they’ve paid all these months and years to store things they don’t even want anymore!
There are a few situations, though, where a storage unit is the perfect solution. This time I not only recommended it, but I helped my client rent the unit and move into it!
Can’t find your ancestor? Getting frustrated?
We all hit a brick wall in our genealogy research now and then.
Or, as we call them here in New Mexico, adobe walls, lol!
2019 (left) Archie Raymond Thornton Jr. and (right) Michael Ray Thornton
I once wrote an article for APPO (Association of Professional Photo Organizers) called Who Do You Think You Look Like? The Mystery of Family Resemblances. It featured a small selection of photos from both sides of my family.
This time, in honor of Father’s Day, I’ve gathered photos from six consecutive generations of Thornton fathers and sons. I only recently found the oldest two photos — Calvin and Nathan — in the course of my never-ending genealogy research. Once again, I find the similarities between all of these men striking, don’t you?
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