Random Wednesdays

 Agh, it's Wednesday already! How did this madness happen??  This is a good time to point out that for the next week or so, I may appear MIA with all of this moving 'stuff' going on. But enough about that, let's get onto it...

1.) We officially have our forwarding address! I only about lost my mind twice, but we finally have a place to live! This makes for a much less stressed version of myself and much happier version of my husband (as he has to deal with the stressed, not so nice, version of myself). 

2.) Visiting family, celebrating birthdays, and riding horses makes me a happier person.  It just does. Simple as that.


3.) Babies eating cake...it will forever be at the top of my list of things I love watching.

4.) Have I mentioned how much I dislike packing?  (See the Packing Saga: Pt 1)  Officially 10 days out from Moving Day!! Ughh...packing...

5.) I made a shadow box for my husband this weekend with old lures he got from his dad.  He loves it. Now my dad wants one. Perfect idea for father's day this summer! (Watch for upcoming 'How To' post).

6.) I am aware that I have not posted the recipe for sweet potato fries yet...I apologize.  It's all part of the 'MIA' thing I was talking about.  Blame it on the packing...

7.) While packing/cleaning/organizing this week I found two birthday cards: one from me to Luke and one from Luke to me. Same cards. That's love!

8.) Color Run update: the Ann Arbor Color Run has already filled up! Crazy - I know! My husband and I were the only ones who signed up before the race filled up (by 'only ones' I mean, the only ones from the team we established - which no longer exists).  So, Luke and I will be participating in a 5k together (The Color Run) for our 3rd anniversary. Just the two of us, with cheerleaders waiting for us at the end of the race to take pictures of us and all of our color-ness!

9.)  If it wasn't for my Addie-tized office, my data entry job would be way more boring than it already is.  Thank you Addie for your smiling face plastered all of over my desk!

10.) I think I need a cookie now...

The Packing Saga: Part 1

The packing saga has begun!

This time around, I am determined to be packed, labeled, and organized by the time the moving crew get here in three weeks!  The last time we moved, I did not succeed at preparing our apartment for departure.  This resulted in 'frowny faces' of those who arrived early on a Saturday morning two years ago to help us move. 
Oops.

Let me just add, I was working 40-50 hours a week back then, and worked right up until our move out date.  I had pictures off the wall and little things packed up.  However, I did not have my kitchen cupboards or pantry, or anything else for that matter, packed.
Oops again.  

I highly dislike living out of boxes.  So the idea of placing everything in boxes made me nervous.  I still needed to eat, sleep, shower, dress, etc.  How was I supposed to pack everything when I was still using all those things?  In addition, I had never moved my home before...not to this level anyway.

This time, I am vowing to be on top of things.  I will be organized and I will be packed!

So, in order to motivate myself and encourage others, I have developed 'fool proof' steps for packing.


An OT's Fool Proof Steps for Successful Packing
Part 1: Getting Started


1.  Make coffee first. (...Or insert whatever warm, comfort beverage you prefer here.)

Every tasks seems more achievable when you have a warm cup of happiness. I read once that the color of coffee is a calming color and is said to decrease stress in individuals.  Also, the aroma of coffee is said to do the same thing.  Whenever a daunting tasks awaits me, I get my coffee.  It prepares me for what lies ahead.
2.  I make my "To Do" list.

I love 'To Do' list.  I am the type of person who will write a list and even add the things that I have already completed, just so that I can check it off.  Ahh, the satisfaction of checking things off my 'To Do' list. 


On this list, I have included such things:
Clean out/organize closets, cupboards, desks, drawers, etc.:
         Get rid of everything you don't need.  The less to pack, the better!
         Create two piles: a Goodwill/give away pile and a trash pile. 
Break down a list of what can be packed first --> last.
         Books, Movies, Pictures, Decorations/Knick-Knacks
         Kitchen stuff, Bathroom stuff, Pantry
         Shoes
         Clothes, etc.


Only you know what you can live without for a few weeks and what you have to have for everyday use.

3.  Begin with with the first item on your 'To Do' list - clean out your closets and bookshelves!

Oh the books!! (See 'The Wonderful World of Selling Books")

 

4.  Get Boxes - lots and lots of boxes.

Did I mention lots and lots of boxes??

Once you have your 'To Do' List and you have gone through the first step of cleaning and organizing, begin packing up the items that you do not need for the next couple weeks.  I like to start with books, movies, all of my saved school work and desk items.  Then I will move onto pictures on the walls and decorative items; things that are not necessary for everyday living. 

5.  Get more coffee! - Remember our friend, caffeine? It keeps you going when you feel like quitting!  Don't quit!

This should be enough to keep you occupied for awhile in your daunting packing tasks. (Or at least it is for me).