I have not worked since December 1st, 2010. I was in the hospital on an emergency basis, and then I was in the hospital again 3 weeks later. I had a lot of down time during the months of December and January, and even though I was pretty sick, I managed to get some long overdue projects done. While working on one of my projects I ran across this article in Real Simple Magazine, and thought I would share it with you. More information and pics on my other projects to come. For those of you who are going stir-crazy from all the winter weather, this one’s for you!!
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IF YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES...pick a task, any task. These mini chores will give you that juicy accomplishment buzz while making the most of sudden-and fleeting-downtime. Gold star for you.
Download the pictures in your digital camera to your computer.
Paint your toenails.
Throw out all expired coupons.
Gather valid coupons and stash them in the glove compartment.
Set up a PayPal account.
Look through a box of photos and frame one that speaks to you.
Empty the bathroom wastebaskets.
Scan your sock drawer and put any one-of’s in a basket. If their matches don’t turn up after the next laundry day, toss them.
Open your file cabinet and get rid of five old files.
Transfer dates from invitations and school flyers to the calendar.
Return that Netflix movie.
Locate all your critical pot tops and nest them together.
Check your stack of magazines and eliminate half.
Polish your favorite boots.
Read an old journal entry.
Adjust all the bills in your wallet so they face the same way.
Look in your shower stall. Ditch any shampoos or body washes you haven’t used in forever.
Neaten up the freezer.
Do two yoga poses.
Move worn-out towels to the highest shelf of the linen closet.
Reply to 3 pressing emails.
Charge your portable devices.
Sweep under the kitchen table.
Call your dad.
Check your voice mail.
Move some random files on your computer desktop to the correct folders.
Refold your sweaters and stack them by color.
Floss your teeth.
Water the plants and wipe dusty leaves with a damp paper towel.
Sew on a button.
Pitch three old items from the refrigerator.
Put to-be-donated clothes in a bag by the door.
Untangle a necklace.
Cancel one appointment you just really don’t want to keep.
Find that evening bag, scarf, or top that got lost in the closet.
Test pens or markers and toss the dead ones.
Arrange your hangers so they all face the same way.
Pick up five things and put them where they belong.
Wash the dog’s bowl.
Brush the cat.
Clear off the top of the refrigerator.
Remove gum wrappers, receipts, and ATM slips from your purse.
Get rid of one pair of shoes that kill your feet.
Scan your medicine cabinet and throw out any expired prescriptions, sunscreens, and vitamins.
Test your smoke alarms.
Shred something-anything.
Write a thank-you note that you’ve been putting off.
Walk around your home with a small can of white paint; do touch ups.
Create an emergency kit with bottled water, batteries, a flashlight, and canned foods.
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"Get -It-Together Handbook 2011" Real Simple Jan. 2011: 98+. Print.
