Perfect weather for reading or seeing what I can do with all of the scraps I've been producing. I have a love affair with scraps.
Last year I made a bunch of these pins/brooches/whatever. I have some already pinned on shirts and sweaters, gave some away, used some in other projects.
Yesterday, I played with making more scrappy whatevers. Scraps of all sizes to sort through and choose and fun to make while I watched the first episodes of The Man in the High Castle.
Today I'm in the midst of 5 minute episodes of frantic cleaning and straightening. Set the timer for 5 minutes and then get to it, one room at a time, quitting when the timer goes off, and moving on, finished or not. Some areas will need a second pass, but it fascinates me at what I can get done in such limited time, and the timer makes it feel more like a game.
The reason behind the Episodic Cleaning Game is that while sometimes I make a list of chores for the day, lately, I've been more about the list of what chores I can avoid.
Do I need to do that load of laundry today or can it wait?
Should I go play in the studio or empty the dishwasher?
Clean out the fridge or play upstairs?
If I read for an hour would it hurt that I don't mop the floor today?
My other favorite game--Avoid and Procrastinate. I'm an expert.
Today, though, the game is Episodic Cleaning in 5 minute increments with 30 min. breaks! :) It works for me. And it never lasts long; eventually, I ignore the timer.
You are so FUNNY! I sure hope that 5 minute thing is working for you!! Here in Northern Indiana autumn is here, even though the temps are a little warmer than normal. The house is closed and my outside chores have slowed so I am into the fall cleaning...I would need a 5 minute timer to THINK about what I'll clean. I do abide the 15 minute declutter method. It makes a dent!!
ReplyDeletexx, Carol
It works perfectly when I manage to keep up! I do try the 15 minute version, too, but today it is just 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there. A little laundry, empty the dishwasher, get the trash ready for pick up tomorrow... :)
DeleteOh, this sounds so familiar. I don't manage too well with timers and housework, either!
ReplyDeleteEveryone has a method! One of my other favorites is Displacement Activities--since I don't want to do "this"-- I'll do "this" instead.
DeleteRachel just sent me an email saying, "Procrastination has a whole slew of sub-genres." I'm thinking of making a list--any suggestions?
DeleteWhat fun creations with bits of fabric! I too hang on to odds and ends left over from my quilt making. I have large 2 gallon baggies labeled with colors that I put them in to. Hubby told me about that series and we thought we might start it today. Always nice to get some rain. My Hibiscus is still hanging on also, but won't last long.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thanks, Jann! I've had fun with these scraps. Using up the leftovers is sometimes more satisfying than the original project. :)
DeleteThe Man in the High Castle is very interesting so far! I've read a couple of alternate histories about what might have happened if we lost the war, but both were set in England. Truly a terrifying alternate history any way you look at it!
Love your little Halloween whatevers! May I borrow your idea and do one or two for my GDs? I've got so many fabric scraps...
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your 5 min cleaning game!
:) They are quick and fun! Hope your GDs enjoy them, Francoise! I'm sending a couple to my daughter today--one for her and one for the GD!
DeleteI'm of the school of thought that goes: "in the scheme of the universe, exactly how important is vacuuming?" Works every time *smile*
ReplyDeleteWorks most of the time for me, too!
DeleteFirst-I so agree with you in your previous post about school funding for the arts. I loved my high school art teacher, and my music teacher. Sadly-these programs are now considered expendable-not really needed.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your whatevers! And yay for the five minute cleaning! I think that's an idea I will use.
It is especially difficult to understand when there is plenty of research that shows the connections of arts to academic performance. But we must test, so time and money go into testing.
DeleteThanks, Debra! I sent 2 to my daughter with little black safety pins in them if she wants to wear them. I pinned one to my jacket when I went out yesterday. I enjoyed making them!