(If you find that you have trouble reading the labels on this web organizer, you might want to switch your text size to "large" or download this cool magnifying glass at http://www.halley.cc/stuff/dragnifier.html

It really comes in handy!)

Here is an Inspiration 8 web of my brainstorming process that I'm still trying to work through. Putting my thoughts into pictures really gives a different view of what I'm trying to do. As I mentioned in my last post, I've realized that household organization isn't just having organized drawers. To have an organized household, many aspects of your life need to be in order, or at least somewhat organized.

Next on the Agenda

I've been busy working on my web organizer (Inspiration 8). Attempting to narrow down my inquiry has been a task. Household organization is such a broad topic, and I'm finding through my Webbing that it doesn't just involve my house, it involves me AND my personal organization AND my thought processes AND my habits AND my wellness AND well, simply me. Household organization, in the physical sense, might just be a reflection of who I am and what's going on in my life. Oh no, is this going to turn into a therapy session? Will my mother be involved????:)

Questions and topics that I need to ponder....

Clutter-Clear your space, clear your mind

Kitchen-The HUB of the house. Easy, difficult, congested, welcoming?

3 Teenager's Rooms-I won't dare...that's for another inquiry assignment. Go ahead and call me a coward.

Time-As always, not enought....How to streamline...How to free up?

Procrastination-I'm the queen, the matriarch, the Grand Poobah of Procrastination.....what am I afraid of or avoiding?

Delegation-What's that?

No, no, a thousand times, NO!!!....When to say it, how to say it (nicely), why to say it, consequences of saying it.

When to wave the white flag and call for help--When is it time to employ a coach?

Moving On to Wiggling

After much thought, I've decided that my household organization would be the one place that would be most beneficial to me if my life right now. I've done searches on the net, gone to the library, the book store, and even considered contacting one of those people who actually organize for a living. In no time, I found that there are lots of specialists out there, lots of advice, and way too many things to be organized in this world.

Because of the overwhelming amount of information that I've found, I've realize that I will need to narrow my inquiry, for now anyway, and focus on just a few areas. The others will have to come later.

To begin, clutter has to take the lead. In 24 years of living in one house, a person can accumulate lots of STUFF. I've always felt that I've done a pretty good job of keeping up with the STUFF, but in reality, we all have more than we need. I'm looking into methods of eliminating, sorting, and redirecting STUFF and am narrowing in on a few. Anyone remember George Carlin's piece on people and their STUFF? Oops! Showing my age again.

Purposeful storage is another area that I need to hit. My sister has been a Home Ec teacher for 30 years, and was always the one to contact when you were building a new home, remodeling your kitchen, etc. She had a scientific/strategic placement for everything in your kitchen. For example, you're right handed? Then your potholders should go in the drawer to the right of your oven/stove. Where is your mixing area? Where is your "quick fix" area? How long should one keep a bag of flour before you throw it out? How long should one keep a dish rag?.....Aren't all rags old? That's why you call them rags. I'm going to have to call her.
Lots to think about.

Getting There

I've narrowed my "Watching and Wondering" a bit. Italy is out for now....there are more pressing things. I still debated with the Oils or the Organization. When I finally asked myself, "What do you think about more?" My answer was clearly organization.....or lack thereof. So, for that simple reason, I think I will go that direction. I'm still looking into the "wellness living" as a possibility too. I feel that if I become my own "specialist" in organizing my life, I should feel less helpless and more "in control". I'm finding lots of helpful websites and even browsed the bookshelves in Barnes and Noble the other day. There seem to be lots of professionals out there, but it may take some searching to find what fits for me, my family, and our needs. I'm actually quite excited about this assignment, because it's about me. I'll bet this is how the students feel when given an assignment such as this! I will admit though, I do feel a tiny bit anxious about having so much freedom. Will what I produce for my product be "wrong"? :)

Watching, Leading into Wondering

I'm beginning my "Watching" phase of my inquiry. There are 3 that I'm seriously considering, but as I spend more time with each of them, I am beginning to narrow my topics. The difficult part of this is that every project that I've considered is related to education or my classroom in some way. As a wife and mother, sadly, it is difficult to think about yourself and what you enjoy. I guess this is something that I need to practice more often.

Possible Topics:
Essential Oils. Over the years, I have used essential oils in my home for medicinal and household cleaning purposes. I believe in their possibilities and am always amazed to learn of new oils and their uses. The problem is that I know just enough to be dangerous. There is so much more to learn from a chemistry, as well as a daily use standpoint.

Italy. I'll get there someday. I like to read novels based in Italy and definately love the cuisine. The history and architecture are amazing. This would be a great inquiry to plan my travels and learn more about the country.

Household Organization. This one is definately calling my name. This is one that stands in the way of so many things, such as free time, clear mind, and sanity in general. In my searches, I often see the term "wellness living".....I think I'll look at that one too.

Testing, testing, testing..........

January is always an interesting time for me. I love the cold as it allows me to ski with my family and play in the snow with my dogs. I like to watch our horses stand in a snowfall, allowing the flakes to accumulate on their backs. The trees in our woods are especially fun to watch as they change shape with their battle against the ice and the weight of the snow. Any way you look at it, winter is gorgeous.

Winter reminds me of spending time with my friends while growing up. We all had snowmobiles and would spend hours driving our "sleds" everywhere. We were even allowed to ride them to school with our parents' permission. I came to love that sound of the snowmobiles and the smell of the engines. It was especially fun when you had that special someone riding along.........

My friend had a huge pond behind her house. She lived on the edge of town and this would be a great gathering spot for all of our friends. Day or night, of course with a campfire, someone would be there on the ice. Most of the girls would just ice skate, with Dorothy Hamill in mind. (Of course, we had the haircuts!) The boys would take the far end of the pond and set up goals to accomodate their hockey games. We would spend hours and hours outside and I never remember getting cold.