Getting Ready

Getting ready for 2014?  There are a number of things that we could do to make 2014 a little bit better and more organized.  You'll see that there are 14!!

1.  Get one of those pill containers that has pockets for the days of the week, etc.  It helps you stay on track with your medications/vitamins and tells you at a glance if you forgot to take them.  The containers also save you time each day and are easy to throw into a purse or carry-on for travel.

2.  When you put away your Christmas decorations, don't just throw in the ones you didn't use this year.  If they need repairs, then fix them.  If you aren't going to use them again, either toss them or recycle them.  If they are decent, donate them.

3.  Take your time putting away the Christmas stuff.  You'll be awfully glad you did when you unearth everything again in December 2014.  Wash the table cloths and put them away clean.  Put all the wrapping supplies together so you can get to them earlier.  Same with extra cards.

4.  Get your car washed and then if it isn't too cold, clean out the inside while you are parked in the garage.  Do the inside windows too.  It will give you a little boost when you drive it the next time.  Put some Kleenex in the car, a small first aid kit, and a blanket.  Clean out the glove compartment.

5.  Do some searches for ideas for Christmas 2014.  I did, and I'm so glad!!  I have all of my "handmade" gift ideas selected and know what I'll make for each of our children/family.  That way I can start accumulating some of the supplies when it goes on sale and work on some of it during the blah January, February, March time.

6.  Go through your recipes.  Wait until you can sit in front of the TV and watch something, then go through each recipe and ask yourself a couple of questions.  Are you EVER going to make this recipe?  If you did make it, did you LIKE it?  That should help you thin out your collection.  (I need to follow my own advice.  I have 3-ring binders full of recipes and they aren't organized whatsoever.  So I can never find anything or USE anything I have.)

7.  Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and purchase a carbon monoxide detector if you don't have one.  It's worth it.

8.  Make sure you have a couple of working flashlights.  Ditto candles and matches.

9.  Make a list of annoying little things that need fixing or tweaking in the house.  Like, a squeaky door.  Or loose door knobs.  Or that stupid thing that covers up the bolts on the toilets.  Then either fix the stuff yourself or find someone who can help you.  Borrow someone's handy husband and give him a homemade meal for his family in exchange.

10. Start a nice donation pile for your favorite charity.  Go through closets and start weeding out the clothes you aren't wearing this winter so far.  Don't forget the dresser drawers. 

11. I have a beautiful pair of earrings that I used to wear all the time.  They need to be fixed, so I'm going to get them out and make a trip to the jewelry store and have them fixed this coming month. 

12. Add a couple of pillows around the house to make it look cozier and also more colorful.  Chase away the winter blahs this way.  If you have pillows that look a bit worse for the wear, either recover them yourself or give them to someone who can recover them.

13.  Look at what you've got hanging on the walls.  Be honest.  Does it look good?  If not, start rethinking your décor and look for replacements.  There will be lots of sales.

14.  A friend of mine just took up quilting.  I think she took a class at Joanne's.  Another friend is taking a watercolor class at the Canton Art Institute.  Think about spreading your wings and taking a chance on something new.  It's good for the brain and the soul.

Aren't we blessed that God has given us time to explore this beautiful earth and also explore the gifts that he's given us in abundance?  We shouldn't hide our talents under a basket -- develop them!!  We are never too old.

Thanks, readers.