January 2, First Monday of the Month, Welcome 2017,

On Sunday, I am planning the week.

My Control Journal

Readers of Sewtopia likely know a few things about me, some good, some falling a bit short of my goals. I am a bit of a compulsive time management fanatic. While that might sound commendable the negative aspects of being time fussy are really fairly simple. Most of the time, I cannot achieve everything I plan in the time allotted.  First, with retirement I find that I tend to procrastinate a bit. That leads to delays and that to failure to complete. So, I do plan to rededicate myself to managing my time more efficiently, I will try to minimize distractions. And quite frankly, I am older, I move slower, the arthritis wins some days.  Below are the potted Apple Blossom Hyacinth. Hope I don't kill them!

The Control Journal is the product of reading the FLY LADY blog several years ago. The Journal contains my most important phone numbers and addresses, it has maps and phone numbers to all the major hospital switch boards and departments. ( you have to be a nurse to understand this requirement or have spent many hours with sick family and friends planning and scheduling appointments.) In addition, the Birthday and Christmas Card list, Business Cards for every major trades man I have used in the past 10 years. I have compiled cleaning and maintenance routines for every room and area of the house and the outdoors,  I keep a collection of receipts for appliances and major "capital" purchases. That includes a water heater, a furnace and air conditioner, washer and dryer, vacuum cleaner etc.  The warranty information is filed in a permanent cabinet in husbands office, not enough room in the journal for those. And interestingly, I found a planning sheet used by a vendor of hospital equipment years ago that I adapted for my use. When I retired I revamped it for personal use. It lists projects, phone calls to be made, items that need purchased, cards to send and social events (for that week) that need to be attended. Whew. You might chuckle darlin's but it works for me.

First Monday of the Month: the public service reminders;

• Mending Monday: I have a few items in the queue, two pairs of pants to hem and some Pj's that are beyond mending and will need to go to their reward. 
• Check the Girls,  no excuses. I just lost a friend to breast cancer two weeks ago. This is really important no matter what your age or menopausal status. Just do it. And remember to schedule your annual mammogram appointment. Plan it after a regularly scheduled Dr. appointment to make sure you have the script you need. 
• Drink your water. In the season of over heated houses you can be just as dehydrated as in mid-Summer. While many different sources cite different amounts needed daily, check with your physician for your specific needs. I tend to drink 5 to 6 glasses a day in addition to other liquids. 
• Cold and Flu Season, wash your hands. Wash before you use the loo and after, wash if you touch a door knob in public or use a shopping cart. Avoid sick people. Common sense and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you do have an upper respiratory illness, toss that tooth brush! Ewww, germs multiply like crazy.
• And last on this months list, watch the ice. The sidewalks and drive ways may look a little wet but that shiny surface can be a thin layer of ice. Fractures are no fun at any age.