How Long Does It Really Take?

How do we do live in the present moment? Be efficient and focus your efforts on one thing at a time.

When you don't know how long a task will take, you may either over or underestimate the amount of time needed.

Keep in mind that small tasks may take less time than you think. Here is a list of everyday tasks and how long they take to complete  if you focus your energy on that one task:

~ Answer the average e-mail - 1 minute

~ Change a roll of toilet paper - 6 seconds

 

~ Fill a car gas tank - 5 minutes

 

~ Take one vitamin pill - 15 seconds 

 

~ Empty dishwasher - 5 minutes

 

~ Take out the garbage - 1 minute 

 

~ Make the bed - 1 minute

 

~ Make a 2-quart container of instant iced tea - 30 seconds

 

~ Put a milk carton back in the refrigerator - 7 seconds

 

~ Refill a liquid soap dispenser - 30 seconds

 

~ Replace the lid on a peanut butter jar - 4

 

~ Pick up a shirt off the floor, place on hanger and hang in closet - 9 seconds

 

~ Sign, address, add return address and stamp a birthday card for mailing - 1 minute, 40 seconds

~ Water one plant - 25 seconds

I hope these tips will help you live in the moment and get lots of things done!

- Susan Lovallo, Founder of Clutter Solutions
www.cluttersolutions.biz

Columbia University Students

Students from Columbia University’s United Nations Studies Program spent an enrichment weekend at Wisdom House in September.

Photo: Courtesy of J.P. Lindenmayer

 

Wisdom House

www.wisdomhouse.org

Celebrate Life!

Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.
 

(The Earth Charter, www.earthcharter.org)

Get Organized

Get Organized to Save Fuel and Cash!

What can you do to minimize that cash drain? Get organized! That’s right. You can reduce the number of gallons of gas you burn if you follow these simple tips.

 
1.      Organize your errands.
Make a list of your errands, then organize them into a travel plan. Write down all your errands and then think what stops are near each other so you can create a gas-saving route for yourself.  

2.      Keep a shopping list handy.
Create a running shopping list on your fridge, in your office, and in your storage area where you store bulk items like paper towels or reams of paper. Writing a list to shop with will prevent you from forgetting items.

3.      Don’t duplicate your purchases.
If you keep similar items together, you will reduce the chances of misplacing or losing items and repurchasing them unnecessarily.  

4.      Stay home and organize.
Tackle the area of your home you tend to ignore, and get it organized. You will be doing something highly productive without driving anywhere!   

5.      Establish a family organizing time.
Get your whole family involved and have organizing mornings or nights. Together, organize a room that everyone uses, like the family room or kitchen.   Make it fun–turn on the music or plan a reward for completion like watching a moving afterwards or playing your favorite board game.

6.      Enjoy your nest!
Stay home just to enjoy your own beautiful surroundings. Yes, there are many places to go, but when it comes to family and leisure time, your home is a wonderful sanctuary.  An organized dwelling provides calmness, security, and peace of mind with plenty of space for fun activities or simply relaxing.


by Susan Lovallo
Clutter Solutions
www.cluttersolutions.biz

Hors d'Oeuvres in a Hurry

 

Unexpected guests can be welcomed with an array of  tasty hors d'oeuvres quickly prepared from ingredients which are right at hand in one's refrigerator.   

That's what participants were shown when Chef Margaret Jacobs held another cooking demonstration program at Wisdom House on September 14.

In her next demonstration class on November 4 from 6:00-7:30pm, participants will learn how they can prepare a delicious brunch in the "humble muffin tin!"

 

Visit www.wisdomhouse.org for more details.