My Dad taught me the tools of the trade on how to be organized. While growing up, he would post a list of “to-do’s” EVERY weekend. His handwritten list would be posted by his desk area near the back door for all four kids to see, making us dread Saturday mornings!
In the fall, we would have to meticulously groom our lawn. What that entailed was trimming the bushes with these hard-to-handle, dull clippers into perfectly circumference-styled shapes. We all had to rake the lawn, each kid responsible for their own section or lawn domain. After we raked, we would have to push the leaf sweeper to gather the leaves and then mulch them for the compost pile. I could easily be a landscape architect given my training, however, I’ve nicely chosen not to. :) On the upside, I can certainly help you creatively design your garden, front walkway, or assist you with an overall aesthetic look for the outside of your home – just ask! But please note, I will not be doing the hard labor. I leave that for the experts such as Buds Design and Landscaping.
Living back east, we were accustomed to a variety of precipitation of sorts during the winter. So guess what our chores were? Shoveling snow! Again, we were thoroughly instructed to utilize a certain technique for shoveling the pebbled walkways and brushing the snow off the bushes so that the branches wouldn't snap. My brother had the most fun job of all (I guess because he was a boy???) as he maneuvered the snowplow on the driveway. I was in charge of the front walkway and had a special brush to sweep off the steps so no one would slip. Then, I would delicately sprinkle salt particles on the walkway and steps so all the ice and snow would melt and magically disappear.
I’ll hold off describing the year my Dad constructed an ice rink in our backyard where we each had a shift holding the hose to fill up the rink with water. Freezing cold fingers. Ha! Oh, and then there was the balance beam story that my Dad built for my sister and me so that we could practice on day and night. I know how to sand really well thanks to that project! I have too many funny stories involving my Dad!
My dear Dad did not hold a big, yellow legal pad with all of his chores on it for us to do. He simply had that little scrappy piece of paper, which is still etched in my mind. What I haven’t mentioned so far, but truly is the case, is that I learned all there is to know about how to be organized because of my DAD! I am thankful that I had to pick up every leaf by hand if the rake was broken and carry each heavy log on to the front porch on a blustery winter day and install the rickety air conditioner each summer, which was so unwieldy to hold as a seven year old. Ha! I am thankful for all of THAT! No, seriously, it's why I can organize any type of project. I’ll add my style and creativity, make it fun and fashionable and that’s how I will put some wow into your now! And it’s all because of Dad!
Organizational spotlight: Throw away, recycle, or donate 10 items a day to minimize clutter!
To the best taskmaster I know...my Dad! Happy Father's Day!
