Using Time Wisely

Organized to save money, energy, and time

You are here: Home / Archives for Miscellaneous

Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day – August 1, 2012

by

Support Chick-fil-A on August 1, 2012

Photograph Credit: Mike Huckabee

I love the Chick-fil-A food chain for so many reasons. Chick-fil-A gave me my first job. I was a cashier for a summer during high school.

Besides finding Chick-fil-A chicken delicious, I also appreciate the work ethic expected and demonstrated from the management down to fellow cashiers.

As a Christian, I never had to compromise my standards while working. Sundays were set aside for worship and family time which continues today at every Chick-fil-A. So, when the CEO of Chick-fil-A speaks about family values, he speaks from conviction and by example.

I am honored to support Chick-fil-A’s stand defining the family unit as a husband and a wife. Though I expected some resistance, I did not expect the uproar over Chick-fil-A’s stance.

As a response to the backlash, Mike Huckabee endorsed a Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day for today, August 1, 2012. For more information, check out Mike Huckabee’s post.

If you also agree with Chick-fil-A, consider stopping by to show your support. I know I will support Chick-fil-A, which is “my pleasure!”

Question: Was the backlash Chick-fil-A received justified? 

What Do You Think?: Saving Personal Information Online

by

AboutOne - free on-line family manager

Photograph Credit: AboutOne

Around the blogosphere, many bloggers share their perspective on life. As I contemplate these many ideas (and some are really out there), sometimes I’m not sure what I think.

During this week of What Do You Think?, I share a topic and give you my 2¢. Please share your opinion.

The topics chosen will follow the posting schedule. Thanks in advance for your contributions on this journey to Using Time Wisely!

What Do You Think about Saving Personal Information Online?

Tracy’s 2¢: Regarding this topic, I prefer to err on the side of caution. In the organizational field many organizers recommend the free service of AboutOne. This service is designed to hold all your information in one place: videos, pictures, appointments, receipts, address book, and more. The idea is to eliminate paper clutter.

Ridding my home of paper clutter is always a high priority in using time wisely. However, I am not comfortable putting my life online. With so many security breaches and loop holes, I prefer to keep my family’s personal and day-to-day schedules, documents, and personal information offline.

Do you use AboutOne or a similar service? What do you think?

Using Time Wisely: Counting my Blessings (78 – 89)

by

Counting my Blessings (78-89)

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

I have looked forward to writing this post all day. With my children home this summer, we are having a blast.

Last summer, I was adjusting to having them all home after my son was in school. But this summer, I feel like a pro and really enjoying all the activities.

My last Counting My Blessings update posted at the beginning of the summer. Now that we are past the middle of the summer, I am counting these blessings:

78. Air conditioning! We came home to a warm house one Sunday afternoon. Thinking that we did not set the thermostat correctly after entertaining the night before, we reset the settings and took a nap. When we awakened, the house was still hot.

79. Purchasing the A/C warranty. After investigating the outdoor unit, Paul concluded that the problem was with the air conditioner, not the programmable thermostat. Going to our warranty file, I found our extended warranty for the air conditioner. Though the $800 payment 5 years ago was hard to swallow, I knew we made the right choice when I made the call.

80. Quick service. The HVAC technician returned my call and came out to inspect our system. He found that our capacitor swelled and prevented the system from regulating the temperature. After going to meet his boss for the part, he returned to swap the new part with the old.

81. Relaxing in comfort. Within the hour, our house had cooled off. I was left with a copy of the receipt for $395, covered 100% by our warranty. As our warranty still has another year and a half before expiring and we have used it twice now, the $800 protection offers peace of mind and immediate service.

82. Family outings. With Paul’s schedule different during summer hours, we venture out together on his weekday off. My children think that every time we stop by QT (convenience store) that we are getting ice cream. Although at 49¢ each, we usually indulge. 😉

83. Gas stations that stay open late. On our last family outing to North Carolina, we left our destination around 9:00 p.m. About two-thirds of the way home, our low gas indicator light with sound effect reminded us that we needed gasoline. Though close to home, we were still far from the city. About 2 miles down the mountain road, we found a little gas station that was open. Praise the Lord! We pumped 5 gallons at the hefty price of $3.09 per gallon. We made it home and refilled at one of the cheaper $2.89 per gallon stores.

84. Awesome daily deals. After watching the deals, I found the annual membership at our recreational district drop below half price. Snagging 4 of those memberships, the kids and I are enjoying unlimited visits to the water parks and inflatable zone. My daughter and I will go ice skating one of these days.

85. Friends. We have enjoyed meeting friends at the water park and the library for fun activities.

86. Library performances. Our library system hosted many performances this summer. My favorite performer was Eric Litwin, the bestselling author of the Pete the Cat series.

87. Time to relax at home. After cleaning for a day or two, I get really tired. Just resting and watching a movie is a nice change of pace.

88. Downstairs cleaned. Our entire downstairs is still nice and clean. I need to do a quick dust, water the plants, and clean the bathroom. But, the little maintenance is a welcome change to the disaster with which I began the summer. I’m making headway upstairs but taking time to enjoy the activities and snag the back-to-school deals.

89. Sleeping in. As a night owl, the early mornings kill me after burning the midnight oil. Though I still like to rise early on busy days, I am enjoying sleeping in on these lazy days of summer.

As the summer continues to fly by, I love the opportunity to stop and think about the many opportunities given to me. In counting my blessings, my heart is full of gratitude knowing the privilege I have to stay at home (or with my children since we are on the run so often).

Whatever situation you may find yourself, there is ALWAYS someone who would love to be in your shoes. In using time wisely, smile, focus on the opportunities available, and count your blessings.

Question: For what are you thankful today?

Goals for July 2012: The Cash-Only Challenge – Baby Steps

by

Goal setting

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Angie Torres)

Summer is flying by. With days spent at the water park and in the jump zones, I look forward to my afternoon naps.

In keeping a busy schedule, some of these goals were hit or miss this month. Though progress is slow, I continue to take baby steps as I grow, learn, and follow Crystal’s 12-month plan as outlined in The Money Saving Mom’s Budget.

The following is a recap of my progress in June, and my new goals for July:

Physical

Drink 4 glasses of water per day.  Success on the days I drank water. Yes, I went a few days drinking other beverages, mainly sweet tea or diet coke. Though making some headway, I will keep this goal for another month before adding another glass.

Eat breakfast each morning. I did much better this month as I chose to eat when my children ate. Though not consistent, I am moving in the right direction.

Exercise for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week. Though falling flat on my face here, I will not deter from this goal. My activity has increased running around with my children, but this goal is to build my stamina. This goal will continue for July.

Family

Plan at least one family outing/activity each week. Accomplished! Visited a local zoo, went tubing, helped a friend, and attended a birthday party. Love this goal, and keeping it all year.

Spend 10 minutes with each child each day. I find it easier to spend personal time with my kids when I’m home. However, my youngest has received the most Mommy-time when we are out. She needs more attention while my older two play together. This goal is still a priority that I aim to reach each day.

Allow children to help with a household task each week. Love it when my children finish one task and then come to ask how they can help. The initiative shown makes this momma proud. Our house is not in tip-top shape, but I’m getting there with lots of help.

Financial

Follow Crystal’s year-long plan to reach my goals. Still behind, but I did pay cash when going out to dinner with friends. To be honest, I did not feel empowered or any different from paying with the credit card. From what others share, the full-fledged budgeting is freeing. I’m not there, but I understand the freedom in having a plan.

Purchase dressers for my daughters’ room. This goal is ongoing. No progress made on this goal for June. Not sure when we will move our girls into the same room. Right now, there is no hurry.

Purchase upgraded computers for hubby and me. This goal is also ongoing. We purchased more memory this month to increase the processing speed of my laptop. We are waiting for delivery of our purchase.

Business

Write posts one week in advance. I feel like two steps forward and then catching up on this goal. When I get ahead, I end up taking a day off which results in writing one day ahead. Though not where I want to be, I am not behind. This goal remains as I work to get ahead.

Make one improvement to the blog this month. Accomplished! Though not seen from the front end, I have started making a backup of my category posts. This project is underway with completion in sight.

Read two chapters of blog book each month. Half done – I read one chapter this month. With my summer reading complete, I hope to increase reading this month.

In reflecting back, I am happy with my progress. This is journey is full of ups and downs, and I’m learning what I can handle. Without regret, I am pressing on and will continue to update you along the way. Keep taking baby steps!

Question: How are you doing on your goals this year?

Relax and Embrace the Gift of Unscheduled Time

by

Relax and Embrace unscheduled time

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Between days at home and fun activities throughout the week, our summer days are anything but lazy. In using time wisely, I plan, schedule, and execute day in and day out. Though very productive, this cycle wears me out.

In realizing that rest is just as important as the busyness, I am learning to relax and embrace the gift of unscheduled time.

By making a short to-do list and knocking out those items as early in the day as possible, I can relax, read to my children, and play a game.

By combining scheduled time with chucks of free time, I can relax without focusing on the next thing on the list. These periods of rest clear my mind which fuels my productivity later.

As you plug along in using time wisely, stop to relax and embrace the gift of unscheduled time. You can begin today by celebrating Independence Day without dwelling on your schedule. Happy 4th of July!

Question: What do you do when relaxing?