Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Scheduling my interruptions ?

Before I quit working almost 20 years ago, I had an interesting boss.   I learned a lot from him and some of those things I carried over in my new job as SAHM.  But there is one thing I learned from him that I had forgotten....until tonight.

Scheduling interruptions!  My job was probably not a whole lot different than most.  I had a list of things to accomplish but was constantly bombarded with questions from various people.  At first I would set aside what I was working on and answer questions or research it immediately.  But when I went to my boss with a question he told me that unless it was urgent, he'd meet with me at 2:00 to discuss it.   I remember that well, because in addition to discussing the question I had, he taught me that he scheduled his interruptions....He set aside 1-2 times during the day that he planned on getting back to people with questions....that way he didn't lose the momentum of what he was working on at the time...and, he said, most people really figure it out on their own if given a little time.... (remind you of anyone?  all those folks living in your house that are shorter than you?)


So how does this really work for a SAHM much less a homeschooling mom?  Well, we'll find out...because I just remembered this.  But, do you ever feel like you have a lot of things to get done but you are so often putting out fires along the way?  And by the time you get back to what you were working on....you must move on to something else?  I do, especially when it comes time to take care of myself. 


As mom's, most of our interruptions can't be scheduled (diaper change, something spilled, someone is fighting, etc.) but if our day is filled with things to complete, then whatever we were working on often doesn't get done.  Or, if it's something that can wait I forget and never get back to the poor child (I'm not talking about a kid sitting on the potty chair here.....I'm talking about a kid wanting access to a computer program to sign up to volunteer!) etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.  


I plan to set aside some time every day as my scheduled interruption time.  Whatever it is, I can try to do it then. 


But there's something else that I will use that time for....and it's what got me thinking about it...


Long story short...my last ditch chance for exercise this evening didn't really work (and didn't work yesterday either....) - those last ditch times rarely work!  10 minutes into the walk I got a phone call that my little one was inconsolable.  I turned around and headed home, wondering why I can't seem to get time to exercise?!  Now, if I was anywhere near the size I was when I got married I'd say....ah whatever...tomorrow...but maybe that's what got me here.  Now...I need to exercise!  Why can't I just get 30 minutes in per day!!!!  Because SOMETHING very often comes up during my normal exercise time and I don't have a scheduled interruption time.  There is no other time to do it! 


So, we'll see how this all pans out...but I think there really is something to this....I certainly helped me in my job!  A set time every day when I plan to do NOTHING because SOMETHING will need to be put there.


...and before you start thinking my dh should not have called me 10 minutes into my walk when my little one is 2 1/2.....it wasn't him....















Sunday, July 27, 2014

Dear Mom Letters Flash Give Away

I've been enjoying reading this site for the past couple of months.  One word to describe motherhood - beautiful.




Dear Mom Letters Flash Give Away