Tips for Increasing Productivity in Your Home

A few days ago, I posted a question on my Facebook page. It said, "I've been pondering the concept of PRODUCTIVITY and I'm going to be doing a blog post about it. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to increase productivity in the home? One of the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman was that she was extremely productive and did 'not eat the bread of idleness'. What are some practical ways you kick laziness in the proverbial pants?"
I got some incredible answers! The overwhelming response seems to be that lists are the best way to go. It helps you set a goal and keep a clear focus in mind so you don't get distracted. So...

Tip #1: Make and Keep Lists

Dawn L. said, "For me, I have to have a running to do list. I tend to start to do something and then get sidetracked with something else. If I have a list, then I can finish the first task before going on to another one."

Ella C. said, "If you make a list you can see what's going to take longest, what's most important, what can be done first and what you can start and get going while you move on to something else. For instance, putting in a load of laundry, then putting dinner in the crock pot or in the oven to roast, then loading the dishwasher and starting it. All those things are going and don't need your attention, so you can then focus on the next most important thing. Whatever you don't get done today should go on the top of tomorrow's list."

This is a great point! If we're to find ways to be the most productive we can, so as to bring the most glory to God with the time that we are given, this is a great place to start! Make a binder that's dedicated exclusively to lists. Categorize, if you feel so inclined, and make tabs for "Daily", "Weekly", "Monthly", "Sewing", "Grocery", "Music", etc. Whatever your days and weeks are filled with, there's a list for every task and jurisdiction! If you don't get it done today, get it done tomorrow and don't allow yourself to be distracted.
My mom suggests adding to your list things you accomplished that weren't originally written down so you can see on paper that you really are getting things done!

Tip #2: Find Ways to Motivate Yourself

Personally, I am not incredibly self-motivated. I get distracted easily and if the task at hand doesn't suit my fancy, I tend to avoid it. In fact, I procrastinated on this post for almost a week! But, when I am motivated, I'm a powerhouse who gets everything done down to the polishing and waxing! Find your weak spots and counter-attack with a motivator. For example, if you (like me) have a tough time getting out of bed in the morning, do something to entice yourself out; prepare the teapot the night before and turn it on once you're awake or keep a robe by your bed that you can wrap up in it once you're on your feet. Set a spot at the table with your Bible and notebook so you can drink your tea while you're filled with the Word before others are awake! If you clean the kitchen best if there's some upbeat music on, bring the iPod in! 
Or, if you have enjoyable, relaxing things on your list like reading, sewing or writing, don't allow yourself the pleasure until your less savory tasks are completed :) I'm sure there are so many more ways and only you know how you tick, so once you identify where you tend to stumble most, find a way to turn it into an advantage!

Tip #3: Don't Forget the Big Picture!!! 

Felicia B. said, "Agree with all of the above [suggestions for list-making] so I will not repeat. Just want to add that on that list you make sure there is time with kids, spouse, friends and most important God. Which is not typically something you check off but something you learn to weave into all the daily demands. Try not to get too much self-worth out of earthly accomplishments and forget about the eternal ones..." 

Kerri B. said, "I am a big list maker, too. I really try to remember why I'm doing what I'm doing. I'm serving God by doing what He's called me to do. Right now, that's being a full-time wife and mom. So, every load of laundry, every meal, every lesson taught and every toilet scrubbed is serving Him through serving my family. This way of thinking helps me stay focused and just makes doing all these (some unpleasant) things easier. When I'm joyful, I'm more productive. A nice chocolate stash helps, too ;)"

I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wise and godly women! All of these ladies are my friends and I learn so much from them! As we strive to fulfill our calling as God-honoring, faithful daughters, mothers and wives at home, it's imperative that we don't forget the "Big Picture". There will be days where EVERYTHING on our list gets done and days where NOTHING gets done. We can't weep over the little things that get left behind in favor of family. We can't forget that little brothers are more important than clean dishes, Bible time is more important than a sewing project and hugs and cuddles are much more important than vacuuming! So, when we make our lists and motivate ourselves and try to get things done, we can't leave out the most important things. The things that matter. The things that last. 

 ...She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
 She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
 She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens...
 She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
 She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle...
 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
 She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness...
 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 30 NASB  

The Care and Keeping of your Stringed Instrument (Applies to Violin, Viola and Cello)

I have been blessed with some wonderful new music students this week so I made up this checklist for the two who are taking Violin. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share it with others. It's a nice checklist for beginners to keep in their case as a reminder because it seems like a lot to do when you first start. If you are a music teacher, feel free to pass this on to your students. And if you're interested, I can email the original printable document to you (it's 2 pages). Just email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com :)

The Care and Keeping of Your Stringed Instrument

Applies to Violin, Viola and Cello

By McKenna

cherishingmyrole.blogspot.com

Playing Preparation

When you're getting ready to play your Stringed Instrument, be sure to follow the steps below to ensure the safety of your instrument. Remember, a Stringed Instrument is delicate and must be taken care of properly so that it doesn't break or crack. Naming your instrument is never frowned upon. Here are a few things to remember.

1. When you get out your case, be careful that you don't bang it around. Place it gently on a flat surface (like a bench or table), lid facing up, then carefully open the case.
2. Take the bow out of its holder and tighten the screw at the end (twist it to the right or away from you) until it's firm but there's still a slight dip in the wooden or carbon-fiber backbone. Don't forget the rosin!
3.  If playing a Viola or a Violin, take it out of its cozy little nest in the case, attach the shoulder-rest to the belly of the body below the chin-rest with the side that dips down on the right*.
4. The final step before you're ready to play is to tune your Stringed Instrument. There are 2 ways to do this**. You can tune your Stringed Instrument to a piano or use an automatic tuner; that's up to you.

Quick Note Regarding Tuning

For Viola and Cello, the tuning pattern is: D-G-C-A, meaning, that's the order in which you tune each string. The order of strings from Left-Right when you're holding it properly is C-G-D-A***, but this is not the order in which you tune the strings...it's weird, I know. You may use the fine-tuners most of the time for tuning; twisting the screw to the left lowers the sound of the string and twisting it to the right makes the sound higher. Very occasionally, you will need to let out your fine-tuners and use the big tuning pegs to do some close tuning.

 

For Violin, the tuning pattern is: A-D-G-E, meaning, that's the order in which you tune each string. The order of strings from Left-Right when you're holding the Stringed Instrument properly is G-D-A-E****, but this is not the order in which you tune the strings...it's weird, I know. You may use the fine-tuners most of the time for tuning; twisting the screw to the left lowers the sound of the string and twisting it to the right makes the sound higher. Very occasionally, you will need to let out your fine-tuners and use the big tuning pegs to do some close tuning.

 

 

 5.  Congratulations! You're all ready to play. Go for it!

*If you're not sure how you should put the shoulder-rest on, just place it on your left shoulder and the side that dips down to your collar bone (the small side) goes on the right of the belly.

**I'm sure there are more ways to tune your Stringed Instrument but those are the two ways I know of. I suppose you could tune by ear if you had perfect pitch!

 

***The notes on the piano, in reference to the strings for Viola is: The first C below Middle-C, the first G below Middle-C, the first D above Middle-C and the first A above Middle-C

The notes on the piano, in reference to the strings for Cello is: Exactly like Viola above, except an octave lower on every note :)

****The notes on the piano, in reference to the strings is: the first G below Middle-C, the first D above Middle-C, the first A above Middle-C and the second E above Middle-C :)

After You're Finished

There are a few things to do after you're finished with the fun of playing your Stringed Instrument. Be sure to follow these steps. They're almost more important than the steps you took before you played. It keeps your Stringed Instrument safe for storing so it doesn't break or crack or sweat or any number of horrible things!

1. After you're finished playing, place your bow somewhere safe and, if playing Viola or Violin, take the shoulder-rest off your belly...I mean, your Stringed Instrument's belly.* Place it either in the top pocket of the case or upside-down in the small part of the nest where the neck of your Stringed Instrument rests; there should be room there.
2. Next, carefully place your Stringed Instrument in its little nest in the case. Just look how cozy it is! Be sure to secure the velcro over the neck so it doesn't slide around.
3. Don't forget to take a soft, dry cloth and clean the rosin residue off the strings. This is important because it keeps your strings clean so they last longer.
4. Finally, loosen the hair on your bow by twisting the screw to the left (or towards you) and put it back in its holder in the lid of your case. Now all that's left is to zip or buckle up your case and store it in a place where it's not too hot or too cold so it stays comfy.
5. Be consistent in your practice! They say "Practice makes perfect." Well, that's not true. As my Mamma puts it, "Perfect practice makes perfect." Put another way, you can always practice without learning anything. Banging your hands around on the piano can count as practice, but not perfect practice :)

*Well, that was embarrassing...

A Clean Room is a Happy Room!

That's exactly what my mom always says and I believe it!

I just finished cleaning my room and it looks so much better!!! What a difference in makes to take a couple of hours and spruce up...I hope it won't take that long next time. Usually, Saturdays in our house are specifically for house cleaning, especially bedrooms, then when that's done we do something fun in the evening. But, I hadn't cleaned my room in about a month, so it took me awhile to get it back in shape. Plus, I share the room with my sisters Marley (12) and Mirial (6) so there's 3 times as much mess! It's a labor of love that has it's rewards. When I was almost finished, Mirial came in and declared that I must love cleaning because I do it so much! Hahaha! I don't always love it, but I always love the feeling it gives to walk into a room that is clean because of my accomplishment. Satisfaction!

Here I'll give you my list of things I do in order for bedroom cleanification:)

1. Make the bed. Clear it off and make it nicely. Put fresh sheets and pillow cases on and maybe take the comforters down to be laundered.

2. Make sure the closets and drawers are ready for clean clothes to be put away. Clean them out if need be.

3. Pick up all the clothes and fold them on the bed, tote the dirty ones to the laundry room NOW. (I've found that if you wait until the end, it doesn't get done until a couple of weeks later and by then, the clothes get spread out so the dirty is mixed with the clean and you have messy room again! Not fun!)

4. Separate the clothes you want to get rid of, put them in a trash bag and take them directly to the car so when you're out, you can just drop them off at a local thrift store when you go out next.

5. Put the clean folded clothes away in the drawers and hang them up in the closet.

6. Pick up trash from the floor and cluttered spaces. It's amazing how it piles up!

7. Put away all toys, books, etc. Your goal right now is to get the floor completely cleaned off. Now would be a good time to put away shoes.

8. Organize cluttered areas like dressers, vanities, side tables and bookshelves. Dust shelves, clean mirrors and windows and tackle other clutter-corners. Remove any marks on the wall and dust the baseboards.

9. Finally, vacuum the carpet or vacuum the rugs and sweep the floor. Make sure you clean out under the bed as well.

10. For an extra-special touch, put freshly laundered towels and washcloths on the bed(s) and place little hotel soaps and shampoos on the side-tables (I know you have some, we all do!:). As a final goody, put a chocolate on each pillowcase. Just make sure you don't forget and sleep on them. When you wake up, you'll think your brain has been leaking out your ear and you'll freak out! (Don't ask me how I know that...)

You can copy this list and paste it in a document if you like. I love sharing my joy of cleaning!