Maybe someone can give me some suggestions on this very frustrating problem. I can organize my house quite nicely and all my stuff-no clutter. But, when it comes to my time.....There's so many wonderful things to do and read and make and cook and now we have this computer so now there's even more to do. A friend said I have too many blessings. How do other homesteaders handle this problem?

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), February 05, 2000

Answers

Response to Time

I don't mean to sound flippant, Cindy, but when you get this one figured out, let the rest of us know. I'm in the Countryside Forum right now and I have a chair I need to finish caning all moistened and waiting. I've had it since right before we got this computer (early January) and 2 days ago the refinisher who commissioned the work called to see about my progress and to let me know he has 3 more chairs in his shop for me to do. My best technique is to do the least fun jobs first and then not only are they out of the way, I actually look forward to the next task. I also do a lot of batch cooking: a canner full of soup or dried beans, 7 meals rather than cooking enough for 2-3 meals, 2 gallons of a basic meat/tomato sauce that can become spaghetti sauce or chili and freezing it in meal- sized portions, several loaves of bread, etc. I use computer time, a walk in the woods with the dogs, or time reading as a reward when I get things done. Unfortunately this can all go out the window if a friend calls with a really tempting idea for another activity.

-- Marilyn Dickerson (rainbow@ktis.net), February 05, 2000.

Response to Time

Good question. I struggled with 'time managment' this summer when I was out of work. Oh, there was PLENTY to do, I just wasn't getting anything DONE! Then I remembered when I was a kid my mother had a 'chore' for each day of the week. Monday laundry, Tues. ironing, Wed. shopping, etc. With 4 kids a wringer washer, no dryer, microwave or car, her 'chore' days really took all day! I just 'adapted' her routine to fit my lifestyle, and so can you. Now that I'm working, I find the system keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. Hope this little tibit of advice helps!

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), February 05, 2000.

Response to Time

I dont think there is ever enough time but just remember where you priorities are. I homeschool and that is my first priority then the housework and farm chores. If there is anytime left then I can do the fun stuff. It also helps if you have kids who can do chores to. But i think the most important thing is putting the most important things first.

-- Sarah (CBE@Dellnet.com), February 05, 2000.

Response to Time

In the winter, Saturday & Synday are just feed the stock days, do little things that please me, maybe tinker in the shop. Monday thru Friday are work days. I make a list every Monaday morning and go at it, at the end of each day I grade the progress of each project in percentages, if I don't get o all the jobs they cary over to the next week, sometimes for mounths but they stay on the list. I work from 8-1:00 in the winter, take a nap for an hour and then go back to work until 5 unless the weather is terrible. Summer is a little different, work starts at 6:00 'til noon, then it is too hot, I get back at it after supper and work until dark. If I wrap up a particular long hard project, then i give myself a break for a day or 2, as whe we spent the whole winter stringing barbed wire fence. There are of course, town days, trips for parts, feed, groceries and so on and rain days, time to catch up the book keeping, inventory supplies and materials, iteruption days when house guests arrive or equipment fails, holidays, when nearly everything is closed so you can't use the time for a town day.

Scott & Helen Nearing had a schedule that went someting like four hours in the morning of concentrated work and the rest of the day doing what you want. (reminds me of summer camp).

Everything in my self imposed schedule is flexible, otherwise it would be like working in the Buick factory, LOL.

-- Hendo (OR) (redgate@echoweb.net), February 06, 2000.

Response to Time

I don't think this question is strickly for homesteaders. My sister, a self-imposed workaholic couldn't complete a non-business project or be on time to save her life. And my routine drives her crazy. I work 3 days a week, with the workaholic, Monday and Friday are my days. Here are a few things I've learned, mostly by listening to friends who complain about no time. First, set out what you want to accomplish for the day or the week, make a list. Monday is my chore day, so I turn on the radio, upbeat, fun music and get to it. The only difference is I DON'T answer the phone. I screen calls through the answering machine. And if its kinda important I call when that particular chore is done. Otherwise, they can wait 'til evening. I also do several things at once. Sounds hectic but it's not. While the laundry is going I may try that new recipe or weed the garden or plant another row of something. Also, I try not to pile things up too much. Some things can be done at night while watching TV or listening to music. In the summer its different. I don't burn daylight doing house work. That's outside time. Be realistic about need to do and want t

-- Jennifer (schwabauer@aol.com), February 06, 2000.

Response to Time

Let me stop and think. Too much time on the computer, but realistically, only at this site. Gardening. Chickens, eggs and meat. Necessary work for coin of the realm. Chair seats - I only do rush. Woodworking projects. Piggies. Turkeys. 1/2 acre of halloween pumpkins. Canning. Freezing. Canning and canning. Cooking (I lie a little - Maggie does most, but not all, of it). Lobster bakes (I do these). Shooting, reloading, hunting. Fishing - God absolutely intended this! Reading (same as above!) Morning walk in the summer heat, the fall splendor, the winter freeze, and the spring rejuvenation. Children. Grandchildren. Dogs. Cats. Ladybugs - God, ladybugs - need some? Birds at the feeder. Big birds attacking the chickens. Foxes, raccoons, weasels, coyotes, and other fauna who compete with me for MY supper! The tame crows (yeah, I know, they used to be a pain to me, too!). Time spent poring over seed catalogs! Reading Countryside. Sleeping! Sorry, not much time left for the last. Do you find extra time? I can find something for you to do with whatever you have left over! God put us on this earth to accomplish certain things in our lifetime. I am so far behind that I will never die! Good luck!

Brad

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), February 06, 2000.

Response to Time

OK, now I am beginning to feel guilty....I should be doing something else, I'm sure, ironing or planting seeds for spring, but if I can just keep myself from spending too much time on this site, then I might get them done! Actually, this can probably fall under EDUCATION, don't you all think? We do learn a lot from each other, so this is probably not wasted time, just taking time from other things that are also necessary! It is really hard when you find yourself at home instead of out working for someone else, to manage your time, no matter how organized you are. What helps me is to make lists of everything I can think of that needs to be done. Some jobs are small, and only take 15 minutes, others long and I never get to them. When they are done, I cross them off. At least you get some satisfaction out of seeing that you did do something that day, even if it doesn't show. Somehow, I can always find things that my hubby should be doing....Keep the good ideas flowing, it helps to know we all are in the same boat! Jan

-- Jan Bullock (Janice12@aol.com), February 06, 2000.

Response to Time

Thanks to all of you for taking time to offer your support. It's nice to know I'm not the only that gets frustrated over something as wonderful as homesteading. Well I need to go finish making the nightgown I started (without a pattern) and do the dishes and feed the dogs and...God bless. Cindy

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), February 07, 2000.

Response to Time

Time seems to be everyones problem .I have a problem getting motivated .I guess as long as we have food,2 sets of clean cloths ,animals fed and somewhat of a clean house i'm doing o.k.Some day I'll have my perfect home,kids ,husband and life ." If only you could dream that long "

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), February 07, 2000.

Response to Time

As I finially have TIME to browse around this web site (my favorite) I came across this subject, I'm going to give you a really different perspective. I am also a home schooling mom that has trouble organizing my time, trying to fit in all the things we want to do, and time for all the things that just have to be done. Taking care of animals, children, gardens, unfinished projects, etc. Then two weeks age my father became very seriously ill. Since that time he has had brain surgury, and I haven't been home for more days than I can remember, I haven't really thought about all the things I have to do or get done, all of a sudden it's just not that important. I wish that I could be back at home "worrying" about all those things. I wish those were my most pressing problems. I hope that when I finally do get back to all those things that I will be truly grateful that they are all I have to worry about and that I "stop to smell the flowers" as they say. I guess what I am trying to say is enjoy the fact that you have so many interests and projects, who cares if things don't get done, just enjoy every minute of it. (I've also had an extremely stressful time and came to my favorite website to unload- sorry- I'm having a pity party) It has just hit me how quickly everything can be turned upside down and I,like you, tend to want to get everything done and do as much as I can- I can't wait til I can just enjoy the journey again. Don't sweat the small stuff, sincerely, Chris

-- Christine Allen (cfallen00@hotmail.com), February 08, 2000.

Response to Time

Christine,sorry to hear about your father I hope things are getting better.There will be lots of thoughts and prays with you.

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), February 09, 2000.

Response to Time

Chris, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. We went through that with my father-in-law a couple years ago. I was always behind with something, but "living" at the hospital for a couple months really seemed like the more important thing to do at the time. I know Dad appreciated it, even though he was pretty much "out of it" most of the time. He died happy, knowing his family loved him to the end.

Now I'm working several days a week and the other days I'm so exhausted I get only the essentials done (sort of). If I didn't need sleep so badly, time wouldn't be a problem. . .

One thing I am learning is that NO is a useful word. I'm learning to recognize that the world can go on without my efforts. I may disappoint some folks, but it's better them than me and my long- suffering husband. Also, when I manage things well around my home, he seems to do better around here as well. And it makes going out more fun when I know there isn't something else I think I should be doing.

-- Nancy Johnston (nancyj@mei.net), February 10, 2000.

Response to Time

Okay everyone, think about what you are saying. You could go to a store and buy everything that you needed, ready made, and have lots of time, to do what?

Yes I like the rest of you spend time canning, gardening, and generally doing things the harder way. Sometimes it piles up so high around that everything seems way out of line. Like so what if I can the tomatoes, the beans will just go bad while I do it time. And then I think At least I have a life of my choice.

This site is a steam release, and I use it to relax and chat like over the fence with a friend with a cup of coffee. It is part of the lifestyle I have chosen. You guys give great advice, and confort when the day or things are going wrong, and that is why I keep coming back. Also when things go right, you just want to share it with someone else. So there you are again, and here am I with the computer running. Besides I want to get my $20.00 out of my ISP. LOL.

Hey if you want to save some time try picking up two things from a room as you leave and put them in place. Do the dishes on a TV break if you watch TV. And as far as dusting goes everyone knows that with a wood stove that you could do that all day, besides dust is a protective covering.

Thanks you guys for the time well spent so I can face the rest of the things I would rather not be doing, and cope with the things I am learning how to do for myself.

Beth

-- Beth (craig@icu2.net), February 10, 2000.

Response to Time

Hi, everyone, I'm back home and my dad's doing well, he'll need some rehab for the damage, but he'll be o.k. I wrote some thoughts on what happened to him under 'uncatagorized', germs eg: bacteria and viruses. It was so great to get back outside and catch up (if that's possible). Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. Chris

-- Christine Allen (cfallen00@hotmail.com), February 11, 2000.

Response to Time

To christine, going through something similar. My favorite aunt looked for years for a good man, then had to wait years for him to marry her. He finally did so, and now has been diagnosed with malignant brain tumor. Not fun, but something you just have to put your trust in God about.

To cindy, I'm a terrible housekeeper! The garden, the kids, education, etc. Lists never work for me. What I have found that works is a book called Side Tracked Executives. It is more for the city person than the country person, but it can be adapted to any situation. By the way, the authors are known as the slob sisters. annette

-- annette (j_a_henry@yahoo.com), March 12, 2000.