JR's Item #56: (done) Upgrade to a smart phone.

So here was my dilemma. I needed a new phone.  I knew it was just a matter of time before my old one would quit for good.  I had been having trouble with it not ringing and not showing messages or missed calls.  I wanted to get a smart phone; specifically an iPhone.  But iPhones are AT&T and I have used Sprint for more years than I can remember.  I didn't want to change services... but I wanted an iPhone.  I kept going back and forth about what to do; change services or try to find a phone I could live with from Sprint.  Then I received an email from Samsung about their new 4G phones, the Epic being the Sprint version.  I liked the phone, because it had a qwerty keyboard and a touch screen.  That made up my mind.  I would stay with Sprint and buy an iPad. 

I got my new phone and then spent two days getting it organized.  I uploaded some walking music, input my contacts, and added some free apps.  It felt kind of like a bird building its nest.  Now I'm good to go at least for the next two years.

JR's Item #30: Upgrade the BCLT internet storefront by changing general information, recategorizing products, and checking SKU numbering.

I did the long overdue updating and editing of my product list, changed the specials, and made sure that the SKU numbers are correct.  Everything is now in sink.

JR's Item #26: (done) Lose 15 pounds.

I guess it's the walking, because suddenly my old jeans that I wear around the house are quite baggy.  I have not been weighing myself, so out of curiosity I stepped on the scales.  Sure enough, I was down fifteen pounds.

I had given up on the idea that I would even be able to lose the desired weight.  Regular exercise did it.  I am going to try for five more pounds and then keep walking to maintain the weight.  I am feeling really good about this, but I know I will have to work at keeping it going.

JR's Item #4: (done) Completely clean out the refrigerator and restock it from scratch.

It always surprises me when I start looking at the expiration dates on some of the jars in the refrigerator and discover how long some of the things have been there.  This time wasn't so bad; only one item was older than 2008 with some from 2008 and most from 2009.  I know I should do the complete purge on a regular basis, but didn't realize that it had been as long as it has been since the last time I had cleared out the old products.

I now have a clean refrigerator with everything inside fresh and current.  Also, I have decided not to replace anything I threw out.  Instead I will purchase them as I find a need to do so.  I am pledging to not purchase food items because I might like to try them, but only buy those food items for which I have an immediate need and  will definitely use.

JR's Item #1: (done) Walk 2-3 miles daily at least five days a week.

For the last two weeks I have been walking daily with a neighbor.  Although we have missed a couple of days here and there, we are walking about two miles when we do walk.  Added to the three or four times I walk the dogs daily, I have increase my walking distance to between 2.5 and 3 miles most days.  My neighbor will only be here through the first week of November, but I am hoping that this will be enough time to establish the habit.  My next goal is to increase the daily exercise to three miles plus the daily walks with the dogs.

CEA's update #26

Item #57 :  Go visit friend Joan.
Did it!  I'm wrapping up a three-day visit with Joan.  We've had a wonderful time visiting antique shops, eating at ladies' tearooms, seeing "Secretariat," and touring one of the few remaining small-town downtown movie theaters.

JR's Item #71: (done) Repair porch steps.

I have a wooden porch with five wooden steps leading up to the porch.  Three of the steps were rotting and becoming a hazard.  I replaced those steps and still have enough materials to replace the other two steps in the near future.  It's nice to complete a job and be able to see the results of your efforts.  Life is great!

JR's Item #1: (done) Reread Sink Reflections.

A number of years ago, I read Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley (The FlyLady) after CEA had read and recommended it. 

Getting organized, being organized, staying organized...  for me this is a struggle.  For all the years that I worked, I was a workaholic.  I worked all the time.  When I wasn't working, I was always busy doing something.  Then I retired and I was home in my small house with thirty-five plus years of material and resources.  Last fall I acquired several additional piece of furniture.  My house has become a storage space and not a home.  Worse, the job of reclaiming my house has become more and more overwhelming.  So I decided to reread Sink Reflections.

The only thing that I remembered about the book is that I liked it.  I had tried some things, but never kept up with them.  What I didn't remember, didn't get, or wasn't ready to hear at the time was Marla's explanation for why we live in clutter and chaos and why we can't fight our way out.  I don't know if it applies to everyone else, but it applies to me.  I confess I am a perfectionist and being a perfectionist is keeping me from making progress in decluttering and organizing my life... but Sink Reflections has the answers to my problems.

I love this book!  I love the process the FlyLady suggests.  I can do this process.  I am doing this process, so  I'm off to shine my sink.

CEA's Update #26

Item #51. Clear/reorganize my tiny closet [and purchase a "working" wardrobe].

Done!  My closet rod is 36 inches long, with  not all of those inches accessible, so using the space is a bit of a challenge. I took out all of my hanging clothes, moved the out-of-season ones to upstairs storage, and donated those I haven't been wearing.  I folded as much as I could and put all of the pieces for outfits together on a hanger.  I bought two more pairs of capri blue jeans, so now I have four sets of jeans, camisole tops, and big (mostly denim) shirts as my working wardrobe.  I also identified three go-to-town outfits.  I added a black display shelf over the rod (the closet is only twelve inches deep) and rehung two black and white drawings on either side.  Although I'd prefer to keep the little bit of floor space empty, I'll need to put two baskets there for items-to-be-ironed and hangers. Since I also have an Elfa basket system on the back of the door and two storage carts tucked in either side, I think I can say that I've utilized every inch.   

JR's Item #41: (done) Replace the toaster.

I had a toaster that was at least fifteen years old and still going strong, but the only thing that I could fit in it was bread slices.  For everything else, I would have to fire up the oven; not very efficient.  I now have a new toaster which will hold a thick slice of bread and even a bagel half and it has a setting for frozen items.  Amazing!  "We certainly have come a long way, baby!"

JR's Item #61: (done) Organize poster files.

I now have all the original poster files organized by my SKU # categories on my eMac.  I have all the jpgs organized by the same categories on my external hard drive.  I have copies of all the product jpgs embedded in my inventory database.  Last but not least, I have deleted excess files pertaining to the internet store.  Life is GREAT!.

JR's Item #40: (done) Check the Spanish version posters for accuracy and add several new posters.

When I first started my poster business, TDR suggested that I include Spanish versions of the motivation posters.  A GREAT idea, s oI contracted with a person to translate the original posters I created into Spanish.

Well, I have finished reviewing those posters.  To my dismay, I found all kinds the mistakes I made in creating them.  I had a copy of the translations right in front of me and I couldn't even copy correctly.  To make things worse, these poster have been incorrect for two years, which is how long it has been since I have added any Spanish version posters.

I can now say everything is good including the new posters I have recently added.

CEA's update #25

Item #54. Review my toiletries and cosmetics, toss as necessary, and replenish as necessary. Dispose of 60 items by throwing away, recycling, or donating.
Done!  I'm cleaning out my closet today, and I've met my goal of disposing of 60 items.  I'll go beyond 60 by the time I'm finished with the closet.

JR's Item #35: Update BCLT text only printable catalog for posting at storeblog site.

I have just completed and posted a new text only catalog of the current products offered at my internet store, BRAIN CUES Learning Tools.  This is something I have not done in at least a year, which is definitely not the most effective way to run a business.  The catalog is a downloadable document that I make available at my storeblog, Positive (Thoughts + Words + Actions) = POSITIVE LIFE.  I also updated the blank order form available at my storeblog.  Now the challenge is doing a better job of updating the catalog as I add new posters to the website.

JR's Item #5: Reorganize my 60 by 60 list to determine what has been completed, to determine what is left to be completed, and make it easier to monitor progress.

The 60 by 60 project that CEA and I started six or so months ago is fast approaching the deadline we set.  I have enjoyed this experience, but I am glad that CEA suggested it and I agreed to it.  I have to admit that in starting this project and blog I was organized and comfortable.  As we progress, I made adjustments and pushed on.  What I now wish I had done in the beginning was to create a concrete process for keeping up with where I was in completing my tasks.  So what I have not done is exactly that.  

I have added two pages, one listing the things I have completed and another listing tasks I feel I can complete within the remaining time.  The items to be completed are not in stone and I have more listed than I need to reach the goal.  Most of all, what I do now have is a handle on this project albeit later than sooner.   Best of all, I feel like I am back in control and  am positive about being able to complete my 60 by CEA's 60th birthday.

JR’s List Item #27 – (August report) Read at least one book a month until my 60th birthday.

August selection

For my August selection, I decided to read eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert .  I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie by the same name starring Julia Roberts.  I enjoyed reading about the experiences and adventures of the author (even at times envied her), but the author herself... not so much.  There was a little too much "poor me."  Maybe that's the point.  Maybe being tense and frustrated with the author as I read the first section of the book was intended.  I wanted to quit the book and almost did several times, but in the end I stuck with it.  I was more relaxed and open as I read through the second and third sections.  Honestly, I wanted to like the author, but I never found the necessary connection to create that bond. 

Footnote:  I have yet to see the movie.  I guess sometimes it's just not good to read the book first or even at all.  Just go straight to the movie.  "Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200.00."  Just don't forget the popcorn and Junior Mints.

JR’s List Item #38 – Create Filemaker Pro databases for BCLT inventory and purchase records with a relationship between the two databases.

First of all, I have to say, "I love Filemaker Pro."  I always have.  I don't know everything about FP by a long shot, but I have always been able to make it work for me.  It is simple and elegant.

With that said, I now have a database for my product inventory and a database for my invoices.  Best of all the two databases talk to each other.  As I create an invoice, product information is autmatically entered into the invoice from the inventory database.  Also, each entry in the inventory has a picture of the product.  You gotta love technology!

CEA's update #24

55. Purchase the gift-wrap cabinet I crave, decrease my gift wrapping paper to four rolls, and stock the cabinet with my other wrapping supplies. Improve my magazine storage.
I had to eliminate buying the gift wrap cabinet, because it's no longer available.  I haven't found another one I like as much, so I'm taking this one off of my list.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love magazines and how many I have sitting around at any one time.  I've figured out the long-term storage of those I just can't stand to give away or recycle:  allot a certain amount of space for each magazine in a closed cabinet, stack them up until there's no more room, remove the oldest 12, review and clip, then recycle.  Storage of the current magazines has been a problem until I purchased an antique Chinese bedside chest with two shelves:

I ordered the cabinet from Horchow for a reasonable $139.

CEA's update #23

Item #47. Order book boxes from Amazon (through the Golden Girls website) every other month with a mixture of topics (fiction, organizing, decorating, poetry, memoir): April-June-August-October.
I couldn't find a decorating book for my August book box, but I preordered three which will be published in the autumn.  I'm currently perusing a book on storybook cottages, avoiding Health magazine's new carb diet book, and devouring Dick Francis's last horse racing mystery.  I found Dick Francis in a Reader's Digest condensed book when I was a teenager, and I've read every one of his books.  His books are usually published in October, just in time for my birthday.  I'll miss my tradition!

CEA's update #22

Item #22. Repaint black breakfast tray.

Did it!  I bought this breakfast tray about 30 years ago at an estate sale.  Originally white, it looks much better black and has needed to be refreshed for awhile.  As long as I was using black paint, I also painted the fold-up tray table, a small black iron table, and an old iron sewing machine base.

I wish I had done like you, Janet, and NOT used update numbers, but it is kinda cool that update #22 is about item #22!