Does anyone keep a schedule?

Re: Does anyone keep a schedule?

• maxtherat

  September 2010

  I keep a schedule that acts like a to do list. It's fairly simple and it keeps you on track if you follow it which is always a good thing. What I did, to make it simple and work exactly how I needed it to, Is I picked up a notebook, and drew out a basic plan for what I need. Each of my two page spreads in my planner has one side as the weekly to do/ shopping list, So when I have to add a task it goes there, or if I run out of something It's written there, and the other page I split into 6 vertical sections dividing the 6th in two for saturday and sunday. That way I could write any particular deadlines and appointments on the day that they need to be done. Another smart thing is to keep a bill log. If you know your monthly bills and their due dates use the same notebook to write out a "checklist" so that none of your bills fall behind or get forgotten. But if you keep all of your organization in one place, it's easy to keep track of what needs to be done and when, and if you get a decent notebook it's fairly portable and simple (I have a moleskine notebook you can pick up at barnes&noble or borders)

  Keeping organized like that though keeps your schedule on track and keeps that reminder of what all has to be done and when right there at your fingertips. )

  Good Luck!
  

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• denmanam member

  

  September 2010

  maxtherat:

  I keep a schedule that acts like a to do list. It's fairly simple and it keeps you on track if you follow it which is always a good thing. What I did, to make it simple and work exactly how I needed it to, Is I picked up a notebook, and drew out a basic plan for what I need. Each of my two page spreads in my planner has one side as the weekly to do/ shopping list, So when I have to add a task it goes there, or if I run out of something It's written there, and the other page I split into 6 vertical sections dividing the 6th in two for saturday and sunday. That way I could write any particular deadlines and appointments on the day that they need to be done. Another smart thing is to keep a bill log. If you know your monthly bills and their due dates use the same notebook to write out a "checklist" so that none of your bills fall behind or get forgotten. But if you keep all of your organization in one place, it's easy to keep track of what needs to be done and when, and if you get a decent notebook it's fairly portable and simple (I have a moleskine notebook you can pick up at barnes&noble or borders)

  Keeping organized like that though keeps your schedule on track and keeps that reminder of what all has to be done and when right there at your fingertips. )

  Good Luck!
  

  You're right about the bill log!  I have a small notebook that I use to keep track of bills.  I write which bill it is, the due date, the amount due, and the date paid.  This has helped me keep track of changes in payments and has also helped me kind of memorize when certain bills are due. 

  I also like your idea of just using a regular notebook and customizing it to what I need.  Thanks!

  

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• maxtherat

  September 2010

  NP! That's what finally made me start using a planner, Store bought planners are so difficult to find ones that fit your life . . . It makes it easier when you customize it to fit you rather than the stores "ready made" versions . . .

  I combined my bill log and my planner so I only had to carry one book . . it's a great back/time saver!
  

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• martinilove

  September 2010

  I have a schedule for cleaning, but I'm a SAHW so I have more time to get things done...I'm not sure if it'll work for you completely, but it may help you get started or give you some ideas!

  Mon - Full cleaning of the house, including mopping, vaccuming, dusting, wiping down windows, clean tubs/showers, etc.

  Tues - Finish up anything I didn't get done the day before and then also wipe down base boards, window sills, cobwebs that get in the corners, etc.  It's also my laundry day and when I give the animals baths (if needed).

  Wed - Mow the lawn and do yard work.  Right now, I'm trying to get the yard cleaned up for Fall/Winter.  I'll be cleaning the windows (outside) soon, washing down the house/porch/etc. and then eventually decorating.  I also do most of my baking in the afternoon.

  Thurs - Run errands...grocery shopping, pickup supplies, etc.

  Fri - Free day...I'm hoping to start volunteering so I'll probably devote this day to that.  It's also when I do whatever I want...shopping, etc.

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• nluvntheSE

  September 2010

  I just started my first semester of grad school too and am in a similar situation with working and keeping up with almost all the housework. DH is a really hard worker, with 2 jobs right now supporting us, so he contributes big time, it's just that there's a lot going on for both of us right now. Anyway, I just read a book called Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern and it has been a life saver in getting through my first month of school! I am amazed at what I am able to get done and how much less stressed out I am. In undergrad, I made good grades, but I was stressed out ALL the time and I was never able to get around to the things I wanted to do (like spend time with friends, exercise, or even clean my bathroom). This book is incredibly realistic and encouraging and has been a lifesaver for me. She talks about everything from keeping a schedule that works for you, to if or how to use a day planner, etc. I would recommend reading it if you get bogged down at all with life/school. Just a thought. Good luck with classes!

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• denmanam member

  

  September 2010

  nluvntheSE:

  I just started my first semester of grad school too and am in a similar situation with working and keeping up with almost all the housework. DH is a really hard worker, with 2 jobs right now supporting us, so he contributes big time, it's just that there's a lot going on for both of us right now. Anyway, I just read a book called Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern and it has been a life saver in getting through my first month of school! I am amazed at what I am able to get done and how much less stressed out I am. In undergrad, I made good grades, but I was stressed out ALL the time and I was never able to get around to the things I wanted to do (like spend time with friends, exercise, or even clean my bathroom). This book is incredibly realistic and encouraging and has been a lifesaver for me. She talks about everything from keeping a schedule that works for you, to if or how to use a day planner, etc. I would recommend reading it if you get bogged down at all with life/school. Just a thought. Good luck with classes!

  I saw this book on paperbackswap.com one day and almost got it.  I think I will get it now.

  

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• ap517

  September 2010

  I do.  When I was in college I followed a study schedule otherwise I would procrastinate and fail.  It works in the home as well.  My husband and I have lived together for 3+ years and we always do a deep clean of the kitchen and bathroom on Saturday mornings to get it out of the way.  But this time around we added when we would do grocery shopping, laundry, and vacuuming to the list because we felt like that was so random and it's easier to plan when you know when you need to do such and such.  My husband is a fulltime student and I only work 4 days a week so I have tons of extra freetime.  Otherwise, nothing would get done around here!
  

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