Getting Organized at Home with Time-saving Tips

Clothes need to be washed along with other household chores. Being organized by using simple tips can definitely improve time management in the home.

Today single persons, single parents and nuclear families are involved in many different activities and time always seems to be slipping away. These tips are designed to share some familiar and some fresh ideas for making it through the weekdays. 

Iron All Clothing at Same Time

Save time by ironing the family's clothing at the same time. It becomes hectic to iron an outfit just before it is needed to be worn. If the family large, then clothing may have to be ironed in intervals. This tip works well once the closet is organized so that clothing is not easily crumpled. For persons with young children, it may advisable to iron when the young ones are sleeping or on a play date to avoid them getting burned.

Wash Dishes After Use

Washing dishes after using them not only saves time but reduces the presence of roaches in the home. If dishes are cleaned after cooking or eating, it makes it easier to pack away prepared and also pre-pack lunches.

Pre-Pack Purses, School Bags & Briefcases

Children should set their school bags from the night before so that assignments or note books will not be forgotten. Adults should also double check to make sure that their cellular phones, wallets, sanitary napkins etc are packed in their choice of tote. On days where bills are to be paid or on doctor visits, it is very important to ensure that all necessary documentation is ready for the upcoming appointment to avoid wasting time and fuel to turn back for a missing document.

Lay Out Clothing and Shoes from the Night Before

This tip works for adults and children to ease getting out of the house especially if running late. While some persons like spontaneity in choosing and changing outfits, being on time for regular work, school or an appointment means being able to use new techniques to be on time. Shoes can be cleaned and also laid out from the night before.

Do Laundry Wisely

Organize a day or days to do laundry at home. Washing when underwear or uniforms run out means that things have gone out of control. If all the clothing cannot be washed in one day, set days according to the family member or the color of the clothing. If you need tips on doing your laundry at the laundromat, please read this article on my blog.

Help Children to Help Themselves

Young children as small as three years old can aid in getting themselves ready in the morning. They can put on their underwear, shorts, sandals and some shoes. They can also feed themselves which is a big plus especially if there are younger siblings in the home. Empowering children from a young age to be independent helps the kids to be more organized adolescents and then adults.

Time management is very important in personal and professional life. At home, there are many simple things that a family can do to manage time more wisely. It is important that when chores are completed in the most time efficient manner. This also means that the person doing the task should be dedicated and work with the effort of completing the chore in the best possible manner so that the work does not have be repeated.

What to Consider When Joining a Club, Group or Organization

Read more at Suite101: What to Consider When Joining a Club, Group or Organization.

Dutty Rock by Sean Paul is a Great Dancehall Music Album

Sean Paul released Dutty Rock in 2002 and this dancehall album launched into the international music scene with songs like "Gimme The Light" and "Get Busy."

Sean Paul (http://www.allseanpaul.com/) released Dutty Rock in 2002 and its success garnered him multi-platinum status and a Grammy (http://www.grammy.com/), according to his official website. While established reggae artists like Bob Marley (http://www.bobmarley.com/), Gregory Isaacs, Third World, Buju Banton and others took reggae music beyond the shores of the Caribbean, Sean Paul's Dutty Rock took it to another level. This album features collaborations with artists like Busta Rhymes (http://www.bustarhymes.com/) and carried dancehall music that could keep everyone dancing.

Sean Paul's Music in the Late 1990s

Reggae and dancehall fans remember Sean Paul in the late 1990s collaborating with Mr. Vegas on songs like "Haffi Git Da Gal Yah" which is also called "Hot Gal Today." In those days, Sean Paul was bald and Mr. Vegas has short plaits. Today, Mr. Vegas is the bald one and Sean Paul sports long plaits. Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas had a disagreement about that song, but both have continued on their separate paths to success. Sean first released his Stage One album in 2000 with other songs that were popular in the Caribbean like "Tiger Bone" and then "Infiltrate" on the Playground Riddim. The Playground Riddim was popular as Beenie Man sang the popular "Who Am I" on this instrumental.

The Multi-platinum Dutty Rock

Sean Paul's Dutty Rock album, after it was released in 2002, reached an international level with collaborations with artists like Busta Rhymes (http://www.bustarhymes.com/) in "Gimme The Light (Pass the Dro-Voiser Remix)", Rahzel in "Top of the Game," Debbie Nova in "International Affair," Ce'Cile in "Can You Do The Work" and Sasha in "I'm Still In Love With You." The top songs on this album include "Gimme The Light," "Get Busy," "Punkie" and "I'm Still In Love With You." Music videos for "Gimme The Light" and "I'm Still In Love With You" aired worldwide and propelled Sean Paul to international stardom. There are 22 tracks on Dutty Rock including an intro track titled "Dutty Rock Intro" and a "Police Skit."

Sean Paul has creative lyrical input in all the tracks with co-writers like Buju Banton in "Concrete." "International Affair" was co-written by Debbie Nova and M. Ronson and contains a sample of the words "with a record that was mixed a long time ago" from Eric B. and Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul" at the beginning of the song. "International Affair" also included a sample of the instrumental of Althea and Donna's "Up Town Top Rankin."

"Gimme The Light" was the biggest track on this album and was sung on the Buzz Riddim on which Beenie Man sang "Toy Friend" and Capelton performed "I Luv to See." The Sweet Lady Riddim was also featured on Dutty Rock in "Punkie" and "Punkie (Espanol)." Tony Curtis also sang "Sweet Lady" and Brian and Tony Gold sang "Must Be a Sign" on this riddim. Sean Paul teamed with Ce'Cile to record "Can You Do The Work" on the Liquid Riddim on which Elephant Man recorded his song "Log On."

Sean Paul after Dutty Rock

Since the release of Dutty Rock, Sean Paul has continued to release albums and has collaborated many with R&B superstars like Estelle in "Come Over," Beyonce in "Baby Boy" and Keisha Cole in "Give It Up to Me (When You Gonna)" on Step Up (2006) soundtrack. He released The Trinity in 2005 and gave fans songs like "Temperature," "Ever Blazing" and "We Be Burning." Sean Paul then released Imperial Blaze in 2009 with "So Fine," "She Want Me" and "Hold My Hand (I'll Be There)" featuring Keri Hilson.

With four albums released, Sean Paul just needs to keep bringing his special brand of dancehall music to his fans to remain successful. His release of Dutty Rock in 2002 brought the dance back in to the dancehalls not only in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean but in clubs in the US and in Europe. With songs like "Gimme The Light" and "Shake That Thing," Dutty Rock cemented its place in the hearts of fans worldwide sending it to multi-platinum sales.

Taking it one day at a time

What is in me will be hard to break away from. My habits that have lived for years and my goodness which is easy to take advantage of are all a part of me.

I am the only one that can change me. I have to want to change and improve myself so that I can progress. As Jesus said "Let him without sin cast the first stone." I am full of sin and I am no one to call down another. I, however, can learn from others in their tough situations. In my sinful state, I can still offer a positive word with the hope that the positive that I resonate will permeate my soul and change me.

It's about making things happen in whatever simple you can affect change. Lean on someone for help or to talk to if the need is there. Don't take it on all on your own. Pray but let the prayer be earnest so that good things can happen. It all won't turn around in one day but step by step, things can improve.

Put yourself in a better place. Change those negative friends if need be but make something happen. Let's go!

It's 2011 and tomorrow it's 2012. Do something to change your life for the best.

Caribbean Styled Food: Easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe

Pinks beans are tasty and go well with rice. For a quick and easy way to prepare pink beans, try this easy Pink Beans and Rice recipe.

This easy Pink Beans and Rice recipe offers a novice cook a nice alternative to plain white rice or pasta. Pink beans have a small amount of protein, dietary fiber, iron and calcium. People in the Caribbean love peas and rice and every island has its own way of preparing the recipe. Jamaicans add coconut milk and use either kidney beans or pigeon peas for the legume. Today, this dish as prepared in the BVI is likely to have kidney beans in it. This easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe uses pink beans instead of the usual pigeon peas or kidney beans. Canned beans are used for easy and quick cooking. If dried beans are to be used, they will have to be soaked to avoid excessive boiling.

Ingredients:

• 1 10.5 ounce can of Goya Pink Beans
• 4 cups of water
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 1 sprig of chive
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1 dash of dried oregano
• 1/2 of a small sweet pepper (sliced or diced)
• 3 slices of a whole onion (whole or diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt / seasoning salt
• 3 cups of rice
• 1/2 tablespoon of butter (can be substituted with olive oil)

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice and dice the garlic, onions and sweet pepper, (if desired to be minced), and set aside.
2. Open the can of pink beans and add to an uncovered medium-sized saucepan or pot with salt and water. Boil with medium heat until peas are broken or easy to rend apart with a spoon.
3. When the peas are broken, add all the other ingredients to the pot and stir so that the peas, seasonings and rice are mixed well. Turn the stove to low heat.
4. Cook covered until all the water has evaporated. If the rice needs to be cooked more, add some boiling water and one teaspoon of butter and cover tightly until cooked.

This Easy Pink Beans and Rice Recipe should take less than one-half hour to prepare. It is an excellent side dish that can be served with meat, fish, veggie burger or tofu. This recipe is tasty and works well for a single person who packs lunch or for busy parents who need to make a quick and nutritious side dish.

Job Satisfaction - A Myth

Have you ever worked in an organization where the climate is always stormy? Ask yourself these questions about your job.

1. Do you feel you are well liked or respected or both?
2. Are you the one who never says "NO"?
3. Are you motivated - in general?
4. Are there opportunities for training?
5. Are there avenues for promotion?
6. Do you feel challenged?
7. Are you stressed?
8. Are you bombarded with work?
9. Are you bored?
10. Do you get along with your boss?

There's no magic formula that if you answer 'yes to ten questions, then...", you will be rewarded or deflated. We just have to evaluate our situation and decide to move on. Unless you are in the tightest contract ever made, you can always go on study leave, get a transfer if possible or leave.

I am tired of seeing nepotism and other underhanded behavior. I hate seeing people lazing and procrastinating. I can't stand when an organization is held back because people are resistant to change.

Another side of it is when the people who are rude, judgemnental, crooked etc. Who really wants to work with a bukky? Notice people's behavior and be mindful of their critism.

POEM: Obstacles by Linette

Weary and teary eyes
from weeping and no sleeping
up all day yet wide all night
in such a fit
that it's such a sight
with daylight soon approaching
what obstacle will come next
will the reaction be fumingly vexed
upset - say something to regret
why is love an object
rather than a concept
is it so complex
that we regress
just thinking about love
it's another obstacle, isn't it?
just like people are
so crafty, so tardy
and so full of complacency
what a mix!
did you think
that I wasn't planning ahead too
do you know I can see through you
timing is slight
but I will not fight
I will express
I will address
I will speak wisely but not to regret
because it's not my fire to burn
some obstacles make an upturn
or a u-turn
whatever the deal
time will heal
cause life is too hip and too real
to be wasting time
eating sour limes
all day
regrouping is what to do
for the Father will see me through


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ORIGINAL MATERIAL COMPOSED 1/12/2011
DO NOT REPRODUCE WITHOUT PERMISSION