Organizing Olympics, Day 1: Front Entrance

So, how did you all like the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games?

Today is the first day of the official games and as such, we are moving from our Organizing Opening Ceremony onto the official first day of home organizing!   Whoot Whoot!  

We are going to the starting block, (aka - the front door), and dive into the pool (aka - the front entrance).   I tried to think up some fun shooting references since a lovely gal from China won Gold first thing this morning and since my eldest is a lovely gal from China who also use to be quite proficient with an air rifle in Biathlon, well... clearly I failed at being that clever so pool analogies will have to suffice.

Anyway, starting block - front door, dive - front entrance, 500 IM, we are doing our front crawl, back crawl, breast stroke and butterfly.    Basically we are hitting the front entrance with everything we have.

For this competition you will need:

1. your timer
2. a bag for garbage
3. a broom and several rags
4. window cleaner
5. a mop to wash the floor in your front entrance

On your mark, get set, go.....

• Is the front door dirty, covered in fingerprints and dust?   Wash it, inside and out!
• Look up, are there cobwebs, a burnt out light or anything that needs attention?   Take care of it?
• Wrap a clean dishtowel or rag around your broom and sweep off the walls inside the front entrance.
• Take everything off the floor.  Wash and only put back what is welcoming and necessary.
• Look inside the closet.  If there are too many shoes - either donate, toss or move the excess to a new location.   Decide how many pairs per person is necessary.  Eg....1 pair of flip-flops, one pair sandals, one pair or sneakers or two, how many dress shoes are necessary....if there are some that have not been worn in over a year - donate.    Do the same for everything hanging in the closet.   

Clear out anything that does not belong, that is not being used, that is not loved and get rid of it.   Wipe down any mirrors or windows and make your front entrance sparkle.    Go from opening ceremonies to front entrance fantastic in one day!  You can do this...set your timer for 15 minutes and go at it with everything you have.   Take more time if you need it and/ or take regular breaks.

Need extra help getting organized?   Check out our new program Minute By Minute Organizing

Organizing Olympics Opening Ceremony

Today is the opening ceremony for the Olympics so I thought it would be fun would play a mini "Organizing Olympic Games" here on the blog.

When I was a girl, my father worked for 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal Canada, because of this I was blessed to be able to attend many of the events and catch the fire and spirit of the Olympics first hand.   It was a life changing experience and I learned a lot about perseverance from the few athletes I met.   During the Olympics I was even able to have breakfast with Jesse Owens who taught me that cream on my cereal was tastier than milk - weird fun fact!

During these games, I thought a daily post with an organizing mission, game or event would be an entertaining way to celebrate this new Olympic session.

As with an athlete, there is preparation and training for the big event.   The training for our opening Organizing Olympics Ceremony will be as such:  oh, did I mention this is an outdoor opening ceremony.   No roof the stadium for this one…. we are heading outdoors…but I digress, preparation for the game will require a paper and pencil, and ensuring that the right training materials are available, a timer and broom would be most helpful.

The games begin in the front yard.   Stand back from the house and survey the “game field” with the critical eye of your opponent (aka, a realtor).

·         Does the grass need a mow?

·         Is the porch covered in Cobwebs?

·         Are the gardens a mass of weeds?

·         Do the Windows need to be washed?

·         Trash cans still hanging around?

·         Tons of kids toys all over the yard?

·         Would you want to buy your house “as is”?

Your home, is your Olympic Opening Ceremony, it is what you show the world about your family and your community spirit.   The condition of our homes affects our neighbour’s ability to sell theirs at full value.   Join your team with a full faced attack.  No matter how long, make a list of tasks that must be completed to get your home back in order.  Then set the timer for 15 minutes, grab the broom attack the cobwebs, and the yard clutter full throttle.   It may take several attempts but repetition and perseverance will propel you toward your goal

Just as Britain is showing its best face to the world during these Olympic Games, let’s all make our homes reveal our best face to the neighbourhood we live in.  Strive for nothing less than your best and I am sure the neighbours will be waving a 10.0 score card in no time.  Your home is likely your largest asset. GO FOR GOLD!

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