Do you have events and celebrations that happen every year in your family? We are in the middle of our Show Weekend. This happens every year, mid July. It is a crazy weekend with places to be, things to do, things to organise, things to see.
Last night we were waiting for the fireworks – freezing cold (for us used to the warmth of the tropics it was cold!). The kids said, "Hot Chocolate would be nice." We even contemplated going home – nah that was too hard but we did find a stall that sold hot chocolate. But it got me to thinking – I could do this better next time.
So this morning – before I dash off to our next "to-do" I have started a list "Ag Show – Do it better". On this list I have written the few thoughts that we had last night – our few wishes and in retrospect ideas.
For example:
* wear thick socks
* take a thermos of hot chocolate
* buy soup for dinner!
Little things but I am sure we will benefit if I remember them for next year. But how am I going to remember – that is where my little post-it into next years diary (I use an digital diary so that is easy). I’ve posted it mid June so that it will be there to remind me come the time we start planning for the next Show!
This method works for any repeating activity that you have happening in your family. Company’s have found that having a job description isn’t enough for employees to successfully complete tasks – they need a …. and now the word escapes me …. it is where the details of every task is recorded down. A manual for each task so to speak. (If someone can remember what this is called please let me know!)
I think we would benefit from this approach in our families too. A mini manual for going camping, or packing for a picnic, for going on holidays, for the Ag Show, for Christmas, for birthday parties. This little manual would include all your regular to-do lists, packing lists, do it better thoughts, traditions; all the things you have to remember each time your family enjoys this activity.
I don’t know – is it called a procedural manual?
We call it a Procedures Manual. Most things in a Procedures Manual you do automatically – and it ends up no one ever checks it – so to save time and overload of organising a list to organise your lists (!) It might be a good idea to limit your Procedures Manual for "Special Things to Remember That You Would Otherwise Forget!!!" Love H'oM
I heard it got down to 7.4 degrees that night you poor little mites (s******)
Can't wait for an update on how all the entries went.
Yes, and next year I think we will pack our own dinner! After Friday night's dinner which cost $25 and wasn't very satisfying I think that would be a good idea! Is that why you seemed to be so well prepared for lunch today? 🙂