Rush Hour

Tips on how to make life run just a little smoother

by Susan Farrell

We all know what it feels like to wish for a few more hours in a day or an easier way to do a task. In this column you'll find tips we've gathered from experienced single moms on how to make life run a little smoother, avoid those crazy hectic times a bit, and save time here and there so we have just a little more of that precious time for the more important things in life ... our children and ourselves!

By the way, if you have a tip you'd like to share, please email it to us!

• Use spiral-bound, perforated, neon-colored, index cards to make "to do" lists. They are bright and easy to find in your bag, you can toss them away when you finish, and they are small and portable. Extra tip: Make a list of no more than three things to accomplish each day. It is a reasonable goal and you'll feel great about being able to accomplish them.



• On your day off, package a week's worth of outfits for your child. Combine everything (socks, undershirts, etc.) into plastic bags and just grab one in the morning. Plan for one spare "just in case." Plan your own outfits and hang them in your closet ready to grab each morning. It will save on prep time the night before and in the morning.



• Meals:
  1. On your day off, prepare meals that can be frozen and/or reheated through the week, i.e. lasagna, roasts, enchiladas, spaghetti sauce, casseroles, etc.
  2. Freeze spaghetti sauce or other sauces in ice cube trays and store in baggies in the freezer. It is easier to reheat small portions and just what you need.
  3. Buy and plan for quick and easy meals on worknights: soup/sandwich, stir-fry, leftovers, pasta/sauce, freezer foods, tacos, etc.
  4. Use a crock pot and/or breadmaker to make more elaborate meals that will be ready when you get home. Just toss the ingredients in before going to work ... and dinner's ready when you get home ... better than my ex ever did!
  
  
  
• Use paper plates and cups during the work week and for informal meals.



• Do one house cleaning task a night, i.e. load of laundry, sweep/mop, dust, clean mirrors, clean bathroom, etc. You'll feel like you have gotten more accomplished before you doze off, and your weekends won't be overburdened and dreaded catch-up time.

Susan Farrell is the single mother of two teenagers. Her many hobbies include writing, reading, gardening, cooking, traveling and camping, and trying new things with her children. Her motto: "Live, love, laugh." Life's just too short not to.

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