How Do You Find The Time. . .?

A question I get asked weekly if not more often is “How do you find the time. . .?”  End this question with “for couponing”, “blogging”, “working”, “teaching coupon classes”, etc.  I think the question really is about making everything work—and not going crazy!

I was talking about this question with the husband the other day because I had been asked it again.  I gave a vague answer and then probed only to find out that the person asking commuted 90 minutes to and from work every day.  An “ah ha” moment followed when they realized that they were dedicating the same about of time driving that I use for writing and other “paperwork” each morning. 

Just to give some context, in addition to being a mom and a wife, I work full time—50+ hours a week in a position I love on most days and like on the rest.  I teach coupon classes once a week, sometimes twice.  I’m also serve on three community boards and volunteer for each of them.  This is in addition to being involved with the boy’s activities, household chores, maintaining a blog and two Facebook pages, and spending time relaxing and having fun.  I will also confess that I enjoy the 7-9 hours of sleep I get each night with my best sleeping hours being 9 pm to 5 am.  The boy hits the sack around 8:30 and I am not far behind!  The morning hours are very productive for me—no alarm clock needed, even on the weekends!

So, how do I do it?  How do I “find” the time?  Well, it isn’t about finding time as everyone has the same amount of time in a day, it is about using or spending time in ways that have been determined a priority.  Also. . .

• The husband and I are on the same team when it comes to parenting and household chores.  We made it very clear early in our relationship that we would not have stereotypical gender roles around the house.  We both do laundry, he cooks dinner on most days while I do the grocery shopping, he makes the beds, I iron, I load the dishwasher and he unloads.  There is an equitable distribution of household responsibilities based on time, skill, and availability.  If I have more time in the evening, I make the boy’s lunch for the next day and if he has more time, he does it.  I am more likely to be seen with a hammer in my hand, but he handles the lawn mowing and snow removal.  And, we renegotiate if things aren’t working smoothly, schedules change either temporarily or for long stretches of time, or if another priority is decided—such as 6 weeks of rehearsals for an upcoming show.
• Routines!  Routines are huge time savers and sanity savers.  We have morning routines for work and school, after school routines that involve homework and trombone practice, and bedtime routines.  These routines seldom vary and can be sped up or slowed down depending on the amount of time available.  And, we keep the same routines year-round, including bedtime.  (I just read an on-line news article about the importance of keeping the same bedtime for kiddos during the summer—and I agree!)
• Systems—that get used most of the time.  (The husband is the biggest culprit for not using systems.)  By systems I mean ways of handling things, such as car keys, cell phones, coats, backpacks, purses, etc.  There’s a basket hanging on a doorknob near the garage door for keys and sunglasses as one example of a system.  Mail goes in a certain spot, as does the boy’s instrument.  The systems are supposed to save time when gathering items—I say “supposed” to because sometimes they don’t!  Again, the husband could tell you more about when the systems break down.  When systems are in place, to gather shoes for example, it also means less clutter, less nagging, less time gathering items, and more harmony!
• Tools—We live in an age where there are time saving tools all over the place.  And, we have invested in some of those tools.  One is the DVR.  We enjoy watching television but with a DVR we can record the shows we want and watch them at our leisure by-passing commercials.  A 30 minute show then takes about 18 minutes to watch.
• Multi-tasking—You don’t want to know how many “windows” are open on the computer as I type or that my cell phone is next to the computer “working” on something else.  With focus, I am able to accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously, but only for short periods of time.  My favorite mulit-task is walking our dog with the husband in the evening—exercise, fresh air, and connecting at the end of the day.  Sometimes the boy joins us.

Along the way, I have also stopped worrying about the stack of papers on the counter—they will be dealt with in time—and other small things.  Each of us has different priorities of how we want to use our time.  My only advice is to spend your time as carefully as you spend your money—it is just as valuable if not more so.

Measuring Time In Disney Trips!

We’ve all seen the lists of how to measure time and find the meaning of certain lengths of time.  Well, how do I measure time?  Disney trips!

When people ask us how often we go to Disney, I just sort of shrug and say as often as we can.  Typically, someone else nearby shouts out an estimate of at least once a year, which is. . . somewhat accurate.

Let’s take 2012, last year, for example.  We hit Walt Disney World in March and then sailed on a Disney ship and went to Walt Disney World again in December.  After all, we were already “in town” so to speak, so why not! 

But when we get to 2013, the answer would be one time; in July of 2013.  Yes, it was a lengthy trip, some twelve days inside the Disney bubble.  But worth every moment!

And, since 2013 is quickly dwindling away, that brings us to 2014.  The plan as of right now is one trip in 2014 that includes a Disney cruise and a stay at Walt Disney World.  Actually, we fly nine months from now.

When I told the husband that our trip was nine months away, he cracked a joke about birthing our Disney vacation baby and to take good care of it while in uterus, so to speak.  But isn’t that we do with our Disney plans anyway?  Take good care of them?

I have been teaching coupon classes for almost a year with a friend, and we have taken two Disney trips during that time and the next one is planned.  From my friend’s perspective, we go quite often.

So, there you have it. . . 3 years, and 4 trips.  That’s not quite once a year.  The countdown, though, for the next trip, has definitely begun!

It's July 1! Half the Year Is Left--What Will You Do With It?

It is July 1!  The calendar is officially telling us that half the year is over and we have half of it left.  What will you do to make the most of it?

My philosophy is that time is like money and I want to spend my time wisely.  I was reminded of this the other day when I was volunteering at our local event center.  It donned on me that I do “get a lot done” with my time—work full time, volunteer, contribute to two local boards (and treasurer of one of them), teach coupon classes, blog, and do fun things with my family.  What’s the old adage. . . “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person”?

The husband and I decided a long time ago that we didn’t want to spend money on “stuff” but rather on experiences.  I feel the same about spending time.

The boy seems to have taken on the same philosophy as he wakes up each day ready for adventure asking “What are we going to do today?”

Don’t get me wrong, I can spend a summer afternoon curled up with a good book just like anyone.  So spending time wisely doesn’t mean perpetual motion, at least not for me.

I also want to not waste time.  Efficiency is high priority.  I have always admired the male lead character in the book Cheaper by the Dozen or Spencer Tracy’s character in the movie Desk Set as they were both “efficiency experts” of sorts.  (I also love Katharine Hepburn’s character, too, as she is smart!) Disney’s efficiency pillar for service and operation is one of the reasons we keep going back!

So, how am I going to make the most of the rest of 2013?  Well, a great big trip to Walt Disney World is at the top of the list!  Helping others plan their magical Disney vacations, adventuring with my family, making our home run smoother (and more efficiently), and continuing to find and teach others about “deals” will round out the year.

What are you plans to make the most of the second half of 2013?

Time, Money, Kids, Planning--What Keeps Us From Walt Disney World?

We hear it all the time, “Yeah, we want to go but. . .” said by folks indicating that they would like to visit the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World yet, have reasons for not that usually spans time, money, kids, and complexity of planning a Walt Disney World vacation.

Let’s tackle time and money first.  I get it.  Those are factors we take into consideration whenever we plan a trip.  What time do we have available?  How long do we want to stay?  How much will it cost?  Some of those questions can be answered at the Walt Disney World web-site by entering various dates for your preferred resort to give you an idea of cost or by phoning a Disney reservationist or a travel agent. Typically, I do all three!  I see what the cost of trip would be on the web, contact a Disney reservationist about special codes or discounts that might be available, and then call our travel agent, who usually gets us a discounted price compared to the web-site.

A Walt Disney World Resort stay is different than staying at other hotels, as if you are booking a package including tickets, your trip must be paid in full 45 days prior to your stay, rather than paying when you arrive for your hotel.  If you are staying on property, but do not have park tickets as a part of your package, then you pay for one night of your stay prior and the rest of the nights upon arrival.  The amount of money needed upfront can be daunting for some potential guests.  And, with the 60 day prior on-line check in now available, guests wishing to take advantage must have their trip paid in full at 60 days rather than 45.

Some potential guests are warded off by the complexity of planning a Walt Disney World vacation.  Let me propose that planning a Walt Disney World vacation is no more complex than planning any other vacation.  Say, you were planning to visit New York City.  You would research hotels, restaurants, entertainment and tourist options, along with transportation.  It would also be likely for you to make reservations and purchase tickets for some of those things prior to your trip.  Same for planning a trip to Walt Disney World and there are many tools to help you. . . guide books, web-sites, on-line panels, even mobile apps!

Now for kids. . . I thought of this yesterday when I was writing about Jedi Training Academy for 2013 and again pointed out that it is for children ages 4-12 and how our time for the boy to participate is quickly running out!  Children grow up, they get involved in activities that have various schedules or even jobs which may mean negotiating with bosses, coaches, supervisors, and directors to find the “time” for a family vacation. 

I hear hesitation from people thinking their child is too young and won’t be able to ride as many rides or do as many things.  This is somewhat true, due to height restrictions, etc.  But those are things that little kids probably wouldn’t want to do, but there are plenty of other things for them to enjoy!  That is part of what makes Walt Disney World so magical is that there are so many things for people of all ages to do and enjoy.  Yes, a 4 year old may not be on Space Mountain, but they can fly on a magic carpet or an elephant. 

Or the, “I want my child to remember the trip.”  Well, this works if you have only one child and pick the perfect year for them to go, hopefully before they are 10 and are considered an “adult” by Disney standards in terms of ticket price.  But what if you have more than one child?  There may not be the “perfect” time when all of the children are going to remember the trip, but I bet they will enjoy it no matter their ages and will relive it through pictures and stories. 

Back to money for a moment. . . children under 3 are FREE for park tickets and can eat off another plate for no charge at most Disney dining establishments, while children 10 and older are charged at an adult rate.  This means children ages 3-9 are charged a child’s rate for tickets and dining.  Sometimes parents forget to take this into consideration when deciding on that “perfect” time for a magical vacation.

We have been to Walt Disney World when the boy was 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and now 10.  Each age has been great and came with its own magic and limitations.  When he was younger, our touring time was shorter and the rides tamer.  If either the husband or I wanted to tackle a “big” ride, we did while splitting up and meeting later.  Each trip he has tried something new whether it was a show, a food, or an attraction.  He has his favorites, just ask him!  When he was younger, the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios scared him and now we can’t leave the park without experiencing this attraction.  Our touring days are longer now, as the boy can stay up later.  But, now that is he 10, it is definitely more expensive.

For the folks who are on the fence, know that the price for a family vacation to Walt Disney World, will not go down.  Each summer, ticket prices increase and as your child ages, the cost will only go up.  For the folks who have already been bitten by the magic and are pondering their next trip, go ahead and go for it!