The Ambulance Principle: A Guest Post by Jenn
I’m head over heels thrilled to be a guest on Honey Bear Lane today. Wait – that would imply that my head is over my heels and I haven’t had my head over my heels for years. Something about getting dizzy, feeling like vomiting…you know, those things don’t really thrill me all that much.
But I am extremely honored to be a guest here today. Heidi’s quilts and talents are incredible and her name is cool, too (I have a sister named Heidi). So thank you, Heidi for having me on your blog today.
My name is Jennifer and I love to organize. L.O.V.E. it. No, really. And I’m not even weird (according to myself). I love it so much that I even design custom wall files to help others organize the daily onslaught of paper. My sister Lori told me I needed to start an organizational blog because of them. Seriously? Yes.
So I did. organized by jenn is full of “in the trenches” tips and tricks that have helped me stay organized, which is essential when surrounded by 6 children and a husband.
Are you ready to change your life?
Pop Quiz for ya:
What are these?
OK, that was too easy. Yes, they’re bags and purses. Man, you guys are good!
Here’s a more difficult question:
What do these bags and purses have in common with an ambulance?
A fire truck?
A police car?
Any ideas?
I’ll give you a big hint: it has something to do with organization. No, I’m not weird. Remember?
OK, OK, I’ll tell you. It’s a little thing I call . . .
*The Ambulance Principle*
Yes, I came up with this name all by myself; is it that obvious?
So what in tarnation does an ambulance, fire truck and police car have to do with being organized?
They prepare in advance.
What do they do when coming back from a call? They immediately restock their supplies, refuel, reload, rewind their hoses, re-re-re.
Could you imagine if they skipped this step or waited until an emergency to get ready?
Ambulance example: [cue sirens here…arriving on the scene…reaching into their 1st aid kit to grab a band-aid…]
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t restock the band-aids. Does anyone here have a band-aid? No? I guess this guy will just have to wait while we go back and get one.” [guy bleeds to death]
Work with me here.
Fire truck example: [cue sirens…arriving at blazing building…starting the water…]
“What the? There’s no water coming out! Oh — I didn’t roll the hose back up and now it’s all tangled. Oops. Hey guys – help me untangle this.” [building burns down]
Police example: [cue sirens…arriving at the scene of the crime…man waving gun at them…]
“Police! Put down your weapon or I’ll shoot!” [man proceeds to take aim…policeman has no choice but to defend himself and tries to fire his weapon] *Click*. “No bullets?! Are you kidding me?” [man fires but misses, backup squad takes out bad guy]
Are you getting the picture? Sorry to be so graphic, but sometimes it’s necessary in my line of work to lay it all out in black and white. No editing or tip-toeing around the tulips here.
Those above scenarios are unthinkable. And that’s because it doesn’t happen. They prepare in advance. Period.
How does this apply to us? Remember this picture:
We can apply The Ambulance Principle to our own lives and our own bags and purses.
I’ll start with the diaper bag. How many times have you been out and about when you discovered you didn’t have any baby wipes or diapers? Or formula, bottle, change of clothes, snacks, toys, pacifier, etc?
No, I’m not speaking from experience. Why do you ask?
Yikes.
Or your purse that you forgot to restock with money? (just kidding). You forgot to put the coupons in it for your next trip to the store? Your work/school bag that needed to be restocked with pens, paper, etc? The pool bag that’s without towels? The camera bag without the extra charged battery?
The list could go on and on. Think of all the bags you use in your life.
Could you run out the door at a moments notice because you’re prepared?
What can you do today to apply The Ambulance Principle?
The next time you come home carrying a bag of some kind, think about what you can do to restock, replenish, reorganize, recharge, rewind, restore, re-re-re.
Maybe sing the song Do-Re-Me from The Sound of Music.
Yeah, that should help.
Thanks so much Jenn!! I wish SOOO much that I was more organized. I think the first thing that needs to get organized is my brain…got any tips on that? :)
These are some great ideas! And I love the images you used Jenn! Gets right to the point- I think I have some more RE- things to take care of.
xoxo,
Amy
Loved this! I've TOTALLY been caught without an extra diaper, snacks, and even a battery, period. LOL!
Great reminder!
Fabulous principle and idea!! Thanks for sharing.
Great ideas! I should be thinking this way!