Sidetracked Home Executives by Pam Young and Peggy Jones
Ranked #1,168 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #52,947 overall | Donates to Teaching Hands
On My Must Read List
Sidetracked Home Executives by Pam Young and Peggy Jones.
ISBN 0-446-97884-1
I'm ashamed to think just how long this book has been on my book shelf and I hadn't gotten around to reading it. I originally bought it at one of the public library books sales. I really don't know how long ago, but I do know that I should have read it immediately after buying it!
Sidetracked Home Executives has been in print for some time. My copy was printed in 1981, with several earlier printings.
Pam and Peggy are sisters. They take you through their process of going from a pigpen to paradise. They put a lot of humor throughout the book. The instructions state to read the entire book, then come back to chapter 4. This is for good reason. Their system of cleaning AND organizing is based on a whole card file system. Chapter 4 explains just how to put the card system together. While reading chapter 4, it's pretty mind boggling and something that has to be done step by step. The back of the book give you all the examples you need for your card file as well.
Chapter 2 they share habits to establish. I feel these are very important to know even if you don't choose to try using their filing system.
Put things where they belong when you are through with them.
Set the standard for orderliness yourself.
Never leave the room before closing closets, cupboard doors, and drawers.
Pick it up, don't pass it up!
When you fix anything to eat, put away everything you used before you sit down to eat.
Dress, hair and make up before anything.
Never leave the house before you've done all the everyday duties in the card file.
Check the next day's cards the night before.
Finish what you start.
Even if you feel that you are organized enough or feel your house is kept clean enough, I really recommend reading this book anyway if you have a chance. It's a very well written book and was such a pleasure to read.
I've started working on putting together my cards, but I have to go out and buy the box and dividers yet.
****Since writing this review, I've made my own box over buying one. I also didn't find colored index cards, so I used crayons and colored in the top line on the cards. Working great for me!*****
ISBN 0-446-97884-1
I'm ashamed to think just how long this book has been on my book shelf and I hadn't gotten around to reading it. I originally bought it at one of the public library books sales. I really don't know how long ago, but I do know that I should have read it immediately after buying it!
Sidetracked Home Executives has been in print for some time. My copy was printed in 1981, with several earlier printings.
Pam and Peggy are sisters. They take you through their process of going from a pigpen to paradise. They put a lot of humor throughout the book. The instructions state to read the entire book, then come back to chapter 4. This is for good reason. Their system of cleaning AND organizing is based on a whole card file system. Chapter 4 explains just how to put the card system together. While reading chapter 4, it's pretty mind boggling and something that has to be done step by step. The back of the book give you all the examples you need for your card file as well.
Chapter 2 they share habits to establish. I feel these are very important to know even if you don't choose to try using their filing system.
Put things where they belong when you are through with them.
Set the standard for orderliness yourself.
Never leave the room before closing closets, cupboard doors, and drawers.
Pick it up, don't pass it up!
When you fix anything to eat, put away everything you used before you sit down to eat.
Dress, hair and make up before anything.
Never leave the house before you've done all the everyday duties in the card file.
Check the next day's cards the night before.
Finish what you start.
Even if you feel that you are organized enough or feel your house is kept clean enough, I really recommend reading this book anyway if you have a chance. It's a very well written book and was such a pleasure to read.
I've started working on putting together my cards, but I have to go out and buy the box and dividers yet.
****Since writing this review, I've made my own box over buying one. I also didn't find colored index cards, so I used crayons and colored in the top line on the cards. Working great for me!*****
Find This Book on Amazon
Debate: Did you love this book or loathe it?
I think this is a must have book, even if you feel that your home is already clean and organized.
Is this a must have book?
yes
burgessvillian says:
Oh Yeah! I'm going to get this book for my kids.
Susan52 says:
If you need help organizing then yes, this is a must have book. It's a great system, so common sense.
no
Who's Talking About Sidetracked Home Executives?
- Paul not sidetracked on the home straight
- Paul Di Resta will put news that he is being eyed to replace Michael Schumacher at Mercedes to one side as he seeks home improvements in Monaco on Sunday. Mercedes chief executive Nick Fry admitted the Scot, who has a long association with the German ...
- High Interest: June 1
- Beal is co-chair of the American College of Healthcare Executives' Blue Ridge Local Program Council, board member of the Red Cross of Henderson County, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville, and the Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation.
- Helping adults with disabilities live life to the fullest
- They don't allow themselves to be sidetracked by their disabilities, whether it's braces on legs or challenges with communication skills ? disabilities that have made them eligible for assistance themselves. On Wednesdays, it's all about helping ...
- A TEAM player
- They were sidetracked by a job offer with a dealership in Southern California. ?It was a job that was too good to be true,? said Ross, ?and unfortunately, it was.? Ross was discouraged, but continued to think about his own dealership and the team he ...
My Filing System Box
I couldn't afford to buy a file box. I couldn't afford to buy the colored index cards. So, I improvised. I found this box here at home. I took white index cards and used crayons to color the top line for the colored cards. The box holds not only my card system, but greeting cards, envelopes and notepads in the back. I have stamps stored on one side and address labels on the other side. In the front I have pencil,pen, eraser, and the 3 colored crayons.
The system has been working wonders for me!
(photo taken by me)
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What Do You Think Of This Book?
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KayeSI May 18, 2012 @ 1:26 pm | delete
- How fun! I read that book YEARS ago and, while I didn't do it full on, I did get a lot of great ideas! Thanks for the fun reminder AND the sweet squidlike ;) Have a blessed and beautiful day!
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Ruthi
Jul 22, 2011 @ 8:02 pm | delete
- Sounds like a great book to help us all get our homes organized.
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poutine
Jun 17, 2011 @ 4:12 pm | delete
- We can always learn from someone who had done it before.
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eclypsechic
Sep 16, 2010 @ 10:11 pm | delete
- Looks good, adding it to my wish list!
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burgessvillian
Sep 12, 2010 @ 6:46 pm | delete
- I need Pam and Peggy to do a personal consultation in my house.
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Susan52
Mar 9, 2009 @ 6:45 pm | delete
- I remember very clearly when I was introduced to this book, about 20 years ago. I have my card file box on my desk right now. Don't use it anymore, but I love the system. If you're a visual learner, this is a great system for you. Thanks for reviving a great program!
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alteredkat
Mar 2, 2009 @ 5:38 pm | delete
- popped in from twitter to say hi, great book review lens...haven't read this one myself but thanks for visiting my Apple Green Macbook lens...best of luck with your laptop goal!
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