The 11th Annual Final Countdown

Posted on December 28, 2019 by prairiemoonquilts in The Final Countdown

Well! That flew by, didn’t it? Another year — gone in a flash. We’re at the threshold of a new decade even, so that means it’s time to count down the final few days of 2019.

I feel like I made better progress this past year than I did the year before, but how is it that I still feel I have so far to go? I need this challenge as much as (or maybe more than) any of you!

I have things I wanted to get done last year that are in the exact same state they were in exactly a year ago. No progress. In my mind, those things tend to overshadow the things I did get done. I can forget about the finished ones because they’re no longer on my list, but the unfinished ones plague me!

I’m sure I’ll once again be making lots of unrealistic and downright impossible lists, along with some lists that might actually get some good things checked off — and I’m starting tomorrow with three organizing tasks that need to be done that will help me get the new year started off right. Would you like to join me?

If you’ve joined me for The Final Countdown before, I’ll be thrilled to have you join in again!

If you’re new here, welcome! I hope you’ll join in this time, if you’re like me, and want to start 2020 off a little more organized.

Here’s how it works . . .

  • • Beginning tomorrow, I’ll post a task for us to do each day for three days in a row; a different task each day.
  • • Your job is to do the task, if you so desire (totally optional).
  • • After you’ve done the task, leave a comment on the post that you did it, and how it went for you. If you want to write a blog post of your own and link back to it, that’s great — we all love stories, and photographic evidence! If you’re already so organized that you don’t even need to do the task, you can still leave a comment to be eligible for the prizes.
  • • I’m offering up a prize for each task, so be sure and leave a comment for each task that you complete. You’re only eligible for the prize for that task if you did the task and left your comment (or left a comment that you already had it done or didn’t need to do it). I try to make the prizes something that will help you with organizing and not cause you more clutter or disorganization. If you do all three tasks, you’ll have three chances to win. How many you choose to do is completely up to you. Easy!

I’ll give you till January 4th to complete all the tasks and leave your comments. I’ll draw for the three winners late in the day on the 4th. That should give you time to take a good crack at all three tasks.

So there you have it — simple rules, and prizes!

I’ll post our first task tomorrow morning, so be sure to check back in. Or if you’re not subscribed already, you can subscribe to the “News From the Ranch” using the form at top right, so you’ll automatically be notified when the tasks are posted.

Are you ready?

32 responses to “The 11th Annual Final Countdown”

  1. Deanna says:

    YAY! I can hardly wait.

  2. Paula in NE Ohio says:

    This is a great idea. My sewing room needs lots of work.

  3. Cathy Poyner says:

    I love the final countdown! Always helps me get ready for the new quilting year. I just moved the furniture in my quilting room giving me one more shelf to put things. I would like to organize more.

  4. Judy W. says:

    I can always use better organization! I’ve never done anything like this before, but count me in!

  5. Any incentive is a good one! And trust me I need a lot of them!!!

  6. Pam G says:

    Wow! So glad I read your post. Sounds like a great way to go into a new year – I’m IN.

  7. Jean Morrison says:

    Ditto to all those comments above me. I am all in. And I just cleared my calendar for the next three days to accomplish the assigned tasks.

  8. Christopher Thomas says:

    always up for more ideals and things to help me get more done

  9. Angie in SoCal says:

    I did get some things done from my list of twelve but there are still some things I never touched like you. Ah, me. This year’s list is going to be shorter. Count me in on the organising. Happy Fourth Day of Christmas!

  10. Becky Cogan says:

    I plan to join along. I always love your posts!

  11. Ginny says:

    So I am in and hope that I can still finish a quilt top I am starting today. I looks like about half of January will be spent in travel to OK and TX to see family. That leaves me way short on machine time.

  12. Mary H says:

    I’m trying to finish a deadline quilt for January 4th, so I’m not sure if I can finish any of the tasks. But who knows? I’ll be sure to tune in because they will probably be tasks I really need to do, and I can start them as soon as I finish the quilt.

  13. Randy Menninghaus says:

    yay, you came into my life at the right time… I have some many good habits I have gotten from the final countdown. However, it was really interesting today when I lifted the throw rug that I hid a huge cutting Matt under. Some one gave me the mat 9 years ago and I just couldn’t say no. Today it went to a new home. There was a whole layer of scraps and stuff under the rug… Amazing.Swept it up. May have to take a photo. Needless to say I am in…

  14. I know the feeling looking back there are a number of projects that I didn’t touch in 2019 and cast a long shadow over eerything I did do. The plan is to address that problem. I look forward to tackle the task you set.

  15. Kim says:

    I’m in, Shelly! Just finishing up my word for next year and ready to tackle some stuff I’ve been avoiding!

  16. Rose Marie Smith says:

    You are always full of challenges. Maybe I can do one or two. Count me in.

  17. Patricia says:

    I need this! What if I start but cannot finish in day.

  18. Becky Collis says:

    I’m actually going to try this year! I’m in denial about my sewing room.☹️

  19. Yes!!! Less start the new year off on the right foot. I always need inspiration to motivate me. Thank you.

  20. Karen says:

    I’m so looking forward to this. Thanks for having it again!

  21. Helen says:

    I am in, my sewing area a mess, just had a knee replacement so sit down tidying I can do.

  22. Nancy W says:

    Awesome!

  23. sandi says:

    I’m new to this and am up for the challenge.

  24. Tonia says:

    Super excited to get organized again! One of my personal next week goals is to finish the quilt that is on the design wall waiting for Christmas projects to get finished! Then will start the 2020 lists! and lists to organize my lists–like how do others keep track of the 350 Block project blocks?

  25. Wendy O says:

    I may not recognize myself but, Im willing to try to organize!

  26. Stephanie says:

    I am in again, of course.
    I love the challenges you set for us!

  27. Cindy-liveacolorfullife says:

    Looking forward to it 🙂

  28. Judi G says:

    Count me in. My area is in need of lots help!

  29. Sharon Gratz says:

    Woot Woot!!!! Always need a nudge in the ‘task’ area! Count me in! 🙂

  30. Michele says:

    Ok. I’ll give it a try!

  31. Joan says:

    Thank you for doing this.

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