I meant to wish everyone a Happy New Year yesterday, but the day found me in bed for its entirety due to another bad cold. ‘Tis the season. It seems like every time I get my head above water, you know—another wave squashes it under. Life is like that sometimes. But just because I got a rough start in the opening of 2006, I still anticipate a great year ahead.

Due to the activity and frequent illnesses of the last several weeks, I neglected to daily care for the garden. I went out there two days ago, took stock of the weeding situation, and cried inwardly. The task was too large. However, my husband is outside squaring off small “boxes” in the garden, so that the kids can rake and weed a small portion each day. In another week, we should be on top of it.

I use this same method when I assess the kitchen situation. The kitchen can go from a sparkling Clorox commercial to a federal disaster in just one meal preparation. Especially when toddlers “help.” The way that I manage the clean-up task is to take one counter portion at a time. Make that sparkle, and then move on to the next one.

I use this same technique in keeping the house in ship-shape. Always start in the easiest room (and preferably the most visible) and work your way back. An overwhelming task is doable if you break it down into smaller parts.

My husband and I have a date for dinner this evening. We’ll discuss this past year, this coming year, and all the things we hope to accomplish. There is a lot to talk about. And if the task seems too overwhelming, I’ll …just order chocolate cake for dessert.