Aurora Auto Repair

Farewell Summer, Hello to 10 Organizational HACKS to Start the School Year Strong!

By Renee Leon

For teachers and families with young children, August means the end of flexible schedules and the need to improve planning and communication. Depending on the family, the need to be HIGHLY efficient can be intense! I spoke to two IMPRESSIVE moms, both teachers, and am happy to share 10 tips for staying sane and organized.

1. Meal prep

“What’s for dinner?” No need to panic. Spend 30 minutes a week to plan meals for the week and order them on your favorite grocery app. Then train the family to look at the meal plan and then ask, “how can I help with this incredible dinner?” Okay, that last part is still a dream, but it is a lovely one, yes?!

2. Family calendar

Paper calendar or fancy color-coded Google calendar. Either way, get the whole family to look at that calendar daily. HUGE help in ensuring everyone knows where they must be each day!

3. Sticky notes or dry erase markers

Use sticky notes or dry erase markers (on a board or a mirror) when have too many essential bits bouncing around in your brain. Such a relief to not try to contain them all!

4. Delegate

It’s amazing how many small, time-consuming tasks there are in an average household. Gathering up trash, washing and putting away towels, feeding pets, and getting the groceries. If you’re the person who tends to handle these by default, your days can be CRAMPED. There’s a household task that is appropriate for any age above 2. Small kids can learn to clean up toys. Older ones can help with laundry, cleaning, and meals. Delegating small tasks is a service to the whole family – you feel like a team and kids’ confidence will grow, too!

5. Protect your “downtime”

At some point, everybody needs to recharge. For some, that means losing themselves in a book or a tv show, for others it’s a social outing that has nothing to do with responsibilities. Find yours and try to carve out regular times to chill, whatever that looks like for you. I recommend dancing!

6. Say no, often and firmly

Pet-sit for the neighbor if you can; if it is too much, say no. Organize a school fundraiser if you can, or say no. Offer only what you can manage and no more. You don’t even need to apologize once you recognize the limits for yourself and your family. It’s just NO. Also, if anyone knows how to ACTUALLY DO THIS, please let me know.

7. Good enough is good enough

This can be a tough one. Reality is that we all have a measuring stick; the trick is to only measure yourself by your OWN. Avoid comparing and measuring yourself by to others. That way lies madness and sadness! Choose to recognize what you have accomplished (tangible and intangible) and know that the rest will happen eventually. While leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight can feel unfathomable, it really will be okay. Or remember tip #4 and have a family member get those dishes handled before bedtime!

8. Build systems/habits

Example: your child’s dentist appointment went great (congrats!) and they ask if you want to schedule your next appointment. YES! ALWAYS SCHEDULE IMMEDIATELY! No, you won’t know what your life will look like in 6 months, but you can likely schedule around it. Saves time, avoids the shame of forgetting. Do this for any family items that pops up regularly – kids, pets, car stuff… you KNEW I’d mention auto maintenance, right? Yes, schedule that service the moment you get a service reminder in your email (be sure you open our emails), because regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs. That money is better spent on a date night, right?!

9. Email Madness

Tag ‘em, flag ‘em, save ‘em, or toss ‘em. Use those folders and flags to keep your inbox clear and responses timely. And try to unsubscribe to any who don’t offer helpful reminders (like ours-Don’t unsubscribe to ours.. 😊 )

10. Breathe

There is always going to be another task, need, or ask. But along the way we can slow down enough to breathe and enjoy the little pleasures. It goes by so fast.

What’s New at the Shop

IT’S HERE! At last, our long awaited alignment machine has arrived! By the time you read this, it should be installed and our technicians will be able to handle all alignments “in house”. When and why might you need an alignment? So glad you asked!

What might cause the wheels to be misaligned? Hitting curbs, pot holes, or an accident will throw off the alignment. Over time, the pressure on tires, shocks, and springs will naturally make the alignment slip. Also, any suspension repairs will necessitate a wheel alignment; changing out suspension components will likely throw off the alignment.

Why should I fix it? Poor wheel alignment can cause uneven wear on your tires and means you need to replace your tires more often; misaligned wheels can also lead to bald spots and possibly tire blowouts.

Signs your vehicle needs one? Poor steering control, uneven or abnormal wear on your tires, your cars pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-centered.

Also, It is recommended that you get an alignment every time you get new tires installed!

Specials

1 - Back to School Oil Change Special

$34.99* plus tax for ALL OF THIS: Semi-synthetic oil change, filter, and lube (or Full Synthetic Oil for $54.99), Tire rotation and adjust tire pressure - if needed, FREE courtesy inspection, free windshield solvent fill-up, Top off antifreeze.. Hurry and call now to schedule your appointment! 720-707-2006 * Up to 5 qts. * Most vehicles - see store for details.

2 - referral program (use preset verbiage)

3 - Free alignment check! If alignment is needed, Special offer of $74.99 (savings of $20). *most vehicles. *by appointment only.

Community News

A Day In Japan Cultural Festival - August 5th & 6th at The People's Building (9995 E. Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010) in the Aurora Cultural Arts District. And stop by Colfax Art Jams' Celebration of Asian Heritage on August 6^th!

Friday - August 5^th
A rare opportunity to view some art from private collections around Colorado from Japanese and Japanese American artists; and view Japanese inspired paintings and prints by local artists (runs July 21st - Aug 14th, during The People's Buildings' regular operating hours).

1st Friday Gallery Opening and Artist Reception, 4-6pm, Free event, all ages.

See a collection of beautifully hand-crafted Sakura dolls made by Hatsue Omoto in the 1950s. Also called “Shin Nihon Ningyo” New (style) Japanese dolls. View a collection of Ise Katagami (伊勢型紙), which is the Japanese craft of making paper stencils for dyeing textiles (Katagami (型紙). It is designated one of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan. During this afternoon's reception you will also meet the artists who have created the Japanese-inspired artworks adorning the walls.

More info: https://fb.me/e/5pjBPwK2g and event FREE ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/379999226917

Friday - August 5th:
Join us for a fun evening of sake tasting, entertainment, sake trivia, karaoke, Tsuki-dashi (Japanese hors d’oeuvre), non-alcoholic tea, and the always exciting barrel-breaking ceremony. This is a 21 + event where alcohol will be served, bring ID. Do not drink and drive.

VIP Sake Tasting, 4-6pm, $50 (designated driver $35). Arrive early for your VIP Sake Tasting Experience - smaller group, VIP Tastings, jump start on karaoke, special gift bag with a sake tasting glass, and more. A limited number of VIP tickets only available through Groupon.

Special Sake Tasting, 6-8pm, $35 (designated driver $20).

More info: https://fb.me/e/2wsAuXdIl and event ticket link: www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-in-japan-vip-sake-tasting-event-tickets-377558917887

Refer a neighbor, friend, co-worker or relative as a first time customer for us and we'll give them $15 off an Oil Change AND you get a credit of $50 towards any service! No limit on the number of referrals you can make! *Be sure to write your name on the coupon so we can credit your account appropriately! *See shop for details."