Disorder2Order Blog

Do you have a vision (board) for your life?

2008-07-01T19:58:59Z

This week we are on vacation... woo-hoo for me!

It's been really nice having my husband home and the kids are happy, happy, happy! Last night we got a phone call at 3am (yes, you read that right, 3am) from the alarm company, and my dear husband had to drive out to the store (round trip 2.5 hours) to turn off the alarm and lock an open door.

I don't sleep well when he has to make this kind of trip so of course I flipped on the tube. If you have ever been up at 3am you know there is nothing else on but Bonanza, so I decided to check the DVR and there was an Oprah episode (woo-hoo for me again).

Do you watch Oprah? I catch it every now and then, mostly, I record them when I catch the topic on a commercial (if it sounds good). Last week she did an episode (I think it was a rerun) on the law of attraction. Did you catch that? I love the notion and thinking of the law of attraction, and I am always interested in learning more about it. What really caught my attention was a discussion about a vision board.

Do you have a vision board? I do not, but think maybe I need one. I was really impressed by what those who had them and what they use them for. Did you know that there is an entire website dedicated to creating a vision board?

Apparently, all you need is some magazines, photographs and pictures of the things you love and desire for your life and you have it. Some people use them for things they want, some use them for what they see in their future, some use them for what they want for others...

If you had or have a vision board, what do you use it for?

*photo from betizuka on flickr.

Where in the world is Megan Spears?

2008-06-26T20:09:36Z

Have you ever watched the Today Show?

I started watching it pretty much daily just after 9/11, and I haven't really stopped. Sadly, I don't have much time in the morning to watch anymore, but I do like to catch it when I can.

One segment that I have always enjoyed is "Where in the world is Matt Lauer." It's nice to learn about places I know I will never get to in my lifetime. There was one place that really caught my attention... not because I am a huge Bond fan (well maybe that has a little to do with it), not because I love Michel Caine (well maybe that has a little to do with it too).... but it's

Rio de Janeiro!!!

I fell in love with the idea of going there someday and still have it on my wish list of places to go. It seemed so exotic and sexy, not to mention I am always up for an awesome costume party (New Years, '95, the stories I could tell...).

Enough of that! Let's get back on track...

Where in the world have I been all week.... Well, a little over a week ago, my friend Krista invited me to guest blog at Organize in Style. Check out my post when you can... it's all about Free and Fun!

Enjoy!

*photo from rio de janeiro wikipedia

The Oregonian Found Me... I Really Found Them...

2008-06-23T09:36:35Z

Do you love to share your ideas?

I do, and my husband knows it too. He loves to point out things in the newspaper that I might find interesting or appealing. A few weeks ago we were reading the Sunday paper, and he mentioned to me that I should "take a look at the blurb on the bottom of the Living Section." So of course I did, and there was blurb asking for ideas on ways to save money or cut costs in our everyday life. Here is the actual email list I submitted:

I drive the speed limit and use cruise control whenever possible to get better gas mileage. It’s also good to check your air pressure in your tires regularly…
I go to the grocery store only once every two weeks and avoid spontaneous shopping. Limit your trips makes for lower grocery bills.
I create meals based on what is advertised on sale or has a coupon.
We bought a programmable thermostat with a timer. We are able to better control the temp of the house based on when we are home.
Schedule errands for one morning a week by mapping out my travels so that I am not making extra trips into town.
Planning our vacations based on local events like Rose Festival, Family Reunions etc.
Instead of signing up for kids camps this year, we (two friends and I) decided to plan different camps for all our kids. Each mom has a week and a theme for events relating to the theme i.e. cooking, hiking and art camps.
Use public transit whenever possible. We live a block away from the local SAM bus system which also goes to MAX in Gresham…

Not that exciting right or out of the ordinary? I was really surprised to get a phone call from the reporter saying how she loved my suggestions and especially liked number seven for a feature article (not remembering at all what number seven was).

I would have never thought the idea to be that out of the ordinary. Some girlfriends (well really me, not them, they just come a long for the ride because I make them) and I didn't sign the kids up for summer camps this year. Being under 5, they really are too young for the fun camps, and we have to keep them busy doing something so I thought lets plan our own camps. We decided to each take a week (with a theme of course) and host our own camps.

We have cooking & food (my week), outdoors & hiking and an art & crafts week packed full of fun. Last week was the cooking week, and How fun it was. We actually spent the first day of our "cooking camp" at the strawberry patch picking berries... after a few hours of picking we sat down for lunch and someone came up to us and said... "you guys are from that camp right?" How funny is that?

Who would have thought that we could be famous? Sometimes it pays to read the paper. You never know what will come out of it! We have art week coming in a few weeks.... thankfully we gave ourselves a few weeks break between camps... I am still a little wiped out!

TIP OF THE WEEK: foam soap in a flash

2008-06-17T16:49:07Z

Do you love foam hand soap as much as I do? I love it for kids (they don't overuse it) and for grown ups (no mess). The issue I have is how much each pump costs! Here is how you can have foam soap, with out the cost.

1. Get regular liquid hand soap (preferably a flavor, smell or brand that you like).

2. Buy one pump at the store.

3. Use 1/4 soap and fill the rest with water, shake, and you are done!

It's that easy, not to mention a cost cutter!

*photo by litchy ko ko from flickr

Keys to planning a day trip

2008-06-16T14:22:20Z

With gas prices sky rocketing (and our house not selling) it's hard to think about planning an entire vacation.

The next thing to cross your mind is what to do all summer long, especially if you have kids?

My answer to that is taking day trips. It doesn't have to be far or even too long... just keeping the kids busy makes summer so much more fun for everyone.

With some intense planning, our summer is pretty well packed full of day hikes, park trips, farmers market adventures, play dates, sprinklers, swimming pools, afternoon movies and so much more. Who wants to think about dinner, laundry and house cleaning while on an all day adventure?

Here is what I consider to be key elements in keeping it all together, while still having fun.

Plan out the week! I don't survive my week if it's not planned out either Sunday night or first thing Monday morning. I make sure to have my things to do list mapped out (so errands can get done without multiple trips).

Pack up the car/bags the night before. After the kids have gone to bed and I have had my "down time" I like to pack the car for our next day. No matter where we are going, I like to make sure the car is loaded with everything we will need for the next day (sunscreen, hats, extra shoes, toys, books etc.). The next morning all I need to worry about is dressing the kids, breakfast and packing lunches. You could even pack lunches the night before if you are feeling ambitious.

Confirm times or rates before hand. Make sure to confirm when places open and how much entry fees (if any) will be. There is nothing worse than arriving somewhere without enough money or worse... they aren't open that day. Also it's good to confirm with friends what time you are meeting and which days... we all get mommy brain sometimes!

Have one day to "catch up." No matter how packed our week is, I always plan one day at home. This way I can catch up on laundry and housecleaning. Usually miscellaneous projects fall on that day as well, and the kids can spend a day relaxing and enjoying some fun at home.

Employ helping hands! No matter where we go, I think it's important to give each child a task. For my oldest, he is in charge of turning off all lights, tv's or radios before we leave. The little one carries the drinks and opens the garage door. Not only do they feel like they are contributing, but it makes my life easier for mom.

**HELPFUL TIP**Be sure to check your local newspaper (and of course the web) for local activities and events in your area. I ran across Around the Sun in the newspaper a few weeks back and I have to say, it's one of my favorite blogs. She posts tons of free events and activities in the Portland area... you gotta love free!

*photo was taken last week on a hike with the boys up the Salmon River.

TIP OF THE WEEK: managing the mail clutter

2008-06-11T13:02:10Z

Mail clutter seems to be an ever growing problem in our society. Me, I think I might be a little weird (shocker, I know). I love love love my mail... each envelope, magazine, and credit card solicitation... brings me joy!

Sadly though (for those that hate mail) we are in the height of political season, so it’s not going to get better! Here are three steps to processing the mail quickly and keeping the counters clear.

A great way to manage the mail clutter is to first, ensure you have ONE LOCATION in your home where mail is processed. This can be a spot in the kitchen, at your workstation or maybe in the entryway. Make sure you have all your necessary TOOLS at your processing station (garbage can, recycling can, shredder, envelope opener etc.) so you can efficiently sort through the paper quickly and easily without searching for needed items.

When the mail comes in do a QUICK SORT. Toss out all the junk mail, items you won’t read into the recycling can and be sure your personal information hits the shredder!

Finally, you should put bills or items requiring follow up into your ACTION file, items to read in your REVIEW (or READ) file, and reference documents into your TO BE FILED file.

This should eliminate all your mail, allow you to file paperwork accordingly and keep your counters clear!

What I am reading right now: A New Earth

2008-06-10T13:22:58Z

I did a blog post last week on book storage, and it got me motivated to blog about a book I am currently reading.

About a month ago, I started reading A New Earth, by Eckart Tolle. I usually am not driven to read a book because of Oprah, but I was really moved by the response she got from it, so I thought, what the heck.

I didn't realize that it was going to be such a hard read (a heavy subject matter). In college psychology was not my best subject, which might explain my difficulty now. However, I do like to be challenged, so maybe that's why I am enjoying the book!

I am not saying this is a bad book, it's just challenging. I have really enjoyed it for the most part and have taken some great nuggets that apply to my own life, as well as my clients. The first few chapters introduce and explain the basis of our ego's and how they effect our thinking. One excerpt that jumped off the page for me in the second chapter was:

"But we cannot really honor things if we use them as a means to self-enhancement, that is to say, if we try to find ourselves through them. This is exactly what the ego does. Ego-identification with things creates attachment to things, obsession with things, which in turn creates our consumer society and economic structures where the only measure of progress is always more."

Now I don't know about you, but that was a mouth full! How many times to we equate our value to our stuff? How often do we "feel" like we need more?

A big issue (problem) for me right now is housing and looking at buying a new home! When you look at newer homes, they are huge, it's all about square footage and who has the biggest house. You don't really see very many new developments that have houses smaller than 2,000 sq. feet. In my mind, having more square footage just means you have to have more stuff!

I am not quite finished yet with the book, but I would have to say if you are looking for a heavy (but filling) read, check it out! I told a friend recently that reading this book is like ordering a huge steak dinner... by the time you are done, you're stuffed.

Tell me readers, what are you reading and do you need dessert?

TIP OF THE WEEK: Book Overload

2008-06-05T10:34:51Z

Do you love books? Do you have double stacks on your bookshelves?

If you find that you have too many books but don't want to get rid of them, here are a few tips on managing books and keeping your shelves filled.

1. If you can't see it, do you really love it? Ask yourself if you are really loving your books, especially if they are covered in dust and and you have never cracked the spine. If not, it might be time to purge.

2. Set a limit. Try to have a certain number of shelves for your book. If the shelves are full it's time to purge or organize. Maybe find a charitable organization or local library to donate your books to... or if you live in Portland, go to Powell's and get a little money back!

3. One comes in, one goes out! Once you get organized, make a rule for yourself. If you buy a new book, then one has to come out. This will help control how much you have and allow you to still enjoy what you love!

Training to Organize

2008-06-04T08:56:16Z

Yesterday, we had a break in the weather (for those of you who are not in the PNW that means it wasn't raining). My neighbor and her son were out on their drive chalking up the streets, let's call them Jane and Sam.

As soon as my boys see Sam outside in the yard, they are running for the door faster than you can say Mary Poppins. We headed over to their driveway to drown ourselves in the soot of chalky fingers and chalk bodies with funny faces.

Jane and I sat on the sidewalk when our other neighbor, we will call her Sally, was walking by all dressed in her "walking gear". Sally, a breast cancer survivor, and all around super neighbor proudly wears her pink tee and hat with pride, as she walks the streets preparing for the coming breast cancer walk in September.

I asked her if she was starting her training for the walk already and quietly giggling to herself, she said "Oh yes, I have to practice a little bit each day so that on the big day I can complete the race without fail."

This of course, got me thinking about what training for some thing really means.

Training and preparation for a race is a lot like organizing. You really have to do a little bit each day.

Some days, you don't want to, you are too tired or too busy.

You have to start planning ahead early so that you can cross the finish line in the end.

Sometimes it's painful. Sometimes you want to quit. Sometimes you may even cry.

When you cross those big hurdles, it becomes easier and training becomes more natural... kind of like a habit.

Do you see where I am going?

What I really love about this little analogy is that it's almost scary true how similar the two really are. Starting the right habits today and getting into the right frame of mind about your goal really can produce the results you want!

Now, I am NOT a runner, jogger or even someone who likes to workout. I do however love to see the joy my clients feel when they cross their finish lines.... When they see that it really is possible and they really can be organized... there is nothing better.

On a side note, I do also walk in the Susan G. Koman race for my many friends, family and neighbors who have been affected by this disease. Last year, my husband and I saw the joy and pride Sally felt when she crossed the finish line. Believe you me... I will be there again this year....

Do you have a finish line you would like to cross? Have you started training for it?

Practical Gift for Teacher

2008-05-31T18:09:17Z

As some of you may know, I have two toddlers (3 and 5). They recently participated in a "graduation" of sorts from preschool. For my older one, it was his last day of preschool (sad for me) and is soon to be in kindergarten (great for him). I can't hardly believe that so much time has gone by and he is soon to be off to elementary school.

I love to give gifts. Especially personal gifts. I think because I love to receive these types of gifts, so therefore, I love to give them.

In an effort to not to over "clutter" the teacher with unnecessary gifts, I thought that some book ends might be a nice.

Never able to do anything... "regular" I always like to add my own touch... so this is what I ended up with...

I used wooden ends and letters and painted, papered and used a little modge podge. Viola...

Little did I know her favorite colors were pink and brown... I lucked out on that one. I always think you have to put a little thought into gifts for teachers considering they get "X" number of gifts each year from the kids.

We loved our teachers this year. Both boys were sad when school was over (last week) but have since moved on since now knowing they don't have to get up and go to school... Happy Summer Readers! Stay tuned for some of our activity planning posts!

TIP OF THE WEEK: Where do I begin?

2008-05-28T11:28:05Z

About every other person I talk to about "getting organized" tells me how overwhelming it all has become. Believe me, I know... it's so hard to embrace the steps needed to getting organized.

Most of the time the disorder that has taken over your home or office is something that has brewed over time (Rome wasn't built in a day). The first piece of advice I give these people is... JUST START SOMEWHERE.

If it's 1 hour a week, just start.
Don't look at the whole, room, just start with a pile.

If you only have 1 day a month, just start.
Get a playdate for the kids, or send your partner to the store and dedicate some time, just start!

If it's 15 minutes each day, just start.
If it's just before you go to bed (or first thing in the morning), just start!

The most important thing about getting organized is just to start. Believe me, I KNOW how much time it has taken to get your space looking the way it does, so remember it will probably take you that much time to get it back into shape.

The important thing, is just to start! If you have a goal there needs to be a plan.

*image downloaded from flickr: photographer, BrittanyBush

Cut the Cord on Communications!

2008-05-27T18:02:59Z

When we first started using communication devices who would have thought we would be overwhelmed with tools. What did we do before hand held devices?

Between cell phones, PDA's, and iPods.... ugh... counter tops are crowded with charging stations cords and well... CLUTTER. I was reading (I think it was Real Simple or maybe ReadyMade) a magazine recently, and I ran across this fantastic product called the Wild Charge. Wire-free charging on a sleek and small device.

How cool is that?

Cut the cord and enjoy the ability to go wireless when charging your devices. Combine the convenience of wire-free charging and a protective soft grip flexible gel cover that fits snugly on your device!

Check it out... currently, it serves a limited number of devices and is a little bit pricey, but what isn't these day? Depending on your issues with cords, it might be cost effective for you (or your business).

"You Inspire Me" - Donna Smallin-Kuper

2008-05-27T08:27:35Z

Do you ever wonder what inspires people? Do you get inspired by others? It's been a while since I had the chance to post a "You Inspire Me" article and I was glad when the opportunity came knocking at my door!

Last week I attended a tele-conference on Staples new product M Style. Donna Smallin-Kuper was the speaker and she is an amazing organizer and speaker. I am always inspired by those that are able to inspire others!

Last year, I had the pleasure of working briefly with Donna on a committee in NAPO, and I really think she is fantastic. After the tele-conference Donna and I exchanged a few emails and I asked her if she would be interested in doing a brief interview with me for my blog.

Let me start by saying that when you read some of these answers, you can hear her speaking with such confidence and assurance, it's awesome. Donna has a way of taking something big (and almost unattainable) and making it manageable (just read her books...)

So a big Thank you to Donna for taking the time to answer my questions! So to you readers, enjoy!

*******************************************************************************

What do you do, and why do you do it? I am an author. I teach people how to unclutter, organize and simplify life. I love the whole process of writing, but the most rewarding part is hearing from readers who have implemented my tips and ideas. I love when they write to tell me about their successes. I can’t imagine doing anything other than what I do.

What inspires you to get out of bed each morning? I moved to paradise (Phoenix, AZ) six years ago and I have yet to wake up and say, “Oh, no. Not another sunny day; I can’t take it anymore!” So I have to say sunshine—and coffee, especially when my husband has it already made and brings me a cup in bed.

What one decision are you struggling with right now (personal, business or both)? I honestly cannot think of any decision I am struggling with! Not that I haven’t struggled in the past. But I have learned to trust my inner voice for direction and it has yet to steer me wrong. It’s when I haven’t listened that I made some bad decisions! And if I don’t feel very strongly either way about something, then either choice is an option. Or no choice. I also think it helps to ask myself: If money or time were not an issue, what would you do? That helps me to get at what’s really important to me and to make decisions based not on artificial constraints but on my passions and values.

(I have to say that I love, love love this answer! Tell me that doesn't inspire you!!!!)

What is one piece of advice you have gotten that you can share? I love something Maya Angelou said: People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.

What is one book that you can relate to and why? I recently read The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss after having it recommended to me by about a half-dozen people in a span of two days. I originally thought that the name of the book was the 4-DAY Workweek and I thought, “Wow, that would be a cool to work only four days a week.” When I realized the title was The 4-HOUR Workweek, I was really intrigued. Right away, as I read this book, I began to make changes in my work life that I believe will help move me more quickly toward my goal of early retirement. I don’t necessarily agree with all of his strategies and tactics, but I love how this concept of the 4-hour workweek can free your thinking and let you see the possibilities that exist if you are willing to make some changes.

What is your favorite gift to give and why? I love giving experiences as gifts. For Christmas last year, I bought my husband a ride on a WWII bomber airplane that flies out of our local airport. It’s something I knew he would love to do, wouldn’t because it seemed extravagant. For the past two years, since getting married, I started a tradition of taking my husband’s girls and their girls on a Christmas adventure as part of their Christmas gift. We went to Sedona and the Grand Canyon the first year and to San Diego last year. I also love buying gift certificates for massage.

What keeps you organized? Two things: 1) I am a minimalist by choice. I don’t have a lot of anything. For a long time, I had only one pair of jeans. (You can only wear one pair at a time, right?) It’s easier to stay organized when you have less stuff. 2) I am most comfortable in orderly environment. So I spend time every day (not every moment) clearing countertops, putting away clothes, and generally picking up. It’s a lot easier to keep up than to catch up.

Where and what do you see yourself doing in 10 years? I expect to be retired sometime in the next 5 to 10 years. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband who will also be retired. We enjoy motorcycling (I learned how to ride two years ago and love it!) and traveling. I am particularly interested in visiting Mediterranean countries, especially Croatia and Greece and I expect to take at least one bicycle tour in Europe. I expect to be able to converse in Spanish and French by then. I’ll also have more time for playing the piano (I just starting lessons this month). My goal is to be able to play a duet with my husband on his guitar. Also, I love gourmet cooking. I’d love to go to chef school, just for the experience. I may still write books or give presentations, but only when it fits into my active retirement schedule!

TIP OF THE WEEK: Do You Use Templates?

2008-05-21T12:15:00Z

I was reading last week (a great post by the way) a post on using templates in word. I love. love, love using templates (just ask my friend Brandie), I use them for everything, everything, everything... Emails, word documents, excel spreadsheets even some blog posts have templates.

Some people don't even know that they would benefit from creating templates. How do you know if you need to create a template?

If you know you have created the document, spreadsheet, email or blog post more than three times (and you know you will need it again)... YOU NEED A TEMPLATE.

It's all boils down to time people. Why take the time to re-create something over and over again? I keep a folder (in outlook, word, excel etc.) called TEMPLATES and I just OPEN the document, make my changes and hit SAVE AS...

Voilà... you're done. Not only can you save yourself a ton of time, but you can stay consistent about your documentation or delivery of information.

As my DH says... Life is good!

"M" My Style My Way... my kind of products!

2008-05-21T11:27:42Z

Yesterday, I was able to listen in on Donna Smallin-Kuper host a presentation for Staples new product line, the M Collection.

Like anyone else who as a love-hate relationship with paper products and office supplies... this got my attention. Specifically because I love stylish (and sexy) products that keep you organized. The campaign for the M Collection showcases these products like delicious looking desserts.

HELLO... Who wouldn't want to eat a leather bound journal that looks like chocolate cake?

In the presentation, Donna talked about various areas that people often struggle to get organized, and the importance of finding the right tools to help motivate us to stay organized (again, I am always motivated by cake).

Donna noted that "People are more likely to use organizing tools when it's fun to use and fits into their style." Isn't that the truth!

The M collection has everything from sexy leather journals to sturdy colorful spirals... and please... don't get me started on the file folders. The days of VANILLA MANILA ARE OVER people.

Donna shared a great point, use those old manila folders for paperwork that needs to be archived, not your desktop. Use the colorful and sexy folders for what you are working on today. Show off your style!

Who wouldn't want to have this sitting on their desk?

Check out Staples online or at your local store.. everything ranges between $1.49 - $39.99.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Goog411

2008-05-15T09:25:49Z

So, as I mentioned a few posts ago... my husband thinks I have been drinking a little bit too much of the "Google Kool-Aid". Well, to my defense, I do have a bit of a crush on Google, but what's not to love?

If you haven't seen this yet... Google has a FREE 411 Service. Check out the short video here. Now, I haven't tried it yet, but the video is quite impressive. I myself have had those moments where I need a phone number and there isn't a book or computer in sight. Why not go mobile with my new best friend Google! Enjoy!

Just One More Hour In The Day....

2008-05-13T09:28:24Z

Mother's Day just might be my most favorite day of the year! Not because it's any different than any other day, but because it's no where near my birthday or Christmas (which are both December). Here is a picture of me with the my boys on Mother's Day. They are getting so big and just keeping me on my toes 24x7! I am really excited for the summer days of hangin' in the backyard and trips to the park with them... sitting around doing nothing is not part of their vocabulary... nor mine for that matter.

I woke up this morning realizing that my kids are finally sleeping well through the night and actually sleeping until a decent hour in the morning. I have been getting between 8-9 hours of sleep a night... consistently... which up until now was never part of my reality. Both my kids (bless their hearts) were good going to bed, but always making a ruckus during the night for one reason or another... then to top it off, they would rise in the morning between 5:45 am and 6:15 am... YUCK! For me (I am an early riser too... no wonder where they get it), I was not my most cheerful self on those days... not having a good night sleep and then having to get up early... made for a rough day for mom!

But now, as the kids are getting more sleep (and so am I), I realized this morning that I need to make better use of that extra time... I have a whole 1-1.5 hours that I could be doing something....

What is my point you ask???? I have yet to work with a client that hasn't said at one point or another "I wish I had just one more hour in the day..."

The question I have is do we recognize when opportunities open up to give us that "extra hour"?

Now, don't get me wrong... I have been loving the extra sleep I have been getting, and enjoying the fact that my kids are happy for most of the day (because they are rested too!). But enough messing around... I know that having the opportunity to accomplish other things is more appealing to me.

So readers, my question to you is if you had an extra hour each day... what would you do with it?

25 Things To Do When You Don't Have a (your) Computer...

2008-05-09T14:51:05Z

This has been the oddest week. I took my laptop in to the shop to be cleaned up and dusted off. This was Tuesday, and it is now Friday... no laptop still.... I hate it when people TELL you that they will have something done within a certian amount of time... but then don't fullfill their end of the bargin...

I have had my laptop for about two years and I thought it was time to get an overhaul. Not having my stuff has really sucked! It's amazing what not having my computer has done to me... I have been working off our home desktop and have not been enjoying it very much...

However, in an effort to look at this as an opportunity to get things done that I don't normally do... I am giving you my 25 things to do when you don't have a your computer...

1. Clean out my google reader (every day).
2. Organize my pictures (on the home pc) for my next print order.
3. Clean every inch of my house.
4. Organize my client files.
4. Discover iGoogle (my hubby says I have been drinking a little too much of the google cool-aid)...
5. Sort though magazines to go to the dentist office.
6. More playtime with the kids... extra trips to the park.
7. Find new color pages for the kids.
8. Follow up on inactive clients.
9. Update my Facebook activity (talk about a huge time taker... I could spend all day here...)
10. Discover a new social network... to be continued...
11. Watch a little of Keeping Up with the Kardashians (kind of like Rock of Love... it's the train wrech syndrome).
12. Start a new research project.... to be continued...
13. Find new connections on Linkedin
14. Find new connections on Plaxo (no luck yet there...)
15. Connect with a few old friends via long, long email.
16. Wrote a dozen hand written cards to some old friends (did you know that postage is going up again?)!!!
17. Cleaned out my laundry room.
18. Caught up on all the laundry (told you it would haunt me Laura).
19. Summer cloths came out of the bottom drawers and got them into rotation.
20. Finished up my newsletter.
21. Cleaned up my pantry.
22. Finished the mending (three shirts with buttons, one pair of pants and a dress hem, I hate mending!)
23. Caught up on all my magazine reading.
24. Cleaned out my cookies.... and finally...
25. Did a blog post about all the stuff I did.

As you can see, I did quite a bit of clean up and finishing up of things that have been sitting on my task list that haven't gotten done, but are now done. Hopefully next week I will be back plugged into my little flat friend whom I like to call "Betty."

P.S. A happy, happy mothers day to all of you moms, moms to be, moms in laws and grandmoms. We have a big job and we deserve more than just one day to be relieved of duty.... have a super day!

TIP OF THE WEEK: Organizing a Birthday Party

2008-04-29T11:18:08Z

Last Sunday, we went to a birthday party for a friend of my oldest sons who was turning 5. What was so funny about this type of event is that, it's not just five year olds attending this party... the range of kids was from 12 months to 10 years old (about, I can't remember how old Hannah is) which makes for some crazy planning.

Why is it when it's time to have cake and ice cream the kids will actually crawl up your person to get their piece?

This tip of the week is courtesy from my friend Laura (not org-junkie Laura)....

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SERVING ICE CREAM:

When serving ice cream, about an hour before the guests arrive, dish up a scoop of ice cream into cupcake paper sleeves and place them on a cookie sheet in the freezer until it's time to serve. Not only do you not have the mess, but it's super fast getting out the cake and ice cream...

I would have to bet, if I know Laura, she got this tip from Family Fun Magazine... a treasure trove of ideas for family fun!

*picture downloaded from flickr- atf300

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organizing one box at at time...

2008-04-28T14:05:28Z

Recently, I started keeping a list of ideas for blog posts. It kind of helps me stay inspired when I am trying to find something to write about (not that I have a problem ever finding things to talk about, but everyone has an off day).

This morning, as I was looking for some inspiration, I came across this title "fitting into the box that doesn't fit you". I of course couldn't remember exactly the context of what that meant when I wrote it, but it got me thinking...

How often do we try to fit into a situation that doesn't fit us?

It's often (almost always), that when working with clients we come across these items that I get the... "don't remember why I bought that, but it sure is cute" answers from them. Sometimes even when working with clients that have time management struggles, I ask the question of why they committed to a group or project and you get the... "I thought it might be fun or my friend did it, so I thought I could too..."

My mom always used to say to me... if your friend jumps off a bridge, does that mean you have to?

How does this relate to organizing you ask? I am getting to my point, really I am...

When trying to get organized we are plagued with the questions that are so hard to answer... the "hows and whys" of why we have the things we have... sometimes the questions are too hard to deal or we don't understand so maybe we give up, and try to get organized next week or maybe we will get to it later.

Deciding who we are and what kind of life we want to lead will give us the definition we need to move towards getting organized and living the authentic life. Getting organized is a process of change and choices... with each choice comes results (some good, some bad).

Are you getting the results from the box you are in right now? What is holding you back from living your authentic life?

*photo from flickr - big fat rat