Chilly morning perfect for working in the garage! I did some last night as it was a burden to get to the washer and dryer. Also today is garbage day so I will be tossing stuff to get out to the road tonight - that is if the back and knee hold up.

I worked with my granddaughter to get the room my niece is staying in ready for her and the baby. Put the changing table in there - all the clothes (3 bags full away) and it looks neat and clean again. My DN is going to have to keep it that way especially when we put up the crib.

With rearranging that room, I also had to move stuff around in a couple of other areas. The house is not how I like it but it is livable for now. Since I rent and my lease is up in May - not sure if I will stay month to month or find another place as this is when the baby is due.

I did go see my mom yesterday. First time in a month since she was moved into the home for ALZ patients. It is a private home with 6 ladies. When I got there I was nervous as I didn't know how she would be - but when she saw me she screamed "My baby girl" and came running to me and hugged me tightly. We had a good visit and then she told me she had things for to do and I needed to leave. That told me she was getting tired of entertaining and I promised her I would be back with some of the kids. I cried all the way home as it was such a special visit and it eased my mind about where she is.

Craft Room Organization

Since the first part of the month I have been on an organizing frenzy.  The latest project was my craft room and while it is not complete (saw some things that need to be done still) I am posting pictures.  Please note - this is picture heavy.

Lets start with the before shots:

 Now the after:

Like I said I still have some tweaking and organizing to do - but for the most part it is done.

I went to the Dollar Tree and purchase the green and yellow baskets and made labels with my computer and a business card template and labeled 90% of the baskets/boxes.

For my magazines I put a couple of milk crates on their side.

The longer ribbons are hung on a peg shelf in the closet.  Scraps of ribbon are on the shelf in plastic candy jars as are the silk flower bits.  Other flowers are in the closet on the top shelf.

All my empty albums are in containers on a shelf.

Stamps and stamp pads have their shelf as well.

The black metal thing was being tossed out at work and I told them to put it in my car.  I was originally going to use it in the garage but it fits perfect next to the file cabinet and holds rolls of ribbon and jars of do-dads.

Any questions - please ask.  Thanks for looking

A better Year - A new beginning

The past few months have been emotionally hard on me and the family.  My niece in law passed away in October and left my nephew and 3 boys.  Then on 12/31/12 we put my mother in an assisted living facility for dementia patients.

So with that going on and my current systems not working I wrote this over at both 2Peas and GON.

Back in 2002 when I started the organizing journey for myself, I sat on my patio with a cup of coffee and decided to make myself binders to keep my papers organized. Through the years I have modified some and others are the same way they were back then (only updated).

I have started reworking some of my binders - especially my "Daily Home and Life Organizer - aka Organized Bible" The current system I was attempting to use was not working - too many sections and things that I didn't need on a day to day basis.

I worked on the main categories and have printed out pages and put them in a page protector and labeled according to be the divider in my binder. But lets start at the beginning - when I open my binder there is:

1. A plastic pencil pouch that holds pens, mechanical pencils and lead, white out tape, reinforcements, post it tabs and other little notes, a few paper clips and binder clips.

2. Large heavy duty page protector that holds a card of various size post it notes as well as an envelope with quotes. I love to put random quotes on my to do lists and it seems like they apply on that day.

3. Pocket folder that I cut in 2 for papers I need to put in my binder and didn't have hole punch or time.

4. Section 1 - CALENDAR
(a.) the first thing I have is my www.getorganizednow.com monthly organizing checklist. I have it printed and in a page protector.
(b.) the next things are 2 page calendar pages for each month. I put a post it tab on each page so that I can easily find the month.
(c.) I have the school calendar for my nephews school as well as my grand children overall calendar (days off, etc)

5. Section 2 - CLEANING AND ORGANIZING
(a.) To do lists
(b.) routines and weekly, monthly and annual check lists
(c.) misc articles - like uses for Vinegar, etc.

6. Section 3 - LISTS
This is where I mainly keep my household inventory sheets - I have books, movies (by title and type - DVD VCR -yes I still have those and a player), my website log - for passwords and Registration keys, etc.

7. Section 4 - FINANCIAL
I have the other half of the folder for holding bills until paid and logged to the left of the divider page. (Once the bills are logged, I put them in a file folder until ready to pay. Don't want them to fly out of the binder and lose them.) This is a work in process section.

8. Section 5 - FAMILY
I have my DIL's resume in a page protector and will be putting the rest of the adults in one as well. That way if they need me to fax somewhere they can call or text me and I have it handy - also they are saved on my computer if I need to email for them.
(a.) pet information - after all they are family. One for each animal.
(b.) child ID pages - I have 5 grandchildren living close and I keep updated pictures, medical information, friends contact numbers, etc in the event that I need it. Say my oldest DGD goes to Joanie's for a party and I need to pick her up and don't have her address - I have her phone number to call and get the address/directions, etc.
(c.) Adult ID pages - I have these on my parents, kids and their spouses in the case of an emergency. I have fingerprints , hair samples, etc in the event that they are needed by the police (God forbid) for ID purposes.
(d) address book - For business that I use, I have printed the address section on a color paper so I can keep track.  I also have A-Z dividers that I use.

9. Section 6 - HEALTH
(a.) List of medications I take and the dose and what it is for.
(b.) list of doctors and hospitals
(c.) exercise tips and charts.
(d.) Specialize Diabetic trackers for my twin nephews for when I keep them and I know what, when and results of taking their blood sugar readings.

10. Section 7 BLOG INFORMATION
I have a blog at http://daysez.blogspot.com but I rarely use it. I want to get back into using it on a daily or semi weekly schedule and I want to learn about blogs.

So for now this is my Organizing Bible. I have a green (my favorite color) 2" binder and even with all that stuff in it - is not full!

How do you keep up with your daily stuff? Binder, electronics, post it notes, etc?

Merry Christmas

My life has been a whirlwind since my last post -

Want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and let you know that I will be back in the New Year!  Lots of things are being planned for next year on my blog.

Fog

Today I am in a bit of a fog.  Between the fibro and the weather being dreary, so are my spirits and energy levels. 

I tried to work on some Halloween projects for the grand kids but my heart just wasn't in it - nor my nerves as my 2 youngest grand daughters were here and playing with my punches and trying their hands at scrapping.

I need to write a couple more articles and do some more work on my Easy Organizer and other binders.  Not sure where to start! Off to make an attempt even if its wrong!

Anyway - hope all my Canadian friends had a great Thanksgiving and all the others a great weekend.

Time Management

I was asked to write an article for time management using a garden tool as an example.  I have been pondering this for a week or so and I went to water my plants and the hose got kinked.  That got me to thinking - so here goes.

Have you ever pinched or kinked your garden hose?  What happens - it builds pressure and either stretches the hose weakening it or it burst.  Clutter is the same way - the pinched areas or kinks are the areas in your life and home that you need to take care of like your desk, pantry (in my case), paper piles, etc. in order for you to feel organized and remove the kink.

In anything we do 20% is critical and the other 80% is trivial for the most part. What I mean by that is that being busy feels like progress, but it is important that progress is not confused with activity or being busy.  We need to take the time each day, week, month to review your planner and see what is the 3 MIT's (most important tasks) to get done the next day.  I recommend limiting your MIT's to only 3 as there are interruptions, slump time - that period in the day where you 1) reward yourself for finishing a project or 2) that time for recharging such as lunch or coffee break or light nap.

Once you have determined your 3 MIT's and listed them on your daily list, you can then focus all your attention of those items.

In order to know which tasks are MIT's and which can wait it is critical that you are clear on your goals.  Take a picture of your goal and place it where you can see it - on your refrigerator, desk, taped to the bathroom mirror, etc.  This will help you keep your goals in sight as well as motivate you to work on achieving them faster - giving you a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.

Starting a project is the hardest part of any project or task regardless of the size. We have the tendency to make excuses as to why we can't do it - to difficult, not enough time, missing tools to complete, etc.  Lucky for us we can overcome this easily.  The first step is to break the project down in steps and determine what supplies are needed for each step.  Breaking down the larger projects into smaller steps keeps it from being mentally overwhelming as if you look at the whole projects.

For example - I am very old fashion and still iron everything - pillowcases, scarves, placemats and clothing.  Looking at a basket of ironing seems overwhelming.  But when I sort it into piles of pants/shorts, shirts, scarves and accessories - it is not so overwhelming.  I then gather the items I need, water for the steam iron, spray starch for the collars and pillow cases/scarves/etc (love them crisp), the iron and ironing board, and hangers (pant and regular).  I get the plastic pant hangers at WalMart whenever I go in (they are free) and I use them to hang my pants, shorts and placemats/scarves on.  Keeps them neater and no fold lines on pants.  I then either crank up the stereo or watch a movie and get it done.  Lately it has been relaxing to iron and rock out!

Getting back on topic - grab your timer.  I strongly suggest that you spend the couple of dollars that once costs (or set your oven time or alarm on your phone), set the timer for 15 minutes.  Start the task and remember it doesn't matter how much you complete in that 15 minutes - you have started on your project and you have the momentum started.  Once you have reached the 15 minutes you will be more likely to continue and reset your time for more 15 minute intervals.

Today I totally emptied my pantry and was able to organize, toss, inventory and put back the items in 45 minutes.  By breaking it up, it wasn't so overwhelming and it definitely was a task I had put off way too long.

When you work with clear and simple guidelines it forces you yo focus your attention on getting the most important parts of the project or tasks done.  When you allot to much time for a task, we tend to make a mountain out of a molehill.  This can cause all kinds of stress and anxiety. This in itself can cause physical as well as mental problems.

When I struggle and can't break a project down into manageable tasks (can't see the trees for the forest syndrome), I step back and ask myself  - "What steps would I take if I have to complete this project in 1/2 the time".  (This may or may not work for you if you have a strict deadline for a work related project - I am referring to home projects.)  I also see what shortcuts I can make and still have the project to my satisfaction. (Being a perfectionist - this in itself is a project for me.)

Knowing that life doesn't always go according to plan, mak3es me realize that I must PAD time into my projects.  If I have an appointment, I plan to be at least 10 minutes early and I try to never be late.  The unexpected can happen - flat tire, heavy traffic due to an accident, kids sick, etc.  Good time managers know this also and will tell you to allot extra time into your daily schedule to allow for such unexpected issues.

That is why to me, writing down and listing my 3 MIT's for the day, gets them done!  If you don't allot time for these MIT's then some sort of stuff or the next mini crisis will occur and make these things less important.  I have a basic plan for my day and write my 3 MIT's down and cross them off as they are completed.  (That gives me pride in a sense that I accomplished them.)

Are you a morning, afternoon or night-owl.  I visited my dear friend Lynnim and it was evident that we were totally opposite.  It was partly due to our life styles (I worked days and slept nights, her husband worked nights and slept days so she stayed up at night and slept during the days as well.)  I totally messed her schedule up the week that I was there - got her up and motivated to run the roads with me - one of the most fulfilling vacations I had had in a long time. Anyway - what ever your "Prime" time is, you need to plan your schedule accordingly to do your MIT's when the most effort and energy is during this peak/prime time.

Keeping that in mind, multi tasking actually causes the task to take longer to finish each tasks versus concentrating on one task at a time.  Multi-tasking causes your brain to bounce back and forth between the tasks.  Do this switching can also impair your learning abilities.  Bottom line - multi-tasking is a waste of time.

Don't forget you also need time to recharge - not only with rest but fuel.  Stress affects our bodies - from your cardiovascular to your weight.  It affects your ability to learn, your creativity levels (one of the reasons I scrapbook and make cards and other crafts - my stress relievers), moods as well as your immune system - you know that run down feeling.  Skipping things like exercise seems like a good thing to do, but it makes you less efficient and prone to injuries.  Stretching before beginning any task - especially first thing in the morning not only is smart but can revitalize you.  Build in time each day to take care of yourself and renew your energy levels.  Light snacks of fresh fruit and veggies versus a heavy lunch is what I prefer.

Finally - don't forget to ask for help from family, co-workers and friends (or even hire a contractor if necessary).  This will give you more time to focus on the really important matters as well as utilizing someone else's talents and skills.  That in itself will give them the opportunity to stretch their potential and shine too!

Re-organizing my planner and binders

I totally love using binders and my planners (have a separate one that I must keep at work to track DOT, Drivers, etc)  to key me organized.  I am excited to redo my planner because I found a new –never been used one at Goodwill for $1.00.  It is red and has pockets on one side as well as slots for credit cards, ID or whatever you want to put there.  Keep in mind that my planner is the size of a half sheet of paper – landscape and I have modified some of the pages to fit accordingly.

In the past I bought the expensive 2 page per day calendars pages for my planner and I have the software to make additional pages.  I am definitely a pen/pencil and paper person.  So I went to Target for some laundry stuff and went browsing in their office supplies and found a 16 month calendar on clearance for $7.  It is 2 pages per month and will work for jotting appointments, meetings, etc on.  It is smaller than one month of the other calendar so that also freed up room in my planner.  For my binders, I have printed some free calendars from the internet that are the full 8-1/2 X 11 landscape pages.  I prefer that size to the portrait size for some reason.

Here is how I currently have my planner set up – keep in mind that this is not in the order of my planner – just the sections:

The first page of my planner has my name, address and cell number and a “REWARD” if returned notation on the top and bottom. It also has emergency contact information of my parents and daughters phone numbers.  

The next thing I have is my pen/pencil pouch.  I also have a pink and yellow highlighter that I use to cross through things that are completed and to highlight something that needs my attention.  Pink is for completed, yellow is for attention.

Then I have plastic business card and CD size holders.  I use these for various things – holding business cards, post it flags, etc.

Next is the calendar and Maria’s www.getorganized.now monthly check list

After that is my To-Do list with the MIT’s (Most important tasks). This is an ongoing list so that I don’t have to rewrite an un-done task all the time.  That is both time consuming and non-motivating seeing what I did not get done.

Master List of projects with “Need List” for items that I need to purchase or get from Dear Ole Dad’s supply.

Wish list for other things/people – like scrapbooking supplies, gifts for friends and family – along with sizes, colors, styles, etc (having teenager Granddaughters who are picky – this is much needed.)

I have a section for websites, login and password information.  I DO NOT write the actual password but a tip to remind me what it is.  For example – I use an old employee ID so for the password I type Chase and I remember what it is.

Household staple list – this is for those items that you need to buy and can’t remember the size.  I have 3 printers so I list the cartridges that I need for each. Prescription information – pharmacy name, number, and medication, how many refills left.  I make a notation on my calendar so I remember to either call or go on web and reorder medications. I have the battery sizes , vacuum  cleaner belts and filters, Air conditioner filter size, etc.  You get the idea – basically anything you need to know and can’t remember when you are at the store.

A have a section for plain paper for jotting meeting notes, etc.

Last I have an address section – I have made white pages for friends and family and pink for business’ that I use like my bank,  insurance company, doctors, dentists, electric, water, garbage companies and I notate the account number in case I need to call or have a question. I do not have my bank information listed there in the event my planner is lost.

My planner is my life line and it goes with me everywhere – either in my purse or my briefcase.

Get yourself in the habit of using a planner.  Get rid of all the other calendars, notebooks and slips of paper that you use.  Have your planner accessible at all times – and write things down.  You can use it to keep track of appointments, meetings, birthdays and anniversaries, etc.  I also document family outings, and stuff the kids say – then at the end of the year my planner has become a scrapbooking tool as well as something to look back on and remember the good and bad times.  I make a note by meetings and places that I have been (such as restaurants or movies)  It the meeting was boring I write boring  - but I also jot down notes from the meeting.  If the restaurant was good – then I notate it – if not it is also notated.  

Some other tips for planners:

1)      I keep a list of quotes and motivational sayings that I have typed on my computer.  I print these out and tape them on my to-do list and calendar pages.  Make your planner pages Happy – uses stickers, artwork, etc to make them pretty so that you will use them.

2)      I have a reference sheet for emergency situations – Like evacuation routes, shelters that take animals, emergency contact numbers of my parents and kids cell phones as well as home phones, first aid instructions, 72 hour kit list and directions for purifying water.  Living in the South we are prone to hurricanes and tropical storms for about 5-6 months out of the year.  We also have electrical thunderstorms that can knock out your power so it’s better to be prepared.

3)      Sometimes I cheat with my address book and tape the company's business card or a return address from an envelope onto the page.

4)      I NEVER write down confidential information like drivers license numbers, social security numbers, or credit card information. I know some of the organizing and time management companies tell you to do this - but I think you are opening yourself to a potential disaster. Instead these are kept at home in my emergency binder.

5)       A good way to track spam or junk mail is to write down in your planner any information regarding a website where you ordered something or have registered to receive updates. Some companies sell your information and computer geeks are known to hack into even secure sites and get your information. I receive junk snail mail too as a result of going on some sites.

6)       Get those return address labels from those charity companies - I keep them in my planner so I can used them as a business card if someone asks for my address. I have them cut out on the paper they came with - so when I give it to someone - it can go directly in their planner/address book.

7)       I try to jot one happy thing a day in my planner - I also use my note section to journal and keep track of prayer requests and praise reports that I get throughout the day. I then transfer them to my Spiritual notebook when I get home.

8)      Get a pack of clear or white reinforcements. Constant use of my planner has resulted in torn holes - so this is a great and fast way to mend the page.

9)       Save time and money by making your own dividers - as a scrapbooker I have tons of card stock and chipboard. I purchased some self adhesive index dividers and I make my own dividers. I cut the chipboard to size and cover with a pretty paper and then add the holes and the tabs.

10)   . I am constantly making new forms for my planner and binders - so what I did was to set up a template for each size in Word. I have the information such as margins and page size already set up so all I have to do is design my form. When I save it I use the "Save as" button and this keeps my template ready to use again as well as my new document.

11)   11. Invest in page protectors. I bought a pack of 10 for my planner and I have one that I have a list of birthdays and anniversaries in. I also have one that I keep a copy of all the masters in. I also have coloring pages for the grand kids as well as crossword puzzle copies for me - keeps me from getting agitated if I have to wait for someone/thing.

I know there is more that I want to share - I am getting pestered by my dogs to go outside - so nature calls. Looking forward to your tips and suggestions.  There are many websites that offer tips and ideas and I have used some of them.  I am sorry that I do not have the links so that I can give credit where credit is due.  This is something that I have been doing since 2002.