OH! My desk...

Here it is:
Nice and neat...


To my left...

Pile to the far left consists of a few blank notebooks and graph paper which has no place to be, pile in the center is full of little slips of papers and things I need to take care of, open binder is my daily checklist, which keeps me on track!  Usually...

To my right (and obvy right in front of me)...

Stack of DVDs from the library on the far right, and art in progress on top of the scanner/printer! Oh, that little thing in front of my mouse is like an elbow rest, my ex added a *brace* to the table and left screw heads sticking out.  They're quite painful... :\

And that is how I did today. How did *you* do?

P.S. Do not ask about the art table. Not that everything got dumped there, but it still needs work...

Happy Organize Your Home Office Day!

Yes that's right today is Organize Your Home Office Day. It's celebrated on the second Tuesday in March, and what would be the best way to celebrate? Why, organizing your home office of course! So here I am... sitting at my desk... and this is what I see...

On my left...


On my right...


The whole thing...

Do you see that plate?

Yeah this one...


See what's in it?

Yeah, those are the remnants from Esme's birthday gift...

And other bits of things...


They've been there since the end of JANUARY! And somewhere under all that is a list of things to get done, and probably a bill or two I've forgotten to pay... And on my right are CDs of pics that I've been meaning to go through and pull some to print... :::le sigh:::

I won't even get into the mess of things at my art table...


So what are you doing today?

Mostly Wordless Wednesday

BEFORE


AFTER

Cleaning off my Desk

Did you know that the second Monday of every year is Clean Off Your Desk Day? I didn't. I came across this tidbit of information while, what else? Cleaning off my desk. Tomorrow I may be returning to the world of work, and Tuesday I am for sure, so my goal for today was to get rid of the piles that had been on my desk for far too long. As I cleaned, I realized that many of the papers fell into 2 categories: things I was hoarding (lined paper, folders, notebooks...) and things I should have filed or taken care of long ago (pay stubs, district calendars from last year, odd bits of paper with web addies or other things to look up online...).

So, I parted with some of the things I had been hoarding - the kids are always asking for paper and will use it more than I was obviously - and I went through a bunch of papers, tossed some, filed some, took care of others, and found a place to store the things I really do plan to use eventually (a few notebooks and folders, stickers for my students, etc.). And while I was sorting things out, I came across a fun ditto for the kids, which explained that "One day in January is called Clean Off Your Desk Day..." Of course, I needed more information.

Apparently, the creator of Chase's Annual Events had a horribly cluttered desk, and his daughter, with whom he shared an office, requested that he clean it off at least once a year and added it to his calendar. Thus the tradition was born! This year it falls on Monday the 12th, but obviously I've started early.

So here's some quick tips from the experts:

1. Only keep things on your desk that you use everyday! Stapler, scissor, paper clips... If you don't use them every day, find some place off the top of your desk to keep them. Even if you do use them everyday, perhaps the top drawer, front & center, would be a good place to store them.



2. Organize things in a manner that make sense. If you're right-handed, you'll probably want to keep your pen cup on the right, and your phone on the left, since you might need to write while on that call. But if you're like me, maybe you turn to the left when you're going to write, and keeping the pencil cup on the left makes more sense. No matter how you organize your things, make sure you leave the middle clear. That's your workspace!



3. Keep your similar items organized together. For a crafter like me, that means all my scissors are together, all my punches, all my paints, all my papers... erm... mebbe not all my papers, but in a perfect world... In your world, maybe it's your phone, message pad, and rolodex all kept side by side.



4. Use an inbox only as a brief holding station. Make sure you go through it at least once a week, if not daily, and empty it out. You can use a separate box for things that need to be filed, but make sure you keep on top of that as well or you won't be able to find what you need when you need it. You may also want a third box for out-going papers, and when you need a break wander them off to where they go: recipes to the kitchen, magazine to the living room, paperwork to another department...



5. Here's one I disagree with: Remove distractions. They say to move pictures, little toys & knick knacks, and candy off your desk to minimize distraction. I suppose this may be true in an office environment, but at home? I prefer to have my desk area filled with the things I love and that foster a sense of creative play. I have bubbles, I have dolls, I have matchbox cars, I have pictures of my friends and family, I have a Magic 8-Ball for making those difficult decisions... But the experts suggest that photos should be placed to one side where others can see them, and where you can also if your not working, less distracting. Little toys lead to you playing and not working, which results in less productivity. Candy invites others to interrupt you, and invites you to snack all day too - at least in my case! So use your own judgment. I prefer to have the candy as far away from me as possible, but keep the other distractions around. Maybe in your workplace that wouldn't be such a good idea...



6. If things have gotten really bad, it may be time to do the old Clean Sweep. Grab three boxes & a garbage bag and start on the top. Label your boxes and start sorting: Important or Urgent, for those items that need you to take care of ASAP; Can Wait, for those things that just need filing, or other attention, but aren't so urgent in nature; and I Dunno, for the things you just aren't sure of. I use a big question mark. Of course, throw the garbage in the bag. When you're done, take care of those urgent things, then go back through the Questionable box and sort it out again. Lastly, take care of the less urgent box.

Some helpful sites:

• http://www.onlineorganizing.com/CalendarHoliday.asp?holiday=4


• http://www.flylady.net/


• http://www.lifeorganizers.com/


• http://www.hgtv.com/topics/organization/index.html


• http://orgjunkie.com/


• http://www.organizingyourlifetheeasyway.com/

References:

• http://www.expertclick.com/NewsReleaseWire/default.cfm?Action=ReleaseDetail&ID=24269&NRWid=658


• http://www.organizingresources.com/pressreleases/cleandesk.htm


• http://www.countmeincalendar.info/show_campaign.php?calid=11&campaignid=1292&categoryid=40&banner_area=3&sel_day=&get_format=

Random End of Year Rambling

This post brought to you by the Year 2009 and Gala Darling!

Gala posted a wonderful post the other day to help us all prepare ourselves for the upcoming New Year. Her first words of advice were to reflect on 2008, either by doing a silly meme (Oy! I already did!) or just by meditating on the past year and thinking of what you did and all the lessons you learned and how much you grew, which is what I've done for the past few years, that I call my Blessings and Accomplishments.

Before I get more into that, I will answer a few questions from a different survey that are more important I think than the ones I did before.

What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? I sold my art and made enough to make it through the summer without working. It wasn't easy but we did it. I started my Master's Program. Algebra was first, and it's horrid! >.< I take my final on Friday 4pm!

Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn't make any real resolutions last year. I posted a bunch of hopes, but they weren't anything I was really working hard for. I am glad that some of them became reality if not all...

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Fiscal solvency. I feel like this is something I often wish for, resolve to figure out, whatever, but the one thing that year after year, since I first was on my own, I feel like I've never had.

So, what were my Blessings and Accomplishments for 2008? My blessings I've chronicled here for all to read. Over & over again, my partner, Jacqueline, the kids, and my cat, are on the list. Having a job, being healthy enough to go to work, the car still being running, having a place to live and plenty of food, and all the little things that make me happy... All are important blessings to me.

However, my accomplishments feel a little more nebulous. There were no graduations, no new jobs, no major milestones reached... *But* I *sold* my art, *I* sold *my* art, my *art* - and not just to a friend, or acquaintance - total strangers saw my art and liked it enough to buy it! And I made enough to scrape us through the summer... Of course, I couldn't have done it without Jacqueline & the kids' help, but we did it. And it was one of many things on my Life To-Do List! So YAY!

I also started my Master's program; I am far from done, but half the battle is getting started, eh?

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

So now that I've reflected on 2008, particularly the blessings I've received and accomplishments I've made - and yes, I have made mistakes, no life is complete without them - Gala says it's time to set some goals for 2009! So back in 2004, I went and found out the difference between resolutions and goals. According to Dictionary.com, they are defined as follows:

res•o•lu•tion (rez-a-loo-shan) n.

1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.
2. A resolving to do something.
3. A course of action determined or decided on.

goal (gōl) n.

1. The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective.

Therefore, resolutions are the actions that lead to goals. And I think most people would agree that you need have your goals Specific, Measurable, and Timed. ("I want to lose 25 pounds by May 31, 2009," instead of "I want to wear a bikini.") You also want to make your goals Reasonable or Realistic (If you are over 400 pounds, it's unlikely you are going to want to wear a bikini this year.) and Action-oriented. (What specifically are you going to do to get there?) This is known as the SMART method of setting goals.

There are some other things to remember when setting your goals using this method. You want them to be motivating, engaging, relevant, and highly valued to you. If you are deciding to lose weight because your boyfriend or mother says you should, not because you really want to, then you won't be very motivated to achieve the goal.

Also, you want to make sure your goals have room for correction and that you allow mistakes and move on from there. Don't give up, don't dwell on them, just say, well that didn't work, and move on. I don't know who said it (and the internet has it attributed to several different people) or exactly how it goes, but this is a good thing to keep in mind: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." If you find yourself slipping off course, set yourself back *on* course again, and keep going! No beating yourself up! People make mistakes; it's the ones who keep going that really succeed!

Finally, those who believe in the Law of Attraction may want to use or include the SAFE method when setting their goals. I hadn't heard of this until researching the SMART method this evening, but it makes sense to me, who believes in the Power of Intent; it closely resembles the magical rituals we do as pagans. With the SAFE method, you See your goal, Accept it, Feel it with emotion, and Express it. (You can get more information on this method here.)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

But what, you may be asking, are *your* resolutions and goals, Bunny? Well I'll tell ya...

I DON'T KNOW!

I started researching this and writing this hoping that I would figure it out by the time I got here. Well before midnight on December 31st. But know what? It's far later than I had planned, and I still don't know. Not long ago I overhauled the little schedule and routine checklist I had for myself, but with my father's illness taking so much of my energy (yes, even not knowing and worrying takes my energy), I've let things slide off a lot more than I had planned. Even my Master's studies have slipped and I'm scheduled to take the final on Friday! Eeep!

So, here it is, less than 3 hours to the New Year, and I am still grasping. I could go back to my 43things list, but probably won't. I could look at the previous years' goals & resolutions, but will they still be relevant? I don't think so... I think, at this point, I am in no position to try to make resolutions or goals. Everything is up in the air until my father decides what he's going to do, and until that happens, I feel like my life is on hold. Obviously I need to continue working on my master's, keep working every day they call me, keep looking for a permanent position, and keep making art! But to work towards any other goals at this point, when the goals may suddenly become unattainable or irrelevant seems foolish and a waste of time & energy.

What do you think?

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires
and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had forget your home address!

In simple words...

May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!

Sunday Sharing, or What happened to my organization?

It's been a rough holiday season for me. I've been lucky enough to be working every day school is in, but my studies are falling behind, my dad is in ill health, my art is getting pushed back, and my organized Creation Stations have become disaster areas...

This is the kitchen table, taken on the 23rd:


And this is my desk tonight:


The only things that have changed is that the TV is back in the bedroom. Having the internet out the other day left me angsty to play something for distraction; so the TV is back in here with Zelda! ^-^

Like my new LCD wide screen monitor? I <3 it! It was a lovely gift from an old friend, along with a faster computer for Da Momma, and a cord for the laptop. The kids were also blessed with a Wii; so now everyone has an electronic device to play with and for the most part, we have no reason to argue...

We were also blessed with lots of nice new clothes for the kids, some much needed cash for us, a bundle of art supplies, and lots of love and good wishes...

So it's your turn now! Share with me the blessings you got this holiday season, or share an organizing tip! I need 'em!

ETA
January 2, 2009:
Submitted this to

for the theme: DISORDER! XD

Decide to Decide.

A weekly quick tip from Simplify 101... My comments in purple!

How much of the clutter in your home is the result of indecision? Not sure? Here’s an example.

A flyer comes home in the mail announcing an upcoming event. You hold onto it because you may want to go…but you don’t really decide if you will go or not. So the indecision known as the flyer sits on your counter for a few days until it is buried by the next few rounds of indecision. Should I go on this field trip? Should I use this coupon? Should I donate to this cause? It’s a good organization…I probably should…but I don’t know. I’ll decide later.

And on and on it goes.

I know this is especially true for me. I think I have a box from 1999 under my desk right now, that represents my indecision from back then. I packed it up when we moved, on more than one occasion, and although I *do* unpack some of it, most of it goes back in the box to deal with later. Mostly craft projects to do at a later date, but I have some of those from when I was in ELEMENTARY school!

A key strategy to cutting through this clutter is deciding to decide. Certainly not every decision can be made the minute it lands in your mailbox or on your kitchen counter…but which ones can? I bet it’s a lot of them.

Decide to decide on everything that you can decide on NOW and you’ll dramatically reduce your clutter. Part of the reason our clutter feels stressful is that it represents lingering indecision. When you decide to decide, you free yourself from both clutter and the stress that goes along with it.

Do you know how hard that is for me? But I shall try! ^-^

Hey, speaking of decisions, did ya vote?

Weekly Quick Tip

From Aby at Simplify 101...

Focus on progress instead of perfection.
Believe it or not, perfectionism is a very common cause of disorganization. Seems counterintuitive that a perfectionist could be disorganized, doesn’t it? Well, the desire for perfection is often so strong that it creates immobility, both at the onset of your organizing projects, and anywhere in the process if you begin to realize things aren’t turning out perfectly.

If you feel that perfectionism is getting in the way of your desire for a more organized home and life, the first step is to recognize this fact. Then, look for ways to take small steps in the direction you want to go. Give yourself permission to organize imperfectly by focusing your attention on progress instead of perfection.

OMG... like this is so true! This has got to be my problem, because whenever things start to Not Go How I Planned, I freeze. I ignore my email, my LJ, my blog, my art, my schoolwork, everything... Nothing really gets done... And everything suffers...

I need to work on this...

What do you need to work on?

My List

See that list?  See where I left off?  I ran out of steam and never posted my 365 pic last night...  So after I wake up a bit more - yes I know it's almost noon, but I've been staying up entirely too late - I'll post that, and we have some pics for Faerie Gardens Family Fotoblog. Then it's a chat for school, then cleaning off this desk and working on some art... :::sigh::: I better get started!

BREATH DEEP

OMG right now I have so much to do! And I am so not organized! How did this happen??? My desk is like covered with piles a foot deep! The kitchen table is covered with half-finished craft projects! I have a bunch of *modules* to work on for school! I have a bunch of chats and conference calls and phone calls I'm scheduled to do, but I haven't got them written where I can see them! GAH! I need a list! OMG!!! *hyperventilates*

Randomness

It has been a long tiring week for me... Ok, so it was only 3 days of actual work, but I still feel like I shoved the whole 5 days into those three.

Wednesday I covered collaboration meetings (where all the teachers in one grade get together to discuss curriculum, etc.) and spent 1/2 a day in 5th grade and the other 1/2 in 4th. They really weren't too bad at all.

Thursday I covered CSE meetings. (No I really am not sure what the CSE stands for, but they are the meetings between the classroom teachers, special ed teachers, parents, and administrators to discuss the student's progress and goals, etc. ETA: OMG they have rules that include the offering of beverages: CSE - During the Meeting) I spent about 30 minutes in each room basically babysitting until the teacher returned. Again not too bad.

And yesterday I got a nice change of pace and worked in the library all day. Only 3 classes at the end of the day, K, 1st, and 3rd, only for about 40-45 mins each. The morning was spent chit chatting with the other librarian, checking shelves to make sure they were in order, and scanning books in & out for a few random students. Of course those 3 classes were *SO* out of control; I was glad when they left and the library was quiet again...

Of course this means a short paycheck. And for last week too, because I didn't work Thursday or Friday. And there's so little time left in the school year, I assume a lot of teachers are *not* going to need subs... Hopefully I can find something for the summer that doesn't mess up our plans for fun!

Speaking of money.... Here are a few things from AC; the first is from Jacqueline and I have been waiting FOREVER for it to post so I could read it! The second is a short story from Jaie which is very good IMHO.

10 Films to Teach World War I in the Social Studies Classroom
Joleene's Mama (Hmmm... the end of the story's been cut off... :\ )

So we got 2 chairs and a king-sized mattress from FreeCycle the other day, and Jacqueline and the kids did a huge amount of work cleaning up the living room and moving our old sofa out. I can't wait to finish up all the organizing; it looks great so far! Today's project is to make room for the mattress in here - hehehe... I'm off!

What to do...

I have this lovely box, and I used to keep small scrapbook embellishments in it from various swaps. Eventually however, it got messy and my collection outgrew the box. So I reorganized it into a larger container, leaving this box empty. Now I have this beautiful box and have no idea what to do with it!

       


Click to enlarge...
It's a tad too small for photos, being less than 3.5" deep and the *shelves* just less than 4" high, and it's not sturdy enough for anything really heavy, since it's just pressboard. I *could* conceivably make a few small scrapbook albums and store them in here, kinda going with the same theme, but I am not sure that's very practical.  I do *not* want to get rid of it, as I not only paid more than I should have for it (even on sale), but I love it!

So what would *you* do with it?

My Vacation Week Thus Far

Yesterday was Hump Day and the downward slide to the weekend has begun. While to some this is a good thing (those who had work this week and are off on the weekend), for me it means the end of my vacation. Yes, I would have rather been working this week because we need the money, but since the schools are all closed, I have been determined to enjoy my forced time off.

I have watched movies, cleaned out the closet & my dresser, and am making progress cleaning off my desk and getting rid of the boxes underneath it. I have things for sale up on craigslist and hopefully will make some extra money despite not working. I have worked out, made a Vision Board, and looked for some music I enjoyed while in Chicoutimi. I even spent some time in bed reading.

I still have more movies to watch and more organizing to do, but I will be glad to get back to work on Monday.

Simplify 101

So I signed up for a different *Simplify your life* newsletter, since the last seemed aimed at someone other than me... Anyway, this one came with *Bonus tips*... I somehow think this newsletter isn't going to work either...

1. simplify your schedule
   Before signing up for another activity or starting a new hobby, decide what you will give up in its place. What did you use to do during that time slot? Will the old activities be eliminated or moved to another time? To keep your schedule simple, think twice before adding anything new.
   
   Well no problem here, I just wish there was more time during the week. It's only our Saturdays we seem to have problem over-scheduling...
   
   
2. simplify shopping
   Avoid last minute trips to the store by keeping extras of regularly used items on hand. If you'd run to the store when it runs out, keep an extra!
   
   Well that's not a problem either. Our issue is usually forgetting to put what we need on the list.
   
   
3. simplify cleaning
   Completely de-clutter prior to starting the cleaning process. You'll be amazed at how much faster it goes when you focus on just one activity at a time!
   
   Well, um, yeah... trying...
   
   
4. simplify your to-do list
   Establish a "do-it-now" mindset. If a task takes less than 2 minutes to do and you're in the right place to do it -- do it now! It often makes more sense to do something the first time you think of it instead of adding it to your to-do list (or worse yet, your overloaded memory bank!)
   
   Lemme 'splain to you about the spoons... Grab a handful of them. Now for each activity you do, take away a spoon. When you're hand is empty, that's it. No more. Must crash & sleep. Sometimes, this (do-it-now) is just *not* possible.
   
   
5. simplify your surroundings
   Eliminate clutter. Clear out your closets, dressers, pantry, and cabinets. If you don't use it, love it, or need it - lose it!
   
   Trying!!! I think my problem here is that I LOVE more than I have room for in the this house...
   
   
6. simplify task completion
   Focus on one task at a time instead of multi-tasking. Do it until it is complete and then move on. What is more valuable, five in-process tasks, or one finished one?
   
   Sometimes, five things need to all be done at once. That's what happens in real life... This is not an office where I can control every moment of the day!
   
   
7. simplify filing
   Does your fear of forgetting to do something prevent you from filing papers? To conquer this fear, when you file a piece of paper, record any associated action items on your to-do list. Include on the list a note to remind you where you filed the paper.
   
   Wait... I thought I wasn't supposed to have a to-do list...
   
   
8. simplify your desk
   Clear it of unnecessary papers and knick-knacks! If you don't use it or enjoy it daily, put it in a drawer or on a bookshelf.
   
   Oooo... see... for us visual people, we like to *see* our stuff. No hiding it out of sight! I like to look at my knick-knacks dammit.
   
   
9. simplify your planning
   Make a list of tasks required to complete any project you're working on. Focus on and complete one task at a time. If the project is repetitive, like menu planning, keep the plan and use it as a template next time.
   
   HEY! We do that! ^_^
   
   
10. simplify your work day
    Reduce interruptions and stay focused on the task at hand. Turn off your email and phone, and if possible close your door. Set aside routine times to read and respond to emails, phone calls and visitors. Be sure to let your co-workers know your schedule.
    
    Again, this assumes an office setting! At home or in the classroom, this is not an option! LOL!
    
    
11. simplify your life
    Make sure you are clear about what matters most to you. If you've never done so before, write down your values, goals and dreams. Write down everything you'd like to do or have. Let your imagination go wild.  Come up with five, ten, even 100 goals. Then take a step back and compare your list to your current life. When you simplify and organize your life, what will you do with the extra time and space? What's standing in your way to make this list a reality? Is it time? Is it clutter? Is it not knowing where to start?
    
    That's the beautiful thing... I am so doing this... We are all moving toward the things that matter most to us!
    
    
12. start today
    Take action today! Did you know it takes at least 21 days to change an old habit or create a new one? Pick just one idea from the list above and get started today! Once that item is complete or has become a habit, come back to your folder or visit simplify 101 for more ideas.
    
    And like the FlyLady says, it takes us SHEs an extra week or two! I wonder how useful the rest of these newsletters are gonna be...

Weekly Simplicity Tips

I think I forgot these last week, but that's ok...

1. Make simple meals with lots of produce this week. This would have been a helpful tip *before* we did the grocery shopping... And we're already doing that the best we can anyway! LOL!

2. See your things with new eyes and enjoy the abundance of what you have. Good advice for any day! ^_^

3. Be yourself. It is much simpler than trying to be someone else. More excellent advice!

4. Save up for quality products, rather than buying many shoddy items. Sometimes this is worth is... Sometimes it's not...

5. Create a maintenance schedule for your car. When we have enough money to pay the bills; for now we're doing the best that we can!

6. Use Mobissimo.com search engine to find the best travel deal. Wonder how much she got paid for this... This of course assumes we need to find travel deals...

7. Plan a back to school barbecue or another fun tradition. And this assumes we *go back to school* which we don't... Maybe next year or the year after, we'll start that tradition... ~_^

Weekly Simplicity Tips

From Encouraging Coach...

1. Start paying off your smallest debt. How about we start with the most important one first - electricity! Then we'll work on getting current on the other important monthly bills, and when we have those under control, we can work on the other debts...
2. What is one self-care habit you can create? Flossing, going to sleep on time, drinking water? I have some I've been trying to work on for a long time now...I think I'll just keep working on those...
3. Give away or sell at least 3 items of clothing. Are you insane? I haven't got enough clothes to make it through a week and you want me to give some away???? ... Ok ... so maybe I have a lot of clothes I don't/can't wear... I think I can do this... I'll do it now... Done!
4. Have everyone put their dirty clothes in their hampers daily. Well that's not the problem! The problem is the the laundry baskets never get from the room to the washing machine!
5. Don't clean it unless it is dirty. Well, duh. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
6. Plan Labor Day. Labor Day? Is that a special day or something? I imagine it'll be just like any other Monday around here... No need to plan anything...
7. Look for a free music concert in the area or make your own music. Um... Ok... How about I put the speakers on and play some mp3s... Stupid speakers don't work right...

Weekly Simplicity Tips

1. Start saving so you have at least $1000 cash for an emergency fund. This is a nice dream. We were doing it, but got so far behind in everything that this is impossible right now...
2. Raise your energy by getting more sleep, listening to upbeat music or taking a 10 minute walk. Um... yeah... not walking in this humidity... head is already aching... and sleep comes as often as possible...
3. If your kids are going back to school spend 10 min a day prepping with them. Here is my Back to School Checklist. Well at least we don't have to worry about this... *OUR* children learn all year long!
4. Plan for an extra fun weekend. We are! ^_^
5. Put your favorite articles on a topic in a binder. Do you know how many binders I would have? It's best if I just read them, glean what notes from them I can, putting them in a word doc, and then chuck the article...
6. Are you up to date with your receipts and bills? Bills=no. Receipts? How does one keep up to date with receipts...???
7. Read in a hammock or in a lawn chair. You know, I don't have either of those...

Weekly Simplicity Tips

From Encouraging Coach...

1. Pay an extra $10 towards your debt. Good idea...
2. Create a habit of flossing daily. Doesn’t that just make more work?
3. Get caught up with laundry - including putting clothes away. This is not something that can be done in one day! We have a never ending supply of laundry!
4. Revive or get rid of dead plants. Ok...
5. Move furniture around or declutter so you aren't always bumping into something. Got rid of 2 end tables and a quilt rack last week...
6. Apologize. For what?
7. Cut TV time to 5 hours a week. We have to watch five whole hours???

Weekly Simplicity Tips

1. Play with cutting your food budget by 10%. I find this an ironic tip...
2. Be compassionate with yourself as you learn to simplify. This is hard to do. And it's hard to be compassionate with each other too...
3. Put one bill on automatic payment. Our car insurance is and it gets take out today...
4. Any self care you are behind on? i.e., haircut, exercise plan, plucking... Hmmm... Maybe I'll see if I need to pluck later...
5. Get your film developed. I did and nothing was there. This is kind of a crazy tip for the digital age...
6. Have a fix it date with someone as you work on fixing things in the house that are broken. Hmmm... Anyone wanna come for a fix-it date?
7. Write a thank you note you owe someone. I shall do this right now...

From www.encouragingcoach.com...

Weekly Simplicity Tips

Not from the FlyLady but from another "Encouraging Coach" ...

1. Take the smallest step possible in working on a problem.

2. How much are you overpaying in fees? Find out.

3. Make sure you have enough time your favorite summer activity.

4. No need to automatically answer the phone or door.

5. Be the sunshine in someones life, not the rain.

6. Does something need resolving? Work on it this week.

7. Acknowledge that you have a choice in creating a simpler life.

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Take the Self-Care quiz

How good are you at taking care of yourself?

http://www.encouragingcoach.com/projects-selfcare-quiz.htm

 

July Declutter Calendar available

For those who have downloaded it, I have updated it so it is for 2007.

http://www.encouragingcoach.com/2007calendar/2007calendar.htm

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I don't remember who originally posted the link to the self-care quiz, but thank you. These little notes seem to come right when I really need to be reminded of something.