January 9, 2007
The Mic Is On: Let’s Get Organized . . .
Sandy wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
The topic is Getting Organized . . . at home, at work, and in your home-office. What are our secrets for being incredibly productive?
We might also talk about
- Time management
- Great tips for staying organized
- What area causes us the most stress, and
- When to hire a professional organizer.
including THE EVER POPULAR,
Basil the code-writing donkey.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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226 Comments to “The Mic Is On: Let’s Get Organized . . .”
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Joe said
Hey Liz,
Am I first again???
Ok, where is the computer in the pic?
Joe said
Looks like if you turned the fan on, the papers would all blow away. Then it’s all neat again. :-)
Nneka said
Ah! I got here on time.
Step one in getting organized: arrive early.
ME Strauss said
Hi Joe!
The fan is one great way to clean up an office, as long as you have a trash can.
Nneka said
But you know where everything is, right ;-)
Joe said
Hey Nneka,
Just don’t be the last one to leave, then you have to organize everyone elses mess. ;-)
ME Strauss said
Hi Nneka,
THAT is defintely NOT my office!! :)
My office is a command center. Everything is where I can use it and put it where I don’t have to look at it behind me. :)
Nneka said
lol
You wouldn’t want me to do that :-)
Seriously though, time wise, I do important things first and I only have 3 (tops) important things. I knock ‘em out first thing in the morning. Everything else falls into place.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
So who is going to use the iPhone to get organized come June?
ME Strauss said
Joe,
What keeps you organized?
Joe said
My problem is I keep finding things to help me get organized. Now I have so many organizers that I have to organize the organizers into some kind of organization. :-)
ME Strauss said
Hi Doug!
What will the iphone do for me?
ME Strauss said
I know what you mean, Joe.
I’m back to a notebook and paper. It keeps me organized better than anything.
ME Strauss said
Notes in the left column. Actions in the right. Check off the actions as I do them. Easy going.
Nneka said
I had to give up on the PDA. It was causing more harm than good. Now I carry a good old-fashioned spiral organizer. I bought a purse big enough for it. I could write faster than I could navigate with that tiny pencil like thing.
Nneka said
I like that Liz.
Gayla said
Hi Liz! Hi everyone! I’m here and I brought my OCD with me :)
Organization - one of my favs
Nneka said
Hi Gayla :-)
ME Strauss said
Yep, Nneka,
Paper and pencil are easier to navigate.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz,
It’ll make you a cool(er) kid.
ME Strauss said
I do have a fetish for boxes.
Robert Hruzek said
Good evening, everyone! To get organized (not talking about in general, but specifically about goals), it helps to know what you want to accomplish - so set some goals first.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Hi all!
I thought I would drop in for a few. I think I am like Joe… I seem to collect organizers.
ME Strauss said
Hi Robert!
You’re a thinker! Get us organized for this discussion. :)
Gayla said
I love good old-fashioned paper and pen. I keep notebooks placed around the house so if an idea hits me, I have one close at hand. Keep one in the car too. You just never know when a brilliant idea is going to hit.
ME Strauss said
Hi Kirsten!
We could use some positive reinforcement for our productivity!
I like to collect organizer too! It’s like standing in the towel department of a department store and wishing I could have every color. . . .
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
My problem with notebooks… I write in them and forget to look at them. :) I like sticky notes. I have them all over my desk so that I can’t help but see them.
Nneka said
Hi Robert :-)
This year my goals are posted everywhere. I never really tried it before. They’re framed on my desk, stuck on the inside of my organizer, on the white board, and at work on a note card stuck to the computer, even in the visor of the car.
But it’s one thing to have them everywhere, quite another to start executing on them and keep it up.
cat said
Hi Liz! Hi All!
Time managment is what I’m working on this year. I have a number of new projects that I’m unfamiliar with, so I have to be extra careful I don’t let time get away from me.
My post tomorrow will deal with it but I’ll put some of it here.
It’s not a detail of my day, but what I’ll do to make sure I can pull off my resolve to learn how to write, while handling a normal work day.
- Draft a schedule with the ‘eat a live frog’ philosophy
- Scan mail first thing, then, if no emergencies, quit until after lunch (that’s right, no ‘pings’ as they come in).
- Avoid Bloglines, MyBlogLog, blogs and forums until evening (except for Open Mic at Liz’s, which is in my morning)
- Create a folder in Bloglines for writing blogs (to read daily).
- Create a second folder in Bloglines for a few ‘allowed’ blogs (to read daily) that I can’t do without.
- Close the rest of the folders in Bloglines and don’t peek until the weekends or a night off.
- Create DWB posts in the evenings and weekends.
- Pare DWB back to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (ouch) but use the posts for writing practice.
That’s the rough draft anyway.
ME Strauss said
Hey Gayla!
Another vote for paper! YEA!!
I’m all for having paper wherever I go!!
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
I have created a dream (goals) book. I used pictures, words, and affirmations. I look at it each morning to keep me focused on what I want to create this year.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I actually think the iPhone looks pretty cool. Not a fan of the price tag or requirement to use Cingular, though.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Doug - I agree. I am a verizon person and was disappointed to see the iphone was a cingular.
Robert Hruzek said
I’m a thinker?! Thanks, I just hope the noise doesn’t bother anyone.
Organization is a way of life for me at work (I’m a project manager). Not saying I’m good at it, mind you…
But I have to agree with you guys about the low-tech method. Paper and pen are somehow more comforting, and definitely faster to write on than my PDA. Plus, it never has to be rebooted.
That’s why I’ll never be satisfied with e-books. But I don’t understand the cult of the Moleskine, though - c’mon, it’s just a notebook!
Nneka said
Hi Kirsten, just wanted to take this opportunity to say that I love your site. What a cool concept. Keep it up :-)
Nneka said
Robert, what’s a Moleskine (besides just a note book)?
Joe said
My real secret is to do interviews of people like Liz and Darren Rowse about how they handle their day in working at home.
Some great pointers, and I actually wrote them down as a reference for myself in organizing my day.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
Nneka - thanks! What a great compliment coming from you. I love your site too… and by the way I like your new about page. I am sorry I kept meaning to let you know that.
ME Strauss said
Cat!
That’s a fabulous plan. Can I borrow it?
Nneka said
Hmmm… you’re write it is just a notebook. But it’s a fancy notebook :-) Love the feel.
http://www.moleskine.com/eng/default.htm
Robert Hruzek said
Moleskine is a brand of notebook I keep running into references about virtually everywhere on the internet. The odds are pretty good that someone “here” has one. I’ve never seen one, myself, but a friend swears it’s the “best notebook ever”. Don’t know why, though.
Nneka said
Thanks Kirsten!
Cat, that is a very thorough list. Can’t wait to read the whole post. It’ll be on the weekend though ;-)
Rick Cockrum said
Hi everyone!
I use a pim for my day-to-day organization. Everything else - lists, goals, gratitude, ideas, drafts - goes in one notebook, one of those about the size of a steno book but with the spiral on the side.
Robert Hruzek said
Cat, I like what you wrote, but here’s another suggestion I’ve used before. I start the next day’s to-do list before I leave my desk (at work). Makes it easier to pick up the next morning. I admire your resolve to not answer emails except at certain times, but I guess I don’t get enough for it to be a problem.
Sandy said
Hi Everybody,
Interesting discussion - one of my favorite topics!
I’m a paper person, too.
Sandy
Joe said
I am definately a p&p kinda guy. But I write everything down and have to find the right notpad for what I want to do.
ME Strauss said
Hi Rick!
Who said we were getting to be a paperless society? Whoo. Looks like there’s a real paper fan club here!
Gayla said
Having the hubby, 4 kiddos and 2 dogs, it doesn’t allow me to be overly organized in all areas of my life, but one place I tend to go overboard is on my computer and my desk.
Here are a few of my own habits –
I’ve got a spreadsheet for:
every affiliate with links and contact information (makes for easy text linking when applicable)
$$ earned by affiliate each month (wonderful for tax time)
Printed spreadsheet that’s handwritten with websites - login’s and passwords (specific instruction for my husband to send them to my friend Angela should something happen to me - she’s the only one that would know what to do with them)
Most recently I’ve begun the Google experience. I’m personalizing my homepage with Google Reader and many other features to make blogging and finding interesting topics much easier.
ME Strauss said
Hi Sandy!
I bet you’ve done some wonderful things with paper!
Nneka said
Hi Rick ***waving***
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Liz! ~waves to the crowd ..
One of my top 5 traffic pages on my site is the Organizing Your Cash Receipts post. My top site is my Amusing Powerpoint Slideshows while I’m linking :) In case you get board of organizing your desk.
Char said
Hello everyone! I keep a three-ring binder on my desk that stays open. I have a spreadsheet that I print out at the beginning of each week and each client/project has its own box with 5-8 lines in it. I list my tasks for each project in the respective box on Sunday evenings and hit Monday mornings running. There are plenty of blank lines, plus a category for my blogs and my personal to-do list.
Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. said
I hate to leave the party so early, but I do need to go. I thought I’d at least stop in for a few minutes.
I wish you all a great night and a fabulous week! :)
Ciao for now!
HART (1-800-HART) said
*Whoa!* did cat say .. ignore email MyBlogLog and Bloglines until the evenings?? Muahahahaha .. That’s a hard one :D
cat said
Liz, feel free to borrow the ‘plan’. It’ll go live tomorrow, then again when I put everything together in one post so I can refer back to it often.
This is the post that went today - http://www.designers-who-blog.com/index.php/archive/write-part-7/
It’s where I went through all my research of books on writing, writing blogs, online resources, etc, and selected those I feel will help me learn how to write better in 2007.
Note to cat: do NOT start a series without a plan!
This week has been a real rush on the issue of time management because I had not prepared. It just happened.
As most of you know, doing a series on a blog takes careful planning and if you don’t plan, it wrecks havoc with your schedule.
Or what’s left of that precious schedule.
ME Strauss said
Oh Char,
Come over to my house and make one of those for me!
Sandy said
Hi Liz,
You’re giving me too much credit for that! I have some cute notebooks, but I’m a really messy note taker. What do you do with all the notes when you’re done? I don’t like to keep them. I feel like I’m drowning in paper sometimes.
Sandy
Rick Cockrum said
Hey Nneka! ***wave back***
Paper has a feel that computers won’t have for a long time, and it’s a lot easier to search a notebook than a set of files on the computer.
Not that I don’t agree with Gayla about the spreadsheets. Most of my financial and business life end up there for storage. I could never keep a balanced checkbook on my own.
ME Strauss said
Hi HART!
You butterfly! You could never have the resolve to stay away from the fray that long!!
Nneka said
Wow Char! You are all over it. I thought I was doing good with posting next day’s task on the white board.
Char said
Liz,
Do you want one? I’ll create a blank one for everyone and post the link. Give me a few minutes.
Sandra Renshaw said
I also have to join the “organizer” club - I have one in every size, shape and color.
And, I love boxes.
Joe said
Ok, here’s how anal I am about being organized.
All of the cash in my pocket has to be in order of value, highest on the inside to lowest on the outside. All not only facing the same way, but the heads all have to be up, folded heads in.
Sandra Renshaw said
I do have spreadsheets with URLs and passwords because there are so many.
But I want a book like Char’s, too!
I have a 3-ring with my invoices printed.
I have another book with notes about time spent on projects.
Maybe too many books!
ME Strauss said
I have a saying that when I go I want no paper at my memorial service . . .
I figure that it will be paper that finally did me in.
I also figure that half of my friends will be looking at the paper for typos and the other half will be looking for design flaws, and I figure on that day I should be the star of the show. :)
A little black book humor :)
cat said
Moleskines - OH! I want one. I’ve wanted one for like, forever. It’s perfect for those of us who want to spend more time away from the computer.
But they are not out here. Not that I know anyway.
Francie said
Hi Everyone! Woa, that desktop in the picture is a little scary. Is that a KitKat bar in the drawer or just the empty wrapper? Making me hungry.
And, the Dry Idea - deodorant, I think? on the desk, just in case you’ve worked up a sweat before your big meeting or call?
This makes me me think of one of those “Can you find this?” puzzles, sort of like Where’s Waldo?
See, there’s fun in wild abandon or perhaps reckless org. 101?
ME Strauss said
I have a leather journal. I use when I visit clients just to take note. It feels good to bring it out to write in.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
That’s not anal, that’s just right. :)
Robert Hruzek said
Hart, thanks for the link to your PP slides, I just spent the last 10 minutes dying laughing/wincing/crying/laughing again at the “bad day” set!
ME Strauss said
Hi Francie,
I think photo was made for effect. I don’t think it’s real person’s desk.
Sandy, it’s a stock photo right?
cat said
Nneka,
If you want to wait, I’ll be compiling the whole series into one post
’s to keep my honest for 2007. I figure if it’s a public announcement I’ll have a better chance of keeping to my resolve to write.
Robert,
“I start the next day’s to-do list before I leave my desk (at work).”
Excellent idea! If you don’t mind, I’ll add it to my list.
Sandra Renshaw said
Liz, that’s funny. I like the black book humor!
Does anyone have any filing hints? I tend to be a piler. I like to visually see everything.
Rick Cockrum said
Phil just had a good article on dealing with email at work at Lifehack for Managers
My email volume is small enough that I deal with it as it comes without planning.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Robert .. glad you like! There’s some really great ones on that page .. like.. HighestB .. is pretty good.
Sandra Renshaw said
Yup - I don’t claim the desk. It’s from stock.xchng or morguefile. Just looked for the messiest desk or office I could find…
Francie said
Joe,
WIth your money all lined up there - did you work in a bank once?
But, seriously, if you follow Fung Shei, they say it’s imprtant to organize money. Something along the lines that if you treat money with respect and order, you will open the energy to create more.
I try to do that, but more of the mindset of saving for a rainy day or advice I read somewhere for women. Don’t keep all money in purse in case its stolen. So, I keep a little cash here ‘n there. Pulled out my winter jacket last month, and there was $5.00 in pocket = Bonus!
Rick Cockrum said
I think Sandy to a photo of the desk of a manager I with whom I used to work.
Nneka said
Ok guys, I have to call it a night.
This was good fun. Thanks for hosting Liz :-)
Sandra Renshaw said
cat, looking forward to that post.
I have something similar, but not yet fully developed. A list of all the sites to check each morning, etc.
I can keep focused better without the email constantly coming in.
Robert Hruzek said
Liz, you DO know that on your funeral day you WILL be the, um, guest of honor (smile)?
My problem with taking notes longhand is I can’t write script and still read it afterward! In the Engineering world we use block print and after 30 years I’m quite comfortable with it.
Unfortunately it’s too slow a method to take good notes in a fast-moving session. I prefer using a notebook computer - I can type faster than print, and at least I can read them afterwards.
Sandra Renshaw said
bye Nneka, glad to spend time, love your site
cat said
HART,
“did cat say .. ignore email MyBlogLog and Bloglines until the evenings?? Muahahahaha .. That’s a hard one”
I know! But, it has to be done. Using the ‘eat a frog’ method, I’ll be having fun writing in the mornings instead of having fun with friends.
There’s been too many times when I’ve promised myself “just one little peek” while waking up. Two hours later, I’m still peeking.
So, they have to go.
Same with emails. I get anywhere from 150 - an insane amount of emails a day, depending. Not all are emergencies and the US doesn’t wake up until evening anyway, so, that can (mostly) go too.
I keep loooooooooooooooong todo lists for each project in an online project manager, but for the writing resolve I’ll be using Joes Goals - http://www.joesgoals.com/
It’s light, fun and won’t remind me I’m eating a bunch of frogs.
Francie said
Sandy, I’m with you on the visualization. I don’t like files. Once it’s filed, it’s gone. Plus, what a waste of time - sorting and storing everything, then having to go back and pull it out again.
But, I can always remember exactly where that piece of paper is when its in a tiered bin or just on the shelf in a pile.
Char said
Sandy & Cat - there is a reason why I work on two systems side-by-side. My desktop system is for working - web design, blogging, graphics, word, excel, etc. I use my laptop for email and surfing. It is easier for me to stay focused on my work when I don’t see my computer checking for email. Then while something is uploading, I just turn to the laptop and check my email.
Joe said
Nite Nneka
Francie, no I never worked in a bank and never heard of Fung Shei until last year.
I just like to know how much I have and that seems the best way to keep track. :-)
Sandra Renshaw said
Wow - Joe’s Goals is interesting - thanks for the hint.
Robert Hruzek said
Oops, just noticed something - I misspelled my website name (corrected now). There’s an organizational lesson in that, though - I”ve heard “don’t sweat the small stuff”, but sometimes you really should at least get the basics right!
Sandra Renshaw said
Francie, that’s one of my challenges. I tend to use 3-ring binders for projects. But I’m always looking for the next best thing.
Char, that’s great input. That’s what I need - another computer :-) Seriously, I can see how that would help. I do have two, just don’t have them both running. Maybe I’ll give it a try.
cat said
Sandra,
Do you keep those sites to check on bloglines or similar?
I’ve found bloglines to be addictive is why I’ve had to organise it. My excuse (and a real one) is I have to do research.
Problem is, I now have over 300 blogs.
But I don’t go through all every day. Some I wait until they reach 200 posts, then skim quickly.
Others I read once a week. Still others I need to delete, but that also takes time.
c
Rick Cockrum said
G’night Nneka!
Robert, you may find my series on notescript useful. My writing is horrible, too. Our secretaries at work won’t accept it. But I’m able to use notescript for myself and it speeds things up tremendously.
HART (1-800-HART) said
cat.. I know you’re right. When adrenalin kicks in and work takes over, I don’t check email until noon and don’t answer the phones. There has been the odd slow (and even busy days) that I might have had that Bloglines up and with it auto-refreshing.. it’s like you get to the bottom of the list, and there’s more at the top of the list.
What are you using for a ToDo list? I first started using ToDo95 but then moved to Swift .. but, now need something more like ToDo95 but more reliable and resident memory.
Sandra Renshaw said
Cat, yes-I use SharpReader and GreatNews. I have way too many sites. I have a folder of the must reads and then by category (organization, attorneys, writing, graphics, etc). I try to save the browsing for nights and weekends, but sometimes get lost.
Hi Robert,
Now I can find your site :-)
Francie said
read an interesting article in WSJ online Career Journal on this topic. In it they mentioned a book, “Perfect Mess” that describes the benefits and drawbacks of time/money spent in paying attenetion to “neatness” in workplace. I’d like to read it.
They even mentioned there are companies with “clean desk” policies. Those must be in the structural frame type orgs. WOnder what the cost of “enforcing” neatness is?
cat said
Char,
I wish I could work at a desk as I’d start on your system now with two computers.
I do have an office with desktops (I need them for web design to check out different platforms) but I messed up my back working on a long project in 2002 and it hasn’t recovered. I find the couch much better to work long hours.
But when this laptop starts chugging and I buy a new one, I’ll put your idea into place.
Sandra Renshaw said
I use a timer set for 24 minutes. Then I reset it for another 24. That way I’m working steadily for 48 minutes and then get up and do something for 12 minutes. Take a break, walk around, etc.
Otherwise I’m at the computer and don’t realize hours have passed.
Robert Hruzek said
cat, that’s one thing I learned quickly with blog readers - they’re like kudzu (a pesky vine that covers untended ground, trees, power poles and anything else in it’s way, usually in the Atlantic seaboard states in the US) you have to keep them to a managable number or they will strangle everything else. For me, I try to keep track of about 50 or so. When one gets stale, I’ll drop it and look for a replacement.
ME Strauss said
Good nigh Nneka!
Thanks for coming. I love your blog and your about page too!
cat said
Rick,
Notescript - nice! I’ve bookmarked your series for later. Thanks :-)
ME Strauss said
Sandy that’s such a good idea to use a timer like that!
Char said
Sandy - I am also the timer queen. I have one at my desk and use a similar system to yours.
Sandra Renshaw said
I also am “chunking” my time. Allocating a certain amount of time for particular tasks. Otherwise my perfectionism kicks in and I could spend all day at stuff that’s not that important in the grand scheme of life.
Robert Hruzek said
Rick, thanks for the tip on Notescript. I’d LOVE to be able to speed things up a bit, and this may be just the ticket!
Sandra Renshaw said
I use a Word doc with categories for my to do list:
tasks that are repeated daily, weekly, monthly
project items
like things grouped: mail, phone calls, errands
I would love to hear about online tools that people use or other hints.
cat said
HART,
I use several methods for todo lists.
As I work with several teams, I use http://www.basecamphq.com/
For smaller projects and to get different issues into my head before they get added to basecamp, I use TextEdit on the mac. It’s not for lists, but it’s easy, a no brainer, and always open as I use it to write blog posts. As you know, Word puts in cacca, TextEdit, no.
Gayla said
Hi Char, glad you made it!
I’ve been jotting notes in my notebook from this list of ideas :)
Great stuff, but I’m pretty sure the paper companies are loving this conversation at the moment.
Rick Cockrum said
When I was in school I could write a lecture verbatim with it if I had to, cat, then scan for more structured notes after class.
While I’m tooting my own horn, check out Amibook HART. It looks similar to ToDo95 and it’s free.
Joe said
Did anyone read my post today?
I Need a Great Stats Package If I could find somthing like that, my day would go faster and I would know exactly what’s going on without having to look at all the different stat services I use now.
cat said
Sandy,
“I try to save the browsing for nights and weekends, but sometimes get lost.”
I get lost too. Especially when I’m tired and just want to relax for a bit.
And that’s why I need to have a strong will. If I don’t allow myself to even open bloglines or MyBlogLog, I should have a better chance of keeping my concentration.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Rick .. THANK-YOU… downloading now, and testing it out!
cat said
Robert,
I’d love to keep it at 50 but it’s not practical. I have too many industries I’m keeping tabs on and no one blog serves the purpose for each.
I cruise all the ‘best of writing blogs’ posts, ‘best of marketing blogs’ posts, etc, but I still ended up with over 300.
Francie said
Liz, this is a great subject! Lots of good hints.
I see the need for organizing in 3 general categories:
Physical - as in desk, paper, space …
Electronic - as in computer, email, phone…
Mental - as in thoughts, ideas, goals
Sometimes, I have the hardest time with the mental organization. My mind gets going too fast and furious - sorting and searching.
I think meditation works well to help with mental organization. Need to put that back on my to-do list :)
Robert Hruzek said
Sorry folks, but I have to go. Had a great time and picked up a few good pointers and links as well - thanks! Thanks, Liz for the open mike idea - social networking at it’s best!
Just a quickie before I go - if anyone is interested in trying their hand at a writing challenge, drop my place for a contest I’ll be starting next week. Some details posted already with more to come.
I promise you’ll have to organize your thoughts for this one!
See ya!
Sandra Renshaw said
Wow - lots of info. Notescript sounds interesting. So does ToDo95 and Swift.
I’ve been reading back…
Liz, I like the idea of notes on the left and action on the right in your notebook. I’m going to try that. My notes go all over. Nothing neat about them, but if I could keep them contained it would help.
Joe, have you tried the $5/mo version of FeedBurner?
Joe said
Hey HART,
I don’t think you will be disappointed, I use Ambook, and it is quite useful.
Char said
Yes, Gayla - I made it. Everyone is down for the night so I can work and hang out here while hubby watches the hockey game on TV.
cat said
Sandy,
A timer is an excellent idea. When I get on a computer, it’s hours before I resurface. If I time myself, my eyes won’t get as tired either.
Sandra Renshaw said
cat,
I think my problem has been I try to check email and all the feed readers in the morning, but it might be better at night. Only trouble is then I’m a day behind everybody. Once I go to MyBlogLog, it’s all over. I find all kinds of people and sites to visit.
And I have hundreds since we work with so many different industries. Need examples.
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Robert!
I’m going to have to go, too. Y’all take care.
Thank you, Liz.
Sandra Renshaw said
Francie,
good point about the mental organization. I used to practice yoga several times a week but stopped when I broke my wrist. I really miss it and want to return or find something else to do. When I am centered I can get more done.
Chris Cree said
Hey guys! Klondike Bar, anyone?
I knew where stuff was in my chaos. Until I got married. Now my wife has me organized and I have trouble finding stuff because it often doesn’t stay where I put it. :roll:
Gayla said
It’s time I should be calling it a night. I’ve learned a few new tricks for becoming more organized and will look forward to visiting a few new blogs.
G’nite everyone
Sandra Renshaw said
rick,
can you tell us more about your pim method?
Joe said
Sandy,
Will it do all the things I am asking for? ie stats on ALL feeds, not just FB, PV’s Come from, outclicks, etc, etc?
Char said
Chris - you are back! I’ll take a Klondike bar. Actually, that is what my 5 year old had at her birthday party Sunday instead of cake - it was a huge hit with all her friends.
Goodnight Gayla!
Jon Symons said
Hi Liz and gang,
First time commenter on Open Comments. Appropo thou for tonight, my wife is a professional organizer.
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Gayla!
Thanks for being here!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Joe .. (and Rick) .. um.. how do you create a database in Amibook? I can’t figure it out ..lol D’oh!
Jon Symons said
Geez folks are leaving…that’s my usual effect at a party :)
Hi HART.
Francie said
cat -
That’s me, too! (no back problem) But, I’m lazing on my couch multitasking on my laptop, I love it.
Funny, though, when I need to do a serious assignment or especially something like spreadsheets, I sit at desk computer.
cat said
Sandra,
“Only trouble is then I’m a day behind everybody.”
As I’m sleeping while everyone is awake, I have the same problem. Sort of. In the US, blog posts are generally in the morning, my evening. So in that way I’m ok.
But as my day gets wasted on bloglines and MyBlogLogs, something has to give so I put my biggest time wasters in the evening, in closed folders, and the blogs that I do use daily in an open folder.
Then I have other folders below that I’ll allow myself to peek in when I have the time. (Do you see the danger of that? :-D
Char said
Liz,
I have made you (and anyone who wants one) a blank weekly planner sheet and as a bonus you can also get a web domain master password sheet too -
http://essentialkeystrokes.com/getting-organized-on-a-tuesday-night/
Char said
Jon,
Welcome! There are still plenty of us here and more to come.
What is your organizing style?
Sandra Renshaw said
oops, bye Rick,
bye Gayla,
Joe, I have not signed up for it yet. Just wondering if you had looked into that one.
Jon Symons said
Hi Char. My latest tip is to put all my todos on individual stick notes and then I sort them on a piece of paper [on a bad day its a 11×17!]. When I get something done I remove the sticky and toss it. I like the positive effect of clearing off the paper as I work.
ME Strauss said
Hi Jon!
Great to see you!
How goes the Art of Money and organizing blog networks these days?
Francie said
Jon - I think people come and go all night. Don’t think you can take the credit.
And, if you’re organizationally challenged this is a good place to gather some random organizational bits.
Meikah Delid said
Good morning, Liz!!! This is what I need — to be organized! :-D
cat said
Francie,
I believe offices should have couches, and throw all those chairs away!
Somewhere there’s a report that sitting straight up is not good for the back. It adds stress.
What I do (since I use a wacom) is have a large pillow next to me for the tablet, and since I have one of those huge American sofas you can crawl into, I put two of the pillows behind me for support.
When I try working in my office, I’m cranky and in pain and feel like I have to be ‘official like’. You know?
An office couch is a party :-)
Francie said
Jon - I like that sticky note idea! You could use different colors for different categories of task, too.
Sounds way more fun than just crossing off with a pen/pencil.
Renée said
Hey everyone! Am so late tonight!
I see Chris with his forever Klondike Bar! Rick, HART, and the rest of familiar faces.
BTW, whose desk is that!!! How on earth can one work in this type of condition!!!
Sandra Renshaw said
Hi Chris, I’ll take a Klondike bar.
Hi Jon, Bet your house is organized.
Francie and cat, I was working at the kitchen table, the dining room table, and the sun room and finally moved it all into the second BR/office. I got too distracted and everywhere was a mess.
cat, I understand. I give myself rewards when I get something done and then spend x amount of time at fun stuff.
Char, that’s NEAT! Thank you. I’ll be there.
Jon, I like the individual sticky notes for ToDos. I’ve used that method on my calendar before, but not a whole page of paper. Maybe I just need to stick to one method for a whole week.
cat said
Char,
Boy, you are organised! (A post already?) Thanks for your organiser. I’m downloading to check it out now.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Jon .. how goes the battle?
cat said
“sticky note idea!”
Well, I could put them along the arm of my couch … the cats would have a load of fun for sure.
Char said
Cat - don’t be fooled. Only part of my brain is organized - the other part is a mess. I can’t really explain it. I am super organized in some things and really lacking in others.
I hope someone finds my method helpful.
cat said
Has anyone read “getting things done” ?
I started it … but … I’ll finish it later (yes, Liz, you were right). There are several blogs that go with GTD. Both are on my ‘to read’ list. Later.
Meikah Delid said
I remember one person telling me once to make a list and tick it off regularly before tasks pile up and become unamanageable. I guess, getting organized is closely tied up with time management, too. :)
ME Strauss said
Char,
That’s wonderful!
Hi Chris!
My computer is misbehavin”!
Hi Meikah David!
Things are rolling!
Hi Renée!
You are never too late!
ME Strauss said
Cat,
Imagine if you could get the cats to be oganized! Then you’d have the world at your command. :)
Francie said
Chris - can I take a Klondike bar for the road? We’ve had such mild temps here I’ll break my rule of only eating them in summer. :)
Time for me to shift gears and work on some other organizing in my life - like washing the dishes and paying some bills. Pay almost all bills on-line now, much quicker and more organized!
Haven’t figured out how to simplify dishes, other than with something more expensive like take-out or paper plates.
Thanks, Liz and Everyone!
Char said
Good night Francie!
cat said
Sandra,
“I was working at the kitchen table, the dining room table, and the sun room and finally moved it all into the second BR/office. I got too distracted and everywhere was a mess.”
I may just follow you. I was thinking about working out of the spare bedroom because the office is too full of desks and chairs and the spare room has a couch in it.
I’d move my desks and chairs out, but I really do need those computers to view websites - one pc and two macs. And when I have working company (one of my team comes out from Australia several times a year for a month at time) that office comes in handy.
Jon Symons said
Sandra - yes our house is pretty organized, she is great at it. See some client pics.
HART & Liz…depends on what minute you ask. Bringing 10 new sites on line in the next couple weeks. I think things are moving in the right direction, but hard to tell.
If only blogs would start making money in 6 days instead of 6 months ;)
Christine Kane said
Hi everyone, I would’ve written in sooner but I was busy downloading Char’s organizer and I got kind of wrapped up in how organized it made me feel! (though I don’t understand, char, how we humans are expected to have 8 projects going at once. sigh.)
cat said
I’m impressed with those who can read through Mic Night, and post about it at the same time!
http://momgadget.com/2007/01/10/successful-blogging-open-mic-getting-organized/
(google alerts r us)
Sandra Renshaw said
Hi Meikah,
Hi Renée,
Bye Francie, I pay my bills online, too.
cat, you’ll have to keep me updated on your progress
Jon, thanks for the client pics - I’m off to browse
cat said
Char,
I do understand the partial mess, partial organised bit!
I’m a project manager for several teams and there are areas where I’m a total loss.
Like my office drawers. It’s a once a year clean up chore!
The Zero Boss said
Aw, hell, might as well chime in. Yo all. :)
Char said
Christine - well, I have a pretty full plate. Many of my tasks are web maintenance tasks that don’t take that long, but there are lots of them. I make updates to 10-20 client sites in any given month.
One of my goals for this year is to convert some of my high maintenance clients to sites with CMS so they can maintain their own sites.
Christine Kane said
What’s CMS?
cat said
Liz,
“Imagine if you could get the cats to be oganized!”
Groan - you’ve just reminded me. Months back I bought a ‘potty train’ your cat kit. Then I broke my toe when I had it ready to go, remember?
So it’s still with me - the plan to organise my cats to use a human toilet …
I’ll wait until after my next trip though, as I don’t think the vet will let Mr. Bunt and Duvet use theirs.
ME Strauss said
Pay bills online!!!
Thanks Sandra! I almost forgot!
Christine Kane said
Char or Cat, do either of you have any recommendations on shopping cart programs you like?
Drew McLellan said
If you duct tape the cats to the toilet…it is easier to train them. :)
Char said
Hey Zero Boss! Welcome. Got any tips to share?
Meikah Delid said
Hi there Sandra! :) Yeah paying bills online is a lot of loads off the shoulders, especially for me a working mom.
Joe said
Hey HART,
Sorry, I didn’t get lost. On the Amibook, once it’s loaded, just go to files, import and that should be it.
If that doesn’t work for you, call Rick, it’s his program. ;-)
cat said
Christine,
Shopping carts - not really. I’m getting back into that in the next month or so though. Things change so fast it’s hard to keep up.
Drew McLellan said
Are you considered organized if you have a “junk room” like a drawer only bigger and you know all the junk goes in there?
Christine Kane said
oh well, thanks anyway! i’m doing lots of research…
ME Strauss said
Hi Drew
You just made me laugh so loud!
Hi Zero Boss
Great to see you!!
Chris Cree said
Whoop. Klondike Bars all around. Gotta admit I’m more than a bit distracted tonight. Sorry I can’t stay longer. Catch y’all next week.
Enjoy!
Char said
Christine - I only have experience with ZenCart and 1ShoppingCart - not really impressed with either. I am in the middle of a ZenCart project and hating life. Any ZenCart pros here willing to let me pick their brains for a few minutes?
CMS is Content Management System. Blogging software is a specific form of CMS. Drupal, Mambo, Joomla and others are also CMS programs.
Drew McLellan said
Liz, I know…I heard you. Must be a westerly wind tonight!
Seriously, my roganizing tip is a program called splashid.
It keeps track of all online passwords, credit cards, bank account numbers, people’s pants sizes — you name it.
Christine Kane said
Char, Of all of them, i’ve heard the best things about 1shoppingcart. But all the samples look very plain, and well, market-y.
Okay… I get the CMS. The person I’m working with now is setting my whole site up in WordPress for that very reason.
thanks!
Drew McLellan said
And clearly a finger helping spelling program. Obviously, I meant my organizing tip. :)
Christine Kane said
Drew…roganizing made me think of Astro from the Jetsons.. Rastro!
ME Strauss said
Christine,
Rastro reminds ME of the summer a whole group of decided to talk like Rastro all summer.
Drew McLellan said
Ruht Ro….another TV watcher!
Sandra Renshaw said
Has anyone used Goldbar One for shopping cart? I’ve heard good things.
Christine Kane said
liz, I’ve had days in the recording studio where everyone has talked like Rastro too. It keeps on being funny, oddly enough.
Drew… well, my parents only let me have a half hour a day. but i’d run over to the neighbor’s house cuz they always had cartoons on!
Meikah Delid said
Interesting question, Drew! :-D In that case you’re an organized junkie. Come to think of it, you can have all the junk but what if you’ve organized them so well? Hmmm…
ME Strauss said
Who had organized parents??
cat said
“If you duct tape the cats to the toilet…it is easier to train them”
And how are they going to eat all these chit chats while being taped to a toilet?
I’m not going to hunt them down and hand feed cats. Oh, no, I’m not that organised!
:-D
Drew McLellan said
Christine — that’s the beauty of having a child. Guilt free TV! Who’s going to say no to the SuperFriends when your daughter wants to watch it.
Not me!
Meikah — truth be told, I am a bit of a minimalist! I think things very tidy and in their place. It’s the Type A in me, I think.
Sandra Renshaw said
Jon,
Love your wife’s site with all the before and after photos.
Hi Drew,
Hi Christine,
Hi Zero Boss,
Christine Kane said
Sandra, I just checked out GoldbarOne. It’s pretty pricey! But they all start to look the same after a while, no? “IT’S LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN IT MANAGER IN A SMALL BOX NEXT TO YOUR COMPUTER! THE PRODUCTS WILL SELL THEMSELVES!”
Drew McLellan said
Liz — my mom is uber organized. In a sort of scary, I am afraid she is going to put me into tupperware if I sit still too long sort of way!
Cat — a valid point. But, you don’t really have to hunt them down. They are always attached to the toilet in my plan.
Sandy — hey there!
ME Strauss said
Cat,
Great reply.
Drew, Can you hear me now?
I’m a Verizon commercial
Drew McLellan said
Liz — yes but with a little static! Try holding one arm in the air and waving your other hand in front of your face.
Meikah Delid said
Hi there Doug! :)
Good point Robert! Set some goals first…and focus on each one at a time?
Sandra Renshaw said
Hey Drew - I’m a wannabe minimalist, always striving to get there.
Christine - I’ve never used that program, but heard about it. I’ll be interested to see what you choose.
cat said
Drew,
“But, you don’t really have to hunt them down. They are always attached to the toilet in my plan.”
The chit chats? Or the cats?
Cats eat chit chats.
Their ability to hunt in house keeps me from opening a cereal box and having a chit chat jump out.
It also keeps me from walking into the bathroom to find a chi chat sucking on my toothbrush.
And who likes opening a cupboard to find chit chat poo scattered amongst the spices?
Or closing a door too fast, cutting one in half?
Cats duct taped to toilets cannot hunt. This cat anyway :-)
Char said
Cat, that made my head spin
Meikah Delid said
Drew, same here. I don’t want clutter, and I’m not into doing chores either. So, I decided to go minimalist—have only the basics and what I need and will use. :)
Drew McLellan said
Cat….perhaps you need to just replace your kitchen floor with that sticky mousepad paper.
Ahh, but then the cats would need to learn how to fly.
Yikes…this is getting problematic.
Christine Kane said
bye all! and happy new year.. I gotta run! thanks for the shopping cart advice…
ME Strauss said
Happy New Year, Christine!
Go while you can!
Joe said
I wish I didn’t have to go
But time flies as we well know
I learned to use post it tags
to organize before time lags
Programs we use to be efficient
but pen and paper reign omnificient
After all is said and done
doing it manually will have won.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Strauss said
Drew,
You’ve just made Cat’s cat into a bird and me into a telephonic flyswatter!
cat said
On the subject of Duct Tape - these guys are a hoot!
http://blog.industrialbrand.com/archives/2006/12/peace_freedom_joy.html
(and one of my favourite design blogs)
Ho ho ho …
ME Strauss said
Good night omnificient Joe,
Sleepy Swell.
cat said
Joe - that was beautiful. Nite!
Sandra Renshaw said
Wish I had a poem or a witting saying to leave you with, but I’ll just say it was fun and see you next week. Thanks for all the great tips!
Jim is home (college classes have not started up again) and I want to spend time with him.
Sandra Renshaw said
witty
Char said
I am going to sign off too. Good night all!
Sandra Renshaw said
Oh yeah, one more question - Jon, what are your new sites?
Ok, bye.
Meikah Delid said
Nice way to go, Joe! :) nitenite
ME Strauss said
Good night Sandy!
Drew McLellan said
Liz,
I do enjoy a good transfiguration! This was fun…I’ll try to get here earlier next time!
Night all…
Drew
ME Strauss said
Great night, Drew!
Thanks for coming!
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Char
Thanks for the pdfs!
cat said
I’m just now going through 200 posts at Lifehacker.
This one suits our conversation on to do lists …. http://www.lifehacker.com/software/lifehacker-the-book/lifehacker-book-preview-chapter-8–kickstart-your-productivity-222458.php
Buying the book is now an option.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Wooosh!~ I kind have been glancing at the incoming emails but, haven’t refreshed page since page 5! I’m trying to setup Rick’s “todo” software. I’ve just figured out to enter everything as December 31,2006 >> it’s all past due, Stuff I received since then is now on my January 31, 2007 todo list. Nothing inbetween.
I’m going to have to read this thread again and follow the links.
ME Strauss said
I imagine a book of posts from lifehacker on productivity would be a bit repetitive.
ME Strauss said
Time for me to clean off the tables and pack in for the night. I need to download some new virus software before bedtime.
Sweet Dreams to all. See you in the morning!
cat said
Sweet Dreams back Liz! And thanks again for being such a fantastic hostess.
Bye all - I’ll catch you at the other end.
Like HART, I’m going through each post to gather in the fantastic tips shared here. Thanks!
Jon Symons said
Sandra - here’s the hub, so far four spokes - see the links under “Home Turf Media Network”, with 10 new ones on the way in the next couple weeks.
Nenad Ristic said
I always carry a set of note cards with me, which I use to write down any ideas I have, websites that I need to read, or things I want to do… When I get home, I normally organise them on my computer.
I normally use the GTD methodology by David Allen, which I have written about on my blog recently.
Meikah Delid said
Goodnight everyone! Sorry was distracted today. Lots of work! :)
ME Strauss said
Hi Nanad!
Sorry I missed you. About the time you were writting about Getting Things Done, I was getting new virusware on my system. One more thing done before my head hit the pillow. :)
I’m delighted you came and now you’re not a stranger anymore! I hope you’ll stop by today so that we can properly talk. :)
ME Strauss said
Cat and HART,
Thanks for keeping an eye on the place . . .
Meikah, I think we all work too hard. :)
Thanks everyone for coming. We have such fun here. Tuesdays are a really special time around this little blog. :)
Participate to Integrate - Spirituality Applied to Life - Balanced Life Center said
[…] Last night I participated in Successful Blog’s Open Comment Night. I’d been trying to participate for a couple weeks, but always showed up too late to really get into it. Last night I had the 3rd comment. There were some awesome tips for organizing from Joe, Douglas, Gayla, Robert, Kirsten, Cat, Rick, Sandra, Hart, and several others. […]
cjcm said
This is really cool. You can bet Kuala Lumpur will join the club next time…. :)
Well done Liz.
ME Strauss said
Hey cjcm,
Welcome!
We’d be glad to have you! Come on over!!