Aloha Jill!

<<<<<<< I am a total organizational flop. >>>>>>

No you are not Jill- don't go there ;) I am a firm believer of "energy following thought" so to speak...so for starters keep visualizing the most organized office of your dreams...teach your sub-conscious something different for the foundation...& then let's build from there!

<<<<<<<< I start out with such good intentions, but then procrastination takes over again and I'm right back where I started trying to work in the midst of total chaos.>>>>>>

First of all do you have any good friends that are dis-organized & WANT to get organized? (*critical criteria: the *desire, need, want*)

Welllllll...create a support system for yourself! Tell someone 3 things you want to accomplish in the office in the next 30 days. (sorry *not* hubby on this one!)

Have your friend do the same to you. Then contact each other for the next 21 days to start creating that *new habit*. You can only talk on the phone for 10 min. & you each relay a progress point to your goal for the day! No matter how small or subtle. Honesty is of the utmost...& no socailizing on this call!

I do this in my seminars w/the attenders. Everyone picks a buddy. If there is an odd number ...the lucky left-over gets moi on their buddy call. We all agree to remain in contact for 21 consecutive days & many end up being friends in the process!

Works REAL well & we are having many great success stories.

Jill, sometimes in reading your msgs. I hear: "I want it all...yesterday" kinda/sorta. Remember the habits may have been going for years for many people ...things don't change overnite. Be gentle w/yourself & acknowledge EVERY accomplishment.

Nothing is too trivial to celebrate when it comes to organizing an office. That is why sharing it w/someone in the same boat (or all of us in section 22 FOR SURE!) is very encouraging. Sometimes a friend that cannot envision your problem has no idea of *each* feat. Just remember..when you start it's not necessarily how BIG the task is...it's the consistency of doing it for 21 days...when you have a grip on those 1st 3...the rest follows sequentially. It becomes a *way of life*. Being organized will be similiar to eating properly. there is no such thing as a diet :) It's a way of life ...a healthier one & in this case a more organized one!

Happy Organizing & PLEASE share your successes w/us ...no matter how trivial *you* think they are....EVERYTHING always begins w/a small step ;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore - NAPO member

Love your use of support system for item on a goal/task list!! and the support thru giving the goal statement to others to monitor. I use the method but never used the word support system!!

Grace Cherrington

Hi Julie,

>> I am a firm believer of "energy following thought" so to speak...so for starters keep visualizing the most organized office of your dreams...teach your sub-conscious something different for the foundation...& then let's build from there! <<

Something along the lines of: If you can visualize, it you can achieve it? <s>

>>First of all do you have any good friends that are dis-organized & WANT to get organized?<<

Unfortunately for this idea, I'm fairly isolated here. Actually, my hubby accuses me of spending my entire life glued in front of this computer. <g> Now that's not exactly true, but I do spend no less than 12-14 per day here. My family and his are so organized that I cringe every time one of them comes into my office for whatever reason.

>>Jill, sometimes in reading your msgs. I hear: "I want it all...yesterday" kinda/sorta. Remember the habits may have been going for years for many people ...things don't change overnite. Be gentle w/yourself & acknowledge EVERY accomplishment.<<

I have to admit that patience is not one of my virtues. <g> I want it done yesterday and perfectly done at that. To my credit though, I usually only expect that from myself not everyone else around me . . . usually. <s>

>>Happy Organizing & PLEASE share your successes w/us ...no mattewr how trivial *you* think they are....EVERYTHING always begins w/a small step ;)<<

Well, since you asked . . . I pulled everything out of my favorite catchall today and started sorting it into piles. I even actually filed some of it! Now to me that's a major step. <g>

Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!

Jill Dubois

Aloha Jill!

<<<Something along the lines of: If you can visualize,it you can achieve it?>>>>

"To think is to Create" ...u betchya!

<<<<< You mentioned not knowing anyone who may share the same problem. Let's get away from *family* first ...especially if they are the opposite to you. Jill I'll betchya $10 (figuratively), that there IS someone very close to you w/a similiar problem. I will also share that it is not the topic of conversation at a cocktail party either ;)

Might I suggest that you ask a relatively close friend or aquaintance then... "if they have a problem managing their time? ...or papers?" Just say you are asking out of *curiosity*...maybe because you have seen so many similiar type threads in this section etc... I just KNOW their is a *buddy* out there for you! I know it! I'm sure you will be surprised too...

You are definitely not alone in the *organizational boat* ;)

You see Jill this is *not* normally the type of thing people do talk about...because they see people in their world in a different light. Or no one ever discusses these dilemmas. If I had a *single dime* for every client I have had that said: "...bet you've never seen anything like this before" ...I could retire tomorrow!!!!! SERIOUS.

Jill as a Professional Organizer, I am *always* on the lookout for alternative ways of doing things that may save steps, time etc..... As we have said before we are PROFESSIONAL Organizers...not PERFECT Organizers ;)

* Did I ever tell ya about the client appointment I actually missed ??? You see it DOES happen ...even to the best of us. I aim for excellance in my life today...not perfection.... :) That IS the best I can do ;)

<<<<<< I pulled everything out of my favorite catchall today and started sorting it into piles. I even actually filed some of it! Now to me that's a major step.>>>>>>

YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YES !!!!!!!!!!!!

Definite first step.....! And a darn good one too as you stated it was your *favorite catch-all* ;)

Now....want to be daring?

When the "catch-all" is empty are you willing to turn it into something more useful???? Maybe even in a different room of the home ???

Go for it Jill!!! Day 1 of the new habit...only 20 more to go! & I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Hi Julie,

>>I'll betchya $10 (figuratively),<<

Darn! Only figuratively? <g>

>> that there IS someone very close to you w/a similiar problem. I will also share that it is not the topic of conversation at a cocktail party either ;)<<

When I was working outside of the home, I did have friends that I saw regularly at work, but since starting my wp biz, I've become fairly well isolated from everyone except clients. The social event of my week is my Leads Club meeting every Thursday morning. <g> However, I do have lots of cyber-friends and I just may know the right one to approach. We're so alike we could be sisters, maybe even twins.

>>Now....want to be daring? When the "catch-all" is empty are you willing to turn it into something more useful???? Maybe even in a different room of the home ???<<

This particular catch-all is one of the shelving slots in my desk. I have four of them, but the bottom one is the one that catches everything. It had gotten so full I couldn't slide another piece of paper into it. The three above it are not quite as bad. They're actually almost organized in that only certain things get pitched in them. <g>

>>Go for it Jill!!! Day 1 of the new habit...only 20 more to go! & I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!<<

Thank you <she says humbly>. You are my very favorite cheerleader. <gg>

Jill Dubois

Jill,

Pardon me for interacting...

I have been following your discussions with Julie and found myself in exactly the same position as you are. Only that my drawers are >all< full of mixed stuff.

I am a 30/70% percent teleworker (30 at home) and perfectly organized at my regular office. However, here at home, I seem not to be able to organize myself. Filing is a mess, paperwork a horror and my tax statement for 94 is still undone. Picking up Julie's suggestions I suggest that the two of us make a contest :

We will each give 5 definite aims and report to each other the success in achieving it. When done, we pick the next 5 and so on.

What do you think. For each sequence of five, the other gets credit points and the 'winner' (though we both will be winning) is entitled to a small 'prize' e.g. a photo of the opposite's office, tidied up and organized..., a further aim that the opposite has to reach within a certain time limit etc...

We can vary on this and it will be an ardous task. And even it sound's like a game at least there are certain rules to stick to that make it easier to self-motivate...

Let me know what you think ...

Arnd Klinkhart

Hamburg, Germany

PS : Thanks to Julie for the basic idea...seems she won the $10 ??

Sounds like a great way to get the offices organized by New Years !

Lets see...that means you both would have accomplished 10 major tasks in organizing your office by New Years - what a GREAT way to begin the new year!!!!! :)

GO GET 'EM!!!!!!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

What a great idea with the points!!

Wish you well!

Grace

I hope it works and that Jill agrees, too...

Let's see

Thanks your feedback...

Arnd

Grace and everyone else on this thread....

You guys (that's how we talk in NY! <s>) have a very low ante on this prize thing. Given that Julie is in Hawaii, and we have someone in Germany, and, Grace, I don't know where you are... how about in-person trips to each others' offices? $10 US isn't even a stretch! Then again...whatever works <s>. Go for it..the idea is excellent.

Paulette Ensign NAPO President

Paulette,

It appears all my funds will go into some useful stuff to get my 'cockpit' in order. There won't be much left for going to Hawaii (sigh). It would however be a good idea to do so as here it is lousy weather and I assume Hawaii is a bit better (is it Jill ?)

Thaks your feedback anyhow...I appreciate that

Arnd

Arnd,

<s>....'Round and about, I am known as a possibility thinker. How about 'both/and'?...funds for your cockpit AND see Julie in Hawaii and Jill in Illinois...stopping off somewhere in there to see me in NY? Yeah, that could be a good itinerary...NY --> IL --> HI. Of course, you may want to prepare yourself to host the three of us coming to check out your newly-done office in Germany, too <s>. I do love a challenge, Arnd. How about you?

Warm regards,

Paulette Ensign

Paulette,

All ouf you are welcome to visit me in beautiful Hamburg...Maybe you can give a hand in reorganizing my office ? (G)

As a positve thinker, I agree, I will condition myslf to more clients enabling me to make the trip..

Yours,

Arnd

We are Marine Insurance Brokers, Average adjusters and Protection & Indemnity Consultants..in other words somebody who mainly deals in ship's liability insurance and claims handling/prevention. So this is not a home biz in the sense of the meaning but more an extension to the regular office or the purpose of serving clients a.o.h. or in an emergency. It rather is in its early building stages.

I do run another "real" home business for technical supplies and car spare parts as restoring classic Volkswagens is my passion. I started to buy/sell parts but soon the volume of this made it necessary to declare extra income to our tax authorities. And there are tax benefits running a co.

So that is mainly what my work is about...

I understand that you are organizing other people's businesses ? How far does that go ? Do you implement new filing systems, management structure, computer integration ? It sounds very interesting to me and as 'typed' earlier, those of your kind seem to be a rare breed over here.

Cheers,

Arnd

Aloha Arnold!

>>>>> I understand that you are organizing other people's businesses ? How far does that go ? Do you implement new filing systems, management structure, computer integration ? It sounds very interesting to me and as 'typed' earlier, those of your kind seem to be a rare breed over here. <<<<<

Personally Arnold, I deal w/Small Biz/Home Office all the time. I have done anything from creating filing systems (office & personal) to weeding thru old systems & creating the appropriate archives as necessary, managing schedules, goal achievement, breaking down projects, handling procrastination, dealing w/interruptions, creating effective communication amongst employees, delegating, managing meetings & agendas, computer organizing, phone management, handling paper:desk systems & mail, disaster preparedness, etc...!

I was recently called in to analyze the work flow/procedures for a small biz too - & make the necessary recommendations.

Does this give you a better inckling on what may be involved?

Thanx for adding valuable insight to this thread - more later ;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Julie, Phew !

That is an awful lot. I can hardly do that for myself ! And certainly not in my home office...(see procrastination bet with Jill (G)).

I honestly do not know whether anything like that exits here as a profession. Sure there are office services that jump in when there is staff shortfall or that train emergency preparedness. But I must admit that the scope of services and the abilities you need for that would make you every bosses favourite (G)

I must think again, whether this is not something that would suit my sister. She is THE organizer type. But now having two children and having quit her bank job she looks for something to do.

I guess that would be an idea to present to her.

Have you trained yourself or are you just the 'natural born filer'?

Would be interested to learn when and why you decided to organize other people's lives and biz.

Arnd

>>You guys (that's how we talk in NY! <s>) have a very low ante on this prize thing. Given that Julie is in Hawaii, and we have someone in Germany, and, Grace, I don't know where you are... how about in- person trips to each others' offices? $10 US isn't even a stretch! Then again...whatever works <s>. Go for it..the idea is excellent.<<

I kinda like the idea of visiting Julie's office in Hawaii. <g>

Jill Dubois

Jill,

We *ALL* like the idea of visiting Julie's office in Hawaii. In fact, some folks here have!! <s>. Or, at least had lunch with her recently, anyway. Our trusty organizer from Texas (Holly Uverity) was the latest. Tell all, Holly, tell all!! <s>

Paulette Ensign

Hi Arnd,

>>perfectly organized at my regular office. However, here at home, I seem not to be able to organize myself. Filing is a mess, paperwork a horror<<

I am exactly the same way. When I worked outside my home, my desk and workspace were always perfectly organized. However, now that I work exclusively from home, the opposite is true. I just don't understand it. <sigh>

>>We will each give 5 definite aims and report to each other the success in achieving it. When done, we pick the next 5 and so on.<<

Gee, you're awfully ambitious here. <g> How about we start with one very specific objective and insist (or at least honestly try) that it be accomplished within a specified time? For instance, I have an entire pile of papers that I've semi-sorted but still need to file. My first goal is to get that pile filed in such a way that I can still find something when I need it. My tendency is to just stuff it back into my favorite cubby, but I'm resisting so far. <g> What do you think would be a reasonable time limit?

>>entitled to a small 'prize' e.g. a photo of the opposite's office, tidied up and organized..., a further aim that the opposite has to reach within a certain time limit etc...<<

So we really should exchange "before" photos so that we can truly appreciate the efforts the other made to achieve the beautiful "after" photo. What do you think about that?

>>We can vary on this and it will be an ardous task. And even it sound's like a game at least there are certain rules to stick to that make it easier to self-motivate...<<

Further inspiration will be the fact that everyone here will be keeping tabs on our progess, too. <big grin>

This sounds like just the inspiration I need to get this office in shape. Thanks for thinking of me and this wonderful idea!

Let me know what you think of my twist on your idea.

Jill Dubois

Love the idea of before & after photos!!!!!

Grace Cherrington

-> I am exactly the same way. When I worked outside my home, my desk -> and workspace were always perfectly organized. However, now that I -> work exclusively from home, the opposite is true. I just don't -> understand it. <sigh>

How I hoped you say this...I thought I am the only master of 'split personality oranizing'

-> Gee, you're awfully ambitious here. <g> How about we start with -> one very specific objective and insist (or at least honestly try) -> that it be accomplished within a specified time? For instance, I -> have an entire pile of papers ...

Ok - We start with TWO things : 1) I have the same heap of paper and it needs filing as well. It is about 1' in height and spread over an area of 9 sqft. (top that !) and 2) I have 26 files not properly labeled and with mixed contents...

So time limit is one week from Sunday, 26th. Do you agree ?

-> So we really should exchange "before" photos so that we can truly -> appreciate the efforts the other made to achieve the beautiful -> "after" photo. What do you think about that?

Yes I agree but given our possible start on Sunday I wonmt be able to have a photo scanned and sent to library (which section ?) though I will try to do so...

-> Further inspiration will be the fact that everyone here will be -> keeping tabs on our progess, too. <big grin>

-> This sounds like just the inspiration I need to get this office in -> shape. Thanks for thinking of me and this wonderful idea!

-> Let me know what you think of my twist on your idea.

As long as we both are honest (g) And thank you for 'outing' as otherwise I would never have confessed what a messy guy I really am..

Credits to Julie for starting the idea...

Ok...Jill here we go ? Waiting for your 'go-ahead'

Arnd...(I win, I win, I win...)

>>How I hoped you say this...I thought I am the only master of 'split personality oranizing'<<

And I thought *I* was unique. <g>

>>Ok - We start with TWO things : 1) I have the same heap of paper and it needs filing as well. It is about 1' in height and spread over an area of 9 sqft. (top that !) and 2) I have 26 files not properly labeled and with mixed contents...<<

Two things? . . . okay, two things. <g> I have a pile of papers that's about the same height, but I only have about a 6' square area. And, I have about the same number of files also incorrectly labeled with mixed contents, but they're stuck inside hanging folders with papers shoved in between the file folders. What a mess. <sigh>

>>So time limit is one week from Sunday, 26th. Do you agree ?<<

Agreed.

>>Yes I agree but given our possible start on Sunday I wonmt be able to have a photo scanned and sent to library (which section ?) though I will try to do so...<<

I don't have a scanner, so I'll have to take the photo somewhere else to be scanned. That'll take some time, so no need to hurry on my account. <g>

>>As long as we both are honest (g) And thank you for 'outing' as otherwise I would never have confessed what a messy guy I really am..<<

Well, since we've both gone public with our failings, we're kinda committed to honesty here on out. <gg> Wow, are we ever gonna be bustin' our buttons when we get all organized!

>>Arnd...(I win, I win, I win...)<<

Oh no! Not yet you haven't! <g>

BTW, I really enjoyed our little chat online this afternoon . . . uh, I guess it was evening for you. <s> What exactly is the time difference again -- 6 hours?

TTYL

Jill

Aloha Jill & Arnold!

Top of the mornin' to ya ! :)

I am THRILLED to hear of the little challenge that has developed! Personally I love a contest where there are *2* winners ...for each of you will be accomplishing alot during this week! Sounds like a win/win to me! :)

Soooooooo....did we get our pictures taken yet ???? I would personally *love* to see your before/after shots !!!!

I *really* like the idea that you have broken this down into "chewable chunks" setting yourselves up for success totally! ie: changing it from 5 tasks in one week to 2 is definitely more conducive to finishing your goals - YES!!!!!! Way to go!

Btw: I *will* throw a personal ante into this highly motivated challenge (let's just say that you won't know what it is till Jan 1 - K ?)

Are you guys going to select *2 weekly tasks* from here on in & keep us all apprised?

Sounds like a great way to get the offices organized by New Years !

Lets see...that means you both would have accomplished 10 major tasks in organizing your office by New Years - what a GREAT way to begin the new year!!!!! :)

GO GET 'EM!!!!!!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

>Agreed.

Let's get started.

>Well, since we've both gone public with our failings, we're kinda >committed to honesty here on out. <gg> Wow, are we ever gonna be >bustin' our buttons when we get all organized!

Is buying booklets from Paula considered unfair competition ? (G)

>>Arnd...(I win, I win, I win...)<<

>>>Oh no! Not yet you haven't! <g>

That was just my self motivation cry !

>> guess it was evening for you. <s> What exactly is the time >>difference again -- 6 hours?

I guess it is seven. And now having had a refreshing sleep it is 8.00 in the morning. And yes I did enjoy the chat as well...

Here's the picture of me that did not work in chat mode (G)

(Note the trendy tie !!)

\\//////

/ \

( @ @ )

| .. |

| \_/ |

\_____/

| |

____/\ /\____

/ <> \

/\

/ \

\ /

\/

Cheers and ..."on your marks -- ready... !!!"

Arnd

Hi Arnd,

>>Is buying booklets from Paula considered unfair competition ? (G)<<

I'm not sure what you mean. Who is Paula?

>>Here's the picture of me that did not work in chat mode (G) (Note the trendy tie !!)<<

So that's the *real* you, huh? <g> I'm impressed with your artistic talent.

>> ..."on your marks -- ready... !!!"<<

Don't forget to take that picture first!

TTYL

Jill

Hi Arnd,

>>>Is buying booklets from Paula considered unfair competition ? (G)<<

>>I'm not sure what you mean. Who is Paula?

Oh, ahem...I mean Paulette (Sorry Paulette)!!!

>>So that's the *real* you, huh? <g>

At least the haircut comes close (G)

>>Don't forget to take that picture first!

Done already !!!

So it is Sunday and I shall start now (giving me 7 hours more (G))

Cheers,

Arnd

>>So it is Sunday and I shall start now (giving me 7 hours more (G))<<

Well, I'll just give you that slight advantage. <g> 'Course that means you owe me one later on.

The organizing has begun!

Jill

Aloha Jill!

Might I remind you that you will get your 7 hours later then?

Ahem....meaning that the challenge will end for Arnold 7 hours

earlier this weekend - & seeing as you are a *prime time* evening worker

.....Hmmmmm this could be advantageous too ;)

Soooooo Arnold ? How did you do w/the first day? I'm excited & eagerly waiting on pins & needles here !!!!!!! ;D

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Hi Julie,

>>meaning that the challenge will end for Arnold 7 hours earlier this weekend<<

How very true! So, Arnd you're really not getting an advantage over me. <gg>

Jill Dubois

More than 7 hrs.

I stopped sleeping so I can work thru the night !!!

Bad Joke !

Arnd - the one that still finds the time posting messages on CIS

Julie, well I got on fine...

I have my pile of paper reduced from 1/2' height to floor level. Did that by spreading it all over the room (G). I guess that does not count...

No, honestly my first 4 files are ready labeled, organized, and thatmeans that part of my paper heap went into it. THey look good in the shelf. Like newborns, innocent, not knowing about any sins...

(glad they don't cry for food)

I have even manged to rewire my computer so I don't get trapped with my feet...Prepared my tax statement and formed importan looking piles-o-files, had my equipment organized (nice to have sharp pencils and know where they are) sorted everything so that Tuesday will be an easy go'er. I know that I did more that the *rules* allow but it is just in the course of unmessing that these things happen (ey, Jill ?)

Arnd - who will even paint the room after finishing the cleanup

>>No, honestly my first 4 files are ready labeled, organized, and that means that part of my paper heap went into it. THey look good in the shelf. Like newborns, innocent, not knowing about any sins...

(glad they don't cry for food) >>

Never thought of the innocent not knowing sins part.... just love it

Grace

Get a file...It must be a new one... it will never be influenced by what you have done to the papers before entrusting it with keeping them.

Arnd - the one that has 4 cardboardboxes to house his office needs....

Yes, Jill !

Now that it is Sunday I have slight problems though with friends dropping in....(G) However, while all that I managed aat least to have my own WebPage created with the CIS HomePage Wizzard. It is just a starter but lots of fun to see one's own page on the WWW...

My URL is http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/AKlinkhart

It is still a bit focussed on Volkswagens (my favourite waste of time) but I will extend it time after time...

Have you tried yet to publish yours ? It is so easy...

Arnd

Hi Arnd,

>>Now that it is Sunday I have slight problems though with friends dropping in....(G)<<

Okay, I'll admit that I didn't get a single thing done towards organizing anything around here. <g> There's always tomorrow, though, when I'll have the house to myself.

>>my own WebPage<<

I saw it! Gee, you're the second person I know that has his own Web page. I'm almost jealous. I hope you gets lots of people wanting to know more about Volkswagons. I always liked the beetles. I never did get to drive one, though. :(

>>Have you tried yet to publish yours ? It is so easy...<<

My goodness! I wouldn't know where to begin. And would it even be worth it to advertise my secretarial services on the net?

BTW . . . >>(my favourite waste of time)<<

Doing something you truly enjoy is *never* a waste of time!

Jill

Aloha Arnd!

My very humble apologies...I keep spelling your name way off base! ;(

<<<<I have my pile of paper reduced from 1/2' height to floor level. Did that by spreading it all over the room (G). I guess that does not count...>>>>

ROTFLOL !!!! You guys are just too cute w/these scenarios - you make me giggle w/ delight for your gusto to succeed & humor to get you through it! ;) I commend you for both vital traits ;)

<<<<<No, honestly my first 4 files are ready labeled, organized, and that means that part of my paper heap went into it. THey look good in the shelf. Like newborns, innocent, not knowing about any sins...(glad they don't cry for food) >>>>>

I really treasure the expression of newborns & innocent Hmmmmmm now I know that shopping trip you made was not in vain by a long shot ! GREAT JOB Arnd! :D

<<<<I have even manged to rewire my computer so I don't get trapped with my feet...>>>>

Say Arnd...can you get a hold of any of those "cable organizers" near you ??? They work like a charm!

<<<<<Prepared my tax statement and formed important looking piles-o-files, had my equipment organized (nice to have sharp pencils and know where they are) sorted everything so that Tuesday will be an easy go'er. I know that I did more that the *rules* allow but it is just in the course of unmessing that these things happen>>>>

Hey you are on a roll my dear - keep up the FANTASTIC JOB!!!!!!!!!!!

<<<<<< who will even paint the room after finishing the cleanup >>>>>>

See what I mean ???? RAH - RAH - Rah!!!!!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

P.S. will check out your WEB site when i have time later this week to venture on the WWW :) Can't wait !

Hello Jill,

>There's always tomorrow, though

That appears to be my problem. Always do things next day (G) But that argument is now wiped out - Deadline next Sunday there will be no next day (G)

>Beetles : I never did get to drive one, though. :(

You really missed the experience of driving it ? I know they have one in Hawaii (seen it in a magazine) (G)

> Own Web Page : And would it even be worth it to advertise my secretarial services on the net?

Oh I guess yes (as long as you stick to the CIS rules for advertising)

At least you have your company sign out there in the Web explainng people what you do...It can be very much like a member profile here in the lib's or you can make it your business card.

The VW thing was is just a test...because that is a topic that fills a few pages easily (G) By thios I had enough material to publish (so exited I wanted to see MY page out there (G))

Doing something you truly enjoy is *never* a waste of time!

So then exchanging messages with you is definitely no waste of time

Arnd

.../homepages/AKlinkhart

Hmmmmmmmmm ;)

>>>> There's always tomorrow, though That appears to be my problem. Always do things next day (G) But that argument is now wiped out - Deadline next Sunday there will be no next day (G) <<<<<<

ATTA GIRL !!!!!!

For all of you participating in this exciting organizing challenge:

How about attempting to block off a specific time of the day to tackle your goal?? (your own internal prime time is something that will work FOR you in this regard - so don't attempt to schedule the daily task at your *low* TOD ).

Do a portion of it at a time so you don't get bored w/the chore ...& go for some variety ;)

We sure don't want to see any *burnout* here :D

This weekend may have been a tuff start date - being a Holiday weekend & all....so *beating yourselves up* is not allowed ;) K ? K! ;)

GOOD LUCK WITH TODAY !!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Julie,

Thanks you share our small personal contest...

It has not been a holiday over here in g'ol Germany,though !

I guess I better answer you oncoming messages as my navvy told me there more to come ?!

Cheers,

Arnd (Now typing on a clean and organized desk <only the desk though>)

Arnd,

Congratulations on the desk....operation central of ANY office!

Paulette Ensign

Paulette, that is why I call it my *cockpit+

Arnd - the one that managed to stay up late to clean his home ofice....

Arnd,

Many congrats...now keep going! Don't lose too much sleep though... very important to stay balanced.

Paulette Ensign

Congratulations on the clean surface!!! I actually worked on the BR closet, much is in neat piles to be placed elsewhere but at least I got thru the worst!!!

Enjoying this chat!!!

Grace Cherrington

Grace,

Piles is a good start.. I just noticed that piles are the source of any real organization. It does start with them....

Arnd - the one that even labelled the 3.5 disks properly today...

Aloha Arnold!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<VVVVVVBG>

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Julie, as they say down this thread, you are THE cheerleader !! Glad you stay tuned...

Arnd..the one who managed not to mess his desk again....

Aloha Arnd -

YOU my friend get *the* all-time award for THE BEST bylines in any Forum!!!!! I get a chuckle of delight w/each...& they SAY so much !!!!!!! A+ to you Arnd & all your GREAT accomplishments !!

"The Rainbow Warrior" ;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Hi Arnd,

>>That appears to be my problem. Always do things next day<<

Okay, we add to our pact that from now on there will be *no* procrastination about getting organized for either of us. <g> We know what has to be done, we take it one step at a time, allow for minor setbacks (geez, we're not perfect), and encourage each other every step of the way. Sound good?

>>You really missed the experience of driving it ? I know they have one in Hawaii (seen it in a magazine) (G)<<

Well, when we go to visit Julie in Hawaii, we'll just have to search those islands end to end until we find it. <g>

>>Own Web Page<<

Where on CIS did you go for information for setting up your Web page?

>>So then exchanging messages with you is definitely no waste of time<<

My goodness, I think I'm blushing. <g> Thank you.

TTYL

Jill Dubois

Hello, Jill,

> We know what has to be done, we take it one step at a time, allow for minor >setbacks (geez, we're not perfect), and encourage each other every step of the > way. Sound good?

Not good, Perfect !

>>You really missed the experience of driving it ? I know they have one in Hawaii (seen it in a magazine) (G)>>>Well, when we go to visit Julie in Hawaii, we'll just have to search those islands end to end until we find it. <g>

Sorry I mixed your places up (like Paula and Paulette--forgive me !!!)

>>Own Web Page<<

>>Where on CIS did you go for information for setting up your Web page?

GO RULES for the CIS rules, and NetLauncher Suport Forum (GO NLSUP ?)

for the tech part. For general questions GO HPWIZ which is also the download area for the programme. It is self explaining and as easy as editing a multiple page Word document (even easier to me (G))

Arnd - the one thet bought files in familiy packs today

Hi Arnd,

>>Sorry I mixed your places up (like Paula and Paulette--forgive me !!!)<<

You mean you thought *I* lived in Hawaii?! Oh, I almost wish I did! Get Julie to describe her office and the fabulous view that she has from her windows. I wouldn't get any work done in a setup like that. I'd be too busy soaking up all God's glory.

>>GO RULES for the CIS rules<<

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

Okay, confession time. I've been so swamped with work that all I've gotten accomplished towards organizing this place is setting up a few measly file folders. My desktop is still a disaster area. The only serious cleaning I got done today was emptying my ashtray and blowing the ashdust off the desk. Oh, but I did start changing one bad habit. I usually write tons of notes on tons of little stickies and then have them stuck all over the place. I started writing my notes on a legal tablet so at least they're all in the same place and much easier to find. Okay, it's not much -- but it's a start. <g>

Congratulations on making such terrific progress in *your* office! You give me hope.

TTYL

Jill Dubois

Aloha once again Jill!

<< Okay, confession time. >>

Too cute! ;)

<<<< all I've gotten accomplished towards organizing this place is setting up a few measly file folders. >>>>>>

Pardone moi? But I hear this as a step forward Ms. Jill !!!! :)

<<<<< The only serious cleaning I got done today was emptying my ashtray and blowing the ashdust off the desk. >>>>>>

LOL - well your computer now has a happy face w/less *stuff* in & around ;)

<<<<< Oh, but I did start changing one bad habit. I usually write tons of notes on tons of little stickies and then have them stuck all over the place. I started writing my notes on a legal tablet so at least they're all in the same place and much easier to find. >>>>>>

Hmmmmmmm one small step for Jill....one large step coming up for the office wall space ;)

Best of luck for tomorrow BOTH of you ! :D

Aloha,

Julie Signore

>>Best of luck for tomorrow BOTH of you ! :D<<

Thanks, Julie! You are a terrific cheerleader. <g>

Jill Dubois

And Julie, u r right...!

Jill did her best in only the first two days...

That is what it is all about...

Arnd - the one that signed a new contract today..

Jill and Arnd.....

'failing'....'winning'.....what is THIS all about????? Sounds like sabatoge and set-ups to me, from the get-go. How about a different point of view? Are you open to the possibility (my signature line <s>) that what you identified as 'failings' just are what they are...maybe just some kind of starting point. And the 'winning' stuff, well, I know that win-win is an over-used phrase, though it does come to mind just now <s>.

From one of the trusty cheerleaders of section 22,

Paulette Ensign

Paulette,

As Julie says in this thread it is a Win/Win situation. The fail/lose stuff is just giving the right motivation. Even if I sat back not doing anything but realigning my files in the shelves that is more than doing nothing and it is a win...To me...

You will see what I *won* when before/after photos are ready.

Arnd - the one who thinks abouth shampooing his carpet when the FilePile is done

Arnd....

If you insist <s>.

Paulette Ensign

Lets see now, how many $ do I have to spend to get a free ticket to Hawaii using airline mileage!!

Well you've inspired me!!

I just empties the catchall drawer in the kitchen, the LR Corner table drawer full of newspaper clippings (lets see IBM stock was at ?? on ?/94) & put pendeflex files w/labeled folders in the downstairs credneza!!

Found if nothing else one can put stuff in 9X12 mailing envelopes for future going thru.

I'm finally starting to categorize stuff in larger groupings and than break it down later.

I can only make so many decisions in one session!! or my mind gets all mudled.

I finally figured out how to get adult children's stuff out of the house. BORROW THEIR CAR!!! She is going to be so suprised. I finally set up bag in the closet to hold all the stuff for her. Figure I can just stick it in her car when she's not looking!

>>>Suggestion per Jack Canfield ala Self Esteem & Peak Performance.>>>

Hurrahs !!!!!!! Terrific!!!! :) to all those who completed something in the last week! (who knows more symbols to use??)

I (INFJ speaking) just hope I can get Art (other half) to bestow a little praise when he comes home. Althoough I'd better get it from him before he finds where I stuck all of his newspaper articles & IBM stock price notes!!

The best to all those out there cleaning this weekend!! Cheaper than shopping.

Grace Cherrington

>>I finally figured out how to get adult children's stuff out of the house. BORROW THEIR CAR!!! She is going to be so suprised. I finally set up bag in the closet to hold all the stuff for her. Figure I can just stick it in her car when she's not looking!<<

Now that's a truly inspired idea! And, it's one that I will definitely use. <g>

>>I (INFJ speaking) just hope I can get Art (other half) to bestow a little praise when he comes home. Althoough I'd better get it from him before he finds where I stuck all of his newspaper articles & IBM stock price notes!!<<

LOL!! If I mention to my hubby that I'm trying to organize my space and tell him what I've accomplished so far, he just points out what all's left to be done. No acclamation or pats on the back from that quarter. :( Guess that's why I turn to you guys. <g>

>>The best to all those out there cleaning this weekend!! Cheaper than shopping.<<

And the same to you! Congratulations on your progress. Cheaper? Well, only if you don't run out to buy all those organizing tools and aids. <gg>

Jill Dubois

Aloha Jill!

>>>>> LOL!! If I mention to my hubby that I'm trying to organize my space and tell him what I've accomplished so far, he just points out what all's left to be done. No acclamation or pats on the back from that quarter. :( Guess that's why I turn to you guys. <g> <<<<<<<

Jill might I interject a thought here?

Just remember that the actual *doing* in for YOU kiddo ;) It's synonomous w/major life accomplishments for me: If I chose to seek & fulfill an outrageous goal - then it needs to be ok for *moi* to acknowledge the progress/accomplishment ...not for someone else to be impressed ;)

The ol' "been there done that" comes into play. ie: receiving my Masters & hoping a certain person would be thrilled...& it didn't matter in the slightest ;) It was a setup *against* myself ...not *for* myself ;)

I've also learned that for me *the process* is even more important than the goal. It's kinda like the "Road to Hana" out here...so many tourists get hung up on the *arrival* at Hana.....& actually the beauty of the trip is the actual adventure along the way ;)

The same goes for organizing your office (no little feat here). Do it for *you* & definitely pat *yourself* on the back!!! Kinda like a diet - it's more like a Healthy way to approach life ;) not a restriction ;D

>>>> The best to all those out there cleaning this weekend!! Cheaper than shopping. And the same to you! Congratulations on your progress. Cheaper? Well, only if you don't run out to buy all those organizing tools and aids. <gg> <<<<<<<

Hmmmmm one can also look at it as an investment in ones self - yeah ? I find that there are many very appropriate organizing tools for my clients...& some are real necessities. Why not have FUN getting organized & have "kool tools" to boot ? They will repay you over & over again ;) Just a thought ;D

As far a the "pats on the back" GO Jill?

You know I & many others out here - would be THRILLED to hear of your regular progress!!!! Keep it comin !!!!!!!! YES!!!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Hi Julie,

>>Just remember that the actual *doing* in for YOU kiddo<<

Oh, I'm fully aware of that. I just don't even bother telling my hubby about any (almost) of my goals. After all, they're *my* goals and don't mean all that much to him. <g> I guess I just feel that it would be nice once in awhile to get a pat on the back from him. It's gotta be really spectacular for that to happen, though. <sigh> Don't get me wrong -- he's a super guy and I just love him to death, but we have very different priorities sometimes. How boring life would be if we always thought alike. <g>

>>I've also learned that for me *the process* is even more important than the goal.<<

Oh, definitely! I do a lot of counted cross stitch and I'm always kind of disappointed when a project is all finished. I so enjoy the actual stitching and watching the fabric come to life.

>>look at it as an investment in ones self - yeah ? I find that there are many very appropriate organizing tools for my clients<<

LOL!!! I *knew* that statement would get a rise out of someone around here. <gg> What I really meant was that it's so easy (for me) to get totally involved in buying the "kool tools" and in the process not buying only those that will really be tools and not just more clutter. I can spend hours just browsing through a well-stocked office supply store. <g>

>>would be THRILLED to hear of your regular progress!!!! <<

I will definitely keep everyone posted!

Jill Dubois

>>>I really meant was that it's so easy (for me) to get totally involved in buying the "kool tools" and in the process not buying only those that will really be tools and not just more clutter. I can spend hours just browsing through a well-stocked office supply store.>>>

Jumping in here Jill, can imagine what it would be like if the two of us hit Staples or Office Max together!!!

Grace Cherrington

>>can imagine what it would be like if the two of us hit Staples or Office Max together!!!<<

My hubby is living in fear. Staples is due to open any day now right here in town hardly more than 5 minutes driving time from my very front door. <vbg> I can hardly wait!!!

Jill Dubois

Pat, pat, pat....

Here's to you and your shoulder..

Arnd - the one who is so proud about Jill....(G) Hubby - got it ?

>>Pat, pat, pat....

Here's to you and your shoulder..

Arnd - the one who is so proud about Jill....(G) Hubby - got it ?<<

Thank you sooo much! But, I'm afraid that I've backslid (is that a word?) a tad today. My computer has been in the repair shop since October 30th so I've been using a loaner all this time. I found out this morning that my computer is finally fixed and I can pick it up tomorrow. I've been frantically making copies of files, deleting files, printing files and now have a heap of disks hastily labeled scattered everywhere and yet another pile of paper waiting to be filed somewhere. Tomorrow will be spent setting up my own computer once again to be fine tuned to my preferences.

But don't think you've bested me yet. <g> I will start in again before the week is out and reach my two goals for the week. Yes, I will! <g>

Sounds like you've been forging ahead with gusto. I'm totally proud of you! Keep it up, but do take a break now and again. <g>

TTYL

Jill Dubois

Your mention of tax statements really hit home here - for various reasons (which aren't THAT good so I don't think I'll insult you by listing them), mine have been nicely gathering dust, uncompleted. My nice tax-man has just decided that he won't wait any longer for my tax returns (note the plural - I have four years outstanding!) and has estimated a figure which says I owe him #?*&%! Which would be bad, if it wasn't for the fact that I know that HE owes ME, and it's my own fault for not having got around to filling the returns in and getting it back. And it's not because I'm rich that I haven't filled them in (I'm still working on the rich part; "mildly comfortable" would be a good start...)

Anyway, this is the weekend that I slay this particular dragon. It'll be painful, but when it gets hard I'll do a quick check of yours and Jill's progress, suitably encouraged by Julie, and THIS TIME I'll get it done...

- John K. Porter, Written 30-Nov-1995 @ 17:50:56

Aloha John!

Encouragement runs wild here John - you came to the right place!

For starters I am *thrilled* to hear you tackling this dragon!!! I be willing to bet you will feel 200% better when this tedious task is completed - fer sure!!

<<<< for various reasons (which aren't THAT good so I don't think I'll insult you by listing them), mine have been nicely gathering dust, uncompleted.>>>>>

John I by NO means intend to get personal w/you here on such a private matter here in cyberspace - but am curious as to the reasons that got in the way of you filing. Do you know *exactly* why you procrastinated ? Was it the dealing w/tons of receipts? Do you have a system of any sort? Is it lack of knowledge in the *how to* portion? Plain ol' resistance? Lack of Time syndrome?

I am not looking for you to tell all here....what I am getting at is :

Is there a way we can assist you so that you may potentially avoid landing in a bind like this again? A way we may possibly suggest to attack the "P" word?

To share a tidbit w/you re:taxes. "Late Taxes" seems to be a big issue in the air around here lately! I have recently just finished sorting/categorizing & tallying all the necessary data for 3 clients in the last 2 months!

One had not filed for 7 yrs. & was *really* kicking themselves for creating the whole scenario. Once again $$$ was not the issue for them either. (the underlying issue did surface during the time we spent together tho').

I do not specialize in doing taxes per say..but I sure know how to attack those papers. My client also was in dire need of a REAL GOOD tax person so I referred them to a fantastic tax att. Fyi: the way it was handled was a *surfacing* - something you may want to ask your "tax-man". It's a whole different ballgame. Much less painful too.

Welllll the end of this story had a very happy ending...the damage done was nothing near what was anticipated & my client had an incredible weight lifted by just finally doing it!!!! So much so that they went out to celebrate w/a fantastic dinner & the whole works.

They even relayed something to the Tax-att. that I said to them in a session when they felt they'd *never* finish

51% of the task was done after we sorted, categorized & tallied the papers

25% of the task was done by making the appt.w/the tax. att.

23% of the task completed by writing the check for the services & IRS

I have another one going thru the same process now (excessive yrs) Both have vowed never to torment themselves like this again....& have had me teach them a system I do w/many of my clients (that don't do AP/AR on a computer). On top of that, I also have them in my DB to check on when the quarterlies come due in '96! Kinda like insurance ;)

Good luck to you! You will feel like a whole new person when this is done - Serious!! It's amazing how we choose to torture ourselves sometimes ;) Keep us posted after the weekend - I'd love to hear about those slain dragons !!!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Julie.... we just need to call you the cheerleader & get you a set of pompoms in a set of aloha colors!!!

Grace Cherrington

>>>LOL<! We only have one color out here "rainbow" <vbg> They don't call us the >>>"Rainbow State" fer not ! :)

I decided that you have to be my Rainbow Warrior (G)

>> I mean I'm ready to hire Arnd to come and give my office a fresh coat of paint & >>shampoo my carpet ! ;)

Your humble servant....!!!

Tschuess...

Arnd - the one who managed to get 40 litres of wall paint free of charge...(white though)

Aloha Arnd -

Tell ya what I'll help you w/the office in exchange for some "paint & shampoo" always wanted to visit Germany, Switzerland & Austria ....think you can help setup some Public/Private Office Organization Seminars for me while I'm there????

"The Rainbow Warrior" - Hmmmmm I kinda like that d;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

>>Tell ya what I'll help you w/the office in exchange for some "paint & shampoo" always wanted to visit Germany, Switzerland & Austria ....think you can help setup some Public/Private Office Organization Seminars for me while I'm there????<<

Gee Julie, doncha wanna visit Illinois? I'll trade ya word processing for a little organization around here. <g>

Jill Dubois

Aloha Jill!

<<<< Gee Julie, doncha wanna visit Illinois? I'll trade ya word processing for a little organization around here. >>>>>>

Wellllll lets see here....maybe a seminar in Ill. wouldn't hurt! And help you out on the side! ;)

Course if there is snow there ...that is a WHOLE new ballgame for this warm-weather-wimp <bg>)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

>>Wellllll lets see here....maybe a seminar in Ill. wouldn't hurt! And help you out on the side! ;)

Course if there is snow there ...that is a WHOLE new ballgame for this warm-weather-wimp <bg>)<<

Gee Julie, there's no snow here right now. Actually, it was kinda warm (not the Hawaii kind, though) all weekend. Just think about how much you'll really appreciate the climate at home, once you've spent some time being chilled to the bone by the winter wind here. <gg>

Jill Dubois

Aloha Jill !

<<<<<< But, I'm afraid that I've backslid (is that a word?) a tad today. My computer has been in the repair shop since October 30th so I've been using a loaner all this time. I found out this morning that my computer is finally fixed and I can pick it up tomorrow. I've been frantically making copies of files, deleting files, printing files and now have a heap of disks hastily labeled scattered everywhere and yet another pile of paper waiting to be filed somewhere. Tomorrow will be spent setting up my own computer once again to be fine tuned to my preferences. >>>>>>

Hmmmmmm - Jill not to worry - I know you *can* recoup! I might chime in that *this* is a PERFECT example of why one may want to consider building time for *Murphy* in there schedule...so there still is time to do what really needs to be done w/out having to stress ones self out ;)

<<<<<<But don't think you've bested me yet. <g> I will start in again before the week is out and reach my two goals for the week. Yes, I will! >>>>>>>

ATTA-GIRL Jill !!!!! clap-clap-clap-clap

Aloha,

Julie Signore

"The Rainbow Warrior Inc."

>>consider building time for *Murphy*<<

Ol' Murphy visits here a lot. :(

I just got my computer back from the repair shop Wednesday and already I'm discovering that it's still not fixed properly. I bought it from Circuit City. They have a policy of trying to fix something 3 times before they'll replace it. Well, this Packard Bell (which explains a lot, right there) has already been in their repair shop twice. When I take it back this time, I'll be bringing home a brand new Compaq.

Now I just have to get the original packing boxes out of the storage shed. What on earth am I going to do with all the stuff I packed in those boxes???

Ever notice when you try to clean up one mess, you end up creating another sometimes?

TTYL

Jill Dubois

Hi Julie - temperature here is 5 degrees C and dropping...

>> I by NO means intend to get personal w/you here on such a private matter here in cyberspace - but am curious as to the reasons that got in the way of you filing. Do you know *exactly* why you procrastinated ? <<

Basically through being made redundant! The system here in England is that you pay tax throughout the year on earned income, and at the end of the tax year (April) you then have until the end of October to submit the form to the Taxman, who then works out whether you owe them or they owe you. There are all manner of allowances (things you can off-set to reduce taxable income) and restrictions, and they change every year as the government tries to raise money one year and bribe the electorate the next (oops! got a bit cynical there...) If you owe them, you either pay up, or, if it's a small-ish sum, they adjust the amount you pay during the next year so that at the end of that year you're all square. The tax return also allows them to calculate what allowances you're entitled to for NEXT year. So, miss one year, your allowances are incorrect, you start paying too much, and it compounds up.

In 1992 I realised that I needed to get out of the job I was in, but was working really hard to be able to leave from a position of strength, and missed the October date. "I'll do it over Christmas", I said. Then I was made redundant on December 15th. Now I had to find something else! So the process of CV preparation, networking, research, interviews took top priority. Got a new job in April, having taken the time to find the one that I thought was right. After a year, it was apparent that it wasn't. Resigned, found another, then started working my tail off to make up for lost time. In this period, Tax Returns for 91/92, 92/93, 93/94, 94/95 just dropped on the mat. Was I so busy that I couldn't find the time to fill them in? Of course not! Did I feel as if I was that busy? You bet!

>> Was it the dealing w/tons of receipts? Do you have a system of any sort? Is it lack of knowledge in the *how to* portion? Plain ol' resistance? Lack of Time syndrome? <<

Certainly not the first one. Not a particularly good system (although I'm trying to put one in place now - no, I'm not trying, I'm succeeding). Lack of knowledge? I don't think so, although it does take time to keep up with the changing regulations, it shouldn't be beyond the pale for a methodical person to do it - plenty do! Lack of Time - I guess that was the excuse.

>> I am not looking for you to tell all here....what I am getting at is : Is there a way we can assist you so that you may potentially avoid landing in a bind like this again? A way we may possibly suggest to attack the "P" word? <<

I have to say that I don't mind! As I said, I know that the excuse was for my benefit, but in actual fact it did no such thing. I've followed the threads in this forum for some months (I've just checked - it was 5 May!) and if there's one thing that shines through (apart from the good, practical advice and warmth) it is that no-one is judgmental. As for how you can help, keep the spirit of threads like this going! (Last piece of useless info - did you know that this thread, since 21 November, now takes up over 100kb? Worth every byte, I'd say. And although U.S. taxes work quite a lot differently to U.K. taxes, any tips you can pass on would be very gratefully received!

Thanks for your kind words and support.

- John K. Porter

Well this group certainly gets the award for the most messages in a thread!!! Would love to know what the hit list on those reading this fun thread!!

Grace

Grace,

Since the thread is titled procrastination, what do *you* think was going on here <s>. (only partially guilty as charged <g>).

Paulette Ensign

Arnd -

<<<<Guess who invented the helix type of cable orgs and found ot that they are incredibly messy when you move your PC weekly...? >>>>

et vous ?

Geeze - now your computer "stuff" even loves you....sure hope there is a regular backup in there somewhere too - it's A MUST have ;) !

Aloha,

Julie Signore

aka: "The Rainbow Warrior"

On the basis that "something you enjoy doing is NOT a waste of time" (seems to me that I read that around here somewhere...) those of us who are following this thread must be 1) hopeless procrastinators ourselves; 2) reformed ex-procrastinators who are enjoying watching others kick the habit; or 3) following this thread as a further excuse for not doing what we know we SHOULD be doing. I confess - I am 1), started in 3), and am now sufficiently inspired to work towards 2). Is this unusual?

- John K. Porter

John,

In my experience, NOTHING is unusual anymore <s>. And, as for labels, I know some folks take comfort in them (i.e. thank God there's others like me) and others loathe them (i.e. don't put ME in a box with anyone else) Then, of course, there's the ones who dance between them, mai maintaining some kinda balance. Golly, gee, wow...now *I'VE* gone and created some labels....oops <s>. Thanks for your contribution.

Paulette Ensign

John... I would have to say that it is helpful to me to see that others suffer from the same failings as myself... that we're all out here trying to do our best... fall down some...pick ourselves up ... and we are at it again....I've ended up doing more here in my office & the rest of the house having been inspired by our contest.

I've also found that it helps clients when one can say that even in the organizers forum there are some working in less than perfect neat to the last drop offices.

Grace

Hi Grace! Thanks for the thought - it's always good to know that you're not alone!

>> I've also found that it helps clients when one can say that even in the organizers forum there are some working in less than perfect neat to the last drop offices. <<

Ain't that just the truth? It's so easy to extol the virtues of an organised working environment to others; "but I'm happy with my clutter" I hear myself cry when challenged in return. Not any more!

- John K. Porter

Aloha John ;)

<<< 1) hopeless procrastinators ourselves;

2) reformed ex-procrastinators who are enjoying watching others kick the habit

3) following this thread as a further excuse for not doing what we know we SHOULD be doing.

I confess -

I am 1),

started in 3),

and am now sufficiently inspired to work towards 2).

Is this unusual? >>>>>

Now THIS is very inspiring .....to hear you were motivated to the point of becoming active in addressing the big "P" in your own environment! Big Congrats to U !!!

I would like to say tho' that I personally feel no one is *hopeless*....rather everyone just has their *own* unique timeframe :) I would hope that in my profession I can assist people before it becomes drastic....but whatever the lesson needed - is the one they will receive ;) And I cannot prevent it for them until they see the benefits/need. For me, it is only then can I be of assistance.

Dealing w/Procrastination in a supportive environment is highly beneficial _ I'm glad you found this thread!

It's amazing how many people think "they" are alone...or the worse or whatever they want to label themselves as. Personally I don't like labels either (as Paulette said)..as things are always in motion..always changing & so too - what we *think* we cannot accomplish. It's always that first important step ....;)

The other thing I don't believe in is *shoulds*

I personally stay away from the word & replace it w/ "one may need to do..." or "one may want to do...."

It's always a matter of choice :)

I'm glad you *chose* to be pro-active!!! Thanx mucho for your contributions here ;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Hi Julie - thanks for your perspective.

>> Personally I don't like labels either (as Paulette said)..as things are always in motion..always changing & so too - what we *think* we cannot accomplish. It's always that first important step

....;) <<

You're both right, of course; I'm the first person to remind friends, family etc. that they are not hairdressers, salesmen, unemployed, managing directors, whatever; rather they are valuable and unique individuals in their own right who happen to be taking those roles at this time in their lives. And there I go applying labels to myself. First good tip I've picked up here today - no more labels, I promise.

>> The other thing I don't believe in is *shoulds*

I personally stay away from the word & replace it w/ "one may need to do..." or "one may want to do...."

It's always a matter of choice :) <<

This is more a question of semantics, and again you're right. Rather than use a word like "should", with its implications of obligation, threats and consequences, I'd get on better by reframing it in terms of why I'll feel SO much better when it's done. This ought not be a major revelation to me, I spend a good part of my working day selling concepts to others where the only realistic way to bring them to YOUR point of view is to convince them why it's important for THEM to do so. So, why is it important for me to cease procrastinating and get on with completing those tax returns? Here's five (in no particular order of priority)

1) So the weight will be lifted off my mind;

2) So my wife will stop giving me disapproving (but entirely justified) frowns;

3) So that we can go away to the country next weekend without my constantly reminding myself "you haven't done it - you've got to do it - it won't go away" etc. - you know the drill!

4) So I can use the money Mr. Taxman owes me to treat my wife and I and the end of a pretty tough year;

5) So that I can remember how GOOD it felt when it was done, the next time I feel tempted to procrastinate.

There are probably many more, but I feel the urge to go and knuckle down right away - I'm telling myself why I WANT to get it done!

- John K. Porter

So true relating to the word "should" I find myself using entirely too much.. and try to relate back to my own experiences vs the should approach... but the Mother in me always comes back...

Grace Cherrington

Aloha Grace :)

<<< but the Mother in me always comes back...>>>

"Moms are like that - yeah they are" ;)

I don't want to go into long disertations on the why/why nots of the word here & bore everyone...I just went on a personal mission many years ago to eliminate it from my vocabulary....primarily because I have seen it used in too many environments as an imposition of anothers beliefs/values ...imposed on others. Been there. Know what it feels like. Chose not to contribute to others lives in that fashion.

Think about it: you should be a Dr; you should work harder; you should not do things like that; you should move that table over there; you should get organized. ;)

There are numerous viewpoints on given situations...& it's all a matter of how an individual *perceives* things. For instance I received a snail mail correspondence today that totally distorted a request I made on some paperwork. I re-read my original correspondence 4x & still cannot yet see how the distortion took place.

Bottom line: the "how" doesn't matter any longer.

What does matter to me now is that I need to rectify any mis-communication on my part & re-state my request.

Ahhhhhhh...I think our communication can get in the way of our words so often ;)

Have a GREAT weekend !

Aloha,

Julie Signore

So true Julie... I'm reading a book on understanding at the moment & I'll have to drop some pearls here in the forum to see what everyone thinks.

Having a nice weekend... went to see Disney movie Toys...good for laughs & you'll never look at the toys and not wonder when they are going to start talking to you..

Grace

Aloha John !

<<< There are probably many more, but I feel the urge to go and knuckle down right away - I'm telling myself why I WANT to get it done! >>>>>

YES! I hear u loud & clear now.... ;) I love *your* benefit list too! I totally hear how you see the *benefit* of obtaining that end result. I applaud you in the fact that you seem totally astute to the *controllable stress* you have been putting yourself through needlessly.

From my own perspective/experience the *need & want* to achieve a semblance of organization in ones biz/personal live needs to be the driving desire of each individual...not because another person says "you SHOULD Get Organized! This is a mess!"

For this exact reason I take *no* 3rd party contracts.

I have been contacted on numerous occasions by a spouse, relative or friend willing to pay the consulting fees ...however, I always tell them that they need to get the *other* person involved. I will *not* go in & organize someone elses space while the are away on vacation, or at work for the day. Not my idea of a receptive surprise!

The person requiring the consultations...must see the need & comprehend the benefit themselves...or it's all in vane. It won't take much time before it reaches dis-organized levels once again.

Thanx so much for sharing your insights ! Keep us posted on your progress - please :)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Dear Julie

Like John Porter, I have also been following this forum for quite some time. My main problem is that I need to talk desperately to someone about how to organise my desk which has three piles of papers all urgent/important, as well as needing some good method of creating a todo list whether computerised or manual. There are also many files of paper on the floor and shelves needing some attention. I work from home and I am forever missing deadlines through my need to cope with seemingly more urgent work which arises on a day to day basis from telephone calls from clients. I have a part time assistant but somehow even this help is not bearing fruit through my inability to make time to review his work on a timely basis. The impact on my life in terms of increased stress is becoming more and more heavy. I know i need to do something but how and making time to do it is proving difficult ....the main problem I suppose is that having so much to do makes it feel like I cannot make any impact on the backlog of work/filing when I have some free time so I don't even try. Instead I procrastinate by doing something else like reading to my children or going out. As this problem seems quite specific to me, is this a matter on which we could talk privately via email.

I do hope you can help me. If you would prefer to do this on a professional basis please let me know

Jonathan Kendal

Aloha Jonathan!

So VERY glad you chose to mention your own personal dilemmas. Congratulations on taking the big plunge! Not to worry this is a very friendly arena of great Professionals ! ;)

First off I would like to mention that I'd be willing to bet (uh-oh there she goes again!), that you have hit the nail directly on the head for many others who may be *viewing* this thread.

Belive me you are *not* alone in this regard ;) Although *you* are a very unique individual, your organizing challenges are shared by many others.

If you would like to continue via private E-mail I would be more than happy to continue discussing your situation in that manner.

I apologize for the tardiness of this response due to a unusually busy schedule - as organizing et al is DEFINITELY in the air on Maui - holiday season & all!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Hi Jill -

Welcome back to Section 22 - and I too have been following your conversation with Julie (who truly is a wonderful cheerleader, no?) Anyway, with regard to your feeling of isolation, I noticed you started a word processing business out of your home. Since there are other professionals in the same business, I'm sure there is a marketing/support group for home based word processors. I would recommend you find one and join it. I know it seems like you may be fraternizing with your competition, but I'm sure you will find just the opposite. Many, many professionals join trade associations for the express purpose of being able to talk to someone who knows exactly how he/she feels. Using the National Association of Professional Organizers as an example, here we all are in the same business, yet we come together in chapters all over the country and help one another and refer business to one another and have shoulders for one another to lean on. I just know that there are similar organizations out there for home based word processing professionals.

Here in Houston, I have spoken to several trade groups - one was a large group of sales reps from different companies who get together every week for breakfast, and another was a group of executive suite owners and managers. While the people in both groups, in the strictest sense of the word are competition, no one in either group feels that way about anyone else in the group - and the sense of fellowship was palpable - even to an outsider. Your leads group accomplishes one thing - it gets you leads - but a trade association accomplishes a much different thing - it gives you support.

Check the business or calendar section of your paper, or you may even want to contact Professional Secretaries Int'l or an executive suite association and see if they are aware of a home based business group that you could join.

As far as celebrating the little things you do to help you get better organized, that is exactly the right attitude, you must celebrate the changes, no matter how small, because making any kind of a change is not an easy thing - it requires that you think about how you do something rather than just doing it the same old way. If that doesn't call for a glass of wine, I don't know what does :-)

Best of luck - and I know you'll succeed!!!!

Holly Uverity, TX NAPO

Hi Holly,

>>Anyway, with regard to your feeling of isolation, I noticed you started a word processing business out of your home. <<

I think I may have given a wrong impression here. I do work from my home, but I in no way feel isolated. I mean, I *am* isolated, but that's because I prefer it that way. I thoroughly enjoy working alone for very long stretches of time. Even my hubby calls me a hermit. Many days will pass with my seeing only my hubby, my chiropractor and clients. Socializing is practically nonexistent in my life. It was with great effort on my part that I joined the Leads Club. I only did so because it's an excellent source of gaining new clients. I get more than enough encouragement, support and socializing in Section 13, my "home" here on the forum. I hope this doesn't make me sound too strange. <g> I have just always been a loner since childhood. My mother says I get it from my father. He would have been perfectly happy spending his days without seeing anyone except my mother. She was always the one who loved being around people.

>>making any kind of a change is not an easy thing - it requires that you think about how you do something rather than just doing it the same old way.<<

I have noticed that if something is out of place in the house, the longer it stays there the more it seems to belong there. Isn't that weird? Or maybe it's just normal.

>>Best of luck - and I know you'll succeed!!!!<<

That's what I love about this place -- never a discouraging word. <g>

Jill Dubois

Hi Jill,

Re: Visiting Julie's office in Hawaii, yes, it's true - I did manage to pull myself away from the excitement of Houston and force myself to spend 11 sun-filled, fun-filled days in Hawaii - 7 on O'ahu and 4 on Maui. Like they say, it's a rotten job, but someone has to do it! And yes, I did see the fabu Julie's office, and yes, it is everything you would imagine it to be - neat, clean, orderly, and organized. I must confess, however, that it would be difficult to work in such an environment (an office, that is) when outside her front door is a view of the west coast of the island - the view being partially obscured by huge hibiscus and other tropical flora. Needless to say, it's a great place to work.

Re: your "isolation" - believe me, I don't think there is anything weird about it at all - joining groups is not necessarily for everyone but I know that for me, the NAPO membership has been and continues to be a great source of information and comfort.

<<<<I have noticed that if something is out of place in the house, the longer it stays there the more it seems to belong there. Isn't that weird? Or maybe it's just normal.>>>>

My experience has been that that type of thinking is common - often times when I'm in a client's office and ask them what something is and why it's there (usually on the floor in a corner, on the floor behind the desk, or on the floor under the desk) they say, Oh, I didn't even notice that was there!

<<<My tendency is to just stuff it back into my favorite cubby, but I'm resisting so far. <g>>>>>

Good for you for resisting :-) Can you put something else in your favorite cubby - non work related, like a stuffed animal or something - to fill it up so you CAN'T stuff it with papers? Or how about blocking the cubby off with masking tape, you know, like making a big X over the slot? May not be as cute as a stuffed animal, but it will make you think about doing something different with those papers you would normally stuff.

<<<Further inspiration will be the fact that everyone here will be keeping tabs on our progress, too. <big grin>>>>>>

We'll be here - but you'll have to keep us posted! ;-) Exchanging "before" pictures is a great idea, btw.

Holly Uverity

Hi Holly,

>>Re: Visiting Julie's office in Hawaii, yes, it's true - I did manage to pull myself away from the excitement of Houston and force myself to spend 11 sun-filled, fun-filled days in Hawaii - 7 on O'ahu and 4 on Maui. Like they say, it's a rotten job, but someone has to do it!<<

Oh, and I can just imagine how you suffered, poor thing, because of it. <LOL!>

>>Can you put something else in your favorite cubby - non work related, like a stuffed animal or something - to fill it up so you CAN'T stuff it with papers?<<

Now that's a good idea and would sure help me to resist temptation. <g>

>>We'll be here - but you'll have to keep us posted! ;-) Exchanging "before" pictures is a great idea, btw.<<

We'll definitely keep y'all posted. <g> Gee, should I tidy up before taking the "before" picture? <vvbg>

Jill

Jill !!!!

I read that one about tidying up...

Do not dare ! (g)

Arnd

>>I read that one about tidying up...

Do not dare ! (g)<<

Ooops! Promise!

Jill

Holly,

Well, visiting Julie's office in Hawaii certainly comes under the heading of professional research, if I ever heard it! Who said life has t to be tough, huh? <s>. Let's see, professional development, education, resresearch...what else can we call it? <s> Anyway, glad you two colleagues got a chance to meet in 3D. It's always gratifying to learn from each other as we often do in NAPO.

Paulette Ensign

Aloha Ms. Holly ! :)

<<<<<< I'm sending this to Arnd and would have copied Jill and Julie, but don't know how!!!! I can make cc's for e-mail, but couldn't figure out how to do it for a forum message. >>>>>>

You did fine my dear! Because this is not a *private* msg. we all get to see it - so not to worry . Fyi: there is no way to CC: in the forum a public notice works quite well !

Thanx for *your* input on this thread too!!! - as it takes everyone to do this tango ;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

>>Soooooooo....did we get our pictures taken yet ???? I would >>personally *love* to see your before/after shots !!!!

The befores are done, yet have to be developed/scanned and Ihope that I am a better photographer than I am an organizer (smile)

>>Btw: I *will* throw a personal ante into this highly motivated >>challenge (let's just say that you won't know what it is till Jan 1 - K ?)

Surprise, surprise ! Cannot wait to hear what it is ..

>>Are you guys going to select *2 weekly tasks* from here on in & keep >>us all apprised?

I will try to keep this up but I guess that we are already doing more than 2 tasks a week. I think this is because of the before/after shots. I do not want to tell everybody out here that all I did is removing the bunch of paper from my floor and now having it in my files.

You come across small tasks everytime you touch a piece of paper you want to file so I hope I can make Jill continue in her efforts with me to oganize our palce to an extent whee we ask your pictures here in the forum. Two Major tasks in a certain period is OK. Whether a week or not...

Stay tuned...

Arnd - the one that found 1000 sheets of xerox paper under his desk

>>Btw: I *will* throw a personal ante into this highly motivated challenge (let's just say that you won't know what it is till Jan 1 - K ?)<<

Now, Julie! The anticipation could very well do permanent damage to my efforts by then. Nope, guess you're not gonna buy that one. <g> Okay, I'll try to be patient. (But it's a well known fact among my buddies in Section 13 that I have *no* patience. <g>)

Jill Dubois

Hello Arnd, Jill and Julie -

Whew!!!! Reading thru the messages the three of you are posting to one another is very inspiring - not to mention time consuming ;-)

Truly, tho', what the three of you have started together is a wonderful thing to be a witness to - the support and encouragement you have given each other just seems to grow and grow. It just proves what we all know and have known all of our lives - "what goes around, comes around" or "energy follows energy" or however else you say it, it's true.

Thanks for all those positive vibes!!!!!!

Holly Uverity

P.S. I'm sending this to Arnd and would have copied Jill and Julie, but don't know how!!!! I can make cc's for e-mail, but couldn't figure out how to do it for a forum message.

OK Holly.... we want to know if you were inspired to do anything just reading the tread here???

Grace Cherrington

w/ Julie as cheerleader with those rainbow pompoms

Hi Grace,

<<< you were inspired to do anything just reading the thread here???>>> Sorry it's taken me so long to answer, but I've been sooooo busy re-organizing my office I haven't had time to reply ;-) Actually, I'm fibbing, but I have been busy with clients, meetings, etc., etc., etc. but that doesn't mean I haven't been inspired - believe you me, I think about ol' Jill and Arnd quite a bit.

Holly Uverity

Holly,

Thank you for your support of this "Everyone's-A-Winner"-Contest. At first it feels a bit odd to go public with how awful your home office looks. But then you come out here and find that to a certain extent a few more have the same or similar problems and those who don't give the kindest of support. I saw a thread in here about Global Warming.

To me that is what happens here: The warm welcome in a global forum.

Happy 1st Advent to all of you out there.

Arnd

Arnd,

<<<At first it feels a bit odd to go public with how awful your home office looks.>>> How generous of you and Jill to share with us and you are absolutely right, there are many people with the same or similar problems - you have no idea how many lurkers you are helping by being so honest.

Holly Uverity

Holly,

And you do not know how helpful you have been making this discussion and our coming-out such a joy and pleasant task....

Thank you for being around...

Arnd

Hi, Jill:

>>> I have to admit that patience is not one of my virtues. <g> I want it done yesterday and perfectly done at that. To my credit though, I usually only expect that from myself not everyone else around me . . . usually. <s>

You and I are very much alike in that regard. I have the same problem.

Debbie

Well hello, Debbie!

>>You and I are very much alike in that regard. I have the same problem.<<

When I decide I want something, that means I want it NOW! 'Course growing up kinda taught me that just screaming about it won't get it done. <g> Guess that's why I hang out here a lot lately.

Don't tell me that you're fessing up to be of the "Messies" of this world? <g> If so, you'll be in good company. Karen and Carolyn have both confessed, too.

TTYL

Jill Dubois

>>> When I decide I want something, that means I want it NOW! 'Course growing up kinda taught me that just screaming about it won't get it done. <g> Guess that's why I hang out here a lot lately.

Well, admitting we have the problem is half the battle! (they say!) <gg>

>>> Don't tell me that you're fessing up to be of the "Messies" of this world? <g> If so, you'll be in good company. Karen and Carolyn have both confessed, too.

I guess I don't feel so bad then. I can't fool everybody forever, as much as I may try!

Debbie

Hi Debbie,

>>I guess I don't feel so bad then. I can't fool everybody forever, as much as I may try!<<

I expect to be a Messie forever, but I plan to be an organized Messie. <g> Once a packrat, always a packrat, I guess.

Jill Dubois

Hi, Jill:

Haven't seen you much here lately. Must be busy.

>>> I expect to be a Messie forever, but I plan to be an organized Messie. <g> Once a packrat, always a packrat, I guess.

I know. My husband goes crazy with all my stuff all over the place all the time. I keep telling him if we had a bigger house and more places to put it all, I would be more organized. As a rule, my office is much more organized than my home. Whenever I get ready to go shopping, my husband tells me not to buy anything because then he has to find a place to store it. That's his biggest concern. Of course, I just laugh at him.

Debbie

Hi Debbie,

>>Haven't seen you much here lately. Must be busy.<<

Busy? Yeah, but mostly with computer problems. I think I've got 'em all under control now . . . for the moment. <g>

>>I keep telling him if we had a bigger house and more places to put it all, I would be more organized.<<

Or else you would just have more room to spread out. <gg>

Terry rearranged the office while I was out and disaster was what I found when I got back home. All my neatly sorted piles were dumped together on the bed and floor of the bedroom across the hall and he had broken my desk. Long story. Oh well, I wasn't really happy with the way the room was originally arranged anyway. However, I did like my desk better when it was in better shape. <s>

Men! Can't seem to live with 'em and don't want to live without 'em.

Jill Dubois

Hi, Jill:

>>> Or else you would just have more room to spread out. <gg>

And he complains to me that I have all my stuff always all over the house and yet I complain about his and the kids' stuff all over. But if he goes to move mine, I have a fit. <G> I guess that's about right. <g>

>>> Terry rearranged the office while I was out and disaster was what I found when I got back home. All my neatly sorted piles were dumped together on the bed and floor of the bedroom across the hall and he had broken my desk. Long story. Oh well, I wasn't really happy with the way the room was originally arranged anyway. However, I did like my desk better when it was in better shape. <s>

Sounds like the kind of thing that goes on in my house. <g>

>>> Men! Can't seem to live with 'em and don't want to live without 'em.

I'm telling you.

Debbie

Jill,

1) Life is full of choices (re: once a packrat, always a....) 2) Yes, it IS possible to be an organized packrat, IMHO.

Paulette Ensign

>>Yes, it IS possible to be an organized packrat, IMHO.<<

My ultimate goal!

Jill Dubois

>>Julie is no fool. Also, Julie has no fat on those bones of hers!!<<

With the kind of weather we're having, some days you need all the fat you can get and other days, it's like springtime. Go figure.

Haven't "seen" Julie for a few days. Hope everything's okay in Maui.

Jill Dubois

Jill,

I suspect everything is likely to be quite fine with Julie. Last we spoke, here business is really growing well and she was delivering lots of good service, as Julie is known to do! <s>

Paulette Ensign

Aloha Jill !

So sorry I've been away...I was able to collect msgs all the way up to 2 days ago but did not have spare time to respond.

I have been working on 4 really big projects...w/no end in sight. This is by far THE busiest holiday season I have had w/my business. Between old clients, new clients, promotions, newsletters, private workshops, speaking engagements, culminating data for my upcoming contest Jan 8 (in celebration of National Clean off Your desk Day) & an incredible alliance w/another company ...I have been slightly tied up until the very early hours of the evening/morning.

I am desperately attempting to figure *when* I'm taking a vacation in the midst of it all ;) Looks like Santa Clara NAPO National Conference in March will be my first *get-away* (Yes, even when living on Maui one *needs* time for a vacation ;) )

Jill....I would like to second Paulette's comment on: <<< Yes, it IS possible to be an organized packrat, >>>>

I just took on a new client that definitely qualifies in this category. I will be refining a few systems for her but beyond that ...she has done a marvelous job. The space is not extensive by any means but every nook & cranny is utilized in a very neat & organized fashion.

During our initial meeting she stated what areas she was willing to trim down in..so that is where I will assist her.

I'd say your "ultimate goal" is more feasible than you may have imagined ;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Hi Julie,

>>So sorry I've been away...I was able to collect msgs all the way up to 2 days ago but did not have spare time to respond. I have been working on 4 really big projects...w/no end in sight. This is by far THE busiest holiday season I have had w/my business.<<

Well, that's an excellent reason for being away from the board. Congratulations on having a booming business! Gee, I'm kinda jealous. <g> My business is extremely slow right now, but in a way that's kinda good. I'm swamped with family stuff. My New Year's resolution is to renew my marketing campaign with a vengence. I consider this past year to be a learning experience and it's time to start putting all that newly gained knowledge to work. And, of course, by the time January first rolls around, my office will be much more organized. <vbg>

>>I am desperately attempting to figure *when* I'm taking a vacation in the midst of it all<<

I don't remember ever taking a vacation that didn't include work of some kind. Hummmmm, something to dream about. <g>

>>The space is not extensive by any means but every nook & cranny is utilized in a very neat & organized fashion.<<

My ultimate goal! It's nice to know that it's not totally unattainable, too.

TTYL

Jill Dubois

HI, Jill,

I was following this thread after being away from the forum for awhile, and I agree with several points.

I need someone to do the 21-day support with, but they're right: we DON'T talk about it at cocktail parties. I was coming out of the closet a little after surgery last summer, to get help with errands, odd jobs, etc., but I'm back in the rut again. Gotta do it all myself...

I heard on the radio the other day, that a lot of sick leave is used because people need time to run errands, take care of personal business, etc. (No surprise to an office worker, huh?) There really is too much to do on evenings & weekends these days. Thank goodness for the flexibility of working at home.

Congrats on cleaning out your shelf! <big hug!> (I made piles on my "mail table" and put a couple of things in the file drawer last nite, and threw away a small wastebasket full of unrecyclable stuff.) It's a start, for both of us.

Yes, if you can find a local support group, go for it! I haven't found a w-p one in Columubus, Ohio, yet, but it would be worth going to, even with the online one in Section 13. I know I have both the CIS cancer forum and a local support group at Grant Hospital, and they're both good. They both KNOW where you're coming from; the local one offers face-to-face contact, but only every two weeks, and the online one is 24-hour contact, but print-only.

Carry on the good work!

Musetta

Hi Musetta,

>>I was following this thread after being away from the forum for awhile, and I agree with several points.<<

It certainly does seem to have been quite a while since I've seen you on the board. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better.

>>There really is too much to do on evenings & weekends these days. Thank goodness for the flexibility of working at home.<<

I sometimes wonder how I ever got anything done when I was working outside of my home, but now my hubby is wondering what I do all day long that I can't find time to do the housecleaning and have a hot meal waiting when he gets home. <g> I also get the little snide remarks about how messy my desk stays. Actually, he's been pretty good about it all, but my disorganization is driving me crazy!

>>Congrats on cleaning out your shelf! <big hug!><<

Oh, thank you! But, unfortunately that's *all* I've gotten done this whole weekend. <sigh> Maybe Monday when I have the house to myself again . . . .

>>(I made piles on my "mail table" and put a couple of things in the file drawer last nite, and threw away a small wastebasket full of unrecyclable stuff.)<<

Well, hey! Congratulations to you, too!! They say that everything starts with the first step and we've both taken the first step. Now for step number two. <g>

>>Yes, if you can find a local support group, go for it! I haven't found a w-p one in Columubus, Ohio, yet, but it would be worth going to, even with the online one in Section 13.<<

I'm fairly certain that there is no such group around here. I really haven't looked too hard for one, though. Section 13 provides for my every need when it comes to support. Aren't they a terrific bunch?!

Hope to "see" you around more often!

Jill

Aloha Musetta!

Wellllllllll you can surely join in this one!

We would all LOVE to hear what organizing goals YOU have come up w/for

the next week & will surely support you as you go! Just keep us posted! ;) :D

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Jill,

I have been reading your thread and I am basically a disorganized type too. I stumbled onto a book, "Taming the Paper Tiger," by Barbara Hempill which I found incredibly helpful. I highly recommend it! Get a copy--make it top priority.

Barbara also is available here on the forum for questions.

James Bott

Yes, Barbara's Taming the Paper Tiger is an excellent one. She'll be coming out with another book in January, I had the good fortune to rea read the manuscript and it's faaaaaab. I'm sure she'll announce it here, too.

Paulette Ensign

Aloha !

Sooooooooo ....how is everyone doing on their projects ??? Hmmmmmm no messages from Arnd or Jill in 2 whole days....sounds like there is some *serious* work transpiring!! ;) Go get'em you two!

Lets' hear the progress reports no matter how small or big....it is all PROGRESS in a positive direction!

Jill I know you have had *serious* computer wrenches thrown into this weeks agenda....so "I didn't do well" is not acceptable as you DID accomplish several steps earlier in the week ! Next week is a whole new week ;)

...& Arnd ? Have you added on the extra office addition now that the carpets are done & the walls painted ? No serious...how is *the floor piles* doing ???

Aloha,

Julie Signore -

aka: Rainbow Warrior

P.S. Will check in here...but may not be able to respond as I am on a serious mission to do all the recent uploads to our library...so stay tuned - there are some very good ones :)

Julie,

Please see my msg Arnd'S Prcrstntn Results here in the section...

And thank you soooooooooo much for helping Jill and me on our way.

Happy 1st Advent

Arnd

Aloha Arnd & Jill !

When you get a chance would you both do me a favor?

Could you send me a private E-mail w/your *snail-mail* addresses....I would like to send something special your way.

Mahalo nui.

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Just three more thoughts:

1. AIM FOR SUCCESS. I do dog training and the dogs have taught me that

a succesful encounter leads to future success. So, when you find your

performance level dropping - switch to another project or another task

in the current project or just switch your approach on the current task.

Trying to stick with a task when it is draining your energy leads to

procrastination the next time around.

2. IT'S ALL IN THE APPROACH. If the project is a real buger...make a game

of it. Find the three simplest tasks you can do towards the project. Do

them and then forget about it. You'll be surprised how your sub-conscious

will work on the next three steps...

3. DO NOTHING. Juls already mentioned this one when she started this thread.

However, it is the most important to me, so I'll mention it again with a

different twist. I mean really do nothing, do a meditation on nothing.

Then do #2 above or do #2 then do this step. If you've neve

===============

Ok to Jill and all those helping hands and lurkers

Here are the results of my week in the Procrasti-Nation :

It is 11:30 on Sunday, meaning my week of cleaning is over, giving Jill the 7 hours I started earlier because of the UTC-setoffs :

Before I list the work done, I want to tell you the greatest aim of all. I had a fantastic week with you and the others out here giving me such a kind and warm support. It has been most helpful to have the humour and the advice of all of you and I will certainly continue in my efforts to make this a real home branch office of my normal workplace. Thnaks to all of you...

Here we go :

Of the twentysomething files to be labelled and filled I just could not do 4 because the papers for it have been found needing urgent consideration and action (insurance renewal and the like)

Of the paper heap I had I have the above papers left plus a pile of car magazines that I have not yet decided whether to throw away or use further for the thech articles in them. I should xerox the important ones, feed a file and discard the mag.

So I assume it is a 75% achievement of our mutual aim, Jill

Not bad for me (G)

On top, though, and not counting for the *contest* I developed a way for me to really allocate everything a distinct place where things can be found and placed back again, without pilig, messing, mixing.

I have rewired my PC and now use cable straps (not the helix type). Take backing up data serious. My desk is cleaned and I have an ashtray that does not allow the ashes to fly around. My coffee mug now has a safer place where it cannot make stains on the files. I have grouped my literature to make it easier to find the text you so urgently need, when clients call.

The before and after photos are made, but not yet developped as they were the first ones on the film and I want to use the rest as well.

Uploads will be available later in december.

I have filed my taxes avoiding heavy trouble with our financial authorities and I strictly seperated work and private stuff in the shelves (my VW models had to find another parking space)

There were some minor achievements that do come with the general office decontamination work (G)

And finally, cleaning up made me a 'rich' man. I found a DM 100 bank note in between the papers !!! Weekend is saved (G)

Now Jill, like to hear from you how you managed.

I guess we make Julie and Paulette decide who has done *better*.

Yes, Paulette, I know that there is not better or worse in this game (G).

Desperately waiting to hear from you.

Arnd - Who really needed the thread to cope with his organizational shortfalls

Arnd,

CONGRATULATIONS FOR A JOB *****VERY***** WELL DONE! I am truly impressed with the report of what you have accomplished. I really had to smi smile when you sound you found money. That is a very common thing to happen, and most organizers will tell you this is the case in client w work.

Of course, you are most correct that neither Jill nor you will do *better*than the other. Though you threw a 75% number in there, sounds mo more to me like you accomplished 150%!!!!! In fact, what you accomplished would put organizers out of work!

You have used many concepts employed by organizers...think of how you can *find* something, rather than just thinking of where to *put* it. The items you un-earthed requiring your attention will now actually GET DONE! (insurances, taxes, film, etc.) Very impressive, Arnd, very i impressive. So, does this mean you WON'T be ordering my materials? <s>.

Paulette Ensign NAPO President

Paulette,

Thank you for being around and part of the game (G)

I guess that (now also speaking for Jill) we would have found it much harder to get along with this sporty task...I already set up my goals for the week starting Sun 8th Dec. but think I should give Jill a try at Win 95...Learning Bill's stuff is far harder than reorging a home biz that is a branch office rather than a full time place...

And yes when I find the time you will see my cheque in the mail for your

stuff !

Arnd - the one still in desperate needs of Paulette's publications

>>Arnd,

>>Accomplished, forgiving AND has a sense of humor.... got an American >>clone of you who is single?

Sorry, Paulette,

Clone ? They do this already but they'll have to build bigger machines (GG) Single ? Ooops, Paulette ! I am too young for this kinda talk (grin, grin, grin) ! So you build the machine and I'll make sure I'm single. OK ?

Arnd - the one who wants working from home cloners to e-mail him !!!!!

NB: and watch out there is onther Arnd around ! Not a clone, but also from Germany ! Do not mix us up !

Arnd,

I cannot imagine mixing you up with anyone. Your contributions here are wonderfully distinctive. Keep up the great work on your office. Do let us know how the maintenance of your systems is going, and what modifications you may be making now that you're living with these new sy systems.

Paulette Ensign

Paulette,

>I cannot imagine mixing you up with anyone. Your contributions here >are wonderfully distinctive. Keep up the great work on your office. >Do let us know how the maintenance of your systems is going, and what >modifications you may be making now that you're living with these new >systems.

Well thank you (he said shyly) and sure I will let you know how things work for me. Even if systems did not work, the office looks much better know. All files same style back labels and a clean desk add something to my small flat that is known as 'horizon' elsewhere. In other words, I can see the end of my room, even walk there without stumbling over printer ribbon packs. It has been a considerable improvement to the look of my living space.

Arnd

We are so thrilled for you!!! and you found some $$ to add to the joy!

You'll have to give us an update after 30 days to let us know of your continued success in maintaining the clearner office... maybe you could owe a certain person some $$ if you don't.

Grace Cherrington

Grace

All I can do is reciprocate ....your name....

Grace !

Arnd -the one who WILL keep you updated - bored or not !

Arnd -

Congrats on your week's accomplishments!! Found $$ too! - organizing is rewarding in more ways than one.

I was in a new client's office the other day and I believe he will find $$ also as a result of getting organized and decluttered.

You mentioned the following about mags:

<Of the paper heap I had I have the above papers left plus a pile of car magazines that I have not yet decided whether to throw away or use further for the articles in them. I should xerox the important ones, feed a file and discard the mag. >

Since you are PC oriented, have you heard of a products which allow you to scan the images, file them electronically and then research for them when needed? There are several available. The one that I'm most familiar with and use is call PaperMaster. DocuMagix in San Jose puts it out. Further eliminates paper clutter.

Sandy Stelter, NAPO-SFBA Treas.

Sandy,

I am so pleased you jumped in !

I thought about a good OCR and scanner, yet my funds are not in line with my desires ('guess they never will be <G>).

To tell you ...my Home Office is rahter an emergency and branch setup of my normal office to fully respond to clients at night or weekends. As my normal office does not yet feature the goodies you listed, they do not make sense to me...and to be more than honest, my machine here is a 386 running below 20 Mhz with a 120 MB Harddrive, a B/W handscanner, a 14.400 modem and Windows 3.1, DOS 6.2, no CD except a music player I slotted in the floppy void. It is SLOOOOOOOOOOOOW but gets me where I want to go Today (Cheers, Bill!!!)

Arnd

Aloha Arnd !

<<< I had a fantastic week with you and the others out here giving me such a kind and warm support. It has been most helpful to have the humour and the advice of all of you and I will certainly continue in my efforts to make this a real home branch office of my normal workplace. Thnaks to all of you...>>>>

First please excuse the delay in this response..as I have been abnormally busy for this time of year...having just taken on 5 new clients, scheduled a presentation plus an upcoming conference on a potential private workshop on top of 4 rather large projects ...has somewhat detained me from this most enjoyable thread. ;)

Arnd, I am *truly ecstatic* w/all your vast achievements & many successes for the week! You have done a superb job!! Way back in the begining of this thread you had stated several benefits. I warmly smile when I think of the rapid changes YOU have made in YOUR environment. I am quite sure that your dear wife will also reap some of the rewards as you gain more & more *personal time* in operating in a more organized fashion.

Your openness, candor, willingness to pursue... & humor have been a sheer delight! The sharing that you and Jill have done has provided much motivation for the participants of this Forum as well as our quiet lurkers. One can only guess at the number of people you two have motivated along the way! ;) Hurray for YOU BOTH!!

I also thank you for your kind words to all the participants. It is truly *our* pleasure to be of assistance to you & others in similiar situations!

Much success to you!!!!!! Keep up the GREAT job!!!!!

Aloha,

Julie Signore

aka: The Rainbow Warrior

Julie, I have nothing to add but to thank you.

And what a great job you have done on acquiring new clients - Brava!

What does aka:Rainbow Warrior stand for. Ok, I know the Rainbow Warrior (though my personal ideal is Capt. Paul Watson and his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society rather than GreenPeas (g)) So what is the aka for ?

Yours,

Arnd

Aloha Arnd

aka = "also known as" ;)

<<<< And what a great job you have done on acquiring new clients - Brava!>>>>>

Thank-you Arnd....they are all quite a joy too!

I think there is truly something in the aire over the Pacific Islands...I have never had a more ambitious season.

Had to stop at Costco (warehouse discount shopping) on my way home tonite & the check-out clerk asked me if I was already for Christmas. I had to chuckle & be perfectly honest w/her & said: I am a Professional Organizer...& I am no where near being *ready*. ;)

Sooooooo - when is my seminar to be held in Germany??? Pick a warm month please :)

Arnd, I *need* to share something w/you & Jill here...do you two realize the headstart you got for January 8! It is National Clean Off Your Desk Day!!!!!! I might add that you are *both* starting the New Year on a great foot forward!! ;D

Aloha,

Julie Signore

So, you can't sink a rainbow they, say - Your clients will appreciate that !

>>I had to chuckle & be perfectly honest w/her & said: I am a >>Professional Organizer...& I am no where near being *ready*. ;)

Ever wondered how santa is oranizing to deliver several million parcels all in one night ? A cool logistics buff and I assume that you, Paulette, Grace and all the others are what is known as angels ?!

Helping him keep the wishlists filed etc ?

>>Sooooooo - when is my seminar to be held in Germany??? Pick a warm >>month please :)

So definitely not before June 96 then. But I guess participants to your seminars are sweating anyhow with all the workload...(G)

>>Arnd, I *need* to share something w/you & Jill here...do you two >>realize the headstart you got for January 8! It is National Clean Off Your Desk Day!!!!!! I might add that you are *both* starting the New Year on a great foot forward!! ;D

HMBL! I love the idea...But did you realize that waste removal services will have their hardest day then, too..? I keep wondering what made me keep all these things that I find during unscheduled desk and drawer razzias. But after all I could earn a fortune on opening a technical museum with what I have oppiled here in a corner :

A 50 bps (!!!!) modem

2 2400 bps modems

An AMIGA 1000 without hard disk

A telex machine

A telephone with a crank for calling the opperator

A 9-needle printer

A 1956 radio (!!!)

2 broken Joysticks.

I guess I will dig that stuff outside in the garden and wait 2000 years to see archaeologists (spell?) wonder about these early traces of Homo Sapiens Computerensis.

Honestly, I think about proclaiming the National Clean Off Your Desk Day here in Germany. Maybe one could get one of the office equipment stores to sponsor it ! SO here we go, festival committee elections to be held Dec. 20

Arnd....

Hi Arnd,

>>Now Jill, like to hear from you how you managed.<<

Well . . . not quite as well as you, I admit. :(

To begin, you all know about my computer troubles, but to recap the week:

1) The PB had been in the repair shop since October 30th, but was finally brought back home on Wednesday.

2) The PB failed again (for the 3rd time since it was bought brand new on December 29, 1994) and was returned for replacement on Thursday. New Compaq Presario 7180 was brought home.

3) The Compaq came with Windows 95 preloaded and I've spent considerable time learning the ins and outs of that. There is also one program (the answering machine/voice mail) that doesn't work properly, so I've also been trying to get help with that. No luck so far on that one. :(

4) I had just about all my papers/magazines/etc. sorted into identifiable piles when my husband decided to rearrange the office. I was not home at the time of this decision, but discovered it, to my horror, upon my return several hours later.

When my husband decided to rearrange the office, he started by taking *everything* out of the room except the heavy furniture like the desks and the bookcase and the filing cabinet. All the computer equipment, books, manuals, piles of papers, etc. were placed with some abandon in the bedroom across the hall. In the process of moving my desk, he broke it. One whole side pulled apart which in turn loosened the keyboard tray and the drawers. It's rather cheaply made and obviously wasn't meant to be dragged across carpet. The desk has since been jimmied together and braced on the now bad side with the filing cabinet.

I will give my husband credit for remembering that I prefer to work in a cubby like space with all the necessary stuff within easy reach, though. The main rearranging happened on his side of the room. I gained about two feet of extra space -- one foot or so on either side of my desk. I also gained about two and half feet of counterspace (using the top of the bookcase) and freed up the space the printer was using on one table beside my desk. Having the filing cabinet right beside my desk is a definite advantage because I will now (hopefully) be more inclined to file stuff right away instead of piling it up to be done later. <g>

In exchanging the PB for the Compaq, I gained some extra spending money (store credit only) so spent it on a MultiaMedia DiskFinder for storing my CD's, a printer stand that has room beneath it for storing paper and envelopes, and a new program called MS Publisher for Windows 95 on CD. So my CDs are now organized better, my printing paper and envelopes have found a clean orderly home, and I have some new toys. <g>

To sum it all up, the week started out with disaster forecasted, but has ended up being only a bit stormier than usual. Total organization does not reign yet, but the future is looking much brighter in that direction.

So Arnd, it looks like you get the points for this week, but next week they will belong to me!

Time to get to work resorting those piles and . . . and . . . and . . .

Jill Dubois

Aloha Jill !

<<<< To sum it all up, the week started out with disaster forecasted, but has ended up being only a bit stormier than usual. Total organization does not reign yet, but the future is looking much brighter in that direction.

So Arnd, it looks like you get the points for this week, but next week they will belong to me!

Time to get to work resorting those piles and . . . and . . . and . . . >>>>>

WHEW!!!!!! Golllllllllly Jill - so was *Murphy* your realtive for the week ?

Besides all you went thru Jill....I truly hope you see your many successes ;) Sometimes in comparing ones self to others it may *appear* that someone else scored more points, but in reality one may see more clearly by remembering where they were VS where they are currently. Everyones steps are of varying sizes...the important thing is to "take the step"! I see you HAVE done that successfully. Now all you have to do is remain in motion ;)

Soooooo now what is on the agenda for next week ???

I have a favorite quote I'd like to share w/you:

"The only limits of achievement are the bonds of belief" - J. Signore

You ARE on the way my dear of changing many habits - so keep those msgs. coming & we'll continue to support you all the way !

P.S. Don't forget to ask Santa for a one-on-one session w/a Professional Organizer, I'm quite sure you will really happy with the results ;)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

aka: The Rainbow Warrior

Hi Julie,

>>so was *Murphy* your realtive for the week ?<<

He moved in and even unpacked his bags for an extended stay. But, I think I've convinced him that he's done enough damage for one week. <g>

>>I have a favorite quote I'd like to share w/you: "The only limits of achievement are the bonds of belief" - J. Signore<<

Maybe I should post that on my office wall. <g> It's an excellent quote and I thank you for sharing it. I may use it as a mantra when the going gets really tough.

Jill Dubois

Jill, excessive messages require excessive replies....

>>3) The Compaq came with Windows 95 preloaded

Ouch ! Win 95 is a p.i.t.a. Downgrade, please.....

>>4) I had just about all my papers/magazines/etc. sorted into identifiable piles when my husband decided to rearrange the office.

Huuuuubbbbyyyyyyyyyy ! Are ye' crazy or what ? If my girlfriend did that to me I went to buy a rope and shoot myself where the water is deepest. Or kill her (G)

>>To sum it all up, the week started out with disaster forecasted, but has ended up being only a bit stormier than usual. Total organization does not reign yet, but the future is looking much brighter in that direction.

There is NO such thing as a desaster foreast...(except for the CAR REPAIR WORKSHOP BILL ) Oggie (the name I gave the ghost watching my organization progress) told me that he has difficulties in taking over command from Conti (the contamination demon) at my place as well. However, Oggie feels a lot stronger now (G)

(Anybody out here knowing abouth when to put a comma after HOWEVER/THERFORE/ANYHOW and the like ?)

>>So Arnd, it looks like you get the points for this week, but next week they will belong to me!

Nope ! You got one and I got one because we got started ! That was the whole idea..

But...I have my mind set on defending the 'lead' and am already working out the rules for the week beginning SUN 10 Dec...

(despite givng your cupboard-mover a hard time (G))

Arnd - the one that has not been eaten by Conti this week....

Hallo Arnd,

>>Ouch ! Win 95 is a p.i.t.a. Downgrade, please.....<<

I'm ever so slowly getting used it now. It does have some nice features, but I have to admit that I still miss Program Manager and File Manager. I discovered a way to find them, though, when I really get stuck trying to do something that was easy in Windows 3.1.1. <g>

>>If my girlfriend did that to me I went to buy a rope and shoot myself where the water is deepest. Or kill her (G)<<

I was sooooo tempted, but he did it with the very best intentions (I think). <g>

>>Oggie (the name I gave the ghost watching my organization progress) told me that he has difficulties in taking over command from Conti (the contamination demon) at my place as well. However, Oggie feels a lot stronger now (G)<<

ROFL! I love your names for your ghosts. I must have a bigger Conti than an Oggie. I'm still working on making Oggie stronger, though. <g>

>>(Anybody out here knowing abouth when to put a comma after HOWEVER/THERFORE/ANYHOW and the like ?)<<

The rule I use, when in doubt, is to put a comma anywhere you would normally pause when speaking. However, that rule doesn't always hold true. <g>

>>Nope ! You got one and I got one because we got started ! That was the whole idea..<<

Sounds fair to me. <g>

>>But...I have my mind set on defending the 'lead' and am already working out the rules for the week beginning SUN 10 Dec... (despite givng your cupboard-mover a hard time (G))<<

Well, hopefully my hubby will not try rearranging again this week! I may have to get a tad bit violent with him if he does. My goal for the coming week is to resort those piles of papers and get most, if not all, of them filed in the proper places. I'm also planning to get my hundreds of 3.5 disks sorted, labeled and tucked away in the disk holders which will also be properly labeled. I may even take all the magazines that are piled in the corner and place them in their proper notebook holders. Client work has slowed to being almost non-existent this week, so I should have the time. I need to work on marketing this week, too.

Sounds like we're both making progress, if not in leaps and bounds, at least in tiny little steps. Every step forward is one step less backward, though.

TTYL

Jill Dubois

Jill and Arnd,

<<Sounds like we're both making progress, if not in leaps and bounds, at least in tiny little steps. Every step forward is one step less backward, though.>>>

It is so good to "hear" you using phrases like this - and this from the "Queen of Disorganization" if I remember correctly. You are both doing great!!!

Holly Uverity

>>It is so good to "hear" you using phrases like this - and this from the "Queen of Disorganization" if I remember correctly.<<

The Queen still rules, but she's losing ground. <g>

Jill Dubois

<<<The Queen still rules, but she's losing ground. <g>>>>

Isn't that the point? :-) Good for you!

Holly Uverity

Your conversation with Arnd is better than a soap opera so true to life... we are all now dying to know what happens with your hubby ... and also if Arnd is punctuating properly... as if the rest of us can put our commas in the right place all of the time.

Hugs

Grace Cherrington

>>Your conversation with Arnd is better than a soap opera so true to life... we are all now dying to know what happens with your hubby ... and also if Arnd is punctuating properly... as if the rest of us can put our commas in the right place all of the time.<<

Well, to bring everyone up to date: Hubby has been forgiven (ain't that always the way <g>) and everyone seems to have trouble with punctuation (even me).

It was nice chatting with you online the other day. I apologize if I seemed distracted. I was trying to hold a private conversation with 4 different people while also participating in a group discussion. I was having a bit of trouble keeping up with it all. <g>

Jill Dubois

>Your conversation with Arnd is better than a soap opera so true to >life... we are all now dying to know what happens with your hubby >... and also if Arnd is punctuating properly... as if the rest of us >can put our commas in the right place all of the time.

Hubby is forgiven, I am made believe ! The comma stuff is driving me nuts still because I am used to the German comma rules (more than 50).

However(comma) I am made to believe that I do not use them entirely wrong. Therefore(comma) I will use the ,;. and !'s as I did before. Hoping that you will still understand me...

Encouraging Solutions and encouraging hugs, Grace !

Arnd

I'm one of those that uses more than less... some sentences get too long... just neat that hear in these forums I can use lots of "....."

Sending the best (w/o commas)

Grace Cherrington

Sure, Grace....

These ....s are a wonderful invention. I am glad they do not charge royalties

Arnd

Aloha Arnd & Grace!

This *comma* routine makes me chuckle & remember a greta book: ....Anyone read "Running from Safety" by Richard Bach ?? He had a similiar frustration w/the little critters & ended up writing an entire paragraph w/them for spite !

Arnd you are doing swell...but my goodness 50 rules for comma punctuation?? Yikes!

Aloha,

Julie Signore - NAPO member

Aloha Arnd!

Ohmygosh...to think *what* I have been missing in this forum the last couple of

days ! I *needed* this hearty chuckle tonite Arnd - Mahalo!

I LOVE your description of *Conti* & *Oggie* (may I use your description in my seminars?) & yes the However-Comma was placed correctly :)

I am THRILLED to hear *you* tell our dear friend Jill that you *BOTH* got points for starting - Amen!

Arnd....do let us know the temptations that Conti attempts to distract you w/ & we will ALL assist you in seeing to it that Oggie get WELL FED !! :)

Aloha,

Julie Signore

Moin Julie !

>I LOVE your description of *Conti* & *Oggie* (may I use your >description in my seminars?)

Of course, you can....As they are real ghosts, I have no 'copyright' on them (g)

>Arnd....do let us know the temptations that Conti attempts to >distract you w/ & we will ALL assist you in seeing to it that Oggie get WELL FED !! :)

Oh, here's a starter: I open a folder, take out a piece of paper, use it for data entry. Telephone rings, questions asked, next folder, next piece of paper etc.pp..

It is not a matter that can be solved by better organizing but it is more a matter of charakter. I now use mental conditioning procedures to tell my subconscious (spell check please !) to make putting back things as automatic and natural to me as pulling the file and spreading its contents. And guess what ! It just works as fine as self healing, stress reduction and the like. I use simple techniques as described e.g. in the books of Napoleon Hill or Carnegie. They sound a bit weird to the occasional NLP'er but they sure work.

Arnd