Staying Organized
That sounds good, doesn’t it?
I’m using that title because people are always saying that I’m organized. I don’t really think I am–but this is what I do to help me not forget.
I keep a paper calendar–a big one. It’s on my desk. I put everything on it, places I need to be and blogs that I”m going to be on. I check the calendar at night and again in the morning.
I always get out the clothes I’m going to wear the next day depending upon if I’m going somewhere or just working at home. I always get dressed because I never know when someone might stop by. (I have a big family and they tend to come over whenever they get an urge to do so.)
I have a list of what needs to be done (also on paper) beside my computer. I add to it all the time. Crossing something that’s done off the list give me great satisfaction.
What I don’t do is housework. Fortunately, I have family members who need extra money who are willing to clean for me. I still do the laundry and cook most of the evening meals. We always have family members eating with us–and sometimes one of them will cook. I enjoy cooking and I don’t know how to cook for just two. (Hubby and I raised 5 kids and we always had guests for dinner-the kids’ friends or ours. Later, we owned and operated a home for 6 women with developmental disabilities and I fixed all the meals for them–and just like it’s always been, there were always extras around the table.
The older I get, the shorter the days seem to be and I don’t get quite as much accomplished as I once did. However, I still manage to write two books a year, do all the promotion they require, attend my weekly writers’ critique group, a Sister in Crime meeting when I can (I belong to three), participate in book events, teach a kids’ Sunday School class nearly every Sunday, do things with my family and when possible, sneak away for a day with my hubby (might just be doing errands, going to a movie, and nice restaurant meal.)
And yes, I do read whenever I get the chance, and hubby and I love to watch movies together in the evening.
That’s as organized as I am.
What tips do any of the rest of you have about staying organized?
Marilyn
I’m still promoting Not as it Seems.
Great post… wish I were half as organized as your are!
I'm not as organized as some others.
I'm a bit obsessive about being organized. It began when I was teaching. Being organized helped me survive. My basic tip for organization is everything has a place and when I'm not using it, it goes back to its place. I'm embarrassed to say that when I do MISPLACE something, it ruins my day. See, I told you I was obsessive.
I'm SO with you. I LOATHE hunting for things. I have a near-photographic memory and can usually remember where I saw something last–unless Larry moves it or I 'stash' it because the cleaners are coming. (We have been able to keep our every two weeks cleaners, even though I was afraid we'd have to give them up when we retired.)
I'm probably not as organized as the both of you–mainly because I have a hubby and family members who borrow stuff and don't put whatever back where it belongs. But I also prepare for things way ahead of time so I don't have to rush or maybe forget something.
We keep our calendar on the computer. It synchs with all our devices: iPad, phones, etc. Either of us can add events, so at any time we are on the same page. When I was working outside of the house, I was much more organized than I am now!
I still cling to paper things. My phone etc. doesn't always work the way I want them too.
How do your organize your writing? Do you do so many words a day? Or do you write when you have an idea? Just wondering how the pros do it. Nice blog post.
I write as much as I can when I can. Sometimes that's a lot and at others not so much. Because I write 2 books a year, I know I have to keep at it steadily. Somedays I have other things that take me away from my computer–but I'm always thinking of new ideas and jotting them down.
You're more organized than me, but then I have this big elephant in my way. My day job. I'm trying to figure out how to organize around it. Now that I've been able to get back to your book, I'm at chapter nineteen.
Hi, Linda, actually when I was working all the time (living in an running my care home) I got much more done then I do now. You're nearly through with the book that has a character with your name. Hope you enjoyed it.
It was a wonderful surprise for me to learn that I do share some traits with you about being organized. However, you are still way ahead of me with all that you manage to accomplish in one day. I'm trying to find a good house cleaner to come every two weeks to free that time up for myself, but where I live, that's easier said than done. Great post.!
Hi, Jackie, I suspect we have a lot in common. One day we'll have to sit over coffee and discuss this and other topics.