Summer Days -- Being Outside!

Ah, summer! On these beautiful days, it's so difficult to be inside working. So, I try to make the most of this gorgeous weather by getting outside as much as possible, in between my tasks and projects.

For instance, last week I woke up early and did my work-related writing for a few hours. Afterwards, I took my daughter to the park for a playdate with our friends. We had a lovely picnic and a wonderful one hour break.

I went back to work afterwards for a few more hours, and then we took a half hour walk.

I went back to work once again, and by 5:00PM, we were done for the evening.

We ate outside on the deck and caught a little more sunshine.

All in all, I managed to get tons done, with quite a bit of enjoyment time to boot!

If you work a 9 to 5 job, you may not have as much flexibility with your schedule. But most anyone can get some time outside during the day. For example, when I worked in New York, I always walked to work on nice mornings to be outside in the fresh air. Lunch was generally eaten outside and when I left work I usually walked back to the bus station, often stopping to window shop or check out some of the local artists displaying on the sidewalk.

Summer goes by so quickly. Make the most of each minute!

Catch the Reading Bug!

Each year, our town library is involved in a Summer Reading Program for the kids. For my daughter, age 4, her goal is to read (or have read to her) a total of 900 pages by the end of the season. She has 3 mini goals to reach of 300 pages each. At the end of each goal met, she receives a mini-reward and at the very end, she receives a free book, a gift pack filled with gift certificates from local businesses, and an invitation to the big pool party at the town aquatic center.

In addition to the reading program, there are also some fun family activities such as a scavenger hunt and live programs at the library such as Critterman and Bubble Wonders.

It's a wonderful program that encourages reading and learning--even when school is not in session.

We read to her every single night, and she's starting to read easy mini books on her own. As a result, Amanda has already reached her first mini-goal in only one week. She was thrilled to hang her 'first goal-met' flower on the library wall (with her name on it) and was also happy to receive a butterfly finger puppet. She's looking forward to the completion of the next 300 pages.

Anyone can benefit from the systems used at our library's summer reading program--either to read books or to reach most any goal.

Setting mini-goals is akin to taking baby steps. Little by little, with your eye on each prize, you get there. Those mini-rewards help a bunch too. Rather than waiting all the way until your major goal is met, you get to enjoy the journey all the way through.

For instance, perhaps your goal this summer is to get the clutter out of your kitchen. That is your major goal. Your mini-goals could be a) Declutter the cabinets and countertops, b) Declutter your Pantry c) Declutter Your Refrigerator. Your mini-rewards for each mini-goal could be a) Take two hours to yourself to read while lounging in the backyard, b) Get a mini-manicure and c) Enjoy an iced tea while listening to your favorite music.

When the entire job is done, you can give yourself a bigger reward, such as buying some pretty artwork you've been meaning to get--to show off your newly organized kitchen space!

Whatever your goals are this summer, think mini-goals and rewards along the way. You'll feel both productive and energized with each accomplishment!

Flood!

If you've been following the news, you've likely heard about all the rain we've had in the past week in the midwest. In just a few days, we've accumulated over 10 inches of it! I just saw a photo of the park we go to all the time--the entire play area is under water.

The rivers in town are overflowing. Major highways have been closed down, peoples homes are flooded, businesses are water-logged, and deadly accidents are happening.

We're thanking our lucky stars that we live on a bit of an incline. Knock on wood, we haven't had any water problems in our house. But people just a few homes away lost treadmills, TVs, furniture, rugs, priceless photographs, and more that were being stored in their basements. It's just devastating to see this happening right around us.

This is just another reminder to be thankful for every good day we have and to show our love and appreciation for our loved ones.

It's another reminder to scan and back up precious photos and documents so they're in at least two different places at all times. You'll never know how much they mean to you until they're gone.

If you've been affected by the recent rainfall, or any unexpected emergency situation, our thoughts are with you.

Help Fight Cancer: You Can Make a Difference

For those of you who have known me through my web site, newsletter and blog over the years, you'll know that I've been passionately involved in my town's Relay for Life Event as part of the Watertown Newcomers and Neighbors Club Team, WI.

Relay For Life is a family-oriented event where team members take turns walking or running on a track for 18 hours. Cancer survivors, their families and the public are invited to take part in this rewarding team relay event.

Why am I involved in the Relay?

First, it's an amazing cause and wonderful to be part of an event that is helping others in such a big way.

Second, my husband, Joe, and I both have close family members and friends who have had to battle (or are currently battling) with cancer.

Most recently, my own mother--I just discovered this fact about a week ago.

Joe and I will, once again, both be walking in the Relay which takes place on August 8th and 9th in Watertown, WI. We see it as an opportunity to remember friends and family members who have lost their battle to cancer, to honor cancer survivors and to encourage those who are fighting cancer.

Last year, our team raised nearly $5000 for this cause and tied for 4th place in our city.

This year, we're participating once again. We hope to surpass last year's goal.

I hope you will support this effort by making a small donation. This is a flat donation and not a per mile donation. Even $5 - $10 would be an enormous help.

As an extra incentive (this is the very first time we've done this), for every increment of $1000 received, Get Organized Now! will donate $250 in addition!

Your donation is tax-deductible. Please make your check or money order out to the 'American Cancer Society' and mail it to me:

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
611 Arlington Way
Watertown WI 53094

Or, if you prefer, simply send it to my Pay Pal account: getorgnow@charter.net

I will keep you posted on my personal totals, and on our team totals, via my blog and newsletter.

I usually do not feel comfortable asking people for money, but this fundraiser is such an important reason to do so. Thanks so much and may you receive many blessings for your generosity.

P.S. Here are some of our team photos from past Relay events:

2007 Photos

2006 Photos