But, Planning is No Fun

As I was chatting with a new friend the other day, she asked me what I did for a living. When I told her I helped others get organized, she said, 'Oh, I don't have time for that planning stuff...it's just not fun. I'm a spontaneous person.' She then spent the remainder of the conversation telling me how she can't get anything done, that her house looks like a tornado went through it and that she's always exhausted from running around to and fro.

In her mind, she feels that planning is not fun. So, she doesn't plan. In the meantime, she chronically complains at the problems that could be resolved--if only for a little bit of planning.

Did you know that planning can actually help to make your life more fun and enjoyable? I can't imagine I'd have as much 'play time' as I do, without planning out my schedule.

When I plan my schedule for the week, I actually schedule in time for fun. No, I don't plan exactly what fun thing I'm going to be doing every single time. However, when I land on a 'play time hour' on my schedule, I can pick and choose whether I lounge in the backyard reading a book, go to the park and run around with my daughter or work on my latest scrapbook or sewing project.

By planning my cleaning and organizing schedule ahead of time, I spend no time doing things I don't like to do, such as searching for a lost bill, duplicating work or picking up laundry strewn about.

When I plan, I'm also anticipating possible problems. For instance, instead of expecting my daughter to not follow her chore schedule, I think ahead and reward her even better for remembering to follow her chore schedule on her own. This works out to my benefit, as most of the time, she does her chores without being asked. And I'm not always caught up in a struggle to get her to do it.

When my husband and I plan vacations, we make dinner reservations ahead of time, so we're not wasting time standing in line. We check restaurants, event locations, hotels, etc. before we go, so we're not there at the busiest time, when something is closing or caught without something we might need at that particular place. This ensures less sidetrips to Walgreens for forgotten toiletries and less 'I don't like anything on the menu' proclamations because we didn't bother to spend a few minutes checking out a restaurant's web site.

Planning allows for spontaneity. Even though I have a schedule that I abide by 95% of the time, I do allow for flexibility. I may not do a project or two at the time I originally scheduled if something comes up unexpectedly. Of course, I then re-schedule that project--and I can easily do so because I planned ahead to ensure my schedule wasn't jam-packed and that there was time for this sort of flexibility in the first place.

It's because of planning, that I've been able to reach my goals. It's because of planning, that I'm able to strive for new goals that I know I will accomplish. For me, planning is a way of life--and I wouldn't want it any other way. For me, planning IS fun.

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.

Joe and I will, once again, both be walking in the Relay which takes place on August 14th and 15th 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.

How You Can Donate

This year, you can donate online on this link:

Relay for Life Donations

OR, you can 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

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

Your donation is tax-deductible.

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.

Latest Book: Loving Frank

My latest summer book read is 'Loving Frank' by Nancy Horan. It's the love story of famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress, Mamah Cheney. I'm about a quarter of the way into the book, and so far, very good.

What are some of your recent good reads? Let us know and I'll compile a book list of what GON visitors are reading. Send your titles (include authors), 5 or less, to getorgnow@charter.net

Up

We took a family movie day this past weekend and went to see 'Up'. What a lovely, inspiring movie--that my husband and I enjoyed probably as much as, if not more than, our 5-year old daughter.

If this movie doesn't remind you to always keep your eye on your goals and dreams, no matter what obstacles are handed to you, I don't know what would.

This movie is a must-see in my book.

Summer Vacation is Here--Balance Your Time

If you have school-age children at home, you're likely getting ready for summer vacation--and having the kids home for the next few months.

While it's so lovely to have this extra time to share with the young ones, we all still need to get things done too (work, cleaning, cooking, bill paying, etc.)

One thing I plan to do is start the day right off with some mommy-daughter time. Right after breakfast, we'll go for a walk, do a craft, play a game, read together, go swimming and so on.

Afterwards, we'll either invite a friend over to play, or our daughter will go to a friend's home to play.

Then, lunch. Then, quiet time (our daughter can read, paint, etc.). Then, daddy-daughter time. Finally, we'll end the evening with a family dinner, and family time.

In having a rough schedule like this, Joe and I will be able to get our work done AND be sure we're not missing this precious extra time with our child.

Having a plan, even if it's not a minute-by-minute schedule, will give you a blueprint of your day. Of course, flexibility is important for unusual circumstances, but for the most part, we'll all be able to enjoy a balanced summer vacation!