Ode to Organization

Okay--I used to pride myself on 1) my phenomenal memory, especially for numbers; 2) my ability to remember where I stored something for easy retrieval; and 3) my PC storage system for information access.

Nobody ever told me that getting older just might mean that I should re-think the amount of information I expect my brain to store just in case it should be needed...

Has anyone else ever saved beaucoups of bookmarks to their PC and then can't remember why they were saved or been totally unable to find a specific cool idea and you just KNOW you saved the link???

My past several hours have been spent re-organizing the blog links I have saved because they were interesting. Since I can't "label" them with notes in IE7, I am making a paper list of many that I know I will want to access older posts from on a regular basis--especially those showing specific papercrafting techniques. This list will then go into my small notebook that stays handy at all times, along with my wish lists for tools, stamps, art supplies and other miscellaneous crafting info.

The project started because my dear crafting friend Beverly had sent a link to an inexpensive coil binding machine as an alternative to a Bind-It-All, and now neither of us can locate that post. (Of course, she has been busy setting up her new blog http://gottheartart.blogspot.com/ and has even tried to tell me over the phone how to post pictures).

So if you know of an inexpensive coil binding machine for personal use, please send the link...and if you know better ways to organize computer info, please help!!!! Meanwhile, I'll be back soon with additional posts on organization for those of us who suffer from CRS as we mature (CRS=Can't Remember Stuff/S***).

Testing...Can I Read Instructions?

One reason posts have been few and far between is my inability to post directly into my blog from anything other than my home PC.  I read this wonderful "help" article on Blogger.com and think I am now set up to be able to post from any PC anywhere via e-mail.

I laughingly call instructions "destructions" because so many times they are hard to interpret, but I may have understood these and am trying it out.

If this posts correctly, look out world, here I come on a regular basis!

Let's see if the "destructions" work....

 

 

If at First, You Don't Succeed...

We all know the ending to that phrase, but sometimes trying again needs to occur after rethinking the whole proposition.

I have (temporarily) decided that a Memory Works website is too much to handle as I cannot check for orders on a daily basis. I have not given up my Consultant status, but for the moment, I am not swimming upstream to turn this into a sideline business. Age has taught me that when the time is right for an experience, all the pieces fall gently and gracefully into place.

I may set this up at a later date (and will certainly post if I do), but for now, my concentration is on learning to share thru my blog and continuing to work on TGAN and my various personal crafting projects.

Gustav on My Mind

I've been a bad blogger this summer; did not really mean to take all summer off, but it happened. Many times, I would think of things to post and then could not access the appropriate computer, so I am now learning to post by other methods and you will see more frequent posts (and pictures when I learn how).

The end of August brought many feelings about Katrina that are now doing somersaults due to Gustav. My gratitude is overwhelming for all those who helped me back on my feet 3 years ago and my prayers go out to all those experiencing Gustav. Those of you who returned to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast were much braver than I.

I could post political thoughts today (I have many LOL!) and certainly have crafting and book posts to make, but they must all wait a bit longer, as the weather in Louisiana and Mississippi is uppermost in my mind. Blessings to all those affected...

May was Manic!

Where did the month go? Movies were seen (Iron Man and Prince Caspian--both ranked 5/5 with me), and Prince Caspian is on my "Buy" list when it comes out on DVD. Iron Man ended in such a way I really feel they are planning a sequel. Also saw Smart People and now I understand all the buzz about Ellen Page; having had NO desire to see Juno, I was unaware of this young woman's talent. She is certainly an actress whose career I will follow.

Books got read and my Paperback Swap BIR list got updated with the reviews--25 total with the majority being cozy mysteries. I also read both of Claudine Hellmuth's collage books from the library and simply must track down copies for my own. The stand-out book of the month was without a doubt Trace Adkins' A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck which now ranks as one of my all-time favorite reads. He has always been a favorite performer of mine, but my admiration grew as I read his well-reasoned commentary on America today. Lots of deep thinking in that slim volume!


New shifts at work ate up some of the month as well. I temporarily have the mid-day free and work mornings and evenings while we train new staff. That has turned out to be quite fun in a way and a blessing in disguise because of the errands that can be done locally in the afternoons--I will almost regret going back to the old 8-hour straight schedule later this summer.


And speaking of summer--it has come to Dallas! I am trying to be as energy-efficient as possible but must admit that I had to turn on the AC and lower the thermostat to 80. Whether it be obesity, age-related hormones, or just plain being spoiled, I can no longer work well if the room is hot. The blinds are staying closed except in early morning and I purchased fans for the bedroom and living room (already had one for the office where the biggest majority of my day is spent).


Speaking of the office...courtesy of my IRS refund, my crafting area is slowly coming together! My home PC is on a more suitable desk, my sewing machines have a table soon to be dedicated strictly to them, and my crafting table is ready to be organized (do piles of things count as organization???) The digital camera is scheduled for pickup this weekend. June planned purchases include 2 Iris carts to organize my supplies as well as the long-awaited all-in-one printer. There are currently stacks all over the floor, but I really want it organized by the end of June. I plan on a couple of hours of cleaning and organizing tomorrow because Saturday is our monthly stamping group (gratefully not here LOL!)

Memorial Day was of course a workday for me as most holidays are, but before I close, and although I am tardy in saying so, I am truly grateful for all those who have put their lives on the line to defend our freedom, and I light candles for those who paid the ultimate price that I might live in this great land. May those in uniform be always cradled in the Creator's hand. We are indeed the home of the free because of the brave.