Our family calendar is filling up rapidly for the remainder of the year. On top of ongoing personal chores, cooking, errands, Get Organized Now! business TO DOs and projects, the fitness classes I teach, and the driving back and forth my daughter requires for school, activities, and her job...my family has quite a bit of 'extras' that need to be done this fall/winter. Here are a dozen of these 'extras' just off the top of my head.

1. Prep for Thanksgiving. We're hosting...so this entails many smaller TO DOs.

2. Handle Christmas TO DOs. This entails a lengthy list of TO DOs as well.

3. Trade in Car. Our 3-year car lease is ending and we're in the process of researching, getting quotes, etc. for the next vehicle.

4. Get ding in current leased car fixed. A truck threw a rock at us while we were on the freeway, and the rock gave the hood of our car a nice, big dent and scratch. That has to be repaired before we hand in the car.

5. Research another (used) car for our daughter. She is getting her driver's license soon and has been saving up. She's almost ready for us to begin car shopping with her.

6. Collect tax paperwork as it comes in and get/keep that organized. Close out last year's taxes.

7. Decide on Health Insurance Marketplace plan. This is a fun (not really) annual task. Since my husband and I are self-employed, we have to secure our own health insurance.

8. Make annual doctor's appointment before the end of the year and go to that appointment.

9. Schedule orthodontist check-up for my daughter before the end of the year, and take her to that appointment.

10. Organize for annual scrapbooking retreat in early December. Planning for this is a lot of work...but worth it because I love it so much.

11. Get our business TO DOs and projects in line for the new year, and prepare for dozens of media interviews. This is a super-busy time of year for Get Organized Now! Getting organized is one of the top three New Year's resolutions for millions of people around the world.

12. My daughter's birthday is soon to follow after that...and that comes along with its own set of TO DOs as well.

I could go on and on...but you get the idea.

The point of this is NOT to complain. That won't get anything done. It's also not to show you how much I have to do...because I know there are many people out there who are just as busy...even busier...than me. There are also people unable (health-wise) to handle their TO DOs this year, so trust me, I count my blessings no matter how busy I am.

I am sharing this because, when there is a big list of tasks and projects to get done in a short period of time, it's very easy to become overwhelmed...almost to the point of coming to a complete stand-still. So, when you run into a similar 'crazy schedule situation,' here are some tips to handle your long list calmly AND to get things done:

1) Take a deep breath and relax. The more worked up you get, the less productive you will be. Step outside for fresh air, as needed, to refocus. Allow the sunshine to touch your face...even if only for a few minutes at a time. Take tea breaks. Don't work, work, work and keep working until you're at your breaking point.

2) Make a written MASTER list to take the pressure off your mind and so you don't forget to do what needs to be done. Then slide four TO DOs at a time from it onto a 'DO NOW LIST.' Don't move anything else over until those four tasks are done. Then, move four more over. (I recommend choosing two high priority tasks...and 2 quick and easy tasks that can be done in 15 minutes or less.) For instance, making an appointment doesn't usually take more than 10 minutes. Once the appointment is made, you can cross that off your list. Being able to start and finish small tasks ensures your task list is shrinking AND it helps you to feel accomplished.

3) Break big projects up into tiny steps. Projects (a project is something requiring many steps, like hosting Thanksgiving) need TO DO lists of their own. Prioritize and think about your time frame. I can't pick up a fresh turkey this early, for instance, but I can certainly shop for all my non-perishable baking supplies.

4) Determine what you can eliminate if time begins to run out. There may be some TO DOs that you WANT to get done by the end of the year, but that really don't HAVE to be done by then. Sometimes, 'doing it all' is way too much.

5) Be sure you still schedule time for fun, like going to a holiday craft fair or seeing a Christmas play at your local theater. YES, you have time to do this. In fact, having those rewards along the way may be the only things you have allowing you to keep your sanity during this very busy time of the year.

To fast forward to The Cat Language Bible, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-cat-bible.html

Yes, meow means something

What does it mean, you ask?

Good question. It's about the same as aloha in Hawaiian.

The meaning changes.

Context matters hugely. Is it a mean meow, or a friendly one?

What about the cat's body action? Is he facing towards you, or away? Is the tail curled, or lying flat against the floor?

Depending on these points, 'meow' could mean 'let's watch a movie together' or 'boy am I thirsty right now.'

So getting the tone and body language right is critical.

Finally, there's a quick guide on the essentials of cat communication to open your ears (and your heart) into the fascinating world of feline communication, both verbal and nonverbal.

This guide, written by a PhD animal communications expert Dr Jonas Jurgella, is the missing link that allows you to bond with your own feline friend as if he was a human child.

That's the power of true and honest communication, vs the primitive 'animal baby talk' that so many pet owners unfortunately relegate themselves to.

Learn more about 'The Cat Language Bible' here:

getorganizednow.com/rd-cat-bible.html

P.S. Your cat will be most appreciative...and you'll feel great knowing that you truly understand your cat's needs and wants.

P.P.S. Don't miss out: When you obtain your copy of 'The Cat Language Bible' BEFORE November 15th, you'll also get 4 COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES:

* The Cat Care Guide
* Training Your Cat
* A to Z Feline Nutrition
* Lifetime Updates

GON Top 10 List My Top 10 favorite foods for staying slim and trim...a must see if you're interested in getting in shape and being healthy
getorganizednow.com/topten-foods-slim.html



GON Dirty Little Secrets Here's how I keep my house clean, without the need for an overload of cleaning products...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-keep-house-clean.html


In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

New Web Poll How do you cook your Thanksgiving turkey? Take our web poll and let us know.

Facebook Feature Discover the Top Ten Procrastination Busters

November Organizing Checklist Good organization is something to appreciate for a lifetime. Begin today with our NEW November Organizing Checklist. Don't look back. Start from today's date and move ahead.

November Organizing Mini-Challenges For each week of November, our mini challenges will be 'Easy as Pie' Challenges, which means accomplishing them will be a cinch. Do the challenge for WEEK TWO this week.

Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'My hour for tea is half-past five, and my buttered toast waits for nobody.' --Wilkie Collins

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2019 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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