You'll love my new, exclusive . . .
Get Organized Now! BINGO! Organizing Printable!

It's a new, quick, easy, fun way to get organized. Each GON Bingo! card lists 24 easy organizing tasks you or your family can accomplish. Get five in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally and you get to select a reward from the rewards list. Kids love to play too!

To access and print it, visit:
getorganizednow.com/free-resources.html

Happy organizing and enjoy some GON BINGO! organizing fun!

Maria Gracia

P.S. Please forward this newsletter to friends and family so they, too, can access this resource. Thank you for spreading the love!

If there's anything we've learned since the pandemic began over a year ago, it's that 'doing things different' has become a way of life. Sometimes, doing things different than what we're used to isn't exactly welcomed in a warm and fuzzy way. Most of us like things the way we like things...and when things are stirred up from those comfortable ways, it can be frustrating.

That being said, sometimes different is actually better...and may even be worth doing it that new way in the future. Here are two examples:

Example 1:

My family ventured out to a lovely restaurant for brunch for Easter. We've been to their Easter brunch before and the set up has always been open food stations where you get up from your table, grab a plate, choose the foods you like (buffet-style), and return to your table. This past Easter, things were a bit different. Instead of getting up from our table, there were lists and pencils on each table. Each person used the list and pencil to check off whatever he or she wanted...omelets, pancakes, waffles, fruit, rolls, ham, lamb, vegetables, pasta bar items, smoked fish, juices, desserts, etc. There were a ton of options. The server then brought those items...an individual plate for each person...to the table.

It was still an all-you-can-eat type of deal. If you wanted more, you just filled out another list and the server assisted. It was a wonderful meal and a very well-organized system.

Honestly, while I've always enjoyed the variety of foods that a brunch provides, I never loved having to keep getting up to get my food. Not that I'm lazy... although being lazy on a holiday is kind of nice now and then. It was more the time spent away from family. One person sits down, another is getting up to get food...one or more family members has always been away from the table getting food and often waiting on a long line to do so. Plus, the cleanliness aspect, of course. Not to be gross, but I'm sure in all the brunches I've attended, someone has sneezed or coughed near the buffet...or perhaps a young child has picked up a roll or dessert and then put it back.

In my mind, I liked the new, different system this year, and I would love for it to be the same way in future years.

Example 2:

I have a hobby job at the YMCA in my town. I teach Zumba and Pound Fitness classes. Trust me, if you're not good about working out, consider teaching fitness classes. If you HAVE to be there, you're more likely to be there. I never miss my workout and that's because I teach the classes.

Anyway, pre-pandemic, when folks were done using the gym mats, exercise equipment, treadmills, etc., each person was responsible for cleaning whatever they used. Some folks were really good above doing so, and others...well... let's just say they weren't. So, if you were the next person using those items, you had to hope that the previous person was proactive about cleaning whatever he or she used.

Once the gym re-opened, I cannot begin to tell you how clean things have been. What are we doing different? Well, each gym member is still asked to spray down whatever he or she used...BUT, after each class, the instructors are now cleaning every single item everyone used with heavy-duty, disinfectant cleaner, and cleaning teams were hired to thoroughly clean the equipment after each use. There is actually a cleaning attendant watching and washing.

Is this extra work for the instructors? Yes. As an instructor, does this bother me? No. Not at all. Instructors at my gym want everything to be thoroughly cleaned AND have the confidence that cleaning job was properly handled. We're getting paid for the extra time, and it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes after each class. New opportunities are now available for those cleaning the treadmills and such...so now those folks had jobs they didn't have before. Those who are coming to the gym are so grateful for all the extra cleaning efforts and my gym has been safely opened for quite some time because of all of these efforts...as well as other covid-safety measures in place.

Do I want all of this extra cleaning effort to go away once we're past the pandemic? No way. All of this cleaning will help ensure other illnesses aren't picked up at the gym...colds, flu, and so on.

In summary, there is some good that has come out of this horrible pandemic and lots we can all learn from and use to our advantage in the future.

P.S. If you have a 'Different is Better' story, I'd love to hear from you. Just reply. I will be publishing these stories in future editions of this newsletter.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the APRIL 2021 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the APRIL Issue...

Get and Keep the Kindness Ball Rolling
It makes the world a better place for you and for everyone else.

Things That Folks Who Like to Save Money Never Buy
Knowing what folks who like to save money rarely buy can help us spend less and save more

Embracing the Rain
There are many positives if we can see past the raindrops

Can't Make a Decision?
Here are tips and strategies for those times when you're feeling overwhelmed with the decision at hand

Nutty Recipes
* Walnut Tacos
* Cashew Fettucini Alfredo

Making Good Choices for a Healthier You
Making better food choices and adding in moderate exercise

Giving Great Compliments
3 Secrets for Sincerely Making Others Feel Great

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on APRIL 9: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. Do today's task on my April Monthly Organizing Checklist. The April 9 TO DO focuses on bike season. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my April Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Organize grilling supplies. Get all of your grilling utensils and gear contained. My husband keeps grilling tongs, spatulas, basting brushes, bbq gloves, heavy-duty foil, etc. in one plastic, lidded box. When he's ready to grill, he just grabs the box, heads outside, and has everything he needs.

___ 3. How many have you done? Be sure to pop onto my web site and revisit my April challenges. Which are you working on? How many have you done? Let me know. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my April Organizing and Life Challenges.

'Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.' (Ralph Blum)

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comments, suggestions, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2021 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia