How organized are you?

My goal was to get out of work today by 6pm. I came across Friday morning's schedule for me and realized that I'd be in meetings from 9am until noon tomorrow. With no time to prep for the calls tomorrow, I figured it would be wise for me to organize my thoughts before I left for the day.

No, I don't get paid overtime. But it is extremely important to me to be organized and prepared for tomorrow.

Many people would have just went home and winged it. I would have anxiety thinking about curveballs that'd be thrown at me during the call or losing control.

So my question is... Do you stay organized at work to make sure you are clear on what the daily agenda is? Or do you just wing it? I've implemented some great techniques to maintain organization at the job and they have filtered over to my personal life - just ask me how many google docs I have prepped for the wedding.

If you are in any form of project management and fail to filter these techniques to your personal life - how organized are you?

I am willing to share my secrets but I just don't think you want to be bothered with it. Or maybe you do. Better management of your work life, leads to more productive work days, less stress and smiles.

A to-do list is your first step. Have a good night!

The importance of time alone

Saturday morning, Michael and I were at church completing one of the steps to getting married in the church. There was a question on this "test" asking us if we understood the importance of spending time alone and it made me think. We hadn't done that in a long time. Michael is my best friend, we go to work together, we spend a lot of time together...I love it! But, I used to do things on my own and now I just expect him to be by my side all the time.

So today, I spent the majority of my day alone, away from Michael. Took the bus to the 4 train, then to Long Island City Queens. I arrived a little early so I acted like a hipster in a coffee shop called Communitea and ordered an iced latte. I read the New York Times for a few minutes (of course about the changing dynamics of family) before Kelly joined me at El Ay Si for brunch. Recovering from a long night out, I was not sure I could make it through the day. Thank goodness that the Coca-Cola helped me through. After brunch, we bought cute little bamboo mats and ended up at the park. We stayed until 7pm, reading trash magazines and chatting about random things. Although I was not alone, I was alone from the love of my life.

My point being is that I enjoyed giving myself some alone time. It's important. We are 117 days away from our wedding day and I cannot wait! If you are in a committed serious relationship, please take a break and spend some time with your friends alone, away from your love. It will be good for all parties involved!

Enjoy your Sunday night.

I had all kinds of butt on me this morning...

What's wrong with you you say? Well it is not fun to feel other butts rub against yours. I don't know these butts. Anyway, the trains were extra crowded this morning and I just couldn't deal with this tall guy's butt all up in mine. I was standing next to Mike and I kept huffing and puffing because the guy just didn't get off my ass. Maybe it was intentional but still.

Then I'm waiting for the train and a lady passes behind but proceeds to rub her butt all over mine. Not sure if that's the norm these days but I will avoid butts if I'm passing through close quarters.

It's called courtesy, don't rub on my butt and I won't rub on yours.. LOL!

The importance of saying yes or no

So my brother, sister-in-law and I are helping to organize a party/catered lunch for close friends and family of our parents. It's their 40th anniversary. We ask them to RSVP. Why can't people do this BEFORE the due date. I never thought it was a big deal to RSVP whenever I received an invite. But, now that I'm planning this party with my brother and preparing for my upcoming nuptials, I now realize the importance of saying yes or no. If you're a maybe, then you are a maybe from the get go. If you are a no, why would you wait to say no to the organizers.

I just don't get it.

There is quite a lot that goes into planning and preparing for a party no matter how small or big. Maybe it's just me but is it not rude to NOT respond? I think so. So think about it the next time someone asks you to let them know if you're attending. It helps planners everywhere. Pretty soon, we'll all be less stressed about hosting events... or maybe not.

ps. if you have a pre-addressed envelope, that should always be sent out RIGHT away.

Some shots that I love.

Here are some shots I love. Black and white - always powerful.

(I take no credit for these photos, simply pointing out their beauty.)

Here are some shots in Fort Tryon Park -  wedding photo location:

Busy time, can't you tell?

I'll be back in a few days