Are You Organized Yet?

It has been a week since New Year's resolution time and one of the most popular resolutions was "to get organized." So, if that was your resolution, are you organized yet? Maybe in one room? Or just a closet?

What? Not done yet? Well, relax. It may not be your fault. There are sixteen medical conditions that may result in disorganization. Yes, sixteen! Don't panic, because you might not have one of these conditions. Wrong Diagnosis tells us "some level of disorganization is not necessarily a symptom of disease." It could be as simple as tiredness, perhaps as a consequence of an over-busy schedule.

Now remember, "to get organized" is a popular resolution, so that means many people are disorganized. In fact, there is a National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), a non-profit educational organization. Look at the fact sheets to determine if you qualify as chronically disorganized or if you have to deal with it. They provide training for effected persons or people who want to become professional organizers, as well as referrals to people they have trained or related professionals.

There has to be a less drastic solution to organize a cluttered room. There are several TV programs that show a team clearing a house or room, discarding the unnecessary items, remodeling, and replacing must-save items. Does a fresh start guarantee an organized room? At least for awhile.

My favorite is Mission: Organization on HGTV hosted by Gail O'Neil where professional organizers follow a simple formula to walk the disorganized people from chaos to order. It is only 1/2 hour, and it may be just the inspiration you need.

My desk is cluttered now and again, but I like it better when it's not. Personally, I have lived in all stages of organization. I do tend to horde, as NSGCD warns, but not much, mostly papers. I prefer clear cabinets in the kitchen, minimal or at least neat decor, less furniture instead of crowded rooms.

technorati tags: organization, disorganization, chronicdisorganization, missionorganization, vicki'sblog, clutter, unclutter

Heard It Enough?

Have you ever heard a word or phrase that you absolutely do not want to hear again? Sometimes terminology just runs away from us, and a well-turned phrase becomes a too-oft-repeated irritant. For example --

Back in the day (whichever day that was), before we were in a post 9/11(the date used to mark all time) world, when everything we ate was organic (because, after all, what food isn't?) and very few of us knew about waterboarding (which almost sounds like surfing), life was something that is what it is (whatever that is).

Lake Superior State University recognizes many words and phrases are misused, overused, or generally just useless. For the last 33 years LSSU has published a list of these words to be banished. This year, more than 2000 were nominated from which a committee produces the final list.

Have a favorite vocabulary pet peeve? See if it made the LSSU 2008 Banished Words List.

technorati tags: banishedwords, , lakesuoperiorstateuniversity, vickiwblog,

Christmas Dinner, Here and There

Christmas is celebrated in many countries around the world. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Christmas dinner meal. But the center meal is surely not the same in so many different cultures.

Well, that's true. Turkey seems to be popular in many homes, almost everywhere. If not turkey, other poultries such as duck, goose, or even pheasant make the family happy. Ham, too, is favored, as is roast beef, especially in the UK and former colonies. Some cultures have different ideas.

Japan likes fried chicken and strawberry shortcake. In Australia, chicken or ham is eaten cold, or shrimp is bar-be-qued. Remember it's summer down under.

Several cultures center their meal around twelve courses or dishes. Poland, for example, has 12 meatless dishes breaking a fasting period. The Ukrainian 12 courses are each dedicated to an apostle. They eat boiled wheat.

Finnish dinners consist of ham or fish with a smorgasboard of side dishes. The French stay up, often after midnight. The Netherlands has gourmet dishes, often individually cooked and the table in small skillets. The Mexican feast is largely fruits around special stews and tamales.

So many different cultures with as many different culinary tastes, all to celebrate Christmas. Read details in Wikipedia or an article about special dinners around the world.

Enjoy your Christmas tradition and your family dinner, or try something new by borrowing a taste from another culture.

technorati tags: Christmasdinner,, traditionalchristmasdinner, christmasdinneraroundtheworld, vickisblog

Sending Smiles to Wounded Soldiers

I suggested sending a Christmas card to a wounded soldier. I thought it would add a smile to his or her day.

I ran across an article that cautions sending letters to unnamed soldiers. Apparently the Pentagon is concerned a toxic substance or a hateful message will be sent. The hospitals lack the manpower to screen the cards, so they will be returned or discarded. How sad.

If you have names of specific soldiers, be sure to remember them this festive season.

Sorry to be the one to spread this information. It sounded good to me. Sorrier we have to worry about such things.

technorati tags: redcross, holidaycards, cardstowoundedsoldiers, supportthetroops, vicki'sblog

A World Fit for Children

World War II had ended, an organization had begun an international co-operation promoting world peace, and Europe was facing a grim winter. As the Iron Curtain divided Eastern and Western Europe, a Geneva conference worked to restore Europe.

Ludwik Rajchman spoke for the children suffering from lack of resources in their war-torn homelands. A resolution in the UN General Assembly created United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, December 11, 1946. UNICEF was born with the promise of no restrictions where the aid might be provided.

Look at UNICEF now after 61 years review of "Progress for Children" towards building a world fit for children. What started with providing powdered milk to children of the war evolved into a broad range of programs to benefit children around the world.

Support by sending UNICEF cards and gifts. They even have a variety of e-cards.

technorati tags: ludwikrajchman, poland, unicef, unitednationsinternationalchildren'semergencyfund, christmascards, gifts, vickisblog,

Does Medicare Matter?

If you are not on Medicare now, there is a good chance you will be sometime in the future, so you might want to pay attention.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a membership organization leading positive social change and delivering value to people 50 and over through information, advocacy and service. AARP has a project that supports legislation to strengthen Medicare. This legislature benefits everyone, not just the aging population.

Medicare premiums are rising to the point that some doctors are likely to limit the number of Medicare patients. AARP would like to preserve access to doctors and prevent premiums from skyrocketing. Prescription drugs are often quite expensive, and lower income citizens need help to pay for them.

With this in mind, AARP is asking Congress to pass legislation to ensure Medicare is accessible and affordable. Support this project and sign the petition.

technorati tags: medicare, medicarepetition, aarp, vickisblog

Happy Birthday, Emily

If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry. ~ Emily Dickinson Dec. 10, 1830 - May 15, 1886

Give a Smile to a Wounded Soldier

Here it is, Holiday Season again.

This year many of our young men and women are recovering from wounds and injuries in military hospitals. If you have an extra card or two, send them to recovering troops. With help from the U.S. Department of Defense, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Pitney Bowes Government Solutions, the Red Cross will gather and distribute the cards throughout the holiday season.

Please address your holiday cards to:

We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD20763-0419

Sounds like a good idea to me.

12/12 Note:
I ran across an article that cautions sending letters to unnamed soldiers. Apparently the Pentagon is concerned a toxic substance or a hateful message will be sent. The hospitals lack the manpower to screen the cards, so they will be returned or discarded. How sad.

technorati tags: redcross, holidaycards, cardstowoundedsoldiers, supportthetroops, vicki'sblog