Well Planned Life

Ever since their arrival within the planning community (or least, ever since I have known about them), I have wanted a Van der Spek binder.   I knew it would happen one day, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon.   For anyone not familiar with their brand, Van der Spek (VDS as it is lovingly referred to) is a leather goods company in the Netherlands.   They make many different products, planners and organizers included.   I can’t speak towards the other products, but the planners are made from genuine leather.   They are handmade.   The quality is impeccable.   Their customer service is amazing.   Sure, with this kind of craftsmanship, you will pay a little more.   But in my opinion, it is worth the extra cost to know that you are getting something that is handmade and of great quality. Did I mention that you can customize your own planner?   As in, you choose the layout and colors ?   Add that to the quality of wh...

It’s been just about a year since first mentioning my  Spirituality Notebook .    I have made a few small changes, which one of my readers asked me to go over.    You can read the background of this book in the linked post above, but to sum up the major details, the notebook I’m using for this purpose is a traveler’s notebook made by  Ray Blake , and its purpose is to focus on things that I’m grateful for, things that I’m concerned about, and quotes that motivate me.    This notebook also houses projects and notes related to my church, as I am involved in a few committees there.    Having all things spiritual in once place is great.    Plus, I find that it’s a great use for this awesome book! First, I have three sections in my (regular size) book. Inside the front cover of the book, there is a small pocket, which I use to keep lined Post-its for random notes and a business card from the Goulet Pen Company . ...

Those of use who are Type A like to get stuff done.   In fact, that’s one of the traits of being Type A, among so many others.   Our qualities aren’t always seen as a good thing , but we keep on keepin’ on because, let’s face it, that task list isn’t going to get itself done. But when is being productive bad for you?   The short answer is when it takes its toll on the body. Last weekend was busy for me.   It was not my ideal weekend .   I had a meeting on Saturday morning that went quite a bit longer than I expected, I had dinner plans for the evening, and between those two events, I rushed around trying to get groceries bought and put away and clean up the kitchen.   I did nap, but not nearly long enough.   On Sunday I went to church and was there longer than I expected.   My plan for after church was to clean whatever was on the rotating list . But by the time I got home, I was so dog-tired.   Not just sleepy, which I was,...

I recently read two posts from Penelope Loves Lists that resonated with me deeply.   The first, “ I’m ‘Overly Organized’ and Other Myths We Tell Ourselves ,” gives voice to something I have come across so often, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve experienced it.   I highly recommend reading the original post to get the full picture, but the main idea is that being organized is often seen in a negative light.   And the question is, why is that?   Moreover, why do we accept it? The post highlights certain words that are often used to describe those of us who are organized, words such as controlling, perfectionist, anal, OCD, neat freak, worry wart, and rigid, among others.   All of the above have been used to refer to my personality and not necessarily in a good way. While many people are in awe at my organizational and time management skills, many of those people also see these things as a downfall.   They seem to feel that being so hold...