The Monthly Organizer

May 2007

Monthly Motivation

What is the difference between failure and success?

Listening, course corrections, and perseverance

Did you ever play the "hot" and "cold" game as a child? Or perhaps, depending upon where you grew up, you called it something different.

The game goes like this: one person in a group is drawn away from the group and taken to a place where he/she is not able to see or hear what is going on in the other area. While that person is away, an object is hidden. Everyone in the room knows where the object is, but the person who was lead away does not. After the object is hidden, the person is brought back in with the purpose of trying to discover where the hidden object is. The people in the room can only give two clues: "hot" and "cold". The closer to the object the person gets, the more people shout out "HOT". The farther away the person gets, the more the word "COLD" is shouted.

If you have ever seen one of these games in action, it can be a lot of fun. Chaos is likely, laughter is definite and at any given time, people can be shouting both "hot" and "cold" all at once. It's wild. It's truly hard to know exactly what direction to go in if you are the one searching for the hidden object. The goal seems illusive at times. You get conflicting information. You find yourself turning in circles. Sometimes you get frustrated and other times you just have to laugh. At some point, you’ll start to hear "hot" more than cold and you'll alter your path until you have everyone shouting "HOT" at the top of their lungs. Eventually you find the hidden object because you listen to what is going on around you, you make the appropriate course corrections and you don't give up.

...

[In anything you do in life,] you can find yourself frustrated, turning in circles and sometimes just plain giddy over the whole situation. What makes the difference between failure and success is what happens next. Listen to the voices of people around you who know more about the situation than you do. Adjust your course of action, if necessary. You may need to make numerous course corrections along the way in order to achieve your goals. Finally, don’t give up. I don't mean that you shouldn't give up until you reach your goals. I mean don't give up (quit) EVER. If you reach your goals, make new ones. Persevere until your real life exceeds your dreams.

Author: Carla Vaughan
www.professional-resume-example.com

*This post was provided with permission from the author and was changed slightly to fit with the theme of this e-zine.

Monthly Organization Tip

Get meal time organized this month. I have recently discovered a company called Healthy Menu Mailer. When you sign up you will begin receiving weekly emails which include:

• 7 healthy recipes, one for each day of the week;
• a shopping list, so you don't even have to think about what ingredient you need to buy in order to make your 7 healthy recipes; and
• a personal note of encouragement.

You will also receive access to the Healthy Menu Mailer recipe files and forums. It's easy to get mealtime organized when everything you need is provided for you.

Money Saving Tip

One of the easiest things to do to get the most mileage for your money is to plan ahead when it comes to your errands. Keep a running list of stops you need to make. Keep the list with you at all times so you can add to it when you think of additional stops you will need to make. Each time you leave the house, consult your errand list and determine if any stops will be on the way to your current destination. The fewer extra trips you have to make, the more you will save on gas.

Another great idea is to organize a carpool. Whether you join together for a ride to work, dropping the kids off at school or taking them to soccer practice, if you can rotate driving shifts with a few other people everyone will save. Check with your employer, church or school to see if they will let you post a bulletin about organizing carpools. If you are not aware of anybody looking to share a ride, eRideShare.com is a fabulous online resource which specializes in matching up carpool partners.

By conserving gas you are not only saving money but helping save the environment as well, so think before you get behind the wheel.

Recipe of the Month

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 0z. uncooked rotini
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 6 bacon strips, diced
• 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 Tblsp. prepared yellow mustard
• 1 cup shredded cheddar

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until just crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Drain the excess drippings and then return the beef and bacon to the skillet.

When the pasta is cooked add it to the skillet with the beef and bacon. Add the condensed soup, barbecue sauce and mustard and heat through. Sprinkle with cheese, cover and cook until the cheese is melted.

Serve warm.

Don't forget to get some meal inspiration from the Tips to Organize Life recipe collection.

Entertaining Idea

Get all of the graduation party supplies you need including plates, cups, utensils, table coverings, centerpieces, yard signs and decorations. Order online and have everything you need shipped right to your door.
	Get into the spirit of the season and turn your graduation party into a fun and festive luau.
Or turn your graduation party into a backyard pool party. This theme pack will provide you with everything you need, except the pool!