The Monthly Organizer, Issue #031 -- March 2009

A couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with a friend who I regularly chat with by email. She was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the things she had to accomplish that day. Between her work obligations and shuttling her kids to their various activities, she was feeling as if there was not enough of her to go around.

I told her that sometimes she makes me feel as if my life is boring because I don't have as many activities in an entire month as she has in one day! Her response really got me thinking. She said "It's not that your life is boring, it's that you know how to recognize when your plate is full."

So this month, I want to focus on YOU. I want all of you to be able to recognize when your plate is full so that you will be able to lead a well-rounded life...giving your time where you want to, but also knowing when to stop so that you don't become overwhelmed.

Monthly Motivation

Think about something that you want to do for yourself. Maybe you want to make more time to exercise. Maybe you want to allow yourself one hour every day of "me time." Or maybe you just want to spend more time at home with your family instead of running around trying to do everything you have committed yourself to.

Every single time that you are asked to make another commitment, I want you to envision your goal. Will you have to give up your goal today if you take on another commitment?

Life is about finding balance. You want to be charitable and give your time when you can, but you also have to make time for yourself. If you don't make time for yourself, you will burn out and become no good to anybody, including you.

Monthly Organization Tip

When it comes to managing your time, there is one key phrase that you need to learn..."Let me check my schedule and get back to you." Responding in this way when you are asked to make a commitment of your time gives you the opportunity to think about it without having to say no. This comes in especially handy if you are the type of person who finds it difficult to say no to anything.

So, the next time you are at a PTA meeting and you are asked if you can bake 300 cupcakes for the fund-raising bake sale, before you blurt out "Yes!" and then secretly wonder where in the world you are going to find the time, take a breath and very calmly reply "Let me check my schedule and get back to you."

Then, when you get home and realize that even if you didn't sleep for the next week, there is no way you can find the time to do that baking, you can make a phone call and politely decline the commitment. Don't let guilt cloud your judgment. There is only one of you and there are only so many hours in a day. If you do what you can and say no to the rest your life will become more balanced. You will find that you can commit your time within reason without becoming overwhelmed.

Monthly Money Saving Tip

Learning to manage your time commitments will automatically save you money. How many times have you gotten fast food for dinner because it was all you had time to squeeze in while driving from one commitment to the next?

How much gas have you used up driving from one side of town to the other and then back again commuting between your various commitments?

When you manage your time wisely you will be able to avoid these costly pitfalls of over-commitment and you will save money without even trying.

Recipe of the Month

The other night I wanted something quick and easy for dinner because I didn't have much time, but I also wanted something delicious....comfort food. I wound up tweaking a recipe that I found on the back of my Bisquick box and came up with a super fast, really delicious recipe that will now become a go-to staple in my home whenever I need something quick and delicious.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

2/3 cup Bisquick
2 egg whites
2 Tblsp. water
1 tsp. garlic powder
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1, 6 oz. pouch of chicken*
Your favorite BBQ sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

* You could also used canned chicken or you could cook and chop a boneless, skinless chicken breast. I happened to have a pouch of chicken on hand and it made this recipe really quick and easy!

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x9 square baking dish with cooking spray.

Combine the Bisquick, egg whites, water and garlic powder in a mixing bowl and mix until just combined. Spread the dough, as best as you can, in the bottom of the baking dish...it does not have to be perfect. Spread a thin layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on top of the dough.

In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and continue cooking 3-4 more minutes. Add the chicken and heat through.

Pour the chicken mixture on top of the dough and BBQ sauce. Sprinkle a little more BBQ sauce on top of the chicken mixture to be sure it stays moist and flavorful. Top with the cheese and bake for 20 minutes.

This recipe made 4 square pieces of pizza...the perfect amount for a quick supper for my family with no leftovers. You can easily double, or even triple this recipe to make more servings.

Monthly Entertaining Tip

When you are already feeling over-commited and you have to put on a dinner party, the trick is to plan ahead. Create a menu full of dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. Then find pockets of time in your already busy schedule to make one dish at a time. When they day of the party arrives you will not have to run, full-speed-ahead to prepare...the work will already be done. Here is a sample menu, from appetizer through dessert. All of these dishes can be prepared ahead of time.

Start out with Savory Dunk, a flavorful dip that is best made one or two days in advance to give the flavors enough time to meld together. All you need to go with this course is some crackers to spread the dip on.

For the main course you can easily prepare Chicken and Broccoli Braid a day or two in advance and just bake it on the day of your party. Serve it with this Spinach Salad on the side and you will have very satisfied guests.

Finish your meal with a light and refreshing dessert like Yogurt Pie. Since it is frozen you can make this well in advance of party day. Just pull it out of the freezer about 30 minutes before you are ready to serve.