I just returned from Austin, TX, where I attended the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization conference.  I had a fabulous time being surrounded by like minded organizers and specialists as well as staying current on the latest trends and information.  I also sat for the new Hoarding Specialist examination and passed.  I gained insight to make me a better organizer and am excited to share that with my clients.  

Could the local ADD conference benefit you?  Attention Deficit Disorder Resources is hosting their 9th Annual Fall Conference at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue on October 9.  It goes from 8:30 am - 5:15 pm with a social event following.  The theme is Healing the Scattered Mind and it features two keynote speakers: Dr. Gabor Mate and Coach Nancy Ratey.  I am leading a breakout session: Where the heck is my wallet and how am I suppose to get organized? There are many more great breakout sessions too! Register online at http://www.addresources.org or call (253) 759-5085.  

 Target has their Halloween stuff out and Costco is soon to push their Christmas inventory.  The rest of us are trying to get the most out of their end of summer.  This is a great time to pull yourself of mailing lists and slow the political mail and the deluge of Holiday catalogs.  

2 great websites to opt out of unwanted mail:

Direct Market Association Choice: http://dmachoice.org

Catalog Choice http://www.catalogchoice.org

Enjoy your junk mail freedom! 

We're seeing the high 80s temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and many of us are a bit, well,  warm and sweaty.  I know I am pretty tapped out at days end with my bigger client projects in this heat.  Nice weather is an opportune time to pull everything out of the garage and restore order.  So how do you keep the mojo?

• Drink lots of fluids.  If you realize how thirsty you are, you are already seriously depleted.  I try to shoot for 16-24 ounces of water at least every hour.  Set a timer to remind you to hydrate and appreciate what you have accomplished in that hour.  
• Turn on the upbeat music to bring on energy for the task.  
• Still too hot?  Move to the basement and go through the shelves and closets down there while you bask in the cooler area of your home.  
• Be flexible - your local donation center may be closed to donations due to high volumes this month.  I have been turned away by the Woodinville Park & Ride Goodwill truck a few times this month alone.  The larger Goodwill Stores are a better bet.  

For those odd items that seem to land in your junk drawer: 

Place a small dot sticky on it with the date 7/10 for the date and year. 

If at year end you still do not know what the odd item is for - dispose of it!  Great Resolution!