Do you have multiple pairs of old sneakers that you no longer wear, but just can't bear to part with?
 Nike has developed a "Reuse-a- Shoe" program to help you feel better about turning in your old sneaks. Drop off your worn-out athletic shoes (any brand - not just Nikes), and they separate the parts and reuse them to create rubber play surfaces for needy kids all over the world.
Log on to: www.nikereuseashoe.com/ for drop-off locations. |
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Upcoming Classes
Learn with others at adult ed classes. I'll be teaching the following classes in June:
IS IT HOARDING?
1 session
Thursday, June 17
6:30 - 8:30 pm
OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION DURING THE JOB SEARCH
Wednesday, June 23
6:15 - 7:15 pm
Career Source, Fresh Pond Mall, Cambridge. For more information, contact Larry at larryelle@gmail.com. |
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| Dear ,
 The summer season on Cape Cod kicks off this weekend - YAY!!!
Our featured article this month is on helping your children wrap up their school year and reduce the clutter before summer begins at the same time. No children? See how these tips can apply to you too!
See this month's Recycling Resources section for another way to reduce the things in your life in an eco-friendly way, look for a very brief but profound time management tip, a list of upcoming classes, and a great idea for Father's Day.
Enjoy this beautiful weather, and let me know how I can help you find more time to enjoy it!
- Maryann Murphy , Your Professional Organizer |
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Time Management Thought
In the interest of saving you time, this month's time management lesson is a short but profound Chinese proverb:
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The next best time is now.
Stop putting off what you didn't get to before. Happy planting! |
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Wrapping Up the School Year
 The end of the school year is an important time for teaching your kids some important organizing lessons that can help them throughout their lives! Take an hour or two with each child at the end of school to go through the year's schoolwork and help them decide: - What they should keep,
- Where it should go, and
- What should be tossed or recycled.
I know - who wants to go through paperwork when it's so beautiful outside? But if it doesn't get done now, how likely is it to get done later in the summer? Make it part of an end-of-the-school-year celebration, with a family dinner out or trip to the movies when it's all done, but do take the time to finish up the school year right and get ready for next fall now!
But how to decide? Here are some tips based on the book, "The Organized Student" by Donna Goldberg:
- Organize everything by subject and sort through one subject at a time. This will help clarify which are the most important papers in each category. Extracurricular activities can each be considered a separate "subject".
- Separate notes your child may want to refer to in the future from memorabilia. Memorabilia should be stored separately, ideally outside of their bedroom.
- Look for the "treasures" - those special papers, photos or certificates that hold the best memories of the year. Don't hang on to bad memories, and don't try to keep it all - sorting through and making decisions are good habits to teach your child (and remind yourself) whenever you are dealing with objects in your life.
- For large and 3-D projects, take a photo and put that in your storage container. Dismantle the project and recycle the pieces. For newspaper clippings, make a photocopy and get rid of the original clipping - it will last longer and usually take up less space if you cut and paste just the relevant parts of the page.
- Limit the amount of "stuff" your child keeps by getting a special document storage box (no more than 3" tall), clear poly envelope or archival folder for the year's memories. Only keep what will fit in this container. Be sure to label the container clearly "Taylor - 6th grade, 2009-2010"
- Completely clear out the backpack, homework desk, and any homework files throughout the house, and make a decision on everything. Be sure to check for old sandwiches - they will NOT be appetizing if you don't check until the fall!
- Store all of the school supplies you will re-use in the fall in one place.
- Make a running list as you go of school supplies you'll need for next fall. Save money this summer at the back-to-school sales by buying ONLY what you need!
Good luck, have fun, and give yourself an A+ for teaching your children one of the most important life lessons of all - how to manage their paperwork as they go and before it overwhelms them!
For more information on organizing schoolwork throughout the year, get Donna's book, The Organized Student. You can order it online at www.simonsays.com. |
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How about Dad?
 I don't know about your father, but it's always a challenge figuring out what to get my dad for Father's Day. This year, why not give him some help clearing out the garage or basement, or straightening up his office without you having to get dirty at all!
For just $125* he will receive
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A 1/2 hour consultation by phone with a Professional Organizer to talk about his project,
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2 hours at his home or office helping him get organized, and
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A custom-written organizing plan for him to follow after I leave.
Email me at mmdwk@peoplepc.com or call 508 292-6706 to arrange your father's special gift.
* Purchase by Friday, June 18, 2010 to receive this special price. Additional charge for travel more than 50 miles from Mashpee. |
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Please call me if you need additional help organizing your home, your office, or your schedule. I can come to your home or office and help you there, or do coaching by phone.
I also conduct trainings and do public speaking for corporations and community groups on Organizing, Time Management and Public Speaking.
My business relies on referrals, so please forward this to anyone you think might benefit from it. Thanks! |
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Sincerely,
Maryann Murphy, MSW
Professional Organizer, Speaker, Trainer
(508) 292-6706
Director of Professional Development, NAPO-NE
Chronic Disorganization Specialist, NSGCD
Area F2 Governor,Toastmasters International District 31
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