Thursday, April 28, 2011

Closet Clock

I am often humbled by my clients because they come up with the greatest ideas (and jealous because I didn't think of them first!).

While talking with a client today (I had suggested she put up more clocks in her home office) in our phone coaching session she mentioned that she had also put a clock in her bedroom closet.

What a fabulous, simple solution! She has a walk-in closet and she says sometimes she loses track of time in there because she gets busy organizing it. This helps her keep track of the time (just like in her office) and keep her more aware of how much time is passing.

When I googled "closet clock" I got a number of interesting items. While you certainly can use any kind of clock in your closet, I was curious to see if there were any clocks expressly made for closets. (Oh, maybe one that lights up would be nice!)

I thought the one pictured above would be funny whether you are a man or a woman. (You probably need a really healthy sense of humor if you are a man!) It's called "The Closet Closet Clock."

The other great idea I saw was using a weather clock in your closet. Now, these are a little cluttered-looking to me. I like a simple large clock with a big numbers and a easily seen hands. But a weather clock serves a great function–letting you know how to dress for the day! I often turn on the news in the morning to see what the day's weather is going to be or check my iPhone (but it's rarely in my bedroom since I sync or charge it with my computer in my home office) for the local weather forecast. (Click on images to be taken to the website where you can buy this clock. I'm not affiliated with any of these sites.)


Or you can just go with cute!
(This came from a great blog article on closet organizing at Fabulous After Forty.)

Or why not hang one of your many watches (I know you have them) up on a nail? I don't really have much wall space in my closet and the little strip of space I have would be perfect for a watch. (I found actual clocks that look like giant watches online. This one is a plan/components to make one yourself. I think you can find vintage ones on e-bay and Etsy.) Dad's or Grampa's giant old watch you inherited might be perfect for this.
Tom Hatton saves you the time (ha ha!) by making and selling these giant watches on Etsy:

What a wonderful design element for a man's closet!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Have you found a wonderful ADHD therapist?


The ADDitude magazine website has a great article titled 


No, this article doesn't name names! It's a quick and easy to read "slide show" describing the kinds of therapists you DON'T want to have if you are an adult living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
  1. The Disciplinarian
  2. The Drug Pusher
  3. The Researcher
  4. The Nervous Nellie
  5. The Comedian
  6. The Blame Gamer
  7. The Quick Fixer
  8. The Distant Judge
  9. The Fuzzy Comforter
  10. The Dream Dissector
They do give a list of traits you DO want in your therapist at the end of the article.

Have you had a good experience with your therapist or counselor around ADHD (or clutter or hoarding) in the Sonoma or Marin County area? I'm always looking for good professionals to refer my clients to. A great support team for many of my clients often includes a therapist or counselor.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

NAPO National Conference, San Diego


I'm very excited to be attending this year's NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) Annual Conference in San Diego next week. This conference comes to the west coast every three years, and I attended it in Reno 3 years ago, Boston 5 years ago and my very first conference was in 2005 in back in San Diego.

I'm proud to be flying down there with two of my organizing buddies from the North Bay Organizers and Coaches group, one of whom I drove down with in 2005, Gina Burdette (Get it Organized). I look forward to getting to know Amy Brueske (Always Organizing) better on the flight there and back. Boy, three organizers in one row of seats!

The North Bay Organizers and Coaches group will be well represented this year at National. One of our members, Angela Wallace (Wallace and Associates) will be installed as the new President of NAPO. Whoo-hoo! I'm also expecting to see Susanne Otteman (Organize This!), Jillian Stocks (Jillian Stocks Organizing), Judy Stern (Organize Now), and Grace Brooke (The Efficiency Specialist).

Now, will I come back with a tan or still be pale from being in conference sessions all day?

Sunday, March 27, 2011

CHADD Support Group in Santa Rosa


I am passing on this information about the Santa Rosa, CA CHADD
(“Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder”) support group.

You are cordially welcomed to a newly revived Santa Rosa CHADD* Support Group meeting this Tuesday!

When: 7pm to 9pm, Tuesday, March 29th

Where: The Glaser Center (Unitarian Universalist Congregation), the Green Room
547 Mendocino Ave., downtown Santa Rosa

What: A NEW location in a comfortable room with new facilitators
Agenda:
1. Welcome & Introductions & Getting Started
2. (Voluntary) check-in by participants; visitors
3. Relevant current events and topics of group interest
4. Suggestions for the next meeting and Wrap-Up
5. Invitation to continue the conversation at a near-by restaurant/coffee shop

For past CHADD support group participants:
·         This new group replaces the monthly Wednesday night CHADD meetings that met at the Quaker Meetinghouse on Guerneville Rd.
·         Please come at 7 pm and see old friends, make new ones and help us create a great group!

For those who've never before attended a CHADD support group:
·         Do you or someone you know have ADD/ADHD?
·         Do you wonder if you have it, or have you recently been diagnosed with it?
·         Are you dealing with the emotional impact of ADD/ADHD?
·         Are you wondering what to do next or where to go for help?

Our goals are to provide all participants with
·         Information and resources leading to improved lives
·         A community based on mutual support, understanding, fellowship and camaraderie
·         An enjoyable evening of stimulating discussion, humor, encouragement, and hope

Thank you for forwarding this email to anyone who might benefit from attending.

Parking:
Downtown street parking is free after 6 pm and parking is also available at the city parking garage directly behind the Glaser Center ($.75 per hour).

For more information, please email Barry at thruthedoorway@yahoo.com or call (707) 888-8223.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Upcoming Presentations

Scheduled Workshops and Talks
 Thursday March 31, 2011
 "Is this hoarding and what can I do about it?" Presentation for the public through the Russian River Empowerment Center in Guerneville, CA.

Tuesday May 15, 2011
"Motivational Interviewing for the Professional Organizer" Presentation to members of the NBOC at the Spring Educational Seminar, Sonoma County, CA.

Date TBA, 2011
"Recognizing Hoarding Disorder"for West County Services