The last two weeks have been amazing.

*Shhhh!* (Just saying it may jinx my luck, so I’ll whisper the rest…)

I’ve not even taken the time to blog because I’ve been so busy and so bubbly and I didn’t want the good stuff to end. (Yeah, sometimes I really AM that superstitious.)

Eliminated the Storage Unit

I’ve made so much progress since the first of December, that I’ve been amazed. During the first week, my youngest son came down and spent four days with me, helping me to clean out my storage unit (there are only three items left — and those will be cleaned out by the end of the month). So that’s one monthly bill that’s now been eliminated. I despise storage units. I think they represent the conspicuous consumption in our country.

Having one was a painful prospect for me, but with all the moves in the last two years… one became necessary. Now, I’m glad I had it. My son just got his first (rental) house and with the stuff in my storage unit and at my farm, he’s got pretty much everything needs now. It felt really good to help him get started. That was my combination Christmas gift and housewarming gift for him.

Organized Boxes

Byron also worked with me to organize and clean out the boxes of stuff that needed to be sorted. I donated a slew of stuff to Goodwill and go the farm in a condition that I can begin working on the cabin again. THAT feels really good!

I also “found” some of the things I’d been missing that was driving me crazy… like the charger and extra battery for my camera, among other things.

PurpleStates.tv and CNN

In November I was invited by PurpleStates.tv to be their representative blogger from Kentucky. They invited one blogger from each state to talk about the economy and politics and the impact on the local area. Quite a feather in my cap… and a great deal of fun. Then, my particular piece was picked up by CNN. Nice, huh?

Airstream finds a new home

During this same first week in December, I received a deposit to hold my Airstream for an out-of-the-country buyer. Her representative flew up on a Wednesday (in his little Cesna) to take a peek at Serenity. The details were all arranged and she was delivered to North Carolina today.

The most exciting thing is that the buyer (currently residing in the Bahamas) is shipping her overseas to the UK where she plans to summer in her during 2009. An interior decorator, she plans to completely rework Serenity. I feel confident that Serenity’s found a good home with someone who will appreciate her. Of course my RV is doing more traveling than I am. *shucks!*

Like my purchase of the farm from a lady in Israel, my sale of Serenity has an interesting international twist. God bless the Internet! (The buyer found me on Marketplace on Facebook.)

The Credit Card Bites the Dust

By the middle of next week, my credit card will be paid off and filed away for emergencies only. In the current economic situation, I can’t afford to owe money, so I’m eliminating that as much as possible and as quickly as possible. I’ll be running on a cash basis now.

Too many people owe too much and acquire what they can’t afford and don’t need and hope that they never have to pay more than the “minimum” without any intent to pay off their debts in full. It’s a disease of our society and it’s sinking our country. I refuse to be a part of it.

The Apartment Comes Together

I’ve been living in this apartment for six months. I’ve lived with very little of what I want and need. Why? Because I couldn’t get what I wanted and needed moved in by myself. So, I’ve lived in this limbo-land. I despise limbo… it’s my least favorite place to be.

Byron helped me get things moved in last week in between all the other stuff we did. Last weekend I arranged, decorated and organized everything in the main room. This weekend, I’ll spend the time required to finish the work up.

Pops has agreed to help me build the euro-style sink and cabinet I need to add the final touches. I think we may try to do that in January. I still need to get my final measurements and draw up the plans.

This tiny apartment is becoming the efficient, organized, workhorse that I always wanted to create in a small space. I love tiny houses and tiny spaces. Always have. Now, I’m creating one here. It’s pretty amazing.

My father saw what I’ve done here and informed me that there’s “apparently a whole movement on living in smaller spaces” — duh… really? Go figure! I don’t think that man has ever read any of my blogs. And sometimes I wonder if he actually HEARS me when I speak. EVER.

A lead on the truck

I bought a truck a few months ago that needs a new transmission. It’s been sitting and waiting for me to find the time and the money to get it up and running. The only thing I wish that it had that it doesn’t (other than a new transmission) is a manual transmission. Last night, while talking to some family, they told me that they knew of a truck of the same model that was for sale. It was priced right because the body isn’t great. The engine and the transmission (a manual, btw) are both in great shape.

Long story short, I’ve asked them for an estimate on taking that truck and transferring the transmission to my truck. It will be alot less expensive than getting a new transmission and I’ll have the extra parts to help keep my little old truck running. It’s not that I relish the idea of having a “spare parts” truck around… but as the times get leaner, I’m sure that would be more welcome.

Chances are good that I’ll have the truck I wanted with the manual transmission that makes me happy, an extra engine and extra parts all for less money than it was going to cost me to get the current transmission fixed. Now isn’t that sweet?

I just have to find a place to properly store it on the farm so I don’t end up feeling like (or looking like) a hillbilly…*where DID I put those cement blocks?*…

Selling on eBay

I may spend this weekend getting some of the extra stuff I’m ready to discard put on eBay. I’ve been planning to do that for ages, but always have a good excuse why I’m not doing it yet. I’m too busy, there’s too much else I need to be doing, it’s a drag, maybe I should rethink it… etc., etc.

I’ve noticed that as I have made progress in these areas that are so important to me, it’s given me the stamina to forge ahead and do even more! So, maybe after the open house this weekend (a Christmas thing that my landlady is hosting), I’ll be able to do that.

(My landlady is awesome and is so impressed with what I’ve done with the little place, she asked if I would be willing to let her show it off during the open house. I’m flattered to the point of distraction and, of course, agreed.)

So, I’m going to take a couple of the boxes of stuff that need to be listed on eBay and try to get them up this weekend so they will sell before Christmas and I can get them shipped out for holiday delivery. I’m actually excited about this.

Buying on eBay

I’ve been evaluating what I want in life lately. And at the ripe old age of 42 (almost 43 now), I can honestly say that there’s very little on my “want” list. And many of the things I do want I now have or have made plans to achieve… like getting out of debt, fixing the truck, finishing the cabin, etc.

Other than these big items the rest are smallish things. I made my list. I want a nice pair of diamond stud earrings — not too small, not too large. Good quality, preferably in platinum with screw on backs so I can wear them without worry. I know it’s not “living small” but I don’t care, I want them. Besides, if I have those I can sell most of the ones I currently own on eBay, right?

I want a pair of black leather boots like the ones I wore out a few years back. They were Cole Haan, western styled and made me feel ten feet tall, bullet-proof, and a just bit cocky whenever I wore them. You simply can’t wear that kind of boot without exuding attitude. The replacements will probably have a less slick sole so I can wear them on a bike, but they must easily lend themselves to the creation of that aura of attitude.

I want a bike — one larger than the beep-beep. Probably about a 650 cc — and I want it with the running board styling rather than traditional motorcycle styling. I want it to have a comfortable seat for Alex. And I want a thick leather jacket to extend the riding season a bit. Now would be the perfect time to buy it since it’s off season, and since gasoline is now down to about $1.50 per gallon… but I’m cash poor, so it will have to wait.

This week I nailed one of those items. I bid on and won a pair of tiny diamond studs. I took a chance on them, despite the fact that they were smaller than what I wanted. I figured they would work well until I could afford the size I sought. Thankfully, the size was misquoted. The seller quoted them as just under a quarter carat for both… when in fact they were EACH right at a quarter carat. In platinum, acorn style screw backs and good quality stones… all for *drum roll*…

$76.00!

I’m a jewelry lover and this kind of find was, well, amazing. The seller received them from an old flame and said it was “time to move on” so she was selling them. It’s probably the best deal I’ve ever made on eBay! I have priced them out based on the size, clarity, color and setting. Value for these little gems is between $600 and $900! Currently they are securely screwed into my earlobes where they will stay for a very, VERY long time.

Popping the cork

Over a year ago I bought a bottle of champagne. I purchased it in the hope of drinking it soon… when things started to turn around and life got good again. It’s now been in my refrigerator for over 12 months… waiting. Tonight, I go against my “never drink alone” rule and pop the cork on that baby. It’s not an expensive bottle… but it does have a cork and that’s good enough. (I have absolutely NO “taste” when it comes to wine and such because I despise most of what other people tell me is “the good stuff” — but that serves my budget well.) *I just hope that it’s not so old that it has turned to vinegar*

So tonight I relax in my newly redecorated tiny apartment, sip a glass or two of bubbly and reflect on the fact that despite the crumminess that has been 2007 and 2008… that ALREADY 2009 is looking a bit better!

And all this… ALL of it… has happened since December 1st!

(Pretty photo courtesy of razvandm)

I write down everything I want to remember. That way, instead of spending a lot of time trying to remember what it is I wrote down, I spend the time looking for the paper I wrote it down on. — Beryl Pfizer

My perfect OneNote replacement will go above and beyond. It will:

Launch almost immediately – When I have a thought, an epiphany, a note, a grabbed reference from the web, a blog idea or a quote worthy of saving… I don’t want my creativity and my flow interrupted by having to wait for an application to launch.

Require Few System Resources - It would be nice if I could automatically launch my “everything” PIM on boot – and if it would sit quietly in the background (and in my systray) without sucking up all my CPU and await my commands.

Be Easy to Backup and Transport – It should backup quickly and easily on a thumbdrive and be able to be used on any computer anywhere.

Offer Web Access - It should allow me to install it or access it from my web server so I can “carry” it with me on my iPhone. It should be password protected and secure.

Be Open Source – Of course I’d want to be able to use it on my current Windows OS and on my upcoming Linux machine.

If anyone has found this type of program — without it being horribly complex — please let me know. In the meantime, I’ve downloaded and am testing Chandler to see if it will fit the bill.

(Note: Hats off to Matt’s Idea Blog for sharing the poignant quote!)

If you followed the steps from last month’s clutter-busting article, your desktop is clutter free and you can now find all the files you need on your computer. You have probably archived and put away old client files and have found that you are more efficient on a daily basis. Right? Congratulations!

Now let’s talk about making your office as comfortable as it is efficient.

Buy a decent chair

If you spend as much time in front of your computer as I do, the first thing you need to do is buy a quality desk chair. Consider this an investment and take the time to adjust it to ergonomic perfection.

Many chairs are rated for the hours used per day. The higher the hour number, the higher quality the construction. Skip the bargain aisle at your local super-store. Resist the temptation to buy online. You really need to “test drive” your next chair.

A quick guide to selecting a traditional desk chair

• Adjustable height (your thighs should be parallel to the floor and your feet should be flat on the floor when seated)
• Back support (you need lower and upper back support to resist the slouching in the back of your chair or slumping forward in it)
• Properly sized seat (it should allow at least 2 inches on each side of your hips and between the end of your chair and your knees to prevent circulation problems)
• Fabric and wheels (the fabric should breathe and there should be enough wheels to avoid “tipping” when you lean in the chair — four isn’t enough)
• Arm rests (these should be adjustable to make them the right height for all tasks to help prevent repetitive stress injuries)

You may cut costs by locating office supply liquidation stores, by checking the local second hand stores and watching the sale and discontinued models at your local office supply or office furniture store.

If you want to read more on every aspect of desk chair selection, visit ChairWheel, a blog about all things desk chair related including exercise ball chairs, kneeling chairs and saddle chairs.

Bring your work into the light

The last thing you need to add to your work day is more stress in the form of eye-strain. Selecting the proper lighting for your work area will improve your outlook and decrease those squint-enhanced wrinkles.

Don’t begin work in the dark. Make sure that the room light has adequate high-wattage bulbs.

If you need additional task lighting, survey your desk to see if you have room for a desk lamp. If you don’t have room on the desk surface, consider a clip-on style light to attach to one edge of your workspace or a floor lamp if you have the space beside your desk. If neither of these are an option, consider using an adjustable task light option that will hang on the wall behind your desk or on the side wall.

You may also want to consider they type of light you are using. Full-spectrum lights are a blues-fighting option for the winter months, while compact fluorescents are a great green choice to help you cut the electric bill. Halogen and “Eye Saver” bulbs make close work and reading easier.

Whichever type you select, make sure you can adjust the light level for the activity at hand and that any task lamps have casings that stay cool to the touch for easy, safe adjustment.

Soothe your eyes and clear your mind — naturally

Technology isn’t a substitute for the natural world… not even at your desk. When you are working you need to take the time to refocus your eyes, and your thoughts, away from the monitor several times per hour.

You can do this by looking out a window if you are lucky enough to have a good view of the outside world from your desk. Even without a good view, or any window at all, you can still enjoy nature on a smaller scale at your desk.

Add something natural to your workday by pulling in a plant. If you don’t have the desk space for a table-top plant, purchase a potted tree or larger plant that can sit beside you while you work. (I have a vine on the bookshelf next to my desk that brightens my workspace.) I also have a tall, narrow “tank” on one corner of my desk occupied by “Ink” my male beta fish. His home is about 6 inches in diameter and stands about two foot tall, so it takes up very little space on the desk’s surface.
I highly recommend a beta. They require little attention and very little food. Mine is a bit of a character and will “tap” on the glass if I haven’t fed him before sitting down to begin my day (or if he’s bored). A small fish tank will offer you something soothing to watch while you think through a tough project.

Do whatever works for you, the point is to bring a little nature and a little joy to your workday to help remind you to keep your balance and to make your work environment a bit more enjoyable.

When you work for yourself, there’s seldom time to make your office as enjoyable as it is productive.

Organizing, streamlining and “shoveling out” your office can be the key to internal peace as well as improved productivity but finding the time and the energy to handle these tasks is never as simple as clearing surfaces or filing papers.

Creating an optimum office environment requires considering the physical comfort of your office, the “virtual” as well as the physical clutter that invades your space and developing systems that keep you happy and productive.

Physical files

As a remote worker, you probably don’t have to juggle as many physical paper files as a traditional office. You do, however, posess some important papers that you will need to keep.

Banks of physical filing cabinets are opressive. I use a single file drawer for my “finger tip” files. All the other files are archived away from my office. Keeping my physical space clean and clear helps me to think.

At the end of each tax year, I clear out the information that relates to the previous tax year and move it to storage in a less convenient location (my attic). I place these files in plastic bins and label them accordingly. If I ever need the files, I have them, but since I implemented this system, I’ve only had to access my archives a couple of times.

I don’t need more than one drawer to keep my current client files, legal files, tax information, receipts and billing information. Old client file are archived. Current client work (completed during the previous) is archived along with tax information, billing and receipts from the previous year.

I’d like to say I found my perfect filing cabinet solution — but I haven’t. I currently use an open-top bin that slides under my desk. Eventually I will find (or build) the perfect one-drawer file cabinet with two index card drawers at the top and a slide out shelf for my thesaurus with a dictionary on top and a printer cubby. I’ve made several sketches, but I’ve not finalized the design yet.

Desk Clutter

If you don’t have a clear place to work, you don’t work effectively. I find that I’m easily distracted if I let the top of my desk get out of hand. If you can’t dust your desk in under a minute, you have too much stuff there.

• Get rid of the knick-knacks
• Eliminate the “piles” of paper
• Pay the bills and file the stubs
• If you haven’t had time to look at the magazines and catalogs lounging on your desk by now, you probably won’t — so discard/recycle them
• Handle the things on your desk ONCE – and put them where they belong — don’t merely “shuffle” the papers

Computer Clutter

Inside and outside of many computers dwells a mire of mess. Outside you have cords, cables, peripherials, connectors and other things that you may or may not even need anymore. (Anything that you haven’t used in the last six months, probably doesn’t need to be taking up valuable space.)

During my recent string of moves, I’ve noticed I don’t really use the flatbed scanner as much as I thought I did, and that thing is a beast! Ditto for several other external devices. I’m paring those down in favor of an all-in-one printer/fax/scanner.

Get rid of any wires you can. Bundle and tame the ones you must keep. (I use a label maker to tag my cords at both ends so I don’t spend time “following” the cords to figure out where they go.) Also, if you aren’t using a good UPS (uninterrupted power supply) or a high-end surge protector, now is a good time to invest in one.

Virtual Clutter

It’s easy to believe that if you don’t have to physically shuffle the files, that they don’t exist. Computer files that aren’t well-organized are time-sucking annoyances. It not only takes more time to find the files you need, but you spend more time (and money) on your full system backups.

(NOTE: Before you start cleaning out computer files, be sure you have a full system backup. If you are running a Windows system, force a restore point.)

If you want to recapture some space quickly, start with the software programs you don’t use. Getting rid of those will clear up space quickly and easily. If you haven’t used a program in the last year; chances are you won’t. Some of the programs you have used in the last year may be just as easily handled by another program you use regularly. Check. Don’t keep anything installed that you don’t use.

Put the old program disks with your archived paper file folders if you think you may need them again. If not, then donate them to someone who will use them (like maybe a VA that’s just starting out and could use the boost!)

Find a logical way to organize the data files you need on a daily basis for quick access. Whatever works best for you is what you should use. I use custom desktop icons to “visually” organize all my primary files. I find that I can absorb a visual icon quicker than I can read a folder name/description below a typical file icon. I even have mugshots of my clients on their individual folders under my master “clients” folder. It makes it super-fast to find what I need.

I keep all my essential “use them all the time” files under a master folder called “Wicked” — with a witch’s hat icon. This shows how things are organized under that folder:

For files that you may be needed in the future, archive them to an external drive. If you have archived client files on your machine, burn them to a CD or DVD and slip them down in the paper file for that client so you can find them quickly if needed. (You can get stick-on sleeves for file folders at any office supply store to make it easy to retrieve the DVD if/when you need it.)

Organizing your files, eliminating duplicates and archiving old information will make your time in front of the computer a more enjoyable and productive undertaking.

It will take some time — probably more than you realize to get things in shape — but you will regain that time investment in just a few weeks. It’s worth it. And… if you begin this process now, you will be completely organized as the new year begins and your year-end tasks (and taxes) will be easier. Now wouldn’t THAT be nice?

Next time, I’ll cover ways to improve your physical office environment in ways that go beyond merely clearing clutter.

I finally made the switch from my paid password manager program, eWallet (which I loved, but which doesn’t offer a Linux version), to a nice freebie program, which I find quite palatable.

I keep up with far too many username/password combinations, logons and critical (but sensitive) information in my work-a-day world to try to remember them all. Unlike many people, I don’t keep all passwords the same — that’s too risky.

Granted, I had to copy all the information from the old program to the new one (which was a royal pain and took me a couple hours), but now I have all my information on a new program that will work on Windows, Linux, or even on a flash drive! (more…)

The simplification bug has hit me again. It’s like a constant thing in my life … sometimes just a dull ache, other times (like now) it’s a sharp, painfully compelling urge. For those of you who have delivered a child (or who have assisted with this process) it’s like the overwhelming urge to push at the end of the labor portion of bringing a new life into the world. It’s hard to explain and impossible to deny.

So, I’ve been looking… ok DROOLING… over at Levenger.com again. I also find myself looking up a slew of postings over on DIYPlanner (I just love that site!).

You see, whenever I decide to simplify, I find a way to convince myself that buying something really cool to help me accomplish that simplification is the ticket. I’m not saying buying a “clutter busting” book or a “how to organize your life” magazine or a great organizational tool isn’t helpful, but the absurdity of buying to eliminate clutter isn’t lost on me. (more…)

I’ve decided to start sharing some of the cool blog sites I find during the week. I find great blogs all the time, and I keep MEANING to share, but I usually just subscribe to the RSS or bookmark them in my “Excellent Blogs” folder on Firefox and get back to work.

Later, I may get organized into “theme” blogs for my Saturday posts. For now, they are coming at you all pell-mell because I can’t be bothered with organization today (it’s Saturday for goodness’ sake).

Starting today, I share! (more…)

Ok, I’ve HAD It… Time to Simplify! I seem to spend much of my time looking for the stuff that I recorded so I’d have it when I needed it.

I may simplify my physical life — constantly — but my virtual life is cluttered all to hell. There. I said it. I admit it. I’m a virtual packrat.

Since 1 gig of stuff is stored in the same physical space as 750 gigs, I’ve “reasoned” that I’m still simplifed. I’m just lying to myself. And I’ve been looking at buying more HD space because 1.5 terabytes isn’t enough.

How sad.

The fact is, I’ve had an epiphany. (Unlike some creative types, I still believe in that concept). Granted, the epiphany came as the result of personal frustration and total exhaustion, but it came all at once so, I’m sticking with the “epiphany” term.

It’s a horrible realization. It’s also joined by dozens of other, more specific realizations that I now have to confront and solve. For instance… (more…)

I’ve moved into a larger space now, but I’m still enamored with small spaces, and will be moving into a tiny house when I return to the farm. So, I’m still watching and collecting the coolest ways to make the most of small spaces for storage and a clutter free existence.

Here are a few of the ideas I’ve collected from the web, from friends and family and from my own experience: (more…)

Not everyone is a bag lady at heart — but (as most of you know) I love “go bags” and boxes and containers — especially those made of wood and leather. With that said, maybe this “write up” pulled a little harder at my desire to purchase than it should… (more…)

I found Jeri Danski’s Professional Organizer Blog online yesterday and I must say I love the content, the candor and the colorful photos she uses to keep her blog interesting.

If you crave conspicuous organization and conservative consumption, you should visit her blog. I know I’ll be back!

As remote professionals, we are required to maintain a rather “high-tech” office with leading edge tech tools, programs and equipment. Often, we get “caught up” in our technology. If we are bitten by the tech bug, we can end up with a bundle of these tools that cost us more time than they save. Something as simple as buying a new cell phone requires research, time and sometimes hours of programming. Ditto for a new “land-line” phone system for a business.

How do you determine what’s “just enough” and what is “too much” where office and technology tools are concerned?

Needs Assessment

Once a year, you should assess your current “mission critical” programs and hardware to determine if you need to upgrade or replace them. It’s a good idea to do this before the end of your fiscal year, to expense out what you need on the old year, or to know that you need to hold it for the upcoming business year.

Remember that if you upgrade or replace, there will be a learning curve. Even what appear to be “simple” upgrades will impact your productivity and the amount of time required to turn around projects in the immediate future. Don’t replace mission critical software and hardware during your busy season. Schedule these changes when you will have time to acquaint yourself with your new gadgets and gizmos.

Software Purchase Considerations

First, you should only buy software (and hardware) you actually need to provide the services you offer. For example, don’t buy the latest version of “Dreamweaver” unless you already are a web designer/web programmer or you plan in the IMMEDIATE future to learn this new, complex software program.

Our industry is filled with the best intentions to learn new skills which require new tools. Don’t purchase until you have the time, the money and the desire to take on a big new educational leap and can honestly sacrifice the billable hours to do so. If you buy it now and it’s a few months before you can muster up the strength to begin learning it, your program will be the “old” version.

Alternative: Online Options

Consider lowering your investment in software by utilizing online alternatives like Google Docs, Backpackit, or Zoho rather than purchasing and installing all the software you need.

• Lower cost (usually free)
• No installation or upgrades needed
• Uses most common file formats
• Most allow you to save your personal documents on your own computer
• Storing them online means you can access your files from anywhere

Warning: Read the privacy policy carefully for any online service providers and beware of storing sensitive information online on someone else’s server.

Alternative: Open Source Options

Consider the plethora of open source options for paid software programs you currently use. I’ve found several extremely useful and high-performance open source programs: Gimp for image manipulation and Open Office for basic productivity programs and WordPress for my blogging engine. (These actually crash less often than the “big name” programs I used before.)

• Cost is either low or free
• Updates are also low or no-cost
• Security on these “group effort” program are pretty good
• Programs tend to be stable once they are listed as non-alpha/non-beta versions

Warning: Regular updates will have to be done on open source options and some (but not all) require a higher level of technical expertise than the commercial versions.

Hardware Purchase Considerations

When purchasing a new computer, resist the temptation to buy the “latest and greatest” model. Unless you are in a high-tech niche where the clients or the industry requires cutting edge equipment, you will save hundreds of dollars and many hours of your time each year if you drop back one (or more) steps from the top of the line.

Personally, I find the pricing “sweet spot” for a new computer at one or two generations back. This is usually a machine that has been on the market for a few weeks or even a few months and has been recently “trumped” by the next shiny model. The prices are cut to clear out the old and make way for the new and the only sacrifice is usually a tiny bit of CPU speed (which you probably won’t notice unless you are handling multimedia projects) and maybe a new flashy feature or two.

Going one or two steps back also retains the value of the computer for you as a user and prevents the need for a near-future replacement. I would not buy a computer model that is more than 7-8 months old, however. Technology becomes outdated too quickly to invest your time and energy into tweaking a new system with all your software and your personalized settings if you are going to be replacing it in less than a year or two.

Recognize that “one device to do it all” options are great, but are usually more expensive and will require more time to learn than simpler options. So, if you don’t need all of the extra bells and whistles, avoid the fancy stuff.

Maintain What You Use

Do not update your software to the latest version immediately. Do so only as you must to keep your security levels high and to stay in step with the version the majority of your clients are using. Deciding NOT to be on the cutting edge will save you money and it will save you time. It will also ensure that you don’t become one of the many unsuspecting and unpaid beta-testers for newly released (and usually extremely buggy) software.

• Run regular diagnostics and maintenance programs on your computer
• Update your adware/spyware/anti-virus programs and run full-system scans religiously
• Create regular, timely backups (at least once a week — preferably daily)
• Get critical security updates for your software and operating system
• Use a firewall, use strong passwords, don’t share your business machine with family members

When working in our industry, a solid working system that’s a little older is much better than the latest and greatest that crashes in the middle of a project or makes you burn the midnight oil to figure it out before you can begin your next workday. Keep your perspective and remember that technology is supposed to serve you and simplify the way you work. If that’s not happening, you may want to re-evaluate your tech tools.

Technology is great fun for the geeks among us, but it can absorb big chunks of what SHOULD be billable time during your workday… so proceed with caution, consideration, and care.

Kimberly Thomas-Catanzaro (a peer professional who specializes in bookkeeping) recently sent me a note on a new productivity product (currently in public beta) that I think would be quite a boon for most real estate folks.

I’m going to be testing it over the next few days myself as a way to keep up with expenses. (I’m always out — and usually driving — when I think “oh, I should record this before I forget it.”) I always have my cell phone and can’t drive and use my tablet at the same time — at least not very well or very safely. (more…)

I’ve been looking for some way to replace OneNote. It’s not that I mind paying for the software — even to Microsoft. After all, I can graciously admit this is one program that they do EXTREMELY well. And, nothing else I’ve seen in the opensource world even comes close. I have reviewed a couple other paid TabletPC-centric notes programs (like Evernote). I didn’t like them as much. And, OneNote 2007 is far superior to the 2003 version of the same program. (more…)

If you are like me, you like a custom computing experience.

That’s just great, until you have a computer crash, or you buy a new one. Then you realize how MANY of those little custom do-hickies have to be recovered, relocated or recreated from scratch.

Want a tip to make that easier? (more…)

If you are like me, your Outlook suddenly did something weird a couple of weeks ago. I ended up going in and changing all the errant times by hand (grumbling the whole while about a government with nothing better to do than to once again mess with the laws of nature and my clocks).

And, I was looking forward to the same issues this fall…

But I found a download to help those Window’s users who are still enjoying the fun now, and those who worry that they will enjoy the fun again in a few months.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931836

If you have downloaded Windows updates lately, or if you have automatic updates enabled, you probably already have this patch. (But if don’t know, then apply the patch. If you already have it a message will tell so and it will not install.)

Hope this helps your frustration level.

Hot Spot #2 for simplification (a process that has amplified importance in a tiny house) is the kitchen.

The kitchen is a minefield for complication in your life. There are gadgets for every imaginable use. Only you can determine which of these are actually essential. But, beware — this is an area where gadget lovers face their biggest demons and where “coolness” factors can often outweigh usefulness realities.

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Some areas are tougher than others when you begin your journey to a simpler existence. These areas of your home will stop your efforts dead, if you are not both diligent and careful.

I offer the following tips for these areas to help you push through the hard spots. The first (and the top offender) in the “collections and stuff I don’t really need” category is the closet.

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If you have decided that you want to begin on the path of voluntary simplicity, but you aren’t sure exactly how to start, let me offer a few tips. Remember that traveling the early portion of this path is not easy. Getting on the path in the first place is usually not “simple” either — but the long-term benefits can not be overstated.

A wise man once said (paraphrased) that, In life, we push our belongings in front of us. If you are tired of pushing, if your arms are weary, if your stamina is dipping… it may be time to lighten your load.

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This weekend, I got a wild hair. No big surprise for most of you, but it happens from time to time. I decided I needed to start arranging my office in the Airstream to take up less space. Right now, the Airstream is only for my office, but in a couple years, it will be “shared space” when we hit the road. Between now and then, I need to determine how to get everything I need into a much smaller footprint. MUCH smaller. So, I’m starting now. After all, if there’s something that’s horrible that I simply cannot abide, I’d rather know now. I’d like the opportunity to discover and fix the problem before three of us are living full time in the space I’m currently calling “My office” (emphasis on the ‘MY”).

I thought I’d be able to live with just the tablet, for example. So I tried going back to working on a single screen. It ain’t a’gonna happen. Period. I despise the conformity of not being able to keep a window I’m using open on a second monitor and cutting and pasting, dragging or referring to that material in the other screen.

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