Disaster Preparation

Emergency Preparedness

We all have been watching the heart-wrenching news about Japan’s tragic tsunami, earthquake and nuclear meltdown.

The news also reports how “prepared” Japan was for disaster since they have yearly earthquake and tsunami drills and make emergency kits. It’s a little flippant to say the country was the most “prepared.” How prepared can you be for what our Japanese friends are experiencing?

Living in a hurricane zone, we here along the Gulf Coast have some idea of disaster preparedness, but until it happens, you realize how little you can ready yourself. Hurricane Ike was a big learning lesson for us in Houston and Galveston. Houstonians were dealing with wind damage and power outages, and just an hour away, our Galveston friends were dealing with flood waters, fires and wind damage. So what can you do to prepare for an emergency?

Resources, Shopping

Going Shopping? Get Thrifty!

As an organizer, I’ve often dropped off client donations to Goodwill, Salvation Army and other charities, but I would only visit the thrift stores on occasion – until I bought my house. When I moved into my first apartment, I spent a lot of time in places like Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrift and secondhand stores finding treasures and…

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Depression, Organizing Tips

Empowering Yourself

Over the weekend, I gave a talk to a fun group on Organizing from Home. During the presentation, a woman asked the question: “How do you get yourself going when depression is holding you back? I can’t blame it all on the depression.” Ah, yes, depression. I know it well. I know firsthand how depression can suck up all your…

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Fun, Organizing Tips

Only the Shadow(box) Knows

My friend Carol and I were sorting out her craft room a couple of months back, and we came across some treasured items belonging to her grandparents and father. She showed me the cool, vintage eyeglasses belonging to her grandmother and said how she wanted to display them. I suggested displaying them in a shadowbox so she can enjoy them.…

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Organizing Tips

Organizing Your Home Office

I love my home office. It’s so pretty, fun and hot pink. You too can have the home office of your dreams, or at least you can make it less of a nightmare. And why not do it now. After all, March 9 is Organizing Your Home Office Day.