A Runner

Do you find yourself often “running?" No, not for exercise, but because you’re late? If you find that your life goes from zero to 60 in less than a minute more times than not, then you probably have a time management problem. Often people who have physical clutter, also have cluttered time management skills. First, slow down. Then make a plan of action to use your time as wisely as possible. Perhaps there’s a “time stealing monster” in your life-get rid of it. Identify those areas that are causing you the most distress, reassess and create more productive ways of using your time. Save the running for getting or staying fit.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Small and Consistent

When you’re trying to regain control of your environment, keep these two concepts in mind-small steps and consistent. Take small steps towards getting organized and decluttering and do it consistently. Don’t make it a grand event and don’t attempt to maintain change only on certain days. I actually had a potential client tell me that she could only devote time to becoming organized and maintaining her new lifestyle on Fridays. “Really and how is that working for you”, I asked? You already know the answer. Organize and declutter as you go. It makes it easier to maintain your progress.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Breathe

Here’s a quick stress buster-find a quiet place and breathe. Sounds overly simple doesn’t it? Well, simple is sometimes best. Go breathe!!








Dr. D. Clutter™

Time: Friend or Foe?

How do you view time? If you feel in control of time, then it’s probably your friend. Are you often harried and playing catch up? If so, you probably view time as a foe. You decide. Control your time and don’t let it control you.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Who Are You?

When I ask clients to tell me about themselves, I usually get a speech about what type of work they do. When I ask the question again and ask them to tell me something else about themselves, I get a family history. After the third time, I say to them that I’m asking them to tell me who they are without giving me a job description or a family history. I know it can be difficult to separate what we “do” from who we are, but I think it’s extremely important that we learn to do so. What happens if you lose your job or you divorce? Will you cease to be whom you described? Of course not, but if your self-identity is tied to a position or another person, you may feel that way. Redefine who you are so that the next time someone asks who you are, you’ll have a great answer.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Organized and Helpful Kids

As soon as a child can walk, they can be taught to be helpful and maintain some semblance of order. Am I telling you to make little Jessica, Diamond or Jymia line their toys up perfectly and organize their diapers? Of course not!! But you will do a great service to your children if you start teaching them to be organized and helpful at an early age. Have your toddler bring you a cup or a favorite toy and then show her where it “goes” when you’re done; lead by example. Here are six steps you can follow to help raise an organized and helpful child:

1. Don’t Encourage Clutter-children aren’t natural clutterers-it’s a learned behavior (and often parent influenced). Many children will willingly give away items until an “adult” says, “Hey, don’t give that away, it’s your favorite...” or “Oh no, we (I) can’t let that go, it has so many memories”.

2. Create an Optimal Environment-don’t buy too much for your child. A few precious items will be more cherished, appreciated and take up less space. After all, how many children have been given a “great gift” only to end up playing with the box or relegating the item to a corner never to be played with again?

3. Make it Fun-Don’t make being organized and helpful seem like a chore. Make a game out of it and make it enjoyable for your child.

4. Praise Often-I often say it’s easier to “catch” a child being good than it is to focus on the negative behaviors, so give praise freely. Praise often; it doesn’t take up any space!!

5. Maintain-As with adults, it’s easier to maintain a space than it is to have to constantly reorganize it. See number 3 and do it.

6. Don’t be a Pain-no explanation needed.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Just Do It

How many times have you uttered these phrases: “I’m waiting for the perfect time”, or “As soon as everything is perfect, I will…” I’ve said it before and it bears repeating; someday is nowhere on the calendar. So, don’t waste valuable time procrastinating when you can simply, “Just do it”.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Choices

There are probably many “things” you want or plan to do today, aren’t there? How many of those things will improve your life or make you feel better? I spend time with clients, young and old, who don’t have a clue or an idea of the type of life they want to live. Are you happy, content, frustrated, or anxious about the state of your life right now? What can you do right now, in this moment to improve your life? So, today I challenge you to spend some time finding out what and how you want your life to be. After all, who knows what you want better than you?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Change

We are the sum of our experiences, as well as shaped by our history and past, but that doesn’t mean we are destined to be one way or the other forever. If we desire change, seek after it and are willing to do the work, we really can be what we want to be. What will you change today?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Ready, Plan, Move

Have you been blessed to finally buy your own home? Congratulations!! Here are a few tips to help ease the transition:

1. Plan, plan and plan some more. Don’t just expect your move to progress smoothly without proper preparation.

2. Declutter BEFORE you move. Don’t move clutter from one place to another.

3. Have the proper tools. You’ll need sturdy boxes, strong bags, tape, scissors, markers, labels, and packaging materials (recyclable if possible).

4. Label, label, label. It will help you to know what’s in each box or bag. No need to have to guess. That just adds to your stress level rising.

5. Pack in an organized manner. Don’t just throw things in containers. See the next step.

6. Pack according to rooms. Place all items for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and etc. together. As much as possible, don’t mix unlike room items.

7. Unpack as soon as possible. No procrastinating allowed. The longer you live out boxes and bags, the easier it will be to continue to live that way or have to spend money unnecessarily because you can’t find something. Of course, if you followed tip number 4, you won’t have any problem.

8. Ask for help. Moving can be a huge endeavor. Don’t make it harder by being a lone ranger.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Inflexible

It really irks me when people don't plan and then expect my life to be altered to fit their needs. Does this sound familiar? You have your day planned and someone calls and says they need your help. They say, "Hey, I need you to take me somewhere". "When?” you ask. "Right now.” "What??!! Are you serious?” "How long have you known you needed a ride?" "Oh, I've known for a week or so, but I just thought you'd be able to help." By now, you're possibly flabbergasted. Scene over. If you're like me, I ask what the favor is before I offer my help. I never want to commit myself to something without knowing the full picture. Does that mean that I'm not flexible or not spontaneous? No!! It's selfish on the other person's part to expect you to alter your routine because of their lack of planning. Of course, if it is a true emergency or you’re able to help, do so. As a general rule, I suggest not putting anyone in that position. Plan so that you can keep the peace.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Façade

Is your life a true reflection of the person you are or want to be? Or are you living a lie? Does the face you put forward really reflect the life you live? Make your public and private faces match. Be honest with yourself about who you really are and want to be.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Walden Webinar

I just had the pleasure of presenting a webinar for Walden University on decluttering your life. To Steve, Shannon and Delores-thanks for the great opportunity. To the participants who took the time to submit your questions, I congratulate you on making the decision and taking the first step towards changing your life, regaining control and getting organized!! I look forward to hearing from you.


Dr. D. Clutter™

Let Go

Don’t seek perfection. Let go of things, situations and relationships that are causing you strife, pain or confusion. Stop worrying, plan for the things that you can and you can let go of the rest. Without a plan you hold on to things and continue to worry, but if you’ve done the work and put in the effort, you’ll find that relief is not often far away. If you don’t plan, you’ll probably find that your mind and thoughts continue to race and your heart continues to pound as if it will burst from your chest. Let go of the need to be perfect. Let go of the need to please everyone and complete every task.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Be a Quitter

Quit doing things that don't bring you joy, that are not positive, and that hold you back.







Dr. D. Clutter™

Imprisoned?

Many, many moons ago, I wrote a little something; okay, it was a big something, my dissertation. I was just thinking about it, (which happens on occasion), but this time my thoughts went in another direction. To bring you up to speed: my dissertation, Life Outside the Bars: The Psychosocial Effects of Incarceration on the African-American Spouse, dealt with the problems the spouse faced because of the imprisonment of a loved one, with a focus on the shame and guilt, stigma, loneliness and financial issues many of them experienced. I started thinking that those were similar to the feelings many people who live a cluttered and disorganized existence experience as well.

Here's my disclaimer: I am certainly not saying that the two experiences are the same, but they do have a few commonalities. The spouse of an inmate can often suffer from the shame, guilt and stigma from society due to the incarceration of their spouse (sometimes guilt by association). The CD (cluttered and disorganized) may also have feelings of shame and guilt at having allowed life to spiral out of control and the stigma of being seen as "dirty", "a slob", "irresponsible", "late" or "unprepared". Both can experience loneliness because of isolation from family and friends, but the CD's isolation is usually self-imposed, because of the state of their physical surroundings and life. Both can suffer financial hardships; the spouse due to possibly becoming the primary source of income and the CD because of the lost income associated with having to pay repeatedly for items that can't be found or used or lost wages due to tardiness or absences. It's a sad state no matter what the circumstance. But, thankfully, there's hope in both situations. One day the inmate may come home and family reunification may occur. For the CD, seeking help and reclaiming control of surroundings and life can bring peace, relief and a second chance at living an organized life.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Love the List

I once met a lady who told me she could walk into her pantry in the dark and find any item. Further, she said, she could walk around during a power outage and never trip over anything, in any room in her house. Impressive and very high maintenance, I'm sure, but that's one organized lady!!

I'm not there and I don't strive to be, but I like knowing the contents of my spaces, especially in the kitchen. Do you know what's in your pantry, freezer or refrigerator right now? Using itemized lists have been a valuable, successful and useful tool for my family and clients (it has served me well too). I have a list for all three areas (pantry, freezer, refigerator). Click on the list to see an enlarged view.

As I use an item, I check it off. That way, I have a visual reminder of what I have and what items need to be replaced. Be sure to keep it in a highly conspicuous area where you'll have easy access for viewing. When it's time to shop, I can easily prepare my shopping list because I can clearly see what I need. I don't repeat buy, which saves money and I don't have to guess what I need, which saves time, reduces stress and improves productivity. Using this technique has helped me (and my clients and family) maintain a clutter-free environment, and it has been a great life organizational and time management tool as well. It is easily transferable to any aspect of your life, so don't limit yourself to just the kitchen. It's a win, win situation.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Dr. D. Clutter's™ Ten Easy, Quick and Cheap Ideas

1. To save valuable shelf or table space, store family pictures online instead of using photo albums. The pictures will be easily accessible, ready to share in an email or printed as needed.

2. Place multiple trash bags in each trashcan. That way, when you remove one, you'll always have another bag available.

3. Reuse plastic bags to take out daily trash and for recycling. Just don't accumulate more than you can reasonably use!!

4. Use sturdy cardboard, cut to size, as a drawer organizer to separate socks, underwear and other small items. They are cheaper than the pre-made variety and are easily customizable.

5. When is a plastic shoebox not a shoebox? When it's used to hold plastic tableware, condiment packages or other small items. Use the clear boxes so you can easily see the contents.

6. Need to cover bowls in your refrigerator or at an outdoor function? Use new, plastic caps with the elastic band that are normally used as shower caps. They can be purchased in bulk, come in multiple colors, and are very cost effective. What's also important and helpful is that they are easier to track down than those elusive plastic tops.


7. Another use for those caps? Dust repellant covers. Place them over small baskets full of your travel-sized bottles in your bathroom. If the dust settles-simply throw the cap away and replace.



8. Love magazines, but hate the clutter? Cut or tear out your favorite story or picture and scan it onto your computer.

9. Having trouble finding the proper socks? To save time, after washing, place socks in the shoes you'll wear. This is especially helpful for gym shoes.

10. Use Velcro for a temporary "hold" when a needle and thread is not available.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Celebrate!!

Today is PreciousOnes’™ anniversary!! I’m so excited!! I would like to thank all of my past and current clients for your business and support; it's been a pleasure working with you all. To my family-thank you for your support, prayers and the sacrifices you've made to help make my business a success. I couldn't have done it without you!!







Join me for cake. What’s your choice, chocolate or white?












Don’t worry, they’re only virtual calories!!



Dr. D. Clutter™

The Snow Pics

It has been a great Monday!! If you've read previous posts or my books, you know that Mondays and I are not the best of friends. At any rate, here are the pics I promised, along with a handy, dandy tip to help make your next snow removal endeavor much easier. A little effort equals a big reward. Prepare now and reap the benefits later; it's a win-win situation.

The Paths of Least Resistance


The Method
Here's the method to my madness. I love the snow, as I mentioned above and I even enjoy shoveling it after-to a point. To save time and my back-I invest in a little effort before the snow starts (it saves money and energy too). I've purchased a few yards (about 20) of the heavy-duty plastic runner (you know the type that some people use to cover their carpet in heavy traffic areas) and at the mention of snow, I spring into action. I cover the iron and concrete stairs and walkway (inside our property) with the plastic and I use bricks to weigh it down. I usually only cover one side because the plastic is only a couple of feet wide. Yes, I could purchase double and cover both sides, but for me, one clear side suffices. Next, I hang signs to let visitors know to walk on the "safe" side (after all, I don't want anyone injured). Then, I sit back and wait for the snow.

This time we got a little over five inches, which is a blizzard for those of us in DC. I have my niece Diamond to thank for the artwork on my red measuring ruler. Anyway, after the snow has blanketed everything and I've uttered my "ooh" and "aah" at the splendid beauty, I swing into action. Instead of having to shovel and sweep the stairs and walkway, I simply pull up the plastic (being careful not to allow the snow to fall everywhere) and presto-I'm done. Well, I'm done with those areas because I can't cover the bricks in front of my house-safety issues, you know. Can't have anyone falling (and suing).

Ugly, but Effective
This is a picture of the plastic as I've started to pull it up. I'm almost half done at this point. You can see the bricks I used to weigh it down, to the right. It's not a pretty sight, thus the name of the picture, but it's effective.




Time Saved
This is a picture of the stairs after I've pulled the plastic runner completely off (notice my sign on the left). I've posted it as a close-up so that you can see it clearly. Oh, for that I simply printed it and put in in a plastic zip top bag to protect it from the elements. The signs and the plastic are both reusable and recyclable. Go green!!








My Girls
These are "My Girls"; my shovels that help make the job as easy as shoveling can possibly be. You have to have the proper tools.









Footprints in the Snow
Now, the sidewalk must be conquered!! The trick to easy snow removal is to get to it as soon as the snow stops falling. Some like to shovel multiple times to "keep up", but to me, that's to much effort, especially for a "DC Blizzard" of five inches, but do what works best for you.






The Red Bricks-I Can See Them!!
I love this after picture-success. "My girls" and I are proud of our effort.










What a day!! Now it's time to rest. Whew!! I worked hard, but not as hard as I would have had to without the plastic. I also had fun, which is one of the purposes of snow!!

Dr. D. Clutter™

It's Snowing Again!!

Yep, it's snowing again!! If I didn't mention it the last time, let me say it here: I love snow!! I'll post pictures later, but in the meantime, I'm going to use the day to catch up on some projects around the house, create more posts for you all and of course, shovel some snow.

What would be on your list of things to do if you were relegated (happily for me) to the indoors because of beautiful, white, fluffy, cleansing, smile inducing snow? Although I wholeheartedly believe that you should be as productive as possible when the situation warrants and allows, even I won't blame you if you just want to go outdoors and play. Go ahead-have a snow day and enjoy!!

Dr. D. Clutter™

Dr. D. Clutter's™ One-Day-a-Week Guide to a Year of Random Acts of Kindness (Plus 20 Extra Days, Just in Case)

Dr. D. Clutter's™ One-Day-a-Week Guide to a Year of Random Acts of Kindness (Plus 20 Extra Days, Just in Case) is purposeful, witty and will help you organize and manage your time. This one-a-day, once-a-week, one-year journey will inspire you to create social change by encouraging you to perform random acts of kindness. In addition, the yearbook will be a valuable time management tool, as well as a place to record your daily thoughts and experiences. Perform random acts of kindness; they're gifts that will never be refused!! Click on each page for a closer look and order yours today. Available in PDF (save up to $10 on S&H).

Dr. D. Clutter™

Reach Higher

Have you set your sights on completing a goal? Are there stumbling blocks, obstacles, and hindrances that are keeping you from accomplishing your goal? Has YOUR thinking been the major cause of your lack of success? What actions have you put into place to achieve the goal? Often we are our own worst enemy by not allowing ourselves to plan for those things we can't see. Don't let it happen. Plan big!! After all, the higher you reach, the higher you can climb.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Try

"Try" is a word that I eliminate from my vocabulary as often as possible. It's not the easiest exercise, but it's one that will truly change your life. Seriously. When you use the word "try" you've already given yourself an excuse not to complete a task. Here are a couple of examples: I will try to clear my desk today, versus, I will clear my desk one section at a time-more definitive. I'll try to make it to the gathering, versus, I will not be able to attend due to another appointment; more honest and straightforward. Now you do it. I've heard that the ever-wise Yoda stated, "Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try". No, I'm not a Star Wars fan (I actually found that quote online). Go figure that I could quote a little green character. I guess wisdom can come in all forms.

Dr. D. Clutter™

The List

Are you truly fulfilled? What makes you the happiest? Is it a long list of things, possessions, or people? Take the time to take stock of those experiences that bring you the most joy. Make a list of them and put it where you can see it often. When you're having what you perceive to be a lousy day, take a look at your list. Here's hoping it will bring a smile to your face like that of a child. Now, wouldn't that face just make your day?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Searching? Finding?

Do you find yourself searching for happiness in other people or in things? It's funny that most of our life is spent searching, looking, hoping for something we think we want or need. As soon as I…I'll be happy. Fill in the blank with whatever you want. As soon as I get a better job. As soon as I find the right husband or wife. As soon as I get a bigger house. As soon as I lose 10 pounds. As soon as I get a new car. A lifetime spent "as soon as". I'm doing my best to enjoy today and whatever my current circumstances are, those are the times I'm striving to appreciate. Of course I want more, but I'm learning to appreciate the here and now. What about you?

Dr. D. Clutter™

An Office Before and After

This home office was filled with clothes, exercise equipment and other items that were cluttering the space. If a room must serve multiple purposes, make certain you develop a "zone" for each use. For this project, we developed the "office zone" and the "exercise zone"(not visible in this pic).

Be sure to send your before and after pics. I'd love to see them.
Email me at DrDClutter@OurPreciousOnes.com, or call to discuss at 202-652-1905. Of course you can always visit my site for more information http://ourpreciousones.com/.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Dreaming

Good glorious morning,

What is a plan without action? A dream. While dreaming is a great thing, it won't necessarily help you get things done. Take the time to write out your plan of action and then implement it. Save the dreaming for your sleeping.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Participation Required

What is the best plan of decluttering and organization for you? The one you will follow. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good episode of many of the popular organizational shows, but I cringe when I see that they've sent the occupants of the home away!! Imagine coming home to a place that looks great, but you don't have a clue how it functions. Sure, you may maintain it for a week or even a month, but almost certainly you'll regress to your old habits.

This is likely for two reasons. First, you didn't have to do any of the work. It's like you've heard so many times. You'll appreciate things more if you work for them. Secondly, you didn't have a stake in the process. Remember hearing that teaching a man to fish is better than giving him the meal (yes, I took free artistic license to paraphrase that one). It's true, if you have the responsibility of getting organized, you'll be more likely to maintain it.


What's the moral of the story? You should be an active participant in the reorganization of your life and space.


Dr. D. Clutter™

Identification Required

What is your main clutter issue? Is it paper, clothes, bags, boxes or general "stuff"? Once you identify what your vice is, you'll be one step closer to eradicating clutter from your life.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Bees at the Water Cooler

Have you ever seen bees hanging around the water cooler? Of course not, but follow along with me; it'll become clearer as we move along. Do you make the most of every opportunity to be productive? How much time do you waste in any given day? Is your day scheduled to make the most out of every minute? Probably not, and it doesn't have to be. As long as you're accomplishing most of what you desire to accomplish, you're on the right track. I believe that being overly rigid in your time management regimen is just as detrimental as being overly lax in that same regimen. Strive for balance. Okay, back to the bees. They are about what needs to be accomplished and move forward in that direction. They are workers by nature, with a task in "mind" and completion in "spirit". They don't waste time and you shouldn't either. Be a bee!!

Dr. D. Clutter™

Determination!!

I have to share this with you all because it is such a heart-warming and inspirational story. I'll let the article speak for itself, so be sure to read it, but just allow me to express a few thoughts. Tammy is such an organized, faithful, dedicated, compassionate, and caring person. Her life has been full of adversities and hurdles that would and should have hindered her success, but she did not allow those events to define and determine her destiny; she is one determined woman (her children have inherited that gene too). You'll be hearing great things about her in the future, so pay attention!! Have your tissue ready; don't say I did not warn you!! Oh, did I fail to mention that the star of the story is my cousin and my she-ro? Congratulations Tammy!!

http://rrdailyherald.com/articles/2009/02/13/community/education/doc4995c208330da955194887.txt

Simplify. Simplify

One word-repeated and it speaks volumes. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau, who strove for a life of naturalistic simplicity by living with as few "things" as possible and attempting to enjoy the beauty of his natural surroundings. I won't go into great detail about him because you can research him online and I'll write more about his influence in my life in future posts. What I ask of you today is to challenge yourself to live a more simplified life. Am I suggesting you move to an isolated cabin on the edge of town for two year's, two months and two days? Certainly not!! But you can strive to live with less and enjoy and appreciate life more. How will you simplify your life today?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Bill Collector

How many of you have bills from 1973? Okay, you've either paid them already or you're REALLY behind on your payments, so don't bother to keep them. Seriously, purge and shred on a regular basis to prevent a paper mountain from living in your file cabinet, on your desk, at the front door; your get the picture. Sure there are certain records that you may keep for tax or other purposes, but if it's not an important document, SHRED, SHRED, SHRED!!

Dr. D. Clutter™

Times Two

I'm a big fan of recycling and repurposing. What things in your house can serve double duty? Yes, plastic bags make great trash can liners (not attractive, but functional), but go beyond the obvious and see what other things you can find that will have you saying, "I can use that to…"

Dr. D. Clutter™

Prime Real Estate

Prime Real Estate. Those three words should apply to every surface, corner and crevice in your home or office. If you think of your space as valuable, you'll be less likely to clutter it with unimportant items. For example, what's on your desk right now? If it's anything that you don't use on a regular basis, it does not belong there. Remove it; I'll wait. Great!! Now that you only have those items that serve a daily purpose, you should be able to do two things on your desk right now: 1). See the top of it and 2). Use it. That wasn't so hard, was it? No. The hard part comes in keeping it that way.

Dr. D. Clutter™

No Vacancy

Magazines and newspapers are great visitors, but they make lousy housemates, so don't allow them to move in. Read and discard. If there is a must keep article, clip it and then recycle the rest. Better still, take it one step further to eliminate the need to create another paper pile and scan the article onto your computer.



Dr. D. Clutter™

Dr. D. Clutter’s™ 21-Day Journey to a New You

Who says changing your life can't be fun in the process? Dr. D. Clutter’s™ 21-Day Journey to a New You guides you along a 21-day path to changing the habit(s) you choose. Insightful, humorous and supportive, this day-by-day guide will be your companion to change, one day at a time!! Click on each page for a closer look and order yours today. Available in PDF (save up to $10 on S&H).

A Lifesaver

Gotcha!! This isn't about candy or a life preserver or raft, but this idea can save your life. Now that I have your attention, let's get started.

Go to your bathroom medicine cabinet, kitchen cabinet and junk drawer. Now take all old medications and throw them out. No, I'm not going to hold over your head that you should store most of your medications in a cool, dry place, out of direct light and away from moisture, but you know you should. Be certain to check with your local government to see if they have a hazardous waste program for disposal of toxic materials. Don't flush in the toilet or pour medications in the sink. Use a marker to cover all identifying information and leave the top on to prevent any children or pets from gaining access.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Something New

I wanted to learn to belly dance because it's such an expressive outlet (and really burns calories-I love that part too). I researched classes in my area and found many available, but I didn't go. I, too had many valid reasons. Then I decided that I would not allow those reasons to keep me from trying something new. Now, I had to take a different route than I had originally planned (the formal classes), but guess what? I'm learning to belly dance and I love it.

Are there things you've always wanted to do, but for multiple reasons you haven't? What's holding you back? Are you over-scheduled, overwhelmed, under-budgeted or lack motivation? Is it some other reason? Whatever is holding you back from the "something new" you want to do, push through it and get it done.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Mistakes and the Editing Queen

I love to write and I like to think that I have a great handle on the English language. But, lately I've noticed that, on occasion, "things" seem to slip under my editing radar; a misspelling hear (just kidding, I did that for effect; I know it should be spelled h-e-r-e), a word omitted there. Even though I reread each post multiple times before I submit it, some things still get by.

Why am I lamenting on the woes of my mistakes? Well, it's because it drives home the point I often write about; it's not about perfection. It's okay to mess up-you'll survive. Of course, I strive to be error free, but sometimes I make mistakes and post them before she sees them (yes, they should be caught before I post, but again, not perfect). Thankfully, I have an eagle-eyed editor and I'd like to acknowledge her. I think she's the best editor in the world. Once she spots my error, I get a gentle email about it and I make the correction. She's painfully shy and doesn't like to be in the spotlight (we're working on that), but I'm letting you all know about Tia, the Editing Queen. I'd post her picture, but then she'd go into hiding(SMILE). As she's reading this, all of the color is slowly draining from her face!! Let's here it for the Editing Queen!! Hip, hip, hooray and repeat!!

By the by, I did a quick search and found that I am not the only person who seems to have this same issue. What about you? How do you deal with your mistakes?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Happy Birthday Malinda!!

A good friend is hard to find, so when you have a true friend, keep her close and cherish the relationship.

Today is Malinda's birthday. She's my dear, close friend and we've known each other since we were ten years old. We laugh and are amazed when we say we've know each other for almost 30 years!! Thirty years, whew, that's a long time. We've never lost contact and can depend on each other in good and bad times. Malinda, remember our "vent" sessions, always!!

Join me in wishing my good friend, Malinda a very happy and blessed birthday!!


Happy birthday, Malinda!!


I'd sing, but that's not my gift!!

Dr. D. Clutter™