NEAT & SIMPLE LIVING

PURRfect Contentment, Alex, Part Deux : )

There was a book out several years ago called "Everything I Need to Know about Life, I Learned from my Cat".  One thing I learn from my cat, is that even though getting your To Do's done is important, sometimes you just gotta relax and enjoy what you have already done. 

Taking breaks, stopping to treasure a moment, a smile, or something as simple as hugging your cat (or your child) are the real keys to enjoying life.  Without that, getting your to do's done is a hollow achievement.

Click the photo to see it larger.  And, don't forget to vote in our poll!  : )

p.s. Yes, Alex's tail is huge - He's a Maine Coon.  Hard to believe we got him from a shelter, isn't it?   His owner just surrendered him. 

All the best,

Here's a PURRfect strategy for processing incoming mail : )

With 20 inches of snow on the ground, I'm having a wonderful "office" day catching up on some website stuff, book stuff, mail, etc.  I get so much incoming mail that I keep a fairly large basket on my desk to collect it till I'm ready to process it - usually once or twice a week.  Today, my sweet cat Alex decided he wanted to help!  I couldn't resist grabbing the camera to share it with y'all!  It's just too cute!   

Here's my PURRfect strategy for process incoming mail -  (help from the cat is optional!)

1. When the mail comes in, immediately pull out all the junk and put it in the recycle container.  Except for stuff with credit card info one.  That goes into the TO DO basket for later shredding.

2.  Sort out the bills & financial related statements into the bills sorter.

3. Pull out anything from friends such as cards or invitations to open with my husband.

4. Put the rest in the TO DO basket for later processing.

5. Tempt the cat out of the basket with treats. : )

6. Get the letter opener and pull out the shredder I keep out of the way next to my desk and the wastebasket.  Get out the recycle basket I keep under my desk drawer.

7.  Open and process everything.  Usually 70% gets shredded or tossed.  The rest  gets filed immediately in one of the following:

• Desk drawer financial filing system
• Desktop Active File system
• Monthly Tickler File (shown below) - in the pocket for the month when I'll need to refer to it (e.g., tickets to a show or a brochure / address printout for an event.)  Of course, the event goes in the calendar before the material goes in the tickler file.

This plastic folder is great because it can just sit in my file drawer and I drop papers in it. 

I have a similar kind of folder for my receipts which sorts by category. That one has neat hanging file rails so it hangs in the drawer like a pendaflex hanging folder!  I love it.

If you have any tips or ideas to share, I'd love to hear them. 

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day! 

All the best,