I Organize You

Inspiring Clients

2008-07-24T13:50:00.006-05:00

I love helping people feel better
about their space.
Home.
Office.
Garage.
Basement.
Junk drawer.

If there is an area in home or business that is causing you to say "UGH," then perhaps you should act on it.

Michelle was feeling that way about her home office. Back in May she had me help her breathe again in her office (that story here).

We accomplished a lot on that day, though Michelle had plans for more. I was delighted to get an email from her with a picture of what she had done to complete the project.

"Thought I’d send you an update – bought my shelving unit and now life is mah-velous. Never thought I’d purchase anything at ikea, but it is perfect for all of my paper needs. Its 6’x6’, and solid as a rock. My goal is to get more black boxes and label them for all of the individual items.

Thanks a bunch!!" ~Michelle

I am so excited Michelle took on this task
and completed her project on her own.
WAY TO GO!!

How have you inspired someone?

I Am The Luckiest Mom In The World

2008-07-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Matthew!!

I can't believe he is 10 years old. As I have always done, I find a moment on this day and write my birthday boy a note. When my boys turn 18 years old, they will each have 18 letters from me to them.

Another tradition my boys and I have is we make our own birthday cake. In the past they have been elaborate for a homemade cake: dinosaur village, monster truck show, volcano oozes over animals and a swamp monster destroying a city. We are quite imaginative in our home.

This year Matthew just wanted a simple white frosted cake. I suggested the sprinkles to make it festive. But I had a surprise: Trick Candles.

All the kids thought it was great since they kinda sparked a bit. When Matthew blew them out and they relit, I thought they would all pee their pants from laughter. It was HYSTERICAL!!

With the smoke alarms ready to go off, we got the candles out and dined on a very tasty cake. Matthew's deemed his party one of the best ever. Today was all about him.

I look at him and I am in awe at the amazing young man he has become. This morning Matthew said to me, "the love you give me is better than any stuff." Jacob agreed. Big group hug.

I am the luckiest mom in the world tonight.
Thank you Matthew.....Happy birthday my superman!

How does your family make you feel lucky?

With Garages, You've Gotta Have a Junk Pile

2008-07-20T08:29:00.005-05:00

Man it's a hot one,
Like 7 inches from the midday sun

Santana with Rob Thomas "Smooth" was running through my head as "Tracy" and I began working on her garage.

It was a beautiful 90 degF with about 110% humidity summer day in Michigan. I love summer heat and would much rather sweat like a pig than freeze my little tushie off.

Onto Tracy's garage ........
We decided to pull nearly everything out of her garage.

As we did this piles were created:
- kids stuff
- bikes
- garden/landscaping
- tools
- junk (gotta have a junk pile)
- home decor

By pulling everything out of the garage Tracy was able to see, and find, everything she had. She swept out the floor as I installed some wall storage hooks and racks to get things up off the floor.

Then we set up a storage areas for kids stuff and garden/landscaping items. The tools were sorted and organized into the tool cabinet and benches. The home decor items were put away. And the junk ....... well, that got curbed to the road.

In just over 4 hours, Tracy's garage was transformed
from a "disaster zone" to "WOW!"

With time and energy left, we moved onto the basement and were able to get her son's band area tidied up a bit and came up with a game plan for the overall basement organization.

Man, it was a hot day. Tracy was pleased with her new garage. Her kids were shocked at what we accomplished. "Can you do my bedroom?" her daughter asked me.

Do you prefer to work the heat of summer or the chill of winter?

What If The World Had More Charlies?

2008-07-17T20:11:00.007-05:00

After helping "Charlie" with his garage, he asked me to help his wife get her new apartment ready. I purchased new bedroom furniture, bedding and shower items for "Sandra," then returned to help get all her items put away.

During lunch, Charlie's wife began telling a bit about his life.

Charlie's father was a physicist who was in the US Defense Department working on weapons of mass destruction. Due to his father's responsibilities, Charlie spent his entire childhood under the care of the secret service. Bouncing from home to home, with a new last name each time he moved. WOW!

Sandra continued to tell how he ran off and joined the Marines at age 16. Ranking a Major in the US Marine Corps, Charlie fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. She continued on with stories about their travels and hobbies.
I was in awe!!

Charlie gazed at his wife with such a loving look in his eyes. It was amazing to see a man care so very much about his wife. Not by anything he said or did, just his eyes. Stunning.

Sandra mentioned her back ached a bit. Charlie, speaking very slowly from the effects of his stroke, "Would you like me to arrange for a massage?"

In a flash, Sandra snapped back:
"Oh so now your gonna do something for me.
What the hell would I want anything from you? Your useless."

Charlie simply pursed his lips, nodded to me, his eyes broken.

"Sandra, why don't you eat your lunch so we can finish unpacking your room?" I stated in attempt to skirt what just happened.

Charlie went off for a haircut. Sandra and I went to her new room to get her items unpacked.

Charlie is an amazing man. He has told me he will always love his wife despite what her dementia is doing to her. My respect for Charlie grows with each meeting I have with him.
Hmmm ... funny, I randomly chose Charlie's nickname.
He is more than a good man. Charlie is a great man.

Sometimes what you learn from a stranger is priceless.

What have you learned from someone?

Oooh, I'm Saucy!

2008-07-15T01:30:00.000-05:00

QUIZ TIME

Do not fret. It's a fun, easy summertime quiz.

I think my hot sauce result was pretty much right on target.
Bit concerned that I did want to be relish. I hate pickles.
(not there is anything wrong with you if you're relish)

You Are Hot Sauce

You are the life of any party, because you're so good at bringing people out of their shell.

You have a knack for helping people happily embrace their true selves.

You are ambitious, driven, and fearless.
You love taking risks.

Your taste in food is 100% adventurous.

You're up for sampling any exotic cuisine or someone's kitchen experiments.

You live for trying new things, and you get sick of eating the same food (even if it's very delicious).

Take the summer condiment quiz here

What condiment are you?

Helping Charlie

2008-07-14T00:04:00.000-05:00

"Charlie and Sandra" moved into their new senior villa about 8 months ago. Like many times, the move was very quick due to declining health reasons. Charlie and Sandra were unable to prepare or move themselves, and their family was unavailable. They relied on hired movers to pack and get their items to their new home.

Eight months have past and Charlie and Sandra still have a garage packed with items that have never been unpacked. Some items are keepsakes and collections lost amid the piles.

Both Charlie and Sandra use motorized scooters to get around, and all these boxes make it quite challenging. There are paths for them, though ideally these things need to be sorted and removed.

This was going to be another dirty job. Thought I would snap a shot of me in action - Bandana, respirator and ready to get messy. Some people think I'm crazy for doing these really gross projects, and this one was right up there with the best of the worst ones.

Then Charlie returns home after lunch, sees the amazing progress made in his garage and he begins to cry a bit. He tells me a bit of his story, how thankful he is for the amazing life he has had to date and the frustration he is beginning to feel for the loss of his wife whose dementia is becoming quite advanced.

At this point, I begin to forget all the nastiness of my job and I am thankful for being able to make a huge impact in Charlie's life. His garage is cleaned out, keepsakes found and collections safely stored. The majority of items and boxes were damaged and needed to be trashed. Those things that could be used were donated and three crates of canned goods will be taken to Cherry St Mission, a local food bank.

Couple hours into this project I did think to myself:
"I must be nuts for getting involved in this."

Though now looking back, it's projects like this that truly make me realized why I do what I do: Helping people feel better about life.

Why do you do what you do?

Free Hugs in Toledo, Ohio

2008-07-09T00:02:00.002-05:00

Well, it took over a year to get our act together.
It's all about timing.
Patience has paid off .........
Free Hugs Toledo, Ohio
prior to a Mudhens game
Tuesday, July 8, 2008

When was the last time you hugged a stranger?

Enough is Enough ... We are all better off than ever!

2008-07-08T00:05:00.001-05:00

Gas Pump Prices Rising.
Obama and McCain Square Off Over Poor Economy.
A-Rod's Wife Files For Divorce.

Honestly.....How is your life?
Not the stuff you have.

Your life. Who you are.

Take away all the stuff surrounding you and take inventory of what cannot be purchased.

Stop reading the headlines and listening to the Top Story of the day on the news.

Start thinking about yourself and what you accomplished today to make your life better for yourself. For your family.
What did you do to challenge yourself?
Who did you make smile and laugh?
How are you helping others?

Stuff wise:
If you have a flat screen TV, XBox, Wii or Playstation3, you're doing OK. (none of these are in our home)

If you have a computer, internet service, cell phone or Blackberry, I bet you're ahead of where you were 5-10 years ago technology wise.

Look at the current price of a few common items in US$/gallon:
Pepsi/Coke $5.33
Minute Maid Orange juice $6.99
Propel Water $7.68
Monster Energy Drink $12.80
Blue Moon Beer $14.22
Starbuck Frappucino Iced Coffee $20.48
Evian Water $21.19
Robert Mondavi Chardonnay $28.16

Current International Gas Prices (US$/gal):
Australia $6.56
Japan $6.75
UK $8.79
France $8.80
Germany $8.88
Netherlands $9.90
Italy $8.96
Kuwait $2.39
Saudi Arabia $1.69
(well, I guess there's no shipping costs to the last two)

Sure, we all want to pay a fair price for gas.
Compared to other nations, we are doing pretty good with gas prices.

Gas sold for about $0.31/gal in 1959
($2.18 for today's inflation).
Now it's about $4.15/gal = 90% increase

Oh, Coca Cola sold for $0.05/bottle in 1959
($0.35 for today's inflation).
Today it's $1.50/bottle = 328% increase

Hmmmm....no one is complaining about the price of Coke or Pepsi.
And energy drinks are flying off the shelf.

Bottled water ... Remember, Coke and Pepsi start out as bottled water before the sugars and colorings are added. Bottled water is a cost savings to the corporations, though they charge the same for water as other products. Interesting.

You will not find me complaining about the economy or the gas prices.

I just can't get involved in the negativity.

I'm an optimist and full of the belief that times are challenging, and you must rise and meet challenges.

How do you feel about today's headlines?

Fishing Report

2008-07-07T05:47:00.009-05:00

What a fabulous week!

I caught the first fish, nice size bass (just for you Soul baby!)

Jacob caught his first fish:
a sweet, little perch .

Finally, Matthew caught his first fish:
a baby bluegill.

All the many fish caught were released, except for the small pike we continued to catch. These guys are overrunning the lake and quickly became eagle food.

It was amazing to watch this eagle swoop in an snatch fish out of the lake. AWESOME!!

The UP of Michigan is a beautiful area. Put it on your list of places you should take the time to visit at some point in your life.

What is another place that you recommend to visit?

Gone Fishing!

2008-06-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm outta here!

Off to the UP of Michigan.
"Mom, It's like we're on another planet!"
We'll be spending time at my Dad's place on a lake.
Cell phones do not work.
Internet service? ... Yeah, Right.

Just some good 'ol fashion R&R with my boys
....Oh, and we will be catching a fish or two.

Here's the beast we caught 3 yrs ago.
Matthew and Jacob were so proud and excited.

What's your summer vacation plans?
(Winter vacation plans for those southern hemisphere fans)

One Dirty Job Helping to Release the Past (part 2)

2008-06-25T14:40:00.012-05:00

Recap: We began with "Tammy" and her newly aquired investment property in need of a clean-out (and a bigger dumpster). The attic was finished first (click here) ... so on to the basement portion of this project

The before and after pictures:

Tammy had told me in the beginning that the old woodburning stove in the basement was going to be listed on ebaY. During the entire project, as I came across items that might be ebaysaleable (it's a word now), I would set them aside.

Tammy ended up with:

a nice collection of cross country skiis sets with poles
wooden highchair
several old glass jars and soda bottles
some sort of unused scooter
an antique seamstress dress model thingy.

The items I placed curbside seem to be disappearing as I quickly as I set them out. Hopefully the items will be put to good use in their new homes.

TWO dumpters later, Tammy's property is cleaned out of all the old past stuff left behind. The house looks and feels soooo much better.

Me ... I was one grubby looking, sweat dripping puppy. Probably should have had Tammy take a picture of me. Boy, I love getting so dirty you have to really scrub the mud off.

When was the last time you got really, REALLY dirty?

One Dirty Job Helping to Release the Past (part 1)

2008-06-23T15:30:00.012-05:00

Kinda felt a little bit like Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs on a recent project.

With the housing market as it is, purchasing a home for real estate investment is probably never been better. Homes are sold for bargin prices, add a bit of remodeling and you've got yourself a nice investment. You can sell it for a profit, or rent the home for continued income over time.

But ... the first thing that you need to do is clean it out of the stuff left behind from the previous owner. This is the continuing story of "Tammy" who hired me to clean out a home she recently purchased for investment.

Here are the before and after pictures from the attic:

These areas were covered by paneling innocently leaning against what was thought to be walls:

During this project, I was very respectful of these belongings. They had served their useful purpose decades ago and I sensed something everytime I entered the attic. Most items were placed into the dumpster, though there were a few things placed curbside to be collected and used by others.

Tammy's attic is all cleaned and swept out. Lots of extra wood was found which she can use to refurbish the home to match the trim.

As I write about this project, I get an odd feeling, though I know the work I did was appreciated by more than just Tammy.

Have you ever experienced poltergeists?

Happy Day!

2008-06-20T15:08:00.004-05:00

Apparently the feeling of optimism caused by the combination of lighter evenings, the prospect of holidays and memories of childhood summers is at its peak on June 20.

According to the research this has been worked out using the equation:

O + (N xS) + Cpm/T + He
O stands for being outdoors and outdoor activity
N is connection with nature which is in full bloom now
S is socialisation with neighbours and friends
Cpm stands for childhood positive memories
T is the mean temperature which is now usually warm
He is holiday expected.

The formula was compiled by Cliff Arnall, a psychologist and former tutor at Cardiff University who said the main aim is to 'get people talking about what makes them happy'.

Note: Arnall is also the dude, an expert in depression, that decided that January 21st is the gloomiest day of the year.

I don't know if there is something to this, BUT.....
I wasn't too happy on January 21st.
And I am super, duper happy now.
Hmmmm....maybe there is something to Cliff's formula?

Get out there and enjoy the weekend!

How you feeling about the start of summer?

Um ... Were Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

2008-06-16T02:22:00.002-05:00

That's exactly what I thought as I moved a piece of paneling that was innocently leaning against the wall in an attic. The paneling was not leaning against a wall, it was blocking a pile of stuff left behind from the previous owner of a great home now owned by "Tammy". Not a bigger boat though ... a dumpster.

Tammy had met me at a Women's Entrepreneurial Network(WEN) meeting. During our introductions she heard me state:

"I'm Angie, owner of Organized Solutions,
and I help people throw shit away!"
I don't say that all the time, every now and then. It's fun, something different, and my hope is to get people to remember me.

Well, Tammy remembered me
and now I'm helping her get rid of a ton of shit.

Here's the dumpster before:

And 7.5 hours later we have this:

I'm thinking we may have another load not quite this much. The before and after pictures of the attic and basement will come when the project is completed later this week.

What's your favorite quote from a movie?

Lucille Ball vs. Rachel Ray

2008-06-13T00:22:00.002-05:00

These questions are from
my bloggin' friend, Soul.
We're just going to jump right into it:

Name 3 things in your refrigerator:
Chocolate milk (not mine), eggs and spinach

What's your current relationship status?
Single and dating this really, really great guy

Ever have a near-death experience?
Oh Yeah - stage 4 cancer at 22 years old

Name an obvious quality you have:
Obvious? I have great deep, brown eyes.

What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?
"Brickhouse" It's my new ringtone for friends. I have different ringtones for different groups of people.

Any celeb you would marry?
Been there, done that (marriage that is) ... no.

Who will cut and paste this first?
Leasa, or Cheryl, or JYankee ... no pressure ladies

Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?
I client recently told me I reminded her of Rachel Ray, though a friend said I reminded her of Lucille Ball. I Love Lucy!! (nothing against Rachel mind you)

Do you wear a watch? What kind?
Nope. Never have.

Do you have anything pierced?
only my ears.

Do you have any tattoos?
No Way! I do not like needles

Do you like pain?
Only if the pain is from something good

Do you like to shop?
No, I hate shopping.

What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
I gave my boys quarters to buy gumballs.

What was the last thing you paid for with your credit card?
Dinner at The Blue Nile in Ann Arbor ... yummy Ethiopian food!

Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?
Great guy mentioned above (not sure if he is ready to be named here)

What is on your desktop background?
View of the Carribean Ocean in Cancun

What is the background on your cell phone?
Jacob's mohawk
(His own design. He's quite creative with hair.)

Do you like redheads?
Only if they are fun and happy people and they are nice to me, too. (that goes for everyone I know, too)

Do you know any twins?
Yes, my brother's wife

Do you have any weird relatives?
HELLO?! How boring would life be without weird relatives?
Yes, of course.

What was the last movie you watched?
Kung Fu Panda - EXCELLENT!

What was the last book you read?
"The Lorax," to my boys.

Is there such a thing as "love at first sight", or it is more likely to be "lust at first sight"?
I've taken part in the 'love at first sight' bit.
Now, I'm pretty much into the lust part.

What's your favorite book?
"The Lorax," by Dr. Seuss

When was the last time you visited the street where you first lived?
20+ years, no need to go back there.

When was the last time you googled your own name?
probably a month ago

What was/is your favorite subject at school?
Physics - OK I'm a total geek. The stuff I learned in there was wild. It is amazing what you can do if you understand the physics of any challenge.

Do you like having your photograph taken?
Absolutely. CHEEEEESE

What time were you born?
Wednesday, 8:15 am - I had to know for something and now I just remember it.

Ever seriously questioned your sanity?
No. Why? What are you trying to tell me? Well, maybe ... yeah definitely maybe ... OK, absolutely YES!!!

How many phone numbers do you have remembered and can say off the top of your head?
3 - my home number, my cell number and my mom's home number

Can you limbo?
Oh yeah!

Have you ever killed your own dinner?
I have caught many fish, though I cannot clean the fish to eat them.

How long have you been living at your current residence?
2.5 years

What phobias do you have?
None

What's your ideal breakfast?
Breakfast in bed made by my boys.

Where are you right now?
In my office.

What's the longest time you've stayed out of the country/where?
3 weeks - Israel. Can I just say there is no place like home!

Why do you blog?
Partly to show my projects, part to help people to know me better and part to get drifting thoughts out of my head.

What would you call your autobiography?
Adventurous Angie: Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs of One Crazy Chick

It's the weekend!!
Get out there and have some fun.
Me - I'm completing my open water,
SCUBA diving certification.
That's right ... I will be certified.

Whatcha doing this weekend?

Thank You Oakland County FOC

2008-06-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

My former filed me in contempt for essentially signing Jacob up to play soccer this Spring (as he did in the Fall). Again I was not found in contempt of court. I am still happily stunned by this decision and have waited to say anything until I received the paperwork showing this to be true.

Thank you Oakland County Friend of the Court!!

The work you do is difficult, "ugly" and thankless so very often. As frustrating as the system can be, I commend you for the service you provide.

I'm sure my boys would thank you too if they knew what had happened (I kept them oblivious to this drama). Jacob just wants to play soccer and Matthew enjoys scouting. Thank you for allowing them to continue.

Who do you want to thank for their difficult job?

Hiding Behind Smokey Glass

2008-06-11T03:33:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you have to be a little tricky to get the job done. After getting "Michelle's" storage room organized, next we needed to work on her conference room cabinet.

It was functioning as a means to store reference binders. Which was all well and good, though I suggested we frost the glass and use the area for Michelle's company promotion items storage.

The intent was not to completely block the view into the cabinet, just to soften the appearance a bit. To do this you cut the window cling product to size, wet the glass, then place the film into position. Squeegy the film to the glass, smoothing out bubbles along the way and ... wah la, frosted glass. There are several different textures to choose from. I use the crackled glass on my bathroom windows.

After sorting through Michelle's supplies in the storage room, her promo items were in a few different boxes. By placing everything in one spot, she now knows what she has and what she needs to order. When there is a meeting in her conference room, people will not be distracted by the stuff in her cabinet.

What little tricks do you use in life?

OMG ... Look At What I'm Wearing

2008-06-10T03:01:00.000-05:00

These videos were found in one of my dresser drawers. They must have gotten tossed in there during my move in ... um ... Nov 2005.
I know, Ms. Organizer here has stuff squirreled away too.

Anyway, the videos are from my product design engineering days at Ford Motor Company.

Video #1: 1997 - Integrated Spare Tire Storage System
I had to design a spare tire stor.....oh, just watch the video. Laugh at the clothes I have on (I was told to wear something plain, ugh).
I did get a US Patent issued.

Video #2: 1998 - One Piece Blow Molded Bumper System
This was a sweet project! We ended up submitting it for the Henry Ford Technology Award (the holy grails of engineering awards). Two more US Patents issued for this project. We made it to the finals. Alas, we could not get production to sign off, so the submission was pulled. Yeah, that's me inspecting the bumpers at about 7 months pregnant (still 2.5 months from delivery).

What evidence of a job you had 10 years ago is lingering around your home?

* View For One Day Only *

2008-06-09T04:17:00.004-05:00

My friend, Kat, calls me up and asks me to apply to be on The Amazing Race with her. "Sure, why not," I said. We wip this little video together while spending a few hours in Ann Arbor, MI (the half way point between our homes).

Here it is for one day, then private viewings only:

From Kat's phone call to the application package sent, took about 1 week because that's all we had before the deadline. I love working underpressure when the effort is toward a positive outcome.

What spur of the moment fun have you had lately?

SOS ... Scary Office Storage

2008-06-05T07:30:00.008-05:00

"This is just bad"

This is the storage area at "Michelle's" office. It is also where her clients must walk through should they need to use the bathroom. Looking like this is not the ideal appearance, Michelle was hoping for.

One of the first things I noticed was this shelving unit that was not using the space efficently. These plastic shelves are OK. They are bulky and I realy don't care for them. I LOVE these MuscleRacks!! And this one fit perfectly into this corner. You can load up to 1,500 lbs per shelf. The shelves are adjustable so we were able to keep access available to Michelle's electrical panel.

We were able to combine the two plastic shelves into one MuscleRack system with plenty of room to spare. Moved around her computer system, file cabinet and paper recycling bin to create a huge walking area. Now, when a client steps out of the restroom, this is what they see. What a difference!

This is the entry door to the storage area. Originally it did not open completely. With the shelving unit gone and the items behind the door stored on the new shelf, The door fully opens and the room has a neat orderly appearance.

Most businesses have workrooms or storagerooms that their clients typically do not see. Though there are times when your clients will stumble upon them. Make sure all areas of your office have some sort of order to them. You want to project the best, possible image. People understand a working enviroment, though one with bags, boxes and parts scattered about haphazardly may raise an eyebrow on your professionalism.

What scary business area have you stumbled upon?

Lost In Space

2008-06-02T06:30:00.001-05:00

Warning! Will Robinson, Warning!

Lost In Space such a classic cheesy TV show that began in 1969 (WOW! yet another reason that is perhaps the greatest year ever. Save that thought for another post)

As I worked with "Dave" he kept making space references as we organized his basement.
"This is like a black hole of stuff"
"These books seem to just orbit around this house."
"I just want to launch this stuff out of here."

These space references got me thinking ...
what has been lost in space?

Unfortunately, the past 45 years of space exploration have generated a lot of junk!

Space junk can be anything from hatches blown off space modules, paint fragments from the space shuttle, or satellites that no longer work. Man-made debris orbits at a speed of roughly 17,500 mi/hr (28,000 km/h)! Think of the damage even a small speck of paint could do if it hit a spacecraft at such a high speed!

This is an image of the junk in space around our beautiful earth. There's even an Orbital Debris Program Office in NASA. This is the space garbage department for our world.

Good to know that Russia, Japan, France, and the European Space Agency have all issued orbital debris guidelines.

Here's a close up shot.
Look at all the stuff circling up there!

The top 10 items circling our lovely planet:
1. A spare space glove
2. Spatula - making eggs in space?
3. Bags o'trash - darn Soviet Mir cosmonauts
4. Camera
5. Toothbrush - definitely time for a new one
6. Pliers
7. Nuclear Fuel - leaking Soviet satellites are driping fuel
8. A rocket - seems NASA forgot about a rocket from 1969
9. A pen
10. Bolts - bet there are some loose screws floating around too

What's been lost in your space?

Anything A Guy Can Do, A Chick Can Do Too

2008-05-30T12:25:00.008-05:00

A very good friend of mine keeps commenting on how amazed he is at how I just get stuff done. To me I see something that I want to do or needs to be done, so rather than dwell over it, just do it. Done.

Home improvement projects are something I love to do. Sometimes the project is chosen like painting a room or changing the landscaping. Other times, something happens that results in the project needing to be done like a leaking faucet or a broken ceiling fan.

My recent project has been lingering for about a year or so. The toilet on the main floor had a small leak and I replaced the bolts/washers thinking that would do the trick. Well, the bolts became gross, black and smelly due to the leak continuing over the past year. I thought I would try to replace the bolts/washers again for $5 rather than $200-300+ for a new toilet. Plus I had no idea how to replace a toilet.

Well, after spending an hour trying to get the last bolt free from the tank I let out a "Aaaahrrrgg! That's it!" Jumped into my car and headed to Lowes for a new toilet. Walked right up to the plumbing person, Heidi (yeah a chick, how cool is that?), asked her to help me.

TIP: When in doubt, just ask for help.
It will save you time and hassle.

Heidi was awesome. She hooked me up with a complete toilet kit for $225. I was a bit nervous about installing it. I hate plumbing jobs because you can't use duct tape or painter's chalk to hide your oopsies.

A few things I learned:
1. Toilets are not as heavy as I thought.
2. Installation is so easy, under one hour from removal of old to flushing the new.
3. Don't be itimidated by ANY challenge.

No. I am not adding plumbing services to my organizing services. Just because I can install a toilet, doesn't mean I want to do it again. I still don't like plumbing projects

Don't think because you have never done something you can't. Most tasks are NOT that difficult. The worst that will happen from your attempts is you won't be able to do it and you'll likely learn something along the way. Think about how great you will feel for giving it your best effort and completing it.

What home project did you tackle recently?

The Time Has Come to Clean-up Your Garage

2008-05-28T18:30:00.001-05:00

Getting your cars parked in your garage may be a dream to you, though now is the time to get your garage organized. Seems everyone is out there, cleaning out from the change of seasons. Getting ready storing away the nasty snowthrower and dusting off the lawnmowers. Beginning the project, for many people, is the toughest part.

You see the piles of stuff and the shelves overflowing with items randomly tossed about for storage. Here's how you can go about organizing a garage:

step #1: Notes - Look at every wall or area and right down notes on items seen, comments made by my client or in your case little thoughts that drift into your head. It's OK to write, "absolute disaster" or "hopeless mess." Just get it down on paper. Doesn't have to be a novel, random notes are perfect.

step #2: Ideas - Envison what your garage would look like. Use your walls for storing as much as possible. Think shelves, racks, hooks, bins, bags, etc. All of these ideas can be attached to the wall, getting your stuff off the floor.

step #3: Plan - Maybe take a bit of a break and let your thoughts simmer. Come back into your garage and plan what you are going to do. Take some measurements for shelving. Remember to use the studs as much as possible, this will keep your stuff on the walls. Studs are typically every 16 inches along the wall length.

step#4: Action - Get your garbage bags ready, boxes for donations and rev up those power tools ... the organizing party is about to begin. Hang up your shelves first, if possible. This gives you space to store the items you use. Items you do NOT use do NOT go on a shelf, trash or donate. Work around your garage and find homes for the things you use. You will be left with stuff that is has no use in your home.

step #5: Clean Up - You will be left with stuff that has no use in your home. Donate or trash it. Get it out of your life. It's OK to part with stuff. Sweep up the floor and pull your car into the garage. Reward yourself for a job well done!

What random thought do you have about your garage?

Playing Hooky

2008-05-27T16:40:00.007-05:00

I never skipped a day when I was in school.
Guess I was just terrified that my mom would find out, though not really sure what my punishment would have been and likely she would have not been the wiser to my fun and frolic. So, what I was unable to do in my childhood I recreate through my boys. Hey if throughout my boys life I am going to cause psychological damage such as "just add it to their therapy list" moments, why not create some unforgettable smiles that are ear-to-ear moments?

Jacob and I went to Cedar Point for his first introduction to rollercoasters. Cedar Point is THE Roller Coaster capital of the world. I have created a MONSTER! This little dude, just at the minimum 48 inch height to ride (I told him not to fart or he'd be too short), rode hands up, first seat on the Millenium -- 300 ft vertical drop, 80 deg decent, near 100 mph. Since we went on a Thursday, we rode all the coasters over and over, closing the park. He crashed within 10 minutes on the ride home.
"This is the best day of my life" he said to me.

Matthew wanted to go hiking, so we spent the day exploring Farnsworth Metropark which he had never visited. He loved it! We saw some huge fish, 10 cranes and found one toad. The best part came when we came across the rock cliffs along the Maumee River. His eyes just lit up.

"Do you think I can climb up there?"
"Matthew, you can do anything you believe. Go for it."
OK, I was a bit scared watching him climb 20ft up.
This isn't something Matthew has done.
The pride on his face when he reached the top - PRICELESS!

My boys both understood this was a very special day they each had. Skipping school is not something that I condone. Though you bet we will be playing hooky next Spring to ride some coasters, climb some rocks or do whatever activity that day brings.

What do you do when you play hooky?

Can You Breathe In Your Office?

2008-05-21T17:32:00.002-05:00

Sweet home Alabama,
da dadah da dah da dah.
Where the skies are so blue ......

Hearing this song I reached for my phone, it's not ringing?
Odd...that's one of my ringtones.
But it wasn't me it, was Michelle's phone.....We have the same ringtone. How crazy cool it that?!

Michelle has a home office where she runs her photography business GSK Creations. She creates customized action sports posters for a school sports teams. With the school season coming to an end, she is quite busy and her office had gotten out of control.

"Just have Angie come help you, it is so worth it,"
my good friend Cheryl told Michelle.
(thank you Cheryl....you ROCK!)

Michelle explained to me how an old table was just being used to stack stuff on and a cabinet was for hiding items she didn't want to look at. Both of these were to be moved out of the room. We purged supplies that were not used and moved out the extra furniture. Slid a shelving unit and the room just opened up!

"WOW! I can breathe in this room again,"
she said.
There was much more space for Michelle to get her orders packaged for delivery. We talked about getting some track shelving on the open wall which would be perfect for Michelle's paper and other business supplies. And, these are something she can install herself. Remember: Just gotta catch those studs to hold the weight of paper!

If there is a room, or even a drawer, in your home that is feeling a bit suffocating, perhaps it is time to grab a few garbage bags and start purging.

Take in a deep breath,
You'll be amazed at the feeling of fresh air.

What's the coolest ringtone you've heard?