I watched a bit of television tonight. I saw Charlie Sheen, star of one of my favourite all time comedies, as he unravels. It's hard to see. He was such a brilliant comedic actor and now, it seems, he's scripting his own exit. It such a shame to see him in such chaos.
Then, switched the channel and tuned into Hoarders. It's important to for me to see the shows, on account of work. It's another show that is difficult to watch but at least when I see it, I believe I have the skills to help someone in that situation. When I see the struggles of people dealing with their own personal hoarding issues I feel compassion. I don't judge. I want them to get help.
Each situation is different, but there is most certainly one thing in common: They all have to take the first step. There comes a time to just tackle the issue. A time to ask for help.
Hoarders need their families. They also need counselling - whether it is a clinician, a pastor, or a psychologist, they need to start talking and releasing some of their thoughts. It is only when we begin to understand what brought them to this point, can we help them move forward.
Shows like Hoarders are great to get people talking. We can see the pain in holding on to items rather than letting things go. Items that can not be found, or used lack value. If it costs you more in anxiety and stress and health and living space, than it serves meaningful purpose is it worth it?
Shows like ET, TMZ etc that seems to be exploiting Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan and others aren't serving a purpose that I can see. And since I can not help or understand the situation, I won't be watching them any longer. But as shows like Hoarders bring about meaningful discussion on topics that touch all regions of our continent, I WILL continue to watch. I will watch so that I may better understand and better hone my technique as an Organizer. Each situation is unique and will play out differently. I can only hope that when I get the chance to help someone get their life back on track, my skills will serve me well. It's with a genuine desire to help that I approach every situation. I may not always have the right words. I may ask difficult questions and I most certainly do not have all the answers. But I won't look away. Not when I know I can help.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Sweet Easter Travel Deals
The best time to grab airfare is on a Tuesday or Wednesday. It's a known fact. Airlines check their stock and discount what they have too much of. Generally, the best deals are to be had in that 6-8 week pre-flight range.
If you're truly after a bargain, don't be scared to take a milk-run route. Meaning, one or two stops. Sometimes you can literally save hundreds off the direct flight. But then, and herein lies the gamble... What if a plane is delayed? How much money is your time worth? But sometimes, one extra stop for a $300 savings is... soooo worth it.
Also, the best way to grab a bargain, and be the hero at work too, is to GO when everyone else is coming back. So, lets say you work in hospitality... volunteer to work the long weekends. You'll make time and half pay, plus be the hero to the folks who don't have to work the long weekend. Then... you take off the day they get back and enjoy your own half price vacation. I'm sure it's like a 70% savings, if you factor in the fact you got paid extra for working... but never mind. I'll get to my point.
Easter 2011: Good Friday is April 22nd; Sunday the 24th. Most people will try to take off on the 21st to beat the crowds. Too bad for them if they are just trying to book airfare. Just about anywhere will be $800+ with those dates.
However... if you want to leave on Sunday the 24th, Westjet will take you from YWG to PHX for $98.99 (one way, plus tax). This is way lower than typical. Same dates to Orlando... $139. (Or Cheaper with the Air canada Facebook discount code - good until March 4) The hotels will also be cheaper because people will be checking out... not typically checking in. Rates will be 30% less, if not a better deal.
So if you were thinking about a quick trip somewhere exciting... think about going after the long weekend. Any long weekend. And when you see a great price, book quick. They can disappear just as quickly as the Easter Chocolate!
---------
Further to Maui
If you are thinking about taking your sweetie to Maui, Air Canada STILL has lots of great dates. You just have to go to Aircanada.ca and play around with dates. Lucky for us, they have a lowest price date tab on the top. And you can see why going a day earlier, or later can be real savings.
April 24th-29th, with the discount code, now comes out to $579.52 with taxes. That's for 5 days, but you can do 10 at the same price. A steal. And on one of the world's top rated airlines... you can't beat it. Then I would go to Expedia.ca and look around for hotel deals. Or hotel and car, if you are so inclined. That's when Maui can get as expensive as you want it to be. Sheraton, Westin or Marriott hotels run about $350 a night. Condos, and Canadian hotels like the Maui Coast can be $100-$200 per night. It's up to you to decide where you want to be, and how much luxury is enough.
I do want to mention that any of the above mentioned deals can be found through Canadian travel agencies. And each time I find something great that I want, I call my Travel Agent with the details (Especially flight numbers) and then get her to line it up. That way me, and my credit card, deal with someone I trust and SHE still gets a commission. So, it does pay to have a relationship established with your travel agent, and have her on speed dial, because as I said before, the clock is ticking.
If you're truly after a bargain, don't be scared to take a milk-run route. Meaning, one or two stops. Sometimes you can literally save hundreds off the direct flight. But then, and herein lies the gamble... What if a plane is delayed? How much money is your time worth? But sometimes, one extra stop for a $300 savings is... soooo worth it.
Also, the best way to grab a bargain, and be the hero at work too, is to GO when everyone else is coming back. So, lets say you work in hospitality... volunteer to work the long weekends. You'll make time and half pay, plus be the hero to the folks who don't have to work the long weekend. Then... you take off the day they get back and enjoy your own half price vacation. I'm sure it's like a 70% savings, if you factor in the fact you got paid extra for working... but never mind. I'll get to my point.
Easter 2011: Good Friday is April 22nd; Sunday the 24th. Most people will try to take off on the 21st to beat the crowds. Too bad for them if they are just trying to book airfare. Just about anywhere will be $800+ with those dates.
However... if you want to leave on Sunday the 24th, Westjet will take you from YWG to PHX for $98.99 (one way, plus tax). This is way lower than typical. Same dates to Orlando... $139. (Or Cheaper with the Air canada Facebook discount code - good until March 4) The hotels will also be cheaper because people will be checking out... not typically checking in. Rates will be 30% less, if not a better deal.
So if you were thinking about a quick trip somewhere exciting... think about going after the long weekend. Any long weekend. And when you see a great price, book quick. They can disappear just as quickly as the Easter Chocolate!
---------
Further to Maui
If you are thinking about taking your sweetie to Maui, Air Canada STILL has lots of great dates. You just have to go to Aircanada.ca and play around with dates. Lucky for us, they have a lowest price date tab on the top. And you can see why going a day earlier, or later can be real savings.
April 24th-29th, with the discount code, now comes out to $579.52 with taxes. That's for 5 days, but you can do 10 at the same price. A steal. And on one of the world's top rated airlines... you can't beat it. Then I would go to Expedia.ca and look around for hotel deals. Or hotel and car, if you are so inclined. That's when Maui can get as expensive as you want it to be. Sheraton, Westin or Marriott hotels run about $350 a night. Condos, and Canadian hotels like the Maui Coast can be $100-$200 per night. It's up to you to decide where you want to be, and how much luxury is enough.
I do want to mention that any of the above mentioned deals can be found through Canadian travel agencies. And each time I find something great that I want, I call my Travel Agent with the details (Especially flight numbers) and then get her to line it up. That way me, and my credit card, deal with someone I trust and SHE still gets a commission. So, it does pay to have a relationship established with your travel agent, and have her on speed dial, because as I said before, the clock is ticking.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Clean up your computer
When was the last time you cleaned up your computer? It's time, isn't it?
It's quick and easy. It will take you 20 minutes and you'll be better off for it.
Turn it off, then wipe the keyboard, the monitor and your mouse with a soft dusting cloth. Next, double check that your wires are all still in proper working order. Chewed or frayed wires can spell disaster. Nothing like frying your hard drive to give you a good dose of off-line reality.
Next, with the computer on, go through your e-mail box. Delete, delete, delete. Then don't forget to delete your "trash" bin too. Are there any old files you can afford to delete? What about photos? Instead of keeping 15 out takes in addition to the 1 photo you cherish, consider keeping just the one you love.
When was the last time you backed up your files to an external hard drive, or transferred some of your favourite photos to a DVD? If you don't think you have the time, or the need to do this, simply consider how you would feel if you lost them.
Lastly, if you're on Facebook or other file sharing social networks, consider spending a couple minutes to delete files and update your security settings/privacy there as well.
When was the last time you changed your passwords? That's not a bad idea either.
Time to run your virus checker. What... no virus checker? Time to download Norton, or buy something from your local office supply store. Your operating software probably also comes with a "disc cleanup" or a setting to maximize your space....time to run that as well.
Gotta keep the machine running clean. What would you do without it?
It's quick and easy. It will take you 20 minutes and you'll be better off for it.
Turn it off, then wipe the keyboard, the monitor and your mouse with a soft dusting cloth. Next, double check that your wires are all still in proper working order. Chewed or frayed wires can spell disaster. Nothing like frying your hard drive to give you a good dose of off-line reality.
Next, with the computer on, go through your e-mail box. Delete, delete, delete. Then don't forget to delete your "trash" bin too. Are there any old files you can afford to delete? What about photos? Instead of keeping 15 out takes in addition to the 1 photo you cherish, consider keeping just the one you love.
When was the last time you backed up your files to an external hard drive, or transferred some of your favourite photos to a DVD? If you don't think you have the time, or the need to do this, simply consider how you would feel if you lost them.
Lastly, if you're on Facebook or other file sharing social networks, consider spending a couple minutes to delete files and update your security settings/privacy there as well.
When was the last time you changed your passwords? That's not a bad idea either.
Time to run your virus checker. What... no virus checker? Time to download Norton, or buy something from your local office supply store. Your operating software probably also comes with a "disc cleanup" or a setting to maximize your space....time to run that as well.
Gotta keep the machine running clean. What would you do without it?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
How to love laundry
You may never truly love the chore, but this fun idea may make it more palatable! What if you paid yourself to do laundry? Here's how...
First decide what the payday is. What do you want in exchange for doing the laundry all the time? A night out at the movies every month? A manicure? A concert ticket? A new washing machine?
Next step is to get yourself a big jar, or an old tin or a piggy bank. Place it discreetly somewhere in your laundry room. I say discreetly, because you don't want anyone raiding the piggy bank if they stumble upon it looking for their favourite shirt of something.
Then, each time you throw a load of clothes in to the washer, throw a toonie into the jar for yourself. Think of it as your very own, in-house coin-operated laundromat. Any additional money you find in pockets is bonus money and should find itself in the jar as well. Before you know it, you'll have a nice stash of mad money for the movies or whatever you choose. Before long, laundry day won't seem like as much of a chore. You might even start to look forward to it. At the very least, you'll start to feel rewarded for your efforts.
First decide what the payday is. What do you want in exchange for doing the laundry all the time? A night out at the movies every month? A manicure? A concert ticket? A new washing machine?
Next step is to get yourself a big jar, or an old tin or a piggy bank. Place it discreetly somewhere in your laundry room. I say discreetly, because you don't want anyone raiding the piggy bank if they stumble upon it looking for their favourite shirt of something.
Then, each time you throw a load of clothes in to the washer, throw a toonie into the jar for yourself. Think of it as your very own, in-house coin-operated laundromat. Any additional money you find in pockets is bonus money and should find itself in the jar as well. Before you know it, you'll have a nice stash of mad money for the movies or whatever you choose. Before long, laundry day won't seem like as much of a chore. You might even start to look forward to it. At the very least, you'll start to feel rewarded for your efforts.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Is it collecting or hoarding?
The television show, Hoarders, is debuting a new season next week and even their commercials have people talking. Hoarding is a very complicated issue, one that is more about an emotional response to items than it is a response to a need or want.
Collecting can be an exciting hobby. It's fantastic to finally get the hockey card, or the plate, or the coin that completes the collection. It's like a puzzle. Having all the pieces that were meant to be together, actually together, is a gratifying emotional situation.
The unfortunate part with collecting, is that your collection may only be valuable to you. Hockey cards, coins, vases, golf balls, pickle jars, boards games and such may never have a future value. Certainly not future value that would enable you to retire rich. It's like the lotto really. Maybe 1 in 5 million.
But lets say the collection is worth something... $100 or maybe even $1000. You still have to find a buyer for it. "Worth" is only truly determined when a buyer and seller can come to an agreed upon point of sale. Hopefully, it's a point where each feels that they "got a good deal."
At some point we all need to determine if what we are saving is COSTING us too much. Does holding onto it cause you stress or anxiety? Are you losing sleep, friends or even money over it? Are you using your money to add to your collection, rather than pay your bills, buy groceries or enjoy your free time?
If you are answering yes, your collection may be a problem. If you are collecting things so you can have them ALL, or to keep other people from having them, that's a problem too. If you are saving things constantly for other people... but never actually give them to people, you need to make changes.
If your collection doesn't take away from anything else in your life... perfect. It's a great hobby that brings you happiness. If your collection causes concern for your friends and family, or takes away from the things you truly NEED to succeed (housing, food, clean environment, friends) then it's time to ask for help.
Help can come in many forms. Turn on some music and resolve that today is the day to help yourself. Help can be turning to a counsellor or pastor. Help can be a professional organizing service. But know that there is no magic wand, no one hour made-for-tv solution. It's all about a shift in attitude and enthusiasm for making a change. Collecting should never, ever, cost you your health or your happiness.
Collecting can be an exciting hobby. It's fantastic to finally get the hockey card, or the plate, or the coin that completes the collection. It's like a puzzle. Having all the pieces that were meant to be together, actually together, is a gratifying emotional situation.
The unfortunate part with collecting, is that your collection may only be valuable to you. Hockey cards, coins, vases, golf balls, pickle jars, boards games and such may never have a future value. Certainly not future value that would enable you to retire rich. It's like the lotto really. Maybe 1 in 5 million.
But lets say the collection is worth something... $100 or maybe even $1000. You still have to find a buyer for it. "Worth" is only truly determined when a buyer and seller can come to an agreed upon point of sale. Hopefully, it's a point where each feels that they "got a good deal."
At some point we all need to determine if what we are saving is COSTING us too much. Does holding onto it cause you stress or anxiety? Are you losing sleep, friends or even money over it? Are you using your money to add to your collection, rather than pay your bills, buy groceries or enjoy your free time?
If you are answering yes, your collection may be a problem. If you are collecting things so you can have them ALL, or to keep other people from having them, that's a problem too. If you are saving things constantly for other people... but never actually give them to people, you need to make changes.
If your collection doesn't take away from anything else in your life... perfect. It's a great hobby that brings you happiness. If your collection causes concern for your friends and family, or takes away from the things you truly NEED to succeed (housing, food, clean environment, friends) then it's time to ask for help.
Help can come in many forms. Turn on some music and resolve that today is the day to help yourself. Help can be turning to a counsellor or pastor. Help can be a professional organizing service. But know that there is no magic wand, no one hour made-for-tv solution. It's all about a shift in attitude and enthusiasm for making a change. Collecting should never, ever, cost you your health or your happiness.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Maui - Last minute bargain
Funny thing... I just finished writing about fare alerts, when I got one. Air Canada chimed my e-mail box to say that "my price" was reached. I had left an automated fare search on YWG to OGG, set for $249 each way. Sure enough, it came up.
YWG to OGG March 8th to 16th. It's a bit of a haul, with 2 stops each way. (connecting in Denver & LA) however, the total flight time is actually really good. You leave at 7:50AM, and land at 5:38 PM (Maui time). The return flight is overnight. Leaving about 10PM on the 15th and returning home about 4PM on the 16th
I can't go. But if you are flexible it might be the deal you've been waiting for. With taxes all in it is $618. An excellent price.
If you are a CAA member, the Maui Coast Hotel, which I definitely recommend, is about $155 a night. Happy hour by the pool is nice. Very nice.
YWG to OGG March 8th to 16th. It's a bit of a haul, with 2 stops each way. (connecting in Denver & LA) however, the total flight time is actually really good. You leave at 7:50AM, and land at 5:38 PM (Maui time). The return flight is overnight. Leaving about 10PM on the 15th and returning home about 4PM on the 16th
I can't go. But if you are flexible it might be the deal you've been waiting for. With taxes all in it is $618. An excellent price.
If you are a CAA member, the Maui Coast Hotel, which I definitely recommend, is about $155 a night. Happy hour by the pool is nice. Very nice.
Calgary to China
Westjet, Air Canada and Delta have been all over the map lately with their prices. Literally. Delta was running European specials last week. To go to Stockholm, Sweden from Grand Forks, ND was under $500 including all taxes and fees. Yesterday, Air Canada ran a special that went from Edmonton, AB to anywhere in Asia. Today, Feb 23rd, it's Calgary to Asia. For example, a one-way pre-tax fare from Calgary to Beijing is $260. Hmmm.
Westjet has been very quick to match Porter Airlines with their discounts of 30% on the east coast. Say a person wanted to go from Montreal to St. John's NFLD, from April 6th to 12th. It would be a very sweet $132.32 each way. That's $373.34 after taxes etc. Sure, I've flown from YWG to NAS for less than that, but it's still a good deal.
Delta currently has a promotion on travel to Spain. Seats are limited. A few weeks ago, it was Dublin, Ireland at a bargain.
Most airline deals last merely a day or two, but can be a great bargain if you're ready to pounce. The best deals, in general, can be found about 8 weeks out of when you want to travel. My suggestion is to know your price and your route and be patient. Keep checking. Also sign up for their automated fare reduction notifications. (See flightnetwork.ca) Once you mark a route, they will e-mail you each time the price drops, even if it's just $10.
I mention Delta, specifically for us in central Canada. Delta flies out of little airports, like Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo North Dakota. They are feeder planes that take you to Minneapolis in less than an hour. From Minneapolis (one of 3 main North American hubs for Delta). Delta, surprisingly, runs 5 daily flights to Minneapolis, from Minot. There really IS a convenient time every day to catch a flight.
I flew Delta this past Christmas, but out of Winnipeg. I'd do it again. But that's another story, for another day.
Westjet has been very quick to match Porter Airlines with their discounts of 30% on the east coast. Say a person wanted to go from Montreal to St. John's NFLD, from April 6th to 12th. It would be a very sweet $132.32 each way. That's $373.34 after taxes etc. Sure, I've flown from YWG to NAS for less than that, but it's still a good deal.
Delta currently has a promotion on travel to Spain. Seats are limited. A few weeks ago, it was Dublin, Ireland at a bargain.
Most airline deals last merely a day or two, but can be a great bargain if you're ready to pounce. The best deals, in general, can be found about 8 weeks out of when you want to travel. My suggestion is to know your price and your route and be patient. Keep checking. Also sign up for their automated fare reduction notifications. (See flightnetwork.ca) Once you mark a route, they will e-mail you each time the price drops, even if it's just $10.
I mention Delta, specifically for us in central Canada. Delta flies out of little airports, like Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo North Dakota. They are feeder planes that take you to Minneapolis in less than an hour. From Minneapolis (one of 3 main North American hubs for Delta). Delta, surprisingly, runs 5 daily flights to Minneapolis, from Minot. There really IS a convenient time every day to catch a flight.
I flew Delta this past Christmas, but out of Winnipeg. I'd do it again. But that's another story, for another day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)