Today: The Organization Station.

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I work quite a bit.  I am training for a marathon.  I randomly joined a soccer team (and will henceforth be known as Pele Jr.).  I try to maintain a social life, though I know hermit crabs who have more Facebook friends than me.  I usually cook, I sometimes clean, and I regularly walk the dog. People always ask me how I keep it all together, how I get it all done.

Truth be told, no one has ever asked me that.  But I’m going to tell you anyway.  Meet my Organization Station.

Sure, I have a BlackBerry and various other electronic gadgets, but nothing– in my mind– beats a good old fashioned notebook.  If you’ve ever had a computer crash (say, the night before a 20 page art history paper is due), you know what I mean.  Besides, having your whole life written down ensures you’re leaving an overly detailed paper trail, chock full of alibis.  And maybe, when you’re famous, your notebook can become an actual book.  Like, in bookstores.

I love these little notebooks from Target– they’re the perfect size (not too big, not too small) and, bless his/her heart, the designer built in a color-coding system.  With the addition of a few 3M write on Post-It tabs, this notebook helps me record daily to do lists (I do… love a list), keep a running log, plan for mediocre posts such as this, and have other useful resources right at my fingertips.

During the week (the weekend begs, “Give those to do lists a break, crazy lady!”), I list my to do’s on the left hand side and notes and notable moments on the right hand page.  This helps me reflect on the current day, and plan for the next.  Some days I’ll jot down a recipe on the right hand page, other days it’s a quote that caught my eye or a book I want to read, or maybe I’ll note my trusty pedometer count.  Unless I’ve lost my pedometer.  Again.

Under the “resources” tab, I keep a few things that I regularly refer to, including the Dalai Lama’s morning ritual and the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.  Holy cow, I do have a soul!  The “running log” tab, I feel, is self-explanatory.  Some days I run, some days I sit around like a bump on a log.

And that, folks, is how I keep my life slightly under control.  If there was any question as to the level of my nerdiness, I assume your doubts have been put to bed.  Thank you.  Post adjourned.

Also On Tap for Today:

• If you haven’t switched to Gmail Priority Inbox yet, I highly recommend it.  If you haven’t switched to Gmail yet, we need to have a talk, mister
• I recently asked my Dad this very question
• Lay out clothes/gadgets for tomorrow morning’s six miler 🙂
• Put together some book donations for the Prison Book Program; check out this insightful essay

Are you a member of the Nerd Herd?  How do you stay on top of your life?