Although the PC has revolutionized the way we work, live, shop, and play, the promise of a "paperless office" has never materialized. Indeed, having been in the workforce for close to thirty years, it seems as though I had just as much clutter - if not more - in my office as I did before the widespread adoption of the personal computer.
The truth is that papers, sticky notes, business cards, copy clips, and office accessories were strewn around on my desk, and even a desktop organizer or card holder didn't seem to help. Each work day, I found myself searching for a phone number I need, a business card I misplaced, or - worst of all - sticky notes that somehow fell off of my computer monitor and were lost in the detritus, resulting in my forgetting to attend a meeting or missing a deadline.
What I really needed - and ultimately found - were computer accessories that actually helped me get and stay organized. I was overjoyed when I discovered a frame that fit around my PC monitor, and that held all the sticky notes, pictures, and business cards that I wanted or needed close at hand. Better than a desktop organizer, card holder, or any other number of home office accessories, this PC frame allowed me to streamline my workspace and get rid of much of the clutter.
I use the frame around my monitor to slip in a variety of important information. Along one side, I'm able to slide in those annoying sticky notes that would always fall off when I tried to stick them to the my monitor frame or that left residue when I used tape to attach them. I use the sticky notes to remind me of meetings, deadlines, and other "to do's" - and I never have to worry about them falling off. Plus, once I complete a task, it's easy to just slide one out and toss it away.
Along the top of my computer monitor, I use the frame to slip in photos of family members and friends, as well as a wallet-sized calendar. I can see the month at a glance, and every time I look up, the smiling face of my daughter looks back down at me. I love it!
I use the right side of my PC frame for a variety of items, like a list of phone numbers I frequently call, an index card that lists the steps I need to take in order to complete a repetitive task I perform at my job, and business cards from people I recently met and with whom I have to follow up. Again, it's easy to slip the papers in and out of the frame, making it a dynamic tool to help me stay organized.
Because so many of my colleagues have asked about my monitor frame, I've decided to give everyone in my office computer monitor accessories for the holidays. Several of my family members and friends have home businesses, so I'm planning to give computer gifts to them as well. Life is just so much less stressful when the clutter around your computer vanishes and you have everything you need to get the job done within plain sight.
Top Holiday Gifts 2009
For those who find making their gifts list for the holidays a very exciting activity, good for you. Those who find it less than an appealing bustle don't fret. Many share your sentiment. The problem with making a list is that it seems to become never ending especially when you decide on checking it twice. Okay, you're no good ol? Saint Nick but hey, this is only looking at it with a bird's eye view. What you don't know is that buying the gifts could actually cause a bigger headache than the preparing of the list.
Who wants to wallow in the stress brought by holiday gift-giving? Holidays need not always put you in a major state of panic. Here's how to breeze through the holiday season with these tips on buying gifts.
1. Say no to a rigid gift list.
This doesn't mean that when you arrive on a situation like when you get to see a ?spunkier? Ipod when you originally thought of giving out a Walkman, you'll always give in. The thing is that you should be open to alternatives with your choice of gifts. You might as wel, jot down all the possible options on that gift on your list in case you're having a hard time looking for it.
2. Nifty over Hefty.
An expensive price tag does not necessarily mean a perfect gift. What is more appreciated is creativity and when someone puts in genuine effort. Your budget does not have to suffer so much during the holidays. Doing your homework will get you a long, long way.
3. Doing some favor is a labor of love.
Instead of material presents, an act of kindness can very well serve as a very valuable holiday gift. One may run errands or do things like babysit for a busy aunt, cook dinner for a couple, or do a car wash. Of course, just don't forget to do this for free. One more thing, you can also do this goodie-two-shoes stuff not only for your family and friends but also for those less-fortunate.
4. Techie not Newbie.
For those who are still thinking that the Internet is only a mirage of the future, please wake up. You're so late! Online shopping is one of the many conveniences the Internet offers. Just click the mouse and voila! Before you are a wide array of brands and pricelists for your choice of gifts. Amazon.com, EBay, and Overstock.com are just a few of the best web sites that can help you in this endeavor. Just remember to provide ample time for delivery.
5. Comfort Zone.
During the commotion from shopping for holiday gifts, it's wise to wear your most comfortable outfits. This will make it easier for you to rummage through shelves of stuffs and will make scurrying not much of a hassle.
6. Early Bird Gets the Most Appreciation
Yes, there's still no better way of dealing with this gift-buying problem but to do it ahead of time. Creating your list about two months before the ?season to be jolly? will help a lot in downsizing the hassles of this activity. Some can even go the length of preparing for it at least three months before the holidays.
Some people never have to worry about buying for gifts. Can you imagine having a closet of stuff always ready to be given out for various occasions? Yes, these cases exist. But you don't have to really succumb to such almost-paranoid acts. Following the simple but noble tips above will do.
Both Chris Robertson & David Arnold Livingston are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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