Planner Challenge-Day 22

CONGRATULATIONS!
We made it!  You have successfully completed the 21 day planner challenge! I hope you enjoyed participating, interacting with your planner, and it has now become a "habit".  Keep on with it!  Enjoy!
Love, 
Me & My Planner 

Planner Challene-Day 21

Here it is; a collage of all three weeks!  A collage of 21 photos would be miniscule, so here are each week's collages:

 


That's it you did it!! Hooray!

Planner Challenge-Day 20

How do you stay motivated?  Well, one thing for me is this little blog.  If I have to take pictures and share with you all, I'm motivated!
Besides, I've lived too long to long in chaos. It all started about 3 years ago, but you read that yesterday.  Also it calms me and makes me feel more in control when I see a neat space.  So some of these images from all over Pinterest help:

none of these images are mine, some are dead links, sorry

Planner Challenge-Day 19

So my work goal this year is similar to my home goal.  I started to keep my master copies in binders, hoping they'd be easier to find and use.  Well, possibly, but you have to put them back into the binder when you take them out!  This part is actually not too hard, but the sorting through the files and eliminating old worksheets and things then putting them in binders is pretty difficult!  I have brought several units home last year to start putting in binders, but I'd run out of sheet protectors, need more binders, put it off until later...and you can see where this is going!

Now, when I go to get things they are not always there! Yikes!  So this year I want to be really good about filing into binders and organizing masters so next school year, BAM! Instant organization!

So, here's a little glimpse of what those binders are supposed to look like:

Now, I have to put in a disclaimer here:  Please note I used to be pretty darn organized with all this stuff, but when I started my Master's program I was always in a rush to get home from school and complete an assignment, or read chapters, or meet with my group in our online classes.  At the time, all the "extra" stuff went on the back burner-I mean, an assignment is due when it is due, right? So now I have this mountain of stuff to organize and it. is. daunting! I didn't now where to start, so I didn't.  Well, that's all over now! And by the way, I got straight A's all through the program (a TOTAL first for me) so I guess it was a little worth it!

 What's your work or home goal for 2016?

Planner Challenge-Day 18

Show us your planner for the third week!  Of course this post was supposed to go out yesterday, but with the martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend, I kept thinking yesterday was Sunday! Ack!  I'll probably be confused all week.  It sure feels like Monday!

Join in for our last week1

Planner Challenge-Day 17

It's Sunday!  Time to fill out your planner for the week.  It is the beginning of week 3...have you been following along? 

Planning your week should be becoming a habit by now.  Does it feel "natural" to you.  I know I look forward to a little "escape" to look at my planner and fill in the weeks' activities every Sunday--especially when these little cuties are looking back at me!

Planner Challenge-Day 16

Today's challenge is to share a healthy meal.  I found this salad on Pinterest from DamnDelicious a while back and frequently make a quick version of it for my lunches.

 

I like to add a little grilled chicken to make a meal out of it.  I also have extra dressing left in the fridge since I don't like to dress my salads as much as most recipes call for.  In fact, I always order the dressing on the side when at a restaurant.  I like a salad with a little flavor, not a bath!  It has just the right mixture of sweet and tart and the dressing is fabulous!! Give it a try.  I'm sure you'll like it!

I can't wait to see your recipes.  If you'd like to participate in this challenge, there's still time.  See my original post here.

Planner Challenge-Day 15

You've been working so hard with this challenge!  What are you proud of? What make you smile about these two weeks?  I have to say I am super proud that I am still posting on a daily basis.  If you read my first post you know that this challenge helped me in two ways:  1) I was going to get in the habit of using my planner and 2) I was going to post on this blog more.  I'll be the first to tell you that after this is over, I won't be posting every day-but the goal is at least once a week. And that is a BIG improvement! So, yep, I'm proud of this!

(And besides, I think this blog design is pretty darn cute! Don't you? Thank you Honey Bunch Blog Design!)

Planner Challenge-Day 14

Sooo....how's it going?  It is the end of week two and one week to go.  Are you getting in the habit yet?  Using your planner?  Taking care of yourself?  Reaching some goals?  Let's see how you're doing with a photo collage of the week.

 This is for your benefit too, you know!  Take a look at all you have done! Isn't it great?!  Hooray for you!

Original challenge here !

Planner Challenge-Day 13

Today's challenge is a tough one...it is do something for yourself day.  I know that can be harder than it seems, especially with the hustle and bustle of being a parent, spouse, employee, etc.  But you CAN do it!  I was at work pretty late today and I still have work to do (being a teacher and all-there are papers to grade, lessons to plan...I could go on).  Although my time is tight, I took out some of my scrapbooking materials and finished up a few pages that needed a little extra attention--journaling, ribbon, a little something to pull it all together.  I completed four spreads and spent about an hour on them.  Then I ordered more adhesive from eBay and viola!  My favorite spread:

Remember you're welcome to join up at any time.  See the original post here

Planner Challenge-Day 12

Well, how's it going?  Have you been keeping up with your new planner?  Are you working toward your goals?  Check your progress today and see the original post for the days ahead.  Today, I'm going to show you some progress I've made on my desk. You might remember the horrific photo from this post!  It looks pretty good from here but, I'll admit there's more to be done!

 

Planner Challenge-Day 11

I'm all set for the week, are you?  Here's a quick photo pf my planner spread.

Whether you plan a day, week, or month, show us what you've got!  See the original post here and join in. 

Planner Challenge-Day 10

Have you prepped your planner this week?  Well, today is the day!  Sunday is day 10 of our challenge and I'd like you to take some time to fill in your planner this week.  You can find the challenge here.

Since I don't carry my planner with me, but it is open next to my computer where I can see it daily, I put any appointments that I make on my phone calendar.  During my morning routine, I check my planner and my emails before heading off to work.  As you saw here, I color code events so I know who needs to be where, when.  

Planner Challenge-Day 9

Oops, I had this ready to post and forgot yesterday, sorry!

What is one health goal that you have for this year?
Mine is to work out at least 3 times a week with the true goal being 4 times.  I enjoy Zumba, Pilates, and walking or hiking.  I am also a member of the YMCA where I usually use the fitness center.

Photo: YMCA

Planner Challenge-Day 8

Today's challenge is to hare a tip on how you stay organized.  This could be anything that helps you and may help someone else, so please-share!  I have 2: I have a routine each evening before I go to bed, I always prepare for the next day what I need to get out the door in the morning.  I set out my clothes, pack my gym bag, prep my lunch so it is quick and easy, pack my school bag, etc.  This helps eliminate the "I forgot to...." in the morning!  I encourage my teens to do the same, but you now, they're teens and I have NO IDEA what I'm talking about!

Another thing I do is color code my planner.  I have these great markers that I use exclusively for my planner (that way they don't get lost/moved).  I <3 them!  Work, family, myself and each of my girls has their own color-that way, I can tell at a glance who is doing what.

See the original Planner Challenge and share your planner by linking a post, commenting, or sharing on Instagram: #2016PlannerChallenge  Join in wherever you are!

Planner Challenge-Day 7

Congratulations, you just finished week 1!
Let's see a collage of what you've done so far.  Be proud of yourself and, like Dory says, "Keep on swimming!"

 

Join us for week 2 on Instagram: #PlannerChallenge ,comment below, or link to your page. 

Planner Challenge-Day 6

All righty...today you are to try a new kind of exercise.  Not NEW like something that has rarely been done, but new to YOU-out of your regular routine!  I prefer Pilates, Zumba, walking, and a basic gym workout at the YMCA.  But I want to add something new to the mix.  Once a week I want to be sure I fit in a walk or a HIKE.  Now, I've certainly hiked before but it is on rare occasions.  My goal is twice a month.  There are some nice hikes in my local area, so why not take advantage of them, I say?

This is in the Mission Trails Regional Park (San Diego) and is the Kwaay Paay Trail.  Image from hikingsdcounty.com
 Soooo...this was my plan for the day.  But it POURED last night-flash flood warnings and everything!  Now, you have to remember us Southern California people aren't quite sure what W-A-T-E-R is; let alone what to do when it falls from the sky!!! It is soggy out there, people, I'm talking a great, muddy mess! So, instead, I am going to the Y.  We'll save that hike for when it dries out a bit. Sorry!

See the original challenge here and join us no matter where you start!  #2016PlannerChallenge on Instagram, link, or comment below.

Planner Challenge-Day 5

Today's task is to share a personal goal for the year (or time being).  One of my personal goals this year is this guy:

Don't look! It is embarrassing! This mess is my desk at home-yes, it is a total disaster! It has projects, piles, and just plain junk on it.  I need to get it cleaned off and KEEP it that way!  So, I've aired my dirty laundry-er, desk-now it is your turn.  What is your personal goal?

See the original challenge here and join us no matter where you start!  #2016PlannerChallenge on Instagram, link, or comment below. 

 

Planner Challenge-Day 4

No matter how you set up your planner or date book-daily, weekly, monthly, list-show us what you've got!  Yesterday I showed a little sneak peek of my monthly decoration so not as to spoil today's photo, but I usually use the weekly spread of my planner to document activities and lists.  The monthly view is just that, an overview of holidays what day the 10th is, etc.  Can't wait to see what you've got!

I developed this little challenge to help me get used to using my planner regularly and help me post on my blog more often.  See the original Planner Challenge and share your planner by linking a post, commenting, or sharing on Instagram: #2016PlannerChallenge  Join in wherever you are!
 

Planner Challenge-Day 3

Today is an easy one:  Take some time today to fill out your planner!

I decorated my planner this month with some cute little penguin stickers from Michael's holiday clearance and washi tape from my stash.  I like to keep the decoration simple so I can focus on the events and such, but I also like to use my planner as a mini creative outlet and choose simple embelishments each month. Very wintry don't you think?
My original Planner Challenge is here.  Jump in by commenting below, linking in your blog, or posting on Instagram using #2016PlannerChallenge  Don't worry if you didn't start on day 1-just join us! 

Currently

Today is the day I hook up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for a little Currently!

As I procrastinate on getting myself ready for next week...

• I can hear my daughter, who encouraged her father to get the Trivia Crack App so they could challenge each other, yell "I don't know this stuff!" So funny!

• Loving VolunteerSpot.com-If you haven't used this, it is AWESOME!  I am currently organizing volunteers for my daughter's theater group and my volunteers rock!  They visit this site, sign up for their required volunteer time, and viola! I just need to set it up and make sure it all works out in the end.  I use it to schedule my parent/teacher conferences every year--so much easier than notes back and forth and/or phone calls!--classroom volunteers and events, too.

• I have enjoyed my break this year, but it is back to work on Monday for me.

• Well, with enjoyment comes a list of "to dos" that have not been crossed off.  I'm wishing they would magically be done, but looks like it will run over into next week...

• thus, I need to remember what I am doing next week...I prepped before I left on Friday, but I don't really remember what it was...

• I did a funny little quiz on Facebook today "Which Pixar quote should be your life motto?"  I got "Keep on Swimming!" from Finding Nemo...but you probably could have guessed that, huh?

Happy January!

Planner Challenge-Day 2

Hello, today's challenge is to share a photo and 5 things about myself--I guess I'll start:
My name is Tracy

*I live in beautiful San Diego, CA
*I have a wonderful husband and two teenage girls
*I am a second grade teacher
*I like to read, scrapbook, and enjoy the outdoors
*I need to work on organization (in many ways)!

So, I decided to post a challenge to hold myself accountable and have fun getting into the habit of using my planner. You can see my original post here.
You can participate by commenting below, linking in your blog, or posting on Instagram using #2016PlannerChallenge  Don't worry if you didn't start on day 1-just join us! I can't wait to meet you!

Planner Challenge-Day 1

Are you ready for 2016?  Today is the first day of my Planner Challenge!  For today just comment, link, or use #2016PlannerChallenge on Instagram with a picture of your planner to get started.  Easy? See?

Here is my original post.

This is my planner!  I love it!  It is from the Arc System by Staples.  I totally customize it with my own calendars, stickers, etc. 

Welcome 2016 & A Challenge

Well, the end of 2015 held many challenges for me and my family and it is time to make a new start! Many people make resolutions for the new year-I look at it as a way to keep improving myself.  (And there's always room for that!) There are several things I want to do to make 2016 the best it can be and what better than a challenge to get a person started and stay on track?  To get started, I want to use my planner to help me stay more organized and make progress toward my goals.  (I'll tell you more about my planner later.) You need to know that I don't take my planner with me everywhere and I use my phone to keep my calendar and track my Fitbit and food/weight goals.  But, who says a girl can't keep a cute planner, use it as a mini creative outlet, and a distraction now and then?

 They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so... taking inspiration from Dani's blog at Thyme is Honey, I am proposing a similar challenge.  (Original challenge here)  Now, Dani has some great daily pages to keep track of almost everything and you can get them here.  But, I prefer a way that works better for me. Use this calendar to guide you and share your progress.  Feel free to share, save or print as you wish, just join me with your photos to motivate eachother!

Paper from LittleStuff and fonts from GraphicsFromThePond and KevinandAmanda

Check back here for more details and updates or post #2016PlannerChallenge on Instagram.  And don't worry if you don't start on day 1-join us anyway!

PS This challenge will also help me with my goal to blog more often!!  Thanks for helping me out! :)

Here's the Ink Saver for those who'd like to print: