Setting up your environment

We talk a lot about setting up your environment.  This is a good week to think about a few tasks that sometimes fall by the wayside.  Here are some ideas that work well at this time of year:

- Update your address book.    You might want to pick up a new address book for the new year.  A helpful tip is to use a sharp pencil rather than a pen.  When people change their address  you can update it without making a mess of your book. (Be sure to go through your holiday cards and add addresses to the book before you dispose of them.)

- A closet adjustment. You may not have time for a full blown closet makeover but this is a good time to lay out all the winter sweaters.  Some will need a trip to the dry cleaner and others might need to be donated.  If you haven't worn something in the past year be sure to wear it one day this week.  If it feels like a "find" then add it back to the rotation.  If it makes you remember why you stopped wearing it then donate it where it will be appreciated.

- Recycle holiday cards. Go through the cards and decide which ones you will keep. (Handwritten notes from good friends, elderly relatives etc.) A pair of blunt scissors and a housebound child can turn the rest into next year's gift tags.

- Next year's to-do list.  Was there something that came up over the holidays that caught you off guard?  Teacher's gifts? Drop in guests? Take out your 2012 calendar and make some notes in the margins.  Next year you'll feel proud of yourself when you aren't scrambling to find a gift for the groomer at the last minute and you have a freezer ready with hors doeuvres for a last minute get together.

- Make a nasty weather check list. For those who live in more extreme climates prepare your home and cars BEFORE a storm is predicted.  A shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight and a warm blanket should all be in your car.  At home be sure you have a shovel for your walkway and driveway along with salt and sand or kitty litter. Be prepared with gas for your snowblower and flashlights or rechargeable lanterns for your home.  Once a storm is predicted the stores will have a run on most of those items. 

- Blues chaser.  If the winter months get you down plan something now that you know you'll enjoy.  Having something to look forward to will keep your mind busy and your spirits up, especially if it involves activity on your part.  Planning a trip or a get together will keep you occupied and make the winter pass more quickly.  Treating yourself to a concert or show will give you a bright spot to break up the long wait for spring. And trying a new winter sport might give you a new appreciation for the season