Suzanne on CNN

So this morning an old co-worker of mine did a Friend Request on Facebook, I quickly hit the Accept button and went about my business. Next thing I know, Kevin is sending me an email saying, "I guess if it OK for my wife to have a guy friend... ;)I ran accross an article this morning on CNN and saw your name. Great article."

I immediately went out to CNN.com and do you know what the first article is under the Living section is? The article that Eric and I were interviewed for back in October! Should Your Wife Have Guy Friends?

Love you, Eric and THANK YOU, Kevin!

All Moved In

Saturday at 11:08am we unloaded the last of the boxes and it only took us 2 hours to do it in! Granted I moved the majority of my clothes and my computer during the week, but the rest of the apartment was moved in record time! Not to mention, my kitchen and "girlie" room was decorated and put away before we even finished unloading the last of the boxes!

The secret to my little success?

4 of my best friends who put up with me being cranky for the first 30 minutes. :)
2 mothers who put all of my goodies away and made my house simply charming.
1 daughter + 1 daughter's boyfriend who put up with all of our jokes and wise cracks
1 Tahoe
1 Trailer
1 Whip-cracking-sarcasm spewing-Suzy
1 Dozen Doughnuts

Not to mention the stragglers who made it in at some point during the morning only be left with, "Is there anything else to do?"

For the most part, the house is pretty much put together. I still have quite a bit to do in my office because I am just not feeling the love, but we are getting there! I am really leaning more along the lines of making my office a photo haven. I have a TON of pictures of my family and my friends and I hate that they are just going to waste in photo albums and photo boxes. I want to see my friends, I want to see my kids, I want to remember the funny moments and the great trips and I want them to inspire me and make me smile while I work. My only issue is I am not creative in the least bit! I am not really looking into doing nine million frames all over the walls and I would like to be able to easily change them out as I have new pictures printed.

My mother suggested doing a trellis on the wall and tucking the pictures into the grooves, but I am totally open to any suggestions you all may have! I need my groove back! :)

I am hoping to be back in the swing of blogging by the weekend so until then...

Happy Organizing!

Getting Unstuck Coaching Group - Update

Over the last several weeks, Ariane Benefit and I have been working closely with a new publishing company to reinvent the Getting Unstuck Coaching and Support Group as an ONGOING group, not just a one-shot deal.

We are thrilled to announce that the group officially begins Jan. 15!

You will be able to sign up anytime, but for a limited time, we are offering a "Preferred Charter" membership to our readers and subscribers only!

We are offering this initial super low rate because we are just getting started and will be working the kinks out of the process. You get to get in on the ground floor and be a part of building this experience.

If you prefer to wait, no problem! The regular charter membership will be in effect until the end of January. After that, the standard rates will be in effect.

An Affordable Alternative

For people interested in coaching, but who aren't sure about investing a lot of money in it, (and who has money to spare these days?) we have designed a truly unique program that enables you to experience coaching in a group setting.

Group coaching provides you with a way to receive ongoing learning, feedback, support, and inspiration without having to spend a fortune. Most of need some kind of support to clear clutter, get organized and take charge of our time time and life, and in a group environment, you not only get our support, you get the support of other people who are all working on getting unstuck, getting inspired, and getting organized.

A Longer Term Alternative

Many people who struggle with organizing, especially people who have ADD, or have "ADD-Like Traits" like high creativity, a life that frequently changes, or who are self-employed with out a strong support system, or who tend to over-commit themselves, need ongoing regular support to stay organized. Receiving support from people who understand your issues, can provide ideas, point you to the right leanring resources, or even just ask you the right questions to help you figure out your own answers is invaluable to achieving your goals.

This program is designed to be an ongoing support experience, kinda like Weight Watchers, but for Managing Your Life, not your weight. So just when you've found your groove and are making serious traction on your goals, you won't be cut off. If you find you've really gotten a handle on things, you can leave the group. If you "fall off the wagon" (and most of us do when life throws us curveballs) we will be here for you - and you won't have to get on a waiting list. Just re-enroll in a couple easy steps.

Our Focus

We will mostly be concentrating on paper and office organization as well as time management techniques, but you can be sure that other organizing related topics will be covered. In fact, we will be bringing in some amazing guest speakers to share their expertise with you on all kind of topics, from financial organizing, to healthy meal-planning to family matters to managing ADD.

Special Offer

For just $147, you get 3 months of coaching calls, ALL of Suzanne's e-books on Organizing, and Technology and Ariane's Organizing eBooks, discounts on future workshops, an exclusive online support forum, and much more. You can learn all the details about the group here: Getting Unstuck Coaching Group

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UPDATE:

We had a GREAT call! but had technical difficulties and so we don't have a recording to post. This is first time it's happened to me...hopefully it's the LAST!

Sigh...we'll have another call soon...and make SURE we have a backup recording plan. In fact, we'll also make the next Blog Talk Radio Show about Getting Unstuck!

Because of this problem, we are also extending the special offer Until Jan. 20 - Inauguration. As of today we have 21 awesome members!! It so neat to see how we all are different but have so much in common.

We are very excited and look forward to getting to know you all better and helping you clear clutter and get organized!
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Making the Decision

We don't want to pressure anyone. We are simply trying to reward the first people who are helping us get this going. We have 11 members as of today, many of who are clients, who are trying out this approach for the first time. Some were members of our previous coaching group. This is not for everyone, but if you are willing to call in to coaching calls, or listen to the recordings, or use the EXTENSIVE resource library we are building, or like to connect with others online, then this could be an amazing growth and learning experience for you.

Whatever you decide, I truly wish you a world of sustainable and enjoyable success in 2009!

Suzanne and Ariane

Getting Unstuck Ooops

So this is what happens when you try to launch a new program and move at the same time!  You inadvertently put the wrong link and the wrong price in a blog post!  I am just thankful I haven't forgotten my name yet!

So, for those of you who saw my last blog post in regards to Getting Unstuck, I must apologize as I had the whole thing WRONG!

The quarterly pricing for all of the coaching calls with Ariane Benefit and I, all of our eBooks and products, and our wonderful words of wisdom is $147 for 3 months.  At least, it will be until January 14th.  After January 14th it does go up.  

So, if you are interested in joining our group or if you have more questions, please visit the site and join us for a wonderful three months of FREE organizing coaching, eBooks, audio workshops, and a whole heck of a lot of other wonderful goodies!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Happy Organizing!

Suzanne Babb

Getting Unstuck Coaching Group

Over the last several weeks, Ariane Benefit and I have been working diligently to get a new coaching group formed to help out those of you who need more insight and help than our blogs can offer. Sure, reading my quirky anecdotes and counting how times I swear in any given post is fun, but are you REALLY getting what you need? Of course, you could just call us up at any given time and request our coaching and/or organizing services, but do you really have the extra cash to be doing THAT right now?

Getting Unstuck Coaching Group

So for less than what it would cost you to pay for two hours of our time, we are offering a new coaching group in monthly and quarterly increments. Not only do you get all of my witty banter and insane laughter, you get Ariane’s expertise as well! PLUS, you get to download free copies of ALL of our eBooks, coaching calls, workshops, hand outs, an exclusive forum, podcasts, interviews, as well as a slew of other articles and assistance from other leading industry experts. It’s a virtual organizing party over at Getting Unstuck!

Our kickoff party starts on January 15^th and the only thing that you need to do is just sign up, fill out your profile, and get ready for the fun to start on January 15^th. We will mostly be concentrating on paper and office organization as well as time management techniques, but you can be sure that other organizing related topics will crop up to help you out. Oh! Did I mention you will also be privy to my “Take Control of Your Inbox” audio series as well as the eBook?! The whole “I Am In Control” kit is valued at $50, so shoot, signing up is a no-brainer!

For $147, you get 3 months of coaching calls, free eBooks, workshops, an exclusive forum, personal attention from Ariane and I via the forum, and a whole heck of a lot of other organizing goodies! The only thing you need to do is register before January 14^th and reserve your spot.

Of course, if you would rather ask us specific questions and learn more about the Getting Unstuck Coaching Group, we will be doing a live information call on Tuesday, January 13th.

I look forward to seeing you on the Getting Unstuck site and talking to you on the coaching calls!

As always,

Happy Organizing!

Suzanne

Lovely Blog Award

Ooh, Krys sent me a Lovely Blog Award today!  How absolutely amazing is that for a Monday?  Can you seriously ask for a better way to start out your week?

In keeping with tradition, I am going to nominate other people for Lovely Blogs!

Danette at City to Farm Chick - She has pictures of snow, rainbows, cows, farms and even though she does mention chickens I have to give kudo's to her for moving out of the hustle and bustle of Seattle to the simple life of being a farmers wife.  

The ladies at the Bunkie Blog - Relatively new blog, with some "simply charming" ideas!

How can I not love Kelly at Modern June?  Besides, I look damn cute in my Santa Baby apron that I bought last year!

Dinky Baby certainly isn't "dinky" any longer!  Vicki has taken off like wild fire and I have had an absolute blast watching her and all of her adorable babies over the last several years!

Thank you, Krys!

Happy Organizing!

Stick to It Resolutions

I just have to share this wonderful interview with my wonderful friend, Allison Cabral.  She is an amazing life coach who sums up sticking to your resolutions PERFECTLY!

Allison, you rock, woman!  LOVE YOU!

Happy House Warming to Me

I love presents!  I love gifts.  I love getting them from other people.  I love giving them to myself!  Since I am moving in a couple of weeks, I figured that I deserved a house warming present from myself.  : )

Last week, I did a podcast on planner solutions for the different organizing styles and one of those solutins was the SusyJack Wall Calendar from See Jane Work.  I instantly fell in love with it when I saw it and I just had to have it!

In our new house, I have this gigantic living room and I haven't a clue as to what to put on the huge wall.  It connects to the kitchen and I want it lively and colorful, yet simple.  Perfect solution?  The Wall Calendar!  Of course, the only issue I KNOW I am going to have is getting them all hung straight.  Every picture in my house is crooked...well, it looks straight to me, but to everyone else, it's crooked.

I COULD use a level, but come on, what's the fun in that?!  Hmm, of course, I could find a hot handy man somewhere and hire him to hang them and I could sit back and enjoy the view!  Ooooh, Suzanne, that is an EXCELLENT idea!

So this morning, I went out and ordered my new wall calendars, they are on back order for two weeks, but that works!  Since this is a gift to me, I am even having it gift wrapped with a special little note just for me!  What can I say?  I love presents!

As soon as I have them hung relatively straight on my new wall I will definitely post pictures!

Happy Organizing!

Screw It All - I'm Worth It!

Everywhere you look people are talking about change, setting goals, getting organized, resolutions, and making 2009 the best year "ever".  Of course, the same can be said with 2008, 1998, 1988 and so on and so forth.  Some of you may even want to block 2008 from your memory banks due to the heartaches, strife and pain you had to endure.   So you pronounce to the world or at least to your Facebook friends that 2009 is going to be great, it's going to be a change, it's going to be different.  Have you, however, sat back and thought about the "how" it's going to be different?  What are you going to do to change the habit, to change the path you are on, to change your mind set?

This post isn't for those of you who are just setting new goals for yourself, this post if for those of you who are indecisive, who are overwhelmed with their personal choices and decisions, this post is  for those of you who are sitting at the computer wondering "what in the world am I doing with my life"?  This post is for those of you are absolutely 100% completely miserable and lost.

Sometimes, in order to get through the negativity that is plaguing your life, you need to identify all of the bullshit, everything that is making you MISERABLE, everything that pisses you right the hell off, everything you don't like about yourself.

If this sounds easy to you, think again.  It is one thing to THINK about what makes you miserable, it's another thing to actually write it down.  To own your anguish.  To actually be honest with yourself to get to the real issue of what is happening to YOU.

This list is for YOUR EYES ONLY!  Not for your friends, not for your significant other, not for anyone but YOU.  I don't want you to feel self conscious about writing down your angst no one is going to see it, no one will know, no one but you.  Hell, you can even burn it after you are done!

Now start writing.

I hate not working

I hate feeling like I am worthless

I am tired of being accused of cheating on my husband when I'm not

I hate my boss

I am tired of listening to the bimbo down the hall talk about all of her "conquests"

I hate coming home

I am tired of listening to my wife berating me because I have a beer after work

I am disgusted by own insecurities

I am absolutely miserable when I'm at home

I want to have kids but my husband doesn't

I am tired of being alone

I want my husband to stop beating me

I wish my ex-wife would stop calling me

I hate that I answer my ex-wife's call on the second ring

I hate that I feel like I can't spend my own money the way I want to

I hate feeling like I have to ask "permission" to go somewhere

I am tired of crawling into bed and not receiving the affection I need from my spouse

I feel trapped inside of a cage that I don't belong in 

I can't stand that I can't hang out with certain friends

I feel guilty about wanting more out of life

I feel guilty about not being as happy as I should be

I am tired of trying to be the person everyone expects me to be

I feel terrible for thinking the things I think - for wishing I had a different life

I want you to completely dump every hate, every piece of guilt, everything that makes you angry, sad, and frustrated on to your paper.  Let it all out no matter how horrible it is.  No matter how much you wish you didn't feel them, I want you to write them all down.

It's exhausting and terrifying, isn't it?

Now divide them into sections:

• Work
• Family
• Self
• Friends

Once you have them categorized, number them by severity level.  What pisses you off MOST?  What makes you the MOST miserable?

Now, write down what you can do to change it.  What do you honestly WANT to do.  Don't feel guilty about the answers.  Remember, this is for YOU only!  Even if it's a ridiculous, just write it down.

Take the bimbo, for example.  How nice would it be to just place duct tape over her mouth?  Seriously, write it down, give yourself a chuckle.  Tired of not being able to hang out with your best friend because your wife doesn't like him, well write down "Screw it, I'm hanging out with him anyway."

You will notice a few things during this little exercise;

1. You will feel relief
   
2. You will feel empowered
3. You will feel scared

You will feel relieved because it's off of your chest and onto paper.

You will feel empowered because you did something about it.

You will scare the living daylights out of yourself, because facing up to your own truth can be a scary thing.

Here is a Suzy fact for you.  Last year I made my newly married husband do the same thing.  I sent him away for a long weekend to do this exercise.  He came back KNOWING what he wanted in life.  He wanted kids.  He wanted a family.  He wanted to be an animator.  He also felt trapped in a life that couldn't give him what he wanted most.  The courage it took Frank to actually SEE what he wanted, to KNOW what he wanted, to ADMIT what he wanted was HUGE.  Huge because I can't have any more kids.  I can't leave the state of Arizona with my children, they would have to stay with their father.  I couldn't give him the life he wanted most.  It was painful for all involved, but in the end how could I not be happy that he KNEW himself?  How could I fault him for KNOWING his dream?  I couldn't and I didn't.  Of course, it would have been better if we had both done this BEFORE we got married, but oops, we aren't perfect.

Know yourself.  Don't be afraid of your feelings.  Don't be afraid to confront that which makes you miserable.  Don't think you CAN'T change it.  Don't be afraid to do something about it.

Before you sit and write down your goals for 2009, why don't you sit down and purge your life of the crap that is weighing you down.  THEN start off new.  THEN you can write down what you WANT, who you want TO BE, what DIRECTION you want your life to go in.

Out with the old and in with the new, right?

Bottom line, YOU ARE WORTH IT so ENJOY LIFE!