With all the hype you hear about organization and time management, it definitely has its benefits. Thankfully I manage my time extremely well, and when life throws me a curve ball, I can pretty much handle it. Why? Because I allow my schedule to allow for curve balls.

Life comes at you fast, and there is no way we can avoid certain weird things that happen, but if your time is spinning out of control, that's when time becomes an issue.

If you have somewhat of a 'contingency plan' or 'buffer time' factored in your daily or weekly routine, it gives you the time you may need for one of life's unexpected projects.

Give yourself a ½ hour each day by scheduling it on your calendar as an appointment. Don’t feel guilty! You are just as important (if not more so) as an outside appointment with something else.

You can manage the unexpected because you know that when you are your most busiest and insane, that's when something comes along and throws a spanner in the works - so plan accordingly. The beauty of it is if you don't need or use the time, you can spend it on something lavish for yourself. Need some ideas?

• Take a nap
• Watch a favorite show
• Read a book
• Take a walk
• Try a new recipe
• Get a massage
• Take a relaxing bath

You are not being selfish, you deserve to reward yourself if you've been able to dodge one of life's curve balls. If I could only figure out a way to clone myself so I can be two places at once, I could avoid being hit by the curve balls and let my alter-ego deal with it....

-Submitted by: Janine Godwin, CPO® for FreckleTown

The Children's Museum of Houston is putting the finishing touches as it gets closer to its expansion Grand Opening on March 14, 2009.

In celebration, we’re taking 40 percent off all admissions beginning Jan. 2 through Feb. 28, 2009.

That’s only $3 per person!

What that means to you is a whole lot of museum for less out of your pocket.

This is the chance to bring out the whole family, plus friends, relatives and even play pals.

Many Katy families are beginning to turn green.

OK, not literally, but working on cutting back their environmental "footprint". It can be a fun family venture.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

*Use "real" dishes instead of paper plates. Yes, there's more work involved, but teaching your kids to wash will help them later in life when they have a roommate or family of their own.
*Use cloth napkins and dish towels to cut down on the use of paper towels.
*Have a weekly family contest about who is the best at turning out lights, unplugging unused electronics, etc. Use a ribbon or trophy to award the winner each week.
*Sort trash for recycling. If you are in an area of Katy that does not have recycle bins, simply load up your vehicle and drop it at your school. Most schools have recycle bins and earn money from them.
*Donate clothing and toys to Katy Christian Ministries. Your family may not need it anymore, but someone else may love it.





Find more green ideas here.