Managing my internet time

I'm using ALARMd to manage the time I spend online. I've made it one of my home page tabs, and when I open my browser, I set an alarm for +1h (one hour). When my hour is up, an alarm sounds, and then I know I should go do something else. You can set the alarm to be an mp3. It even has a countdown timer.

Staying on track

I've been using PageAddict to monitor my Web usage and keep it in check while I'm in grad school. It gives me a good idea of how I'm using my time, and lets me "restrict" certain categories of sites so that I get a friendly reminder to go back to work after X minutes of goofing off. Being a stats geek, I also like that I can see trends over time.

Anyway, today I'm supposed to be working on a paper about transportation planning. Specifically, "the dynamics of transit and highway development." It's actually an interesting subject to me, but I just can't get motivated. The boyfriend is in the other room watching TV (hey, it's Sunday, he's worked all week...) and I'd much rather be wrestling with him on the couch. Maybe I'll go to the library... that means I'd have to get dressed and go out in the cold... grr.

New beginnings

I start grad school again on Monday, so I'm trying to get organized in anticipation of that. In addition to taking 13 credits, I'm the TA for two classes, one of which is quite difficult for most people.

I have a new desk in my home office that gives me a lot more space. I bought a black leather desk organizer and letter trays. I have a combination bulletin board/white board above my monitor for notes and to-do lists. I've registered with Remember the Milk and I keep all my appointments on Google Calendar. I have my bookmarks saved on del.icio.us so that I can access them anywhere. I track my timewasting Internet habits with PageAddict.

So, I'm ready. Bring it on.

Another new beginning: the boy started a new job last Monday, and he seems more or less content with it. That's my goal, to see him content. I don't really care what he chooses to do in life, as long as it's not self-destructive and it makes him happy.

I had a conversation with someone recently whereby they expressed feeling overwhelmed by the many things they had on their plate.

Here's what works for me:

1. Make a list of everything I can think of that has to be dealt with in the next 2 weeks.
2. To prioritize, consider the consequences of not doing each task. Put the task with the direst consequences on top, and the ones with no consequences at the bottom.
3. Break each task into smaller parts. If the task is "get new car insurance," it can be broken down into "call companies X, Y, and Z for rates," "choose company," "get copy of title," etc.
4. Start on the smallest task you can handle. Set your microwave timer for 15 minutes, and just do it. Let the phone ring. Don't turn on the TV. Don't check your e-mail. You'll almost definitely build up enough momentum to keep going once the timer goes off.
5. Accept that some things towards the bottom of the list just won't get done. Failure to dust the lampshades does not have dire consequences. Forgive yourself. The focus is on getting the important, nasty, stressful things out of the way first. The lampshades are merely a distraction keeping you from facing what you need to do.