Getting Organized in the Google Era—How to Stay Efficient, Productive (and Sane) in an Information-Saturated World (Book)

Some say we are moving into the Human Age. A time where it matters less if countries and companies can access capital and more if they can attract and retain the talent they need to win.

And as for us, the talent, to be competitive in an ever-changing world, we need to commit to lifelong learning.

I know, I know. You thought you were done with school a long time ago. But have you noticed how fast things change these days? How many new tools there are to choose from? How often your apps and programs get upgraded? 

Well, it’s kind of like that. We need to get upgraded from time to time, too. And no one can do that for us, except ourselves.  

That's why I love Getting Organized in the Google Era—How to Stay Efficient, Productive (and Sane) in an Information-Saturated World by Douglas Merrill. It’s full of tips and techniques on how to improve my work life and my home life. Written with irreverent humor, it was an easy way for me to upgrade me.

Merrill gives a fresh view of how to stay organized in a world exploding in information. Although he often suggests online tools, he’s no technophile and sometimes recommends a paper-based tool over a technology-based one.  You’ll learn new ways to manage your email, calendar, to do lists and so much more. As a dyslexic with a PhD in Cognitive Science (how people learn and solve problems), Merrill has been using and fine tuning organizational techniques for years.

I love his conversational style, personal stories and 21 Principles of Organization:  Organize your life to minimize brain strain, get stuff out of your head as quickly as possible, multitasking can actually make you less efficient, etc.

He ends his book with Stuff We Love. A list of tools and apps he loves, likes and dislikes. Oh, sure, there are things you’ve heard of like Gmail (uh, he puts Outlook under “dislike”), but what about Adium for Mac (see Pidgin.im for Windows PCs) so you can access multiple instant messaging services in one place? Ever hear of Phonevite where you can send one voicemail to multiple people (maybe family and friends waiting for good news or even bad)?

There are lots of things I still want to try and here are three I’m using right now:

--  The tilde symbol (~) immediately before a word I’m searching so that Google will look for Web pages containing the word and others like it. For example, if I search for “paris hotels” ~affordable, Google looks for paris hotels affordable, cheap, budget.

--  Fewer folders for my Outlook email and using my search function instead.


--  RememberTheMilk.com, a free online tool to mange my To Do lists.

If you’d like a fun read that improves your home life and your work life, get this book and use it. 

May efficiency surround you, 

Catherine

Heal Your Body A-Z****

YEARS AGO, I USED TO CARRY AROUND WHAT MANY OF US LOVINGLY CALLED "the little blue book" by Louise Hay. It was a tiny little thing with a blue and white cover that was published in 1987. I probably bought a dozen copies because every time I loaned it to someone, I never got it back (which is a good thing because it meant they really loved it, used it and needed it).

In 1998, Louise updated, expanded and enlarged the book. It's now called, Heal Your Body A-Z--The Mental Causes for Physical Illnes and the Way to Overcome Them.

This is a classic in alternative healing and a necessity for anyone wanting to take an active role in their self healing.

It's based on Louise's personal experience of using mental and physical (nutrition, detox) cleansing to heal herself. She believes that no matter what your condition is, if you're willing to do the mental work of release and forgiving, almost anything can be healed. She believes "incurable" means something that cannot be cured by outer methods and that we must go within to effect the healing. She believes the condition came from nothing and will go back to nothing.

This book is fun and easy to use.

1.  Look up an ailment (they're alphabetized).

2.  Read the problem, probable cause and new thought pattern.

3.  Read, practice and visualize the new thought pattern over and over again.

For example:

--  Problem. Lower Back Problems.
     Probable Cause. Fear of money. Lack of financial support.
     New Thought Pattern. I trust the process of life. All I need is always taken care of. I am safe.

--  Problem. Eye problems:  cataracts.
     Probable Cause. Inability to see ahead with joy. Dark future.
     New Thought Pattern. Life is eternal and filled with joy.

--  Problem. High blood pressure.
     Probable Cause. Long-standing emotional problem not solved.
     New Thought Pattern. I joyously release the past. I am at peace.

If you sense your ailment may have a deeper cause than what your doctor suggests, then take a look at this book.*

May perfect health surround you,


Catherine

* Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment.

Clean Start***** (book)

WATERY BLUE EYES CUT OUT OF CLOUDY MASK, the Sky watched me drive home today.

TODAY I looked up. A plane ascended, a bird descended; both beautiful. Patches of pale blue sky, dark brooding clouds; both beautiful. Bright streaks of sunlight, dark shadows huddling; both beautiful.

What contrasts did you see today, accepting them all?

INSPIRATION. I planted some cuttings of Golden Pathos and Spider Plant at the base of my office "tree." You may think it silly since I won't be there much longer, but to me it symbolizes life and growth.

CLEAN START. My fav cookbook right now is Clean Start--Inspiring You to Eat Clean and Live Well With 100 New Clean Food Recipes by Terry Walters.

She promotes a healthy, sustainable approach to eating clean and living well. None of that dry, tasteless food, but rather yummy, locally grown, seasonal food that's fresh and bursting with flavor.

Last night was a soup and salad night at my house. I made Kale, Sweet Potato & White Bean Soup****. Bachan said "wonufall". It is now her favorite soup. This is a great choice when you when you want a quick meal packed with flavor. The ginger and mirin give it subtle Asian undertones. I loved the Watercress & Fennel Salad with Blood Orange and Thyme Vinaigrette.**** Deep red, dripping-juice orange slices against the bright peppery flavor of watercress. Heaven! I know Spring is here 'cause I'm craving greens.

If eating clean and living well sounds good to you, go to Amazon.com and buy this book for yourself.

For mor info about Terry, see TerryWalters.net.

May vibrant energy surround you,


Catherine

The Sentry--A Joe Pike Novel****

INSPIRATION. To ingrain yesterday's message of the Great White Egret, I repeated "the pace is perfect" as I drove to work today. Slowly...steadily...to the beat of its wings.

OBSERVATION. Yesterday, I was happy when I woke up singing Skippity Doo Dah. I was happy as I drove to working singing Skippity Doo Dah. I was happy as I walked down the hall toward my office humming Skippity Doo Dah. Then I saw Ben and asked him how he was.

BEN:  I'm very busy.

ME:  Oh, busy is good.

BEN:  Not this kind of busy. I'm shipping machines to China.

ME:  Oh.

By the time Bill stopped by my office to say good morning, I was very subdued and felt a little sad.

Gosh, darn it! It took me about half an hour to figure out I must have picked up Ben's energy.

I really gotta figure out how to stop doing that!

Well, the good thing is that I'm getting faster at noticing it's not "me."

REALIZATION. Shawnda has moved to a new job in a new area. I bequeathed her my Train-the-Trainer course materials and party decorations. As I was pulling things out of drawers and cabinets and putting them into bags and boxes, it felt good.

Really.

Like the feeling you get when you're going through the stuff you have in the house you've lived in for 30 years before moving into your brand-new house.

It felt like freedom...letting go of the dusty and old.

FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO, I HAVE BEEN EXTRA CAREFUL TO READ MORE POSITIVE books and less negative books.

But I am crazy for Crais.

Maybe it's his characters. So real you'd recognize them on the street. Joe Pike, ever in sunglasses, red arrow tats on his arms, a man of much action and few words. His best pal, wise-cracking Elvis Cole (with a name like Elvis, you better be funny).

Maybe it's his writing. Clear. Colorful. Real. Set in Los Angeles around people and places we know.

Maybe it's the story. Funny. Fast-paced. Powerful.

In this latest book, Joe stops at a gas station and then notices two guys walking into a sandwich shop. He follows them and it's downhill from there. A woman. Lies. Big money.

I adore Crais and I have a secret crush on Pike so I would love to give the book five stars. But I deduct 1 star for the too graphic first chapter (it's almost like someone told Crais he had to have an evil, gorey opening because it's the lastest thing to do) and because I just don't get Pike's attraction to Dru.

Despite this one's flaws, I will read every book Crais writes.

Always entertaining and good for a few laughs.

May good books surround you,


Catherine

Hannah's Dream: A Novel****

Diane Hammond shares the story of an ailing elephant, Hannah. Star of a seedy little zoo in Washington, Hannah is loved and cared for by Sam. They've been together for 41 years. But Hannah's feet are deteriorating from standing on concrete all day and Sam's leg is worsening from diabetes. Neither can go on much longer.

Sam begins to have a dream with increasing frequency. He sees an open meadow, he walks toward it, he looks down and finds "his" feet are elephant feet. But what does it mean?

Hannah's Dream spins the tale of love and devotion, intertwining quirky characters amidst an increasingly volatile situation. Politics and love. Humor and heartache.

I read this book from beginning to end in about two sittings. It's a deceptively simple story, yet it draws you in like a circus barker at the entrance to the Big Top.

An irresistibly touching and ultimately uplifting story, Hammond proves that love comes in all shapes and sizes.

Read this book the next time you want to reaffirm the belief that love conquers all.

May devotion surround you,


Catherine

365 Thank Yous (book)

JOHN KRALIK WAS 53; HE WAS GOING THROUGH HIS SECOND DIVORCE; HE WAS 40 pounds overweight; his small law firm was failing; he had grown distant from his two older children; he was living in a tiny apartment where he froze in the winter and baked in the summer; and, oh yeah, his girlfriend had just broken up with him.

Alone, on a hike in the hills overlooking Los Angeles, John heard a voice:  Until you learn to be grateful for the things you have, you will not receive the things you want.

Inspired by the message and a beautifully written thank you note from his ex-girlfriend, John decides to focus on the good things in his life and to write one thank you note a day for a year.

This small book documents an ordinary man's search for forgiveness and acceptance, love and gratitude.

It will inspire you to set pen to paper to say "thank you" to those who have touched your life and made this world a little sweeter.





May gratitude surround you,


Catherine

Beat Sugar Addiction Now!***** by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

My awesome chiropractor, Dr. Julia Lewis, asked me to take a look at this book since I'm a fast reader. I'm passing on my thoughts to you.

Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the leading integrative physicians in the country. That means he takes the best of allopathic/conventional and holistic/alternative medicine.


WHY IS SUGAR ADDICTIVE? For thousands of years, humans ate sugar found naturally in our food. Now, food processors add 140-150 pounds of sugar per person to our diets each year. Another 18 percent of our calories come from white flour (which acts a lot like sugar in our bodies). Our bodies are not designed to handle this massive sugar load. You've noticed that sugar gives you an initial high. Have you noticed that when you crash several hours later, you want even more sugar?


THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF SUGAR ADDICTION. Our consumption of high-fructose corn syrup has gone up 250 percent in the past 15 years. Our rate of diabetes has increased about 45 percent during that same time. You've probably seen the TV ads where the sugar industry tries to confuse us by claiming that corn syrup is not sugar. It is a form of sugar as far as your body is concerned--and more toxic than cane sugar. Excess sugar can lead to:
--  Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
--  Pain of all kinds
--  Decreased immune function
--  Chronic sinusitis
--  Irritable bowel syndrome and spastic colon
--  Cancer
--  Metabolic syndrome with high cholesterol and hypertension
--  Heart disease
--  Hormonal problems
--  Candida and yeast infections
--  ADHD

That's the short list. The actual list would go on for pages.


DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADDICTION. Teitelbaum includes quizzes to help you identify your specific sugar addiction (maybe a combo of several). Here's a sampling of questions: 

Type 1:  Sugar as an Energy Loan Shark. Chronically exhausted and hooked on quick hits of caffeine and sugar.
--  Do you feel tired much of the time? (20 points)
--  Do you have indigestion? (15 points)
--  Are you gaining weight or having trouble losing weight? (Score 1 point for every two pounds gained over the past three years.)...

Type 2:  "Feed Me Now or I'll Kill You." When life's stress has exhausted your "stress handling" adrenal glands.
--  Do you find that you are often thirsty and have to urinate frequently? (10 points)
--  Do you get recurrent sore throats and swollen glands? (10 points)
--  Do you sometimes get dizzy when you stand? (15 points)...

Type 3:  The Happy Ho-Ho Hunger. Sugar cravings caused by yeast/candida overgrowth.
--  Do you have chronic nasal congestion or sinusitis? (50 points)
--  When you are exposed to perfumes, insecticides, or other odors or chemicals, do you develop wheezing, burning eyes, or any other distress? (10 points)
--  Do you have food allergies? (20 points)...

Type 4:  Depressed and Craving Carbs. Sugar cravings caused by your period, menopause, or andropause.
--  Women:  Do you have a history of PMS?  (30 points)
--  Men:  Do you have high cholesterol? (20 points)...

What I loved about this book:

+  More than one solution to the problem.

+  Recommends lots of natural remedies.

+  Short quizzes to identify your specific sugar addiction.

+  Lots of science to back-up his recommendations.

+  Free resources.

+  Tidbits of info: 
    --  One can of soda has enough sugar to suppress your body's defense forces by 30 percent for 3 hours! That's why sugar addicts are susceptible to infections.

    --  Getting less than 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night can make you fat.

    --  If you must eat a sugary snack, eat one or two bites and savor it without guilt.

    --  When your blood sugar is dropping and you start craving sugar, it only takes a little sugar to bring your blood sugar levels back up to normal. One Tic Tac or half a Lifesaver is enough. The secret it to put it under your tongue so it's absorbed into your bloodstream within seconds. Follow-up with a high-protein snack so your blood sugar stays level.

     --  A common cause of night sweats and/or hot flashes is having low blood sugar while sleeping. See if eating a high-protein snack (such as a few slices of turkey) just before bedtime helps.

     --  See Dr. T's free computerized program for treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia at his website, http://www.vitality101.com/ > Symptom Analysis.

     --  He has an entire chapter of heart disease and improving its function.

     --  Sugar addiction can ruin your digestive system, causing indigestion and acid reflux. Overusing antacids can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Try DGL Licorice, imonene, mastic gum and CompleteGest Digestive Enzymes, as well as http://www.vitality101.com/ > Health A-Z.

     --  There's a chapter on migrains and tension headaches which looks at food allergies, the use of fish oil, etc.

+  Nicely written, conversational style.

+  Summary at the end of each chapter reminding you of key points.

+  Ethical. He encourages people who recommend prescription or natural products to provide financial disclosure of financial ties they may have to the makers of the products they recommend. For Fatigued to Fantastic products, he tells any company making his formulas to donate to charity all the money he would have received. He never accepts money from any natural or pharmaceutical product companies. He does make money from products sold on his website, http://www.vitality101.com/.


If you have a sugar addicition or suspect you do, this is a great book to find out what steps to take so you get back on the path to health.

May vibrancy surround you,


Catherine

The Japanese Skincare Revolution by Chizu Saeki (book)

I FOUND THIS BOOK AT KINOKUNIYA (THE JAPANESE BOOKSTORE ACROSS THE parking lot from Mitsuwa Marketplace) and asked Alexis to get it for me for Christmas.

LOVE IT!

Japanese women are reknown for their beautiful skin. I don't know of any other book in English that reveals the secrets of the Japanese beauty routine.

Chizu Saeki has been in the beauty business for 45 years and didn't write her first book until she was 60. Look at her. She looks amazing!

She worked at Dior for years and is Japan's most revered beauty advisor. And since she worked in San Francisco, she appreciates and is aware of American brands (nice, there are even photos of products she recommends in brands we're familiar with).

I've learned sooo much from this book. I'll share a little with you now and then.

I did a few things last night and this morning for the first time.

Bachan was staring at me today.

ME:  What's going on? 

BACHAN:  You face. It look so wunnifuh. I never see before. What the hell you doing?

ME:  Uh, I did a few things I learned from this book.

BACHAN:  I think something wrong with my eye. But, no, it you skin.


Get the Most of Your Skincare Products. Instead of applying lotion directly to your skin, squirt a few drops onto a wet cotton square (such as, Miss Webril 100% Cotton Skin Care Pads available in the U.S., separated into individual layers) and put the cotton on your face to make a lotion mask (she tells you how).

If you avoid facial scrubs because they're too abrasive, make them milder and twice as effective by combining it with equal parts of facial soap and warm water.

Use your palms and fingers to warm the skincare product in your hands to help it penetrate your skin better and double or even triple its effectiveness (she tells you how). Wrap your hands around your face, the cosmetic and your heat will act like a steam iron, making your skin remarkably smooth. Use your fingers to apply pressure, to push particles through pores to deliver them deep into your skin and to improve circulation, or to massage your face and smooth out creases (she tells you how).

Put your heart into every drop of your skincare products (she shows you which ones and they're available from the drugstore or department store) you choose.


Take In Beauty With All Your Senses. Experience new and beautiful things (flowers, colors, museums), they may affect your cells and you will feel more beautiful.


Make the Mirror Your Ally. Really take a good look in the mirror to see what it needs.


Book Time for Yourself, Not Beauty Salons. You can have beautiful skin without spending a lot of time or money. And you don't need to go to a salon. Start by taking five minutes each day to care for your skin.


Gear Down in Times of Trouble. Sometimes, you need to cut back. Excessive care can damage your skin. Go on a skin fast by not wearing any cosmetics one day a week. Spend less money on products and more time caring for your skin.


Learn From a Linen Handkerchief. You can erase brown spots with vitamin C serum, smooth lines by hydrating and stretching them, and brighten your skin by washing it with scrub. "If you want your skin to stay beautiful forever, care for it just as you would your cherished possessions."


Don't Overfeed Your Skin. Look at your skin and touch it before putting anything on it. Take a good look at your skin in the mirror and carefully pick out and use only the products you really need.


Food and Water Will Transform the Skin in Three Months. Your body is made up of the food and drink you take in. The cells of your body are renewed every three months so it is your daily meals that create your future body. Eat vitamin- and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, some proteins, and lots of fiber. Drink plenty of pure water. Eat balanced meals. Give thanks to the plants and animals you are about to consume for the sake of your physical well-being. Gratitude is very important for achieving beauty. Thank your skin every day during your skincare routine and your skin will respond with increased beauty.


In The Japanese Skincare Revolution, you'll learn tips and techniques to perfect your skin with your own hands--no special equipment, all easily done at home, and just as effective as the treatements at a salon. All you'll need are a few supplies, such as cotton squares, plastic wrap, ice, and basic cosmetics.

I'm lovin' this book!


What are some of your beauty secrets?

May beauty surround you,


Catherine

The 3-Day Cleanse (book)

I LOVE WATCHING MOTHER WAKE...BLUE-EYE SKY BLINKING OPEN, A SOFT BREEZE her yawn. 

REALIZATION.  Up at 5:30 this morning to take Johnny to the airport. I realize how much I've missed my morning commute and my time of focused creating.

THE 3-DAY CLEANSE BY ZOE SAKOUTIS & ERICA HUSS. This is one of my fav books. There are lots of books on cleanses out there. I like this one because every juice I've tried is wunnerful! I'm crazy about the Grapefruit-Strawberry-Mint. 

This book is not about denial. It's about enjoying the pleasures of good food.

I also like it because it's one of the few juice fast books that recommends making a nut milk and drinking that as your last drink for the day. It fills you up and makes you less hungry in the morning. 

I've done this fast several times in the past. I've never felt hungry.

And, strangely, I've never had any low blood sugar dizziness during the day, even though I haven't eaten any protein.

It's a bit easier to do the fast during the summer when fresh fruit abounds, but with a little creativity, you can do it in the winter, as well.



There's also a quiz so you can identify whether you should start at Level 1, 2 or 3.

I usually start at Level 2 (Level 1 means your fav vegetable is French fries; Level 2 means you belong to a gym, but you just don't go; and Level 3 means you chase your organic cocktail with a shot of wheat grass).

Here's the menu for Day One:

1.  Greens with Apple.

2.  Pineapple-Mint.

3.  Spinach-Blueberry-Apple-Lemon.

4.  Watermelon. 

5.  Greens with Apple. 

6.  Easy Cashew Milk.  

I started juicing a little late so this is everything I ate today: 

--  Greens with Apple Juice at 10:30 am.

--  Popcorn at the movies (oopsie!).

--  Pineapple-Mint Juice around 4:00 pm.

--  I skipped the other 3 juices since I started so late in the day and I'm not hungry and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the popcorn.

--  Cashew Milk (I made it myself; it's easy and the recipe is in the book) at 7:00 pm.

My brother, James, and Baba had ribs and macaroni salad for dindin.

I'm glad I'm fasting. My body feels happier already. It needed a break from all that holigrazing and sweets.

Oh. Wondering why anyone would cleanse in the first place? There are lots of reasons. I like to every now and then (with a goal to do a short cleanse every month) to give my digestive system, liver, kidney and skin a break, in a beautiful way. No water-only fast for this girl (they're dangerous).

What do you do to get back on track after the holidays?

May health surround you,

Catherine



The Invitation

"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."


Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Anastasia (Ringing Cedars Series - Book 1)

I'VE BEEN READING A SERIES OF BOOKS BY VLADIMIR MEGRE, A RUSSIAN ENTERPRENEUR who meets a recluse deep in the Siberian forests. She lives in a tiny glade, dotted with flowers, surrounded by majestic cedar trees. No dwelling. No possessions. No clothing (bet you're listening now). And yet she knows all (and I mean all) the details of mankind:  past, present and future.

She's no mystic or psychic. She has unbelieveable powers of creation and manifestation. And she insists she is "Man." And that every man and any man can know and do what she does. It's just that we have strayed from the Creator's original design to embrace the technocratic world.

I...I...just don't know how to describe the book to you.

It's magical. It's spiritual. It's mind boggling.

She explains reality, the true purpose of animals, how to grow plants that heal you, painless childbirth, where man fits in the scheme of life and so much more.

And she lives in such utter joy.

The back cover says:  "You are about to read some of the most shocking revelations to appear in thousands of years of human history--so significant that they are changing the course of our destiny and rocking scientific and religious circles to the core.

Your world--our world--is about to change. You need to be prepared.

These powerful, myth-shattering messages--from the remarkable Anastasia--reveal profound wisdom grounded in ancient knowledge, expose suppressed secrets and hidden historical facts, and offer a whole new paradigm for our planet's future.

Anastasia will lift you up and hurl you into a future that is...well...everything you imagined life could and should be.

The twist is...it's here now!

Anastasia will have you dancing with delight and bursting with excitement as you rediscover you...in all your glory.

The purity and power of her soft-spoken words will go straight to your heart--like nothing else you have ever read.

Anastasia will restore your hope for this planet and reignite your passion for life.

After reading this book, nothing will be quite the same."

This is not fiction. Anastasia is real.

I've read this first book and am devouring each one that follows; there are nine. I've slowed down my reading because I don't want to finish the series. I'll be sad when I'm done.

This is now my all-time favorite book series.

What's yours and why?

May wonder surround you today.

Warmly,


Catherine