I am not a very organized person. Some people (my husband) might disagree since I like things put away where they belong--mainly so I can find them again when I need them.But my desk tells a different story. Because everything is within arm's reach, I don't need to compartmentalize. Whet I need is usually in plain sight. Or under something.
I did get tired of my cords getting tangled up, especially since I accumulated more electronics in the past few months--phone, camera, Nook, Ipad. If you've ever tried to insert your phone cord into your camera, you know the feeling.
So I got out my trusty permanent marking pen and labeled the white ones. That left just the black ones to confuse me, but I think I have them figured out. I leave the plug on the telephone cord.
They still wanted to participate in a group hug, however. Outside of keeping each cord in separate room, I had to do something.
Two Hills Brothers coffee containers (Sugar-free Vanilla Cappuccino is my favorite)
Four toilet paper cores (or a tall medicine bottle, but they're harder to get)
Three rubber bands.
And there you are. Nicely nested and easy to get at.
I have no patent on this, so feel free to copy.
This has absolutely nothing to do with writing. I can't even think of a connection. If you can, please leave a comment and share your insights!
I had new carpeting installed awhile ago, so I had to unplug all electronics of course. My nephew used to set everything electronic for me, but he's no longer with us. So I got a bright (?) idea. I took different colored bread wrapper twists - if you know what I mean. Some are green, yellow, red. I placed them on the cords, took a picture with my camera before unhooking everything. When all was said and done, I managed to hook everything up correctly! to my own amazement! Except for the stereo. I had my cousin's son do that for me - they were up here from Arizona for a couple of days for the funeral. And that's the end of my story...
ReplyDeleteOne of the problems I have is that I have power strips filled with cords. When I need to unplug one, I have to track the cord back to the device to know which one to pull. Found a solution. Now I take those white plastic tabs that are used on food bags and write the name of the device on it and attach to each end of the cord.
ReplyDeleteToilet paper cores also make a great way to store extension cords.
What a brilliant idea, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course there's a connection. How distracted were you while writing, knowing the cords might launch a rebellion and tie you up, thereby, preventing you from writing at all? :P
I think organization has tons to do with writing. When you're organized in your space, your thoughts are also more organized. Hence an organized writing day. All good! Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteIt can save me some time.
You are absolutely correct. That's why I clean up my work area before starting a new project.
DeleteVery MacGyver, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteOoh, thank you!
DeleteI use empty toilet tissue rolls to hold the cords to hair dryers, etc. Keeps them from "hugging" in the drawer. Love your idea! As far as writing connection - time saving if you're not hunting down cords; less clutter clears your space and opens your mind. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe key is putting things back where they belong each time you use them -- something I am trying to convince my husband to do. 40 years of marriage and he still leaves things where he last used them.
DeleteSandy--too cool.
ReplyDeleteThank you (takes a bow) thank you very much.
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