It’s summer and time to get away from it all.  We know that vacations help us rest, recharge, and return to work more relaxed and more productive.  But the truth is we still  worry about what we will return to and what we are leaving behind. Remember that time does fly, whether you’re having fun or just plain busy.  The only way to “stop” time is to punctuate it with key experiences and events that give you pause to remember.  Without vacations, our years may end up being a blur of busyness and stress.  When we separate our vacations from work, we are free to enjoy relationships and build memories. This year let’s make it a work-free getaway. Please feel free to write to us at any time and let us know which tips work best for you. Best wishes, Leslie and Barbara  P.S. Next month's newsletter topic will be what goes on a not to-do list.  We could not resist this month's  topic now that the temperature has soared to the 90's. "Isn't it interesting that people feel best about themselves right before they go on vacation? They've cleared up all of their to-do piles, closed up transactions, renewed old promises with themselves. My most basic suggestion is that people should do that more than just once a year." -- David Allen Contact Us: Leslie Walden 404.250.9600 leslie@itstimetogetorganized.com Barbara Skutch Mays 404.918.3664 barbara@itstimetogetorganized.com Want to save time and money in the office or your association? It’s Time To Get Organized offers tailored seminars and interactive workshops on a variety of topics such as time and paper management techniques. Our clients primarily come from referrals. Please feel free to recommend us to business affiliates, friends and family members who would benefit from our services.

How to Experience A Work-Free Vacation Is it really possible to leave the tech stuff home and focus on your loved ones? Here are some ideas. 2-3 Weeks Before: • Plan ahead for meetings and appointments that are scheduled during your vacation.  Select a delegate, cancel or reschedule.  • What decisions need to be made in your absence?  Empower others with the knowledge to make those decisions. • Examine open projects.  Make sure nothing is due when you are away. • Block off your calendar the day you return for re-entry.   1 Week Prior to Departure: • Meet with all direct reports  and key business associates to: a) Review current issues. b) Address priorities. c) Schedule meetings for the week you return.  The last Work Day Before Vacation: • Leave a detailed extended absence greeting on your voice mail.  Give the name and number of a person to contact while you are gone.  Tell callers you will return calls by close of business the second day after your return. • Write an out-of-office email.  Specify that you will not have access to email and give names of people who can respond in your absence. • Take a walk through your office area and let people know what time today you will be leaving for vacation. On Vacation: • Leave your work home. • Relax and enjoy. Your First Day Back: • Take a walk through your office area; get caught up on urgent issues.  • Check voice mail and email.  Deal with priority situations first. Save your favorite vacation photo as your new computer desktop background.

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