Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Organized Chaos

A lot of people who have gotten a chance to peep my personal space always comment on how organized I seem to be. One of my friends even went as far as to claim that I can be anal. I agree...externally, everything has to be in place, spic and span.

Internally, I'm one extremely disorganized person.
I'm that girl who is always dashing out of the house in the mornings at the last possible second in an effort to make it to work on time.

I'm a HUGE, HUGE procrastinator. I procrastinate on EVERYTHING including going to bed, and waking up. (Snooze button, anyone?). Infact I think the only reason why I pay my rent/bills on time is to avoid eviction/a bad credit score 'else I'm sure those ones kwa would suffer from my procrastination.
Let me give you some instances...

  • I procrastinated on renewing the registration for my car, until I got a warning while my car was parked. A cop had driven by and noticed my expired tags.
  • As we speak, my library books are overdue. I procrastinated on calling in to renew them.
  • I procrastinated on getting my car tested for emissions till I got a notice from the MVA threatening to suspend my registration.
  • I was always the kid in college who pulled all nighters doing homework/studying for exams that I should have started studying for weeks ago.
  • I even procrastinate on reading blogs and responding to comments...
I know, I know. I'm just terrible with this.

I procrastinate on responding to emails, FB messages and returning calls. This in turn gives people the impression that I'm bad at keeping in touch, when that isn't the case. I'm usually just trying to catch up with the rest of my everything in my life that I am behind on. I spent the Easter weekend with family and as soon as I walked into my Aunt's house, everyone jumped on me with the accusation:- 'You don't call/You never return calls'.
*Sigh*, sometimes I think that I just need a break from my reality.
However, on a lighter note I decided that I didn't wanna turn into those people who claim 'I'm so busy' and never call people back so I have been trying to make quick calls while I'm doing things like driving home from work...(although, I'd ideally love to have time to THINK and just take a mental break from work and alladat.)

Another factor that adds to my internal disorganization is my schedule. I work about 9-10 hours a day, so if I get into work at say 9, I work till about 6:30-7:00. Then I head to the gym (This is something that i do almost religiously) and work out for 1-1.5 hours, so as you can see I'm back home at around 9, sometimes 9:30. Franky speaking, getting home at 9:30 I just wanna relax and not have to bother with trying to communicate with folk or working on projects. I just wanna leave everything till the weekend.
The bad thing about leaving everything till the weekend is that, most weekends I'm out of town. (Always looking for a break, aint I?)...and so all the stuff that I left till the weekend gets put off till the next weekend.
You get my drift...

My internal disorganization is constantly a source of stress for me. I mean, really...life shouldn't be this stressful na. I blame myself maaaan but it's like no matter what I do in an effort to change, it just never seems to work.

I've tried everything ooo. I've tried the owning a daily planner thing...infact my friend was kind enough to give me one which I am currently trying to keep up with. The thing be say, I hella be forgetting to even update the planner sef.
I have google calender. Can't remember the last time I put any reminders in it.
I have outlook, same thing.
I've tried laying out my clothes the morning before work, so that I can speed things up. That didn't work out too well.
I've tried waking up early so that I can get an earlier start on my day, and be home earlier but I'm really not a morning person and like I mentioned, I procrastinate on going to bed hence me constantly hitting the sheets around 12:30-1:00 am.
I know everything that I need to do in order to manage my time better, but ask me...do I do it?

I need a friggin' intervention or a personal assistant who will remind me of the things that i gotta do.

*Sigh*

Lately I've been feeling stressed out and overwhelmed again, hence me sharing with you my blogfam. (Now my God-sis, Ms. Sula can't say that I never talk about myself :-p)

On a slightly funny note, I knew that things had gotten BAD when one day I logged onto my favorite celeb gossip website---> Theybf.com and realized that I had 8 pages to catch up on. 8 pages??!???! *gasp*, the YBF is supposed to be something like my bible. I be checking up on it daily...
Or when people say 'Oh this and that happened on Facebook' and I'm like 'errrr, I be forgetting to even log onto the Facebook sef"

*Sigh*

I feel stressed but I gotta make an effort to try to tackle this head on, let me make a list of what needs to be done.

Thanks for reading, if you did.
And if I'm slow with making the rounds, forgive me...I will do that when I get a grip. I see my blogroll is updated again, YAY. It seemed like post-Easter everyone was chilling.

Bye.

49 comments:

naija shawty said...

first baby!
haha, i swear my snooze button suffers every morning oh. i sleep so late. presently, i am working on a paper due 9am tomoro, result of procastinating till today. dun worry, u're not alone. too much work, too little time.

bellecosmetics1.blogspot.com said...

yay! i'm first!i will come back and leave a proper comment....

bellecosmetics1.blogspot.com said...

OH jeez! i'm not....sob sob sob

BSNC said...

lol you forgot to update the planner, now thats serious.

its not easy jo, 9-10 hours a day and you go to the gym lord have mercy. Abeg give yourself a break o, body no be firewook...

you will be okay :)

Ms.O said...

...and I thought I was bad! but I applaud the fact you go to the gym everyday.

Buttercup said...

wow..its like i was reading about myself!

im almost resigning myself to the fact that i cant change..

"as long as i get the thing in question done" is my mantra regarding this..lol..

thank God for the snooze button mayn..

TayneMent said...

Uh Huh! Procrastinator indeed!
It's funny though I am the other way around. Schedule everything internally but externally I am a Messy McMess.

Anonymous said...

i'm also a procrastinator and also messy, but i've learnt to accept it as me and as such no longer get stressed about it... which means the important things get done, and the unimportant things get left until they become important...

QMoney said...

LOL,i use to think i was like everyone in blogsville.i dont procatsinate,my own is i overplan and lately dissapointments dont get to me sef even if it dsnt go exactly as planned.
if u had a friend like me,i would have reminders on ur fone ever 10minutes.lol

downtheaisle said...

Babe, do d one u fit do, procrastination happens to the best of us... I am a culprit too! I tell myself, I no go kill myself, d task wey I fit accomplish is d lucky one...chikena!

LusciousRon said...

My finger is always on the snooze. I get 30 extra min that way. i work from 8-6. That's on a good day. Gotta admire your strength in going to the gym after a work day. Once I get home I don't do a thing.

Procrastination a bane. I tend to fall into that pattern occasionally.

Enkay said...

That you're even concerned about the way things are is a good thing.

'Tis just that you can't solve all your problems in one fell swoop.

I believe everyone procrastinates somehow but the key is not letting things slide too far before you catch up.

You go to the gym regularly and don't usually procrastinate on that? See, you're not so bad after all!

I think with little deliberate baby steps, you can make progress. Other than that, don't push yourself too hard!

scribble,me.free said...

after reading this post i have come to the realization that I am you...sans the boobs

joicee said...

Don´t we all love the ybf

Procastination is also an issue with me. Im trying....lol

Nice Anon said...

I'm trying to be like you with the whole gym ming thing. I work out 5days a week now. I think you just need to figure out what works best for you and then it will all click with the procrastination i mean.

Anonymous said...

Original, u obviously know the stuff u need 2 know about time management, but I'll still refer you to my most recent posts; time-management 101, and 10 ideas for using ur time creatively...

I think u need 2 slow down 1st of all, 9/10 hrs of work and another hr+half of gyming EVERYDAY? gurl! u want 2 break down? n den u dnt sleep early on top of all dat? u shld sleep much earlier than u r rite now n hopefully get some more sleep/rest...

As I discussed in the above mentioned posts, u need to identify (in your case, possibly write down) all the things that cause you to procastinate...n then make a CONSCIOUS decision/effort to tackle those time eaters...

Also babes, please don't drive and make calls, except with head/ear phones...

Finally, relax on urself n dnt be getting no depression...even the most organized of us still have some episodes of procrastination...

all d best dearie...

Roc said...

The bane of a Roc's existence..

To imagine the level I for done reach if no be for this thing ehn?

What to do? what to do?

Anonymous said...

DJ OVIN in the house!!!

Anywho, you're not bout to take the "Ms. Procrastinator" title away from moi. I got you beat, hon. Just filed my taxes last night...online. While in the midst of watching "Lost" and "American Idol". So, hopefully that sh*t is accurate. Oh and regarding the emission test? I got my little warning, too. But what did DJ OVIN do next? Took my butt online to request for an extension. Cause that's how I roll. *throwing up the dueces* Look at me, acting like being a procrastinator is some kinda freakin' compliment. Shame!

But yeah, it's pretty bad on my end, too. I really would like for it to cease but it's like instilled in me or something. I get it from my momma...? *shrugs* And like you said, it just pops up in every aspect of my life. From studying for a major exam the night (or in my case, a couple hrs) before or trivial sh*t like missing a whole bunch of "Ugly Betty" that now I have to figure out a weekend to watch 10 episodes that's currently in my DVR. But we gotta stop the madness. Yes we can!

Sidenote: Your blog rocks! I'm more of a lurker but your post inspired me to make my presence known. ;o)

Wonderfully & Beautifully...MADE said...

welcome to my world!!xxx

Uchenna said...

YAY u updated,

gurl I completely know how u feel.

wat I do is

I wake up, write down all the ish I need to have accomplished, as well as other things (like call people) dat I need to do.

check it throughout the day

and finally score myself at night

If I accomplish 80% of my TODO list. I REWARD myself with a new outfit, cocktail drink, chocolate, wtever...

bottomline is GURL this is just one of THOSE things u have to get a HANG of!! its hard, but I totally feel u.

I mean right now I should be doing some work sturvs but am BLOG SURFING and now my a$$ might have to stay late. LOL.

anyways am proud of the religious WORKOUT schedule, me am tryin to do dat but I just hate exercise.

anyways best of lucks.

Repressed One said...

Eh ya, try not to stress out jare 9-10 hour days ain't not joke. Stressing out can cause illness which only delay things further.

U make it a point to go to the gym so its not like you cant abide by a schedule. U probably just need to consider some of those things as important that way they get done.

U can only do what you can...no overwhelm yourself.

SouLBoutiQue said...

I feel like you and I are two of the SAME!! I am never on time, and being in pharmacy in Jand where they preach professionalism and say being late is unacceptable is a challenge I deal with day to day. I blame it on my artistic talents, you know us artist do our own thing! By the way I love your hair!

O'Dee said...

Never knew one could be organized and disorganized ass well.

Why do we have to work for 9-10 hours?

Unknown said...

lol. U r so not alone.
I use my snooze like crazy too.
And make me your personal ssistant... i'd help. :p

Chookz said...

procrastination is so me too. I use google reminders too, they sync with my Outlook and phone.

I even have reminders to eat, gym, pray, quality time etc.

I am anal too. Some visitor came to my house and said they could eat in my loo.

But I still did manjor cleaning a day later. I chuck clothes away to declutter. I hate things invading my living space. Thank God for eBay...

scribble,me.free said...

@Anon, at least you filed for an extension...I would have procrastinated on filing for the extension sef....

knowing myself, they would have sent me "FINAL NOTICE" before i did anything about it

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
webround said...

let me try being a shrink...

if u already spend 8 -9 hours at work and u go to the gym everyday, there isn't much time left to do other stuff which then means u're not procrastinating but rather you have too much on your plate.

but the other side of the argument is - if you have kids, then u have to do all that work plus still play with the kids, abi? so u're back to square one. a possible solution is to visit the gym on alternate days or reduce your workout time so u can have time for other things.

the best solution is to hire me as your personal assistant. i will use a 'crackberry' to organize ur life for you and as a fellow ex Federal Govt College alumnus, i no go charge too much.

mochahourglass said...

We're all guilty of this. Don't be too hard on yourself..besides, DJ OVIN has definitely got you beat on this. I can personally attest. lol.

Anywho, the first step to recovery is admittance. I know, for instance, that I absoluetly DETEST checking my voicemails..so I urge my friends to send text messages.. that way the responses are succinct. Vmails BLOW!

LOL @ dashing outta the house last minute to make it to work on time..moms ALWAYS fries me for this.. "how can a human being run from their bedroom to their car? O di nma." Damn son...them Igbo skills are surfacing?! WHAT?! Did I just type that? Too much. Watch this space :D

I too have been accused of being horrible at keeping in touch...it's to the point that I actually understand when folks don't respond to my messages or wall posts..it's like a secret code of honor or something, "she's prolly catching up on stuff" or "he's prolly just busy." LOL. Excusing their procrastinating actions FOR them.

Lastly, LOL @ returning to square one and making a list.

PROCRASTINATORS UNITE!

Ada said...

damn you go to gym everyday..you one oppress this summer with the hot bod!!!

Anonymous said...

I totally feel you. Snooze button has suffered in my hands sha..

Bibi said...

lmao@ snooze button. the trick is set the alarm 30 mins earlier than you normally would have. so by the time you hit snooze 3 times, you're forced to get up. hehehe

Spesh said...

At least your regular with d gym/health side,thats good....

Jay said...

i procastinate about everything uless where money is involved!!! lol

I know what you need chica..a PA, then all your problems will be solved :)

Chomy said...

ummmm babez there is absolutly nothing wrong with procrastinating...other ppl just simply need to slow down haba!!!! lol

yup yup as a full time procrastinator i can relate....i also suffer from a mild case of laziness and definance...just refused to be bothered with trying to keep up with all the planning, so i let the cards fall where they may.ya we are rebles aren't we???:P

BUT KUDOS on going to the gym after work!!!!! DAMN!!! please i need pep talks o....mmmmmm i am apparantly too much of a bum cuz i have been procrastinating going to that joint for a long LONG long time, my gym membership is about to expire and i have prolly only used it a total of 10times last yr....hahahaha NOW doesnt that make you feel soooooooooooo much better!!!!???LOL

biko dont worry about ur procrastinating habits jo, at least you looks good doing it non??lol. by the who...still waiting on you to come arrange my closets....and oooooo wait till u find out about my vintage finds this weekend............ur procrastination will turn to ENVY by force...LMAOOOOOOO...

Geebee said...

Procastination? Sis, you’re not alone at all. Especially on the waking up part. The snooze button is my fravourite, especially when I’ve slept under 8 hours. I still procastinate on a lot of things but I think it’s much better than before. . . Your situation is a record and it would take a well trained procastinator to beat it. Lol. Really, you just need to be a little more composed and force yourself to stick with those daily planners. Cut down the unneeded extra burden and get a maid or P.A if need be, that’s if it’s very affordable now (In Naija, you can get a maid and pay like 10k ($100) per month!) If symptoms persist, visit your God.

Shubby Doo said...

lol...organised chaos is me 2...i know exactly where things are in my room if it is a mess but not when i tidy...tried using the diary on my blackberry but in most cases i dont remember to make entries...i snooze for at least 30mins everyday after my alarm clock goes off...

mehn...i think at the end of the day we are geniuses for not just muddling thru it but for somehow managing to still make chao work for us ;-P

*Diane* said...

i feel you!! i try not to procrastinate, but it ends up happening anyway. I'm constantly getting in trouble w/ friends whom i was supposed to call back. i always feel so guilty and like such a bad friend...i reform for like a week, then i relapse to my old ways....if you find a cure..share...

bob-ij said...

haha! I feel you B! Luck is on my sister because my twin sister is organized as hell when it comes to serious things! I with you with leaving at the last possible second that one can't even change for me because I need to get every last second of sleep since I sleep mad late. but the planner worked for me, I was nodding my head saying I'll suggest the planner to her and you said it didn't work. Ah! That's where my knowledge of organization stops! I used to snooze my alarm till I was late for work by an hour and my boss had to work for me! Taught me a life-lesson!

x!

bellecosmetics1.blogspot.com said...

you are not alone.
I need to be more organized as well.
i procrastinate about returning calls,e-mails etc..
i have a daily planner that i rarely use.

and you go to the gym after working 9-10hrs? men you dey try o. you must have a banging body then......

naija gyal from canada said...

haha, i'm glad am not the only one that procrastinates on everything lOl. don't worry, we're not alone, haha.

Unknown said...

You are so not alone with this procrastination thing. I just cannot be organised to save my life. Easy.

Anonymous said...

"Internally, I'm one extremely disorganized person." really, could help you out. Only you have to ask nicely.

Lollie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Penelope...! said...

Original Mgbeks...Pls do not feel "sp" bad for procrastinating!
I have been procrastinating all my life and i am not dead. Actually i procrastinated on studying for a chem exam that i shuda had an A on, n got an A- instead. See, to someone else thats silly, but to me its all gud. lol..however i'm nt encouraging you to keep procrastinating oh! Just saying that if you can't help it den free abeg. With tym, u'll overcome.

Ehen, about that snooze thing....*Evil grin*..My phone alarm has seen *weeeehn* in my hnds oh! Its almost pointless setting an alarm these days sef. hiss

Nigerian Drama Queen said...

Yes, I've noticed that your posts are always organized numerically or in some other clear cut way...even your random posts follow a sequence...and I love that about your blog!
We can't be perfectly organized in every area of our lives, so omo do the best you can do and keep on moving.
I'm really bad at returning calls and messages too...
Anyhoo, hav a great week babe,
Muah.

The Activist said...

Dont we all have flaws? Just make conscious effort to be better, then you will be good at managing the procastination and internal disorganisation better

Ms Sula said...

I was away and you wrote a blog about my life! You my god sis share the exact same life I do!!

This procrastination business is thee worst. *smh*

Dominick said...

I must say that you have shared really some important and valuable topics for us. Also in this blog on many point you have told about time management. Yes, it is true that many people from us don't care about the time. But if we use free timesheet template then anyone can fix or plan their daily time and after that, they can also follow that.