Sunday, February 05, 2006

And the envelope please...

No I'm not talking about the Oscars! I'm talking about those 9 x 12 brown envelopes that I have stacked in one of the trays on my kitchen desk, the envelopes that hold airline and hotel reservations, tickets to plays or whatever a trip may require. See that's how I organize travel plans. I label an envelope with the dates and destination of a trip and whenever I acquire some necessary reservation or information, in it goes. Then when it's time to leave, I just need to collect up the correct envelope and I'm good to go! It's a good system. While I'm away I can add things to the envelope too: receipts, maps or brochures I have picked up, etc., and it will all be there when it comes time to make a scrapbook page (or 2 or 3 or...) about the trip. Wonderful system. It makes me organized. I just realized though that it also makes me happy! We have been trying to decide about a trip to New York City for my dd's March break and part of our indecision was due to waiting to see what another person was going to do. To make a long story short, it was very frustrating, but understandable, that the person we were waiting on was not able to tell us his plans for a while. Anyway, finally we found out he wasn't able to go so that left us free to do whatever we wanted and I got to work on all those reservations, and a new envelope. As I was putting in those precious pieces of paper that proclaimed we had airline reservations, a hotel room to sleep in and a couple of Broadway plays to look forward to I realized how contented I felt after the frustration of not being able to make any plans. Ahh!!! (sigh of bliss and contentment!) Let's hear it for envelope therapy!

3 comments:

madcow said...

Oh Pam! I can see I need to come spend time in your School of Organisation. I'm sure I would gain several hours of my life back! Instead though, before every trip I go on, I spend moments of pure terror as I tip out every handbag I own looking for the e-tickets or the envelope with the booking number scrawled on the back. Team this little foible with my other talent (or lack of) for reading a 24 hour clock and you will wonder how I have ever travelled anywhere.
Your envelopes are indeed a prize in themselves. I think I may just get myself one, inscribe it with the dream words New York, and perhaps it too will come true!! xxx

Ruth.E said...

Oh my goodness, I want some of that therapy. I just wish I had a file of envelopes, as it is I only need a hand full for my whole life. What a great tip if you travel a lot. And how exciting to be organising to see plays and what not. Wish it was me, wish it was me.........

Kip said...

What a great idea Pam and one that I now am going to use!!! Thanks!! I might have to put this on my blog this week!!

Kip