Ah yes, the best laid plans and the best of intentions that went awry.
I am a Professional Organizer that is far from perfect. I do not come by being organized easily, so when hosting the Immediate Past President from The Institute for Challenging Organization, Kit Anderson, (http://www.challengingdisorganization.org), I thought I would do everything to show her that I really could be organized. HA!
I showed up on time and in a clean car, inside and out (which is normal, everyday behaviour for me, since I meet with clients all the time) to pick Kit up and take her to dinner with other members of ICD before her speaking engagement with our Ottawa Chapter meeting of Professional Organizers in Canada. I had printed out the handouts for Kit’s presentation “Techniques for Chronically Disorganized Clients (That Work for All Your Clients)”, and put them in folders along with information on ICD and Kit’s bio, all in a neat little package for each person attending the meeting.
All going well, so far.
I was driving in an unfamiliar area and trying to read street signs partially hidden by colourful leaves, when I accidently blew through a stop sign. I noticed the stop sign as I was going through the intersection. Woops! Next thing I see is the flashing lights of a police car. As the Police Officer approached the car, I “rolled down” the window. Actually I just pushed the button. I immediately apologized for going through the stop sign; no excuses as I had driven through the stop. He then politely asked me for my driver’s license, ownership and proof of insurance. While I was retrieving the paperwork, the officer asked where we were going and other very polite questions, all with a smile. I handed over the ownership, no problems; the proof of insurance that was in the car and – IT WAS OUTDATED, IT WAS LAST YEAR’S. Yikes! I knew that I usually carried a copy in my purse, but had switched purses for the evening. All the while, Kit assuming the role of coach and mentor, calmly and quietly, talked me through and asked questions as to other places where the documentation could be found. I did find the valid copy of the insurance, but could not find my driver’s license. “Breathe,” said Kit. I did not find the license and the officer let me off with a warning. I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of my evening with Kit.
Lessons learned and relearned:
- Check to see whether there is valid proof of insurance and ownership in the car. Do not assume that it is there as it has always been there.
- When changing purses, ensure that you also transfer license and health card.
- Invest in a purse that works for your lifestyle. For me that means multiple pockets, a place for my cell phone and a secure closure for my wallet (oh, I must get a new wallet as my work purse is just a large wallet).
- Remember to breathe.
- You can always learn things from other Professional Organizers.
Thank you, Kit Anderson, for coming to Ottawa and helping me make it through a difficult situation!
I love the insert for purses that you just pull out and drop into any other purse you own. I have it and swear by it.