Over the last week, I've misplaced my keys at least a dozen times. I had a panic attack or two that I'd locked them in the car (which I've done a few times in my life), but after more digging, found them at the bottom of my purse. 

Part of the problem is probably that my purse is so big. That's because I carry a planner, a small idea notebook, two or three other notebooks, reporters notebooks, papers, pens, sunglasses, glasses, water bottles, my wallet (that M calls "the brick") and whatever other randomness gets shoved in there.  Sometimes there's a book, sometimes magazines, sometimes a scarf or sweater. 

Grover wanted to point out that the purse is bigger than his head. 

In a way, the giant purse keeps me sane because I can shove anything in there that I need, even my laptop when I travel.

But really, when I keep losing my keys, something isn't working quite right. 

I'd like to blame it all on my super creative, multitasking mind, but part of it is more likely that I'm just scattered.

Our house is still pretty much a construction zone and will be for some time, but, I still use a few tricks to find the important things.

+ Have a consistent spot for things like keys, important mail/bills, the jewelry you wear regularly, the book your reading, etc. It's easier to keep track of things when they don't constantly grow legs.

+ Clear the clutter. I read The Happiness Project a few years ago and the part about a cluttered space, cluttered mind, stuck with me. Here's a few of Gretchen Rubin's myths about decluttering. Plus some other tips from Real Simple on clearing the clutter. 

+ Hang up your clothes. The other day I was going to be early. Then I couldn't find the shirt I wanted. The other one I grabbed in exchange was wrinkled. I ended up 20 minutes behind. Weekend project, putting my clothes away. And more work on Operation Closet Purge: update on that mission coming soon.

When in doubt, learn from the very wise Alicia at Jaybird. I regularly refer back to her Old School Productivity tips and Banish Overwhelm.

How often do you misplace your keys? What are your tricks for keeping track of the important items in your life?

February is halfway gone and I'm still not caught up on everything from January. Clearly, I'm no expert on being superwoman and doing all.the.things. Without fail, as I catch up and get things done, I discover at least 10 more things I want to see, do, read, think, go. 

A few weeks ago, I was feeling particularly overwhelmed and exhausted. The lovely Alicia was in a similar spot and had some wise words for banishing overwhelm. Erika is one smart cookie and suggested thinking smaller to make big changes.

As the new year was approaching, I was excited for all the big things we had planned. Then January happened and everything was a struggle. For the last few weeks, I've been thinking a lot about how to get a handle on everything  and beat this ridiculous feeling that I'm adrift with no anchor or real direction. 

What I've come up with is what I call The Truths I Know in Theory but Still Struggle to Execute.

+ Find Your Passions. There are loads of things that I have at least some interest in. My challenge is to focus the majority of my energies on the things I care most about. Take some time too think about the things you're most passionate about and direct as much time and energy accordingly.

+ Prioritize. There will always be infinite demands on your time and it's up to you to make the most of that time. A friend once said to me, when I was feeling overwhelmed, "Is it a today problem?" When I said no, she said, "Then it's a tomorrow problem. Handle the today problems first." I have used that system ever since to limit worrying about the things that don't really need to be done right away. 

+ Say No. I have a habit of always saying "Sure, I can help with that." When in reality, I don't have time. I'm slowly getting better at knowing when I am maxed out or when I have some time to pick up other quick, small tasks. I'm also getting more selective about social activities. Sometimes sleep, errands, house projects or just quiet time at home are more important being the social butterfly all the time.  The key is to not let little tasks, or things you don't really want to do, crowd out your passions.

+ Quiet Time. The mind needs quiet time to settle and actually think. Life is busy and frantic and overloaded with technology. Make time to sit quietly, go for a walk/run, road trip or write in your favorite spot.

+ Break Things Down. Along with prioritizing, break big projects into smaller tasks. I like to make list upon list of projects that have titles like "start nonprofit" or "chicken plans" or "garden" and then list out the smaller details that go into that big project. It helps accomplish the necessary tasks without the overwhelm of the big end goal. 

+ Organize. Straighten your desk, streamline the to-do list Post-It notes, enter contact info into your contacts and toss the random scraps of paper all over your desk and file away what you don't need now. Clear the clutter. Sometimes I go on cleaning streaks when I feel like I'm drowning in to-dos just because an uncluttered space helps unclutter my mind.

+ Take Action. Now that you've got your passions, your priorities, your breakdown list and your clean and organized desk, get to conquering those mountains and big dreams. You've got the plan, go make it all happen! 

I also have my happy place. Something on my desk that makes me smile. A photo, a book, a note, a stuffed animal, some token from a friend. But usually, it's this photo snapped by littlest sister one Christmas.

Because with a face like that to come home to, you can't help but be happy, here's Five Things I love about the last week.

1. Rink Event. The board approved my idea and I am now an unstoppable force of making it happen. So much to do, so little time, but it's going to be amazing. 

2. Stopped at the library and already finished Dan Brown's latest, Inferno. Had to get it in large print and the huge type may have given me headaches, but feels good to breeze through a book, especially one I'd been wanting to read. 

3. Got out for a run. Finally. The winter weather let up long enough to crank out three miles and my iPod was charged and ready to go this time. 

4. Sit spins. A few months ago, they were impossible for me to do. Now, a ton of squats later, plus ice time and sheer force of will, they're coming back, with less chance of face planting than the camel spin.

5. Good news. After a hard January, it's soul-lifting to have so much good news coming. There's a baby on the way and an engagement in the family (not me, everyone calm down). So much is going right, it feels like the tide is changing and I'll take it.

How do you handle the overwhelm and move the mountains you want to move? What are you happy about from the last week?