Keeping track of challenges (Firefox)

[TalyQ]

I have tried many different ways to do it - I copied the info in my google calendar with due dates, I tried writing it in a notebook, I tried an Excel spreadsheet. Nothing really worked, because it was in a different program and took too much work in copying/updating, etc.

So, I finally figured out the simplest way to do this. I use the bookmark toolbar in Firefox, but I guess it would work with bookmarks in other browsers as well. I made a bookmark folder named "current". When I see a new challenge, I just pull the little icon in the address bar into that folder. If the name of the thread includes enough details (name of challenge, kit, date), I leave it as it is - if not, I quickly edit properties to include at least the due date. This way I have the whole list right there in my browser with links included.

Now comes the important part on staying current and that is that when I complete a challenge and post in the appropriate thread, I just delete that link. Or if I don't do it and the challenge is over, I also delete it.

Here is a screenshot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/TalyQ/Fullscreencapture915200980320AM.jpg

I hope this helps someone.

[littlekiwi]

What an awesome idea! This would be great for me as I am always missing challenge deadlines because of timezone differences.

[scamptx]

Now that is clever!

On my PC, I used Tasks in Outlook--loved it because I could not only have a reminder pop up, but could also link to the thread and the gallery. Haven't quite figured out how to do this on my Mac, but for now I'm using the "To Do" list in my Mail program. At least I can write the designer name and due date and get a reminder. Have not figured out how to make a link in that yet. And since I'm always in my mailbox, it's handy in the sidebar to check to see what's coming up.

Might have to checkout this firefox way for links!

[Penny M]

That's a great idea, Taly! I've been using Rainlendar which is a customizable calendar/to do list that is on my desktop. I type in all the challenges that I might want to do so I can see what is coming up for the week. It also helps with my shopping list, too. When I have done the challenge, I just write done on the event so I know which ones that I have done.

I may try your idea, too, Taly. Seems like it might be faster.

[stitchmich]

Taly, that is a really great idea. I have been trying to come up with a good way to keep track myself.

On a related note, my computer went down last week. I lost my Calendar data in Outlook. What kind of calendar programs are good and does any use an online calender?

[dagwood]

gosh, what a great idea...thanks for sharing...it will be great to be able to remove all those little sticky notes from around the computer

[Penny M]

I have a Google calendar that is online, but I rarely use it. I also use Google docs. and Google Reader.

[sammdc]

heheh i tie bits of string around my fingers hehehehehehe

[Penny M]

heheh i tie bits of string around my fingers hehehehehehe
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[sammawow]

This is a great idea - thanks for sharing! I already use Firefox so I am definitely trying this tip!

[Kathleen]

Good idea ... you could even go a step further and when you add the bookmark, add the date at the beginning of the name so it is right there in front of you too.

Thanks for sharing!!

[>>aruaL<<]

I put mine on a "sticky" on my mac desktop.... love the sticky program thingy on my mac! Between Sticky and Notes..... my desktop has LOTS of them, thankfully they are not really paper ones, my monitor would surely look like a cluttered mess!

Each week I go through and make sure I add my challenges, in order by when they are due. I simply just put "Coastal Cliffs - Lauren - Sept XX" .... it's all the info I need. It's quick and easy and easy to find as it's staring at me all day everyday.

I like the bookmark idea, but I know I'm just not disciplined enough to actually open the folder and look at it often enough. LOL!

[diturpin]

I have a Google calendar that is online, but I rarely use it. I also use Google docs. and Google Reader.

I use Google calendar for my work calendar (building reservations - I work for a church) and sync it to my outlook calendar. That is synced to my phone so I always have it with me. Now if I could just sync it to my brain, I would be OK.

heheh i tie bits of string around my fingers hehehehehehe

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I put mine on a "sticky" on my mac desktop.... love the sticky program thingy on my mac! Between Sticky and Notes..... my desktop has LOTS of them, thankfully they are not really paper ones, my monitor would surely look like a cluttered mess!

Each week I go through and make sure I add my challenges, in order by when they are due. I simply just put "Coastal Cliffs - Lauren - Sept XX" .... it's all the info I need. It's quick and easy and easy to find as it's staring at me all day everyday.

I like the bookmark idea, but I know I'm just not disciplined enough to actually open the folder and look at it often enough. LOL!

Love the stickies! :rofl:

[Scrapping4Him]

OMG - a total :doh: DOH moment. This is an awesome way to keep track! I loved Kathleen's added idea to put the date at the beginning because then if you tell it to sort your bookmarks it will keep them in the order they are due!!!!!!!! :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo: LOL - can you tell I like this idea :rofl:

Thanks so much for posting this Taly!!!!!!

[Kathleen]

I thought the same thing too, Mandy! It needs to be an alpha/numeric based sort, so try adding text something like 20090916 or 2009_09_16, and the sort should work!

[nafeesa]

I sort by day then month, like 19_SEP_09, as usually all the challenges are due in the same month, and I have the date they are due right there, instead of reading through strings of years and months.

[scamptx]

I use Google calendar for my work calendar (building reservations - I work for a church) and sync it to my outlook calendar. That is synced to my phone so I always have it with me. Now if I could just sync it to my brain, I would be OK.

I knew there was some reason all my syncing didn't work...:doh:

[Donut]

Great idea Taly, thanks so much for sharing!!

[Sharon1313]

Yep, great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[Scrapping4Him]

So I have been using this awesome idea posted by Taly and just have to report back that it really rocks!!!!!!!!!! I created 2 folders for these bookmarks - one for current challenges to do and those that are done that I'm still waiting for a posting bonus or a random drawing. Once I finish the LO in my "current challenges" folder I simply move it to my "done challenges" folder. Once I receive my posting bonus or I see that the random draw was done, then I simply delete the bookmark. So easy peasy!!!

This awesome tip is saving some trees :tup: as I used to print out all my challenges because I'm a very visual person and like to quickly be able to see what's next on my to do list. Since I have DSP open on my lappie pretty much from sunup to sundown it takes me 2 shakes to see what's next.

Thanks again Taly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TalyQ]

I am so glad it's helping someone - it is working for me definitely. Great idea of expanding it to two folders! It's so simple and no copying/typing, just hold and drag =).

[faerywings]

wow- very cool idea! I am going to have to try that. :)
Thanks for sharing!