Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Time To Fill Out Your Calendars

The NHL released the 2009-2010 schedule today. For the Rangers (and myself), it brings a mixed bag. Click here to see what's on slate for the Blueshirts.

Due to the Olympic break, there isn't a whole lot of time to rest over the course of the schedule. Much of the dates are packed in every-other-day rips, which is nice as that's the best way to get hot and stay hot. Then again, once you get in a losing streak it is that much harder to get out of it. And with the aforementioned Olympics, Torts will have to be super-sensitive to when Hank will get some rest - the last Olympics cost the Rangers a legitimate Cup run because Hank, Jagr and co. had played eight games more than most of the league.

The Rangers open their official schedule with the mighty slap across the face of having to stand and watch as the Penguins raise their Cup banner. Nice, right? Then they have to rush right back home for the Garden opener against Ottawa the next day - a Saturday! It should be a bloodbath in the Garden as they try to mix weekend family fun with Saturday night drunkenness and (hopefully) not the massive disappointment of a loss. At the least it will be interesting to see the reception for almost-Ranger Dany Heatley. I wonder if I should try bringing my Redden sign back ... hmmm ...

Personally, I don't like how things were laid out too much. As someone who works weekend evenings, I will have to beg and plead to get someone to cover me a helluva lot more than I wanted to as 13 of the 41 home games fall on Saturday or Sunday - and only three of those are day games. The 5 pm Sunday start against the Ducks on October 11th (the second home game of the season) doesn't count. And what is up with that? Are they trying to accommodate the 1 pm Giants game against Oakland of all teams?? I'm sure that will be one big draw and definitely one worth pandering to - for both Big Blue and the Blueshirts. /sarcasm

The rest of the schedule is mediocre - it will be nice to see the Red Wings in the Garden but Marian Gaborik's lone game against the Wild will be in Minnesota. That the Rangers don't have a home game against every Original Six team is also annoying; the Blackhawks won't be coming to New York. We don't see the Islanders in the city until the middle of December; hopefully by then DiPietro should be out for the season and Tavares will have proved to be a bust.

There are two long rips of days without home games aside from the Olympics, a 11 day rip in early November and a 13 day rip right before the final two games of the season. The Blueshirts Off Our Backs game - i.e. the season-ender - is against the Flyers on Friday April 9th. That will certainly be good to go out and drink our sorrows away, should the team not make the playoffs.

Well, there is a whole lotta time before that comes so let's just dread one thing at a time - starting with the two months of hockeyless days before camp opens ...



 "Time To Fill Out Your Calendars: A Guide to Effective Time Management"



Time is a finite and invaluable resource that we all possess. How we manage it can significantly impact our productivity, success, and overall well-being. The act of filling out a calendar is not merely an organizational task; it's a pivotal step towards mastering time management. In this article, we will explore the importance of effective time management, offer practical tips for filling out your calendar efficiently, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make the most of your time.

Section 1: The Significance of Time Management

1. The Value of Time

Time is a precious commodity that, once spent, cannot be reclaimed. Effective time management allows us to invest our time wisely in activities that align with our goals and priorities.

2. Increased Productivity

Well-managed time leads to increased productivity. By allocating time to important tasks, we can accomplish more in less time, leaving room for personal growth and leisure.

3. Reduced Stress

Poor time management often results in stress and anxiety. Organizing your schedule can help alleviate these pressures, leading to a happier and healthier life.

Section 2: Tips for Filling Out Your Calendar

1. Prioritize Tasks

Identify your most important tasks (MITs) for the day. These are the activities that will have the most significant impact on your goals. Allocate time to tackle MITs first.

2. Time Blocking

Use time blocking to allocate specific time slots for different types of activities. For example, designate blocks for meetings, focused work, exercise, and relaxation.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Overloading your schedule can lead to frustration and burnout. Leave some buffer time between tasks.

4. Avoid Overcommitment

Learn to say no when your schedule is full or a new commitment doesn't align with your goals. Overcommitting can lead to stress and reduced effectiveness.

5. Utilize Technology

Use digital calendars and productivity apps to streamline your scheduling process. These tools can send reminders and help you stay organized on the go.

Section 3: FAQs About Effective Time Management

1. How do I determine my priorities when filling out my calendar?

Start by identifying your long-term goals and values. Your priorities should align with these objectives. Ask yourself what tasks will contribute most to your success and happiness.

2. What should I do if unexpected events disrupt my schedule?

It's essential to remain flexible. Embrace the idea that unexpected events will occur. Adjust your schedule as needed, and try to allocate buffer time for unforeseen circumstances.

3. Is it better to use a digital or physical calendar?

The choice between digital and physical calendars depends on personal preference. Digital calendars offer convenience and reminders, while physical ones provide a tactile, visual experience. Use the one that suits your style and needs.

Section 4: The Rewards of Effective Time Management

1. Enhanced Work-Life Balance

Properly managing your time allows you to allocate sufficient time for work, family, recreation, and self-care. This balance contributes to overall well-being.

2. Goal Achievement

Effective time management ensures that you make progress towards your goals consistently. It prevents procrastination and maintains focus on what truly matters.

3. Reduced Decision Fatigue

By planning your day in advance, you reduce the mental strain of deciding what to do next. This frees up mental energy for more critical tasks.



Filling out your calendar is not just a mundane task; it's a gateway to mastering time management and achieving your goals. Effective time management empowers you to make the most of your limited time, reducing stress and increasing productivity. By prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and utilizing technology, you can create a schedule that aligns with your aspirations. Remember that the rewards of effective time management extend far beyond productivity; they encompass overall well-being and success. So, it's time to grab your calendar and start filling it out, one day at a time, one step closer to your dreams.




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