• Keep the same calendar for business and personal use. Use different-colored pencils or highlighters to distinguish between work and personal commitments.

• Find a calendar or day planner that really suits you. You'll be more inclined to use it every day.

• Build a little relaxation time into your schedule. Your body, mind and spirit need it.

Use less energy

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.

• Plug home electronics, such as televisions and stereos, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.

• Lower the thermostat on your hot-water heater; 115 degrees is comfortable for most uses.

For more, visit www.eren.doe.gov/energy_savers.

Readers' Tips

Advertiser readers Richard Nishie, Carol Keane and Joanne McCready pointed out that many of the newer cars don't come with ashtrays.

"Perhaps a used soda can or water bottle could be used for this purpose," Nishie suggested.

Keane responded: "I suggest we lobby for ashtrays in cars. ... I don't want another driver distracted by trying to drop a lit cigarette into a soda can hole."