When you think of getting organized, what tasks come to mind? Filing away endless stacks of office papers? Folding laundry that has accumulated in piles on your bedroom floor? Clearing the kitchen counter and dining room table of your kids' school supplies?

Are these worthwhile projects? Yes. Are they enjoyable? No.

But what if getting organized meant you could finally finish postponed projects, start a new hobby or enjoy your favorite pastime? After all, it isn't healthy to devote every waking minute to some aspect of your work life. Taking the time to relax and enjoy simple pleasures is essential. Here are a few of my favorite ways to do just that.

Family Mementos
Putting together a family photo album can sound daunting, especially when you have countless packs of pictures spilling out of the hall closet. But what about devoting an hour or two a week to assembling the family album? There's no rule that says it has to be done all at once. Declare Tuesday night your photo night. Then make a fun activity out of it by sitting down together as a couple or a family in front of the TV, or better yet the fireplace, and going through the photos. Decide which ones to keep, which should be destroyed forever (so long, squinty eyes!) and in which order they should be displayed. Photo boxes, albums and scrapbooks are all great options -- and that's not even counting the online possibilities. Or make it a special "me time" project. Get cozy in your favorite chair with a cup of hot tea or a nice glass of wine and all of the photos you plan to sort that night. Consider it a built-in date with yourself every week, one that guarantees sweet memories and a cleaner house to boot!

Need help getting started? Visit the Scrapbook Gallery for great ideas, how-to's and help from other scrapbook enthusiasts.

Memoirs of a Mother
Write about your life in a series of letters to your children. If you think it's a crazy idea, consider this: Do you know where your parents went to school? The romantic story of their courtship? The exciting moment when you were born? Funny stories about your siblings? Don't you wish you did? You can create a family history for your children. Not only will they appreciate it, they may do the same for their children.

A Place for Family Recipes
One of the benefits of an organized kitchen is a clean, clear kitchen table. While the kids are off doing their homework, spread out your favorite recipes, reminisce, prioritize and arrange them in a protective box or binder. Need suggestions to get you started? I like to divide my recipes by type, then put them in sheet covers in a binder. My categories are soups, salads, main dishes and desserts. What are yours?

Heartwarming Kitchen Gifts
Do friends often compliment your cooking and request copies of your best recipes? Then turn your recipes into kitchen gifts! Gather a few of your all-time favorites (all desserts, all entrees or an entire meal plan), typeset them in script or another festive font and print them out on decorative paper. Better yet, handwrite recipes in a notebook that you've decorated with your own drawings, photos or favorite magazine images. Try some scrapbooking materials to personalize the cover.

Getting organized is learning a skill. Remember, however, that it not only makes life easier, it can also make life more fun.