Put One Foot In Front of The Other...

OK, so a few days ago, I posted my blog about cleaning out our spare bedroom/office. My plan was to do this cleaning project in four stages. However I failed to inform you, that this plan only works in my house during the week days. If I even tried to accomplish a large cleaning project on the weekend, my entire family knows that means I have to be in or be put in a bad mood. What’s that old saying, oh yes I remember, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." I think that is why my family opts for the happy mom and lets me slack a bit on my progress on the weekend.  Well I am proud to announce that I have started, what I promised, working on this cleaning chaos  that I thought was going to be well planned, easy, simple, never feeling overwhelmed, want to scream, project - not, not, not, not, not, and NOT. As you know, I am easily side tracked. Here is a perfect example; Radio on, washing floors, Cindy Lauper "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" comes on the radio, mop gets put in the bucking, phone gets picked up and two hours later, I am hanging up from a very winded conversation on big hair bands of the 80's. Then I pick up the mop, reheat the water with new floor clean, and attempt it again. Well unfortunately it's been one of those weeks, but I did however, manage to get part of the project done. Many of my distraction were edits needing to be done on my soon to be release book "Deemed Crazy", which is a fictional story...really it is. (Smile). Then our kids needed to be taken here and there for school. (Can't wait to share that blog. An event that was so crazy that I recorded it on my phone so I won't forget any details when I start writing it). I am also getting paper work together to file our newest in VA Claims - I'll be bald soon as it is a hair pulling experience. (Smile). I know, sounds like more excuses, but seriously, being a stay at home mom, means you do all the jobs and then some.

My hope was to get the room clean and get some of the new accessories up. Before I started I went to Home Depot to pick up some new switch plates and outlet covers, Yes a form of self-motivation that I believed would work, and it did a little - A very little. While I was there something bad happened, something I feared - The garden section was screaming and begging for me to wander through. OK, I didn't fear it because I am not afraid of plants; my fear is that I can't say to no to pretty flowers. My youngest son warned me of my lack of will power to say no to the pretty flowers. He was so right. We are now the owners two new plans, one of which is a hibiscus plant. (I'll get back to the bedroom/office progress in a second; see I am side tracked already).

I also got a Boston Fern which I have the ability to get those things to grown to ginormous sizes, so before it gets any bigger, let me provide you with a before photo and then at the end of the summer, I'll provide you with the after photo. All the plant items were 50%, 60%, and 70% off. Normally to buy both of these plants would have sent me back $53.00 + 6% sales tax (Thank you Maryland, please learn to budget better and stop taxing everything). But I got them both for only $15.00. I so love a bargain! OK, so by now you can see, I get distracted pretty easy, unless I am watching the movie Highlander, A Knights Tale, Hunt for Red October, Pretty Woman, or enjoying private time with the honey...OK, OK, TMI! Enough of my ramblings. So You want to know the answer to the the burning question of the day..."Stacey did you get your clutter crap cleaned up yet?" Yes and No.  Below is a picture of my progress on my newest clutter clean up.

I can finally open the closed door. The book shelf is better; it's holding a few books and music binders. As you can see by the next picture, I cleaned my desk off. I got the things off the floor. The stuff on the bed is what was in the closet. I didn't have the kahunas to show you that monstrosity. So, I can say, I got two parts of the four step plan complete. I am hoping that by Monday, I will be able to present you with a room so clean you'll wonder whose house it is. (Smile).  So day by day I am kicked my addiction. What addiction you ask? My addiction to keep things because for some reason years ago, I honestly believed that my things were the only way I could keep my memories. Dumb hua? I seriously thought that.

But after a while, my things were now only keeping bad memories in my mind, as the things made my house look bad, made my family feel bad, and kept our friends away. With the house now in a rapid decluttering state, I feel like a million dollars, but don't have any urge to shop. I also don't feel any connection to the things like I once did. Well unless it is photographs and those types of mementos. But a magazine dated 2007, seriously needs to go. I can clean and say to myself - Do you really want that? Do you really need that? If you keep it, where will it go? Most of the time I don't have to ask myself all three questions as the first one is more than enough. My garbage guys used to hate us, but I can safely say we now have a normal trash pickup. No more mounds of garbage bags pilled in our driveway. We use only two trash cans and that is it. I've come a long way baby. (Smile).  So, again to all my loyal readers and those with your kind words of inspiration, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Who says you need therapy when I have the whole world to answer too. Thanks everyone for your support and the storage ideas are awesome. When I get enough of those, I am going to put a blog together on everyones suggestions. Well until next time - Blog you later.

 I love this quote and I wanted to share it with you. Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller, Phyllis Diller's Housekeeping Hints, 1966

P.S. As you may now know, I have started in a new endeavor to raise money for Gulf War Veterans - One book at a time.  I am asking that you go to the webpage on facebook entitled; "Through the Barracks Window: A Time of Waves", There is no cost to anyone, just the click of the "Like" button is all that I am asking of you and then send the information on to all of your friends and have them do the same, and so on and so on. This will help us advertise our cause without the high costs of advertising companies out there. Again many thanks for your continued support. Until next time, blog ya later.

YOU'RE KIDDING...RIGHT?

Merry Christmas? Ha-ha? No I guess you're right, it isn't funny. Honestly it is actually rather sad when you read on about what this mess is and how long it's been there. OK, so I am all about doing what I say I am going to do, but I still get side tracked extremely easy lately with other motherly duties, but I am moving ahead, at a turtles pace. So OK, the first two pictures are the beginning stages of my coat and linen closet Sunday clean.  What? You thought they were bigger? Nope. Oh I'm hearing you now - Then why in the hell can't I get them cleaned, it's not like it’s a whole room or a garage or something...its two puny fiberboard closets. OK, you’re right. Shhhh, do not tell anyone I said that. Ha-ha. For the longest time I was using the excuse that I needed packing boxes so that I could store all of these glass Christmas ornaments overhead in the attic and I would start painting them for next year’s craft shows later in the spring so my inventory would be all caught up. To me, my thinking was all well in good, the problem is that I have been saying this for the last TEN years. This next closet is a bit more chaotic, however again, is just as easy to take care of as the ornament closet.

My reasoning about this cluttered mess is that it seems to be a catch all. Yes it is for sheets, extra blankets and tablecloths. But I see no organization to this fiber madness. Now we have only four beds in this house. Two are twin, one is full and the other is a queen. So, realistically, how many sets of sheets does one house really need? Two, three tops. Well I counted out our sheets and I was devastated as to what I had. 7 Sets of queen size sheets, 4 sets of full size and 8 sets of twin size. NOW COME ON SELF! Who needs all that? So, I have set limits on everything here as well. 2 sets for each bed and that is that. My husband and I got spoiled when I accidentally on purpose splurged on a set of Egyptian cotton 600 thread count Tommy Hilfiger sheets. I got them for $50.00, but it wasn't until I had taken them out of the package, that I noticed that their original price was $312.00, but were marked down because of the color. For us, the color just happens to match the paint chip/room idea card I got from Lowe's. I would never have paid the full price of the sheets even if I was the richest person on earth, and $50.00 was pushing it too. But the outcome...my honey and I hate getting up in the morning and worse, neither one of us want any other type of sheet on the bed. We'd even go as far as staying up late until they are out of the dryer. So now I plan accordingly and wash them first thing in the morning. So we definitely don't need 8 sets of queen sized sheets when we only like the one.

OK, I'm getting side tracked, moving on. I have this project half done. Both closets are empty. I am in the process of cleaning all the linens, and what doesn't get chosen to stay, goes. Now if my phone would stop ringing and my motherly duties could hold off just about three more hours, this project will also be complete. So for now, I'll let you go and I'm off to make dinner for my three growing men in my life. (Smile).  I can say if you thought this was bad, what until I tell you about my pantry adventure, you'll never believe it, that's why I have pictures.  Have a great night everyone.  Blog you tomorrow.

Organizational Sabotage - Someone call the police.

Day Nine

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Wow, I could have gotten that cleaning done if...X, Y, and Z, had not altered my plan?"  I think I am victim of Organizational Sabotage. Wow, sounds like a new thriller title for a book. Ha-ha. But seriously, all my intentions, to get things done, come from my heart, but I don't have a clue on timing or getting back in the grove when I've been distracted. Then I have to deal with what looks like easy quick projects, only to find out the hard way - ARE NOT!  Sometimes I'd like to just stand in the mirror and yell, "What the hell are you doing girl!"

So here is how the projected project unfolded. I wanted a miracle for Sunday. I envisioned this closet that was so organized it was color coded. The shoes all fit on the shoe rack and the belt and tie rack would say nailed into the wall. I wanted so much to get the closet cleaned out and the new door and knob on. I know if I am getting tired of propping the closet door shut with a pillow, I know my husband is too, but he airs on the side of caution, when making comments on my ability to put something off for days, months, and weeks at a time. He is getting better; lately he has been expressing himself to me, which is what I asked for. Last thing I want is to hear my about my flaws from somebody else. I know I have a very long list and I am working on making that list shorter and shorter each day.

So here it was, Sunday midday, and I was ready to begin. My kids were outside and my husband was downstairs doing laundry...hum??? Him, doing laundry and watching football...what was he up too? I thought to myself.  As I started my project - I was getting things off the floor and putting shoes, I didn't want, into a donation bag... when it happened - the first interruption that lead to many. The family was hungry and wanted some lunch. UGHGH!!  I stopped what I was doing and put some sandwiches and chips together and was ready to venture back into my project when I heard, "Mom, football is on, come and watch it with us. Immediately my, "What are they up too," radar kicked in."  I am thrilled to think they wanted me to hang out in the man cave with them, but what really ended up happening...I was the one who ended up washing and folding the laundry. By late afternoon, I decided the closet will wait until Monday, and I took it upon myself to at least attempt to work on a smaller clutter project that desperately needed attention. I cleaned both the inside and tops, of my nightstand and dresser. WHAT A MESS!

I don't have a clue why I keep some of the crap I do. What is the reasoning behind it? Why would I have receipts, some dating as far back as 2004? Then I found about a hundred or so, movie ticket stubs. Again...have no clue why I was keeping them.  However, the best part of my day, was dumping out one of my drawers and finding over $65.00 in change. SWEEEEET! So I found the top of my dresser and nightstand, but I still had not touched the closet...I felt like a failure - again.

So here it was Monday morning, same routine with Ron and the Kids, dishes done, cat fed, trash out to the curb. After all this got done, it was now time to get started on my delayed bedroom closet project. I was very eager to get started. Nobody home, cell phone off, my crystal light lemonade made, found my tools and chisels for the hinges and commenced to begin. I got the floor decluttered and began to take the door off the hinges, when suddenly, once again I was interrupted..."SON OF A B*TCH!" I was not feeling the best and needed an immediate bathroom break. UGHG! For about three hours I was either flat out on my bed with a heating pad or in the bathroom hoping the pain - OK, gas pain or whatever it was, would just go away.

By 11:00 am, I was finally feeling back to my old self and got the garbage can and bins for the clean out. Ring; Ring...now the house phone is ringing. It is my oldest son, who missed his bus and needs a ride two towns away for his Vocational Class. OMG! Will I ever get a break? Don't answer that.  By the time I get home, it is now 1:40 pm, and in about 35 minutes my kids would be walking through the door and want snacks and need help with homework. These are the days I want to just sit and cry. Why can't I get time to work for me? I plan and plan, yet things never go the way I hope.  So this morning, I said to hell with it and jumped in with two feet and started my project once again, only to hear...Ring, Ring. My oldest son failed to inform me this morning, that he is taking HSA testing and will miss his bus again to Vocational class. Yep, you know what the means, in about 30 minutes from now, I will be heading out of the house again and my project is now half done. 

I got the new door measured, the hinge notch's chiseled out and the door hung. I was so excited...it was now time to drill the hold for the knob. WHAA WHOO! WHAAA WHAAA....WHAT THE HELL!?!? Yes, that is exactly what I said out loud. As the tool cut deeper and deeper into the door, the slower and slower it was cutting - the battery on our cordless drill died. No problem, I thought, I have a backup battery - NOT! Someone unplugged the charger when they were working in the garage. So, here I sit, everything in my closet is on my bed, my door is on with a partial hole for a knob and I have to leave the house in T-minus 20 minutes and counting. I tried to take a picture of today’s project, only to learn...my batteries are dead in my camera, and so I will be going to CVS as well as taking my son to his class.

So all in all, I am now totally frustrated and I have made this mission a quest for completion. I will have this job done today, because I am going to need my bed to crash in tonight. UGHGH!  CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!! 

MOM CAN WE...???

Day Six

Wow, the first Saturday of another New Year. I don't know why, but this week just seemed extra long. I may not have gotten all the items on my "TO DO LIST" done, but where I didn't get them done, I accomplished other tasks, for instance - My younger sons bedroom. Ouch! Nothing worse than to clean the room of a teenage. I can hear some of you now. Doesn't a teen need their privacy? Do you really think you should go into their room when they are not home? Don't you feel guilty?  My answers are - Sometimes, and that is why I will not post any before and after pictures, YES, and HELL NO.  How do you think we parents gain our knowledge of what our teens are up too. In this day and age, parents have to be one step ahead at all times, because just when you think your kid just might be perfect...you'll get that dreaded phone call that they have done something wrong. Remember you were a teen once, and that is why I take my parenting role to heart. And the fact that if they are showing signs of being a clutter bug, you guide them into better cleaning practices. Now I don't clean the whole room, as everyone has their way of arranging things to better suit them. I go in with my hasmat gear on and look for the mystery smell, that is usually a pile of dirty socks shoved under the bed, or the glass of milk, that wasn't finished, that appeared to have been on the night stand for about two months. Ewwwwww.

Now our Saturday's are usually busy. My boys are both in a youth bowling league. No they are not professional or even look to have the ablility to go pro, but it is a great way to engage them in socilaization. For me, it is about three hours to talk with other parents and get the scoop on what's going on with them in school - A few parents are teachers where my kids go. It's like having a get out of Jail free card. Big Evil Grin and I know what they are up too. Ok, so going on. My plan for today was to get all the Christmas boxes off the garage floor and overhead into the new organized attic space. I wanted to clean my floors, get old clothes and shoes into boxes for our donation company, that will come and pick up your stuff - Free of Charge. I also wanted to get all the curtians down and washed. But do I think that will happen today? I doubt it, and why, I have already been hit with - Mom, can we go and pick up this? Mom, can we go to the hobby store for this part and that part for my model? Mom? Mom? Mom? You get the jist. Normally I would be able to get my cleaning done and they could go and do what they needed to do after bowling, because my husband is usually home to do the guy thing with them.

Today however is different. Due to a large job and pending bad weather, several of the men from my husband company decided to take this Saturday to get as much done on this project as they could before snow flies. Every construction worker knows that in this state, bad weather means days off without pay. I've been up since 4:17 and treated this day like any other work day, minus waking the kids early...I need my sanity as long as I can have it.  I have got two loads of laundry going, dishes are all done, counters are cleaned and in a few minutes it will be off the computer and into the shower. I am finding that routines are a great thing to have, but don't be so dependant on them, as life has a way of changing things. Little by little I work at throwing the clutter away and find that I tend to jump from room to room. But knowing that I do this and I am completely aware of what distracts me, the task is looking easier to accomplish.  I know that it won't happen over night, but I know by the end of this year this place will be a peaceful place that we call home.