It has been a busy, busy month at my house. I have so much to share but right now the most exciting news is that my new computer is due to arrive in a week! I am so stinkin’ excited about this. It will be so much faster to edit pictures and share them on the blog with you. I can barely contain myself!
In the meantime, here is a picture of my son who thought it was a good idea to taunt Daddy at the pool over the weekend.
It was week one of 31 days to clean at my house. I did not do what the challenge suggested, however I did clean out my family room. I know that organizers and planners have good reasons for wanting you to start in the kitchen but I needed to start in a room that I could clean and might have a chance at staying clean. That’s the family room for me. My problem with starting a seasonal deep clean with the kitchen is that I’m never ahead of the game because the kitchen never stays clean. I could spend all my spare time in my kitchen every day and it would need attention again about 2 hours later.
So, I’m not exactly following the 31 days to clean format but I am motivated for my own Spring Clean. So much so, I was talking with a friend on Wednesday night and we have a bit of a challenge going between us. We will compare trash and donation piles each week to see whose is bigger. It helps to know that although I personally feel like I should be more accomplished at this simple domestic challenge, I’m not alone in finding it difficult to maintain a tidy home.
The friendly challenge came about when I told her that with all the turmoil from weather our country has had lately, I began to think about what it might be like to have a tornado go through this house. That led me to think of my stuff a little bit differently. My standard for my purge this month is this – as I hold each item I will ask myself “would I ever miss it if my house was destroyed?” and if it’s not a sentimental item, “would I replace it if my house was destroyed and I was starting over?” Hopefully these two questions and a little personal honesty will help me have some clarity on the stuff that is piling up around here.
A minor success? Last night a dear neighbor stopped by after my husband posted that he had made us margaritas for Cinco de Mayo. Although my house is a mess, at least we could sit in the tidy family room and enjoy a neighborly chat and a drink. Perhaps I’m not hopeless after all!
I hope you are finding success at your house!
Cheers!
I have a confession. I’m a disaster of a homemaker. My house is rarely clean. If a room is clean, it’s usually only one room. I’ve tried FlyLady – too many emails. I’ve tried purging – suddenly everything is a treasure. I’ve tried other various “techniques” to try to keep a tidy home. So far, nothing has “stuck”.
I do think it’s important. I want my husband to have a comfortable place to rest. I want my children to have a good example of what a house should look like. I know it can be done because I have a friend named Rosaria who does it. I’ve been to her house on a regular basis and it’s always tidy and welcoming. I don’t need my house to be the Ritz, but I do want it to be tidy and welcoming like Rosaria’s house. My mother has a tidy house and gave me that calm growing up. Clearly this is not a hereditary trait. I wish it were.
Just this morning I stumbled on something new. It’s 31 days to clean. I don’t really know what it is yet but I think I’m going to give it a go. I can do anything for 31 days, right? It’s $5 for the ebook or pdf. I can afford $5, right?
I could very well be setting myself up to fail. Again. However, if it would possibly serve one other mom who needs it too, I’m willing to fail in front of you. Again.
Are you curious too? You can find out more here.
