Progress.

Things went well today and I feel like I got a lot accomplished. I am definitely on the winning side of the war. However, I did hit a bit of a block when I made it as far as what's in the picture below (see "before" in yesterday's post). I mostly think I just need a break because I've been going at it for about eight hours. That's a regular work day!

Yes there are still piles, but they are controlled piles, meaning they are serving the purpose of breaking down what needs to be sorted into more manageable bits so I wont become overwhelmed.

The worst part of it is all the paper. Old paper and new paper. Bills, receipts, cards, bank statements, unopened mail, ephemera, college essays, and so on and so forth. I sorted through a lot already and I am determined to go through each piece and toss (recycle bin or shredder) what does not need saving.

I'm thinking I'll be done with the cosmetic declutter tomorrow so that I can at least get in there and work. The more intense, deeper rooted sorting can be done gradually... I promise that's not a cop out, but more of a stress saver to keep me, and my precious time, from being smothered by it all.

I'm looking forward to the end of this war... as are my hands which are thoroughly dried out from all the paper handling. I especially can't wait to get it cleaned up so I can work on some (way more fun) projects I've been really wanting to get started!

The End Is Near...

It began many moons ago, back in the days just after Hubs and I moved from our first apartment into our first condo, and especially just after we were wed and honored with many gifts.

It has been a war to end all wars, already marked by many battles, some of which I've posted about here in this space when I had won a small step towards victory.

In recent weeks the war has raged and expanded, closed behind a door that has opened only long enough for me to throw in a clutter grenade. The busy holiday season has kept me away, though my mind is always tormented by the thought of it.

This war, my friends, is between me and the guest bedroom. You see, I want the space to be welcoming, efficient, and inspiring. I would like it to be a place for guests to feel cozy, while also operating as both an office space and creative space.

The room, on the other hand, is anti-cozy. It prefers to allow it's closet contents and the array of my creative supplies to spew forth into the room. My old nemesis The Pile turns up everywhere and I become surrounded, stripped of the motivation to fight back.

Unfortunately for the room and it's anti-joy campaign, my motivation is surging and I am thoroughly inspired to get in there, declutter, and make it a fresh new space. The first battle will likely take place tonight with the final demise of the mess occurring over the weekend, including my flex day off tomorrow.

And because I'm about keeping it real, here is one view of what I'm up against... there's more to conquer on the other side of the bed and to the left, near and in the closet.

Check back Monday to see the "after."

Cupcakes and Aprons

The other day my Mom and I had an e-mail conversation that included the decision that if either of us were to win the megabucks we'd share with each other so we can both start living the cupcake and apron life.

You may be asking yourself, "What the heck is she talking about?" And here's the answer: The cupcake and apron life pretty much means being a full time homemaker/nester/stay-at-homer instead of working a full time job in addition to handling the housekeeping and so forth while also trying to make time for the fun, creative stuff.

The only thing is, I really prefer pie. So Mom, I guess you can live the cupcake and apron life and I'll live the pie and apron life. Let me know when the latest version of Ed McMahon shows up at your house with your Publisher's Clearinghouse check.

Words for 2010

Simplify. Cherish and be thankful for the simple pleasures of life, the little things that often get overlooked.

Declutter. Eliminate all the exorbitant stuff that gets in the way of the more important good stuff.

Authenticate. Be genuine and true yourself, remembering even in the greatest moments of imperfection that life is beautiful and so are you.

Balance. Make time for everything you want to do, but don't overwhelm yourself. If something that is supposed to be enjoyable becomes miserable, it's time for a break.

Pray. Give it to God and the rest will come accordingly.

Hello 2010!

Today was almost the complete antithesis of what I'm hoping 2010 will be for me. Last night Hubby was feeling full of the new year and all it's opportunity for new experiences and so we... slept on the pull out couch. Haha, it was completely childish and silly, but also something we've never done before.I decided today, though, that rather than being cute, his master plan was actually to be able to stay in bed all day WHILE watching TV. We slept in late and then spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies. He did get up long enough to shower and go to the store and get movies from Redbox. Ahh Redbox, it's a beautiful thing.

So, rather than get up raring to go for the new year and all I hope to accomplish, I spent the day cuddled up with my Hubs and occasionally the kitties, who, like me, found the fluffy down comforter quite delightful. Honestly, even though it wasn't particularly productive, I think it's the kind of wonderfulness I'd like to add to my to-do list for the year. Nothing makes everything else worth it like a day spent with the one you love, just resting and cherishing small pleasures like spontaneous sleepovers on the pull out couch.