Thanks for the suggestions and support regarding my clutter issues. Several of you recommended the Flylady. I tried that about a year ago (perhaps even around this time last year?). Anyway at first I was all fired up and convinced that this would finally change things. During the first few weeks I did the daily suggestions with gusto. But soon the e-mail reminders started to pile up and "clutter" my mailbox. My e-mailbox is also a big problem. I currently have over 3000 messages in my mailbox (some from the year 2000). Yes, I know I need to delete a lot of stuff, but now it just seems like such an overwhelming task. One of those tasks that always seems to be getting pushed to the bottom of my "to-do" list. But the bigger issue with the Flylady is that I started to feel like a failure and a cheater. And how crazy is that? I was worried about letting down an on-line stranger? I wasn't keeping up with the e-mails and eventually just stopped doing any of it. The one thing that has stuck with me is her sink advice...never go to bed with a dirty sink. That doesn't mean my sink is always clean, but I do try and when it is clean I really do feel a sense of accomplishment (it's the little things, right?).
Honestly the most effective method for getting my house in shape is having company. My mother-in-law and I were laughing about this the other day. She knows me well! I wish I could be more self motivated but really it is the fear of having others witness my mess that gets my butt in gear and gets the house cleaned. If the Flylady had surprise visits, I think I would have been a star pupil.
And speaking of mess, what about these current issues? I am honestly shocked that anyone even wants to run for President. So many messy issues to clean up and so much pressure. Makes me happy to just worry about keeping up with dirty dishes instead of the massive clean up job our new president is facing.
Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish
Bits and pieces of daily life, nomadic rambles, pickled cravings, piles of books, and a furry dog. Cajun, Jewish, Taiwanese, American family on the move.
Popular Posts
Archive
Featured Post
Blue Doors in Urubamba
In addition to loving the blue doors we found on a little, dusty street in Urubamba, we also enjoyed: lunch at Kaia , ...
Sorry you have had a rough start to the new year. Glad you could see the happiness amongst all the 'crap'. As for cleaning, you and I have the same method. Invite someone over, and I can get the house presentable in just a few hours. Have nothing/no one pressing me, and the house is a mess for days, weeks, months. We have friends coming over on the 19th. On the 18th and 19th, my house will be as clean as it gets. (not spotless mind you). On the 20th, the clutter makes it back into the house.
Jan
Your post made me think about an article Jenny was talking about--claiming email bankruptcy. You just dump it all and send out a message saying, "sorry, declaring email bankruptcy. If you sent anything important recently, please resend". ;)
And I'm right there with you on Flylady, she overwhelmed me too.
I may need to declare e-mail bankruptcy...it is really out of control! I have never heard of that term before but sadly it seems like we'll be hearing all sorts of financially related lingo in the coming months.
Yeah, flylady is overwhelming so I relegated her to an email account i never use. I sort of pop in and out.. but her premise is to just 'jump in' and not to 'beat yourself up'. 'It didn't get messy in a day and won't get clean in a day' and these 'mantras' do sorta stick and make me feel a wee bit better about my crap. Although I think I just deleted 2k of flylady email that had NEVER been opened! oh well. I guess there is no magic pill! My in-laws arrive tomorrow though- and I did a 'stash and dash'! haha.
I'm late in reading blogs but I like Motivated Moms. Just google motivated moms planner and it should pop up. It's a planner you download ($8 I think) and you print it off once a week and it has all the daily chores you should do. It feels great to check them off for me anyway (and I love it when the core doesn't apply like water houseplants and feed pets - I don't have either!). I tried Flylady too and just found it was too overwhelming.
Good luck!
I've read all your "cleaning up" posts, and I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions to offer, just commiseration... I have visions of a well-organized home, simply decorated, but I live in a chronically cluttered reality. I have also tried to convince myself that a smaller space will force my hand. But it doesn't. Visitors are the only thing that work for me, too. I'm glad to know I'm not alone. :)
Post a Comment