Cathartic Cleaning

Weekend Goals and Long Term Lists

2009-09-11T21:34:41Z

The weekend is almost here! I find I'm the most productive on the weekend when I set a few obtainable goals. I usually keep a list of "around the house" goals on the fridge. I don't get them all done at once, but if I have some time on the weekend, I can look at the list and go, "what can I accomplish today?" Then, when it's done, and I can mark it off my list. Man, marking through a done task feels so good!

So, this weekend's list:

1. Get unpacked from last week's trip and put suitcases away. (I had three suitcases for my trip and I'm down to one).

2. Finish laundry. I'm making great progress here too. I've all ready dropped off and picked up the dry clean items.

3. Costume inventory and put away. I costume/cosplay for a hobby and I just got back from DragonCon. I've been working on inventory lists for my costumes. I like to put them away clean and with all parts in boxes together. I like to box them with an inventory list as well.

4. Put away and inventory bathroom items bags. I like to have my "overnight" bag ready to go. This includes items like a day or two of medication, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc...the essentials. Thay way if I have to take a trip in a hurry, I'm ready.

5. Tidy the house. House just needs a reset. A key to good organizing is maintaining as you go. Let me tell you, as six year old can make a mess quick. Well, a 38 or 39 year old can make a big mess too.

6. Update the fridge "to do" list. Since I brought this up, I think I'll update it. This helps me plan my weekends ahead.

That is all, that is enough. Don't make your lists too big or you set yourself up for disappointment. If you don't get it all done that is fine. Do what you can, and keep the list on the fridge for later.

So what are your goals this weekend? Don't forget to make time for family and fun too!

Bathroom Items

2009-04-28T14:39:25Z

Hair dryer that hangs on wall: http://www.hairdryers4u.com/anhd16waqutu.html I used a wooden wall mount curling iron and dryer holder that I bought at a craft fair. You can good or eBay for them. I've had mine for 15 years. My blow dryer also has a retractable cord, which really help keep cord clutter out of the way.

Towel rack: http://www.nathosp.com/pub/hotel_cat/bath/bath_products/EH152_DeluxTowelHoldr_MN.asp This is one options...I'l looking for more.

Keep a mix of bleach and water to spray in shower. Spray occasionally to deter mildew buildup.

Credit: http://www.getorganized.ws/

The Busy Woman .com

2009-03-23T22:10:15Z

I need to dig deeper into this site: http://www.thebusywoman.com/

Especially this: http://www.thebusywoman.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=16

Oprah's Clean Up Your Messy House Tour

2009-02-18T04:51:10Z

Check out this Oprah series: http://www.oprah.com/article/home/homeimprovement/20081124_expert_messyhousetour

Very inspiring!!

Storing Sheets

2008-11-16T22:39:43Z

New tips that I love: When storing sheets, place them in one of the pillow cases. That way, when you need the sheets, they are all there together and easy to grab.

LIttle things like that make me happy.

Get Rid of Your Junk Mail and Phone Books

2008-10-27T22:34:44Z

Here's a link to make your phone books go away...talk about a paper weight. I recycle mine immediately, so I'd rather not get them at all: http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/

Also, I did this a long time ago, but if you were not aware, you can decrease your junk mail as well here: https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t You don't have to pay for this...be careful if you google because some will try to get you to "sign up" for something. That is not necessary.

Less paper! Yay!

Office Remodel Progress

2008-10-21T02:56:43Z

I think I have sold my soul to The Container Store. Srly.

We invested in some Elfa shelving during the shelving sale that just ended. (Next sale is in January.)

We finally have all our books and photo albums out of storage. One box of books is queued up for library donation. We really did a good job of letting go. I could part with more, but I'll wait until space is an issue.

Isn't this beautiful!

Yes, the flag is not folded correctly...we still have some detail work to do, but we are getting there. ;) We are going to consolidate down some software, get a pretty box for the paperbacks that are worn, etc.

New issue in the queue is old photo ablum. I have some that I need to thin down to the pictures that REALLY matter. That will not be easy. Project for 2009...time to just pick a year and do it.

It looks like the office theme will be "patriotic." We have pictures, etc. that will tie into that.

So, Terry is getting worked to death on my cleaning bender. The venture took me two trips to store to get what we needed...we added a forth shelf and had forgotten bookend holders. We used the Click and Pickup, which was wonderful! The job took Terry about half a Saturday, but he was watching Iron Man with a Rifftrax while he worked...so factor that in as you will. Then the unboxing began!

Other nice feature...the dog cannot get to our books. :) Big factor in this decision.

More later...it's a BIG week on the Organizing front!

Label It!

2008-10-16T02:40:47Z

Bailey just learned how to use my label maker. She's very excited...I'll have to keep her under control...the labels cost money!

I've had it for years. My sister gave it to me one Christmas.

It's one of my favorite possessions. I've been on a labeling bender. :)

Mine is a Label It by Casio...it's been a good one.

We Have a Shed!

2008-10-10T22:31:49Z

Terry put up a yard shed last weekend. It's similar to this one: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100390773&N=10000003+90016+1679

Ours did not cost as much. He rented a tiller, leveled the ground, added gravel, and then built a wooden base under it. Then, he put it up. It was fairly easy to assemble. With building the base and all it took him roughly two days.

Here's the results.

So, we can clear some more room out of the garage and empty the storage unit by Nov. 1.

Progress...

My New Favorite Show! - Mission Organization

2008-10-10T22:17:12Z

I have a new show recording on the DVR: Mission Organization: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_mso

Description: Mission: Organization brings order to chaos by redesigning living spaces one room at a time. Learn how you can organize your home and resolve your clutter problem from kitchen catastrophes to bedroom bedlam.

I love watching the Professional Organizers in action and seeing the solutions they come up with...it really inspires me.

Today I Did...

2008-09-20T03:41:46Z

Done!!! - Want 1: Hang the new Pecan Roman Shades with Valance. - Aspects of this became war. You get spoiled when you have a good spouse...you go, here honey, put this up for me. But, I was determined to do this myself. I used to do stuff like this myself all the time. So, it took longer than I would have liked, but it's done and done well...so there! I do need two better screws for the cord holder...other than that, the job is done!
.

1/2 Done - Need 1: I got the call I didn't want to do done...and was actually pleased with the results. Life can surprise you that way. I did not do the one requiring thought...my brain was not in the place it needed to be...this is a call where I want to come off impressive. :P I did not do the follow-up either. I have time on it. I'll try again next week.

In Progress - Need 2: Last, is Laundry. Very little got done. Oh well...I got what I had to have washed. We'll get to the rest.

1/2 Done - Want 2: Cleaning the truck. I got it emptied of stuff, but not to the car wash. I think a good wash is due next week.

Tomorrow is a busy day...I need to get preorganized. Need to do that and get some rest.

Oh, I did go back to bed for a few hours this morning. That was a wonderful thing! Not the most productive, but sometimes to make progress, first we have to rest.

Today I Will...

2008-09-19T17:32:46Z

When faced with a mountain of things to do, it's best to look at your day and go...what task, if done by the end of the day, will give me the most statisfaction in it's completion. Or, what task is vital to my family's needs today and tomorrow.

You also have to weigh that against what you WANT to do.

So far on my list today, I have the following.

Want 1: Hang the new Pecan Roman Shades with Valance. I got them at Lowes for about $40. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=120502-31252-0211235&lpage=none

We wanted something in the office that blocks light and provides privacy, but can be pulled up when the we want to let the sunlight in. I've grown to dislike traditional blinds...because of dust accumulation and various other reasons. I was also done with the curtains in the office. I'd had them for over 15 years and there time had passed.

Need 1: Next, is to make some needed phone calls...some appts etc. I have taken care of two. I have three more to make at least. One requires some real thought as to what to say, one is a follow-up, and the last, I don't want t make, but I'll be bugged if I don't. *Sigh.* Sometimes you must do the thing you don't want to do.

Need 2: Last, is Laundry. This is the thing that is vital to my family's needs tomorrow. This includes running and working on putting piles of away. This task has grown large and will filter into the weekend.

Want 2: As a bonus, I'd love to get the truck cleaned. I might make some phone calls while I wait...I hate unutillized time.

Ok...on to the list.

Freecycle.com

2008-09-19T05:10:05Z

This is a yahoo group for people who have stuff to give away and who need things. My best score was a bike for my daugher. My best moment of satifaction was giving household items to a woman who had lost everything.

It's just nice to know that the things you are giving away are wanted and needed.

I'll explain more about it later, but here is the link for now: http://www.freecycle.org/

Amazon Book List

2008-09-19T03:20:21Z

Amazon.com's top books on Organizing: http://www.amazon.com/Top-Organizing-Books/lm/42Y4PPQ50TYF

I need to head to a book store or library soon and look through these titles. I'll report back as I get a better look.

If you have read any of them, let me know!

The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time. ~Samuel Smiles

2008-09-19T03:15:13Z

I look around and quickly, I can get overwhelmed by it all. Books to straighten up, toys to sort, a garage with no room for a car, closet with no meaning...

But, it can't all be fixed in one day.

I've kept this quote handy for years, "The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once." by Samual Smiles.

As I Cathartically clean my house and life, I have to remind my self to focus on one task at a time, one day at a time. I have to set short term goals so that I have a feeling of accomplishement when I'm done.

This time, also, I have to finish the tasks.

Everything has a place, or it has to go.

Task 1: Finish the office project.

Task 2: Work on sorting laundry. While I hate to have two things going at once, this one is ongoing. And quite frankly, I'm running low on underwear.

Ongoing goal: Keep the kitchen table clear between tasks for 1. Home work 2. Family dinner

Child Task: I also gave my daugther a new job this week. We have a dog, and he spread his toys all over the house and then just leaves them about like little "toy land mines" waiting to find the bottom of my feet. Ouch!

So, I give my daughter 50 cent a night to pick up all of the dogs toys and place them in his pen or toy basket. It's the first of her family contribution jobs. Why pay her you ask? I want her to start buying her own things; to help minimize spending and clutter. More on that later...

Ok...I'm clearing the table and then off to bed.

Let the Cathartic Cleaning Begin!

2008-09-18T19:23:45Z

Welcome friends. This is my new live journal. I've felt the need to add this new account for a few reasons. princess_lesa is and will remain my personal account. This journal is about a journey that I am undertaking.

Basically, I'm on the verge of a huge life change...I just don't know what it is yet.

But, what I do know is this journey starts with the Cathartic Cleaning of my life.

You are welcome to add me as a friend. I will only friend those back whom I feel I know. So, if you are not friended back right away or at all, please do not be offended. What little I lock here will be for privacy purposes.

Many of the post will be public...another reason for branching this off. I've found that many of my friends, like me, have a passion for being organized and having a clean home and life. Maybe others whom I do not know do too.

However, many of us have jobs, families, and responsibilities...and our best laid plans turn into a mess. Or, at least mine do.

I stare at the piles and think...what do I do next.

Here is what I know...I look at my life today, and it's not working. Priorities are not in order. I'm a little over one year away from 40, and well, things are a mess. Not broken, not bad...just a mess.

I hope these posts are inspiring as well as motivational. I welcome your comments and suggestions along the way. Together, we can get it together!

Much love,

Lesa