Since last I had the energy or time to sit and write. I am not entirely sure I have it now, but it has been bothering me that I have not kept up on my writing so here I am.
It is Saturday. The sky is light because we switched our clocks back a week or so ago. Time is difficult for me to keep up with as well. It is not just the writing. Also, the laundry, SO much laundry I realized my children have too many clothes!!! I will be clearing out drawers and minimizing in hopes it will keep me on the laundry train and thus, less laundry with less stuff.
Where else am I struggling to keep up on life? Oh so many places….dishes are a real downer for me. I have a system which helps me a bit. The idea is to create less of an overwhelming appearance and organize it all for ease of transfer. Because, of course, the dishwasher is ALWAYS full or on the go! I put all utensils in a sturdy cup with soapy water to give them a head start. I place largest plates on the bottom, work my way up by size to bowls. All nice and neat and with a quick rinse, prevents them from congealing together as they await their turn in the dishwasher. This only works with myself doing it as when my husband is home, the dishes are too frequent and large and messy. (He is a chef by hobby). Anyhow, I do this whole process after washing dishes by hand became time consuming and damaging to my hands. Yes, gloves would be a good idea, just not a practical one for me. Dishes are constant, constantly.
There is the small detail of now having two dogs. One is small Chihuahua mix with Dashund, the other is more medium, mix of Chihuahua and we believe to be Whippet. They are therapy dogs, they are rescues. They shed. I vacuum a lot, I also bust out my trusty Bissel a lot. The with pup, still not house broken 100%, the older one-just happy to follow suit. Rescues.
I am thrilled with my ability to at least get things hung on the walls after almost 2 years since move in! Yay me!
Now, explain to me surfaces.
Everyone in this house suffers from surface dumping except my ADHD/ASD kiddo ( my eldest) who is meticulous about putting things away. He has it easy however, as he has 3 things he plays with and they all have a home. The dining room table, for example, is prime dumping zone. It is the first room after entryway and therefore, mail, pens, homework, school fliers, work packets, deliveries, random toys, etc, all get neglected here. These things often do not have a permanent “home” to organize them in, at least not right away. Homework is homework. It stays on the table until it is done. Mail….oh mail…how I despise the advertisements and junk; that is generally, what we get. Mostly, I get the mail during the beginning of the week and toss it all into the recycling or file it. My hubby loves mail, he opens it all, adverts, etc, then leaves it. Much like the deliveries which get opened, then, inside packing materials and box get left opened on the table, empty of whatever came in it. Sometimes it stays that way in the entryway; equally a dumping zone, naturally.
My kitchen has things. Canisters, small appliances, dry rack, compost bin, meds box (otherwise we forget to give my kids their supplements/medications), knife block, dog treat bin, etc etc etc….ughh!!! Then, on top of this, my kids electronics seemingly live on the counter…mainly due to the fact they have them for meal times to watch shows. Yes, I am proudly, THAT parent. The space is full up. Now, add mail (more), delivery items which tend to make it to the communal kitchen top and then left for what seems like ever until I find a place to put it.
And laundry room. I miss having a closed off laundry room. Ours is the go-between a section of the house. It is a decent size, has potential for cuteness as I have organized it all so many times before. It has the signage, labels, the humor. It has the baskets for laundry, the little wicker ones for handy soaps etc. We have a basket to conceal electronics while being charged up. My father made me a wooden surround and surface for folding. Generally, it is a mess. ALWAYS. There is the laundry, the tools, the toys (broken-to-be-fixed) and miscellaneous STUFF. Again, another surface, another dumping zone.
My conclusion? My point? I am drowning in STUFF. Some necessary. However, it has a place that sits empty, waiting for the items to return. Most of it is redundant. Just duplicated variations or excess. We live in excess. ALL OF US. Those tiny house people I envy. I would do that if we could. Every homemaker feels this way I think, at some point. In my situation, I find myself needing less and yet unable to get rid of things. I have a young sentimental hoarder and an adult practiced one. I have a house of ASD and ADHD necessary regulatory tools and OT objects which are continually a support in our house, yet take up space. I admit, I have a book problem. I love them. I keep many I reference or enjoy on repeat, or have just to look at and ponder the great story it was…my escape. My hoarder side resides there. We all contribute and have our ‘things’ but HOW I ask, do we get it under control? How do I create a clearer space in my already very limited time? How do I either come to terms with, and accept, or change it?? This is the sliver of life I long for order and clarity and sanity…the only place I have any control.
Where do I start?
autstanding 