On Break
I know you’ve figured this out, but I like to keep our house straight. We maintain throughout the year by shoving things into closets and drawers. At some point, the cupboard doors no longer close, so we pile stuff in the garage. At some point, the garage is full, so a flood brings motivation.
I haven’t stopped cleaning since the garage. We sold a few stuff piles at a yard sale. Now I’m making more.
The master bedroom is clean and rearranged. The kitchen cupboards are organized. There are even a few empty drawers and shelves! That is better than diamonds to me. Of course, I don’t swoon over diamonds anyway. I prefer shiny beads or turquoise.
All that’s left of my cleaning frenzy is the school room. Moral support may be needed for that task, but I can always place the games, books, and toys neatly in closets now the doors close.
The best thing about my cleaning binge is I’m looking forward to school again. I’ve even started planning to plan. I know that sounds silly, but it helped me even if I stifle a yawn. I function as teacher, chef, maid, nurse, inventory control, purchasing agent, and twenty-seven other unmentioned titles.
All of these require some planning, at least, for me. Some individuals decide moment by moment what to accomplish. It sounds easy, unless you have my natural bent towards being meticulous. If I go without a schedule for very long, I miss the important things while chasing dust bunnies. My weakness needs a flexible framework that includes knowing when I’m going to plan menus, lessons, and even blog posts.
Which reminds me, I have a blog birthday/anniversary (whatever it is called) coming up, so please check back for a surprise. Also, a series is simmering in my brain about American history. It will start with what I am not saying about this country.
I look forward to sharing more with you, so, if you haven’t already, please consider subscribing. I promise to hardly ever be this random. Remember I am on break. If you are just starting yours, enjoy!
I get goosebumps when people talk about cleaning. :p
Seriously, there is something so motivating to me about having a sense of order in my life, and I have more time to do things when I am organized than when I am operating by the seat-of-my-skirt.
Tell me more! Tell me more! :D
I wish I had that kind of motivation to clean! Ususally, my back gives out or the vacuum gives out and I’m done. heehee Enjoy the fruits of your labor!! :)
Ooooh productive down time. I love that. Congrats on all that hard work. Can’t wait to hear more good news…
My favorite bloggers shouldn’t be allowed blogging breaks. :)
Sunniemom,
You are so funny. I don’t get goosebumps when people talk about cleaning, but I do appreciate order and simplicity. It felt so good to get rid of the stuff we aren’t using.
For me a schedule is freeing. It allows me to make sure the important things get done.
Melissa,
My motivation did stop yesterday. I got sick. :(
Anna-Marie,
We have also visited friends and enjoyed relaxing.
Emily,
You are so kind. Thank you for your sweet words.
I am not on a blogging break. At least, that wasn’t my intention. I think I write more when we are doing lessons though.
Oooh, you used a Larsson print! He is my very favorite artist, and not just because I’m part Swedish. I just love all his wonderful paintings of his family and their warm, cheery, and very original home.
Hope you’re enjoying your break. I think I’m taking a break from school, work and blogging next week. The kids don’t think I can do it, but I’ll show them (I hope!)
Barbara,
I know. I thought of you when I picked it out. :)
Enjoy your break! I’m almost ready for a full load again. Almost.
I love organization! I also have been doing some curriculum organizing but not on shelves since I don’t exactly have any at the moment. LOL! I actually have been organizing my e-resources. It is a very time consuming task since I get so much free stuff each week between free audio stories, coloring pages from Dover samples, and several lapbook and e-curriculum sites that offer free downloads frequently. I have so many wonderful resources that do me no good when I forget that I even have them. Organizing them has inspired me as well! I can’t wait to put many of these to use!! Next I will tackle the tangible resources but since half are crammed in the trailer with us and half at my parents I may have to put it off until (or should I say if) we get into a house. ) : I know exactly what you mean about needing the structure. I often find myself getting away from it and then wondering why my life has become so chaotic. ) :
Blessings,
Mandi
Lovely print. I’m going to go quite light on blogging/computer time for the summer, just to get back on track, get organized, and be outside! I love hearing about other’s projects, it totally motivates me, so thanks!! Blessings to your family.
Mandi,
I have everything stuffed in a folder on my desktop which is not very conducive to actually using any of it. Maybe I’ll open it and see what’s there. The folder can be easily shut, although I have been known to fill up hard drives. :)
I’ll be praying you find a house soon.
Jennifer,
I’m glad you were motivated. Maybe you should write about your projects to remotivate me. ;)
After being sick all last weekend, I’m just trying to catch up on the housework and laundry. Sunshine was in tears because she didn’t have any clean nightgowns. It must be so hard to be four. :)
If you are ever in Western North Carolina, I know where there is a house you can clean! :)
Ah, I know all about floods bringing motivation. My whole house was torn up for 2 months, and we’re still not nested correctly. But God is gracious, even in the mess.
Deb,
I’m thankful our flood was very mild. Nothing was ruined and everything dried out quickly.
I hope you can get everything restored soon.
[...] promised a series on history quite awhile ago. I knew it was overdue, but I didn’t realize it’s been over a month. [...]