Fall Cleaning

I know many people do annual spring cleaning, and I have done that before. But this year for some reason (probably because I didn’t get my cleaning done in the spring!), I’ve been feeling a tremendous urge to fall clean.

I don’t remember ever having such a strong urge to organize before; it’s probably because Mom Pat is here and she’s helping me make so much progress. I leave in the morning to go to work, and when I come home, Mom has boxes for me to go through. She’s gone through piles and drawers and cupboards and closets and she’s gathered things together for me to go through. (I know, I know. I’m spoiled—and lucky—to have my mom available to help me with this!)

I love the feeling of becoming more organized. I’m actually by nature quite an organized person, but things have been so hectic and so much has been going on lately, that I’ve been slowly slipping into a bit of chaos. I’m a little bit proud that I can even function in chaos—there was a time in my life when I was so Type A that I wouldn’t have been able to. I’ve learned to relax and let go a little, and I like that I can do that. But I (and I think most of us) function better when I am in an organized, orderly environment.

So I enjoy making progress on getting organized. And while some of what Mom and I are doing is mundane and boring, even a little yucky, I know that we’re working toward a goal that is important—and exciting—to me.

I told my mom last night that she should move in for three months, and maybe by the end of that time I’d be on top of everything! As it is, I’m looking forward to what we can get done this week!

Comments

[KathyC]

My mom does stuff like that for me and it is so wonderful! Your mom, Pat, sounds like a great lady.

[Staci Miserlian]

When your 3 months is up, would you loan her to me for a couple?? I sound like you...I have some organized chaos going on in my stamping area right now that I need to tackle, but need to find the time! Hope it all works out for you!

[SHH]

Could I rent Mom Pat after you are finished?!? :)

[Cathy Waskewicz]

I think we all wish we could just stop the world for a few weeks, so that we can just get caught up.....I'm with you Shelli....One thing I do, that at least lets me think I'm staying on top of things...is I take 5-10 minutes each day....and go thru a drayer or a cupboard, sometimes I jsut get a few things cleaned up and repositioned....sometimes a whole drawer!!!! Before you know it, the Kitchen is done!!!! Last week my daughter opened the silverware drawer...and said...OH my, look how nice!! That's the drawer beneath the cutting board, and all the crumbs seem to find there way into it...and it actually sparkled.

[Kate C]

I too want to borrow Mom Pat when she is finished at your house. I really need someone to help me clean‚ you know the person who inspires you to want to do it.

[Maxine Conrad]

My Mom was just here visiting and she stayed 3 months with me. You would be very proud of my stamp room and office, thanks to my Mom :) She is coming back in 6 months so it will need to look just as good. Yikes :)

[Monica Weaver]

Please pretty please. Can I borrow your mom?

[Sue Scheets (Sushi)]

I wish you luck on your endeavor to organize. I always say I am so organized on the inside, it just has trouble getting out. What a great event to share with your mom.
sushi

[Sharon Bridwell]

Ma Pat is such a doll and how lucky to have her to help you! Good luck with the fall cleaning, your post has given me the push to clean out the closets!

[Joan Hajek]

Shelli,

Could I please have Mom Pat for a while??? My stamp room is in total chaos and I am overwhelmed! My husband said he is calling the show "Hoarders" on me!

PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEE!

[r4 dsi]

We believe that cleaning, like karate, has different levels of mastery. There are those who can drop-kick a closet full of dust bunnies in seconds, and those (like us) who aren't the sloppiest kid in the class, but fall way behind the black belts. Whether you're a beginner or a master, we've provided a fall cleaning checklist that will match your skill level.