I seem to be getting signals from the universe that it is time to purge, organize, and clean my house. First, of course, I just got a lot of extra time to do it in--about 4 more hours a week, not including the time for my workout and driving back and forth for preschool. Secondly, well, I spent a very tense hour or so in my basement as a storm raged outside not only scared of the tree that fell on us but on the stuff that surrounded us floor to ceiling. Then on Sunday, my minister spoke on acts of faith and ethical wills. One of the things she said was life is not about the stuff we leave our kids but the lessons we've taught them (hmmm, a la Randy Pausch's Last Lecture). And I don't want my kids to be materialistic and disorganized (or have to sort through all of this when we're gone). And then today, the NYTimes ran an article on personal organization and the consultants who can help you. I think my favorite tip was "In September, designate a box for each child’s artwork and school papers. Then go through them the next summer, when you are not so attached to them." I already have a full tub of artwork, mainly because Sis creates in series. Right now we're in her divisionist, or pointilist, period, when she likes to put single colored circles on a sheet of paper. (There was actually a more psychologically-penetrating article on hoarding--real, pathological (or is it neurotic?) hoarding in NYC apartments--a year or so back that was equally inspiring, though not as practical.)
Anyway, we just had company, my friend from high school (well, 7th grade), and that always makes you see your house with new eyes. Now, my hospitality skills are fine, if I might say so--I had a guest basket with towels, lotion, water bottle, and snack ready for her, tried to organize activities and meals based on her preferences, oh, and kept the kids quiet before 8:30 a.m.!!!! But I did notice piles of things I hadn't in awhile.
We have been doing much better and have cleared and sorted and purged quite a bit in the last two months, but it is an ongoing process. With Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity's Restore nearby, plus a used bookstore, as well as a fall rummage sale for church coming up (another prod from the universe?), we have several places that will take our stuff. We just have to go through it.
So, best get off the computer and get back to the cleaning, because, well, when the universe talks, I listen.
No comments:
Post a Comment