Don’t search the blog for numbers one through seventy. I’ve written quite a bit about how much of a difference having a Focused Daily Pick-Up Time makes, but I haven’t been numbering them.
I used artistic license to emphasize that there are just so many reasons. And “Reasons Ba-jillion and Ba-jillion-and-One” sounded less official.
If I cussed, I’d probably have said, “More Reasons Why Daily Pick-Ups are So Blankety-Blank Important.”
But I don’t.
So I didn’t.
(But it would have been my favorite option if I did.)
If you’ve stayed with me over my excessively whiny period of the past few weeks, you know I’m struggling big time to keep the house from chaos since my schedule has changed.
Today I ended up not being in such a hurry because I have a sick little boy and had to cancel our guests. My daughter was devastated to miss out on her playtime (and I have completely lost hope that “the sheet” will ever leave our home), but it was nice to be able to take my time and focus on Picking Up.
Reason #71:
Grapes.
Left in an easy-to-forget-we-used-that-bag-for-our-picnic-last-week-when-it’s-laying-on-the-floor-with-other-random-items picnic bag.
Our picnic was exactly seven days ago today. Obviously, I should have done a daily pick up at some point during those seven days, but I’m just thankful I didn’t wait longer. Much longer.
Like I would have pre-blog.
Reason #72:
Stuff I save can’t save the day when it’s forgotten in the middle of a pile.
In both yesterday’s table-clearing and today’s Pick-Up Time, I found packets of creamer. These packets have a place and a purpose. But since they weren’t in their place, they couldn’t fulfill their purpose . . . and I had to use skim milk in my coffee one day this week when my monster-sized bottle of powdered creamer ran out.
NOT the same.
Reason #73:
Hideous stuff.
I had it bagged up and at the door on Tuesday morning, ready to be taken out for the trash. I’m guessing the fact that there was clutter everywhere caused it to blend in, and kept hubby from realizing it was trash.
Somehow, around Wednesday or so, someone got into it and it was strewn across the floor. And yet, because of the other clutter, I couldn’t muster the energy to pick up AND sweep up. Or the energy to figure out who was responsible, or the mental-energy to remember to have the kids clean it up. Totally lame excuse, I know.
MUST adjust to new schedule.
MUST make Focused Daily Pick-ups a priority.
CANNOT let it keep getting this bad.
I'm so glad that you are posting a real-life struggle. I also hate that blankety-blank grass and don't even buy the stuff anymore. One year, we found grass everywhere for an entire year, including inside our vacuum cleaner. It has been banned ever since.
My children are so neglected.
PS: I don't cuss either.
In case you were inclined to think I do. I just whine and fuss at my husband. Or sulk.
I HATE that grass stuff too!! I think every mother does. I never buy any, but it always ends up in our house. I love your last paragraph:
"And yet, because of the other clutter, I couldn't muster the energy to pick up AND sweep up. Or the energy to figure out who was responsible, or the mental-energy to remember to have the kids clean it up. Totally lame excuse, I know."
Can you just put me down for check, check, and check for all three lame excuses from me too. On a daily basis. Sometimes it is just too hard. 🙂
I will NOT drink coffee if all I have is nonfat milk in the house. It's just…overwhelmingly icky.
And we did a major clean up to host Easter dinner at our house & one would think I would just do an easy clean up daily to keep it going. One would be wrong in thinking that. (Why do I do this?!?!)
I gave up on that Easter grass too… my new concept, buy the kids an outfit each and use that like grass by putting at the bottom of the basket (dual purposes). My mom always buys that edible Easter grass for the kids, but it never seems to get eaten fast enough.
Ohh, I hate that blankety grass too. It's horrible. Next time I'll just print out a paper that looks like grass, lay it in the bottom of the basket. Blankety blank problem solved! Ha! Actually, you know what I like better? That snow looking stuff but green. I just pull it out and it comes together. BUT I first have to keep it from my baby. He'll tear apart anything.
I was doing so much better at keeping my house picked up all the time, and it felt SO AMAZING! Then I went out of town for the weekend and my kids totally destroyed my house. sigh. That was like a month ago now, and I'm still not back on top of my game. I gotta work on it!
First, it is so good to know I am not the only person who doesn't empty the bag after a picnic. You would think I would learn my lesson after finding a bag of disgusting food or a cup that has to be thrown out because it is so moldy but you would be wrong. It has happend to me countless times before and my guess is it will happen again.
In response to Lacy (above) why is it that it takes so much longer to get back on top of things than it does for things to get out of whack? Whether it be from me being gone or just off my game I feel like it takes forever to recover from just a day or two of not being diligent.
For me, it’s just an energy & mental capacity thing.
I’m organized messy though.
I remember the grapes or the food, I deal with that.
I put up the things.
Where I struggle is big projects and broken but easily fixable things.
I think I get anxiety over fixing, because then it’s just done. IDK, I need to explore that more, like Nony does.
When my husband works the day shift, I'm a homemaking superstar. When he works the night shift, I falter. When he works midnight – fugetaboutit!!
Moral of the story…I really dislike changes in my schedule. I'm in the process of trying to adjust to a permanent change – a process that's been going on for 2.5 months and I'm still losing the battle.
Keep fighting!!
I totally get what you mean about changing schedule. I work two days a week and it used to be Tues & Thurs – loved this schedule. This year my boss's schedule (a college instructor)changed so mine changed too – to Mon & Wednesdays. It is one day from May and I still have not made the adjustment and my house and my routine have severely suffered. Blech. There is something so nice and convenient about having Monday free to plan the rest of the week…
PS – I don't cuss either. Makes me think of my grandpa – he would never cuss in front of the grandchildren. Instead you would hear him mumbling "Dirty words, dirty words…" Still cracks me up.
Nony, hang in there. It will get better. I know it will because you are being diligent about it. And yes, there are times when schedules change & you have to get into a new groove (and believe me it takes what seems like forever) but eventually it does happen & you continue on.
When I homeschooled my children (we're all back in public school now) it literally took 6 months to get into a groove & have it work. You have to think – You're not the only one adjusting to the schedule – it's a WHOLE household of people.
Hang in there, Girl!!! You're doing fine!
I was told growing up that swearing was a sign of a poor vocabulary. Mind you there have been studies to show it can alleviate pain.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2014/08/05/4060601.htm
Here in Australia I have never seen easter grass. Could you use rosemary sprigs?
I can so relate on the, I need to tidy again. Part of my brain says, but I did it yesterday and there is nothing new or interesting about doing it again.
I am late to the comment game here, but I just discovered your blog and podcasts. I love them! Easter grass is from the devil (I’m convinced). Just leave it out and put more candy in to fill the space (and new toothbrushes!) Your kids won’t mind. 😉
LOL you are so funny you make me belly-laugh. I am a total slob. I appreciate your posts.
Can I offer a solution to Easter grass that my mother(whom also struggles with clutter) came up with years ago. Adorable grass green colored hand towels. They fold and fluff nicely in the baskets. They are a very “green” (no pun intended)solution because she’s been using the same towels for probably 10-12 years. And for someone like me they are a life saver, no messy grass.