I’m at the Savvy Blogging Summit, and that’s my view as I write this morning.
This very early morning when I should be sleeping, but can’t.
Perhaps that is due to my still-spinning head after only a half-day in the presence of blogging greatness.
It’s fun (and frightening) to go into a situation where I openly introduce myself as Nony the Slob. Amazingly, most people nod in understanding instead of running far away.
I’ve been told that I don’t look like a slob. Even Mara, from Kosher on a Budget, who has been a reader here for a very long time, seemed surprised.
I was asked last night how I really felt about calling myself a slob. That’s a tough one.
I didn’t want to use the word slob.
It is a horrible word.
It’s the word I had always feared being called. Saying I was messy or that I struggled with housekeeping was true, and sounded so much better.
But calling myself a slob was a huge first step for me. By using this terrible word, I was finally admitting that this was a major problem. It was affecting my life and the lives of my husband and children negatively, and I needed to acknowledge how bad it really was in order to make changes.
And it’s real changes that are the fuel for this blog.
The completely-unexpected-in-the-beginning benefit of being honest? I’ve learned that I am far from alone, and that there are others (many others) out there who can identify with my struggles and who need to know that they aren’t alone either. And somehow, writing about housekeeping and organization has become my passion.
Go figure.
If you’re new here, be sure to check out my Methods page, where I share the things that work for my unique slob-brain. I’ve found ways to get my house under control and keep it that way. For more glimpses inside my brain, check out my top posts.
Good for you, Noni! I wish I was a blog writer so that I was there to give you a big hug as a thank you for having created A Slob Comes Clean. You have helped my family and me in ways you couldn’t imagine (then again, you probably can, being as you are a slob, too, LOL).
I hope you have a fabulous time and get some sleep!
Thank you so much! I’m having a great time.
I love your blog, Nony. The thing that I find refreshing is that because you are honest, I can be honest. I know you aren’t going to say ‘Ewwww!!’ when something I do or don’t do is mentioned. I know that if I offer my opinion of what has worked for me is not going to be ridiculed… That for the most part all who read your blog are looking for things that will work for THEM.. Some of your ideas had never even occurred to me and I’m sure some of the things that I or others have mentioned on here have never occurred to others either! So all of the different ‘slob-brains’ out there have lots of things that they can look at or think about. You do a great job. Have fun at the Summit!!
LOVE this comment! One of my biggest goals for this blog is for it to be a safe place for those who share my struggles.
Noni, I’m one who can truly identify with you. That’s why I love your blog so much. I hope you’re having a great time at the summit.
Inspired by you, I did a “Noni” thing just last night and picked one area to declutter, like you did with your napkin ring drawer. It was one cupboard in one bathroom. I ruthlessly tossed almost everything into the garbage, tossed a few things ino the “donate” box, and found a home for exactly two things. That’s right, a decent sized cupboard with exactly two things — and small things at that — that I actually wanted to keep.
And now I can fit the two large packs of toilet paper that I got for a steal into the cupboard, with room to spare, whereas before it had been sititng out in the bathroom where it was not only an eyesore taking up needed floor space (it’s a small bathroom) but also was tempting for the dog to chew up when he got bored. Yes, two rolls were completely shredded. Cheap toilet paper isn’t so cheap when the dog rips it to bits.
I think the hardest part of purging is getting started. Once I got going, emptying out the cupboard wasn’t so tough after all.
Love it! Great job! Isn’t it amazing how much we don’t even realize is in these spaces?
I love your blog 🙂
Thank you, Nena!
This post reminds me of myself when it comes to calling myself fat. I wrote a post about that “f-word” last month (http://fatchickfedup.com/2011/06/24/the-f-word/) and why I feel the need to finally go there. And I agree with you, it’s the only way for me to experience real transformation. Love your blog!
Thank you! Yep. There is something about being totally honest with yourself that helps you make that first step.
HI Nony.. I prefer to call myself “Domestically Challanged! It is a lot nicer than slob.. but basically means the same. 11:30 PM here on the East Coast of Canada.. and I am vowing to have my kitchen clean before I go to bed tonight…. This##@$$ Computer just seems to suck me in to its vortex… Any way .. I love your blog and it does inspire me.. I took before pic the other day of my son’s room before I did the major cleanning.. but forgot to take the after pics.. and well now.. two days later.. it looks pretty much like the before pics again.. OH WELL. it was good while it lasted!
Yes, one of the great things about after pictures is having proof that it really was clean. At least at one small moment in time!
Hi! Just found your blog, and I think I’m going to have a lot of fun (and inspiration) around here 🙂
Welcome! I’m so glad you found me. We definitely do have fun!
I love your blog, and I love your honesty. And you have inspired me to get some long neglected areas of my home under control when the kids go back to school. If you can do it…I can do it! Oh, and I’m all caught up on your blog now!
I *heart* you.
Wow, this is an eye-opener for me. Maybe it would do me some good to call myself a slob. And then start deslobifying. Thank you so much for this post!
Nony, I have to say–you make me wish I were a slob–and not just a lazy son-of-a-gun who struggles with housework.