Early next month (probably), we're planning a gathering at our place, the first time we've really had anything organized since New Years, I think. Today, I started making a list of the things around the house that I'd really like to get done before this happens.
I'm doomed.
Actually, that's not true. For some of this stuff, it doesn't really matter *when* it gets done, and rationally, I realize that the goal of having it ALL done before the August gathering is just not going to happen in this lifetime. For some reason, though, now that I've made the list, it feels like it all has to be done NOW NOW NOW.
I think, realistically, the cleaning-related stuff for the public areas will be done before August, but some of the rest of it really won't. My friends are not going to care whether my closets are well organized, for example, nor are they really going to give a shit about whether our CD changer is finally finished being loaded, or where the bed is in our bedroom.
I wonder if part of the reason that I just haven't been interested in writing lately is due to all the chaos in my living space. I keep telling myself that maintenance would be ever so much easier than having to do a major cleaning every six months, and I always make such plans about how this weekend, I'll start making an effort at that, rather than just letting things go. I'm getting better about it, but still... Anyway. Cluttered living space = cluttered mind, perhaps. I do know that there's stuff inside me, but it seems pretty directionless right now.
It's really bad when the list of things is so long that you get all glassy-eyed when looking at it, and just feel completely overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
However, I've already got one thing on that list finished, and managed to do it in less than an hour after I got home from work, so...I know it's possible! I just have to keep focused on the smaller goals on the list, rather than on the whole thing.
Someday, maybe, I'll master that technique.
Posted by Liz at July 23, 2004 06:18 PMHaving just been through cleaning on a far larger scale, I completely empathize with the task you face.
But...you're right. We're not going to hate you if there's stuff on the fridge, or your closets aren't perfect, or anything.
We are currently living in conditions of unnatural cleanliness - I'm loathe to cook because I don't want to have to face cleaning to the degree necessary for an open house after.
Resolution number 2 for the new place. Maintenence, not mayhem.
Posted by: Melissa at July 23, 2004 08:44 PMWhen we sold our old house as the first step towards our brand new house, we dealt with that constant cleaning thing. We had done some remodel on the upstairs, and moved into the basement while that was done. When it was done, we continued to live in the basement, and kept the upstairs pristine and empty.
Now we're in the same position as you, except we don't have an actual list of things to do. I'm scared to make one, because I would also go glassy-eyed looking at it.
Daily maintenance is the new mantra, and we've begun making progress towards getting it all straight. It's been a lot better recently. We've rearranged furniture to create large open spaces, which I really like.