Trying To Get My Groove Back

It's been tough.  I have not had the desire to write.  Then when I do have inspiration, I'm at work with no time to stop and jot down my thoughts.  I haven't been reading much either.  I have six books I have yet to finish.  I'm not exercising, cleaning, organizing, and I have reminders on my phone to make sure I do these darn things.   I need to get it together.

This time last year I was trying the Ruth Soukup challenges from her books.  I failed miserably.  One day is not enough time for my clutter.  I did however donate ten boxes to Salvation Army in July and will be donating another six this week.  My plan is to donate one more time by the end of the year.

I've made an End of the Year Plan... Yay! Okay, not really.  If I would have done what I said I was going to last year, I would be buying a house and 100% organized right now.   So this is me declaring my life a mess and it needs cleaning up... again.  My dream/Goal is to become a minimalist.  I have been watching videos on Youtube.  Now, I don't want to get rid of everything I have.  I want to reduce what I have to the important things and stop buying crap I don't need.  I will never give up on my books, NEVER.  So don't dare ask me to do that.  I also need to get my health in order.  I have gained a lot of weight recently and all my pants are pretty snug.  I also look gross when I'm sitting.  While I was thinking about ways to improve my life, I realized I spend most of my off time eating and playing Facebook games. YES, I said it, I play Facebook games.  I started to make a list of things I want to work on.  So this is where I'll start, then reevaluate in 30 days.

1. Make a Budget
2. Organize home and digital files
3. Donate to Salvation Army 
4. Reduce Social media & games
5. Read more (15 books by January 1)
6. Exercise (start at 3x a week)
7. Bring lunch to work. 

Cleaning up

With my foot being a pain and my work schedule being inconstant, It's hard for me to get things done at home sometimes.  I really need to do some spring cleaning/de-clutter in this house.  So I made a list with the hopes of completing my cleaning within 60 days.  Some clean ups will take more than one day due to my hoarding.  The reason for this de-cluttering is to sell or donate as much as possible.  I would like to reduce the clutter and start my non-consumerist lifestyle.  I've been trying to start this a few times.  Slowly getting there, but not quite.  My kids are gamers and artists so it's hard not to spend money.  Now, they are both old enough to get jobs of their own to pay for all the extras they want.  My kids are frugal, always buying used games and refurbished equipment.  Unfortunately we can't buy used art supplies, at least not that I know of.   My daughter just spent $80 of her birthday money on supplies and complained.  I couldn't help but laugh.  We have discussed selling her art and I think we may just do that.

This clean up will also help us prepare for a future move.  Yes, move... I want so bad to move away and start fresh somewhere else.  In 2 years my youngest will be 18 and I made it clear that I want to move as soon as she graduates from high school. So we have 2 years to save money, do research for a new place, and reduce the items we own to basic necessities.  Of course things can change, but so far, this is the plan.  Best part, the kids are totally in on this plan.  I know 2 years sounds like a long time, but you just never know what might happen and time flies...  So I'm starting today.

So here's the de-clutter plan.  One room or section of my house a day until it's completed.  Like i said above, I'd like to complete this task in 60 days.  I have a feeling it will take me longer as some of the days I work will not leave me enough time to really get much done.  Each friday I will decide what rooms will be done based on my schedule for the next week.  The days I have off will obviously get the more time consuming jobs.  I expect to work on at least 5 tasks a week.

Since I don't have much time today before work, I'm starting small.  I will work on my nightstands and headboard.  I'm only using 1 nightstand, but once the second one is emptied out and cleaned, it will go into my storage closet instead of taking up space in my bedroom.  My storage closet is the true first task on the list and will take me through the weekend  to work on it.  I have a mid-shift, closing shift, the mid-shift. so not much time to keep it moving on the tasks at home.  I'll do my best because mid-shifts wear me out and I usually go straight to bed when I get home.  I can't get the apartment cleaned up if i can't put things away in storage.  Hopefully I can pick up a few flower boxes from work to help me with organizing.

Things not going as planned.

      This year has started out pretty good. Though there are some things I had hoped I would start or complete. I have done neither in any of the things on my list. Shame on me!  I'm being a procrastinator again. So I am looking over my list & revamping it.

      It seems as if this week is going by so slow, yet I can't get anything done. Tell me how that makes sense?   It doesn't help that my house is freezing. I have the space heater in my room because the cold doesn't bother the kids. I ask them all the time if they are cold & they always answer no. Must be nice to not freeze your butt off every night. My house needs cleaning but it is too cold downstairs to do anything. I have to bundle up with 3 blankets to watch a movie with Samantha. I know I am whining, but I swear as I get older it gets colder.  I bring the space heater into every room with me, even the kitchen.

   This weekend the plan is to help Samantha with her cell project. Go down town to take some photos.   I was asked by a classmate to photograph the beautiful purses, shawls, and jewelry she makes. I'm not sure when she wants that done. I also want to finish a project for my room, so I can move the furniture around. I just need to find someone I can borrow a step ladder from. The following weekend I want to work on reorganizing my living room & getting rid of one of my couches.  I'm also going to start selling some things on Craigslist & Ebay. I have way to much stuff & I need to get rid of it.

      I really need to keep things moving. I'm horrible at motivating myself, hopefully, I can get the whip cracking this weekend.

Sunday Morning Post.

Today is laundry day, clean the kitchen day and why do I have to be in pain day.

YAY!!! Okay not really, I had such a hard time sleeping last night. My back didn't want me to be comfortable. I tossed and turned most of the night. Then Samantha decided she wanted to sleep in my bed too. Which meant I would get a small portion of my Queen sized bed and she would have the rest. That girl sleeps in weird poses. Plus she kicks and punches in her sleep.

I'm tired, but want to get shit done today. So please please back, let me get it done. The sad part is that it's a beautiful day and I could be at the park, but no, I'm home cleaning house. Oh well. I'll blog later.




Have a great day kids!

xoxo,

Lisa