52 Blessings

week 2:  forward motion 

 
hall closet - one of many steps forward to order in our home (imagine the before in your mind - contents spilling out, doors shoveably closeable, but only *just*...now the other half is nearly empty and this is the "full" side!)

At dinner on Wednesday night Jim sat across the table from me, not chewing, simply staring, with these words:  "I wish I had an x-ray machine or something that could let me know that my Amy is somewhere inside that body."  Coming home to a bed made for the third day in a row caused quite a stir.  Ha!  On day 6 of bedmaking I'm freaked out a bit myself. 

As I write, every single room in my house is clean...and most have enjoyed this status all week.  It feels controllable.  And wonderful. And I know I'm bound to slip up soon, but I'm holding my breath because life has been lovely as I've kept my chaos demons at bay.

I always used to laugh at FlyLady's "bless your house" lingo, because...well, it's funny.  But this week I laugh no more.  With this high power urgency to get my life in order, the words have kept forcing their way in: "I'm blessing my house."  I've had cleaning bursts aplenty.  But the past week and a half have felt different somehow.  I've pushed to do the things I typically resent, and a love & peace have replaced my usual restlessness.  I feel more inclined to play with my boys, get adequate sleep, and improve my eating. 

A blessing indeed.
Please cross your fingers for me in hopes for its continuance!!

Comments

[April]

Up again, I see. I'm astounded you have any energy to be up so late, given all the work you are doing to "bless your house."

I am giggling at Jim's comment...I bet it's not the first time he's wished for x-ray vision with you...um, yes, I meant that in BOTH ways.

You are not only a wonder in your own house...you are proving to be quite a motivator as I look around my own. I know exactly what you mean about the ease in the restlessness...I was quite at my wit's end until I stayed up late Monday night finally scrubbing the last of the powdered sugar off every surface in my house.

[lelly]

i am laughing, only because on saturday morning, as i wrote in my *morning journal* - "i need to check out flylady and see what zone we're in this week. or maybe just a home blessing is in order." and i almost couldn't write *home blessing* because, you're right, the lingo is just a little bizarre.

but, it's true - there was much decluttering in my home this weekend, and it was good!

[Kelly]

First of all, I was delighted to see your penguin blanket all folded up in the closet.

I'm impressed with your togetherness! My house is in the exact opposite state at the moment, and consequently my feelings are mirroring that. I woke up today feeling quite motivated. No, actually, I did not wake up feeling quite motivated. The mess I encountered after I woke up was quite motivating, though. I love that your bed making has thrown Jim for a loop! Here's wishing you another good week!

[Rachel]

I am loving your 52 weeks of blessings and also the progress you are making toward your goals. I am thinking even though I am two weeks behind, I should definately start because clearly both are very rewarding. Good luck with the continuation. :)

[Tiffany]

Way to go! It really does feel better to have things neat. I know things sit there and sit there until I finally decide it is time to do something about it. Then, of course, I wonder why I put up with it so long and didn't do it sooner!

[Mandi]

Along with Jim, I have wondered the same thing a few times this week. I'm so glad that you are so happy and energetic about the changes you're making! It really does make a difference! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you -- heck, I'll even nag you every week about it if you'd like. But somehow I don't think you'll need it because you're doing so good already.

[mandy]

I love having a clean house. It's amazing how much a messy one affects my mental state. I love that you have jumped into this whole-heartedly and are so happy with the results. I have been working out every day and just that one act is making me really focus on being so much more healthy. Hopefully I can keep it up.

[Jill]

I totally understand the blessings of order and cleanliness, that's why I'm so hyper about them. If the house is a wreck, then so am I. Congrats to you for doing so well for 6 days!!!

[jenny c.]

That comment from Jim is hilarious. Doug has said something similar (only with the house looks like a bomb--ha!) What a great feeling. You put the fly lady to shame.

[Shanon]

Way to go! I have been trying to keep my laundry put away and not on the floor and it has worked for 3 whole days! Big accomplishment! I love when I make my bed. I should follow your example. I love Jim's comment!

[Katie]

That's so exciting that you're really sticking with your resolution, and, it seems, making it a part of your schedule. I think that's the hardest part of staying with something new. There are just so many excuses not to get it done. Congratulations! I wish I could say the same for my house right now. Sigh.

[Barb]

You are an inspiration for progress. That is the best feeling to have your house under control. Way to go!

[Megan T]

I am so incredibly impressed by your goal and sticking to it and the benefits that are being reaped! I want your motivation or for you to come clean out my closets... either one will do. Keep it up!

[carlo]

great job on the organizing and the peace that brings.

i love that feeling of clean. the sense of peace...

keep up the great work!

[Hilary]

you are motivating! And so fun to read! Glad someone (i'm not!) is keeping up w/ the 52 blessings thing! Totally enjoying yours so far!