The Never Ending Battle Against Clutter and Dirt

I clearly did not inherit the cleanliness gene.  How many generations does that skip?  Because I did not inherit this, I have to train myself to follow certain routines in order to create and maintain a reasonably clean house.  The only problem is that I am too impatient for a slow but steady approach.  And then, on the flip side, I am too overwhelmed by the "clean it all today, and then keep it that way forever" approach, as well.  So I end up cleaning it all today, then letting it sit for a while until I can't stand it anymore.  Not a great way to approach house cleaning.

I am sure my issue is shared by many.  How can we, then, conquer this problem?  I have already tried Flylady.net multiple times.  I am frustrated by her "shine your sink for a week straight before we add in anything else" approach.  Not fast enough results for me.  Maybe I should just focus on one room for a week.  Get it clean, and keep it clean every day.  The next week, I'll add another room.  And so on.  I think I will begin with the kitchen, as this is the most essential to keep clean.  Then, I'll add in the living room.

So today it begins.  I will keep my kitchen very clean and neat every day this week.  I will begin by decluttering my counters, which definitely gather much clutter in our home.  Keeping the dishes out of the sink will be another challenge.  The rest is not so bad.  I do have a large kitchen, so this will be a chore for me.  I'll try to add some before and after pictures so you can see my progress.  With a bit of dedication, I will have this room clean and ready for company every day of the week.  The rest of the house...??

The Pile

5 baskets, filled to the top.  Washed, dried, folded, and put away.  I thought it was over, but I was wrong.  Where there is one, there are surely many more.  It can not be left alone, for it only seems to multiply.  I know I am not alone in my never-ending quest for peace from this daily task, yet there are none who willingly battle alongside me.  The fight, for now, is mine alone.  I will survive and conquer.  It just might take me some time.  Today, the battle is won, but the war is far from over.

The Ride

"I'll mow the lawn," I used to say with pure excitement.  Anything for a chance to drive that big, red tractor.  I knew I would be riding and driving for about an hour.  It was a chance to experience driving before I was ever allowed to drive behind the wheel of a car, something I used to practice by steering the tire iron from the backseat.

On a recent trip back home, he got to experience the thrill, as well.  On our last full day, Grandpa got the tractor running.  He climbed up into the seat, that look of pure excitement plastered across his face.  After a few minutes of instruction, he was set free.  You could see the joy in his face.  There is nothing like a boy (or girl) and his tractor.

Welcome, Baby Anna!

Yesterday, my little sister welcomed a new baby girl into her already wonderful family!  Congratulations Sandie and Sam!

Hanging On

With temperatures still in the 90's here, summer is fighting to keep its grasp on our area.  Fall is going to have to duke it out with Summer sometime in the very near future.  I can't wait to move back to an area where summer is the weaker season, and fall comes out on top.