Wow. So the answer to the question of the Clean-Out Challenge is that for me, at least...given all the other stuff I've been grappling with and my general tendency toward doing a lot of other stuff besides what I'm supposed to be doing...the answer to the question is: No. I can't go from disaster to move-ready in 6 weeks. Not if I'm supposed to keep driving kids around, cook Thanksgiving Dinner and build a spaceship out of random stuff at the same time. Maybe if I had a little FOCUS and maybe if I had a crew, but me by myself in "found time" it did not go so well. And that is OK, partly because I knew that was the case hen we started and partly because there just aren't that many immediate consequences to my failure. We'll get it all done eventually, but I'm not that impressed with myself here, but we're closing on the house tomorrow, and I have at least a few boxes packed to take over there afterward to start making the kitchen somewhat functional during this insane interim period. I am developing new tactics and strategies even as I am realizing what I knew all along: This was a crazy, crazy plan. If I hadn't lost my Reality Card, I'd have said "No way! Too tough!" for sure.
Most importantly, we have an upcoming visit from my Father-in-Law, and that guy has standards! He's coming to see Andrew's show which is really nice, but I still feel like we either have to somehow keep him away from the house or I have to get at least the main traffic areas looking MUCH more presentable and less like they belong to a Goddess of Chaos.
The good new is: Well, hey, I did get that bedroom looking miles and miles better, and I've gotten a lot of bags of stuff just gone. Is there more than can go? Sure. Will there always be? Sure.
In the midst of Rusty's visit, I will also have to take a day out to dismantle and store the set for Return to the Forbidden Planet. I am prepared to be a little ruthless and say that we are keeping standard size platforms, wood longer than 2', full and near-full sheets of plywood. And the video screen. Everything else probably needs to go.
Once that set is all put away and Rusty heads out, I think Scott gets very busy with auditions for Completely Hollywood. And then off to Arizona. And the insanity continues.
Even though the challenge is officially over, I don't think the challenge is actually officially over. What do YOU think?
I don't think it's over, but I think at least you are moving! :)
ReplyDeleteHoping to blog soon to post pictures of how our downstairs looks now. HUGE difference with the new carpet and some paint. My office in particular looks like a completely different room. And that is a good thing.
Selling the house... still going to be a challenge, though.