So that's why I'm asking.
If you have a fool-proof method of turning cluttered chaos into uncluttered utopia, I'm all ears. If you're looking for help, let's hope others share!
My house was never more clean or organized or, frankly, perfect than when my husband was deployed. It wasn't a planned reality, but it kept me busy. I had a full-time job, two girls (who were constantly sick) and two dogs.
Having a clean and organized house was not something I set out to do. In fact, I fully expected the opposite. But, I'm a control freak. And, because I had zero control over anything going on in my life at that point, it gave me inner peace to have my laundry caught up, my dishes done and my meals planned.
I waged a war on dog hair and won. I sought out and destroyed dust like there was no tomorrow. Soap scum? Not on my watch, my friends! Refrigerator in need of cleaning? Nope. Greasy stovetop? Nada.
My house was something to behold.
Then, Hubs came home. And I exhaled. Exhausted and relieved, I slacked off, I'm sure. No more cleaning parties after the girls went to bed and I couldn't sleep. I could sleep for once, so I did. And, the house suffered for it.
Next came law school. Lordy Pete. That did NOTHING for this house but inject chaos, clutter, and unfinished projects.
I've come to the realization that this house, in its entirety, is apparently my work. Otherwise, I imagine others would take some initiative and do something once in awhile. I also imagine that would occur rather than the constant mantra, "I'll help you do whatever needs done."
Help me?
Hmmm. Maybe I'm nitpicking that with a wifely lawyer's brain, but that phrase suggests to me that all this is being viewed as my work or my to-do list.
If I posted photos, you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore. I'm not exaggerating.
If I created a list of everything that needs accomplished, you'd cringe and run away screaming.
Basically, I need advice. A game plan. Tips. Tricks. Encouragement. SOMETHING.
Because, gang, I'm tired. After two plus years of running completely on empty with no vacation or break, this old girl is spent. I look around this house and I'm overwhelmed.
I have tried the "pick a room and just do it" only to find that the "room" takes an inordinate amount of time, doesn't get done and I am behind on my daily tasks of laundry, dishes, surface cleaning, and taking the children all over God's green earth.
I need help. I would ask the few friends I have in my town, but that would likely mean allowing them to see my house and I refuse to do that. I NEVER, and I mean NEVER, allow people to step foot into this house. Our most recent visitor, SpouseBuzzer Sarah, was the first non-blood related person to stay here in over a year.
No lie.
So, I'm begging.
Help a sister out, will ya?
What do you do? What should I do? I should mention here that running away from home isn't an option...simply a recurring daydream.
Lay it out in comments. I can take it.
