Sunday, August 14, 2011

Cleaning House and a Sunday Night Brain Dump

This weekend I did an extensive round of cleaning, decluttering and organizing around the apartment. Our bedroom, my closet, the bathroom linen closet, the laundry closet, the hall closet and the second bedroom are all spotless. My bedroom and closet were messy mostly due to clothes that hadn't been folded and put away, but I did sort through shoes, winter clothes and dresses and came up with  another bag for Goodwill. I think I'm finally breaking my tendencies to save clothes on the off chance I will wear them again, like a sweater I've had (and loved) since seventh grade. Yes, seventh grade. But I just couldn't bear parting with it until this weekend. I also got rid of a lot of toiletries, etc., from the linen closet, including bubble bath I got for a wedding gift, which I've never used while living in Tallahassee. Sidenote: I can't take baths in bathtubs unless it's at my mom and dad's house, especially in an apartment bathtub. No matter how many times I scrub and clean it, I can't bring myself to do it. Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Can you tell that when I'm feeling frustrated I clean?! This weekend marks Aaron's first official week of unemployment, and, as suspected, it is hard. I am trying to focus on the fact that he's been out of school for only one week, and that the right opportunity will come along, but the waiting is hard. I am doing a terrible job of not being stressed out about it, and I know it's just making things tougher on Aaron. He's doing better than I am. This is truly not a big deal in the scheme of things, and I feel guilty for comparing this trial to what others are going through, but I have to be honest when I say that it is really hard on me. I have mentioned Jesus Calling a few times before on the blog, and I have to say what a blessing and comfort reading these entries daily has been to me lately, especially in the last month or so. I am met right where I am, and I find such peace. For that I am so thankful.

When things seem to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in me. Calmly bring these matters to me, and leave them in my capable hands. Then, simply do he next thing. Stay in touch with me through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in my sovereign control. Rejoice in me-exult the God of your salvation. As you trust in me, I make your feet like the feet of a deer. I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high place of trouble, suffering or responsibility.  (Jesus Calling, August 6)

On the flip side, considering we live in less than 1000 square feet, our apartment will be entirely reorganized very, very soon! Seriously, I really like coming home and him being here. We rearranged the bookshelves in the guest bedroom and are moving the desk around. It's my way of encouraging decluttering... he's my favorite pack rat.

Now it's time for reader response... what kind of laundry detergent do you use?

On that note, I'm going to go fold the clothes in the dryer, paint my fingernails (Essie Geranium if you were wondering) and then watch a little TV or read. I'm still reading Alice I Have Been, and I just haven't picked it up lately despite how much I like it. My goal is to finish it by the end of this Friday. Time to get ready for a new week!

2 comments:

AussieMumma said...

Liking your blog :) and as for detergent.. whatever is on special!

a giant, a homeschool momma, a kung fu panda, a little ninja turtle and a penguin said...

we miss you guys and i so wish we could have helped celebrate. the cake looks delicious!

i make our detergent with the exception that i use {all free and clear} for rob's work clothes.