I remember my twenty-fifth birthday like it was....well....like it was a little over ten years ago. Most of it is a big blur, but the one thing I do remember is feeling rather disappointed that I wasn't more put together by then. I thought I would have managing my home and life all figured out by such a ripe old age. Of twenty-five. Don't laugh.
A lot has changed since that day. My family has gotten bigger and older, and I have grown as a woman and a homemaker. Oh, and I no longer wear baggy jeans. Seriously, whose bright idea were those anyway?
And yet, I still struggle to get a grip on managing my home and life the way I would like to. Much of the time, I feel like I'm trying to get out of the hole. I start my day with the best of intentions, but I'm buried under a pile of undone tasks before the clock strikes twelve. In the afternoon. Frustrating.
But I don't think it has to be like that. I know it doesn't have to be like that. I want to dig myself out of that hole. Or is it climb out? Dig up? However you say it, I want it.
I'm not seeking an immaculately clean house, or color coded closets, or prize worthy meals. I'm simply searching for the time to read books with my little boy, to sew with my girlie, to listen to my teenager. I also desire to write, and decorate, and create. There are so many things I want to do, but first I need to get above ground. I need to get caught up on the necessary things (like doing laundry) so I can do the important things (like spending time with my kids).
I don't want perfection. I just want a better ordinary. So, for this month, I'm joining Nester in 31 days of change. For the next thirty-one days I'll be posting ideas and suggestions for getting out of the hole and creating {a better} ordinary. I'm going to be attacking many trouble spots in my home. I'll sort, organize, and work on routines that will save me time and brain cells.
I'm excited to get started digging (or climbing...or whatever). There are several ways you can follow along:
- You can subscribe to have this 31 days :: to {a better} ordinary series, and all my posts, sent to your email inbox or to your feed reader.
- You can add a 31 days :: to {a better} ordinary button to your blog. Just grab the code from the box at the right. Then, you and all your friends can click on over whenever you feel the urge.
- You also can bookmark this page on your iPad or home computer. As we go along, I'll be linking up to all thirty-one posts at the bottom of this page.
Are you with me? Here's to {a better} ordinary!
day 1 :: calendar system
day 2 :: morning to do redo
day 3 :: weekly calendar
day 4 :: calendar reminders
day 5 :: project list
day 6 :: lessons and loveliness
day 7 :: weekly housecleaning
day 8 :: do what's important
day 9 :: don't have too much stuff
day 10 :: weekly to do list
day 11 :: library returns
day 12 :: mail management
day 13 :: clean as you go
day 14 :: files
day 15 :: the Word and some rambling
day 16 :: grocery pre-list
day 17 :: master grocery list
day 18 :: clean fridge
day 19 :: no more excuses
day 20 :: find solutions
day 21 :: meal list
day 22 :: not a happy ordinary
day 23 :: monthly menu planning
day 24 :: laundry routine
day 25 :: the always clean car
day 26 :: think of others
day 27 :: rest
day 28 :: organized pantry
day 29 :: a day off
day 30 :: do it now
day 31 :: an ordinary purpose
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September 30, 2011 - 3:05 pm
I’m so curious about the “31 days”… can’t wait to see what it is. Your blog posts already come to my email… so I won’t miss a thing.
October 1, 2011 - 1:52 am
Sounds like a wonderful topic and right up my alley! So glad you are joining in!!
Blessings,
Melissa
October 1, 2011 - 4:16 am
A better ordinary — I like that idea!
October 1, 2011 - 9:55 am
Indeed…a better ordinary! I’m looking forward to following your series, and creating a better ordinary with you!
October 1, 2011 - 10:56 am
I like your topic, “A Better Ordinary.” I will be following.
October 1, 2011 - 11:05 am
I love the idea of a better ordinary! what a great topic, can’t wait to follow along.
October 1, 2011 - 1:01 pm
I’m excited to read along!
October 4, 2011 - 4:44 pm
This is an perfect topic! I’m always searching to be the best and most perfect mom. It’s a lot of pressure!! I think being a better ordinary is much more attainable and satisfying! Thank you! I’m your newest follower!
October 7, 2011 - 1:33 am
I’m in the same boat! I can’t wait to see where this takes you and what I can learn! I’m also posting about having a better, cleaner home so that I can spend more quality time with my children. I’m so thankful for this organized opportunity to share!
October 16, 2011 - 3:28 pm
Love this idea and I can always use a little ordinary in my day! Thanks for joining and sharing!
October 17, 2011 - 7:52 pm
I like the idea of a better ordinary!
October 30, 2011 - 1:29 pm
I am posting after reading your day #29 which just arrived to me Sunday afternoon. I wanted to say that your month of daily blogging has been truly interesting, inspirational, motivational and I just think WOW! Because you have not only done the tasks but organized your thoughts around them to blog each day and keep your household running. I have managed to create a special folder for your challenge series, read almost each one and implement here and there sporadically what you’ve talked about with a few pats on the back for things I had already been undertaking and continued. So please take some time for yourself!!! You have concentrated on your home, life, business, children, business and “us” for such a long period…..maybe your last few posts don’t have to tackle any more new “subjects” but rather just let us know “how do we successfully sit back and relax after taking on our organization projects” as that is a major feat for many of us…how do we enjoy our success…as Moms and business women I think we just move on to quickly to new projects and tasks without taking time to reflect and think about how we feel about what was accomplished. So glad to have found your blog through the October challenge month!!!! TAKE CARE!!!
October 30, 2011 - 3:17 pm
Lesley,
You are too kind. I’m glad you found me, too! Just in case you think I’m Superwoman, let me assure you that I’m not. While I’ve put into practice much of what I’ve written about over the course of the month, there are some major things that I’m still hoping to get to. Specifically, I need to work more on my Master Grocery List, my Meal List, and a Monthly Menu Plan. Hopefully I’ll find the time to tie up those loose ends this week (since I won’t be writing about it every day!). As much as I wish I could blink my eyes and have every task accomplished, I think slow and steady is the way to win this race.