At the end of last year, when I was feeling a bit out of sorts and not at all organized because of a lot going on, I started a project called “Just One Thing.”
On top of Mount Laundry…
And when I started that series (which, admittedly, was short-lived), I explained it this way:
“I’ve noticed that I am not alone in this. I’ve noticed that many of my friends are struggling with all the stuff going on in their lives, too.
It’s hard to be creative… it’s hard to get things done…when there is so much stuff going on. Am I right?
With everything going on, I pledged to myself that if I could just get ONE THING on my to-do list done, I would feel better about everything.”
Fast forward six months and I’m feeling the same way!
The kids got out of school almost a month ago, and their papers are still on the dining room table in a pile. The papers need to be organized and put away.
The kids got home from camp last week and their laundry, while clean now (yay!), and other stuff (including their awesome letter-writing kits I DIY’ed!) are currently piled up on the dining room table.
I had a minor DIY mishap which landed me at urgent care. I’m fine – a cut from working in or near the shed got infected, then I had an allergic reaction to the medicine! – but sidelined for a few days (that’s why there wasn’t a Friday Five last week!). Projects are piling up…
I know of at least four lightbulbs that need changing.
Including in my favorite DIY tripod floor lamp. Click the photo for how to make one yourself (and save $400+ dollars!).
You see what I mean.
So today is Do the Little Things Day. My mother-in-law is here visiting, so she is going to hang with the kids while I get these things done. It’s always doing these little things that, while not huge projects, make me feel like I’ve accomplished a lot in one day!
What are you up to today?? Share one thing in the comments you’d like to do today – whether something small like changing a battery or lightbulb, or something a little bigger like getting your desk organized, or something big like painting a room! I’d love to hear what you’re up to!
Can’t get stuff done today? Pin this for later:
And I’ve got more awesome organization tips HERE!
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
Thank you for this. I am so overwhelmed with everything I don’t know where to start. so, I usually then just sit at the computer and read how to get organized. LOL. Then it gets to late to get thins done.
For today I will empty the laundry baskets with the folded clothes from 3 days ago.
Thanks again, and feel better soon.
I’m sorry you’re overwhelmed, but glad I had good timing! Laundry is the perfect place to start. I’m actually about to do the same thing! Go get em, Vicki!! You can do it! And thank you for the well wishes! I’m already so much better!! Yay for prednisone!! (I have a lot of allergies.)
Glad you are feeling better! I drove the 90 miles for groceries today – so tomorrow I can get started on the house cleaning from the weekend.
I’m dying to to a planked bedroom wall project, but have to do some cleaning, organizing and finishing first! Oh, you know, like finish the grommet drop cloth curtains and hang them, finish the grommet drop cloth shower outer curtain and hang that, then finish reupholstering the old chair that I’ve torn apart (which involves learning how to use the new air tool stapler, oh boy) and then….well, you get the idea! So house cleaning first, along with laundry, cooking something to last a couple of days and THEN….well, whatever strikes me to finish (I hope). Sure don’t need to start something else huh? But a planked wall is calling my name, calling my name,…oh no, no, no…not yet.
Thanks, Linda! I totally get that feeling – where there’s something you REALLY want to do, even though you know that there are 1000 projects you “should” be doing first. I’m going to be a rebel here and tell you to just DO THE PLANK WALL! Life is short; do the fun project first. As long as the other projects aren’t major repairs that have to get done, I say go for it!! (I know, I’m a bad influence!) And then send me pictures so we can see the finished wall!! 😉
I am the same as Linda. I have trim throughout the entire house that needs painting, wallpaper on the 4th wall that isn’t finished plus the picture rail to trim the 4 walls, garden pots to clean, a patio in need of repair & another that needs be finished, a stone wall to be built , at least two major sewing projects still undone – that’s the tip of the iceberg – the list is endless & doesn’t even address the major things that require professional plumbers or electricians – or roofers. I’ve just exhausted myself thinking about it all, plus I work a 45 hour a week job w/a two hour round trip commute everyday. All I really want to do is read on the deck, but feel too guilty : (
Isn’t that so silly, though?!? I was thinking about that the other day – that I never just sit and read a book in the middle of the day. I always feel like I should be doing something. But I think that’s a recipe for stress and burn-out. Every once in a while, you have to slow down and rest. Sometimes, I think that my injuries seem to happen when I most need a break. That certainly was the case when I broke my leg (Feb. 2012), and may be with this minor turned to major reaction thing. Taking a break is a needed part of being human – take some time and read!! 🙂 The list will still be there.