With Everything Left Over

For this Monday morning, I figured I owe you an update on my planning post. I did some planning. Here’s where I am:

Closet/Fashion: I haven’t magically developed fashion sense. I did clean out my closet. Sadly, my anticipated 15% of usable clothes turned out to be more like 10%. I choose to see that as a challenge, not a setback. My (much more fashionable) sister brought me some magazines so I can pick out styles I like. It’s a start. I bought 4 thrift store items I think I can make work in my wardrobe. I walked out of a Goodwill feeling like a rock star and I’m totally cool with that.

I’m taking a very paint-by-numbers approach to this whole fashion thing. I’m operating under the secure assumption that copying an outfit you see is equivalent to creating that outfit yourself. Denial is a powerful thing.

Kids: We've established a weekly library trip. I’m still in need of one more scheduled outing. It’ll be the playground, but I’ll admit I’m not winning on this one. I’m working a lot right now and playground time is hard to come by.

Work: I planned. I worked. I accomplished. Something great fell in my lap which is largely supplemental but awesome nonetheless. I’m not stressing in this area, other than wishing more hours were in each day.

Decorating: I have to admit complete FAIL here. I haven’t done one single thing in this area. I’m still embracing bare walls. And floors. And windows. I have developed an idea, though, of what I want. So, at the risk of completely nauseating you, I have a plan. ☺

I’ll share something with you that wasn’t in the plan. When things are rough, I tend to squeeze these kids tight and refocus myself. We’ve had a rough time here lately. Mommy is stressed. Kids are being unruly. Things are somewhat uncertain as far as changes in their lives that may not be good and that I may not be able to prevent. I’m trying to have some faith here and I can tell you it’s in short supply.

It turns out I can’t create a perfect life for us and shield us from the world just by planning and cleaning out closets. Who knew? Sometimes no matter how much you organize and plan and how well you succeed, things just don’t fall into the right places. I guess the real test is figuring out what to do with everything left over, once you’ve cleaned out what you can. I’m working on that.