OrgoDay 15 And some Orghonesty

I counted up the days we've worked, and we've had 15 OrgoDays so far! Of course, we didn't work all day on many of those, but still. Wow!

So Day 15 was The Finishing Of The Garage. And boy howdy was it COLD! So cold I had to trick Hollie and her son into enjoying some hot tea and hot cocoa, respectively. I knew if I asked first they'd say "no, no, I'm fine" so I made it first, then told them they'd be wasting it not to accept. Manipulative of me, eh?

Anyway, I'm sure you really just want to get past the rambling and on to the garage, so here it is! And just in time!

Here's one teaser pic, but follow the link below to see the rest of the garage pics.

OrgoDay 15 - The Finishing of the Garage

One thing (of many) that amused me ... while we were working Hollie took all the rakes and shovels and arranged them. And then stared at them - she stood before them, motionless, like the pictures you see of people staring at fine art in fancy museums. Then rearranged them. Then re-re-arranged them. Several times. So I was teasing her about spending so much time trying to get the rakes and shovels just right when the whole north side of the garage was yet-to-be-done. We laughed and got to work on the north side. Until *I* turned to look at the shovels and rakes. They were all hanging crooked. Turns out the pre-existing hangy-thingies on the wall (which had previously been turned into an awkward angled shelf) were deliberately uneven, one side set about 1" lower. We speculated as to why, but agreed it was annoying, and that we couldn't leave them all crooked. So then I spent the next half hour adding side supports to where the handles hung until, at last, all the shovels and rakes hung neatly upright. So I guess there's potential for me to become a perfectionist organizer, eh?

In related news, alert reader Shari asked:

"Since you are answering some readers questions... ;-) I was wondering how it has been keeping up with it. Some of the rooms have been done for a while so is it easier to keep them up, or has it been stressful to try to keep it organized? Do you think that once Hollie is gone that you'll be able to handle it? Is it "you", or is it like living in someone else's home and trying to keep it their liking? I would love to know how the upkeep is going for you. "

In the interest of honesty, I offer you a few pictures, taken this afternoon: OrgHonesty

To specifically answer the questions:

Has it been stressful to try to keep them organized? A little, but mostly no. I mean, it hasn't really been any more stressful than simply trying to clean up was before. And it's paid off in being easier to get things cleaned up, between the less stuff and clearly knowing where almost everything should live.

Will I be able to keep it up? Ahhh, there's the big question in all our minds. What I'm finding is that, while the organization is nice, the long-term is going to come down to how diligent I am at doing my daily tasks, and doing them to 100%. One bonus is that I see more easily where I've been only working until the job is 50% or 75% done, or "better than it was" -- but now that it has been TOTALLY done and clean, one bright and shiny day, it is more obvious to me when I stop short that I am stopping short. So a big part of the "will I keep it up?" comes down to the family and I retraining ourselves to pick up, put away properly, right away, and to really persevere until a job is done. We've still been often operating in "catch up" mode where we don't pick up when we should, but scramble to do it before some deadline (like Hollie's visit, LOL). So that's better than not doing it at all, but still not quite the standard we'd like to live by. Can we do it? Yes. Will we do it? That remains to be seen.

Is it like living in someone else's house?
No, not really. There are a few cupboards where I consistently reach for the wrong one, out of habit, but for the most part things still feel like mine, only more organized, LOL. Hollie has been very gracious at asking for and listening to our input, and operating under the idea that it needs to work for us, not for her. She's encouraged us to try some new things - like hanging shirts - but the pay off (of having nice neat shirts and easily finding the ones we want) is worth it. And, most of all, it's still our stuff, just easier to find and use. So rather than like being in someone else's house, it's like living in our house, only better! LOL!

One last thought ~ a few of you have said how all this has encouraged and inspired you, and I'm so glad! And amazed at those of you who can do it on your own! Woo! Someday I hope to be able to do so (and just have Hollie over socially!) I just want to encourage you to take pictures! Not only is it fun to see the change, and remember, later, how bad things were (and aren't anymore!) but also, having before pictures helps me be more honest (remember my superhero power to overlook reality? pictures don't do that!) ... and if you're feeling brave, post them where we can see them and be encouraged and inspired by them, as well as oohing and ahhing over your good work!