A few people have asked me why I didn’t observe my usual NaHoCleMo this year. Well, since I’ve been dealing with fatigue that makes it hard to keep up with my regular housework tasks, I knew I’d never make a dent in a NaHoCleMo goal. But I think a part of my brain missed that memo.
Yesterday morning, I sat down at my computer and realized my clear workspace had narrowed to about six square inches, so I started sorting through the stacks of paper and post-its. Then I decided I’d made a mistake in moving my computer into the guest room a few months ago. Not only did I feel claustrophobic sitting in the corner, it turned out that because of the acoustics in our house, I could hear my husband’s TV watching better there than I could in the multi-purpose room where I used to write.
The use of the old computer desk with a keyboard shelf was the only benefit of the move. When I switched to writing on my laptop, I had problems with my neck from looking down so much, and my wrists from typing on the built-in keyboard. By moving into the guest room and plugging a monitor and ergonomic keyboard into my laptop, I solved both problems.
The multi-purpose room measures 12’ x 14’ and has three windows, two separate closet doors, an entry door, and French doors to the living room—in other words, not a single solid wall. It was already crowded with a drafting table/beading center, a large craft table, a large computer desk, two bookshelves, a printer stand, a TV stand, and a file cabinet. There was no way I could fit in another desk—or could I?
I decided I didn’t really need the drafting table, as such. I had adjusted the drawing board to horizontal so I could use it for beading projects, and when I needed it for an occasional art project, I just pushed back the beading materials and propped up a portable drawing board. So my husband removed the top and stored the base. Then we moved my small computer desk from the guest room and laid the drafting table top over that. Now I have a triple-purpose workstation in my multi-purpose room.
Now I have a new problem. What do I do with the mess of art and beading materials I cleared out to make room for the desk and computer stuff? It’s still piled on the craft table and floor, waiting for me to reorganize and find new places to store it. *sigh* If all else fails … there’s an empty corner in the guest room.
Linda Cassidy Lewis 
Can’t you put the beads and assorted art materials in a shoe box, and stick that somewhere? or is it that you have too many of them and a shoe box won’t do?
My workspace can be anywhere. I use a laptop and can write in a pub, a coffee shop, etc. Actually, I hate writing at home, there is no peace there (reminds me why I need to move…but I digress)
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It would take more like 50 shoeboxes just for the beading supplies. But it’s really just a job of sorting, repurposing, and reshelving. I’m still not done. Of course, that’s because now I’m mostly vertical with a virus. At least, I can read. 🙂
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Your post reminded me to look up flylady.net, which I just heard about at a bed and breakfast over the weekend. I guess it’s inspirational cleaning tips for single moms working full time. I might try it. But I’m leery of of anyone who suggests that I “shine” my sink.
Also, if you’ve not read Julia Morganstern’s “Organizing from the Inside Out,” you might give it a try. It’s a handy book. (I should reread it myself.)
Suddenly I feel like one of those guys dressed up in a Lady Liberty costume dancing outside the tax accountant’s office. My apologies for the advertising.
Good luck!
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Is the shining actually waxing, Craig? That would make the next cleanup easier. NOT that I’ve ever done that; I just like to read advice like that.
I hadn’t heard of that book. I’ll look it up. I hope it means what I think–that I could organize my mind. No, wait. Would I still be creative with an organized mind?
That Lady Liberty costume gives me the creeps.
Thank you. 🙂
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