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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tuesday News—My Office Is a Disaster

How's that for a headline?

I could come up with a long list of reasons and excuses for why it’s a disaster, but why bother? I’ve heard them all before. You’ve heard them all before. Maybe you even have a list of your own reasons and excuses for why things are the way they are.

Here’s the strange thing. The rest of my house is pretty well organized and clutter free, but my office has become a dumping ground.

A dumping ground for what, you ask?

Books, paper, shopping bags that might be handy some day, mementos, gadgets that used to work but no longer do, family photos, more books, more paper, knick knacks...

Wait a minute. Did I say knick-knacks?

I don’t even like knick-knacks. I don’t have knick-knacks anywhere else in my home, so how did all these pesky things find their way into my office?

And then there are the organizers. Those handy in and out trays, file boxes, plastic boxes that hold hanging files, etc., that are supposed to help me get organized. I have at least thirty-six of these things, and half of them are empty.

This chaos wastes my time and interferes with my creativity, and I’ve decided it’s time to take action. I might even call one of those home organizers to come in and help. I have taken some photos of this mess, but I’m too embarrassed to post them right now. I’ll hang onto them until I can do some before-and-after shots. Wish me luck!

Until next time,
Lee

8 comments:

Rachel said...

"…the organizers. … I have at least thirty-six of these things, and half of them are empty."

LOL

This sounds all too familiar, Lee. I can't wait to learn what strategies you try – and which ones work!

Lee McKenzie said...

I have a long way to go before I can LOL over the empty organizers, but I'll be more than happy to share my strategy - as soon as I have one.

And I would love to hear everyone else's strategies for getting and, more importantly, staying organized.

Anna said...

This will be exciting! My office/studio is a similar disaster. I spend part of my work helping other people organize their houses/offices/sheds--so why can't I figure out how to do it for myself?? I look forward to your success so that it gives me hope for my own!
Anna

Lee McKenzie said...

Anna! You sound like just the person I need!

Anita Birt said...

Lee, the last time I saw your office - three years ago (?) your office seemed wonderfully organized. You must have fallen by the wayside since then.

I live in the chaos in the area around my computer, desk and file cabinet. I even have stuffed little creatures sitting atop the modem. My excuse - I'm not completely organized since I moved. The little creatures make me smile.

So enjoy the clean up and let us know if your creativity has taken a huge leap and you are writing thousands of words day after day.

Lee McKenzie said...

You're right, Anita. My office used to be very well organized and I am so looking forward to having that back. Soon, I hope!

Anonymous said...

Hi Lee, Mind clutter is the worst.
But there's a simple remedy!what you need is a closet!!!! File boxes out of sight, out of mind,
Marion
p.s. I just spent many exciting hours in my garage organizing 35 years worth of tools, plus inherited tools, into clear plastic boxes. My husband was astounded to find he owns 7 hammers, 25 pliers etc etc. You are not alone...

Lee McKenzie said...

LOL, Marion! That's a lot of hammers and pliers to not know you have. As for the closet stash-and-dash, I'm pretty sure I'd run out of closet before I ran out of stuff ;)