Organized Chaos
Posted by fheenix33 on October 29, 2009
I am well aware that the holidays are right around the corner. It’s almost November. Normally, this time of year I’m floating in that glorified state of knowing that I’ve conquered the majority of things that cause the usual holiday stress. I can breathe easy with the sweet reassurance that what’s left over (baking, holiday cards, gift wrapping, etc) will be smooth sailing. There will be plenty of time to tie up the loose ends. No worries.
That came to a screeching halt about a month and half ago. Mom’s health took a turn for the worst and she now relies on us financially as well as for some daily assisted living. We made the decision to move into Lori’s house next door and Mom will be living with us. We had planned on moving there down the road after we made some renovations, but, under the cirsumstances, we have to do it sooner rather than later. It was our only choice.
My glorified state has now turned to organized chaos. Although we don’t anticipate being fully moved in until mid January, there is an endless amount of work that needs to be done. Not only do we have to contend with the hassle of moving, but we need to renovate the two rooms upstairs in the other house before the move, Okay, I can deal with that. I’m always up for a good challenge.
I had to seriously rethink the holidays this year. Time is of the essence. Every hour of every day needs to be productive. I’ve drafted up timelines. If everything goes as planned (knock on wood) we should be okay. This meant deducting a good chunk of time I usually devote to the holidays.
Do I really need to send out 40 (give or take a few) holiday cards this year each with a few handwritten paragraphs?  Most of these people I haven’t heard from in years. This task takes me an entire day. In a day I can apply a coat of joint compound to the walls of both rooms and strip the hardwood floor. Is it necessary to spend three days baking for everyone we know and have come in contact with? No. The possibilities are endless as to what I can get done in those 3 days.
We decided that we’re not decorating this year except for the tree. By mid December we want to be down to bare minimum here except for the heavy furniture. The time we spend decorating is obnoxious. I’m going to take advantage of all the fancy holiday gift bags we have stashed upstairs. I don’t have time to wrap and ribbon. The days of stringing popcorn and cranberries are over. I’m exchanging my kitchen apron for a tool belt. Pass me the safety glasses and sander. I’m ready.
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