[JFC]: my come back to JFC

[Rita Bollinger]

Hi Everyone!   I've been back reading for awhile (since Clutter Round Up ended).  I'd stopped JFC due to a computer glich, my server was sending back the emails and so I was dropped from JFC due to this and decided maybe it was time for a break.  Well, I think it's time to buckle down again.  I've got paper on horizontal surfaces wherever the eye can see.  That's my primary clutter trap, the other areas that need major overhaul are the utility room and the garage. Both will be BIG jobs as I feel I need to pull eveything out of the utility room and completely clean and paint and put up new shelves.  The garage will also be a major project.  I can get my car (SUV) in there so I'm not totally hopeless!!!  My kitchen needs some reorganizing too.    I'm trying to get through papers and get a filing system that will work for ME!  I've read books, articles, etc. but my left and right brain seem to be fighting each other. I've started and did several boxes but then came to a screeching halt.  I cleaned the "desk" off in the kitchen and all of the drawers the week before last.  I set up an area on the desk with in and out trays.  That's where my mail goes when I walk in the door. NOT collecting on the counter top for months at a time. Bob, my bf (boyfriend), came in the other day and said "oh, there's a desk there".  And he expected to eat that night???  (he he)  And then of course there's the everyday stuff - laundry, dishes, work (part time)., etc.    So here's the deal, I've been seriously thinking about getting another dog.  My Mozes died last May 12 (some of you might remember)  and I've had a really tough time with that.  I never realized how much that furry, 4 legged guy meant in my life.  I didn't grow up with pets so he was my first and only and we had our ups and downs but he was such a sweet, gentle soul.  I loved him dearly. I didn't realize how much I had to give nor how much a pet could give back just by being there. Unconditional love is a wonderful thing.  I don't have children and I'm not married (i'm 46 and doubt I will at this rate). My dad is 83 and in poor health, my mom died in 97. I have no siblings, so my friends are my family and I think having a dog in my life again will be very good for me. I'll definitely stick to rules and some training this time around though.   That said, I feel I need to get this house in order before I bring another living soul into it.  No I'm not out for perfection but I need to get going.  I get overwhelmed very easily and stall.  I need some help getting started and those wonderful pats on the back for the baby steps that y'all give.  (I tend to do alot of beating up on myself  but i'm getting better and catching the neg. self talk more and more)   Sorry i've been so loooong winded here but wanted y'all to know where I am and where I need to go.  You all have soooo much more going on in your lives (children, full time work, spouses, crises, illnesses) and you keep plugging away and get sooo much done.  I applaud all of you and you do inspire me to get off my butt and move it. So no more lurking. I'm off to do laundry and go through a pile of papers (somewhere , anywhere).   Take care, Rita