Hi there. Well here we are, a new week already. Where does the time go? Are you getting sorted?
My name is Miss Chardy and I have been SORTED for 20 days. How about you? I still have 10 days to go before it supposedly becomes a habit but I am telling you people, I think I have actually nailed it this time. I really do. I know – I can’t believe it either.
I just can’t believe how much easier life is. Who’d have thought that all of you Virgo’s were actually onto something with this whole “tidy” thing.
I was speaking to DD (aka: my Mum) the other day, of course she finds it quite hilarious that I have finally seen the light and moved over to the clean side. I told her that I have actually just been studying “tidy” people for 36 years. It has taken me this long to gather my data and sort through my research. But here I am, all tidy and loving myself sick in this organised state.
Cover your delicate little eyes DD….
I don’t feel overwhelmed anymore. There isn’t mess everywhere I look, like in the Bat Shit Crazy post I did. I am in a good place.
Now, for all of you with young children, you might not get to this “good place” for a little while yet, but hang in there – if you need a little pick me up and a bit of a laugh just refer back to the Bat Shit Crazy post. I think things are finally getting easier because my youngest son is getting older, he will be 4 in July. He can put stuff away and is getting much better at it. I have also cracked down on everyone and have started to make them all pick up after themselves, instead of me doing it all (because I thought it was easier) and then getting all bitter and twisted.
I really wish that I was organised and sorted like this when my children were babies because life would have been so much easier. I take my hat off to all of you Mum’s with young babies who can stay on top of it all. For most of us we live in a state of constant chaos and mess. So, if you have babies and can’t stay on top of it, don’t worry, one day you will. There will be light at the end of the tunnel. I am finally in that light and gee it feels good.
Now, lets all say out loud the Get Sorted with Chards Motto…. and keep saying this in your head every time you go to put something down and not away….
Goals
Ok, so onto our goals people. Last week my goal for the week was to sort out the mess in the station office and tidy it up and get organised. I am pleased to say that I am on top of it all. It looked much worse than it actually was and didn’t really take me long to sort it out. I now make sure I just do a little bit often. If something needs doing I don’t put it in a pile I JUST DO IT. Amazing how much easier it makes things. There is no longer a heap of paper sitting on my fax machine because: they are all filed.
This week I will be making the effort to stay on top of everything. The one thing that I feel has helped me is getting the washing sorted. So this week I might put it out there that I am going to iron everything in my ironing basket – most of it has been sitting there for months. So I am going to get it done, then I am going to iron as it comes out of the dryer. This shouldn’t be too hard because I don’t iron anything that we wear here on the station, I only iron our good town clothes. So I should be able to keep it under control, then when I go to town it won’t be such a huge effort to iron and pack, because it will be good to go.
So I will be channeling my inner Faux Fuchsia with my washing, drying, ironing routine – because I am quite competitive and if she can do it, then so can I! Oh and another thing I have learned from Faux Fuchsia is how to spell the word Fuchsia – it has always been somewhat of a mystery to me, ha ha ha!!!
Change your Thinking Paradigm
I used to make simple tasks so complicated in my head. I used to overthink everything and then in my head they were to hard to even contemplate doing. Now, instead of overthinking each task, I JUST DO IT. Just get in and get it done. I am not sure if I am a bit weird and the only person who did this, but life is so much better now. I have managed to get so much done over the past 20 days.
I was always trying to figure out short cuts and spending way to much time figuring out how to make things easier. It turns out the fastest way to do something is PROPERLY. Do it properly, don’t take short cuts. Just take a deep breath, relax and do it the right way first time. By creating these so called “short cuts” I was just making life more complicated and cluttered for myself. Yes yet again DD – you were right. Gee I am getting sick of saying that, ha ha ha.
You know what – something big that happened last week – I cleaned the toilets, vacuumed and mopped all in 40 minutes. Are you hearing me – 40 minutes I tell you. It used to take me longer than that just to pick up all of the shit that was lying around the house before I could vacuum. This time, it took me about 3 minutes to pick up a few things and I was good to go. So can we all just take a moment to pat me on the back….. oh god listen to me – “get your hand off it Chards”.
Ok, so what would you like to achieve this week?
What was one thing that you managed to get on top of last week? Don’t forget to share your achievements and show us a photo on instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #getsortedwithchards
Are you living in a constant mess due to toddlers? I feel your pain.
Now – lets go and sort something. You have 10 minutes, what is it going to be? Set your timer and GO!
That last sentence is a great place to start – break jobs and tasks down into 10 minute blocks – tidy a room, make a bed and dust the bedside tables, clear the kitchen bench, pack the dishwasher, put a load of washing on, take a load off the line, fold a basket of washing. All 10 minute jobs that are achievable – chuck your favouite song on and go to it!
I like to deal with mail and bills once. Bills get opened then put into a folder until they are paid then they get filed in the filing cabinet. I have files for accounts paid, bank statements, car rego papers, tax shit, medical, wills/birth certs/passports.
Sounds like you will be running the homestead with military precision in no time!
Cheers – Joolz xx
I am of course LOVING these posts. So exciting that you are embracing your inner Virgo Miss Chardy. I am sure, DD, BB, Mrs P and myself are very proud of you! X
Last week I vacuumed under the couch. It felt amazing. The Little Mister has started day care once a week and he had his first day (a half day). I only did housework for about an hour and it always amazes me how much you can get done in such a short time. I think I make it too much of a big deal in my head and then procrastinate. This week, I think I will maybe even unpack my bag (of clean clothes) from our camping trip (we got back over a week ago – oops)!
Ha ha! You crack me up! I can relate to all of this. I am doing the same as you this year – I have never been very organised with housework & I was constantly feeling overwhelmed. But I’ve been so good this year – I have even managed to get the kids to school early EVERY DAY so far this term!! (We have just started week 3 but still I think thats a record for me!) It’s such a good feeling so I want to keep it up – thanks for all the great tips 🙂
Oh Jacquie – we CAN do this!! We just CAN!!! I am sure this is our year. I too am up to week 3 and going really well. I did slacken off a bit on the weekend but think I will be back on track tomorrow, but all is good. It is just a matter on pouncing on everything straight away. JUST DO IT! You are doing well…..lets keep it up. You need to keep me motivated…please!
I need to work on folding washing as soon as off the line – I WILL do it this week – just because you rock! I’ve got mum coming to visit next week to help me get rid of excess toys etc – needs to happen, kids don’t need half of it. I’m back home and sad about it, might have a wee vodka to cushion the blow xx
Yes, good girl, you need something strong to lessen your “coming home” depression….back to real life…no more QT. Now, good stuff – so glad your Mum is coming to toss toys – my suggestion – chuck that shit out – they just don’t need it. My son plays with lego all day long and that is about it, he has had the trains out too the past couple of days, but the rest of it is just shit really. IF IN DOUBT – CHUCK IT OUT!!!! Go forth and get rid of those toys! There will be kids out there who really would love/need them too.
Its working Miss Chardy. I have been making the bed every morning since Oz day and it feels great. Been trying to keep the rest of the 5 star opulent 1 bedroom unit dog box in check also. True I’ve had let a bit of it go from time to time but you have sold me on the ” don’t put it down. Put it away ” quote. Had a great day Saturday doing just that. Even borrowed this thing off the bloke next door, it has a hose thingy and a power cord and you drag it around the room while pushing the hose thingy on the floor. …. amazing stuff. Not sure where all the stuff goes but I’ll work it out !! Feels good Miss Chardy thanks for the motivation and lets all keep it going. Cheers
ha ha ha ha ha, I am sitting here laughing out loud, god you crack me up. Now, I am proud that you have had our motto ringing through your head. And that thing with the hose and power cord sounds good, think I might have to find one today and use it too. Thanks for the laugh first thing in the morning FBH!
I’m picking up what you (and everyone else) is putting down – literally – Chards! Been on a roll with your put it away strategy. Tackling my very “hoardish” girls room this week with all their bits, bobs, hair bands, barbie clothes, craft, homemade trinkets etc.. it will be a big day! You’ve got me firing though and yes I am too wondering why I didn’t make more of an effort earlier. Thanks for all the tips cool cat!! Love your work!
Joy – you have warmed my heart – I am that proud of you. Isn’t it just amazing what a difference “don’t put it down put it away” has made. I am gobsmacked. Changed my life – literally, ha ha ha ha. God, what was wrong with us? Now – stay strong in the girls room and remember IF IN DOUBT, CHUCK IT OUT!!!!! Go forth and conquer the girls rooms, you won’t be sorry. Mr 3’s room is an ongoing concern to me. ha ha ha.
Miss Chardy you are the blog I have been looking for, but didn’t know it! I hear about craft blogs, but until last week didn’t realise there were such posts of such hilarity from the outback lol!! (Makes me wonder what the dickens I’ve been doing otherwise). I stumbled across you and havent looked back hehe, now the TV gets switched off and I am entertained by the funny stories of a fellow BSC mother oops i mean Chardy lover in the evenings! (I waver between drinkies of Twinings and Chardy myself). Hubby asks nightly “what is so funny?” As i cry with laughter every 5 seconds. Dont change Miss Chardy you crack me up! Most importantly, I am inspired to get sorted now!!! Ticking jobs off a list today, i’m on fire hehe.
Oh, why thank you… you have cracked me up just reading this comment, too funny! Especially when you said “what the dickens” – I do like this and it might become my new phrase, ha ha ha. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading, it is great to have you on board, especially given you are a fellow Chardy lover!!!
I can’t help it I have a new mantra (or two), thanks to you! Even Hubby came home from work yesterday and said , “ooh, the house is looking tidy!” And I said yes, I am ON TOP of things!” Putting things away actually works!! Who knew! xx Mrs T
I know – it is amazing!!!! A-MAZING!!!!! What the hell were we doing all of these years? Even Mr Chardy has noticed. I am on fire this morning, although have felt I was getting a bit slack this week and starting to leave things, but I keep saying “don’t put it down, put it away” and off I go. ha ha ha.