Week 2 - bit of an update

Today, I've really focused on getting some head space by doing jobs I've been meaning to do for ages - I've got quite into it now and made a list of 42 things I've been meaning to do around the flat or related to the flat - like finding a new mortgage, getting a valuation done for moving etc. I figure if I do at least one of those jobs a day by the end of February I'll have a beautiful living space and won't feel so down about my abilities as a mother. I think I'm fine in emotional terms as a Mum and good at doing *stuff* with C, but I can't get excited about housework and house admin and as a result things end up getting on top of me, which effects my self esteem etc. and I spend so much time looking for things it's untrue. I'm hoping that if I lead by example, C will be better at putting her stuff away - I want to pass on good lessons to C not all my bad habits. I really feel like I'm having a bit of a life change at the moment and it's liberating.

So today (I might be copying this onto my blog!) I sorted out my living room. C's dolls house is now less cluttered - she went mad and noticed as soon as she went in, but played with it very happily once she'd got over the initial hystrionics. I sorted out the rest of her toys and now they look very neat. Her books are on the bookshelf and my dining table is clear (often has bits of post / magazines etc on it). Have dividded the DVDs into sections and did washing - 3 loads. I also threw away a ton of old make up and now have a very neat and ordered make up drawer and a hat box full of hair straightners/serum/hairdryer/hairbrushes etc. all in one place so I can find them easily.

R was under orders to 'Mum clean' the kitchen. It looks quite sparkly, but I haven't yet opened the cupboards, so who knows what joys await me. He also sorted out his side of the bathroom cabinet.

I feel a bit lame because I came across loads and loads of duplicates when I was sorting out the make up drawer - how many mascaras can one woman have on the go (5 apparently), how many red nail varnishes can I own? I went to the hairdressers this morning and read an article about the Slumdog programme that's going to be on during the week, and obviously the coverage of Haiti. It made me feel Very Guilty Indeed. I do not look after my stuff. I am a spoilt adult. With that in mind I was literally chucking stuff into charity bags - loads of C's toys that I don't think she'll miss, clothes I haven't worn for ages, even lovely dresses etc. and I'm going to take them to Oxfam tomorrow, and remember it next time I'm about to buy something new. I don't want a joyless existence - what purpose would that serve? - but I don't want to carry on mindlessly spending money on *stuff* that clutters up my living space and ultimately serves no purpose other than to give me a quick thrill when I buy it. Shame it's taken me 34 years to get to that point, but hey, live and learn and all that.

Just had to get that down to remind me. I felt like hitting myself over the head when I handed over £100 + for my new hair do!