Organization, Bitches!

For any of you who are friends of mine on Facebook, you know that I’ve been posting some pics with a few friends, Sunday and Marj,  of my kitchen, utensil drawers etc.  It’s kinda like Spring cleaning peer pressure. It’s time to start scratching  a few things off that “annual chore” list.

This weekend, though, I did a big one–the kitchen cabinets.  ’Cause it was gettin’ crazy y’all.  This woman here has WAY TO MANY appliances, gadgets, etc. and it was starting to drive me a little batty.

mixing bowl hell...

Just down the road from Appliance purgatory...

Now, I know what some of you are thinking.

Dafuq?

Hear me out.  I’ve GOT to be organized.  Lemme tell you why.  Or better yet–lemme show you:

See that face?  That sassy lil canvas of giggles can LOSE IT if the right cup is not available, or bowl  or ice cube tray, etc.  And he uses maybe 5-10 bowls a day for his various snacks.  What?  Put the animal crackers in the bowl that previously contained cheese?  ARE YOU MAD?!

So not only do I have to keep on top of the dishes, I’ve got to keep them organized and available for his majesty to grab them when needed.  And I’ve got to prepare a variety of snacks (well, the handful of sanctioned ones anyway) in order to make sure he does, actually eat.

Fancy dishes used for big dinners pushed to the back, and mixing bowls WITHIN REACH!! Crazy!

And then there’s the other special man in my life, the Old Man.  He doesn’t demand or even expect it, but I know he’s happier when the house is neat and thing are where they should be.  Or where he “thinks” they should be.  Which doesn’t mean that’s where they are.  ;)

Just the essentials--except for what sits on the counter...

And then there’s me. As tedious as it is, *sigh* my life is easier when everything’s picked up. (boy, i bet my Grandma would have loved to hear me say that one–not my mom mind. She likes it picked up too–but i think she enjoys a little cluttered chaos as well.)  I am more apt to cook when the kitchen is clean.  I am more apt to get down on the ground and play racetrack when the rug has been vacuumed.  And when everything has a place, a weird sense of calm comes over everyone because we know there’s at least ONE thing in this house that is not a mystery.  Unlike our feelings, Ben’s behaviors or the dog’s wherabouts.

So, I spent some time this weekend purging those stupid cheap appliances i never use, and a few pots and pans that REALLY needed to go.  And cleaning a layer of Los Angeles and grease from the cabinets.  And creating a little order in the middle of this chaos.  At least in the kitchen cabinets anyway.  You think i could crawl in there and hidewhen things get too crazy?  There’s certainly room now…