Dear Martha,

Dear Martha,

I am well underway in my second week working through Martha Stewart’s Organizing, and I have some feelings. There were a number of tasks this week that involved spending money. I just couldn't swing that at this juncture. I did take to heart many of your other suggestions and I begrudgingly report that my life feels somewhat enriched. Outside of your out of touch suggestions that only wealthy people need to enjoy their piles of money, your organization tips are proving to be very beneficial.

Lets start with what I didn’t do. I did not purchase sheets at annual whites sales. I dont have the money for all that. I also am not sure that’s a thing Martha. Does Target have white sales? Because that’s about as expensive as I go. I generally purchase things on a need based system. For example the sheet just tears when you put it on the mattress, or my car tires stop refilling with my portable air pump. I am half stingy and half that broke. When you print a low budget version of your book for the everyday guy or gal, I would leave out the white sale suggestion. Or just suggest purchasing new sheets, for some quality of life reason.

The other thing I didn't do was stock up on citrus fruit. Not for the same reasons as the white sale. I just didn’t get actual grocery shopping done. I will attempt to stop up on citrus next week, or in a few weeks depending on my wallet. Though the exact phrasing is “Stock up on or harvest citrus fruits.” Do people do that? Go out and harvest their own citrus fruits? For fun? We live wildly different lives. The other things I didn't do were organize photos, and buy theatre tickets because there is no theatre and you and I have vastly different socioeconomic situations.

What I did do, on this week's agenda was have a family movie night. The pandemic has had me pretty much burnt out on family time. However on Friday night we settled in and watched a movie together. We watched Spirited Away and had a very pleasant time. It wasn't plagued with chores, or school work, it was quiet and enjoyable. One might say refreshing. Good call Stewart!

I am following the steps and the first step is to make a clear goal. My current goal is to tackle clutter, and I do that specifically with bins and baskets. Giving everything a home. Which is actually really hard to do for me. I have limited space, and too many pets and people, as well as being a little disorganized by nature. Maybe that's why the other suggestions just seem impossible. I mean Who do you think I am? Each thing I do seems to make a small difference. One thing I keep purchasing that you have not yet suggested was cabinet shelving to fit things in the cupboards in a more organized fashion.

I am still in the process of working on my entryway. I did paint and moved a lamp and cabinet as well as a mailbox right next to my door which led to a wish to paint the wall and I must say I love it. I really really love it. The next section I am working on is storage, and the hall closet. I can just picture you saying “There is nothing like a new coat of paint to make a room feel brand new!” I am working with a small space, and a lot of pets and people but I feel like its all coming together.

I fully intend to continue updating you. I am sure you will provide me with other impossible and ridiculous things I should do. I don't anticipate completing the reorganization of my hall closet to go smoothly. I will try to be kind.