11.17.2009

If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significance of a clean desk?
-Laurence J. Peter


I am writing this from a cluttered desk in a cluttered house using a brain that "cluttered" doesn't begin to describe as I address preparation for "The Holidays". That special time of year when house - inside and out and waistline and home baked goodies and social events and hostess gifts and party wear and seasonal decorations ALL need to be attended to. (Thank goodness we can't control the weather because ideally, that should be "just so" as well!) Whatever the standards for the house and home in question, the point is moot because the whole season, however one chooses to embrace it, is just too much! (and the "season" seems, as of this year, to start at 12:01 a.m. Halloween night so it seems endless as well!)

Early in my domestic career this time of year was an intoxicating challenge. I loved scheming and working to make it as magical but as efficient as possible. I have long since managed that and feel lots of satisfaction in it but the sheer volume - literal and mental ...

...IS GETTING IN THE WAY OF KNITTING!
ITS EVEN GETTING IN THE WAY OF THINKING ABOUT KNITTING!

  • The latest edition of the Twist Collective came out on Sunday and I was too distracted to focus on its contents.
  • I have a wee list of Christmas knits I'd like to enjoy working on but during the day when the recipients are absent the house essentially "screams" at me for attention turning what should be fun knitting into something I need to get done and get past.
  • I'm keen to begin scheming my projects for the new year but ditto issues for daytime gift knitting.
  • I'd like to spend an hour at Romni doing a bit of research towards those early 2010 plans. I can't justify three or four otherwise productive domestic hours on such an indulgence.
  • I want to get my hands on a copy of the new Interweave Holiday edition . I'm keen to tackle something (actually several somethings)from it but even if I manage to find a copy, focusing on it will no doubt be an issue.
  • I'm trying to focus on my knitting in the evening to knit error free and get the two sweaters I'm so close to finishing done but this too is proving to be more of a challenge than the knitting really demands. I may leave my desk behind but my brain clutter stays with me whatever my location!
One thing's for sure - I just won't have it! (At least not for long!) I'm going to put my head down and get a bunch of stuff done and out of the way so I can banish the Holiday "clutter" to make way for much more entertaining variety- Knitting "clutter" - desk, brain, and all!

And if you're naturally wondering why I'd waste time blogging about having no time - 20 minutes at the keyboard and I've one less bit of "stuff" to carry around in my head! Thanks for dropping by and helping me straighten things out!

5 comments:

Stephanie said...

Yikes! I have to admit, this post is stressing me out. I guess this is because I'm an introvert - being "on" and ready for guests all the time makes me want to crawl in a hole all the way to February. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 birthday money in January.

I did however finally realize that I need to work on gifts for friends. Something inexpensive and meaningful. I have a great idea but I just need time to implement it! Time is going to fly all the way to the end of the year.

Acorn to Oak said...

My daughter and I were just talking about this yesterday. I use to go all out for the holidays...made cards and gifts every year, baked, decorated every room of the house, parties, etc., etc. But, a few years ago I had so much going on with my design business and life got so hectic that I became a scrooge. I've had trouble feeling that "Christmas Magic" ever since. We were talking yesterday about what and how much to do this year to try and make the holidays fun but not overwhelming. It's become a delicate balance. Having it come so early in the stores makes it even harder.

Sandra said...

I have to do more around the house this year - we have 20+ coming for dinner. In past yers, we've always been the visitors, but this year, I finally get my wish to stay home. So the decorations are being hauled out and spots are found for them. I find it's easier to pick certain spots, and go wild there, rather than little bits all over. So the mantel gets a huge amount of attention, and the rest of the living room - not so much. I'm in not-bad-shape so far, but there is still a large amount of knitting to get caught up on.
We can wish each other luck, but some of my gift receipients are used to getting some wool and a promise of a finished object!

Anonymous said...

We can just blame it on the weather! Too sunny and mild to even be in the Christmas/holiday spirit. I was out shopping today and found the dicotomy almost overwhelming.

Especially when, like you, I basically just want to knit my days away...or at least knit some ribbon candies or mini-socks to put me in the Christmas spirit.

Cherilyn

Brendaknits said...

Hee.Hee. Your post is funny but stress inducing at the same time. Your question about spending time posting about having no time reminded my of when I was a kid living on the farm. Other farmers would drop in and talk to my Dad for what seemed liked hours - all the time complaining about not having enough time in a day to get every thing done. Hee Hee. La plus ca change...