It’s the Small Things
June 2, 2009 > 9 Comments
While I was cleaning and organizing today I was struck by how happy I am for the home we live in – the furniture, the layout, the stuff, the way I currently have it set up.
My euphoria could be a result of having had chocolate for breakfast and lunch, but we’ll pretend for now that I am truly thankful.
In my euphoria today, I was especially grateful for this little side table. My area. My space (no pun intended).
As a mom, wife, homeschooler, and individual it seems that there is never an end to the school work to grade, magazines and books to read, bills to pay etc. In an attempt to organize all these things that are screaming for my attention, I discovered a table I had previously been using for decorations might just be the solution to my problem.
With this little table I am able to store the magazines/catalogs I am currently reading on the bottom (along with my Bible for quick reference).
On the next shelf are the books I am reading. I’m always in the middle of 1/2 a dozen books at a time…Perhaps I could actually finish a book if I only read one at a time, however it’s much more interesting this way!
Then in the small shelf above I keep lists, mail, bills needing to be filed, notes to myself etc. And occasionally a mom snack. We all know about mom snacks, don’t we? Those snacks that if reached for draws a glare from Mom.
Finally, on top are items most pressing such as school work that needs grading. While I have been known to sweep these items from the top and firmly plant them on the floor so I could procrastinate, the idea is to actually handle the paper work that is preventing me from setting down my cup of coffee.
I have this table beside “my” rocking chair in the den. This allows me to work on the projects while we are all watching a movie, reading or listening to a CD. With this set-up I am able to be with everyone and not miss out on valuable family time. At the same time I am making progress on my stack of stuff. It’s a win win situation!
Sometimes it’s the small things that gives joy to simply living.
And finding the joy in simply living is definitely a Finer Thing!
P.S. In case some of my regular readers were wondering, my children DID have a few laughs at my expense for snapping pictures of my table. They cannot grasp the fact that some of you are interested in such things. You are, aren’t you!? Please tell me you are.
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9 Responses to “It’s the Small Things”
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June 3rd, 2009 @ 12:43 am
Amanda,
Yes I am interested;). I have the smallest house of anyone I know and I HATE clutter. I am always looking for new ways to get even better organized.
I too sit back and look at my humble little home at times and just sigh a sigh of relief. It’s small but it’s home! God is SO good!!!
June 3rd, 2009 @ 3:01 am
I have a little space like that where I put stuff I’m actively working on…well, actually several. On my computer desk, on the printer stand next to my computer desk, on the floor by the couch, on the floor by my bed, on the window seat behind my bed, on my piano…
Well, you get the point. If only I could pare it down one small shelf!
June 4th, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
That looks like a great shelf. Recently when I was taking a picture of all the groceries I had just bought, I asked my son if he knew what I was doing. He said, oh ya, everything around here gets a picture now that you are blogging.
Thanks for sharing!
~Liz
June 4th, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
Isn’t it great when you find a system that works for you? This is my first visit to your blog. What age are your children that you homeschool?
June 5th, 2009 @ 3:00 am
I am always reading many books at a time, too. And I love how no matter how random they may be, they often tend to influence each other. Its like the difference between one on one time with your family or friends and then how the dynamic changes when you are in a group.
June 8th, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
I had to laugh, but for a different reason. We have the same little table! (And very similar computers.) My hubby did something awesome for me on the table, though.
Since I sit on the couch, I am always too far back to reach the table, so if you pull it forward slightly it unhooks and sort of can become a lapdesk but the computer will slide down eventually. So, my husband screwed in a small piece of wood near the edge of the table so it will stop the computer from sliding too far down.
So, mine can convert to standup desk to lapdesk in one second. Very versatile!
June 12th, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
You have mommy snacks, too. LOL! I give the glare as well. LOL!
June 13th, 2009 @ 2:54 am
I think I would feel right at home next to your little table. I love it!
June 14th, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
And you little one doesn’t get into your stuff?! Now THAT would be a Finer Thing. My nearly 2 year old destroys everything she can reach…