For starters...

I am officially beginning my blog today. Okay, where to start??? I am the mother of many - as my blog indicates, including a beautiful now 3 week old little girl named Alanna. I am in the staffing department of a major teleservices company. I enjoy writing short stories and poetry - although I haven't had much of a chance in quite a long time. That's probably why I am so crazy right now - no outlet for my energy. Since I am on maternity leave, I am determined to organize my home even further - thanks to Flylady and a few other sources. My current aim is to get my household binder back in shape with my daily, weekly, monthly and yearly routines as well as get my menus for a month at a time completed. You would think with all of the time on my hands it would be easy but it really isn't. I am used to getting into work and not having much time to think a lot. Now, I have more time than work and can't get myself together. I have rediscovered the library and have a favorite library to haunt during the day with the little one in tow - truly sad. So of course I have a stack of books, movies and CDs but haven't gotten to them. For someone who pared her house down tremendously with the last move a few months ago, I have discovered the locations of several discount and secondhand stores. It is a sad occasion when you give birth and return to the stores and they remember you well. Alas, I am addicted to bargains. My family says obsessed is more the word for it. Anyway, I enjoy it and it doesn't hurt anyone. My second obsession came when I went through a massive nesting phase towards the end of the pregnancy and managed to catch several grocery sales. My home doesn't or at least didn't have a pantry - just a lot of cabinets in the kitchen. I created one in my garage first(oh, did I mention the bazillion cans of veges, washing powders, bleaches, household stuff that I managed to hoard over the last month or so of being pregnant??) and then moved some to what is supposed to be my linen closet. My understairs storage closet became a linen closet thanks to 2 bakers racks I got from - where else? - the dollar store. Before we moved, I found a deal at Dollar Tree for a bunch of towels for $1 each - so I loaded up. Then I got here and found some more so we have plenty of towels - enough to contain a small army - which is what I have in the home anyway. So, I must organize my home a little better - in particular those 2 areas. The kids' rooms are in need of my attention as well but I am dreading getting those started. I at least have handled the master closet. I am determined not to by any more clothes until/unless it is organized to see what is needed/not needed. Anywho, I have to get started. As Flylady says, you're not behind, just jump in where you are. I will not get boggled down with perfectionism - or try not to dang hard. :-)