Office Update

Regular readers will recall a blog entry from last month about my home office. I lamented that I had turned my office over to the neverending stream of clutter and disarray that comes with the end of a semester. I vowed to stem the tide of clutter and reclaim my space. This weekend, I set my entire iTunes library on random play and got to work. Nothing like listening to Frank Sinatra smoothly transition to Blink 182 and back to the Shirelles. The random holiday tunes were always a nice surprise.

I'm happy to report that after 2 days of solid effort, I struck floor . . . and table top, desk top, and couch. And so, without further ado - the before and after transformation:

First, the "under the table" mess that was my dissertation and teaching files, complete with overflow files and huge stack of trash:

And now:Note the absence of overflow files on the floor. The file cabinet and file boxes are sporting a new filing system that might actually be functional. Especially note the missing huge stack of trash. It only took 18 months, but I kicked that pile to the curb - or to the recycling bin. I also cleaned out a file box. Not sure what felt better - throwing out the many, many, many chapter drafts of my dissertation or throwing out all those job rejection letters. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course it felt great to throw out rejections. I actually said out loud, "You kicked me to the curb? I'm kicking YOU to the curb!"

Next, the table over the file boxes:

And now: Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is a table surface. Amazing.

Working my way around the room, I faced my de facto file system:

Now: There it is, in all of its horrendously upholstered glory. (Almost makes me want to put all the crap back on it.)

Last but certainly not least - the centerpiece of the office: My desk. (Trust me, things got much more out of hand after I took this picture):

Now - drumroll please . . .

I've added a recycling bin under the desk. Between that new addition and the shredder in the corner, I'm hoping to stay ahead of the clutter for the summer. Wish me luck!

More Signs of Spring

It's still Spring in the southland. We've had beautiful weather for the past few days - no humidity, temps in the 70s, bright blue skies. Perfect. We'll all remember these days when it's as hot as the surface of the sun in August.


Over the past few days, I've also taken note of another sign of Spring, namely the outrageous amount of clutter and disarray in my home office. Because I live 75 miles from my campus office, I do most of my work from home. The campus office is where I hang out between classes. As a result, the normal amount of crap that is in your office is in my house. Fortunately, it is largely confined to one room - the largest bedroom in the apartment.


However, I know that the end of the semester approacheth because I can no longer see any flat surface in my home office. Allow me to present the evidence:


This is my desk. Note the stacks of books and papers that haven't found a home, and probably never will. Note that they are blocking access to the file cabinet. In other words, none of that stuff is in the file cabinet because I can't open the drawer. And, I have a problem with "out of sight, out of mind." Once something goes into a cabinet or on a shelf, it ceases to exist. Most people develop object permanence around age 3. Not me, apparently.


Also, note the stacks of papers on the corner of the desk. In case you're wondering, I don't have any idea what's in that stack. I simply pile more stuff on top of it when I'm working and hope that the stack doesn't become top heavy. Someday, I'll sort through that stack. Someday.


Moving on...

This is my dissertation. Well, it's part of the dissertation. If you look closely at the right side of the other file cabinet with blocked drawers, you can see the last 2 file boxes. When I was writing the dissertation, I kept all of my files in these boxes for easy transport. And, the boxes are transparent and when I open the lid, I can see all the files. No need for object permanence. The boxes are organized by archival collection and by region.


Note the files in the front of the file box. Those are the overflow files. They should have a home. They don't - because I ran out of room in the boxes and never bought another box. So, there they sit, like red-tabbed step-children while all the other files nestle in their army-green hanging folders. (By the way, there are 3 more file boxes in the closet - but since they are behind a door, I don't ever think about them.)

Note also the HUGE stack of paper in front of the file cabinet - the mound that's blocking access to the drawers. It's my "recycling/shredding" pile. It's been right there for well over a year. It is the remnant of my last attempt at organization. It is refuse, garbage, trash, crap. I intended to shred it or recycle it. Intentions are fantastic, and maddening all at the same time. The pile hasn't grown, it just sits there, gathering more dust and blocking access to the file cabinet. (In case you're wondering, I have no idea what's in that cabinet. I feel sure that I thought it was important at one time.) I always promise myself that one day, I'll work my way through that damn pile. I'll shred the papers with students' names on them and take the rest to the recycling bin. Then, I sigh, turn my back to the pile, and before I know it, another day has passed. I really need to do something about that pile of paper.


But, wait, we're not done. Here's a shot of the top of the table over the file boxes:



Yeah, I don't have much to say about this. It is as it appears - a table covered in crap piled on top of more crap. I think there's a grand total of 3 packages of paper under all of that crap. Really should do something about that.


I know what you're thinking: Why don't you buy more file cabinets? Well, because I have a perfectly good filing system. I pile crap on the table, on my desk, and on the floor, and when those spaces are maxed out, I pile crap on the sofa:


The good news is that the crap hides some of the hideous upholstery on this couch. No, I did NOT choose this pattern. I did choose to use it for de facto filing. Really should do something about all of that crap.


And, this isn't all the crap. No, here's the day-to-day crap that hasn't made the trip down the hall:



Recently, my friend posted an entry in her blog about spring cleaning in her home office. She is also a writer and does not have an office outside of the home. She described her cleaning process and gave an accounting of the trash that left her house. I don't remember the precise figures, but the accounting included trash bags, recycling bins, and file folders. What struck me was her utter joy at rediscovering the surfaces in her office.

So, with that inspiration, I've made a promise to myself. When this semester officially ends, I will get some control over the crap. I might even buy a new file cabinet. And, I will figure out how to remember what's in the cabinets.

Ides of Spring

I want to be clear from the beginning of this post: I am not writing in response to a certain comment by a certain demanding someone. I am writing because I finally felt inspired again. I do not produce on demand. (Though it is nice to know that someone is paying attention.)

Today, I'm reflecting on the coming of spring. There are many signs in the southland that spring is here. Trees with full green leaves, increasingly green grass, azaleas and dogwoods in full bloom, warmer temperatures, and shorter sleeves. And, let's not forget the pollen haze that turns everything a pale shade of yellow and took my voice away for approximately one week.


But, my favorite sign of spring has to be the annual unveiling of my chicken-white winter feet. Hidden from the world for the entire winter, my feet emerge, ready to shed socks and enjoy open-toed shoes. To celebrate this momentous occasion, I dressed up my toes. They're ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille. Who knows, I may go hog-wild and treat myself to a pedicure.

Since applying this spring decoration, I've worn sandals twice. Both times, my little piggies squealed with delight. My feet basked in the sunlight, ready to shed the whiter shade of winter pale for a slightly darker shade of summer pale.

As I wear my flip-flops, I realize that my winter feet have softened. In this early spring, I'm actually enjoying the minor discomfort between the little piggy that went to market and the little piggy who stayed home. Such a welcome change from dowdy winter shoes and socks.

Spring Showers

About ten days ago, the sun was shining and it was warm. I took stock of my spring wardrobe and decided that I was missing two crucial pieces of spring equipment. First, I needed a trench coat. No, I'm not planning a new career in flashing unsuspecting passers-by (passer-bys? passer-bies?). Instead, I've learned that the downtown area of Big City is a giant wind-tunnel. On rainy days, this means that an umbrella is completely useless. Even Rihanna's magic um-ber-el-la-a-a-a-a couldn't keep you dry on rainy days downtown.


So, I took myself shopping - and met with some success. I returned home with a classic trench, updated for today's spring shopper. OK, yes, I had my choice of the newest spring colors, including ice blue, mint green, Peptobismol pink, and some cheerful prints. I considered those choices, but none could out-shout my mother's voice in my head: "You'll get a lot more use out of khaki, won't you?" Bowing to internal pressure, I chose the classic khaki trench, hoping against hope that I wouldn't look too much like Inspector Gadget.


Now, I was all set - though I'll admit that I hoped I wouldn't need my new trench and umbrella. I don't like rainy days, especially when I'm downtown and especially when I have to teach. Rain makes my hair do strange and wonderous things - and not in a good way. And, the addition of an um-ber-el-la-a-a-a-a exponentially complicates the delicate balancing act I perform, looking more like a pack mule than a professor as I shuffle between classes.



But - as luck would have it, the gods knew that I got a new trench and voila - Rain! Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain. Rain for the past 5 days. For those unfamiliar with the concept, here's a picture. Wet ground, gray skies, mud, etc. I understand there's flooding in the nearby surrounds. My apartment sits high upon a hill, on the 3rd floor, so I'm safe from rising waters. All I need to do is close my windows and doors and I can no longer hear the cries of my wet and soggy neighbors. Today, we've been treated to the cacophony of thunder and streaks of lightening (in the opposite order, of course.)



While I recognize that we need the rain, and while I recognize that I may have contributed to the rain when I bought a raincoat, and if it's not going to start raining men, I'd humbly like to ask for a chance to enjoy my other spring purchase:

I'm also looking forward to clear skies, when we can all enjoy the newly green landscape.

Spring Break Re-Cap

I've been on Spring Break this past week. Well, to be accurate, it's been 9 days since my last lecture. If anyone ever needed a break, it was me. I was tired - damn tired -when I closed up shop last Wednesday evening. But, before I let myself come to a full stop, I made a list of the things I still needed to accomplish during my break. The list was as follows:

1) Finish book review for h-net
2) Plan summer class
3) Write lectures for returning week
4) Get car washed
5) Get new pants hemmed
6) Grade quizzes

Here's the way the week played out:
Thursday: Recorded attendance and participation for previous week, started thinking about summer class, slipped into 3-hour coma all afternoon.

Friday: Considered taking pants to alterations place - and didn't. Rained all day. Instead, spent the day on some activity that seemed very important at the time, but which I cannot remember right now. I'm pretty sure it had nothing to do with the list.

Saturday: Watched "Atonement," did laundry, attended GymDogs meet with Athens friend, then out to dinner with friend and her boyfriend. Nothing crossed off the list.

Sunday: Finished book for book review. Watched the snow. Took pictures of the snow. Emailed friends about the snow. Called friends about the snow. Watched the lights flicker on and off. Remembered that I don't own a flashlight and wondered how much light I'd get from my Yankee candles. Ate dinner at 5PM to make sure that I got a warm dinner. Still nothing crossed off the list.

Monday: Listened to the snow melt. Started book review - first words on paper in months so I had to spend some time remembering how to write. After the ice on the road thawed, made it out to buy a flashlight and batteries. Noticed that the digital camera batteries were running low. Made sure to add camera batteries to shopping list, noting the size to make sure I got the right kind. Came home with wrong size batteries.

Tuesday: Finished book review and put it in the cooler to germinate. Continued to listen to the snow melt.

Wednesday: Started conceptualizing summer class. Got sidetracked by job announcement for full-time position at Adjunct Central College. Prepared materials and dropped in the mail. Not on the original list, but a worthwhile activity nonetheless. Still no camera batteries. Watched "Lost" in real time, rather than catching up the next day.

Thursday: Continued conceptualizing summer class. Still no book list, but developed a plan and framework. Visited College Town Library to look at potential books - and remember how to read. Couldn't find parking on first attempt, so took car to the salon. Car is now white again, for the first time in months. Made progress on the course plan and set it aside - needs to germinate some more. Still stubborn snow on the ground.

Friday: Started writing lecture for Monday and graded one class of quizzes. Visited hairdresser, figured if the car can look better, so can I. Wore sandals without socks - 5 days after 7 inches of snow. Received mail ordered clothes - learned I am smaller than "Small" and that elastic waistbands are NOT a good idea. Cleaned kitchen and bathroom floors, cleaned bathroom. Watched "The Other Boleyn Girl."

Saturday: All snow is gone, but clean-up continues around town. Picked up tax return from accountant, dropped off pants at alterations place, took recycling to center. Returned mail ordered clothes to local store. Considered new strategy to get suitable work clothes, still working on plan. Finished lecture for Monday after dragging feet most of day and graded another class of quizzes. Vacuumed and did 4 loads of laundry. Still no camera batteries. Still undecided about book list for summer class. Watched "Then She Found Me."

Sunday: Finished visuals for Monday lecture, uploaded Monday class materials, grocery shopped - and finally got correct size camera batteries. Revised and uploaded book review. Noticed some green sprigs poking through the yellow winter grass. Considered plan for Wednesday class, but haven't started the lecture.

All in all, I managed to complete some of my initial projects while still finding time to enjoy my break. In all, I've watched 3 movies from start to finish and slept at least 9 hours each night. I think I'm ready to go back to work - I just don't want to.