Operation: Reclaim the House, Week Two

The Plan: Paint the front bedroom, switch around furniture and BOOM, move Pippa into her new bedroom.

The Hiccup: Julian was a close contact last Friday and had to do distance learning this week.

The Reality Check: There was no way in hell that I was going to paint a room for the first time while distance learning with my six-year-old.

The Feelings: I was super bummed to delay this project. Pippa was devastated by the delay. And Julian was sad he couldn’t go to school.

Monday: I started deep cleaning the kitchen. “Started” being the operative word of that sentence. The microwave and toaster oven are now sparkling, thank you very much. Then I moved on to the main bathroom and whipped my medicine cabinet into shape. I smile every time I open it. It is so wonderful to take out my deodorant without risking a toiletries avalanche.

Tuesday: Dark feelings. Julian and I were both grumpy, resisting the s-show that is distance learning. We went to a local nature spot and got barefoot in a stream. It was glorious and exactly what we needed.

Wednesday: Frustrated by the delays in reclaiming the house, I tackled the cutlery drawer. I just wanted to take everything out, give it a good cleaning, and declutter anything we didn’t need. Alas, I only finished about 80% of the job. Le Sigh. Distance learning is a real bitch.

Thursday: Thursday was yesterday. But I am drawing a blank as to what we did. I think it involved YouTube.

Friday: While Julian powered through worksheets (so. many. worksheets.), I indulged in some retail therapy but it was all in the name of Operation: Reclaim the House. First, I bought velvet coat hangers that will take up less space than my clunky plastic ones (allegedly):

Then, little plastic containers because damnit, I’m sick of storing q-tips in a ceramic mug.

I had to get this toothbrush and toothpaste organizer because I’m sick of toothpaste oozing all over the counter.

These Swedish dishcloths are supposedly more absorbent than regular dish towels and take up less space.

And last but not least, I am really excited about this dispenser for the shower. I’m going to first use if for the kids’ bath products. If it’s any good, I’ll buy one for the grownups. Yay!

Final Thoughts On Week Two Of Operation: Reclaim the House: Distance learning is a certified bitch but retail therapy helps.

Next week: I’d like to say that I’ll get the bedroom painted but I’m wary of making plans while Omicron rages…