I finally gave up on trying to do everything myself and hired a team of organizers to come in and help me unpack! I still feel guilty that I can't do it all myself, and that I'm spending money on people to unpack boxes, but I'll probably get over it once the house is clean and organized.
My friend Nicolas and I had dinner the other night, and while enjoying Pappadeaux's food, we talked about getting everything unpacked and how much trouble I was having. One of the things bogging me down is trying to find a place to put books since I decided to use dadddy's study (where all the books were kept) as a studio.
As we talked, Nicolas wisely suggested using a room we call "the gameroom" as my studio. When he asked why I wasn't planning on using it as my studio, I blithered and dithered and finally came up with, "but it's decorated to be a soda fountain."
A little backstory here would be helpful: when I was in high school, Mom and Dad got this idea to turn our "gameroom" into a replica of an old-fashioned soda fountain. Over the next few years, they worked hard to gather all the pieces and parts: the original soda fountain cabinets from their home-town drugstore, a 1946 Wurlitzer bubbler jukebox (all restored!), a restored brass cash register, a penny scale, a soda fountain table, original drug store stools, and tons of drug store/soda fountain memorabilia. Now I can't really remember what sparked this idea, but they were enthusiastic about it and went whole hog! When it was complete, it was a really cool place to have parties; to this day everyone that comes in the house marvels at what a neat room it is.
It is really unusual, but unfortunately, it is also the least-used room in the house for me. In fact, ever since I've moved in, the door has been shut and I've rarely even gone back there. I mean, what use do I do have for a soda fountain right now? It's not like I'm hosting parties--ever, actually.
When Nicolas heard my lame excuse, he just looked at me in that way he has--he's one of those lucky people who can arch one eyebrow to express disbelief (and sarcasm!). With the dreaded eyebrow-arch out of the way, he proceeded to convince me that my parents wouldn't have wanted me to be bogged down and unhappy by their possessions.
So...fast forward two weeks: After spending more money than I care to think about, I only have a couple of unpacked boxes left in my house! I can't say enough good things about the team of ladies from Organized Touch. Melora, Susan, Joyce, and Callista swept through my house like a troop of organizing angels! They were so sweet and easy to work with--they definitely made my life a whole bunch easier! I feel as though I've made four new friends. If you ever need any organizing, I highly recommend them!
I still have plenty to do. I need to "settle" into the house and make it my own, but that's relatively easy. That's the "fun" part.
Pictures to follow (as soon as I charge my camera battery)!! Oh, and, thanks, Nicolas, for the wise words of advice and the encouragement.
So...fast forward two weeks: After spending more money than I care to think about, I only have a couple of unpacked boxes left in my house! I can't say enough good things about the team of ladies from Organized Touch. Melora, Susan, Joyce, and Callista swept through my house like a troop of organizing angels! They were so sweet and easy to work with--they definitely made my life a whole bunch easier! I feel as though I've made four new friends. If you ever need any organizing, I highly recommend them!
I still have plenty to do. I need to "settle" into the house and make it my own, but that's relatively easy. That's the "fun" part.
Pictures to follow (as soon as I charge my camera battery)!! Oh, and, thanks, Nicolas, for the wise words of advice and the encouragement.
