cleanliness is next to... nevermind.

My parents ran a tight ship growing up. We vacuumed several times a week if you know what I mean. No clutter was allowed in the communal living spaces. Shoes at the door? Not allowed. Backpack on the table? Think again. The only place I could unleash my inner messy was my room. I distinctly remember Dad skipping my room on almost every tour he gave of our house. Maybe a gesture towards the shut door and a "That's Kaley's room."

I do not possess the inner need for cleanliness and order that my parents do. I do, however, like to not be embarrassed by the state of my house. I keep the kitchen and living room pretty tidy. There are places that I just do not see. The mess does not register. I'm going out on a limb. I'm going to show you my mess. I swear that I did not move anything or even stage anything for this venture into photo documentation.

First the good. My living room. Spotless. I deserve a pat on the back! I mean, sure we own a bean bag, but don't judge me.

Now the ugly. This is at the base of my stairs. It's my catch all. Today I added that crystal light box while in a hurry and Molly knocked the surf board thing (rudder?) onto the floor. The bags hide most of the mess at the bottom of the basket.

My computer room is clean too. Wish I could say the same for my room.

At the top of the stairs I hung a towel on the mini vacuum I use in the bathroom to suck up my hair. Does the fact that I vacuum the bathroom everyday make up for this debacle?

Oh the chair! The closet repels me much like the opposite ends of a magnet. I can't bear to hang things up. Especially pants! It is sad. Also the sad little flats stuck up under the chair. My eyes skim past them to the bed that I made.

Ah, yes, the grease pencil that fell out of Nick's uniform. I pass it every day. Every day I don't pick it up.

Mom always said closing the closet doors made a room feel neater. Once again, it repels me. Didn't you see that I make my bed in the morning?!

Welcome to my mess.

(Putting up that last picture of my closet was embarrassing, but I live my life on the edge. Right on the edge. )

Love, Kaley