She told me she culls the bad photos. What a great idea!!! Especially in this age of digital- it's so easy to quickly accumulate thousands upon thousands of images! I am going to try VERY hard to do this. It's not easy deleting photos (even "bad" ones-) of Alex, but today I tentatively deleted a few, to ease myself gently into it Lol :-) And I know I won't miss the ones I deleted! A couple of Alex caught mid- blink so his half shut eyes made him look a little drunk- we wont miss those! And we do really have SO many cute photos of him.
Hsu-Yin also suggested I try organising the photos into year and month, folders for the year and subfolders for the month. A great tip, and I will start doing this whenever I upload new pics from my camera. My problem is that I still havent learnt how to use the program and to be honest with you, I seem to have a mind-block on this topic. I'm sure people have told me before how to re-organise folders etc but I cant seem to be able to do it.
How do you organise your photos and do you cull the bad ones? Please share what works for you.
Those of you who still visit here (thanks! :)) will have noticed I'm hardly ever here. Thats because of a combination of being super busy and super tired most of the time since having Alex, and also because I seriously am the most disorganised I think I've ever been! Having my precious little one has turned my world (and my home-) upside down! How can a previously seriously organised gal write on her organising blog when she is currently incredibly disorganised?? Hmmm was considering changing the name of this blog to "Fretfully Disorganised" or "Unhappily Chaotic" Lol ....
But honestly I have been somewhat depressed. I dont want to get all down and too serious here but it might explain my absense and why I have failed to visit and comment on alot of your blogs (Sorry!!) I am still planning to catch up on my blog reading- one day, one day. I'm feeling ALOT better lately though (which is why I'm now able to write about it). My beautiful Alex does in no way contribute to my post natal depression but the lack of sleep, the difficulty in breast feeding (in the early days), going sugar-free for 3 months, the death of my Grandma, Alex's health scare and tests, and then not being able to keep on top of the house and not being "in control"- has all been very hard for me to deal with, being the control freak that I am.
Don't worry- I'm getting help. I go to a great psychologist once a week and it really helps me. This is quite personal, but I did want to share this with you because I'm sure a lot of girls out there will be able to relate to this. And they might be relieved to know that they aren't the only ones with unwashed hair, a house looking like a bomb dropped, chaotic cupboards etc...
Chaotic cupboards- I like it! Perhaps that should be the name of my new blog? I read on another organising blog something about "Think of the most organised person you know- I bet even they have a cupboard or drawer somewhere, that is disorganised". I had to laugh- and want to share with you , one of my cupboards
Ok, so its not THAT bad I guess, but this isnt the worst one :) But it is the one I want to try to work on in the next couple of weeks (Last year, this cupboard would've taken me 1 hour. But now, I need to be realistic here..) This is in Alex's room, and what you can see here is baby blankets, a box of stationery, box of photo prints NOT in albums yet, ornamets, a paper shredder, a laminator, and other bits and bobs. I hate opening this cupboard, and that large space in the second bottom area is SO big, its a silly design. It's too big for one box but I dont like to stack too many things, because it can make access difficult. Everything here is where I want it to be, in this cupboard I mean, but I just need to work on storage solutions and work out what to do with that big shelf area. Also by the way, that bottom shelf is really weak so it's not going to hold alot of weight. Hmm. Off to Officeworks and Ikea I go, for some pretty storage boxes.
Lets say this was a "Before" shot- so stay tuned :-)
I am really making an effort to get up and out of this depression, which is why I'm seeing a psychologist and why I'm writing about it here, it all helps with processing things. I'm also trying a new mantra- Be Happy. I think (for me-) it helps when you know and accept you are a bit down, coz then its a little easier to see your way up and out of it. Its like, you dont know its dark until you see sunshine. I know when I'm really happy because I deal with depression. In celebration of my new mantra, I'm going to adjust the title of my blog :-) And really try to get on here more often, coz it does make me happy, connecting with lovely people (YOU!)- all over the world. Something else that makes me happy is when I'm being creative- so I've been making an effort to get back into my drawing and perhaps even one day, my sewing. I would LOVE to be making Alex new clothes, its just a matter of finding time. (If anyone has any links for a blog/website that has SUPER FAST designs for baby's clothes- please share :-)) I have made some pants for him, when I was pregnant, but I'm pretty slow at it and those pants took me ages.
I'm now going to watch the latest Gossip girl dvd- (I got it out this afternoon) and eat M & M's (Hooray for being able to eat sugar again!!!!) And I'm going to leave the washing and the dishes for tonight- it IS saturday night after all! Are you proud of me? :)
Xx
Welcome to the world of parenthood! As a mum of 3 (16,14 & 9) I can honestly say that the challenge of keeping your house clean is never ending, perfect and organised - impossible! I used to stress over it, but now I realise that the important thing is my kids, not how clean and tidy my house is, they will remember the games I played, the books I have read etc, not how clean the floor was, or how tidy the cupboards were. This doesn't mean you need to live in a pigsty, just go easy on yourself, relax and enjoy. xxB
ReplyDeleteThanks B :) You are SO right- its good to keep things into perspective. Xx
DeleteHi Sarndra
ReplyDeleteNice to see you back. I have a reader so your post just show up when they are ready! Relax, enjoy and be super organised another time, Alex wont care how his cupboards look.
Lizzie
Thank u Lizzie! :)
DeleteXo
Have I told you about Motherstyles before???? Please take the quiz and mail me back to tell me what your style is. And then I'll comment properly because I have my thoughts but want them confirmed first :)
ReplyDelete(nice and cryptic)
by the way, you're very brave to be so personal but I think it's fantastic :)
Oh Thankyou lovely Marcia!! I 'll have a look; thanks for the link :) Will get back to you!
DeleteXxox
http://leighloveslists.blogspot.com/2010/04/best-parenting-book-ever.html
ReplyDeletethere's a link in there to take the quiz :)
Sounds to me you are doing exactly whay you need to do to re-organize YOU from the inside out. Having babies will disorganize EVERY woman to some point and I commend you for seeking guidance while you're entire mental being is reorganized and adjusted to make you a GREAT mom. The external stuff will wait - it's not going anywhere until you are ready. It's all small stuff and babies only stay babies for a blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Becky! Being a new Mum is a sort of re-adjustment period isn't? And yes definitely the ONLY thing important is being the best Mum that I can be and making sure my little man is loved and cared for! (Which he is :)) I'm happy to say he is a very happy healthy bubba so Shane and I are are definitely doing well so far ;-D
DeleteThanks for understanding! :)
Xx
((((HUGS)))) Just take care of yourself and give yourself a break having a baby,being sleep deprived and trying to run a house can make anyone feel down don't be so hard on yourself! You've taken that first important step in acknowledging you have depression so listen to your Dr and don't beat yourself up over your house/life not being as organised as you'd like,take a deep breathe.....and RELAX :) Barb.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb Thank you!! :-D
ReplyDeleteXo
Please don't change the name of your blog Sarndra, Blissfully Organised is a way of trying to live, it doesn't suggest that you are already and always there. If you were perfectly and already there it would be too overwhelming for the rest of us and we wouldn't be reading.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are getting assistance that you are happy with -- one step at a time. :)
Oh thank you Rose! Nice to read your comments :)
DeleteXxo
Sweetie no one can prepare you for being a mother...and all that goes with, absolutely no one. You can read all you want and be told all you want, but it dosnt mean a thing until you live it. You will survive greasy hair, even not showering for three days, dishes in the sink for at least another three days, no clean undies to wear, and that includes your husband, you can eat cereal for dinner and wear the same tshirt for a week,I know all this because I survived it............the hole of depression can get you any time any place but the key to getting through it is knowing you are in it, and reaching out for someone to help you climb out. Ill look forward to hearing about your new Ikea storage and some of the lovely things you have been doing as you are feeling better......and no, youre not the only one....x
ReplyDeleteThank you :) you are right that nothing can prepare for this! even with all the rerading I did I still I had no idea what we would go through in these last 7 months.
DeleteXx
...My Last comment disappeared...I had said I troo was in that very dark and often lonely place,It was hard too as I wanted every moment to count with my Bub and yet as things accumuated around me I found it hard to be in 'the moment" and not also be thinking bout what needing doing! My new Mantra after bub #4 was 'choose the best forget the rest!"...Therefore I did what was neccessary and important not just what I should be doing! Enjoy that lil guy and find joy in all those small moments Like a extra 5 mins if bub sleeps later. You are a beutiful aware Mummy by what I read and I wish you the very best! Mums like me are here willing you on from the sidelines xo
ReplyDeleteHi Kylie!
DeleteThanks so much for sharing! Thats a great mantra- good on u! Im trying to do that as well.
Thanks :)
Xx
I love Chaotic Cupboards. It goes with my new blog Haphazard Homestead.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling more on top of things soon. :)
Thanks Annie! Love the name of your blog :)
DeleteHave a look at at Tania's blog Ivy Nest, she has some simple, quick sewing projects there. You are doing a great job in your new role as a Mum! I went through a similar experience, and for what it is worth:
ReplyDelete- make sure you lower your own expectations about how clean, neat your house is. Just aim to have a shower each day and to make the bed - anything more is a bonus!
- try to get out and do some exercise every second day, every day if possible.
- try to spend some time doing what you love, like craft, sewing, surfing the net etc. My hubby bought me a new camera, which at the time I couldn't think of anything worse - my words, what a waste of money. Now looking back, that camera has given me back my sanity!!
Hope this helps, enjoy every cuddle.
Great suggestions thanks Jenlouw! Yes u are right, exercise is important and I do try to walk every day. Just looking up at the sky and getting fresh air is enough to lift my spirits often! I'm really trying to get back into my crafts and drawing too.
DeleteThanks :)
XX
Great suggestions thanks Jenlouw! Yes u are right, exercise is important and I do try to walk every day. Just looking up at the sky and getting fresh air is enough to lift my spirits often! I'm really trying to get back into my crafts and drawing too.
DeleteThanks :)
XX
Thanks so much for sharing your personal journey. It is indeed very common. I didn't suffer PND but had a bout of anxiety when my little one was about one. The doctor said the best thing is to commit to three 1/2 hour sessions of exercise a week. I found it achievable and the results amazing. But I'm sure you know all that. YOu are doing all the right things!
ReplyDeleteI found it really hard to get to the things I wanted to do once I was a mum. But I have a friend who I sew with. We meet once or twice a month for a few hours. She is a great mentor and I really enjoy and look forward to our time together. Perhaps you could do a community college course for sewing children's clothes? I dunno I'm going in to problem solver mode but it was just a thought.
And I adore your posts, no matter how frequent they are.
Take care,
Eliza
Oh thanks Eliza! Once a month is a great idea, that would suit us well, Im going to look into this :)
DeleteXo
Very proud of you girlfreind :) Motherhood is very hard dispite what others say.....some just fall into it BUT I think the majority of us find it very challenging. I know a lot of mum's hide out working as motherhood is just way too demanding and they find working so much easier than child care....so don't be hard on yourself....you are just being honest. I am not terribly organized but was way more organized before motherhood but I was a perfectionist and whilst I can cope with others imperfection I couldn't cope with my own. I had, had anxiety/depression after a car accident which turned into PTSD but felt like I had really made progress and was ready for pregnanacy after 2 years. I did ok, except with the perfectionist bit and I didn't have any family support and was on very distressing terms with my own family. I was determined to be the perfect mother to my children and definately not the sort of mother that my own mother had been.....talk about setting myself up for failure. We need to learn to be kinder to ourselves and to take timeout from our busy over thinking minds....if only we can learn to stop or at least slow down the internal chatter...I am glad that you are seeing someone and weekly visits is great but also indicates that you really need this support right now. You are a fantastic mummy and you will work through this. Don't forget that moving is super stressful also.....asking for help is really hard too....maybe you should rename your blog now that you have expereinced lif on the other side....what about "When motherhood takes over" :) Hang in there, keep being brave and keep trying to unravel what makes you tick. Lots of cyber hugs x Chrissy NSW
ReplyDeleteHi Chrissy,
DeleteThanks so much for sharing your experience here. It means alot to me! I can relate to alot of what u have said here. yes slowing down the internal chatter is something i need to work on. You are right too, asking for help is very hard, sometimes its alot easier when people just offer, its easier to accept than to call and ask for direct help. Thanku!
Xx :-)
A bite of country cupcakes hit the nail on the head with "choose the best and forget the rest". I can't add much to that except that it's wonderful that u r strong enough to realize the situation, seek the proper help and able to share with the rest of us. So many of us have been there so u know u will survive...just do the one day at a time...before u know it, things will be where u want them to be. Think of what advice u'd give to ur very best friend and then follow it. U r in a good place. God bless u and hope u enjoy every second of every day!
ReplyDeleteThanks BamaGurl! :)
DeleteMOtherhood was a big shock to me too..... especially baby number ones impact on my planned life!!! Things just didnt fit into my idealistic parenting lifestyle and still dont 16 years later , however I have tried my best and to be able to go to bed at night thinking that is the only way I have got through. I still have a hard time being flexible but it really helps many situations when I am.. and to stop beating myself up... its a gradual process of recovery and with a supportive husband it really helps.. pray you are able to get out and get vit D and some fresh air really really helps.. as does talking about problems.. seems to take half the power out of the silent depression aspect!!
ReplyDeleteLynette SA (fellow follower of Down to Earth)
Try not to be to hard on yourself Sandra these things happen to the best of us. I have had depression on and off since the birth of my first son nearly 14 years ago and strangely enough have just recently written my own post on my recent blip but like you I am now feeling much better. The main thing is you have admitted to yourself you are strugglig and need a little help. Things will get better with time and you have such a supportive family and followers who can all help lighten the load even if its just listening when you need to have a rant. Take one day at a time and put yourself and your needs first for a while we will all still be here when you are ready to come back. One piece of advice that helped me was writting I found that it really helped writting all my feelings down on paper and getting them out. I did this by using my own personal diary and found that when I would go back and read over past entries I could see myself feeling better day by day so when I did get a bad day I knew it would not last that it was just a temporary feeling. Hope you start feeling a little better soon.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love
Claire (Frugal Living)
xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx