Executive decision

I think it's a Sheryl Crow song that says it best. "A change would do you good." After reflecting upon my bout of negativity last week, I decided to change course a bit. The causes, as usual, were numerous:

1) The whole debacle with the returning trains. It wasn't so much that they ended up returning to the clutter, but that they returned because I didn't take the time to check them out (and in the case of one of them, failed to pack things as securely as I usually do). The cost of their return also brought about poopiness, as I had spent some of the funds and had to scramble to replace it. Realizing that I had become caught up in the money, I decided to ease off the selling aspect of the project. I'll still put an item or two up as I come across them, but the effort to do so will be minimum or I won't obsess on it.

2) The attic is cold. Even a portable heater isn't all that helpful, and given that there really isn't room downstairs for all the sorting space required, I didn't feel much like hanging around shivering while I decided if anyone would benefit from my "collection" of magazines, or as I determined just how much that antique doll is worth.

3) The attic is dusty. Between the meds that dry me out, the dry winter air that aggravates the situation, and my nasty tobacco habit, my sinuses are a wreck. Just five minutes in the dust gives me a headache.

4) Mom. And her stuff.

I'm sure there are a few other factors that contributed to the sad state of mental affairs last week, but just these causes alone could drive even the most stable of people a bit off the track. So, as I stated earlier, I decided to make a change in the project direction. I decided I needed a little positive success energy, sort of like the energy derived from finishing off the entryway. Thus, the one room of One Room is no longer the attic, although I might stop up there on occasion to grab a box. No, the one room is now…the second, or 'guest' as the Mrs. has taken to calling it, bedroom.

Seemed a logical choice, actually. We had already moved out the previous resident to a college setting, and pulled up the nasty twenty-plus year old carpet. We had already discussed what we wanted to do with the room and bought the paint to redecorate. We, mostly me, just found many other things to do rather than finish up the changes to the room. Well, not any more. In fact, as I type this I have half a ceiling awaiting my paintbrush. I'm even feeling a little excitement at the thought of taking the 'after' picture to post for you (with the requisite 'before' picture) once things are finished. Almost giddy.

How's that for positive publishing?