Attack of Bullet Hole's Decluttering Brigade!

It's hit. The decluttering bug. It hits me annually this time of year. But this year it's worse.

It might have something to do with the squirrels storing up for the winter tradition that compels me to dig into my closets and start tossing and grab the cleaning implements and gloves and take no prisoners. This year, however, it's really gotten out of hand. I'm not satisfied with mere organizing and cleaning. I've taken the Annual Autumnal Cleaning Campaign to a whole new level.

And it's wreaking havoc with my writing regime.

I blogged last week about sending my students off to college and the painting projects I undertook. (My son's room had been a deep, dark red. Do you have any idea how many coats of 'Popcorn' colored primer and paint it took to cover those walls?) We managed to finish those projects. Then, my son decided it was time to buy the drafting table he had wanted for some time. It was on sale. The time was right.

So we spent much of last Sunday assembling that item. I finally had to call my brother for help lest I say some naughty words that should never be uttered, let alone on the Sabbath. Three hours and a Supreme Pizza later it was together--and a thing of beauty! It even folded up like it was supposed to!

With the addition of the new drafting table, the existing computer table had to be removed to make room. My daughter promptly decided she wanted it. That meant finding a new place for her computer table. Since I inherited the table, I decided my office needed a facelift. So I practically gutted it and started over with a new furniture arrangement. I worked until late last night on my office but I am pleased with the result.

Then I visited my sister-in-law and greatly admired her kitchen and dining room updating project and promptly decided I needed to update my dining room and television room with chair rail and new paint. That means taking down an existing border, buying and staining the rail boards, and, yes--more painting. And, of course this also means new flooring.

Which begs the question: Just when do you plan to write, Bullet Hole? And do class work for three classes? And, uh, sleep?

I admit it. I'm having a bit of difficulty getting back into the swing of a disciplined writing schedule now that I'm working ten hour shifts, fall classes have started, and I've come down with a serious case of ultimate home makeover sydrome.

Last night I decided I needed to come up with a disciplined schedule I could--and would--adhere to that would provide time for writing, coursework, family--and would also allow me time to pursue my home decorating whims.

Today was supposed to be a writing day. Let's see. I've reconciled my bank statements. Made a trip to the Post Office, Walmart, and the convenience store for gas & I'm blogging.

Not a stellar start.

And I hear there's a heck of a sale on laminate flooring...

Dang. I'm doomed!

Anybody else out there similarly afflicted with the decluttering and home improvement bug? How is it manifesting itself? Oh--and if anybody has any foolproof tips on removing wallpaper borders--pass 'em along!

~Bullet Hole Bacus~

P.S. Congrats to Leslie 'The Assassin' Langtry on the release of HITMAN! Whoo hoo! Can't wait to read it!