2026

 For 2026, I wanted to do a Mt. Vernon clean, organize, and declutter of the house for the second time. This time clockwise which would focus on the downstairs first. Friday would be the day to focus a little time on this project. It's only happened twice in eight weeks. :-( I made it from the front door, down the stairs and around the corner to the bathroom. The light fixtures have been cleaned and the medicine cabinet has been cleaned and organized. I decided I wanted to add a little color so I bought some contact paper to cover the medicine cabinet shelves. Any leftover paper will line the cupboard under the sink. This still needs to be done.

So why has it only happened twice? I've been listening to Gretchen Rubin's podcasts and learning more on the things she's passionate about. One of those things is her 4 Tendencies framework. From the quiz, I have discovered that I'm an obliger. I can meet outer expectations, but struggle with inner expectations. This Mt. Vernon project is an inner expectation. Without external accountability, it's difficult for obligers to meet those inner expectations. So, here I am again with putting it "on paper" to help motivate me to work on this project that I really do want to do. Messiness creeps in. Some areas get neglected in cleaning. Clutter has taken up residence. This was last done in 2023. I do weekly cleaning of the bathrooms, sweeping, vacuuming (for the most part). I've done some tiny tasks on things that have bothered me. I even led a 100 day tiny task challenge on the GOHQ FB page at the end of 2024.

I just need a posted plan and probably some before and after pictures on the FB page to get me moving a little more consistently. I've been writing the appointment in my planner, but not doing it. 

Here's the plan...

Downstairs bathroom--Feb

Laundry room--Mar

Library--April

Office--May

Garage--June

Shed--July

Master--Aug

Upstairs bathroom & hallway--Sept

Den--Oct

Kitchen--Nov

Living room and finish at the front door--Dec

I'll again skip Dash's and Trixie's bedrooms. Trixie is hoping to move out of the dorms and into an apartment. Application has been submitted, just waiting for availability. I don't think she's taking everything from her room. If she does get the apartment, I'll focus on her room in 2027. If an apartment isn't available by the end of April, she will be moving home. Dash's room is a total disaster. He's working full-time plus which is great, but he has a closet issue that needs to be addressed. However, I can't work on his closet until the floor is cleaned up. If he spent a few minutes a day, even with his work schedule....it should have been done weeks ago. I've tried guiding him step by step. I think his tendency may be rebel! He starts paramedic school in July and that will last 18 months. He has a plan for making enough money that he might be able to buy a house, possibly the year after he graduates. He will not be allowed to move into Trixie's room. He's already destroyed his current room which he can't keep clean. The only place he'll be moving is out!

That's the plan.