8.01.2008

Are You Up For the Challenge?

I need to challenge myself. Let's face it, who doesn't need to challenge themselves every once in awhile? My time has come. I'm out of motivation and I don't know what to do. You know when you hit that wall with your home when you feel like you're ready to just throw everything away and start over? That's where I am. Since I don't have thousands of dollars to spend "starting over," I thought of this challenge. I decided that if I could have my home feeling new again, or at least just clean, that I might be able to appreciate all that I have a little better. (I know that when I clean myself up I definitely like myself better!) I can always find something to complain about whether it's myself or my home. So, instead of complaining, I decided to do something about it. The following is my "Home Renewal Challenge":


I'm putting this on my blog so that I have some accountability. My husband is too nice. He's happy just to have a roof over his head so he won't care if any of this stuff is done. My children definitely don't care. However, I know that some of my friends and family out there might care and may even be up for the challenge.

Are you up for the challenge? Anyone want to join me? If so, please refer to my challenge, but make it your own. (You can click on the document and save it to your computer.) The only thing that must stay the same is the 12 week deadline. I made it 12 weeks so that I could continue to be a good wife and mother. I wanted this task to be something I could actually accomplish without letting everything else in my life fall by the wayside. I also gave myself a budget so that I wouldn't be tempted to redecorate every room. It was a way to remind myself that this challenge is about renewing what I already have!

I would love your feedback. Did I leave anything out? Any suggestions? I really don't want to do this alone so I'm hoping that some of you crazy people will want to join me. Blog stalkers, family, friends, anyone crazy enough can join me. I'm going to report my progress each week on my blog and I would hope that you would do the same. Also, for those of you who would like to join me, I'm going to throw a party at the end. After all that cleaning I need to reward myself (Have you seen the Arctic Circle commercial? It will be like that only we will have actually accomplished something). If you do the challenge I would like to reward you also. I will be throwing a party for anyone who does the challenge. Please join me or at least send me some motivation. I need all the help I can get right now!

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

So is this what you do when you have too much time on your hands?
Sometimes people need to learn to relax and enjoy life and all we have been given. Quote by a infamous person.
We all need R&R!!

{Brittany} said...

Thanks, Brady, for your anonymous comment. Also, thanks for calling to apologize immediately after you wrote it. Don't worry, I don't take offense to any of your harassment. I've been putting up with it for so many years that I wouldn't know what to do if you weren't harassing me!

Also, I've been enjoying a little too much R&R lately, which is what prompted the challenge. Thanks for your concern though!!

Anonymous said...

You go girl!! I will be doing some similar things in order to get ready for the baby, pending he doesn't come earlier than expected. You need to take some before and after pics!!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this idea and would love to do it with you. However, I would have to start a week later because of Lake Powell.
I like the before and after picture idea too.
I have to admit that when I saw it I had the same thoughts as Brady, but mainly just because I don't ever think your house needs a makeover or challenge because I wish just one room in my house was as organized as yours.
You always have such great ideas.
-Camille

Jay and Bec said...

I just might take your challenge! However, I can't stop at cleaning alone. I want to finish some major projects, and I might need more than 12 weeks! The idea of having ALL of my carpets cleaned is probably motivation enough to follow your plan though. You are my inspiration!!!

Anonymous said...

Want to be you.

Dani

Unknown said...

I really admire your drive. You are hands down the most ambitious person I know. I got to tell you that I think this is great... maybe even a little too great! So, I tell you what: I am going to make a few small goals to have done in 12 weeks too... but at least I can say I don't need my carpets cleaned. I just got my mom's cleaner and cleaned all my rugs on Saturday. One point for Jenny! j/k

Patty said...

OK, sounds COOL! I have had this goal every summer and this summer maybe I'll do it! Now, I even have my daughter encouraging me on - Thanks! I'll try!

Reeses Pieces said...

I don't think I'm up for the challenge. I know I can't keep up so I'm not going to try. I wish I was more organized and my house was cleaner, but no matter what I do I can't keep up. Somebody HELP!

Michelle said...

I'm on board sister!! But I better hurry up since I have just 3 days to get my Master Bedroom cleaned up. I am really looking forward to the closet next week since I really need to clean out all maternity and put back and iron my other clothes. I am totally coming to your party too!! I am going to put this on my blog and put out the challenge to my friends and family too! You are the best.

Jordan said...

Are you serious? I can't believe you said you have had too much R&R lately. I am IN on the challenge. I regularly do the cleaning room by room, but I really liked the money for new decorations and containers. Also I think I have only touched up the paint once since we moved in over 2 years ago.

Courtney ♥ said...

I can not imagine you needing to organize your house or redecorate I think your house is fabulous!!! But I know the desire to change up things once in a while-so have fun!!!

Lynnise said...

That is a GREAT IDEA! I am moving this month so it is a perfect time for me to do this. I have tried to de-clutter as much as I can before we move so we don't have to move as much crap! I love the accountability part. I need accountability. Press on you organizational queen! I too, like Dani, want to be you.

Lors said...

Britt, you are amazing and an inspiration to me. I think I would love to at least try this. We just moved to Cali and we are in a small rental and I would love to take this time to dejunk like crazy. Everything feels so cluttered and out of place. Anyways. I am going to do this and prep while we await yet another house to be built.

Lis said...

ok, I am in. I am needing a kick in the pants like that for sure! Sounds like fun, though I don't know if I can wait that long to have the carpets cleaned.
Thanks for always reaching higher and inspiring me to do likewise. Wish me luck! And best of luck to you, though I don't think you'll need it.

Tonii said...

Brittany, I love you!! Your organizational skills put me to shame, and I am SO in on the challenge. What a fabulous idea!

Anonymous said...

I am in. Pretty sure I didn't commit before but I have been trying to organize- now that school is about to start- and I am ready for a house keeping challenge!

Dani

Anonymous said...

Okay...you win the award for the most comments ever! I don't think that many people even know I have a blog.
Cool to see how much everyone likes the idea...
-Camille