Recently I got an email inviting me to a webcast event starring Oprah’s clutter guru Peter Walsh. I’m sure this had to be either an early April Fool’s joke or a cyber-Freudian mistake— even so, they didn’t have to twist my arm to get me to sign up. I wore Estee Lauder makeup for years mainly because they gave free gifts; Peter Walsh was offering free goodies plus instruction and inspiration.
A few days ago a box arrives containing a starter kit for his new office organization system, designed with Office Max. I don’t open anything, waiting for Walsh’s guidance on the webcast.
Today is the day; it’s a rare event when I show up on time. I consider this a victory even though I don’t have to drive to my desk, and can attend wearing pajamas.
Anyway I watch my screen as Walsh explains the new system to his online audience—-about a million professional organizers….and me. In this group, I am definitely an Outlier outcast.
You can tell by the Twitter traffic– people are over the moon over #Office Max.
Here is Peter, describing transparent files, special slots for tabs and Post-it notes— everything coordinated and color coded to make life smooth and simple and sensible. I’m dazzled. I have stars in my eyes.
Then I take my eyes off Peter for a second. And I look over to the right of the screen. At my desk.
And here’s what I see.
Thank goodness this isn’t Skype and Peter can’t see ME.
Spare me the questions. (Is this really where you work? You swear you didn’t create this mess just for a picture? Aren’t you embarrassed for anyone to see this?) The answer is: Yes.
I actually made a list of stuff I uncovered on my desk a few months ago. Today I consider making another list– until I realize some of the same things are still there.
Meanwhile the webcast ends and I do get inspired. I spend at least 5 minutes clearing off my desk. Then I gather every piece of Peter Walsh’s system—and I put it where it belongs: on Cluttercast, where someone else will actually USE it.
I have to tell you how hard I laughed when I looked at your desk. Not because I’m laughing at YOU but because your desk and mine look very similar. Well, today mine looks SLIGHTLY better because I actually worked on it yesterday.
I’m so relieved I’m not alone. Aaaaah. 🙂 Thanks for making my whole day.
Great minds think alike. We can maybe form an online support group…
I did take a stab at mine briefly but even I can’t tell the difference.
You are not alone. Mine looks about the same! Mine are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bargainbriana/sets/72157616270128144/
LOL!
Is there a 12 step program for us…………lol
Thanks Briana, it was fun seeing your pictures. I’d be happy if those were my “after” pictures.
And Minnie– I’m willing to try a 12-step program if you find one.
Darryle,Did you hear me laugh? It was pretty loud. Great post.
I would love to add your View at Work to my ViewatWork compilation.
http://itsdifferent4girls.com/blog/2009/04/03/does-your-view-at-work-enhance-your-life/
@lindasherman
Linda, Did you hear ME laugh? At the idea of adding my desk to your View at Work compilation? Technically I guess this is my “view” at work…but most of the time, I try not to look!
I’ll bet your desk environment represents the majority of people who work at home.
But are you in a windowless room? That is a decision that I want to call attention to.
Some natural light flowing into the room makes a big difference.
Ah….light at the end of the tunnel. There IS natural light and there is a whole wall of windows in my office. I don’t spend most of the day looking out of them, but my cat does.
PS Hope you’re right about the majority of people, although I’ve never personally seen a desk as hopeless as mine.