I’ll do that later.
Oh! I need to go back and finish that.
I’ll work on that this weekend when I have more time.
It sounds so innocent when I say it in the moment and my intentions are so positive as the words utter out of my mouth. But the truth…well the truth is hitting me smack dab in the face today and I’m taking you along for the ride.
You see, I’m not a closer. I really only like doing the things I like doing and the things I don’t like doing I tend to not do. I know, not a very good personality trait.
Some might even say it borders on immaturity (eeek!).
But my dreams and ideas are big! How can I hold back my great idea of adding herringbone paint sticks to that piece of plywood to go finish up some small trim painting that is hardly noticeable?
Once I see a project is going to work out and it looks pretty good…I start dreaming about the next big thing and tend to let the details fall by the wayside. Raise you hand if you’re in that boat with me?
Sometimes it makes me feel like I am constantly scooping water out of the boat but never really sinking.
Here’s proof:
Looks pretty right? Well….
This chair is #soclosetoamazing but my procrastination on this has reached epic levels. Confession: I hate sewing piping. I want to pipe this cushion cover and have all the elements to complete it just sitting in the closet but I just haven’t done it…for like 18 months.
In my mind I know it would only take me probably an hour to finish this chair, but instead I place our bed pillows on it every night and sigh. I’m sure this chair, when finished, would become the star of Pinterest and exclaim it had become “too big” to hold our lowly bed pillows each night.
Proof #2
Okay…are you sitting down? I’m about to tell you the truth about spray painting fixtures. During my very first One Room Challenge (see it here) I sprayed my shower faucet and shower surround oil-rubbed bronze. I read everything I could on Pinterest about how to spray them and how they held up etc….
Behold
Yep…it doesn’t hold up. I scuffed up the fixtures, used primer and quality spray paint. It doesn’t hold up. Maybe now is the time I should mention I have the best husband in the world because not once has he said, “You ruined the bathroom”. Nope. Not once.
For about a year I have said I’m going to go in and fix this…somehow. But now I am able to procrastinate even longer because we have decided we will do a whole bathroom makeover in the next year or two pulling out the large tub and moving the toilet and expanding the shower. Evidence that DIY can save you and your marriage. 🙂
Proof #3
I think so many times we have amazing spaces and we overlook something that would jump out to anyone else but we are so used to seeing it, it doesn’t even register anymore.
I was in the middle of painting our great room when my mom had an afternoon to come and paint while I was at work. She wasn’t sure if I was going to take down the curtains for good so she painted around them. Y’all it’s been like this for at least 3 months.
And just in case you had the silly notion that bloggers houses always look so pulled together. I backed up the camera to show you what I wasn’t getting in the frame. Keepin’ it real around here.
This room is so close to amazing…just not there.
My friend KariAnne wrote an incredible book filled with stories and life-lessons that will make you laugh, cry, reflect, and feel uplifted…I promise. She has been my favorite blogger for quite some time and now I am happy to say she is my new favorite author. I read the whole thing cover to cover the first night and I honestly can say, it won’t be disappointing.
I’m fortunate to be part of team that received an advanced copy of her book, So Close To Amazing. If you are looking for a book to make you laugh, cry, sigh, and giggle this is the book for you (plus it is filled with directions for a DIY project at the end of every chapter!). It’s going to be released to the public in September, but you can pre-order your copy today (affiliate link).
I’m also going to go out on a limb and do something I’ve never done before…ever. I’m going to jump onto Facebook Live on Thursday, June 15th at 5:00 EST to give you a few updates to spaces that are #soclosetoamazing and answer any questions for you that I can (if I can read that little screen). It will either be amazing…or so close. Won’t you join me? You can Like my Facebook page HERE so you are notified when I go live. 🙂
Love this post because I can relate in every way. Proud to be on Karianne’s team with you!
Thanks! I love being on her team. What a fun, uplifting way to spend my summer. 🙂
I LOVE THIS POST!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much, sweet friend, for the shout out! I’m so thankful for you! Thankful for keeping it real. Thankful for your honesty and joy and incredible heart.
karianne
As they say at Chick-Fils-A…my pleasure. It’s not hard to share about something that is SOOOOOO GOOD! My poor friends that don’t have a copy of the book have had to put up with me trying to “tell” them the stories I’ve read over the phone which doesn’t do it justice (kinda like telling someone else’s joke).
Nancy
Same here! I’ll get dressed to that… later. Like two years later! Why rush when there’s tomorrow?
Right. I think there is direct correlation between showering early in the morning and my ability to get things done. The longer I lounge in my pajamas the less likely I am to accomplish much. I guess that shouldn’t be a surprise. 🙂
Nancy
Love this post!! I just sat down to write the true confessions about why they ORC room was shot front on and not flow thru to the ktichen. LOL.. And truthfully, I was having a hard time figuring out how to get started. I’m so thrilled to have you and our amazing friend, KariAnne, leading the #soclosetoamazing way! Now, I’m totally inspired. Thanks for sharing!! XOXO Susie from The Chelsea Project
Oh I can’t wait to read that! I’m sure it is going to be the “tell-all” of The Chelsea Project. Your space was so beautiful…I can’t imagine there is a space that is #soclosetoamazing lurking around the corner. 🙂
Nancy
I think that there are many that can relate to the procrastination!….So happy that Kari has reached her dreams and published her book!
Perfection is over-rated right? Her book is a good read for sure. Hope you are having an awesome summer filled with all your travels!
Nancy
Nancy – how on earth have I missed your blog before? I love this, your home is awesome. It can be scary to admit to the world that we are not perfect, thank you for letting me know I am in good company!
Oh Teresa! I’m so happy you found the blog. I try to keep it real around here and do projects and home decor posts that will be helpful or inspirational. Thanks for commenting! I appreciate it more than you know! Have an awesome weekend!
Nancy
I fell in love with your blog sometime ago and I always leave reading a post feeling inspired. Now that I know we a
truly “almostawesome” sisters I know why I instantly felt at home! I made a promise to myself that I couldn’t start or buy anything for a new project until I ffinshed other planned projects, lol, I still can’t park my car in the garage ? So happy you shared your story from your heart and for sharing about Kari’s book too! Feels so good to know I’m not alone and that there’s hope for us all ?
Hi Cornelia,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I should really finish all these projects before I start another one…but a girl has to have something to blog about. I think everyone has a list that doesn’t seem like it is going to end. I won’t even tell you about the garage. It was totally spic and span three weeks ago and now it looks like an explosion again. A project for another day.
Nancy
Another great post, Nancy! Love your posts! I think we all procrastinate! I have a list of things I need to finish and am slowly getting around to completing them! It always feels good to be able to cross one off the list!
Enjoy your weekend! Blessings!
Thanks Mary-Ann. I’m inspired by you working on finishing your list! Maybe I should write these things down so I am more apt to start working on them. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
Nancy