Reasons to be Cheerful – Getting Things in Order

Getting parcels has always been excitement inducing for me. I mean, you can’t really beat that feeling of unwrapping paper and packing, full of anticipation of what’s inside (which is weird in itself really, because I probably only ordered it a day or two ago so I probably know exactly what’s inside!) can you? Once upon a time, for a parcel to evoke squealing and jumping up and down from me, it would have to have been shoes, or a new dress, or something else that had not much purpose other than to look pretty. Never in a million years did I think I’d be able to muster up quite that level of excitement over a household object, yet here I was this week, doing a little happy dance because my new clothes rail had arrived!

In fairness, the anticipation had built a little. I’ve been complaining about my teeny tiny clothes rail ever since I moved back in with my parents. It was always supposed to be a temporary measure, because it was pretty small and rather flimsy, so just wasn’t up to the task of holding all those heavy, big skirts I am so partial too. But despite my growing irritation at only having about 20% of my wardrobe available to me at any one time, I kept putting off replacing it, because, well, it was still standing wasn’t it? And people kept having sales and sending me discount codes which meant I had no choice but to prioritise and spend my spare dosh on yet more shoes and dresses that I had no space for, obviously. Then a couple of weeks ago the inevitable happened and the rail collapsed, so it was time to bite the bullet and invest in a new, sturdier version.

The waiting game wasn’t over there though. I’d started to look forward to having a sort out as soon as I’d ordered it and the excitement grew with every email update I got – order received, order despatched, order out for delivery…. then nothing! After day three of obsessively checking the doormat for failed delivery cards I re-read my emails only to realise I’d accidentally had it sent to my old address. Balls. Luckily the new tenant had accepted it in and I finally got to unwrap my favourite new thing on Thursday!

It’s strange how such a seemingly small thing can make such a big difference to your mood! I mentioned last week that I’d been feeling a bit down about not having my own space, so to finally drag all those bags out from under my bed and hang up all my favourite pieces was extremely therapeutic. I’ve still got some of my more special party frocks vacuum packed, and a good two thirds of my beloved shoes are still in storage, but the majority of things I wear on a regular basis are now close to hand and it’s made me feel so much better. It’s still no substitute for a proper wardrobe, but now at least there is room for it all and it hangs a little more neatly, meaning I don’t have to drag the ironing board out every other day (and lord knows how much I hate to iron, so this can only be a good thing!)

The best bit? There is actually still some room on that rail. Not that I ever let that stop me….

Love,

P.S – In case you were wondering if that carpet has been around since the 80’s, why yes, it has actually! My parents were going to replace it, but since I was bringing the dog back with me, well, you do the math. It’s not the prettiest, I know, but I can live with it!