The past few days I’ve been working diligently to clean up the papers on my desk in preparation for my sister and brother-in-law’s visit. Although I live in a basically clutter-free home, and my closet is always “ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille,” my desk…well that is another story.
I am the kind of worker who does not like to file things away because I have a fear of “OOS,OOM” (Out of Sight, Out of Mind). With this fear comes a desk filled with piles of papers that are yes, organized, but to my house guests may come across as messy and disorganized.
I would like to take a moment to share some thoughts with you on what’s on my desk that is important for me to keep in my sight.
Charlie’s Ruler: I don’t remember exactly when I got this ruler from my brother. It’s not the only ruler I own. I still have a ruler that I received from my pen pal in New Zealand when I was in grammar school; Jason’s dinosaur ruler, which he used at the St. Cloud Elementary School; a ruler that my husband got as a premium item from an old employer, Midlantic Bank; and one that I purchased during my first year of college. But when I need to use a ruler, Charlie’s Ruler is my go-to ruler.
Customized Pencil Holder: When I was in my 20s, my beloved Aunt Frances gave me an unusual gift of a check in a can. The can had to be opened with a can opener, and inside was a birthday check made payable to me. I kept the can for many years until I gave it to my son when he was in grammar school and he needed an empty can for a project. The can was transformed into a pencil cup with beautiful artwork from Jason’s early years along with the meaning of “MOTHER” spelled out for each letter. It makes me smile every time I reach for a pen.
Grandpa Miller’s Paper Weight: I was blessed with a close relationship with my maternal grandparents, both geographically and emotionally. When we were cleaning out Grandpa Miller’s stuff after he passed away, I asked to get first dibs on his paperweight. It is made of Lucite and has about 25 pennies hanging loosely inside. Every time I look at it I think of Grandpa Miller and his courage and chutzpah that brought him to the United States as a young man. He came here with no knowledge of English, limited education and a desire to live the American Dream. His experience taught me pride and gave me strength. He was never formally educated but he taught himself all about successfully investing in the stock market. After his retirement, his daily walks to the Verona Public Library to read the Wall Street Journal were witnessed and admired by friends.
“Think Outside the Box” Box: My sister and brother-in-law sent a “Think Outside the Box” box to me on a milestone birthday when I started my business. I keep it on display in my office as my reminder that thinking outside the box got me into a business that I enjoy, and working with clients I love.
Susan Davis’s Cape Cod Seagulls: My small collection of three Cape Cod Seagulls is on display on the credenza over my desk. I look up at these adorable pottery seagulls and am reminded of travel with my husband and son over the years and the great experiences that we have had, and hopefully will continue to experience.
I am sharing some of my favorite things to let you know that organizers are people too, and that we also keep sentimental items that are meaningful and bring us joy. Knowing this about myself has helped me be better at dealing with clients who are so attached to their belongings that they cannot let them go, even though they may be smothering in their stuff. I understand and appreciate the meaning and importance of keepsakes that bring back fond memories. Everything in moderation…
Happy Organizing!
By Eileen Bergman
Eileen Bergman is a Professional Organizer, a proud member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). Eileen may be reached at 973-303-3236 or [email protected].
