Charlie is home sick today; he has a hacking cough that seems to get worse any time he gets close to me. You know, like when he climbs into my lap to snuggle or curls up next to me on the sofa. Which is awesome.

I have a huge to-do list, mostly of big project-y things, like take down the Christmas trees (we still have both of ours up! yes really! the one in the playroom is still fully decorated and lit, too, which is just sad) and buy a desk (the front of the drawer in our hand-me-down desk fell completely off this morning, while I was on the phone, so now the Chap Sticks and post it notes are spilling out into my lap while I work) and replace printer ink (since the printer isn’t functioning as a printer at all right now, but only as a scanner, which is fine except for the part where I need to print things, like for work and all).

Sigh.

Porter Collector Desk, Pottery Barn. This desk is going to change my life.

I’ve been feeling fairly introspective recently, which in theory should make it easier to write, but in reality makes it harder, because … well, I’m not sure why.  I have all these things buzzing around in my head, but I can’t bring myself to write about any of them. Sort of like I can’t bring myself to get that damn Christmas tree out of my dining room.

The Christmas tree is driving me crazy. Then again, a lot of things are driving me crazy just now. But only one of them is standing in my living room.

In a few weeks, I’m speaking at Mom 2.0, on a panel titled — ready for this? — Clearing Out Mental Clutter:

So many of us are rocking out on social media, but we are still struggling with managing a crazed schedule and creating a balanced life. News Flash: the world our Mother’s taught us how to be women in, is as ancient as the dinosaurs! Innovation is the name of the game when attempting to clear our schedules and our heads. This panel will discuss topics from time/project management to clutter habits that stand in your way as well as redefining our standards of perfection and acceptance.

I will be talking about how to work a 40 hour week with a lap full of lip balm and Sharpies, apparently.

It’s going to be a great panel. I might show pictures of my Christmas tree.