January Cure- Assignments 10 and 11

For the sake of catch up, and because these assignments are quick, I'm doing a combo post.  This week was filled with painting cabinets, work travel and family stuff so the work got done but the posts weren't written.  It happens. 

They may be two weeks old at this point, but these daisies are still bringing cheer.

So in honor of my resolution to not sweat the small stuff, I'm getting it in however I can. 

Plus, I'm remembering the asterisk.

What's the asterisk?  Well, whenever confronted with something he didn't want to do, my dad would always say, "Don't forget about the little asterisk next to my name." It would make us roll our eyes but it was a good reminder.  That asterisk basically meant he didn't have to do anything he didn't want to, and he always made sure we knew we had that asterisk, too.  We even included that asterisk in his obituary, just to show the world that he had a little something extra about him.  

Sure, while that asterisk never applied to the things that really needed to get done, it did allow us to play hooky with him on his days off.  Sometimes that asterisk would bleed over into things that had to get done (like doctor's appointments and the like) and become a sign of stubbornness.  But it would always remind us that we are the ones in control of our life, regardless of what others may want us to do.  So this week I'm remembering the asterisk (and my dad) and doing the January Cure to fit my life.  

Progress! It took a lot of paint samples to decide on this color, even though we've known for two years the cabinets would be gray.

Assignment 10 is to make sure you show off your January Cure progress and plan a get together for the first weekend in February.  It's a great excuse to see some friends or family and relish in your accomplishments. 

But really, the jury's out on us hosting something that weekend.  We're hosting friends this weekend for Jon's birthday and family the next, so a weekend off around then seems a little more on point. 

Maybe I'll use that weekend to host a get together with all of you and FINALLY show off the work in the kitchen!  How's that sound for a party?!  Maybe I'll even bake some cupcakes to celebrate.  Sound good?

Now that that's out of the way, time for assignment 11.  Pare down the stuff in your living room. Or den.  Or family room.  Or parlor as my Nana would say.  Just grab a box and thoughtfully edit down on the "stuff" on the shelves and tables.  Less is more, right?

One of the barren tables.  It usually has some type of flower or vase to give it height and drama, but I'm  ready for something new, perhaps a whole new table?

But here I go again, making a quasi-lame excuse as to why I won't really be doing this assignment.  See, I already did this one.  We decorate like crazy for Christmas and most of our day-to-day decor gets packed away to make room for ALL THE CHRISTMAS.  (It's only a problem if we admit it.)  Anyway, when it came to bringing things back out, I already moved some things around and took out some things I wasn't feeling into anymore.  So I'll go home today and try to fill those spaces instead.  I've got a couple tabletops that I need to fill, and taking more away just for the sake of the assignment would be pointless. 

So trudge on however you see fit, my friends.  Make the Cure work for you.

And remember the asterisk.