When Ruth posted the 31 Slice Ideas, my mind lingered for a moment about TV. I began to wonder how I could craft a piece about a TV show. I watch CSI with my husband and love The Mentalist (Patrick is so observant). Our family has started watching The Voice and don’t always agree with the judges. But I didn’t want to list the shows; I wanted to connect. Then it hit me – Monk.
Let’s just say, Mr. Monk and me, well…we have some similar traits. In the introductory scene, Mr. Monk returns at the door to turn the umbrella the correct way. When Adrian organizes papers, shelves, and books, my family looks at me. They don’t have to say it; they just know I relate. You see, I like to have items in an orderly fashion. It’s wonderful when the counters are clear, the shoes are lined up by the door, and the dishes are tidy. I love the sense of organization. The neatness. The put-awayness. The everything-is-in-its-place ness. This is my heart’s desire.
The difference between Monk and me – I survive daily with my house not being tidy. Clean clothes are in laundry baskets waiting to be folded. Dishes are in the sink. Books are in piles. Although I would love for the tidiness to be in fashion, I look beyond my impulse to the family I have and live in reality. My family activities, the writing I do, the reading and commenting on blogs are more important than the desire to be an obsessive compulsive neat freak. One day, my children will be gone and the house will be quiet. Maybe then, I’ll have time to be neat. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy watching Mr. Monk keep his place organized and love my family instead.
Book Savors 
Well said, one has to have one’s priorities after all! Liked your phrases, “The put awayness and the everything-is-in-its-place ness.”
I’m glad that you know how to live in the midst of the mess–and realize how important that is for now. On the other hand…if you just can’t stop yourself, I have plenty of things that need tidying up around here!
I love your humor, Ruth. I must say you have great closets and hiding places, because your house looks so tidy to me. 🙂
I’ve never seen Monk, but I love how you can compare yourself to someone but still be comfortable with how life is now. If you like The Mentalist, though, you’d ADORE Psych on USA channel. It’s hilarious, I think.
I have heard of Psych, but have not seen it. Maybe over spring break next week. 🙂
Yes…definitely. I’ll bet Netflix has the first season. The main character makes fun of The Mentalist in one episode — crazy funny!
I know someone who likes things in order just like this–my husband! I love how you found the connection to tv that was just right for a slice. And I love how you found balance in your life between the order you desire and the comfortable disorder you are willing to live with.
That last line is a gem!
I’ve watched Monk a few times and chuckle at his orderliness. I’ve got a daughter with a few of those tendencies. Maybe I have too but there is no one watching me week to week to notice!
Gotta love Monk but can’t live in his world. Monk is a hero to my husband. He would love the house to be like Monk’s, but then I live there too, so that isn’t going to happen. Oh, well. . .
Your post really resonated with me. I’m a very organized and neat person. Years ago, one of my aunts remarked that my house was so neat it didn’t look like people really lived in it. As I said, that was years ago. Like you, I worry less and less about how tidy things are and what’s put away and what’s left out. My time can be better spent enjoying my family. Thanks for reminding me that I’ve come a long way.
There’s a lot to be said about giving up some things for a happy home, and, I think, everything in it’s place is worth putting off until the day comes when you can do it with flair! I see you as a free spirit in any case.
This post made me laugh. The first half reminded me of my roommate. The second, of myself! haha… we are kind of a match made in Heaven — most days. 🙂
Such fun, Mary Helen, but I want to confess, my children are gone & my house is still messy. Isn’t that called wishful thinking or something? Love that you connect with Monk. He is an interesting character & oh so neat & tidy. I confess I would love it if someone would do the boring stuff, like laundry, etc. I would have so much more time, wouldn’t you? I do like it that you have your priorities quite straight!
I love this post! I can so identify, but I regret to inform you that you probably won’t have a neat house when the kids are gone. My husband travels and I make the biggest mess when he’s out of town. I sometimes tell myself in the morning as I leave, I hope I don’t die before I get a chance to come home and straighten up!