Taking out the trash

I'm not known around the office for my organization. Actually, I try very hard to stay organized, but by the end of the day, everything has been scattered about and I can't find anything.

For example, yesterday I came into work and looked for my notepad so I would be able to write a story. Needless to say, after 10 minutes of searching I couldn't find it. It was at that time my cell phone began to ring and I totally missed the call because it ended up underneath my desk. I still don't know how it made the journey there, but it did. I couldn't find my pens or my car keys. Finally, I threw my hands into the air and exclaimed to my coworkers that I had enough and I was cleaning my desk.

As soon as the words were out of my mouth there were cleaning supplies and a large trash can beside my desk. They smiled at me reassuringly, and then I began going through almost two years of notes, corrected stories, files and more information from school board meetings than I care to remember. Keep in mind this is the first time I had ever hardcore cleaned my desk and I found some interesting stuff. For instance, I came across information from reporters who were here while I was still in high school. Let's just say that it was at that point I realized how much stuff had accumulated.

When I was about halfway through the stacks of papers, I began to realize the amount of dust I had kicked up. I actually had to take a break and go outside because it was irritating my lungs too much. But it didn't deter me; I conquered the dust bunnies and other areas of my desk that were sticky. I still don't want to know how that happened.

After more stacking, organizing and throwing away things that were not important as well as a few inputs and jokes from my coworkers, I was finally finished. My desk is now dust free and everything has it's own special place. I feel much more prepared and confident in myself. But honestly, I'm just happy I can find my stuff. Next up, conquering my e-mail!