Monday, Monday

on August 30, 2010
in All Posts

Afternoon!

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Wanna know my favorite way to recover from a very long run? WALK!  Sitting on the couch is oh-so-tempting, but getting out there and moving my legs has proven to be the best remedy for post-run aches.  I took a break this morning to walk James and then walk to the store.  It felt good to move!

 

Post-walk, I came home and surveyed the mess that is my house…

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Let it be known that I am extremely Type A and organizational.  The clutter in my house is currently KILLING ME.  Today is jammed with Husband’s-clinic-support-activities and writing, but once I hit publish on this post, I’m going to do a 15 minute speed clean.  I literally set the oven timer and GO.  I feel productive, it forces me to focus on the big stuff, and at the end, the house is pretty neat.

 

Side note: my dogs are cute.  James always lets Maggie win.

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Annnnnd lunch:

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Leftover grilled tofu, brie cheese, sprouts, and tabbouli on bread:

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The lovely brie was a little lost on the sandwich though.  I hate it when that happens!

 

Dessert:

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Ready, set, CLEAN.

{ 72 comments }

 

  • Nicole - yuppieyogini.com August 30, 2010, 1:18 pm

    I dread cleaning….at least you’ll start the week with a clean house!

  • Stacy August 30, 2010, 1:18 pm

    I know exactly what you mean! Even just a quick clean of the apartment helps to clear my head. Otherwise I can’t seem to focus on anything but the mess!

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com August 30, 2010, 1:20 pm

    I am all about the ‘big picture’ clean. Basically just make sure the majority of the floor is visible and not covered by blankets, multiple pairs of shoes, or dog toys. 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 30, 2010, 1:21 pm

    i know what you mean, our house is a wreck! i need to do a big deep clean tonight…gotta get ready for fall 🙂

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 30, 2010, 1:22 pm

    I do that speed cleaning too — although I’ve never set the timer, good idea! I need to have order and cleanliness in my house, I just can’t seem to function without it. My husband on the other hand can handle some chaos. So now he does his best to keep the chaos in his office and not in the rest of the house 🙂

  • Amelia August 30, 2010, 1:22 pm

    Aww I love that picture of your dogs. Very cute.

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) August 30, 2010, 1:22 pm

    I like your cleaning method, with the timer – clever!
    I find walking reaaally helps me too after a long run. I’ve started doing an hour after my long runs (later in the day) and an hour the next day, and I don’t get stiff or achey at all 😀

  • Melissa August 30, 2010, 1:23 pm

    I totally agree about cleaning – I try to take 5 or 10 minutes a day and just tidy up a little bit. I can’t think straight when I have to clean everything all at once.

  • Evan Thomas August 30, 2010, 1:23 pm

    Do you watch Hoarders? Because THAT is clutter. This is like 5 minutes of power cleaning!

  • Dorry August 30, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I woke up in a cleaning frenzy this morning – determined to organize my home work area. It’s a great way to start the week!

  • Leanne @ Radiant, Balanced & Fit August 30, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I really like the idea of setting the timer. My mom used to do that with us when I was young & I had completely forgot!

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. August 30, 2010, 1:25 pm

    I love speed cleaning! It’s amazing what 15 or 20 minutes can really do!!

  • Tina August 30, 2010, 1:27 pm

    I really like that idea of setting a timer and trying to get as much done as possible. I need to do that. I always put off cleaning because I feel I don’t have enough time for it, but messes drive me crazy too. What a great idea.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 30, 2010, 1:27 pm

    I hate clutter too, but with the little boys…life seems to always be a mess. Good luck with getting your stuff done today!

  • Madeleine August 30, 2010, 1:28 pm

    hey caitlin! i love your blog! just was wondering what fashion blogs you read. i’m looking for some good ones.

    • Caitlin August 30, 2010, 1:31 pm

      Oooo!

      I like whatiwore.tumblr.com.

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) August 30, 2010, 1:35 pm

    My house needs a whole lot more than a 15 minute clean…

    maybe a 1.5 hour clean… argh…

    but blogging is providing some excellent distraction right now 🙂

  • Shanna, like Banana August 30, 2010, 1:36 pm

    A clean house makes me feel at peace. And with pets, it’s hard!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! August 30, 2010, 1:44 pm

    I am just like you! Hate a disorganized & messy house or office, drives me insane. Hope your speed clean helped. =)

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 30, 2010, 1:45 pm

    My parents’ house is clutter central, so I love having my own place to keep clean. Stuff definitely piles up quickly though…I need to try a speed clean! Have a great afternoon!

  • Kelly August 30, 2010, 1:50 pm

    I hate cleaning, awful. Sorry about the clutter. And your pups are cute.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg August 30, 2010, 1:51 pm

    Yes, any time I’m really sore, I always feel SO much better after a walk!

  • Christine August 30, 2010, 1:54 pm

    I find I clean best when I have a deadline. Even a fake one like the timer trick seems to work.

    Actually, that’s not true, I clean best when I am putting off doing something else. Second best with a deadline. Haha

  • Jes August 30, 2010, 1:56 pm

    I love the timer idea for a quick clean up! I am terrible in the summertime about putting it off until it is to an unbearable point… maybe I will have to start doing the 15 minute timer idea every day! =) Thanks!

  • Angela August 30, 2010, 1:57 pm

    I’m totally type A too and my BF is a cluttered mess. Luckily he keeps his stuff in his office so I don’t have to see it daily (but I do get the urge to sneak in and clean). Lunch looks yummy, sorry about the brie!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day August 30, 2010, 2:01 pm

    I hate being Type A too – I can never, never relax until everything is organized. I’m trying to make peace with the fact that my apartment will never be perfect all the time, because it can be hindering 🙂

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa August 30, 2010, 2:05 pm

    I know what you mean about speed cleaning. I’m a clutter type person but at a certain point it starts messing with my mind. That happened last night. While I didn’t have time to clean my entire apartment, a speedy clean worked wonders!

  • Marina August 30, 2010, 2:08 pm

    I wish I was a neat person, but I’m definitely not.
    I guess I’ll put it on my to-become list for the new semester :))

  • Trish August 30, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Will you come clean my house too?!??! 🙂

  • Sarah for Real August 30, 2010, 2:14 pm

    I love speed cleans! It’s surprising how much you can get done in just 15 minutes.

  • Heather August 30, 2010, 2:15 pm

    I speed clean too! sometimes you just have to do it that way, if you look at everything, its way to overwheming!

  • Heather August 30, 2010, 2:15 pm

    I speed clean too! sometimes you just have to do it that way, if you look at everything, its way to overwheming!

  • Rachel August 30, 2010, 2:17 pm

    Are those the chocolate pb cups from TJs?! They look like it!! They are delishhh wow.

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous August 30, 2010, 2:32 pm

    Ohmygosh, your messy is MY neat. I wish I was as organized as you are!

  • Kacy August 30, 2010, 2:36 pm

    I do the same thing with cleaning! I have to have a clean house or I can’t leave it.

  • Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy August 30, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I think 15 minutes is the maximum amount of time I would want to spend cleaning, not the minimum! I wish I’d considered walking after my run yesterday because I’m a bit stiff now!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 30, 2010, 3:01 pm

    Disorder drives me nuts, too. It’s like the wider I open my eyes to a mess the more my brain starts freaking out. I realize how insane this sounds.

  • Paige @Running Around Normal August 30, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I have to have my house in order, too. I don’t know how people can have clutter every where. I’m especially ADD about having stuff on the counters. I hate stuff on the counters! lol

  • Candice August 30, 2010, 3:15 pm

    I am totally with you on the clutter issue. I’ve leaned that if just take even 10 minutes a day to pick up our house stay exponentially cleaner throughout the week. And it makes me and the husband feel so much better!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 30, 2010, 3:36 pm

    My legs feel much better when I get them moving! A walk is a great way to do that on your off days

  • Rachael @ Houston Health Blogs August 30, 2010, 3:36 pm

    I totally need to try the 15 min oven timer! I am a total type A, clutter drives me insane. It seems I’m always late because I try and do a quick clean so maybe the timer will help keep me focused lol.

  • Amber K August 30, 2010, 3:39 pm

    I absolutely can’t stand cleaning, but I also can’t stand a mess! So I just get through it to enjoy the after effects. It is sorta like exercise! I don’t always love it while I’m doing it, but the feeling afterwards can’t be beat!

  • Neen@Broad Bean to Runner Bean August 30, 2010, 3:43 pm

    I love when the house is all clean and tidy and sparkly! it makes me feel complete!

  • LindseyAnn August 30, 2010, 3:47 pm

    Add another one to the “can’t stand clutter” category. My boyfriend and I just moved to a new apartment, and are in the midst of an ongoing paint project, and thus can’t unpack fully yet. The boxes and inability to completely organize and settle. I like the idea of the 15 minute oven timed clean–I’ll keep that in mind! 🙂

  • katie @runthislife August 30, 2010, 3:52 pm

    I totally feel your need-for-organization! It is amazing how much better a quick clean-up can make you feel. It helps me get other things done, too. I just can’t concentrate on writing or ANYTHING if I know that a messy house is waiting…and thanks for the walking-after-a-long-run tip! I actually headed out for a nice walk on Saturday after my Friday evening long run and it really did help!

  • kate August 30, 2010, 4:07 pm

    Im the same way about our house. My boyfriends office/work area is awful right now! Its taking everything in me to not throw everything in a giant box 🙂

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl August 30, 2010, 4:16 pm

    Good idea on the 15 minute speed clean! Sometimes just taking a few minutes to straighten makes a huge difference in how clean a house feels.

    …and now I’m craving Reese’s.

  • Sara August 30, 2010, 4:16 pm

    They are cute (the dogs). I don’t like it when I feel the house is a mess. 🙁 I feel your pain.

  • Hedda August 30, 2010, 4:32 pm

    We share that desire for organization, haha! My mind goes all messy if my room is messy, chain reaction.

    Your advice is very good, and also goes for if you have had a looong ride on the bicycle. My brother participated in this “superman- race” with his bicycle on Saturday. A very demanding race over parts of a mountain, and he is now in recovery with daily walks. Just small, slow walks to prevent too much soreness.

    Enjoy the rest of your Monday, Caitlin 🙂

  • Dynamics August 30, 2010, 4:36 pm

    I love the setting the timer trick. Thanks Caitlin!

  • Hillary August 30, 2010, 4:39 pm

    What is dessert? Something you made?

  • Joanna @ landanimal.wordpress.com August 30, 2010, 4:45 pm

    Post-run walks definitely ease the pain! Also, Mondays are my favs 🙂

  • Stacey August 30, 2010, 5:10 pm

    Setting the timer is a GREAT idea! I never seem to know when to stop..and sometimes it makes me late for things! Lovely eats my dear, have a good rest of the day 🙂

  • Jennifer @ Frost Bites August 30, 2010, 5:34 pm

    Ugh…reminds me that I need to clean my house…promised myself I would do it after I get back from settling my daughter back to college…it’ll be easier…1 less person in the house.
    I’m also one of those type A people….

    Your doggies are sooo cute…wish my doggie could come for play-day…he needs more “socialization”

  • Andrea August 30, 2010, 5:35 pm

    I’m all about the speed cleans, too. A very manageable way to de-clutter a little! Also, I agree that walking a little is good for soreness- I’ve recently gotten back into ballet and I always go for a little walk the morning after to ease the pain!

  • Lauren August 30, 2010, 5:46 pm

    I used to set my timer and do a speed clean when I was little and my mom forced me to clean my room. Making it a game always makes cleaning easier 🙂

  • Cathy K August 30, 2010, 5:49 pm

    i’m SO the same in not being able to tolerate CLUTTER! it un-centres me! love the tip about turning on the timer and blitzing the cleaning-now that’s time management, Type A style, done beautifully!

  • Caitlin August 30, 2010, 5:52 pm

    I’m super-Type-A, too, which is why I HATE to clean. Once I start, I feel like I can’t stop until every thing is spotless. Too much pressure! Speed cleaning might be a good solution.

    I usually save cheese to eat alone or very plainly. I find the flavor is too easily lost in sandwiches and wraps.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) August 30, 2010, 6:06 pm

    A clean house always feels sooo incredibly refreshing. It makes me feel so energized afterwards.

    Actually *doing* the cleaning isn’t so fun though. 😉

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit August 30, 2010, 6:30 pm

    That sandwich looks awesome!

  • eatmovelove August 30, 2010, 6:36 pm

    That’s clean! My place is a hot mess. Literally hot. The humidity is sick. Oof.

    Lovin’ the dog action shot! It’s like one of them is looking right at the camera too!

  • christina cadden August 30, 2010, 7:03 pm

    I love your speed clean thing! I need to try that!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 30, 2010, 7:08 pm

    I love doing 15 minute cleans. I’ve got one coming up as soon as I finish the movie I’m watching.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 30, 2010, 7:52 pm

    A 15 minute clean is actually a really good idea. I’ve never done it, but often feel overwhelmed with my house work on top of “real” work. Great idea!

  • nick August 30, 2010, 8:11 pm

    hi, where did you get the long white computer table that is pictured in your blog? i like that it can accommodate two computers, and i am looking for something exactly like that. can you tell me where you found it?
    thank you.

    • Caitlin August 30, 2010, 8:14 pm

      it is a double desk from IKEA!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing August 30, 2010, 8:22 pm

    I’m SUCH a neat freak but I hate cleaning! Especially when I let it pile up and it’s so overwhelming!

  • Wei-Wei August 30, 2010, 8:25 pm

    Good luck cleaning! Any after photos? 😉

  • John August 30, 2010, 8:58 pm

    Call ahead before you pop over ok?! You’d go nuts with the clutter here 🙂 I haven’t had quinoa before but your breakfast looked good.

  • Chelsey August 30, 2010, 9:04 pm

    I wish I could set a time and “go” but I always get crazy about cleaning! Yesterday I was going to the bathroom and decided my bathroom needed an overhaul! THerefore, I spent the next hour of my life scrubbing away. Agggh!

  • maricel August 31, 2010, 4:02 am

    tempting dessert after a clean up. .

  • Kristy August 31, 2010, 8:31 am

    I love your recent Resses indulgences 🙂 Keeping it nice and blanced.

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