Why small success? Because that’s the only kind I know! Even the big ones come in small steps. With the pace at home rather relaxed, you’d think I’d be getting lots done, and I suppose I am, but it’s only the ordinary things: bills, groceries, meals, laundry, dishes. You get the gist. I measure little successes by the other things – the bazillion and one projects in my mental queue that desperately need my attention. Here’s my paltry offering for the week.

1. I’m keeping up with the 365K Club over at 10 Minute Novelists. The challenge is to write 365,000 words in 2015. So far, I’m averaging above my 1,000-word daily goal without much trouble or effort.
2. I’ve stuck to the Weight Watchers PointsPlus System faithfully. Going to meetings felt like a defeat in itself since I’d lost weight in the past using just the online tools. That ain’t cuttin’ it anymore. My husband, who recently reached his goal weight, encouraged me to try meetings now that he only needs to make a monthly appearance. (As with all things, who’s watching the kids is critical to anything we do.) So far, it’s making a difference. I’ve swallowed my pride (0 points!) and accepted that the outside accountability is what I need to be successful.
3. The kitchen counters. We have no landing place for things that come into our little house. Our limited counter space has become a depository for broken toys, torn books, food, appliances, and a variety of random objects, leaving me with no room to prepare meals for our family. Yesterday, I did a clean sweep. Counters are still dated and hideous, but they are gloriously clear!

The BEFORE photos (hides head in shame):

Candles, Coffee, and Random Clutter

What, you don’t keep a drill on your counter?

Utensils, mini-pantry, and pile of magazines.

And now, the AFTER photos:

Still food and coffee but now with space to work!

Look, Ma! No power tools.

Hey, look. There was a cutting board under there.

Since I stuck that Ethical Author image on the website sidebar, I feel obligated to say that a large amount of the countertop debris was merely shifted to a cardboard box. However, a good amount also went into the trash or recycling bin, so it’s still a major step up. Especially since I now have space to do things like cook and bake!

Celebrate more small successes over at CatholicMom.com.

Have you had any small successes this week?