I have hit a new level of crazy recently when it comes to organization.

My closet (including the shoes) and my dresser drawers (9 of them) are all organized by:

• type of garment  - short-sleeved shirts, dress pants, casual pants, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, etc.
• size - regular, baby-doll, short, capri, long, etc.
• color - dark to light

It’s not unusual for my clothes to be so organized - what’s unusual is that the organization has lasted longer than one day.  Typically, I straighten up and organize, then proceed to live normally (messily).  When things are messy enough to drive me (or my husband) crazy, I do another round of straightening.  It’s a cycle.

I’m not cycling anymore.  I’m stuck in organization overkill mode.  It’s spread from my bedroom and clothes to other parts of my house, and even to my office.  I’m normally pretty neat, but it’s getting out of control.  On my desk, things have to be stacked just so.  In the stacks, things are organized.  Even the post-it notes, which are typically everywhere (I like taking little notes and keeping them where I can see them - it gives me a sense of accomplishment to throw them away) are organized onto a small section of wall just below my corkboard, which is also organized.

Bethany (my closest girlfriend, who’s studying the DSM right now in her social work masters’ program) suggested to me last night that I’m so anal about organization because I can’t control something (not getting into it here) that’s going on in my life.  She says because I feel helpless (subconsciously, of course) in that area, I have to control everything else.

Or, that I’m pregnant (I’m not) and nesting.  =)