Thoughts on Clutter

I heard the birds singing again this morning. It's been a while. But then, it's been rather chilly here.

I've been pondering on my last post, about the decluttering going to the wayside. I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff. My basement has a pile ready for the good will, a bunch of old computers I need to figure out how to recyle, and for the most part, it's really quite organized.

I would like to go through my books, and get rid of those that I know I won't read, or don't want to read, and those that I've read but know I won't read again. Books are particularly hard for me to go through. I have more pages marked with those little sticky things, and yet how many times do I go back to them? Oi!

There are times when I feel I have too many clothes. (I actually wear almost all of them though! Save for the dressier ones, as I don't get to go out much.) In reality, I think I actually have just what I need. Though, I bet I could do without a few. Matters not, as come fall, I clean through them, and I do stick to the rule, that when I buy one of something, one thing is gotten rid of.

And then there's the furniture, where we actually use all that we have, save for my grandmother's rocking chair and a papsan chair in the basement; but they have sentimental value that we've not been able to part with yet. Our shelves, cabinets, desks, tables, chest and the like are all put to good use. Although, they do take up a bit of room in our home.

We go through our stuff on a regular basis, purging where and when we can. And now, we are down to the point where we use almost every thing. The knickknacks we have, we really like and aren't ready to part with just yet. Sometimes, I get frustrated when we get more stuff, as then I need to figure out where to put it, or what I'm willing to get rid of. My MIL tells me that she doesn't have an attachment to stuff or people. Ironically, my FIL is the opposite. :)

Mentally, I get better as it goes. I'm learning what nurtures me, what drains me, and what I really enjoy. I do my best to let go of worries, or bad thoughts about people. I am in the process of creating an absolute Yes list, so, if something comes up that's not on that list, I'll need to really think about it before agreeing.

Dealing with clutter is definitely a day-by-day process. It's good to look at things, see that I'm in a good space. I realize, I'm probably burned out, because I'm getting into the territory of having a lot of stuff, but it's used stuff or stuff I really like. So, that makes it a bit of a challenge. Thus, I think a break (until fall when I seem to get bit by the declutter bug again) is a very good thing.

Though, I really should make it a point to empty out that Good will pile, eh? :)

Decluttering - On the back burner

Well, as Phil brought up in one of his comments, weren't we decluttering? And yet, we now have a new kitchen set?

Friends, I've reached a burn out point with the decluttering. I really, really have. We did manage to go through Pook's stuff and clear out before her birthday. And the kitchen set has actually freed up space in the living room, although the doll house has been relocated to the study (great for when I'm working though).

There are times, when I just want to chuck everything. Other times, when I have a really hard time parting with what I have. So, it got to the point, where I just burnt out. Besides, there just seemed to be so much more that I wanted to do when the weather got warm.

We didn't hibernate like we usually do this winter, which is part of the problem. I do try to go through things throughout the year, especially before birthdays and big time before Christmas. So, I'm maintaining for now.

I'm sort of going through this phase in my life, where I just want to be doing other things. Oh, I'd love to decrease our "stuff" by half, but my sweet Pook wants me to play, or do writing and the like. So... until I get my absolute Yes list created, I've just added it to my procrastination list. :)

The Kitchen Set

Here is the kitchen set, and yes, I know we'd planned on decluttering the house. (I'm saving that for the next post!) Specifically, because we knew, we just knew this was coming. At least Pook's room looks great. And, yes, we need to have a serious discussion before Christmas about stuff.

Here is the full kitchen set, patiently waiting for the birthday girl:

Have a peek inside the freezer and the fridge:

See the goodies baking in the oven:

And, there's a stainless steel sink and cooking pots to boot:

Weekend update

It was a good weekend visit with the parents of my husband, aka ILs. Pook got a gorgeous kitchen set, which I'll post pics of later, as I'm on the other computer this morning.

We also ate way too much candy, thus, next year, we'll need to get more creative with healthier options. Jelly Bellies are just wicked.

Not much else to post, save that this is proving to be a full month of activity. Perhaps that is why hubby and I have been so grumpy. We seem to be caught in a web of continually moving, never really recharging the batteries.

I suppose I'll have to start getting creative.

Snow in April

There's nothing quite like starting your morning out by reading four research papers. Unless you count the snow squalls throughout the day yesterday. No real accumulation, but funky none the less. Monday and Tuesday we were eating outdoors. Caught me a bit off guard, but, I'm back into the swing of things. The ILs are due in at lunch, and I'm hoping that since this is a holiday weekend, students won't be posting as much today.

This weekend starts the first of three weekends of Pook's birthday celebrations. She'll get to hunt for Easter eggs, an Easter basket, and a handmade kitchen set (which I'll post a pic of later), made by her grandfather. Next weekend is her official birthday and party with a few of her friends, and the weekend after my mom comes up to visit and celebrate. Is she lucky or what?

I am realizing though, that I think I'm going to need to put limits on a few things before Christmas, as I think she might be getting TOO much for this birthday. We shall see.

Happy Easter too all!

Connecting with the outdoors

After my last post, I needed to refocus on something more positive.

Yesterday, I made it a point to take advantage of the wonderful weather. We managed to eat 3 meals out on the back deck. Pook even did her work outside in the afternoon. Tracing lines and letters, and telling me how much she loved me.

I think that she, too, knew the importance of being outside. It was a special treat, and she was SO excited about it. I think she told me over 25 times how much she loved me.

Lately, I've realized that the last few years, I've somehow missed the slight and sweet transition from spring into full bloom. I'm really taking note of the green shoots on the shrubs, the blossoming trees, the little things. How have I missed these things? Has my life be spiraling so fast in the past?

Being outdoors has actually helped me to slow down, take a breath, and be aware. Lately, things have been picking up. There's been lots to do (not to mention the explosion of creating things around here), and we got caught up in the rush.

But yesterday, being outside made a huge difference. I've still a lot to do, but it all seems to fade away in the wind.

Grams

I've recently received news that my grandmother has taken another turn for the worse. She still hangs onto life and staying alive, even though she's been suffering, and doing things that are so strange. Well, not really I guess. She seems to have regressed to a baby at some moments, or a toddler struggling for independence.

It didn't hit me until yesterday, when I just longed for those days when she was vibrant and independent. Hearing about her and the state she is in, I can't help but think that this is not how she'd want to live her life.

There is part of me that doesn't want to lose her. There is part of me that just really wishes she'd let go. I am heartbroken to know that she believes she dines with dead relatives she still doesn't recognize, throws fits and curses that would put a sailor to shame, and that she may pretend to know me when she sees me - yet does she really?

I'm terrified to visit with her, because she's gone to the next stage. I want her to visit with Pook, and yet I'm not sure if it's a good idea, because who knows if or when she will come unhinged.

My heart is aching...