Wednesday, January 16, 2008

So far....

1/22 update: 2 bags to charity this morning. 4 more bags o'trash (I feel guilty, but I'm recycling all I can) Almost all the "small stuff" in bins are in my garage or sun porch. I've only brought home what I want...and it's not taking up much space. I tried to work in the garage this morning, but it was 35 degrees. Yes, I know that's a heat wave to all of you. This is boring reading to all of you, too, I know, but it's keeping me on track. I spent most of yesterday on the couch...couldn't get warm, and lots of pain. But I spent time shredding documents so I would feel useful. I'm hoping it's just muscle strain pain. I'm heading back to the studio to gather some flat stuff, canvases, and paint that I'm keeping. Thanks for your kind thoughts!
:-D

1/20 update:
10 bags of trash; 20 cans of leftover paint, 20 cans of spray paint, 2 bins chock full of art supplies to the local high school theater program; several almost empty cans of paint to Ft. Worth environmental control disposal. 1 bag of stuff to charity; 1 bag of magazines and books to library. Getting there.

....I've tossed several bags of garbage, given a bunch to charity, and recycled a bunch. Hubby wants to build me a studio out back...but I'm waiting to see what I can pare down. It's been very hard on me physically, but spiritually....lifting.

How much of what we keep around us do we really need?

Are our homes too small? Is this a space problem?

Or is it a "people" problem?

17 comments:

Missy said...

So I should kick some people out of my house? hehe {c;

Spring cleaning always makes me feel this way. One year I did it so much, it felt like my "religion." Getting rid of stuff immediately increases the percentage relationships fill your life. Think on that math!

Anonymous said...

I guess we could ask Tibetian monks about what we really need. However, I don't think we'd like the answer, do you?

karen said...

Yep to both of you, except getting rid of a few people!!
I understand the "religion" thing..I'm feeling very spiritual, and a little ashamed...I can't tell you how many duplicates of something I've found! AGGGGHH. I like your math, Missy!
Yeah, Don...those monks are deliriously happy...they really are.

Pat said...

I love getting things cleaned out but I also like some privacy and space. The house is glorious when I'm alone--wouldn't be if it were that way all the time but some solitary time is a need for me. Let your hubby bless you with a studio--a place to leave the stuff out and just veg. Yep, you need your own space. OPINION ONLY

kc bob said...

When we moved 5 years ago we had intended on "thinning things out".. but Ann got sick and it was all I could do.. with a lot of help.. to box everything up.

Well, the mover estimated the number of boxes based on the furniture that was moving.. which wasn't that much since the kids took some furniture and we sold some. Long story short.. we have 200+ boxes and the mover was livid.. took them several hours extra moving time.

My wife called all of the boxes "treasures".. the mover called them "crap".. a matter of perspective I guess :)

And we did eventually have a garage sale and unload much of that "treasure" :)

pearlie said...

I seldom listen to my mother-in-law but I remembered this: if you are not going to use this now, you'll never use in 10 years!

karen said...

Pat, thanks...we'll see. I'm in this ZONE of tossing stuff. I've found homes for paint with the high school...We do have a perfect spot for a studio...but would have to get builder's permits, electrical...maybe I'll wait for a kid to move out! :-)
Bob...I cleaned out my parents attic after my mom passed away...there was about 5% treasure and 95% trash. The treasures were worth the work!
Pearlie...yuppers! I've been ruthless in tossage.

Anonymous said...

i do hope the cleaning did not wear you down.

Anonymous said...

i do hope the cleaning did not wear you down.

Robert said...

hey karen hope your finding fun ways to relax and soothe your sore muscles and aching body :) I live in a small apt and am surprised attimes how easy clutter happens lol guess it can be both space and people

Missy said...

1/20 update - You just thought you needed a studio. Look at you, Ms. deClutter Bug!

... Paige said...

I so need to do this

Missy said...

Praying for your strength and health, sis...

karen said...

milette...I know you can SO identify with the pain! :-( I thank God you've had a remission.

Robert...it doesn't matter how big a space we have does it? If I had 4000 sq ft, I'd still have clutter...

Paige...I know you have a few other things on your mind. Hugs, sis.

Missy...thanks, sweetie...I hope I hid the clutter well when you were here! ;-)

Connie said...

I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Decluttering helps us to step into more by having less. I think our spiritual eyes can function better because we are less distracted by all the stuff.

I get overwhelmed and feel defeated when I let it build up too much, now. Baby steps are huge in this process. A little each day G(ood) O(orderly) D(direction) will give us victory!

Michael Ogden said...

Karen, you're going to need that stuff. You would never have saved it had you not thought it would come in handy someday.

You should never have pitched it.

karen said...

:-D Uh...Mike...your address was....???