Tonight, I threw away a toy plastic ring. It was hidden between a kid mattress and the kid bed. It won't be missed.
Tonight I also realized, I don't have motivation to blog. There, I said it.
I really do want to keep trying at this. I'm really doing well at not personifying things and throwing that stuff away. Tonight I went through a bag of papers that I had put into a bag to clear off the table. The bag was sitting on my craft table, and I've spent an hour or so a couple times this week trying to clear the craft table. I went through the bag tonight and tossed expired coupons, drawings from the kids and some other random papers that I just needed to toss. After the kids went to bed, I looked at my computer and thought, I just don't want to sit and type.
Maybe some of that is because my computer is a laptop with a broken monitor hooked up to an ancient monitor - definitely not a flat screen. It's set up on top of an old end table that is too low for me to type at, and with no room to put my legs. But, it's what I have.
Maybe some of it is that the weather is warmer, hot and humid even, and I just don't work well when it's hot. Maybe some of it is that I'm just not motivated to do much lately, and being lazy is much more appealing. Maybe I'm not motivated because I'm too overwhelmed at what my house is looking like right now! A busy life is great, but it does nothing for housework except add to it.
I don't know what my deal is, but sitting and typing this now, is making me feel much better. It's a busy day tomorrow, but hopefully I'll clean and toss something, so I can eventually get out of my rut.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Slow Going
I was able to throw away a few things every day since my last post. Unfortunately, it wasn't much. What I'm happy about is the change in attitude I have. I think I mentioned before it's getting easier for me to throw things away. For instance, there was a small plastic skull face with arms laying on the floor. Instead of picking it up and putting it back in the toy bin, I tossed it out. The kids won't miss it. I tossed some papers that came home on the last day of school. I tried to toss a 1/2 rubber ball out today (it's some kind of suction cup toy thing) but I was caught, and since it only came home from the dentist's office today, I gave it back. I threw away some sticker sheets that still had a sticker or two left on them - we have plenty of stickers. I threw away some art work too. Now that's a toughy for me, but I'm better in the end. Tonight I took pictures of the art work that is hanging on the wall so tomorrow I can start taking down some of those. Little by little....at least I'm still in the game.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Rubber Ball, Martyr
Mommy made good on a promise.
The kids just wouldn't pick up their stuff tonight. I came home from work and there were new toys scattered across the living room, complete with packaging, and a few bread rolls to boot. The boys were excited there were new toys to play with, so I didn't mind too too much, but the trash and food I was so not impressed with. Then they got out the new science experience book. Then after we created on experiment, they wanted another. My response, not until you pick up. Well, the 2nd experiment never happened.
I probably asked them to pick up for an hour. At some point during that time, not only did I take a break to have my own dinner, but I told them if the toys weren't picked up by the time I finished eating and picking up my mess, then their toys would go in the trash. Not well received as you can imagine. Didn't help much though. Sure a few things were picked up, but there were tons of complaints, and many tears as well. Finally, I picked up a small rubber ball, which we have plenty of, and threw it in the trash. Lots of tears, but movement began to happen in the cleaning department. Later I had something else in my hand to throw away, but I let it be taken out of my hand and put away properly.
I really didn't want to throw away their new toys, but I needed to make good on a threat. I feel good about it, because I was able to carry through when the job wasn't done. My point was made, and in the long run, they aren't going to care about the ball, but they may remember it for some time. I may have to use this again, and I'll have to make sure I carry it out in the same way - I'll make sure there is something of little worth to me, something that just adds to the clutter, that I'll be able to throw away if need be.
The kids just wouldn't pick up their stuff tonight. I came home from work and there were new toys scattered across the living room, complete with packaging, and a few bread rolls to boot. The boys were excited there were new toys to play with, so I didn't mind too too much, but the trash and food I was so not impressed with. Then they got out the new science experience book. Then after we created on experiment, they wanted another. My response, not until you pick up. Well, the 2nd experiment never happened.
I probably asked them to pick up for an hour. At some point during that time, not only did I take a break to have my own dinner, but I told them if the toys weren't picked up by the time I finished eating and picking up my mess, then their toys would go in the trash. Not well received as you can imagine. Didn't help much though. Sure a few things were picked up, but there were tons of complaints, and many tears as well. Finally, I picked up a small rubber ball, which we have plenty of, and threw it in the trash. Lots of tears, but movement began to happen in the cleaning department. Later I had something else in my hand to throw away, but I let it be taken out of my hand and put away properly.
I really didn't want to throw away their new toys, but I needed to make good on a threat. I feel good about it, because I was able to carry through when the job wasn't done. My point was made, and in the long run, they aren't going to care about the ball, but they may remember it for some time. I may have to use this again, and I'll have to make sure I carry it out in the same way - I'll make sure there is something of little worth to me, something that just adds to the clutter, that I'll be able to throw away if need be.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Avoidance
So, I've been totally avoiding this blog. I'll think about sitting down to write, and think, nah. I'll think I should throw something away, and then I don't. I turn on the computer, open a new internet tab, and I see this blog as one of my most frequented sites. All I have to do is make a "click" and I'm here, and I just don't do it. I feel bad, and guilty, but I get over it. Somewhat anyway.
I'm just not motivated right now. I'm not motivated to do much of anything right now. I'm not sure why. I recognize it, and I'm even at the point where I think - Yeah! I'm going to do something about this. But I don't think about thinking about what to do. Blah! I really need to get back on the horse (See, I told you I think about changing), so I forced myself to write tonight.
I do want to get back into this. I really do want to force myself, so we'll see how the rest of this week goes. I have learned from this experience so far, though. When I see a random item, I definitely think about throwing it away, rather than not even having that thought come to mind. For instance, I have a pile of stickers that the kids can use for their crafts. Before, if a sheet even had one sticker on it, I'd save it and put it with their other stickers. Now, I'm throwing it right out. They have plenty of stickers and they aren't going to miss this one.
Last weekend, the kids made sand art necklaces. The sand is all mixed up and one necklace was in the car, and the other was in the house. I almost threw out the one in the car as I was cleaning, however, I decided to keep it because I thought if the kids see the one in the house, they are going wonder where the other is, and someone was going to get sad that they didn't have their necklace. My husband found the necklace and asked if he should keep it. I explained why I kept it, but then told him to get rid of it. I really want to get rid of the other one too. My husband wanted to keep the plastic necklace container actually, but I said no. At least this stuff is getting easier for me.
Here's to a new attitude! Let's see how far it goes.
I'm just not motivated right now. I'm not motivated to do much of anything right now. I'm not sure why. I recognize it, and I'm even at the point where I think - Yeah! I'm going to do something about this. But I don't think about thinking about what to do. Blah! I really need to get back on the horse (See, I told you I think about changing), so I forced myself to write tonight.
I do want to get back into this. I really do want to force myself, so we'll see how the rest of this week goes. I have learned from this experience so far, though. When I see a random item, I definitely think about throwing it away, rather than not even having that thought come to mind. For instance, I have a pile of stickers that the kids can use for their crafts. Before, if a sheet even had one sticker on it, I'd save it and put it with their other stickers. Now, I'm throwing it right out. They have plenty of stickers and they aren't going to miss this one.
Last weekend, the kids made sand art necklaces. The sand is all mixed up and one necklace was in the car, and the other was in the house. I almost threw out the one in the car as I was cleaning, however, I decided to keep it because I thought if the kids see the one in the house, they are going wonder where the other is, and someone was going to get sad that they didn't have their necklace. My husband found the necklace and asked if he should keep it. I explained why I kept it, but then told him to get rid of it. I really want to get rid of the other one too. My husband wanted to keep the plastic necklace container actually, but I said no. At least this stuff is getting easier for me.
Here's to a new attitude! Let's see how far it goes.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
A Basket Full of Trash
I took a personal day from work yesterday, sent the kids to school, hubby was sleeping all day, which meant I had the day to myself. So....what did I do? I cleaned the kids' room.
I did some major laundry on Mother's Day (what a thing to do on Mother's Day, hey?) - so much so I had to go to the laundromat. There were still 2 baskets of laundry sitting in their room, and some birthday clothes from Grandma and Grandpa's visit from the day before, so I started with putting that away. I also picked out a few things out of their closets that were definitely too small and/or too winter and put those away. I tidied up their closets a bit and they look better than they did a month ago when I cleaned them.
Next I made the beds (which I rarely do) and put some pillows and stuffed animals on them. As anyone reading this blog knows, I love stuffed animals and can't really bare to part with them. I've whittled that down before, so now I just need to find homes for them all. I cleaned off the top of the bookshelf (which I organized not so long ago and it still looks good - could be because we are doing a lot of library lending lately. Right now we have 37 books checked out of the library!) and put all the story characters, Big and Little Nutbrown Hare, Curious George and Mr. Knox to name a few, on top. I cleared the top of what used to be the dresser attached to their crib, and put the rest of the animals on that. It looks good.
Then, I conquered the tall bookshelf with all the coloring stuff, arts and crafts and games. With the extra shelf that used to store stuffed animals, it all looks great now. There is more room so everything is not cramped and messy looking. Since the animals are gone, there isn't going to be a constant spill out from the bottom shelf that I'm always picking up. I'm happy with what I accomplished yesterday.
I haven't talked about the trash! I did mention a few pieces of winter clothing I put away, but I also cleared out all the leftover pull ups and swimmies. I'll give those to a friend. I put a puzzle book into my Salvy pile. I threw out a puzzle that was missing a piece, and threw out some paper that had been cut up and colored on. I tossed a few coloring pages, broken crayons and old stickers too. It filled up their bedroom basket, so that's pretty good. I'm sure I could really go through more, but nothing is really over flowing or messy, so I'm ok.
I didn't have the chance to clear off their dresser, but I can do that today.
I did some major laundry on Mother's Day (what a thing to do on Mother's Day, hey?) - so much so I had to go to the laundromat. There were still 2 baskets of laundry sitting in their room, and some birthday clothes from Grandma and Grandpa's visit from the day before, so I started with putting that away. I also picked out a few things out of their closets that were definitely too small and/or too winter and put those away. I tidied up their closets a bit and they look better than they did a month ago when I cleaned them.
Next I made the beds (which I rarely do) and put some pillows and stuffed animals on them. As anyone reading this blog knows, I love stuffed animals and can't really bare to part with them. I've whittled that down before, so now I just need to find homes for them all. I cleaned off the top of the bookshelf (which I organized not so long ago and it still looks good - could be because we are doing a lot of library lending lately. Right now we have 37 books checked out of the library!) and put all the story characters, Big and Little Nutbrown Hare, Curious George and Mr. Knox to name a few, on top. I cleared the top of what used to be the dresser attached to their crib, and put the rest of the animals on that. It looks good.
Then, I conquered the tall bookshelf with all the coloring stuff, arts and crafts and games. With the extra shelf that used to store stuffed animals, it all looks great now. There is more room so everything is not cramped and messy looking. Since the animals are gone, there isn't going to be a constant spill out from the bottom shelf that I'm always picking up. I'm happy with what I accomplished yesterday.
I haven't talked about the trash! I did mention a few pieces of winter clothing I put away, but I also cleared out all the leftover pull ups and swimmies. I'll give those to a friend. I put a puzzle book into my Salvy pile. I threw out a puzzle that was missing a piece, and threw out some paper that had been cut up and colored on. I tossed a few coloring pages, broken crayons and old stickers too. It filled up their bedroom basket, so that's pretty good. I'm sure I could really go through more, but nothing is really over flowing or messy, so I'm ok.
I didn't have the chance to clear off their dresser, but I can do that today.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Yard Sale!
Much of last week was spent preparing for the yard sale. My husband and I went through our books and DVD's, the kids helped me go through their books and DVD's, and without the kids' help, I went through their toys. I went through all my holiday decorations, gathered a box of rubber stamps and a few other crafting items, and a few odds and ends. I was most excited to sell the outgrown kid's clothes. I had a full tote of summer stuff and a full tote of winter stuff.
Well, the yard sale was Saturday - and it was a beautiful day for it! I made about $100 (took home about $60 after the food we bought and the cost of the table space, and I sold a lot of stuff at 25 cents and 10 cents), but most importantly, I got rid of so much stuff!! All the DVD's went, and the kid's DVD's that didn't go, I gave away to a friend that was hanging out at the end. I also gave away whatever books I had left. The adult books I gave to the guy who was next to me, because he had 100's of books, and was selling them left and right. He gave us a couple to take home that my husband was interested in. The leftover kid's books I brought to the Salvation Army. I only had a couple of stamps left that I ended up donating, as well as a few holiday decorations. Some Christmas decorations I kept because I still use them, but I just wanted to thin out what I had. I donated a whole bag of plastic Easter eggs to the church because sometimes they have Easter egg hunts. The most surprising part of what sold, was that it was not the kid's clothes, but their toys! Usually any clothing I sell goes lighting fast. I didn't think the winter would go as fast, but not that much of the summer stuff went. I had probably two people that came and bought $5+ worth (everything was 50 cents a piece), and a couple of people that bought one or two pieces, but that was it! I still have a lot left. I brought it home, because I want to see if I can either sell it online, or donate it to someone I know or know needs it. When all else fails, I'll put it on freecycle.com or I'll bring it to the Salvation Army. I knew the toys would go, but it pretty much all went! Even the cheap McDonald's toys! Since the church that held the sale is next door to where we live, I had my husband go home and bring a few more things out to sell. I was pumped and kept thinking the whole time "What else can I get rid of?"
Monday I met with the woman who bid on and won the scrapbook service I offered at the silent auction fundraiser. She wants me to scrapbook baby boy pictures! What luck! I have LOTS of baby boy stickers, papers and embellishments, and I found a blue gingham scrapbook as soon as I walked back in my door after meeting her. I may buy some more things, but I'm excited because I won't spend the $50 like I was planning too, and I'll use up some of my own stuff, getting rid of it. Two birds, one stone....bam!
I threw away a few non working pens this week, and tonight I'd really like to go through my pen basket to see how many else I can throw away. I think I'll end here, and go do that.
Well, the yard sale was Saturday - and it was a beautiful day for it! I made about $100 (took home about $60 after the food we bought and the cost of the table space, and I sold a lot of stuff at 25 cents and 10 cents), but most importantly, I got rid of so much stuff!! All the DVD's went, and the kid's DVD's that didn't go, I gave away to a friend that was hanging out at the end. I also gave away whatever books I had left. The adult books I gave to the guy who was next to me, because he had 100's of books, and was selling them left and right. He gave us a couple to take home that my husband was interested in. The leftover kid's books I brought to the Salvation Army. I only had a couple of stamps left that I ended up donating, as well as a few holiday decorations. Some Christmas decorations I kept because I still use them, but I just wanted to thin out what I had. I donated a whole bag of plastic Easter eggs to the church because sometimes they have Easter egg hunts. The most surprising part of what sold, was that it was not the kid's clothes, but their toys! Usually any clothing I sell goes lighting fast. I didn't think the winter would go as fast, but not that much of the summer stuff went. I had probably two people that came and bought $5+ worth (everything was 50 cents a piece), and a couple of people that bought one or two pieces, but that was it! I still have a lot left. I brought it home, because I want to see if I can either sell it online, or donate it to someone I know or know needs it. When all else fails, I'll put it on freecycle.com or I'll bring it to the Salvation Army. I knew the toys would go, but it pretty much all went! Even the cheap McDonald's toys! Since the church that held the sale is next door to where we live, I had my husband go home and bring a few more things out to sell. I was pumped and kept thinking the whole time "What else can I get rid of?"
Monday I met with the woman who bid on and won the scrapbook service I offered at the silent auction fundraiser. She wants me to scrapbook baby boy pictures! What luck! I have LOTS of baby boy stickers, papers and embellishments, and I found a blue gingham scrapbook as soon as I walked back in my door after meeting her. I may buy some more things, but I'm excited because I won't spend the $50 like I was planning too, and I'll use up some of my own stuff, getting rid of it. Two birds, one stone....bam!
I threw away a few non working pens this week, and tonight I'd really like to go through my pen basket to see how many else I can throw away. I think I'll end here, and go do that.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Reversed Weekend
So, I think I remember saying I was going to get rid of clutter, not start collecting more. Well, not this weekend. I started the weekend by gathering some more craft supplies to get rid of. I came up with a baggie of colored pencils. Not much, I know. I'm happy with myself for getting rid of them though. I have nice watercolor pencils, and the kids have tons of colored pencils, so they were pretty easy to part with. Tonight I went back through and tested all my regular (as opposed to pigment) ink pads and threw a couple away and put a couple away for the yard sale. Some of those pads are so old, but they still work fantastically! I also tested and threw out some magic markers. Those were really old too, and those were not working well.
That's about all I did this weekend. However, what I took into the house, was much, much more. Friday I "won" a basket at a silent auction. I paid $90 for $300 worth of stamping and cardmaking/scrapbooking supplies. So, it was a good deal, but more stuff in the house. Some of it, like a stamp set in French, I already donated to a swap table at a crop I was at on Saturday (I put a few other things on that table too, like a couple of punches and things). Some of it I used, which was nice, and the rest I kept. I also spent $55 at the crop on new paper and scrapbooking items. Sigh. I finished 7 pages at the crop, but I don't think I threw away a lot of packaging and scraps. I don't think I made any kind of dent in my supplies. I also had a couple of people give me some of their paper that they didn't want any more. I love the free supplies, but I really need to get rid of some stuff!!
At the silent auction, I offered my scrapbooking services, and I just got in touch with the woman who bid on it. Although I'll be buying new stuff to make her book, I hope I can get rid of some of my own stuff, too.
That's about all I did this weekend. However, what I took into the house, was much, much more. Friday I "won" a basket at a silent auction. I paid $90 for $300 worth of stamping and cardmaking/scrapbooking supplies. So, it was a good deal, but more stuff in the house. Some of it, like a stamp set in French, I already donated to a swap table at a crop I was at on Saturday (I put a few other things on that table too, like a couple of punches and things). Some of it I used, which was nice, and the rest I kept. I also spent $55 at the crop on new paper and scrapbooking items. Sigh. I finished 7 pages at the crop, but I don't think I threw away a lot of packaging and scraps. I don't think I made any kind of dent in my supplies. I also had a couple of people give me some of their paper that they didn't want any more. I love the free supplies, but I really need to get rid of some stuff!!
At the silent auction, I offered my scrapbooking services, and I just got in touch with the woman who bid on it. Although I'll be buying new stuff to make her book, I hope I can get rid of some of my own stuff, too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)