Ann, I laughed at the same thing! I must still be faking it because I don't love to clean or declutter!

Ann, umm, I too just want to say that the three bags are REAL! Pat yourself on the back and if you won't....I will.
JuliaWhoHadALateClassAndGotLockedInAParkingLotToni ght

Hi declutterers!

We traveled yesterday and once again I was pleasantly surprised to see and feel the continuing lightness/cleanliness of the house here.

Today's 1-2-3 dance :dancer:

Old clutter-put away the Christmas decorations and :dancer: at the fact I let go of the "bell wreath" which didn't have a good storage or hanging space. I also emptied my office wastebasket into a recycle bag to drop off later today.

Current clutter-unpacked, picked up, made the bed.

Clean-I pulled out two things from the freezer(to pitch) and reorganized. I cleaned between the washer/dryer where I had noticed an abundance of cat food when I was here last time. Cleaned out the dryer lint catcher and determined the thingie is broken. Washed down DH's coffee spills on both. Looked behind them (very dirty) and accomplished a giant step-
"I do not have to clean behind them today. I can do that another day. It's ok because this is an ongoing process." :dancer:

Today's extracurricular task is to see if I can order a new dryer "thingie".

Everything today was accomplished while puttering around with morning coffee. Now off to enjoy my day off with baby tasks accomplished which move me forward anyway.

Thursday
 

Hi

Just a quick update/check-in. I did go through that one box of old stuff. The other two boxes I pulled out still await my attention. It's ok. I feel I can do this.*credit for not catastrophising*

The universe continues to answer my call as the evening I took those boxes out to start the sorting process from my move I got a call from the Diabetes Society who are once again going to be in my area on January 24th and if I have anything to donate to put it in bags marked with a D for pickup. I have 3 items in my donate box and saved the one good big empty box that I emptied for another donation space so I will have at least those two boxes or the 24th of January. I couldn't believe the timing!

I have done dishes once more so the pile is diminishing and am coming to figure out a way to do them that suits me. Basically I do all the flat dishes first: plates. Then all bowls. Then cups. I like to know that my efforts have FINISHED something up. Like I can say "ok all the plates are done." That feels good to me. I also only like to do dishes in a dishpan. DH hates the dishpan, but then they sit in the sink, cluttering it up until who knows when we get around to it and the water/bottom of the snk gets ll cruddy. YUK. But when they are in the dishpan, I can lift the pan out to reveal... a clean sink. Even though I am no master dishwasher or kitchen cleaner, there is solid progress. *credit*

*credit for finishing the pan of dishes last night before I went to bed. Happy to see a clean clear sink this morning. Will put those dishes away now (DONE-*credit) and check back later. Today I have work to do at the ceramic guild and hope to be back here by 1-1:30. I want to get through those two boxes and get at some other work-related projects I've been putting off.

Enjoy your day everyone.

onebyone, Yay for going through your first box! :dancer:
Yay for a plan to go through two more! :dancer:
Yay for getting boxes ready for thrift pickup! :dancer:
Yay for coming up with a plan for dishes! :dancer:
Yes, you can do this!

I have good news, too! Credit for continued organization!
I:
~pulled out dryer manual from file
~found the part from sears($33. plus shipping)
~found the part on ebay for $17. total
~ordered it
Credit for a followthrough!

ETA-put the dryer manual back in the file!

I went to put something in my "thrift box" this morning and noticed it felt good. It's not too big and I just keep putting items in until I fill it. Then I take it out and bring in another small box.

OnebyOne; Credit for movement that you completed - both cleaning and decluttering. Double Credit for moderation. I don't know about your boxes, but I have found they breed like rabbits when I am not looking.:o I am glad you have a ceramic guild to connect with. What fun!

Lexxiss: Love your breakdown of your dryer task and completion. I have many more starts than finishes. I needed to see that with my own eyes. Thanks for the modeling.


I went to goodwill and decided to go in. I found this old picture frame holder, brought it home, spray painted it bronze and have been writing my beck cards out so I have a reminder to put in the kitchen of these new truth statements. Trying to expand the neuropathways with truth.

I had a meltdown with myself in the grocery store yesterday. I went to the little debbie aisle and was so pissed off that I couldn't buy all that crap anymore. My reaction surprised me. My food manager part took over and reminded that angry part that it was ok to grieve the movement of feeding myself with junk. As the people who came past me picked up the boxes, I was mad at them. ( PROJECTION) Mad that they were able to eat those cakes.

At that point, I took a few deep breaths--grounded myself and realized that I didn't want to put that junk in my body anymore. It was my decision, not a forced decision. Below these 2 battling parts I realized a part of me has been so cared by food--especially sugar for many years. A reward, something to make me feel special. I am grieving my relationship with food right now.

I am calling food --substance.

What substance am I putting in my body and why? This is going to be a long journey for rewiring my brain, but my intentions toward myself are caring and good. One day at a time, one meal at a time.

Hello everyone,

Funny, I felt like I hadn't completed my 1,2,3, because I only had done 1, and 2, didn't realize it was okay to give myself credit for having 3 bags of stuff...lol
Thanks for pointing that out.
I have a counselor on line and was told she might not have time to get back to me for a little while. I requested a new counselor.
Onebyone, I am glad the diabetes people called you because once they call you I get a call so it will give me incentive to get more bags ready. Funny part is the salvation army is less than 15 minutes away so I could drop stuff off at any time, I find I am more motivated when the diabetes truck people call.
Julia, some times I don;t need a pat on the back I need a kick in the butt...lol
Lexi, you are a very busy lady, how do you do it all.
Rachel, wonderful choice you made at the grocery store.

Thanks for all the support you all give.
Have a wonderful day.
Take Care
Ann

Hello All

I am still here. I had to spend some time going back and read all the previous posts. I found a lot of good advice and guidance. I also realize I need to get my Beck book out again and reread it - for both weight and clutter. I am driving with my son to DC tomorrow to visit my other son. I have added my Beck book to my packing list.

I haven't jumped in there too much but trying to hang onto the 123 approach or new/old/clean. I haven't had much of a chance to do much at home but trying to apply some of it to my work environment. I think the advice of jumping right in is good. I think I am too much of an all or nothing person and feel like I have to have everything all lined up perfectly. And of course, I never do and so I never get anywhere. Like I said, lots of good guidance.

And love the use of the word 'substance' vs food.

Michele

and the continuing story
 

Decluttering Coaches, hello.

Really wintery night out there tonight. Windy, frosty, snowy. :brr:

I managed to complete more dishes last night nad today's goal was to get the breakfast dishes done today ie. if we dirtied them today we clean them today. Seems minor but it rarely happens here so I take *credit for getting the breakfast dishes done. Will do the same with the dinner dishes. At least this way I haven't made the dirty dish pile any bigger today. *credit.

My two chosen boxes remain unopened. Now there's a towel on the top of them and Looloo my cat is jumping up to sit on the towel. She is finding the box useful. *credit to Looloo. I have been at the ceramic guild during the day then home and relaxing, then the day is almost gone and it's dinner and it's some tv with DH and it's bedtime.

I will schedule decluttering for the weekend. DH will be lost in hockey all day Saturday so it'll pretty much be a free day for me to do as I wish.

Bye for now.

Lexxiss Thanks for the jpg of your box and hey! We do have the same set of drawers!!

Also helping rachel loved seeing the jpg of your advantage cards. nice. Makes me want to re-do mine as I have said I need to do new ones, and now your jpg makes me I think I want to do that
too.

Newlifestyle Is it true that the Diabetes people in your area are the same as in my area? I'm in Richmond Hill. Are you in Ottawa or is just your DH in Ottawa? where in Ontario are you (if you don't mind saying...?) BTW good job with those bags of stuff. Don;t you just love it when someone else takes that stuff off your hands? I sure do and spent $20 getting 10 garbage tags so the garbage men HAVE to take my stuff away.:carrot: Money well spent.

znaoic I am 100% an all or nothing person (haha -- don't think anyone could be a 65% all or nothing person could they :?:) Anyway I am on a quest to live in the middle. HARD for me. VERY HARD. My work spaces seem to be much better organized than my living spaces... but if you develop good routines in one area I think it helps you transfer these skills to other more challenging situations. It's all good. None of our efforts/experiences are ever wasted! Make sure you give yourself credit for all of it. CREDIT to you for posting.

OnebyONe: Credit for daily dish washing. Hope you are staying warm and cozy.

Michele: Love that you are packing your book ---so relate to the all or nothing thought. Just in as you see fit, share your credits for baby tasks as it matters.

Ann: :hug:Sent you way and you journey thru grief process. Glad you are posting and connecting. I hope you get in contact with a good counselor that can help guide you thru the sadness and sorrow. Treasure yourself today.

Lexxiss: I love your adventures of work and "going over the hill" to enjoy. Thanks for continuing to connect and share your journey with us.

Julia150---Love your #-tags. Sorry about locking yourself in your car. I sure have my own stories about that and running out of gas in a high traffic area. my humanity gives you a wink. ;)


Off to work this morning.

Clean-Kitchen sink and counters
Old- 20 more items out of closets----any closets.
New- My daughters much neglected bedroom. I will be joining her to see if we can make any type of progress in this tornado zone. Baby steps!

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.
Brene Brown.


I have this on my new whiteboard in the office. Sending love to my decluttering friends. May you find some new treasures today. :hug:

Hi Everyone! Just joined yesterday after reading all your encouraging and supportive posts. Bought the Beck book and it makes so much sense...I guess it's the just sticking with it. Sometimes I feel like the old cartoon where the angel and devil are sitting on your shoulder encouraging/discouraging you in the decision process. I picture Richard Simmons on one side and Homer Simpson on the other...unfortunately, Homer usually wins. But I am 52, newly single and starting over...I want this next chapter in my life to be one of fitness and health. Thank you!

Hi declutterers!

Yesterday I went back through some items under my bathroom sink. I set out many bottles of lotion/shampoos...mostly samples. This morning I was able to just look at them and throw them all away. credit. They've been opened (probably stale) AND the shelters/food banks won't take stuff that has been opened. My old self wants to keep them and use them someday.

My new-current-self "knows" I will never use them. I have my current stuff, which I LOVE, and that is what I will use. I am a little sad when I have to waste something.

Reality: I waste very little and the universe will continue if I pitch 7-8 small bottles AND
I am not picking up any more samples. credit.

old clutter-pitched lotions/shampoos. Worked for an hour sorting pictures on the computer for my photo projects.
current clutter-made the bed, picked up bedroom/bathroom. Will pick up the rest later when I pack to travel.
clean-I will clean my toilet today and vacuum the bedroom.

New Chapter::welcome: I love your comparison of Richard Simmons and Homer Simpson. I have been "Homered" myself. This is the declutter thread and you can post here with your experience. If you would like the Beck Diet Solution for January, you can post there for a Diet Coach. Best of luck to you!

Sorry, I meant Next Chapter! May it be a good one!

Hi all, I am here to acknowledge, today I just looked at the clutter and thought oh well and then had a great walk.
Have a great day.
Take Care
Ann

Hi declutterers!

Ann, I think even looking at it is a part of the acknowledgement process. For years I existed and functioned in and with my clutter and rarely ever looked. Glad you enjoyed your walk!

I traveled yesterday and returned home to a pretty organized home. I had an inkling, though, that I did not follow through with the laundry which includes my work shirt. I didn't so it's in the wash now. I was looking for extra lipsticks last eve and looked in my knitting bag. WOW! Was I surprised...it was all organized and cleaned out. Apparantly I had dealt with it during one of my 5 minute stints. credit.

Today 1-2-3 dance :dancer:
1-old clutter-back to company books, file 10 pictures with photo project and clean off my little desk in my office
2-current clutter-pick up pop cans in tv room, do dishes and laundry
3-clean-I will dust my living room; a 5 minute project

good morning, just wanted to say HI and that I have not forgotten you ladies :hug: My living room has NOT accumulated any new clutter which is amazing, and I have such simple enjoyment by just sitting here.

I bought 2 new eyeshadows yesterday, and did throw into trash can two old ones that were still usuable but could do without them. That was a really small declutter wasn't it :devil:

One habit I have kept for a few weeks is, on laundry day (I just do it once a week) I take a sock or small towel and dust my bureau top and bedside stand top/lamp. Dusting regularly is something I can not seem to time right, usually I do not think of it til there is a coating.

VermontMom: Something in Something out is a big deal regardless how small it is. I was walking in the house yesterday from work and realized that it would not keep getting overweight if I didn't bring new things in. Great notion to get rid of what it is replacing. This thought came after going on a shopping trip with a friend where the merchandise was on 25% of the original price....I so love a bargin but was so overwhelmed by the racks and racks of clothing. I decided I just wanted to continue to organize my own closet. It feels good to like what I have and know where it is. I am more of a tightwad with my money so I have never been a mall rat chasing the latest fashions. But I do love a good bargain after
christmas. My friend found 5 new work outfits from this nice department outlet, I came home with none. Credit---

Ann- I am glad you were out in open space and had a good walk. A walk can sometimes can clear the head.

Came home last night from working and made cauliflower crust-zucchini pizza. It was sooooo good. I then watched a chick flick with my daughter. We cleaned up the initial mess but I have a sinkful of dishes to wash before work. So I better get off of here.

OC- Work on 2 boxes from Utility room.
NC- Kitchen tuperware is ready to take over the cabinets
Clean- Well, when I get home at 12 today--I am just setting the timer to see how much I can get done as there is so much to get back in order. Sometimes if I challenge myself I can get on a roll to get lots done.

Lexxiss: I love to hear how you go to a space and find it in order. I am experiencing the same thing here. A reward for doing the work.

BIG success declutter day!
Old Clutter: DD and I bagged up her old clothes together. Four garbage bags have been dropped off at Goodwill!
Current Clutter: Dining room table covered with miscellaneous junk. Clutter returned to it's home or thown away, Tablecloth left on table from Christmas cleaned and put away. (How embarrassing, nearly a month ago)Plus miscellaneous papers, receipts, mail found in random place in garbage.
Clean: Will vacuum a couple of rooms within the hour

Reward: Wow, do I feel good about what I did. Yes, there are miles to go but every little chip will add up.

Thanks for the motivation!
Helping Rachel I love your quotes. You are an inspiration to me. I use the timer sometimes too. It seems to be when I make a goal to just do 10 minutes of cleanup I usually do more.

Lexxis Oh man, I can identify with the small old bottles of samples, half used, 5 years old, not my type, sitting there taking up space. I have plenty of them myself. I'm done for today but I'll think of you when I pitch those useless things too. I was raised by frugal savers. I'm slowly learning that I don't need to save things "just in case". If "in case" ever comes, I probably won't be able to find what I need.

AnnThe walk is form of declutter, you are decluttering your brain so take credit for that.

Next ChapterWelcome, I look forward to getting to know you. I am new to this group and the January group but you won't find a more supportive, open armed group.

VermontMomLove your dusting method. I wait until the dust is visible most of the time. I see the dust and think "I should go get a dust cloth and dust", look around and see the rest of the mess and feel overwhelmed and do nothing. This group is sure helping me to recognise that all the little steps will eventually add up and anything I do helps me get there.
Happy Saturday Night because:
JuliaHasSavedHerCaloriesToEatSomethingSpecial!

Hi declutterers!

I had an amazing experience yesterday-one that fuels my fire to keep going on a daily basis. I was upstairs watching TV after work and got a phone call. The couple we were going to meet with on Jan 29 regarding the remodel of my grandmothers house called. They were driving through our town on the way home from Denver. I asked if they wanted to stop and they did. I gave them directions and went to the front porch. They arrived within 3 minutes. I was able to give them a tour of the entire house-every room-and there was nothing to be embarrassed about....bed was made, dishes done, stuff put away...It was an incredible moment for me. credit. credit. (PS-a year ago I might have just told them I wasn't at home...or even in town since my cell wouldn't reveal my location)
So today:
old clutter-take old paperwork to basement and do two more months of company books.
current clutter-make bed, pick up, and specifically take new coffee stash to basement (15 # fromcostco)
clean-clean out fridge and upstairs freezer/organize

Julia, great job!

Holly (VermontMom), kudos on keeping your living room decluttered and for creating new habits!

Tami(helping rachel), yay for an enjoyable shopping trip where you recognized you don't have to bring new stuff home!

Lexxiss- whoo Hoo on being about to greet unexpected people to your home! What a good feeling you must have had!
Julia

Hi Ladies,

Still in my pj's at 4. One of those days.

Julia150: Way to go on the cleaning, decluttering and giving stuff away....neat modeling with your daughter to let things go that are not needed.

Lexxiss: Wow- Now that is a payoff! It's a new day with a new way of doing things.

I am glad you shared that.

Holly: Great job for keeping your living space clean and in order:) I like your dusting idea.

My son called from college and I told him about working on shifting my energy into things that I want to get done. I told him that I cleaned and organized my office. His reply "Bulls***". I said the proof is in the pudding and sent him the pictures. He said "Mom, I don't ever remember your office being clean and functional." I was smiling from the inside out...

Hi to all if I missed anyone. Here is a quote I started my day with.

What a feeling to have my values align with my actions. Grateful to God for change.

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself". Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tami/helping Rachel: Wasn't it nice to show off your clean office to your son. I think my son would respond the same, my office is a pit. However he would still be right.

New Clutter: will p/u newspaper and cans in family room
Old Clutter: DH and I cleaned our bedroom. Between the 2 of us we had 4 garbage bags of clothes too miserable to donate and a half bag that will go to goodwill in a few days.
Clean: We vacuumed the bedroom for the first time in months. I am very ashamed at how bad it was. I will probably vacuum the family room before the night is out.
Julia

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:Julia: I am glad for you. I hope it feels great to wake up in a clean bedroom. I treat my trash as a weigh in day or a trip to Goodwill. It just is a way to let myself know that the house is getting lighter. I have to remind myself this is a long process just like weight loss and maintenance. Small steps everyday-toward desired values. I do have my days that I go 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. But overall, progress is being made. I have to get off of here to put clean linens on 2 beds.

Julia: I forgot to answer- Yes! it was great to show him my results of many daily tasks and efforts to bring it to order. The majority of the stuff in there was pitched so I realize that it was lack of making a decision. He texted back how impressed he was. I love the fact that my kids love me warts and all.

Hi declutterers!

Today's 1-2-3 :dancer:
old clutter-company books I spent 2 hours this morning and made monumental headway. Chose to stop and not overdo. credit.
current clutter-picked up office and kitchen.
clean-wiped off shelves on refrig. door and wiped out microwave.

Regarding cleaning, I used to always have to clean from the end of the spectrum which was overwhelming…45 min. to clean the microwave, for example. I am now working from the opposite end of that spectrum which I'm finding is sooo much easier. Wiping out my microwave regularly is so much easier. It's another new habit I'm creating.

Julia, kudos for you and DH teaming up in the bedroom! Leave the shame….remember you are not behind just jump in where you are!

Tami(helping rachel), what wonderful reinforcement coming from your DS!

Hello All!

Working around the house. I have been blessed in the last 2 weeks by losing weight and making good choices. The reality is, I have lost easily in the first 2 weeks of a diet plan. It's the 3rd week that is hard--( and 4-5-6-7.)

I was willy nilly all through the holidays. I wondered why my weight came back...Someone hand me the clue phone right now! I am in this river of denial.

So Writing my Plan for the week.
Just made roasted brussel sprouts, roasted Kale with spices and coconut oil, and made crab cakes to freeze.

I am cleaning my Master Bedroom that looks like a tornado came thru. It should only take me 20 minutes start to finish. I do carry an egg timer with me sometimes, as I think I am all that if I beat it. (I know a boring life:)

Feeling congruent with some internal values. Glad my outside actions match my inside desires. My daughter made me change my beck card that read I want to be thinner to I want to be healthier. Good catch, DD.

I am choosing to be lazy today.....if it gets done it does, if it doesn't I won't. Regroup tomorrow with clutter, planning on staying on eating plan.

Hello, still going through the fake it til you make it motion.
I came home and was feeling sorry for myself and in my pity decided to clean the kitchen. Yikes, I couldn't believe the dust on top of the cupboards or on top of the fridge.
Also a bag of stuff to give to goodwill or diabetes. I will keep going through things and then I will place them in bags and leave them by the door.
Cleaned the front entrance way and put hats and mittens that no one wears in the bag.
Walked for a half hour only.
Counselor asked me things I wasn't comfortable answering, I need time, she wasn't too worried, said "this is good." I thought, not for me...lol
I have to go grocery shopping to get more healthy food.
I am thinking of you all. you are doing great through your journeys.
My husband has been working on the house all week and he will be home tonight, that will be nice. We are hoping to get the house done soon.
Take Care
Ann

Debbie- When you said that you used to spend 40min on the microwave by now wipe it more often reminded me if a bad habit that has let to my failure getting the house in order. I will start on a room but do a thorough job with taking down light fixtures, washing windows and getting into the cracks and crevices. I then end up discouraged because I have one clean room and the rest of the house a mess. 1-2-3 I think will put that into perspective.
Tami- That's my reality too-the first weeks are exciting with easy losses. I have had a good one week loss. I need to remember to be patient.
Ann-Your faking it is looking pretty good!
My 1-2-3 is going to be quick today but I WILL DO IT
JuliaWhoIsBurningDinner

Hi declutterers!

I travel early tomorrow morning and my neighbor will come in to tend to my kitty while I'm gone. I took some time this morning to really "look around" and pick up/clean a few extra items.

This morning as I worked on my "dance" I had a very strong sense of how these daily tasks connect to my food plan. For me the "routine" in my home and the daily/weekly/monthly progress connect very strongly with the daily/weekly/monthly progress I find with my weightloss. As the clutter keeps disappearing I am finding so much less stress and increased time and energy for "dieting." The daily connection with my "stuff" reminds me, too, to have a daily connection with my evolving food plan.

Today's 1-2-3 :dancer:
old clutter-I got a fantastic deal before xmas on the dark choc. we enjoy in moderation. It's been hidden from DH or he'd eat my profits very quickly. This morning I pulled all the bars out (30+) and vacuum sealed them for the freezer. That lead to rethinking the waxed paper/parchment paper stored on top of the vacuum sealer....I found a space where they'd fit in another kitchen drawer which held lots of gadgets. I sorted through and identified 3 which I will never use. They are in my thrift box. That lead me to look at the contents of my china hutch. I am not ready to deal with that yet and that's ok.

current clutter-picked up, washed dishes and consolidated laundry for after work-so my work clothes will be clean when I return home next week.

clean-looked at my beautiful lacquer teaset which I brought back from HongKong 37 years ago. It is an item I have chosen to keep even though I have no use for it. I brought it into the kitchen and washed each piece and put it back in it's (for now) spot. Eventually it will have a better home.

Julia, I relate...I used to attack one room full force then run out of energy for everything else. I am now finding that all rooms progress a bit at a time which seems more "balanced". Yay for a 1-2-3 no matter how small.

Ann(NewLifestyle), yay for movement of "stuff" even as you continue to be very gentle with yourself.

Tami(helping rachel), how wonderful to be feeling congruent with internal values. Nice, too, that DD could support you in transitioning with a change to your Beck card. My big shift was from "I want to be healthy" to "I want to stay healthy".

Ok, long winded this morning....have a great day everyone. I am going to do a bit of packing this morning before work. Last trip I forgot my ipod which is something I really enjoy having over there when I have time to go to the gym and ride a recumbent bike. This time I won't forget.

Yesterday's report:
Old clutter: random papers that needed to be tossed.
Current clutter: Folded laundry and put away
Clean: washed dishes, cleaned countertops and swept kitchen floor.

For now my "old clutter" is really current clutter that hasn't been attended to when it should have been. I will eventually get to more of the really old stuff but I'm OK with that right now, I will get to it with 1-2-3

Thank you all for being on this thread, it has helped me so much.

Lexxiss- have a wonderful and safe trip.
Tami and Ann- I hope you have had a good day
Julia

Hi Ladies!

Ann: Your kitchen sounds like mine. I am always shocked to see how much dust has collected on the frig. and cabinets. Glad I don't have to look there very often.
Hugs to you regarding the steps to process with your counselor. I am sure that it is hard to find words sometimes. I bet you are looking forward to seeing your husband. What house has he been working on?

Julia: Look at your bad self getting all that cleaning done. I think what I like most about this thread is that you guys support me in some of the most boring tasks. It's nice to share progress doing these very exciting chores:group hug:

Slow and steady wins the race!

Lexxiss: You would have to hide that chocolate from me too! Sounds wonderful and what a good idea to seal/freeze. Have fun over the hill. I hope you get lots of self care time in. I also like your proactive approach to have a clean work outfit and to remember your iPod.

Snowed last night- shoveled drive, did laundry-grocery shopped.

I wanted a 32 oz. beer today about 3pm. I am more of a red wine drinker so I was taken by surprise at the desire for a beer. I went to the grocery store and placed right by the oranges was a 12 pack of BLUE MOON. I wanted to belly right up to the bar in the produce aisle and have a cold one. I then remembered that it wasn't about me! I came home threw a container of cottage cheese into the food processor with cappella cake batter drops, vanilla and some monk fruit sweetener. Voila! :hat::dancer::dancer: vanilla ice cream. I put one 1T of carmel vodka in it so it would be soft. My daughter was dancing around the kitchen as she couldn't believe that it was so good. Found a plan B for cravings... Only 80 calories for 1/2 cup. The grocery store is a trigger for me. Looks like I am going to need some time to re-wire this brain.

Have a blessed night !

Decluttering Buddies

Not much going on here. I am still in a slump. I just can't get any momentum going. However, I just need to keep starting because it's not going to happen any other way.

Today's a write-off but tomorrow is another story. My diabetes society excess clutter pick-up is the morning of the 24th. I have about 6 things ready for them to take. I can do a few boxes tomorrow if I make it a priority. I would like to see some progress before the month ends.

Bye for now.

Hello all. I am back from my trip and started off the work week (Tues) with a 12 hour day at work. I did one clutter item at work at the end of the day. And even though I was so tired and pre migraine, I forced myself when I came home late to pick up some home clutter. Not really sure how to classify it in regard to new and old clutter - I just picked up what I saw. Emptied my suitcase and put the luggage away and picked up a bunch of other things. Started going through the mail which is a chore I hate. I have trouble filing, so anything that I need to keep gets put into baskets until I force myself to deal with it. I am hoping to get the filing aspect under control as part of this program. Paper clutter overwhelms me. I keep reminding myself to just 'jump in' when I start to over focus on the wrong things. It is funny how something simple can make such a difference in attitude.

Didn't have time to read Beck on my trip but I am borrowing Beck on CD from the library. It is in today and I can pick it up this afternoon. Since I have a half hour commute time, I can listen to and from work.

I have not commented on individual posts but I really appreciate reading them. I keep picking up ideas each time I read something.

OnebyOne: Glad to hear from you. We are in the middle of 4 degree temperatures that make me want to hibernate. Sending hugs to your creative-caring self.

Zanoic: Wow, what a long day. Credit for putting things in order even though you didn't want to. I loved what you said about something so simple can make a difference in attitude. I am at a loss for paper filing as well. Maybe there is a lurker out there that is a paper filing/organizing wizard that will give us some advice. If not, I will research. I need to be taught on how to keep paperwork organized. Better late than never to learn.

OC: Kitchen table has paper, stuff that needs to find it home. DH has been away for 1 week and gets back into today.

NC: My oldest son's room has a few boxes that need to be put in the attic. They are labeled and the job should take 20 minutes at best. I have been procrastinating for 14 days. Time to shift the focus and energy.

Clean: Kitchen floor. Snow tracked and my daughter dropping a bottle of hot sauce makes this chore a must do.

Hi to all, hope you day finds you living out your values.

My tiny contribution: When out walking yesterday, I passed a FREE box on the curb with two books on statistics and 12 books on bridge. I was in heaven thinking about all I might take.

Then I rationally evaluated the two on statistics to realize that they were less current than others that I have. Then remembered that I no longer play bridge and don't have time to amuse myself reading about it.

So, I left them all on the curb - every single one - and didn't add them to the clutter in my house. Failure to increase my clutter is a small step forward.

BBE: I am blessed to hear your process. The ole "It's not about me card" comes in handy even when things are free. I am grateful for this site and the opportunity to hear people's stories and internal/external experiences.

Hi declutterers!

I woke up early this morning (travel day) and really really really resisted doing anything. I just wanted to take the cat and walk out the door leaving everything undone...as is. My reality:
The kitty absolutely hates the travel AND doesn't really like the space of our smaller spot here, either. So I remembered that I can do this.
Good news-once I GOT STARTED it was automatic. I made the bed, picked up, enjoyed coffee, got everything set up for the kitty and walked out the door. Once out it made so much sense to me to wash the car before hitting the interstate so I could clean off the windows/lights and see better in the dark. Yay.
Today's 1-2-3 dance
old clutter-made myself take the vacuum sealed choc to the basement freezer
current clutter-everything picked up and put away!
clean-as I unpacked at the "other" house I saw all the dust on my desk. I cleaned it before setting up my computer.

Motto for today "Just do it!"
I called and made a long procrastinated dental appt. I have to leave NOW. bbl

I have worked hard on an pretty simple paperwork system if anyone is interested.