Hello declutterers!

Tomorrow is my long day at work and this evening I found myself thinking ahead. I seem to have done the majority of my Saturday dance tonight. Kudos.

old clutter-finally took down the wreath (which I had committed to do two weeks ago). It's stored in the basement ready for next year.
current clutter-I picked up downstairs and enlisted DH's help for a few household chores. I did dishes and spent 10 minutes in the office going through mail/etc/even though I didn't feel like it.
clean-ongoing...did the cat box

I'll check back after work tomorrow....if I can log on...ski traffic rules with our cell towers here.

report
 

Hi Everyone

Just reporting in that yesterday *credits* I returned my waaayyyyy overdue library books and I cleaned the mirror in the bathroom, and wiped off the window sill, the wall under/around the window, the mirror, the light switches and the door knob-anywhere there was dirt or smudges that I could find. Ready to start the tile in the shower/bathtub area next.

Hi all,

Trying to regroup after a long week of medical tests and trying to find some answers for DD. She has one extra vein in heart but that isn't what is causing the fainting ect....We start a new process of Endocrine tests next week. I think she has PCOS and something with her metabolic system, in addition to wearing this heart monitor for a month. So the journey for answers continues.

Don't know what I am to do around here, but I will start my egg timer and do whatever I see for an hour.

Problems and Solutions
 

Coaches

On my agenda today is a bathroom cleanup. This means:

1) washing down tiles in bathtub/shower area done
2) cleaning the inside of the bathtub done
3)cleaning the edge/outside of bathtub done
4)removing cat litter box, garbage can whatever else is on the floor done
5) sweeping bathroom floor done
6)wet mopping bathroom floor done

(Time elapsed to get it done=1 hr)

OMG coaches. We have THE WORST low flow toilet in the world. And after the umpteenth toilet clog from "regular use" this morning I could not get it to unclog with the plunger. SO i googled it in frustration, like almost in tears frustration, and seeing the 5 star rating (41 reviews) I went out and bought a Rigid K-6 Toilet Auger. Pricey but not as pricey as having to call my fusspot landlord who told us that if we clogged the toilet again he would ask us to pay the half of the last (and 1st) plumbing charge and the full cost of the plumbing charge next time. So, wanting to avoid this I paid the $70 for this heavy duty tool which did the job. OMG. SO GLAD to have found a solution. (If any of you have this issue go get that tool. Do not bother with anything else. JMHO)

Needless to say I added another 5 star review to the home depot site for that tool. Anyway, even with this, there is clean up to do from my effort before I went out and bought the thing. It was time to get to it anyway.

I'll set the timer and do it Flylady style: dressed to lace up shoes and in 15min chunks. done

Hi declutterers!

Wow, onebyone! When I read your list this morning from my iphone I thought what an ambitious project...now coming back I am so impressed and amazed that was a one hour job. Kudos.

I, too, tackled a 1 hour project today....I took down all the items from the top of my kitchen cabinets...washed cabinet tops/all items then put them back up.

old clutter-fixed a broken necklace sitting on my dresser for a month

current clutter-picked up

might see you tomorrow or not...internet is down to nothing here these days. It happens every Christmas and spring break season with ski traffic.

I can read with my iphone but am not good at any extensive typing.

I went to the office immediately after getting up and got my necessary paperwork taken care of while DH made coffee. credit

current clutter-laundry folded, tv room picked up. Still have dishes to do...will do while DH makes smoothie.

old clutter-?? Federal taxes...no time now but will see if I have internet when I get home from work.

clean-(just did) upstairs bathroom sink and counters.

Got up late and did what I could....did my usual picking up, making bed, etc...felt very tired today but did it anyway.

Thinking of my friends here who are going through difficult times. :hug:

Hi all,

Up early- started laundry as coffee is being made. Glad some movements are automatic these days. Get a chore done before you even wake up.

Heading out to a new set of Doctor appointments. I have to send in the heart rhythms from DD fainting on Saturday.

I have been exercising solidly since last week. I found that once my stress hits a certain point, I have to do a "routine" to bring things back into balance.

Lexxiss: Sounds like this week is a busy week for you with Spring break and taxes. Exciting to be getting some cash back. I hope you reward yourself for all you hard work. (Non food of course!)
OnebyOne: Well, you are doing what you name means.....Great job on knocking out so many chores in one hour. You are rocking the cleaning boat. Have a great time this next week as you go away and have time to release your artistic gifts. Sending prayers for the healing for your kitty.
Way to problem solve avoiding your landlord. $70 sounds like it was worth not having to dealing him!

I am running errands after Dr. appointments. Need paint for a bedroom that hasn't been painted in 19 years. Pillows to go with the bedding from Kohl's are on sale. One of my rewards from changing my habits is that I don't have returns to take back. Such a good feeling to have things in order and not out buying things to buy for boredom or entertainment. Again, activity not wrong but is it in balance and what I really want. The value of Order is high on my list.

Coaches Update
 

Hello All

Everytime I go into that bathroom I marvel that I can see my reflection in the bathroom tiles. OMG LOVE THAT. The bathroom stay clean and is a testament to my ability to clean things. I *can* do this. I *will* do this.

As this challenge draws to a close, with one week left I actually only have 2 days left here at home before I am gone for a week. I think I will make it my priority to get the boxes completed that are sitting in the dining room window so that space is freed up for starting seeds and for existing cats and plants to share the growing sunlight. For me the next challenge will focus on, one more time, getting my place "landlord ready" and between Spring and the onset of Summer he will be in my apartment to unlock the thermostat (yes, he keeps it under lock and key) turn off the heat and turn on the air conditioning. MY kitchen appliances need cleaning. The hallway wand the new furnitures needs to be used and set up properly and the living room/dining area needs to look "normal". We're not there yet but it all starts with the decluttering and the removal of unnecessary items.

For today I will deal with one cardboard box and the long plastic storage box-that I really don't like very much-that the cardboard box sits on.

OLD CLUTTER *set timer*
1) cardboard box
2) long plastic storage box

CLEAN*set timer*
3) cat bowls/cat spoons cleaned
4) cat bowls piled near cat food with cat spoons

NEW CLUTTER*set timer*
5) gather up all old newspapers into recycle bin
6)clear out stuff from along the wall of the hallway just around rhe corner from the kitchen

TONIGHT: start making a list of what to bring with me to my residency for the week away

Hello all!

onebyone, yay for that wonderful feeling when you walk into your spiffy bathroom....and especially for your personal testament that you *can* clean something and keep it that way. I found that once I got into more of an everyday mentality with the bathrooms that it became much easier to just keep them clean. Good, too, that you are thinking ahead both for packing for your residency and where you're going to focus for our next *segment* of 1-2-3-ing.

Tami(helping rachel), yay for exercising solidly while you deal with all the day to day *stressful* medical stuff. I, too, am noticing that I don't have the returns that I used to. I tend to think out purchases more and will often "not buy" until I think it through a little more.

We're packing up for 2-1/2 days away. I don't really have much to do to get ready...and ready our home. I am grateful and give credit to myself today and voice my sincere gratitude for my friends here. I really thrive with this accountability and have made so much progress forward. My values "are" changing and I am learning to enjoy the way the new stuff feels.

So: Today's 1-2-3
I already have laundry in, dishes done and bed made. Tv room is picked up. The office doesn't look too bad but I'll pick up current clutter before I go. Cleaning will be both toilets, which these days is just a 4 minute job. creditflylady for practical solutions.

I'll check in if I can. Last year we enjoyed going through multitudes of antique stores with our friend. I came home with one picture for our bedroom. It is hanging and I enjoy it. (Oh, and I bought an old pyrex bowl with pouring spouts on both sides) It's small but I mix eggs in it and it has a place, too. I won't bring anything home unless it has a specific purpose. I'll just enjoy the experience of looking and spending time with our friend.

Lexxiss: I want to "voice" my appreciation for support from you as well. I know the change from the "cluttered, avoidance, lack of resource part of me" could not have changed without support. One of my favorite quotes from my Art Journal says : "the resources that I had as a child are much different than the resources I have as an Adult". It is nice to be connected with other caring, compassionate and like minded friends. Lots of people don't give a hoot if I get my internal and external house in order. I am glad that we have a place to share our process and encourage change.

OnebyOne: I loved reading your experience of seeing yourself in your clean bathroom tiles. What a wonderful reward! I hope your time away brings inspiration, reflection and fun. I will be praying for Looloo to get healthier.

We are in our next series of medical tests with DD. Will return heart monitor today at Children's hospital.

I had a victory yesterday in my thinking and action. I was thinking I need to dust and vacuum the Master Bedroom. I AUTOMATICALLY THOUGHT it will only take me 15 minutes to have it done. So off I went to get the supplies and voila! done in 15 minutes. The reward was mine when I came up to bed and rested in such a clean, decluttered area. My brain landed on the truth on the first go- around. So happy for that. My confidence is increasing.

I had a few girlfriends over Saturday night. One of them commented that I have so much stuff in my office. Wow, this pinched me a bit as I have made such strides. I decided that I like my stuff---books, art and craft supplies. I facilitate classes at our counseling office that require much of my material. I keep it updated and focus on how to integrate concepts. I also facilitate a healing retreat for women , once a year so those supplies are in there. I am saying that I am happy that I have lots of stuff to help me understand and cope with life. I especially like that I take the time to give what I learn away and to help others grow into their own authentic self. I just did::D


Lexxiss as you are out and about, with your friend, I was wondering if you would let me know if you run across any old fashion postcards that fit in a stereoscope. I have one that I keep my truth cards in as a creative way to see my daily truth. I am curious to see if it would be reasonable to buy more.

Hi to all my other supportive sisters in cyber-land. I hope you find the truth that will set you free today.

forgive my ignorance, but what does decluttering our homes have to do with the Beck Diet Solution?
thanks in advance for the insight!!
Lulu

Lulu: I am in a meeting until 2pm, I will post later with thoughts about this.

I see it as being curious not ignorant.

Tami/Helping Rachel - so sorry to hear about your daughter's heart tests. Hope all goes well. :hug:
1x1 - can't believe what you accomplished in an hour! :carrot:
Lexxis, you always inspire.

Sorry for the long post. Recently had the flu, & while camped on the sofa thought a lot about why for me some things are efficient and organized & others . . . not. :chin: Mostly it’s routine, and

1) Part is reflected by 1x1's post way back in Jan (with link to Houzz.com) - about the style of home you want. One person's clutter is another's comfort. Personally, I THINK I like clutter-free, but you would disagree when you see my bookshelves. Yet I live with someone whose books are in perfect alphabetical order but thinks several pairs of size 15 shoes lying around the living room add to the decor. :rolleyes: So some of this is relative.

2) Part is the necessity of mess at times. I’ve known moms who didn’t have art stuff or legos in their house because of the “mess”! We hated stepping on those !@#$ legos, but what’s a childhood without those things.

3) The last part is routine. Some things I learned young & do without thinking, like putting away my shoes (unlike DH – whose mom probably did it for him :)). Maybe routines are harder in a 24/7 world of convenience. My mother was a more organized shopper – maybe partly because in her day stores closed at 6pm and on Sundays. No dash to Walmart for toilet paper at 11 pm! A weight-loss example is the old saw about making exercise routine. It’s true – routine leads to habit leads to result, whether positive or negative.

Since Beck is a behaviorist, let me ask you Becksters – what do you find you successfully keep up with just because you've always done it? What have you started or stopped because of a big change, like a move or new job? What are your blind spots? What’s your ‘happy’ clutter and what makes you cringe?

:bravo:^^^^Good post Mountain Mamma. I will think on those questions and answer you this week.


Lulu: I have always loved the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

The courage to change the things I can

Since Beck is about changing one's thinking and behavior, I decided to not only focus on weight-health habits but on how I take care of my home. I have a desire for more energy, insight and self-care that involves both my physical being and physical environment. So I am in the process of using the Beck tips to shed old thought patterns that don't serve me anymore. Releasing habits that don't work toward the value of my health. Also, working toward letting go of my attachments to things that don't serve a purpose in my home. So as I let go of these old ways of thinking, I have new thoughts/habits reinforced by practicing the Beck cards both for health and home management .

Practice makes progress as perfection is pure fiction-Tami C.
They say the neurons that wire together fire together. (Formation of our thoughts and the more your think something the stronger the thought pattern)

By practicing cognitive statements over and over, it is becoming a routine/habit. In 12 step programs they have a saying "First thought throw it out". Just because I think something doesn't make it true. Meaning I can have a thought pop up and I determine if it is in my best interest to move me toward a goal. The thought is real but maybe not useful. Or as I say several times a day "Is this workable?"

I also like the fact that since I can't change my weight magically, I can clean out a drawer or organize something as a diversion to eating. Thus, "change the thing you can".

Do you have areas in your life that you are trying to change the way you think and behave using CBT?

Hi declutterers!

We got to our friend's house and pretty much dumped everything in our guest room. Yesterday while the guys were outside I made the bed, organized our space and made a "list"on my iphone of personal items not to forget when we pack up. I forgot several things last year. Our space felt better and I "felt" like I could relax and enjoy our visit. This morning I've done some preliminary packing which will make things easier later today.

Several questions:
Lulu, I was introduced to BDS by a declutter thread here several years ago. I got the BDS books and started Dr. Beck's program. For me, my decluttering is a broader part of "Day 7-Arrange Your Environment. I had been trying (and trying) to work on my home environment for years. On my own, I was frustrated and gave up easily. What I found, as I decluttered, using many of the Beck strategies for successful dieting, was that it got easier and easier….much as Dr. Beck had promised me that the dieting would get easier. I have made so much headway by slowly and patiently teaching myself a daily routine while going through tons of old stuff. I notice daily how much less daily stress I have now that I have let go of stuff that no longer applies to me. As Tami(helping rachel) mentions, my values are transforming. I truly believe, for me, that keeping my home environment reasonably clean, organized and "current" will be beneficial in helping me to maintain my weightloss.

Mountain Mamma, you asked; "Since Beck is a behaviorist, let me ask you Becksters – what do you find you successfully keep up with just because you've always done it? What have you started or stopped because of a big change, like a move or new job? What are your blind spots? What’s your ‘happy’ clutter and what makes you cringe? "

1. I successfully keep my hanging items in my closet organized and sorted AND I am always current with the laundry...washing when needed and putting away when done. Why? My SIL taught me those techniques when I was 18-19 years old and living with them while in college. They felt good and still do...I didn't have much guidance growing up.
2. When we moved to a smaller house in Alaska, I put stuff in boxes and then work got busy. As I gained more physical weight I detached from alot of things and pretty much stopped trying. I hauled everything down to Colo. w/o going through stuff and put it all in the basement. I only recently started going through those items….most I have donated as they no longer apply to my current and future lifestyle.
3. My blind spots are similar to the "hotspots" that flylady describes….tops of dressers and desks, the corner of the dining room table and the counter next to the kitchen sink. I make an effort daily to keep those areas cleaned off.
4. My happy clutter is in my kitchen. I've found a way to incorporate a lot of beautiful items both above cabinets, on counter tops and hanging on the walls. What makes me cringe?? Unfinished paperwork.

So, what I stated above, now that I review it, is where I get my daily routine, my 1-2-3 dance. I keep my hotspots sorted (current clutter), continue to go through boxes (old clutter) and keep my chosen "things" and spaces (clean). As far as CBT is concerned, the longer I practice my "routine" the easier it gets. Yay!

I have chosen to take responsibility for my own stuff and will take my DH's stuff and put it on his desk. No judgement. I don't sort, organize and put his stuff away. If his shoes sit for a day I do put them in the closet. I notice he is getting better about things as our home is transforming.

How about you?

As Tami(helping rachel) also mentioned, the time and energy I have spent in my home has been a great "distraction" technique plus I have gotten lots of spontaneous exercise as I have sorted, hauled, moved and organized. My ongoing home projects help me to take my focus off food.

thanks for your feedback about this thread and it's purpose in relation to the Beck Solution.
I understand.
I guess I really don't belong here because I am extremely organized, everything in it's place, zero clutter, impeccable records.
it's just part of who I am.
Lulu

Lulu: What is your process for zero clutter, I would love to know that!
Glad your home is in order and your routine is working for you.
Good luck with your weight loss.

my process for zero clutter is:
1. regularly put things where they belong.
2. I donate a lot of things (I want order more than I want stuff).

Morning Ladies:

Spent most of the day, cleaning and purging DD room. Moved furniture around, cleaned shades and organized drawers. She is gone so this will be a surprise for her when she gets home this weekend.

Mountain Mama:
I appreciate you giving "voice" to one person's comfort is another person's clutter. I do think it is relative to each person's style. I have a wonderful husband that you can put one finger between each of his organized matching shirts in his closet. I am not "wired" like that and tend to take life in more of a relaxing-laid back way. He walks in my craft room and thinks "what is all this clutter doing here!" That is part of accepting our differences. I think that brings balance to our marriage and home.

Since Beck is a behaviorist, let me ask you Becksters – what do you find you successfully keep up with just because you've always done it? What have you started or stopped because of a big change, like a move or new job? What are your blind spots? What’s your ‘happy’ clutter and what makes you cringe?



1) One thing I do well, is plan for meals and keep my kitchen in order. I love to have "soul connection' around the dinner table while serving good food. This was modeled to me from my Mother as she wrote a cooking column, canned food and maintained a 3 acre garden. Some of my very best memories. I come from a long line of Strong women who cared for my family. My Father--not so much. I am getting ready to dive into the Paleo way of eating. Good news an Organic Store just opened up near our home.

2) In December I had a light bulb go on...my realization....was to let go of things that no longer served me. As you might have seen from a past post, I needed to purge my office. It was time to make space for this creative part of me that wanted to express and find time for Art Journaling. We only have one child at home right now and we are going room to room and simplifying. Feels good to do that but also hard because of the emotional memories that are attached to the things that I am letting go.

3) My blind spot---Putting things in a box and saying I will deal with that later. Realizing that if it isn't useful or special, it can go. Not later--decision can be made now.

4) Happy Clutter, art journals, altered books, craft supplies, sewing machine, creative books. Love my books--separated into Spiritual, Soul and Physical interests. Non-fiction -pleasure reading.

What makes me cringe--a dirty bathroom.

Thanks for asking and sharing

It touched my heart when you shared this..... "Part is the necessity of mess at times." (referring to art supplies and legos)

---I like the saying "This isn't a mess, it is creative freedom". I also like the saying "sorry about the mess,I shared this saying that I made up in my other post..."Practice makes progress as perfection is pure fiction."-Tami

Hello ladies

I hope you are all well.
Tami, it is so scary about your DD. We just returned from vacation and my son isn't feeling well, I find that difficult, I can't imagine what you and your daughter are going through. I will keep you in my prayers.

Debbie, while I was on vacation I couldn't access my home email because I couldn't remember my hint questions to verify it was me on another computer. I guess it is frustrating to have tourists but also great to have tourists for the economy.

Onebyone- Have a wonderful time on Toronto Island. I hope your kitty gets better soon, it is so difficult when our pets aren't well.

Mountain Mama- the flu sucks, I hope you are feeling better.

Lulu - Welcome, I was very organized until one of my sons told his friends our home looked like a show home. I wanted my house to look and feel lived in. I need to find a happy medium.

When I returned home from vacation my house was in order, I had done it before we left. It was so nice to return to an organized house now to keep it this way....that is the challenge.

Have a great night.
Take Care
Ann

Ann,

Good to hear from you. How was your vacation. What was the highlight of your vacation. Hope your son starts to feel better.

Isn't funny how what looks normal and organized to one person, might not be the norm for another.

Have a blessed evening.

Hi declutterers!

Ann(Newlifestyle), I love coming home when I've taken time to accomplish tasks before I go.

Tami(helping rachel), wow! I'll bet your DD will be surprised! I love your quote. It reminded me, once in yoga our teacher mentioned Practice. Someone volunteered, Yes, practice makes perfect. Our teached quietly replied...practice makes practice

We returned from our days away and everything got dumped. It's quite a distance from the car as we haul stuff. I had to work yesterday and was tired from the drive. When I got home from work yesterday I immediately noticed that DH had not done one thing...
I could get irritated which only hurts me.
I could just do it. I started downstairs and went through every room....cat box to clean laundry to fold groceries/recycle from trip to put away on and on.
When I finished I felt better and that's what matters.
DH expressed a little "regret" he had not helped. Whatever. For me, it's about the path of least resistence.

My internet will be sketchy today (ski traffic).
I'll commit to a 1-2-3 (after coffee)

I was...organized enough to remember to get my internet paperwork done early. credit.

I

Happy St. Patty's day to all.

DD was thrilled when she got home. If fact she had tears in her eyes. Truly appreciative. My DH took a picture and said this is to remind you when you start letting things go. She was elected Vice President of her State business club. Glad for her but as her Mother, stressing balance. She has a tender heart for helping the poor, elderly and special needs. Glad for her compassionate heart but sometimes have to remind, caring for herself is on the list as well.

Motivation to get the house really clean as I will have both boys home from college with 4 additional friends. Working on Menu and some additional cleaning.

Lexxiss: Your comment hit home with me about staying true to your plan and story regardless if anyone else is. Not blending into somebody's story is priceless. Sometimes you have to duck at what is swirling around.

Hi to Julia, Mountain Mama, Onebyone and Ann! As well as anyone else!

Hello everyone

I have been exhausted, this vacation is tiring...lol.
Not really, my brother came to visit and we had many late evenings and we got up very early...yikes, does not work well for me or DS, we definitely need our sleep.

Tami- what an awesome mom you are. Kudos to you for reminding DD she has to take care of herself too. When you mentioned about sons and friends coming home from college it reminded me of our house, we always brought strays home, it made for many fond memories.

Lexi, thanks for the reminder that even though someone else may not be on board instead of being disappointed I can just move on and get it done. 15 minutes of my time is better than no time spent on a task. While I was away I checked my telephone messages and the people who pick up donations had called. I called them back to arrange pick up, I told them I would have four clear garbage bags for them. Yeah done.

As I looked around my house with my brother visiting, I realize how easy it would have been to say I will get that later, clutter follows him...lol

Onebyone, I hear there is snow coming to your area. I hope you stay nice and warm.

Julia, how are you doing and where are you. I love the captions on the bottom of your posts.

Mountain Mama, Hello to you. Have a great day.

Lulu, How are you? Did you have a nice weekend.

Hello to anyone I missed.

Take Care
Ann

Ann,
It sounds like your brother's visit is keeping you busy. I will keep in mind that clutter follows houseguests and 20 somethings! I sat and pondered how I want the space of our home to be for their arrival and what can I do to make it special for them. My son and his girlfriend are going to see the broadway show, Lion King. I thought it would be fun to do the life lessons from Lion King with them. I think she might like that as she is an Art Major. My second son is just ready for some home cooking. I love that.

Called a painter today to finish DS's bedroom. If I don't get a call back will tackle that on Wednesday.

Off to work and taking care of business.

Blessings to all, may you feel empowered to get the things done that are calling for your attention. Me included!!

Hi!

I think I may be trying to catch a bit of a cold...I'm headed to bed right now. This morning was rushed but I did my tasks anyway. credit. Tomorrow AM I won't get here. We're traveling after work and I have to pick my coworker up at 530.

Take care!

Lexxis: Sending healing thoughts your way. Hope your day is filled with kindness. Safe travels after work.

Ann: What are you up to today? Your post encouraged me to make a goodwill run with DD's clothes.

Cleaned my kitchen, left the kitchen table to do with DD, as much of the clutter
belongs to her. Off to MBR for a quick 15 clean.

Sending loving thoughts to all who are reading, may you hold value and purpose in your heart today.

To answer - yeah, laundry & clothes are easy as is paying bills. Probably because I was on my own at an early age & was terrified I'd bounce a check. I guess I wonder why my bedroom is always tidy but my desk isn't. Like Lulu says - putting things where they belong.
My 'happy clutter' is also my kitchen - I'm cleaner than I am neat, so if I use a blender a lot, it is going to stay out conveniently on my counter: it may not look "clean" but it darn well is. I can't stand decorator photos of kitchens without so much as a knife out. I'd be afraid of messing it up & would never cook!! Like HelpingRachel said, family dinner is important.

Cringe - clothes on the floor, dirty bathrooms.

Blind spot - mail piling up (I no sooner get off of one mailing list than two more get my address) and packing/unpacking - I travel a lot but am usually beat when I get home.

I'm good at big sessions of cleaning & sorting & usu. don't have problems tossing stuff but not good at day to day. So I need to work at routines for everything.

Mountain Mama, I relate to wanting to clean or have "big sessions" of cleaning. I am learning that it only takes X amount of time to get small projects done. Both ways work, thank goodness.

Thanks for sharing and asking the questions.

winding up
 

Hello Declutterers

I'm away from home and managing to keep my shae of the stuio area clean enough and I cna find anything we need that I need to find and that is because I have been more mindful of keeping things together and getting rid of the clutter everyday of this residency. Alos, we are in a communal environment where we share the kitchen and the bathrooms. The bathrooms are not too bad cause we are all on different schedules, but the kitchen can be a traffic jam. Tonight 2 people were using all the burners on the stove so we retreated to our studio to eat cheese and bread and drink wine. Don't think this has happened everyday cause it hasn't! It was, however, awesome. the weather is not cooperating as it is cold and snowy and windy and this means I won't get a chance to paint the water from a spot on the beach. Oh well, I guess.

I'll be starting another decluttering challenge on the 21st. I will be back home and I am sure I will see all the tuigns I need to do with fresh eyes. I hope you can join me as we push on into summer.

Bye for now.

OnebyOne: Wine, cheese and bread sounds lovely. I will be ready to join you on a new thread to push into summer. The crocus have sprung from the earth here. We are expecting more snow at the end of the week. Just a little tease that is making my heart long for sunshine and sitting on my big wrap around porch. Ready for the push as once summer comes I want to be outside as much as possible.

I, too, look forward to continuing on here. I'm definitely looking forward to more time outdoors but during THIS challenge I believe I truly learned that I can keep ON TRACK pretty much every day no matter what else I wish to do. Thanks to all of you who hang here with me.

We traveled yesterday. I was tired last night but thought through the "plan" for our time here. The pup had a serious issue and needed an immediate bath and a home groom since he needs to visit his cardiologist soon. I bathed him last night so he'd be ready for a spiff up this morning. Done.

I went to the library and picked up several "fun" books so I'd be tempted to take some time off but washed my cutlery holder after lunch, anyway. It was full of crunchies I'd been staring at for awhile.

I'm going to keep my current clutter in check since we leave here Friday. I did notice at the pool this morning that I'd cleaned out my little locker the last time we were over.

Small things add up.

end of the challenge - but it's not over
 

Decluttering Friends

I say goodnight to you all on this First Day of Spring. N matter hw far you've come, if you are new here, or long time decluttering folks youa re welcome to join me tomorrow when we mve toward the summer. Thanks for being here. I did accomplish a few of my goals and more and more I refine and re-define what I want to live with. Thanks for that.