Thursday, December 30, 2010

Are you making resolutions?

While I don't make New Year's resolutions, I am ready to make some changes. It is time to get the house and my life back in order. I used to think that the house looked empty after the decorations came down. Now I think it looks peaceful and clean. Don't get me wrong, I love decorating for the holidays, but from the end of September through now, there have been decorations here, there and everywhere. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are wonderful and fun, but I am ready for simple again.

For the past few years, January has brought out the urge to purge in me. This year is no different except that it began a month ago. I couldn't really go through things in the midst of holiday prep, but I did set things aside as they got in my way, things that will be donated or possibly put up for sale. I hope I can get my husband to do the same. He has a habit of receiving new items as gifts but still using the old. I bet I could find two new wallets in his drawers and he hasn't been given one for at least three years now. The phrase "Use it or lose it" doesn't have to apply only to mental and physical agility. I've made a point of telling my kids and nieces that except for heirlooms (do we have any?) they should not worry that they'll hurt my feelings if they decline a hand me down, rid themselves of a no longer useful or wanted item or exchange a current gift.

I began this post a few days ago and saved it when interrupted. Since then, the tree has been taken down and put out for yesterday's trash pickup. All the indoor decorations have been packed away. Only the outdoor lights are still up and in use. Bill and I talked about getting rid of some of the unused stuff and he was all for it. Let's hope he still feels that way when I actually have the stuff gathered and ready to go. Photobucket
The house looks clean and I slept soundly last night. I am ready to start the New Year, how about you?
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3 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

There is something about starting the new year on a clean slate. I think we also spend more time indoors this time of year and get tired of looking at the clutter.

As much as I try to get rid of the old and used or not needed, I always manage to replace it with something else. I don't think I'll ever change! ;-D

XO,
Jane

Unknown said...

I love deep cleaning like this!!! When my family moved recently, we got rid of a lot!!! I can't stand moving things that you no longer need, so away it went. Mostly, my husband is the pack rat in the family, it takes a lot of prompting to get him to clean up!

We are in the midst of a possible blizzard, and I am busy tiding up, and will be taking the tree down today. I will try and get some work done once Molly naps, but for now we are loving the snow!!

Take care and blessings in the New Year,
Jaclyn

Anonymous said...

I couldn't help but giggle when I read what you posted about your husband because my husband is the same way. It's a real chore to gwet him to part with anything LOL I really have to exercise more this year but it's something I say I will do every year and never keep up. This year is the year!!! I also like it when the house is free of clutter. I usually start my spring cleaning this month so when spring is here I will be able to enjoy it.