Summer 2010 De-cluttering Project

Yes. It's happening folks. I am turning over a new leaf. Along with my fitness plan that started this week, I plan to de-clutter our apartment. There has been talk about us moving into a house if we have another baby, but I am convinced we can make it work right here in our tiny apartment. We love the neighborhood and have everything we need. I know families in Ireland and Japan raise whole families in one room and it is possible. Of course, it is so American to think you need lots of extra room and a crap-load of stuff.

Anyway,I will start with the junk closet and then move to the billions of old clothes we have cluttering our bedroom. Some of it will go to a consignment store, but the bulk will be sent to Goodwill. Then I'll move onto the kitchen and eliminate the be-zillion dishes and utensils we NEVER use. Last will be the bathroom closet, where I'll mercilessly discard expired items. I cannot wait! Of course I'll probably need some gluten free beer and some good music to pull this off. My goal is to get it all tackled by the end of the month.

Busy Day

I worked late, but was able to see fireworks out the office window last night, so that was cool. Afterwards, I walked Ernie, took a couple Motrin p.m., and then watched a Season 3 episode of "Thirty Something" over soy ice cream. That show is so eighties, but actually pretty well written (who knew?). Now, I'm slugging down coffee and getting ready for a long dog walk. We also have to get all of our stuff out of here and linens washed because we are moving back home tonight and then my dad is coming at 11 p.m.. What a long day it will be, but I'm happy he is FINALLY visiting us.

July Already

Time is flying by and this week has gone especially fast. I applied for a job at the student clinic today. I am almost finished with my degree and it would be great to get a little experience in that setting before I start my internship. I think that, generally, I'm due to change things up, although staying in my current job til the last second does have some appeal. I'm definitely comfortable with the routine.

Yesterday was a fun day. I spent it urban walking with Doug and Ernie (black lab). We started in a local park and made a large loop through a couple of neighborhoods. It took a few hours and it was a bit of an adventure until I realized we were almost home. Kind of a "Planet of the Apes" moment for me. After the walk, we fed Ernie and I gave Doug some homemade bramble berry shortbread that the previous pet-sitter had left for me. She was so nice, even washing the linens before she took off. I know that sounds like such a small courtesy, but one less load of laundry is always a plus when you are going between pet-sitting gigs.

So now I've seen all the Toy Stories except for the latest one, which we'll check out after my dad visits next week. I am so excited to see him. Even though he's only here for a short stay, there are so many places we want to take him, including the ocean. Tonight, Hubby and I thoroughly cleaned the apartment, including the tub, so my dad can have a really comfy visit. I want him to like it enough that he might consider moving out here in his old age, so we can take care of him.

As we were cleaning tonight, I recycled old copies of "Fit Pregnancy" and ate the last of the raw food bars that I bought when I was pregnant last summer. I also put away all the baby junk I keep getting in the mail. I am on some stupid list ever since I shopped at a maternity store last year. I put all the unwanted formula and diapers away, so I can donate them. There are still some baby clothes and books that a friend gave me, which I may or may not keep. I have them tucked away and am not sure what I feel about them. Part of me thinks I could save them for another baby and another part just wants everything from the last pregnancy gone. Truthfully, I don't think it will hurt to have a few unopened clothes and books put away. The main thing is I want the feeling of a fresh start. In August or September, we plan to try for another baby and I want this to be all brand new. I know I'll have fears and memories, but I don't want to add unhappiness by having old stuff from last time in my direct path. I don't even want the same doctors. Our support group is tomorrow night and I will probably air some of this in there. Some of the women are currently pregnant, so I'll be curious how they are dealing.