Progress Reports, Days 3 & 4

I've officially come to the realization that I'm not going to accomplish everything I'd hoped to this week. And I'm okay with that, because I've actually gotten a LOT done. Yesterday was "errand day"...which meant I really didn't get much done as far as decluttering. I culled the bookshelves, but not as much as I'd like. Instead, I spent a couple of hours lost in a good book. This is my vacation time, after all!

CJ went back to school today, and I was home alone - gloriously alone - for 8 hours. I dove into our bedroom closet and R's armoire. When I just couldn't sort through clothes anymore, I started on our bathroom. I called it quits with both rooms 1/2 way done. I'll finish tomorrow, before taking care of more errands.

Boxes to Consignment: 3, including a LOT clothes we no longer wear, a couple of throw rugs, and too many knick-knacks. Another large box of trash.

Most Difficult to Part With: Once again, nothing. I'm taking the clothes to a ministry store, so I have no qualms about getting rid of them.

Reward: Labeled bins & shelves in R's armoire (he's going to flip), no more expired medications or partial bottles of shampoo, a walk-in closet I can walk into, and a bedroom floor that's free of piles.

I have to confess that I ventured into the attic today to bring down some things. I have several baskets that my grandmother made. When we moved into our current home, I put them away because I couldn't find room for them. This journey has made me realize that I want to surround myself with only those things that I love and that make me smile. Getting rid of knick-knacks that mean nothing has given me ample room to display items such as Grandma's baskets, a quilt made by my other grandmother, and a bowl that we bought from a pottery studio in Annapolis.

I'm creating a home that lifts my spirits instead of crushing them, and that makes me smile instead of scowl. As I look around, I see more than china, baskets and quilts...I see the story of our family. I can't tell you how good it feels.