Tossing Out the Clutter

 One of the many things I have learned through the "Happiness Project" book is the importance of tossing out the crap.

That's the only way I can think to explain it.

Cut the clutter. Organize. Simplify.

Yeah, I like that word better - Simplify.

I decided to start at my office, since I spend a majority of my time there. I am slowly tossing out all of the silly knick-knacks we accumulate over time. You know the ones? The highlighter with the "hair" on top, the office "aquarium" that is a tiny little plastic box, or maybe even those felt flowers with a message from H. R.

GONE.

Seriously, I tossed it all. One of my co-workers came in and said, wow - your office looks so empty. I just smiled.

It kind of reminds me of something a good friend of mine (Telisa) said once, "I don't like to keep a bunch of stuff. I feel tied down. If I travel light - I can just GO!"

It does help me feel that way, I am invested, but can travel lighter.

Next stop - HOME.

Reorganizing

During the time that most people are watching the Super Bowl, I was rearranging furniture. I decided I wanted to make my space (as temporary as it may be) MINE for just a little while.

I mean.. the goal is to join the egyptian.. but for now, I will relish this semi-independent existence.

He and I have chatted back and forth on the phone from time to time. He is enjoying the freedom of wandering the streets. I am sure it is nice to not have to ask me to drive him somewhere. ;-)

I miss him desperately, but I am going into "ME" mode. It's good to find solitude. That's how I need to look at it - as solitude and not loneliness.

I find myself sleeping a lot, grazing food, and honestly - making plans. I officially picked out the Kindle I plan to buy. (I know - I have been talking about it forever.) I think my first purchase will be the entire Charlene Harris collection - the one that is the basis for the "True Blood" series. I have not read those books yet, so for $55 - I will go ahead and load them up!

I am also excited that I can "purchase" classics for FREE. That's excellent!! Again, just something else to look forward to.

I am also trying to decide about what to serve at the Wonder Woman 38th Birthday Slumber Party. My pjs (themed) will be here any day, and now I am trying to decide food.I don't want too much - I thought maybe pick up some cupcakes and make some yummy dips, etc. Who knows. :-)

It is nice to have that massive media tour out of the way. WHAT a week. Seriously - insanity. In the end, I think there were some quality placements, and all ended nicely. Tomorrow will be a nice catch up day. I know our Government Relations person is hot to get some agenda items in the media -so I am sure my attention will be there.

*sigh*

Gosh - it's nice to be on the other side of all of that mess. I feel at peace (sort of) about the egyptian. I have a plan to see him. Then I feel great about work. I like the way I reorganized my stuff. I am looking forward to my birthday weekend. I have one Research Reception and one Heart Ball to attend - then I will use my vacation time to travel to NYC. Nice.

I also want to share something else with you guys. Again - I have (sort of) buried the lead. Since I moved to Birmingham, I have had a bit of a spiritual crisis. I thought I had found a church I like - and yeah - sort of. But then - it just did not have that "feel" I was looking for. So - I am going to do a little exploring over the next few weeks! I am seriously considering checking out the Maronite Catholic Church. It is basically an eastern rite that is based out of the Middle East. What a great way to combine this new life of mine - a taste of the Middle East mixed with fellow Christians. Anyway, I thought it might be interesting. I plan to make an appointment with the Priest and get a little tour.

All I know is - something has got to give. B/c Prince of Peace Catholic Church is just a little to modern/liberal for my taste.

Strange for me to say that - right? Yeah, well.. when it comes to religion - I need more ceremony.
I did totally enjoy my friend Laura's Presbyterian Church.. but as you know, it's hard to break away from your catholic roots.

Okay - heading to the kitchen to graze a little dinner. Heading back into my workout routine tomorrow, back on the Mediterranean Diet, and getting ready to regroup.

What are your big goals this week?

How to let it go?

I have talked about it, I have planned it - but today is the day. It is finally time for me to clean out my storage closet.

Each weekend, I think to myself, "Okay - we can do this!" Then I find 500 other things I should be doing.

Here's the thing, in a little over 2 weeks - I will have to get to the back of the closet - to locate the Christmas boxes. And yes, they are all of the way in the back.

Most of the "things" in the front are items that need to go to the Salvation Army. (PS - did you know that 99% of all donations (including monetary) go to the needy? It's one of the few non profits that actually do that.) I have a HUGE garbage bag full of VHS tapes (entire collection of Sex & The City - I hate to part with, BUT- I don't have a VCR any more. :-()

Then I have two tents, tennis rackets, boxes of Halloween/Christmas/Costumes, a BIG trunk full of memories, my scrap booking stuff, a box of BETA tapes from my tv days, luggage, my candle making supplies, my soap making supplies - you know.. things you hoped you would someday actually pick up again. It doesn't sound like a lot - but for whatever reason, when I open the door to the room, things begin to fall down like an avalanche.

The problem is - I don't know if I necessarily need to get rid of any of it. Okay, the VHS tapes - yes. But the rest? I mean, I always beg people to go play tennis with me (I LOVE tennis), and I do hope to one day find people who are interested in camping. I could go on and on...

How do I let it all go???

What about you? What do you have that you are just holding onto?