Thursday, December 16, 2010

what to do on a day off

After a balmy few days we had snow two nights ago and yesterday I took a mental health day. I went back to bed after the kids were off to school and finished a mystery novel. Cleared out another carload of stuff for the goodwill and then did a little Christmas shopping. Apparently mum and Alison have a deal going beginning on new years where they reward each other. Mum will give money and Alison will give decluttering help. If only I could get her here. I think we would make her day. Mum's problems are chump change compared to what I have been contending with. I am not a neatnik. No doubt there. I accept that it is a challenge for Craig to live with a person who begins things and doesn't quite finish. Vacuum cleaner abandoned where last used and that sort of thing. But, my god, does that man have clutter. Quick, look up the word 'packrat' and you will see Craig's smiling face. He has every note taken in college and law school - boxes upon boxes, he has numerous old hard drives that "have stuff on them I want". I found not one, but two sets of rabbit ears to plug into a TV. I know my kids think our TV is that old.... but actually, we do have cable. If I suggest getting rid of them...."you never know when we might need them." I did get rid of a bread maker, a second toaster, coffee grinder, mini-cuisinart, clock radio, ancient laptop (weight about 20 lbs), mac computer from Malcolm's old company that we could never break the password on, bags and bags of clothes, etc. etc. etc. Maybe, one of these days I will find the missing Christmas lights....

After these exertions, I took my snowshoes and went up Millcreek:





2 comments:

Alison Williams said...

That sounds like a serious hoarding problem. I like the idea of taking all the stuff away from the hoarder, and then getting them to ask for what they want. What they can't remember gets the axe.

My other tactic at the minute is to only buy one new thing per month. This is really focussing my mind. And in case anyone asks, I need underwear for Christmas.

JF said...

OH, but underwear are tricky. What kind?
My friend says she takes away old clothes of her husband's judiciously with the understanding that if he ever misses something she will stop. Ten years and counting....