2014 Things - Week One

I wrote this post the first week of January... and my OCD kicked in. I became obsessed with counting. It was NOT healthy! So I stopped worrying about the number. It's still a good objective so I'm sharing it with you now.

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I read this post about getting rid of 2014 things from your home in 2014 and knew I wanted to give it a whirl.

I need to make some changes in my life... my house and my life are so full of stuff. And I'm tired. I'm tired of moving it around. I'm tired of talking to people on my doorstep because I fear their judgement. And with the possibility that I will need to give up 2+ rooms of space should my Mom need full time care... Things need to change! 

I didn't know I would be starting this but I had already cleaned out a liquor cabinet on New Year's Eve. I'm not much of a drinker and I have no intention of throwing parties any time soon. Most everything in the cabinet was purchased for my last birthday party... in 2001! I only kept the cooking sherry, Xiaoshing wine, and a bottle of Bourbon just in case.  I will use the room to keep dog food off the laundry room floor.

I'm hoping this diary will make me more conscious of the stuff I choose to fill my life with and why! 

Outflow:

1/1	6 bottles of liquor	Given to a friend who will use it!
1/2	2 mini bottles liquor	Given to the same friend above
1/2	1 bottle non-alcoholic cider	Used it to water my narcissus and recycled the bottle.
1/2	12 hair combs	Donated to Veterans Thrift Store. Why do I buy things I have too much hair for??
1/3	zero actual progress	Posted some ads for things I want to sell and made contacts for some donations
1/4	Yard long strip of sequin punch	Trash...
1/4	Tub of Margarita salt	Given to the friend who drinks

Inflow:

1/3	Bathroom rug	Nice find at the thrift store. Tired of cold feet.
1/4	purchased a salt set for the shakers	I'm NOT counting the food but I did give the salt tray and two of the spoons that came with to the bestie. She gave hers to her mother and she loves having flavored salts out. My kitchen is not big enough for such a display!
1/4	Tall skinny dog food container	Will fit in my newly clean kitchen cabinet and keep me from going downstairs twice a day to prepare Mabel's meals. That's a win to me!

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So while I'm not counting per se any more, I have made amazing progress. I've got a 18 x 18 x 12 box in the shop that I'm filling with art supplies for a school in MN. I got rid of the stereo speakers that were taller than my waist and right now, my patio bannister is lined with boxes for the Vets Thrift store.

What amazed me as my bestie and I cleaned my downstairs den is that for everything I parted with, another item needed that space... sigh.