I know I haven’t updated in a while. I have a good reason. Last Thursday, my sister in law volunteered to give up her off day to come over and do a clean sweep. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the TV show? You would have to see their house to understand how mortified I was at first. They opted to not have children, so their home is their baby. It is everyone’s dream. It belongs in a magazine. Frankly, every time I visit them, I come home feeling depressed. In my life BC (before child) believe it or not, you could actually eat a meal on my floor, my house was so clean and polished. Well, come to think of it, you could eat on my floor now. If you were hungry enough. Especially around Stephen’s chair. He misses his mouth ½ the time and the other ½, he throws his food to the cats.
Anyway, I am a sentimental packrat. I’m sure I’ve mentioned that before. My SIL said I had enough makeup kits for a tv station. I used to do hair and makeup for proms and weddings and also did hair and makeup for Glamour Shots photo studios. So I was well equipped with the tons of products needed to make women beautiful. Only thing is, it was all going to waste. Believe me, even though I need it, I just don’t wear makeup like I used to. Most days, my hair is in a ponytail. No more do I go to parties, dine in nice restaurants etc. So, it was clearly stupid to hang onto the stuff. Several months ago, I gave 4 garbage bags of really nice cocktail dresses & shoes to charity. Thursday, I sent the rest of my collection. I can’t describe the pain in the pit of my stomach. The tears I held back. For me, this was more than cleaning, it was saying farewell to a part of my life which I truly loved at one time and I’ll never be that woman again. It was part of my identity. You’d have to know the old me. The me who wouldn’t dare go out to get the mail w/out makeup. The me, who was always tan. Pale skin and dark circles under my eyes is what I now see when I look in the mirror. Come to think of it, I wish I had donated my mirrors as well.
How do I feel today? Great! No regrets! I now have more shelves for the things I use daily. When it was all over, I donated 7 Hefty bags to Goodwill! I’m enjoying my clutter free space. Every Thursday is Thursday sweep, till every room is done! I honestly can’t believe she wants to come back, God Bless her :P
15 comments:
Ohhh.. this sounds like exactly what I need! A clean sweep. Minimize and down-size. I'm also bad about holding onto crap I don't need. It's that womanly voice that says, "You might need that someday!" The truth is, I won't. They say if you haven't used something in a year, throw it out. I definitely gotta work on that. I guess packing and moving will give me that opportunity? Sounds like you have a GREAT sil! :)
SloMo! I just missed ya. Guess where I was? At your journal, lol! If you go to the website I have linked, they give lots of great tips on getting organized! btw..congrats on the house~GO FOR IT! love ya..
Hey Mia,
I don't know what it is with me, everything I get rid of I seem to just replace. Glad you are feeling better about donating your things. I know you say you got a little teary eyed when you said goodbye to the woman that you were, but just look at the wonderful woman you are RIGHT now. That is the person who sends me running over here whenever my blogline lets me know you updated. Don't know you personally but think your're great anyway. Hugs
~RC~
RC- ::smiling:: It's friends like you who make my day! Thanks for the kind words! love you!
It's that time of year for me. I love that feeling - clearing out! Ahhh... making room for the present! It makes sense that you'd grieve the loss of your stuff. We have attachments to things - everything has a meaning. And the letting go is an important process. Good for you. You walked through fire. You let yourself grieve. And today you feel great. A quick process this time for you :) Woohoo for Thursday sweep!
{{{{{Mia}}}}} I have enjoyed getting caught up on your two journals. I love Stephen's haircut...he looks great!! Good job Mom! The trip to Walmart....I loved those pics. This entry reminds me of how cluttered this place has become...like you, in my BC days my place was immaculate and spectacular...nowadays I'm actually frightened to go into Ikenna's room! ROFL! Please give my love to Paul and Stephen.
Libby and I are both "PAch Rats' it is a terrible burdun to carry. We usually to a once a year run through and get rid of one or two things just to feel good. Get rid of all my good stuff??? Never!!! My Regards to you and Stephen, Bill.
oh, how I loved coming over and playing with your makeup collection! I am sad also you had to depart with all of that. You are part of the reason that everytime I go to a store I must buy some new makeup! I have baskets and baskets full under my cabinet in the bathroom. Be strong! ~love, Sonya
Ah, she sounds like a great sister-in-law. A clean sweep sounds hard but I think we all need it once in a while. It's nice to have someone to help. :-) ---Robbie
Trish-I didn't think of it as a trial by fire process. Thanks for helping me see that.
Viv-I'm glad you enjoyed the pics! Truth is, something about aol-J has made me an even bigger slob (but it's worth it) :P
Bill-Get rid of my good stuff? Never! LOL-that's my attitude!
Sonya (my dear cousin)-I'll try to be strong. LoL, I'm the reason you must buy makeup. Is that all I taught you? Remember holding onto empty boxes too? Why did I do that? Didn't I also teach you some bad language? :P
Robbie-She IS a great SIL. I love her to pieces. Her b'day is coming up. Oh yeah, she's gonna get a nice treat!
Mia! Nice to see you back and posting once again. I was gonna cheer you up and say that a clean sweep gives you more room for new stuff but you already said that in the end, good for you! Not to mention all the good your donations to charity has done.
Don't feel too bad about not having an immaculate house. After all, the last thing we will all remember on our deathbeds is a clean floor. Time spend with family and loved ones is what matters the most, and of that you have tons!
Mara-:o) Thanks so much! You are so right. It's nice to be "tidy" but I don't have to be perfect :)
As hard as it is to get rid of things you cherish...it's so nice to have a clutter free space! I used to be a pack-rat...and still am to a point. But everytime I've moved, I've thrown away or donated more and more of my stuff. Trust me...things don't seem quite so important when you have to pack them up over and over again. =)
XO ~ Bridgett
Yes! God Bless Her!! I have a SIL I know who would do that as well. and I too, like you, would be mortified! my house has way too much stuff...
yep, packrat....hey, you just never know when you might need that plastic do hickey with a missing screw!! :)
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