#18 Project Purge

It is my dream to have a house that is clean enough that someone could come over, unannounced, walked into any room in my house, and I would not be embarrassed.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.  Yes, I am bad at putting stuff away.  But, honestly, if I didn't have so much stuff, putting it away would be much easier.

I just got back from vacation.  Our vacation condo felt so neat and wonderful.  Why?  Because it wasn't overflowing with useless stuff.  I think my tendency to keep "junk" stems from two things.  1.)  I hate to waste.  Why get rid of something useful.  Instead, I will just keep it around until the day that I might decide I need it.  2.) I have a very strong attachment to memories.  And I feel like I will keep those memories, if I keep things that involve those memories.

Well, this is the end!  I am tired of the mess!  I am tired of the clutter!  I am tired of the embarrassment!  I am tired of my unhealthy attachment to things!  Tomorrow, I start PROJECT PURGE.  It is my mission to purge a large amount of unnecessary stuff from my home and my life.  I will go through my things and get rid of things that have no use to me now or in the very specific future (ie, Christmas).  I will sort things into catagories of trash, sell, donate, or keep.  In order to help me pare down my things, I have created a very specific list of what I am allowed to keep of certain items.  After typing it, it looks like tons of stuff still, but this way, I won't feel so overwhelmed with getting rid of things, I will actually do it.  Then, next time, maybe I can reduce the stuff even more.

*1 box of baby/child items for my future children (except books or large items such as my old rocking horse)
*1 box of strictly sentimental things
*1 box of fabric
*No more than 2 boxes of non seasonal decorations
*Gift items must fit on my gift shelf (I like to buy gifts way ahead of time, when I find the perfect thing at the perfect price)
*Craft items must fit in the craft closet
*Return borrowed items to their homes
*Get rid of books that I won't read again & aren't worth lending to others
*If I'm not using it, won't within the next year, and can easily buy a new one....it goes
*Be honest about my clothes & get rid of clothes I won't wear
*File, Shred, Or Recycle any paperwork, documents, articles, resources, or mail
*Extra stuffed animals or dolls must fit into 1 basket ( I have many of these from childhood and stuffed animals from my husband)
*I may keep 1 small box of toys for guest children to play with
*Beauty items that are not regularly used must fit in 1 box or basket under the sink
*Break down any boxes and recycle anything that can't be used for shipping packages

Here we go!

#17 Just Zorbing Around

Several years ago, while watching TV with my mom, I saw a commercial for a truck.  Although, the commercial was not effective in marketing  the product, as I can't remember what brand of truck it was advertising, it did add something to my mental bucket list.  The people drove their truck up a big hill, pulled a huge ball out of the truck, got inside, and rolled down the hill.  My mom and I loved this, and I looked it up online, as I was able to remember the name on the ball, just not the truck I was supposed to want to buy after this commercial.  Haha.
I looked up Zorb and discovered that (as I remember it) it was only in New Zealand, but was Coming Soon to Pigeon Forge, TN.  What luck!  Pigeon Forge was in the next state!
I'm one to decide I'm going to do something, and then talk about it for a long time, before I ever do anything.  So, this August, I finally did it.  Several years later, but who cares?  My mom and a few other girls came along, and let me tell you.....IT WAS SOOOOO FUN!  A little pricey....but totally worth it!  We decided to go for the 3 ride pack and did 3 Zydro rides (sitting in a little bit of water so you slip and slide around inside).  I did one ride with my mom and cousin (we laughed the ENTIRE time), one ride alone (didn't love doing it alone), and one ride with my friend Kelly (so much more fun to do it with someone again).
I love doing fun things!

 Rolling down the hill!

Inside the Zorb