Spring Cleaning in Summer

 We've hired a junk removal company to haul away a bunch of our junk tomorrow! It's been a long time coming, and we're very excited! I must admit a little trepidation on my part, though. Some of this junk has memories, and it can be hard to get rid of things. 

To help lighten the load, and perhaps the total cost of the job, I've been carting things out, trash bag by trash bag. It's been both cathartic and draining. BUT I'm looking forward to reclaiming the space, especially in my home office! I've love to get a sleeper love seat or futon, and add some plants too. 

 

The photo above is not our home, but in my mind's eye, the pile has been pretty big! It includes some boxes from cleaning out our parents home a few years ago. Going through those things has been bittersweet, and I'm not done yet. But progress! 

What Feels Like Home to You?

Relaxation Feels Like Home to You

You believe that your home should be your sanctuary. Life is stressful enough in the outside world.
You take it easy when you're at home. It's the place where you feel like you can truly be yourself.

You are the type of person who has deep hobbies and interests. You treasure your alone time.
You could spend all day at home if you had to. You always can find plenty to do around the house.

( I took another Blogthings quiz, and this sums it up most days for me during the pandemic, definitely after work and on the weekends. Of course, with the pandemic in place, I'm spending a lot of time at home, and I can't wait to travel again!)

Cleaning Out Closets

Last week, my sister and I met at our parents' house for the better part of a week to work on cleaning out closets, cabinets, drawers, and what not. Our mom is still living, but we decided to start the challenging task of weeding. There's so much stuff, and we processed a lot of emotions while doing this. We left determined to start the decluttering process on our own homes, while we're still able. I'm trying to back some progress most every day, even if it's going through a stack of junk mail and tossing or shredding everything I can.

My Dad in College

One of my favorite discoveries last week was this photo of Dad from his college days. He played football in college, and I guess that was his varsity letter. We think the photo was taken in front of his home. I was delighted to find this picture, but it made me miss him even more. He'd probably forgotten this picture, which we found in the "Christmas closet." Who knew?!

In Cleaning Mode

I've been in "spring cleaning" mode this week, at least some of the time, both at work or at home. Since it's still spring, I'm good! :-) I feel like I'm back in college, when I cleaned more dorm room to
procrastinate doing other things. But getting better organized, cleaning out some of the clutter, is a good thing.

What are your favorite cleaning websites? One website I check periodically for inspiration is A Bowl Full of Lemons. (It's a cheerful title, isn't it?!)

More shredding

This weekend I did more bill shredding, and was able to get rid of several bags of trash. It's a relief to feel like I'm getting my financial house in order, especially since G. and I are moving in together. Moving to a new apartment has me thinking all the more about buying a home and other financial goals, both short- and long-term.

Another week down

It's been a busy week on this end, with something going on every night. Three nights this week I got home around 10 PM after leaving home around 8 AM for good. (This after getting up at 5:00 to go work out, then back home to get ready for work and the Rice House!) The pace has been a little troubling to me on a number of levels. I'm tired and feeling a little burned out, and I haven't been able to accomplish verymany things on the homefront lately.

I hope the weekend brings some rest and healing of body and spirits, as well as some time to get things done and feel more accomplished at home.