Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Decluttering.

We have too much junk. When I bought this house (single and hadn't even met G yet), I thought that 1200 square feet was way more than I'd ever need. I had lived in a studio-type carriage house my last 2 years of med school...basically a single living room/bedroom, and tiny kitchen and bathroom. The fact that the house I was buying had a separate living room and 2 whole bedrooms was almost more than I could comprehend. Flash forward 6 years...married and 2 kids in a 2 bedroom house. Now with a wicked fiber addiction to go along with the book addiction that was already well established back then. It's getting a little crowded, to say the least. But really, I think it's more a matter of too much stuff and not enough storage. Oh, okay. Maybe just too much stuff.

On Sunday, the kids went to my mom and dad's. Without that distraction, G and I tackled the kids' room. Well, mostly Catie's room, as Jack is still in our room. But eventually, they'll share it. We hauled out 4 garbage bags of kids clothes to take to a resale store. Plus there's 2 boxes of stuff we're keeping...you know...the stuff they wore home from the hospital, special outfits, etc. We got rid of a bag of toys. I still have a couple of boxes of papers to go through. The room looks great. It needs a rug, but it's so clean and uncluttered. I LOVE IT! I haven't taken any pictures, and can't now, because Catie's already in bed, but it's wonderful. I'd like to do this with each room in the house.

Clutter is my downfall. I certainly know we won't have the "perfect" house. It will always look lived in. I'm okay with that. And I know it's a matter of doing a little bit every day to stay on top of it. I just can't figure out how to do that and get everything else done that I want or need to do.

This post really has no purpose, I suppose. Just me rambling. We're trying to simplify things here, and this is one of the steps on the way.

In other news, it's been snowing like crazy all day. I'm nostalgic for the good ol' days in school, when we could very likely have a snow day tomorrow. None of that now, though. That, and I'm knitting myself a sweater. I've always made them for other people. Now it's all about me!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Vacation update

We've been back for just over a week, and I haven't blogged yet. Vacation was wonderful. The coast was stormy, which I don't mind at all. We walked on the beach every day, and Catie chased seagulls. There was much knitting and reading. Also a fair amount of sleeping. And we did 2 different thousand piece jigsaw puzzles. We had clam chowder every day. and unlimited, dedicated time with the kids. I want to be on permanent vacation. Seriously. Or maybe just retire now?

Here's one of the projects that dominated my knitting time. I finished the Tulip Sweater. I started back in October or November, but it got set aside for one reason or another. Well, I pulled it out, and worked on it. I finally finished it yesterday, and am pleased as punch at how it turned out.It was an easy knit, and the colors make me happy to look at. This is the smallest size, and is a gift. Though last night, as I was weaving in the ends, Catie said, "You make big one and I wear it?" How can I turn that down?

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Vacation knitting

We're on vacation. The first official, real, week-long vacation since I was on maternity leave. I've had a couple of long weekends, but this is the first time I've had a whole week off. More like 10 days actually. We're in Seaside, Oregon. There's been lots of knitting. So far I've finished one project that's been lingering for months. Tonight I'm going to finish a sock I've had on the needles since the fall. Tomorrow...the Tulip sweater. And I brought the spining wheel...so when I get home, I'll have all sorts of pictures to show you. Enjoy your week.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all! Remember back when you were young (21 or 22) and New Year's Eve was a big event? If only I could have seen my future...I was in bed by about 11. Ahhh, blissful slumber.

I thought that today was my blogiversary, but after looking back through the archives, it was actually yesterday. So, happy late day to me as well. 2 years ago, I sat up late on New Year's Eve, and started a blog. After reading so many knitting blogs online, I wanted to jump into the fray. I've not been the most consistent blogger by any means, but I have enjoyed it, and enjoyed getting to know you all.

One of the many resolutions I've made this year is to be a better blogger. I'd like to get a couple of posts in each week. It's probably a little over-ambitious, but I'll try.

I actually went to 43 things and made up a long list of resolutions. Feel free to go check them out. This will be a process that will take more than a year, but I really want to get my life in line with my values. I feel sometimes like I do stuff because it's the way I've always done it or because it's convenient, not necessarily because it's the right way.



One of the biggest things that is going on this year is that we've decided, as a household, to not buy anything made in China. All year long. The safety issues, as well as the fact that jobs are being taken away from here in the US, all in search of the glorious dollar and increased profit margins, has prompted us to do this. I think (and hope) it will cause us to research and plan ahead, and really buy only what we need. Out little political statement about the economy and the shifting of production overseas isn't going to change anything, but we'll feel better about it. I'm sure I'll have updates with the struggles we have regarding this from time to time.

One of my resolutions was to go to bed earlier and get up earlier...I better head that way.