It's that time of year again. Seems I get this need to clear out the entire house just before school sets in. Not sure why but it happens every year, even before I had kids. I have found that this year is more about simplifying and finding a balance between want and need. With two kids and all of their things and stuff the space is limited. Since we are still working on the upstairs remodeling we've gone beyond limited to cramped in the extreme. I am also trying to sort out stuff for a rummage/yard sale before the end of summer. Ugh. I am at the point where I'd like to pitch most things into a huge dumpster. Makes me crazy that I can't find things when I need or want them. And when did I ever need a juicer and a food processor plus a food processor that can be used as a juicer???? The stuff we have amassed is stunning. Now some things I remember needing or wanting but when did we let it get this nuts. My espresso machine used to be out on the counter and used all the time. Then it was regulated to once or twice a week. Finally it disappeared into storage in the utility room. Yikes, and all the tea stuff that I love but don't use much anymore. Time to simplify and get to the point that we have what we need and the things we really love. Maybe then I'll be able to breath easier.
And mentioning things we need and things we really love ... I have soooo much scrapbooking paper, paints, embellishments, found items, ephemera, inks, stamps, etc. Not as much as some people I know but more than enough for me and what can fit in my house at the moment. I need better storage. I would like a better place to work and keep my things. It is difficult having my 'studio' - if you can call it that - in our little galley kitchen. I know that when the upstairs remodeling is completed I'll have a studio setup in one of the rooms up there. But that is still a long way off. So I am looking for good ideas on storing 12x12 paper, paint bottles, bunches of tiny to medium goodies I've collected, inks, stamps and a large array of scrapbooking and crafting tools. Seems like I finally get things figured out then I get more things and I've run out of space again. Someday I'll have a lovely, sunny room for my studio where I can create all day if I feel like it. Sigh, but it is not today.
We have made a good dent in the school supply shopping list over the summer. Only a few more items that are on the list from school. I still have to do the bulk of school clothes shopping. It's for both kids this year, for the first time. Can not believe that my baby will be starting preschool in September. Part of me is stunned that the years have flown so quickly. Part of me is happy and looking forward to a few moments of time for myself. And a very large part of me wonders how he and I will manage this new phase. He has been all excited to be picking out school supplies and school clothes. I think he is ready to go but I'm not sure if I am. This is the first year that DD is concerned about going back to school. She is usually bugging me about how long before school starts and is counting down the days. Now that she has friends outside of school and the possibility of having a teacher she doesn't know she is asking what happens if she doesn't like school this year. I'm hoping that it is just a phase and once school starts she'll be just as thrilled as she has always been. Only time will tell how this upcoming school year will turn out.
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