getting it out

There are many people who look forward to spring cleaning - clearing out the old stuff, dumping everything they no longer need or use.

Well, that has not been a joy for me, not easy, not fun, not doable.

I am comfortable giving things away to people who'd need them - I donate clothing, pass on books through book exchanges, pass on books I've just finished to people who might enjoy them.  I've given away a light box (for remedying Seasonal Affective Disorder) and a scale to a friend who expressed a desire for them.  I've even given away art work.

I am happy using something up and then getting rid of it.  No matter what I use up, there's more where that came from...

I cannot wholesale clear out closets, drawers, shelves, etc.  If anyone can use it, if I can possibly use it in the future, it stays.

I've been donating teaching material - two bags a week mininum (this past year I only work two days a week - last school year I brought it more).  One recipient finally asked where all this material had been... home:  the bottomless pit.

In the past two years I've bought very little.  So the flow of stuff is clearly OUT.  Do I see a difference - it's slight but there.

I am a firm believer in reduce, reuse, recycle.  I put my emphasis on reuse.  The clerks in the post office know me because I am the person who reuses the mailing envelopes for book exchanging.  I even reuse the attendance cards for my students by writing on the blank side - instant mailing label!

I spent many years shopping and buying.  I have enought creams and lotions, shampoos and make up to last a VERY long time.