The latest and greatest

How long since I updated here? Ugh, too long, not good.

Quick bites and bits of me:

I am reminded of why the toddler years drive me crazy.

I am reminded of why I will miss the cuteness and sweetness of the toddler years.

The first-grader is blooming--intellectually, socially, gracefully and verbally. Was it just three years ago she was in speech therapy? Today she correctly used a really big, grown-up word. Gah! I forgot what it was. [smacks forehead]

My fourth-grader presented me today with a decoupage artwork she made in art class from a b/w photo of the two of us that I supplied. We are both wearing bejeweled crowns and she gave me angel's wings, with a poem on the back and a quote from Cicero. Cicero! I spent a whole semester of Latin on Cicero's orations. Oh! she has my heart! I cried.

My husband is better. And every day better. And that makes me better.

I am writing again. For payment. On my own schedule, on my own terms, stuff I like to write. It is good.

It is Fall.

Finally.

I want nothing more than to live in this moment. Stay here. Savor it. Crunch it. And not let it go.

peeling

there are layers there
thin, like
skin on the onion
not the thick ones
but the nearly invisible
membrane
that might or
might not
show when you peel the brown shell off
that cracks and snaps
dry, brittle.

but the thinnest layer
hides

i just realize it's there
as i pry the outer from the
inner
and it pulls away like
the filmy amnion
from the chorion

but my layer
is more elastic and doesn't break
or shred
or shed
but snaps back
resists the fingernail
hides the underneath
because the layers below
are unripe
immature
undeveloped

hiding.

Love/Hate:Goodwill

Why I Love Goodwill: $1 Thursdays.

Yesterday I was able to replace most of my shrinking wardrobe for less than twenty bucks. I've been clearing out the clothes that no longer fit. Since giving birth a year ago, I've lost almost 50 pounds (and considering I only put 14 pounds on during the pregnancy, I don't have pre-pregnancy clothes that fit--the last time I was this size was in college and I don't have any of those clothes left, not that I would wear the 15-year old styles anyways). I'm finding it hard to be restrained and blase' about the weight-loss. I am so happy and excited about it I want to shout it from the rooftops, but that would be self-absorbed and rude. So I will mention it here and tell you all that if you comment on it to me, you will make my day and I will walk around for hours feeling the glow of the compliment. It makes the breastfed-allergic-baby deprivation diet worthwhile.

Why I Hate Goodwill: Rude employees.

Yesterday my joy at fitting easily into a size 10 was dashed by a cashier who ignored me when I asked for help at the jewelry counter, then when the baby was done patiently waiting started screaming, the cashier looked at us, stuck his fingers in his ears, shook his head and clucked his tongue. I LOST IT and went off on him. I don't think I have ever before let out that long a string of angry admonishments on a retail employee in my life. But NOBODY deserves that treatment, and we had been waiting very patiently. They won't see me in that location again.

Firsts

Kisses wake-up.
Sisters hug.
Grandparents call.
Play, nap, eat.
Friends wish happy things.
Homemade chicken soup.
Cupcake and frosting.
Singing.
Candle flickers, "Blow it out!"
A present!
A pirate ship dismantled.
Bath.
Milk.
Bedtime.

The best first birthday ever. I love you my baby boy!

This New Year I Resolve...

to declutter my home.

Oh, lordy. How did this much stuff end up in this house? Nevermind, don't answer that. I already know.

We have accumulated more stuff here than in any of our previous residences. Why? Because we always moved every three years, and that always forced a big clean-out. Now we've been here four years straight. It makes me want to move again just to clean stuff out. NOT! HA! I am so glad to not have to move, but now I have to clean-out without the assistance of seeing everything as it goes into moving boxes. Moving is great for decluttering because you don't want to have to pack and unpack that unnecessary junk. Taking it to the donation center is more satisfying when the alternative is saving your back from one more box to lift.

In order to accomplish the declutter project, not get burned out or give up, and cheer ourselves on, I've created a plan. One room a month, breaks from the project in June and December (usually our busiest vacation and holiday months), simple guidelines to follow and step-by-step approach to problem areas. I'll post our progress on our fridge and on this blog. If I get behind, feel free to give me a nudge. In the meantime, here's the plan of attack:

Month Room Areas of Focus

• January: Kitchen & Laundry -- Cabinets; drawers; counters; tops of cabinets; baker's rack; refrigerator.
• February: Girls' room -- Closets; dressers; desk; toy bins; beds.
• March: Boy's room -- Closets; dresser; bookshelves; toy chest; boxes; bed.
• April: Computer room -- Desks; closets; bookshelves; sewing cabinet; boxes.
• May: Computer room continued -- Put in new desks & wall shelves.
• June: Off -- Summer break!
• July: Master bedroom -- Closets; mule chest; nightstands; boxes; bathroom; underbed storage.
• August: Family room -- Bookshelves; entertainment center; china cabinets; linen closet.
• September: Living room -- Bookshelves; entertainment center; baskets; bench seat; coat closet.
• October: Patio -- Boxes; toy; deep freeze; deck box; side yard.
• November: Garage -- Closet; boxes; tools; toys.
• December: Off -- Holiday break!

Strategies for Decluttering

• If it's broken, expired or used up, throw it out.
• What stays, must have a place to live.
• What goes, sort into "Sell," "Donate," or "Storage."
• Shred or recycle unnecessary paper.

Wish us luck!