dear blog.

dear blog,

I am sorry for my neglect.
For, that is what I have done, neglected.

But, my time with you is solitary---and the past few weeks have been anything but solitary.

And, there is something else that has come my way. Something that I can't help but invest, fully, my time into.

It is for the greater good.

Introducing...
One of my favorite friends, Jen, told me about this book and how it changed her life. Seriously, she went through her house and got rid of so much and sold a bunch of it in a garage sale---and in turn, earned a pretty penny... not to mention, changed her whole mindset. As I was talking to her, she went into another room, grabbed the book and graciously bestowed it on me.

Am I lucky or what?

And, just like that (insert snapping fingers), it's changed my life too. I started this book before we went away for the holidays, but couldn't help but think about it the entire time I was gone. So, I got my cell phone out and made lists of all the projects I would accomplish when I got back home. And, people, it's been happening! And, I haven't even finished the book yet!

There are little delights found everywhere within the pages. For example, on pages 48 & 49 it says, "Life is a constant change. So when something comes into your life enjoy it, use it well, and when it is time, let it go. It is that simple. Just because you own something, it doesn't mean that you have to keep it forever."

OR

pg. 49 "People hold on to their clutter because they are afraid to let it go--afraid of the emotions they may experience in the process of sorting through some stuff, afraid they will make a mistake and later regret getting rid of something..." (emphasis added for my benefit).

pg.69 "Is your bedroom a dumping ground for all those things you have nowhere else to put?"
(is she spying on me?)

pg.70 "Most people wear about 20 percent of their wardrobe 80 percent of the time. If you doubt me, do this test for a month..."
pg.71, "Make a decision to never, ever buy anything again that isn't quite what you want, because now you know it will just end up in the 80 percent pile and you will have wasted your money. Resolve to buy only clothes that you love and that look great on you..."
pg.72, "If you haven't worn it in the last two or three years, then let it go."

pg.74, "Dedicated hoarders will gladly leave their expensive cars packed outside in all weathers so that their worthless clutter is safe and dry."

ouch!

pg.75 "You know how good it feels when it has been freshly cleaned out. Treat yourself!"

and those are just a FEW of thing pearls of wisdom found!!

Now, if you know me, you know that I am a "pile" and "shove-somewhere-in-a-frenzy-to-make-it-look-like-I'm-on-the-ball" person. Now, mind you, I don't let things get filthy or dirty, I just pick up the stuff, clean and then find somewhere new to put the stuff. Rinse and repeat. It's how my life has gone.

Not anymore, people.

Well, I'm not finished yet---"we've only just begun..." (quick, name that tune. if you REALLY know me and my musical interests, then you'll know who sings this delight).

Anyway, that is what is taking my attention at this present time. I've already made some good progress and I know that a few people will be proud... Aaron (he's running a victory lap RIGHT now), my mom (she's been trying to pound these lessons in my head for years--sorry!), and a few others.

Pictures will be posted promptly on the 12th of never. And, if it happens before then, you can be greatly surprised.

Oh, but you want to see a little photo of the little Miss? Okay. Will do. I gotta appease the masses.

yes, she is almost 9 months, people?! what!? i know. There's a lump in your throat just contemplating it. Yeah, I know, tell me about it.