Friday, January 16, 2009

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.

15 comments:

Kristen said...

I'll take the little one, along with the pillows please.

Cairen said...

I think I am going to go get that book... I have that desire to be a neat organized person... but I always just think.."we have too much junk to be organized!" I can't wait to see your pictures of the transformation.

elements: overexposed said...

You crack me up! May I copy this post and put it on my blog...it's great!...You are and great and it was even greater to see your mug over Christmas break! xo

elements: overexposed said...

And a Happy Anni to you and the Mr. I cannot wait for the photo binge to come! I need to do the same.

Russ and Nat said...

I am so glad you found this delight!! Unfortunately (actually fortunately) I inherited my dad's lack of keeping anything that will clutter your house gene. For my wedding reception I had these really awesome glass hurricanes that went on the tables...apparently my dad thought once the reception was over we would never want them - straight to DI they went...so sad!! I have to give him a hard time about it - but being organized is definitely a good thing! I love it!

Mike and Kelly said...

way to be. I actually have thrown out 3-4 bags of stuff this past month. I finally gave up hope that I would fit back into my postpardom clothes after #3. How sad, but how happy it makes me throw things away. Good for you.

stampinashley said...

Can I have the book when you are done with it? I need more feng shui in my life... not to mention a little less clutter.

Tim and Melissa said...

Thanks for sharing. I need to declutter my life (as I stare at my messy desk).

We had TONS of fun last night with your cute fam. We need to do that more often!

Heather said...

ok - melissa!!!! it's your long-lost academy for girls counselor from 1998 - heather Price (now smith). Whitney is (actually was) in my ward (we just got switched). anyhoo... and i didn't even recognize her at first. Y'all grew up!

I just found you through Em talking about your darling cards. What a talent!

I'm totally going to read this clutter book. Don't come over until i read it though - ok. The bedroom quote killed me! it's so true. i'll send ya an invite to my bloggie. good to see your wedding photos and cute baby. your family is so darling. take care!

sorry 'bout the eternal comment.

Marc, Michelle, Jackson, and Bennett said...

I am pretty sure I need this book Melis...stacking and re-stacking, get-to-it later piles are all the rage around our tiny little apartment, and there really isn't any room for it. I mean its clean and "appears" organized, but wow is it not. :) I love when I finally decide to go through these piles and find all sorts of delights and old bills...oops. Well, I sure hope all is well. Keep us updated! I sure love you!

Molly and Jay said...

Hey Melissa! I love your blog! You do so many cute things! This looks like a really neat book. I'll have to check it out.

Katie said...

Once you get it all figured out, you need to come back to Utah, and get my house under control for me. Or maybe it would be easier if I just called your mom, huh?!?!

The Tengelsens said...

Hello my dear friend. I found your blog through Sharmaine's. You guys are looking great! Check us out at danandkatietengelsen.blogspot.com!

Jill said...

What great advice. Quintin and I seem to be constantly trying to tackle the never ending clutter! I may just have to borrow that book from you too :)

Whitney said...

Holy cow! I gotta read this one. Can't wait! Little Tillie is a doll and couldn't help but notice your great green wall color. I love it! (I am always thinking about wall color...but never doing anything about the white.) Love you a lot!

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