Day 163
I keep a list with the title “Things I Would Like”. I used to call the list “Things I Need”, but at some point I realized all of the things on the list weren’t really necessities. I suppose the end result is the same, but it made me feel better, like I had evolved in some fashion. So I’m just going to go with it.
OK, really this is a “mock up” of the actual list which is illegible and appears as if I’m writing some type of disturbing manifesto.
Some of the items have been on the list since I started the Simple Year project and I consider ongoing, like canning jars and art supplies. Still other things are added and then quickly fulfilled like ice cube trays and music books. I’ve had numerous occasions where I have crossed things off after some time. For instance, I eventually decided I really didn’t need OR want any patio furniture or a Weed Eater.
A week or so ago, I was in my closet putting laundry away and I realized many of the wire hangers were bent beyond recognition and probably needed to be retired to the easy life of marshmallow roasting or car theft. So, I went to my list and added, plastic hangars.
Then that night I had one of those sleepless worry filled nights. You know the nights when the most insignificant item gets blown up to gigantic proportions? Yes, that’s right; I began to lose sleep over PLASTIC HANGARS. Maybe that is my subconscious way to avoid worrying about things that are actually important. And I can’t even remember the specifics of my overtired obsession.
But the good thing that did come of it when I woke was the realization that I don’t need all of those clothes. I don’t wear them. I’ve been talking about culling the wardrobe for some time. Now was the time for action.
So, I got very serious and made three piles, items to donate, items to consign now, and items to consign in the spring. I was very stern with myself and had discussions like this:
Me: We don’t wear this
Other Me: But we might, the next time we are at a nightclub in Vegas.
Me: Did we ever go to a night club in Vegas?
Other Me: Yes, remember our bachelorette party?
Me: That was eleven years ago.
Other Me: OK Fine
Me: How about this one?
Other Me: It is so cute, and we did just wear it to the theater.
Me: Yes, but in all the pictures from that night our arms look like bratwurst.
Other Me: It’s gone.
Seriously, I did struggle over some items, but I ended up with three kitchen garbage bags full of clothes. I still seem to have plenty as well as a sudden surplus of plastic hangars.