I’m running out of steam.

This isn’t a bad thing. It’s been helping, ironically enough. Because I don’t have it in me to go through the usual dance in my head over getting rid of something. Earlier today I found a big thermos, which we never ever use. And I probably looked at this thing fifteen times in the last year, and I never thought about giving it away. Until now. Because I realized it’s been sitting in that same spot for who know how long, and my thinking was, “we’re going to take this to the lake, or camping, or blah blah blah.” And we haven’t, so I finally put it in a box.

I also wrapped up a pair of Irish coffee mugs, which I bought after Bob and I visited Ireland. In 2005. They have never been used.  We’re going out in the city for dinner Sunday after we see Matilda, to a pub that’s an old favorite. So I decided to order Irish coffee then, and put the mugs in a box.

On that note, here’s my second-to-last progress report!

Objective 1: To create a home which contains only things we need and love.

What I accomplished: I’ve been slowing filling boxes throughout the month, and last week was especially productive. Tomorrow I’ll have at least four boxes and a couple bags ready to go. Last year at this time I’d just finished reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and I’d started the process of donating things that didn’t spark joy.

I’ve learned that taking a year to do this hasn’t been a bad thing, because I’ve been monitoring our possessions for a while, and I know certain things have been sitting untouched for a year. And those are the things that need to go. I’ve also been getting over what I call “landfill guilt” and throwing more things away. If I think something’s in good condition, and someone might want it, I donate it, but I have finally thrown away lots of things that were too worn or broken. Last week I threw away three large bags of garbage. Being near the end of my year helps, because when I officially finish, I want to at least be able to say that I got rid of most, if not all, of my excess things.

Grade: A
Next Steps: To keep on purging. The weather didn’t align with my plans to dig through the garage, but Saturday looks promising. Bob is off for two more weeks and intends to do some work out there, but I feel like it’s the last thing I want to check off my list.

Objective 2: To implement routines and habits to help us manage our time, our house and our health.

What I accomplished: Not a lot, but I did learn something. There have been two big parts to this project: getting rid of unneeded and unwanted things and better organizing the things we need and want. I’ve become more mindful about making purchases, so I don’t worry too much about the house getting overrun with stuff again. But I still need to work on maintaining areas which have been addressed. Tonight I wanted to count how many bags and boxes I’ve donated over the last year, and it was a little depressing to see photos and realize I’d reorganized certain cabinets and spaces, because many of them are a mess again.

Grade: C
Next Steps: I can’t do this alone, which is something I should have realized earlier. Or maybe I did realize it, and didn’t do anything about it. So we need to have a Family Meeting where I plan to drink wine and hand out tasks.

Objective 3: To improve the quality of family mealtimes through better planning and organization.
What I accomplished: I made a menu for January, though I don’t think it was done until after the new year, which was no big deal because we finished our leftovers. I’ve been cooking every night, though I made a change to tonight’s meal because I decided I had to have this very good chicken which was recently posted on Skinnytaste. December was a little tough because of the usual flurry of activity, and we probably ate out a few times when I had something on the menu, but if I had info to compare to December 2014, I am pretty sure we ate home more often in 2015.

Grade: B+
Next Steps: To stick to my menu for January, and make sure I write February’s menu at the end of the month. Choosing two specific days to grocery shop (Sunday and Wednesday) will help me make sure I have all the necessities on hand.

Objective 4: To utilize free time more mindfully, individually and as a family.

What I accomplished: I spent a lot of time sitting on my couch, reading (Mrs. Roosevelt’s Confidante by Susan Elia MacNeal was very good if anyone is looking for a recommendation!) and I was happy to have a week off from work. Family time happened by default because of the holidays, but we had a great time. We saw Star Wars and enjoyed our down time very much.

Grade: A
Next Steps: I want to focus more on using my individual free time better. When I cleaned my closet recently, I saved most of my crafting and jewelry making supplies, because I enjoy these hobbies. But when I have free time, I feel guilty if I’m not doing something to make the house neater or less cluttered. Or I’m reading, which is always a good use of time and the thing I turn to because it calls for the least set up and clean up. I love to sew, and have a few projects I want to begin, and now that much of the grunt work is done in the house I hope to have more time to work on decorating.