Letting Go

Last year was not my best year as a consumer.  Despite careful planning, getting recommendations, and asking all the right questions we were let down many times by those we hired.  We have now joined Angie's List, but even that has not always been satisfactory.  

You probably know that getting someone to show up or show up more than
once to maintain our yard has proven difficult.  I now understand the appeal of condominium living.

I started moving long distances at age 13 and have moved 10 times since.  Never was anything destroyed or needed more than minor repairs in the first 9 moves, but this last move of just 90 miles was a big disappointment.  75% of everything they touched was damaged in  some way.

Then the reupholster that I had used on 5 other pieces of furniture totally ruined a family heirloom.  Thank you VISA for refunding my costs.  I will always charge big ticket items for that service protection feature.

So here's the scoop:  After realizing how attached I am to "stuff" and how I had let myself be appointed family curator I knew I had to make changes.  The pain of having things destroyed was so great that I had to find a way to release this attachment.  My goal is to have nothing behind doors (closets or cabinets) that I don't use at least once a year.   I have given myself 4 years to do this.  I have done well getting rid of items that can be replaced with the "good stuff".  So, gone are the plastic bowls, mismatched dishes and plain kitchen items; now I am using the crystal bowls and pitchers, etc.  No more saving anything for a special occasion.  I have started to give away the items I know will be treasured by the recipient and to sell much of the rest.  It's a long process as with most of these items I can close my eyes and see them in my Grandparent's houses, and then in my Mom's.

So when you stop by for my 70th birthday in a few years I invite you to open those doors and gaze at the vast empty spaces.  And as my Grandmothers' said, my Mother said, and now my children hear me say "Do I have anything you want?"