Drowning.....too.....much......stuff.......

We're working toward putting our house on the market. I was hoping to do touch-up painting this week, but I looked around and thought I'd better get rid of stuff first. What a job that's turned out to be! I spent nearly two hours in the boys room yesterday going through their drawers and closet - I brought out 4 huge bags - 3 for donations and 1 full of garbage. GARBAGE!!! We're talking peanuts, peanut shells, candy wrappers, broken toys, ripped clothes, holey shoes, etc. Couldn't believe it. I keep passing Vicki's room, opening the door, and then shutting it again; I'm dreading that black hole.
I'm going through drawers and cupboards and closets, finding things I can't believe we have. Where does all this stuff come from? If I didn't know better I'd think junk is capable of asexual reproduction.
I have to admit, my office is probably the WORST place in the whole house. I don't have candy wrappers stashed anywhere, but I have books and papers and more papers and piles and piles of more books. The closet is full of mailing supplies, tax boxes, wrapping paper, mementos, and school supplies that I got for a bargain - bags of it.
So far I have 8 large garbage bags full of donations - and that's from going through three rooms.
It's all so overwhelming, and I feel like I'm drowning in stuff, and need to come up regularly for air.
After all this de-cluttering, painting is going to be a breeze!

Happy "Ground Hog" Day

Happy "Ground Hog" Day!!

Free Flight Joy

With the kids being off school today for Civil Rights Day, we took the opportunity to visit the San Xavier Mission and the Desert Museum. The absolutely BEST experience is the Raptor Free Flight. Each time I see it, I'm amazed anew at the absolute beauty of flight. My favorite Free Flight is when the Harris' Hawk family soars above us. Usually there are four birds out and about, and you are bound to have one fly a foot or less directly above your head. It brings absolute joy and wonder to be so close to wild birds. Here are some photos I took (Next time...I'm bringing my longer lens)!!

Getting ready for take-off

Mid-sweep



Looking for a landing



Scanning the ground

So close!!

New Year's "To-Do List"

One of my favorite comic strips is Non Sequitur. Until I saw it in the paper this morning, I was planning on doing a New Year's Resolution List; now it's a "To-D0 List".

I didn't make one last year, and just as expected, no goals were accomplished. Hmm. Two years ago, I had one goal - read a book a week. I exceeded that one, and it was fun!

This year, I have a few to add:

Deborah's New Year's To-Do List

1. Read a book a week. Each month read at least one classic and one non-fiction
2. Write in my journal everyday
3. Spend less time on the computer
4. Eat more organic food
5. Make more H&B products rather than buying them
6. Buy LESS
7. Start a garden and learn how not to kill it
8. Laugh more - life is SO short!

Now that I posted my list on the Internet, there's no losing it! I'll let you know how I do.

Ok, I'm getting off the computer so I can write in my journal and start that book!

I wish you all a blessed New Year. May you find joy and feel God's touch every day!