How do you feel today? v. 3.0

[lorin]

That's fortunate. You'd be considerably more difficult to replace than a balky printer.

But my cartridges are much longer lasting.

[Sorus]

I deleted a whole long rant about the evils of disposable technology.

That's a gorgeous moonhalo, Frosty. I've had a recent urge to go camping - not sure where that came from, especially since I lost all my equipment, have no transportation, and no time off work. But I can't remember the last time I saw the night sky away from all the city lights. I miss seeing the stars.

[Linna Heartbooger]

Aww... when I hear you say stuff like that, I imagine someone pretty strapped for resources, sorus.

You don't want people feelin' pity for you, I'm pretty sure, though.
And lots of the people here, myself included, have at some point been "strapped for resources"... and can probably testify to the hidden strengths that result.

Still not sure what to do with that, though. *hug*

[Savor Dam]

I am reminded of Foamfollower's wisdom, "There is enough time to refine the spirit when the body has no other choice."

Overworked and deprived may uncover hidden strengths...but few willingly and consciously pursue self-improvement by such a route.

[aliantha]

I deleted a whole long rant about the evils of disposable technology.

I thought about writing one, too, but then I figured it was pretty much implied.

If I ever get out to California again, you can come camping with me.

[Sorus]

Aww... when I hear you say stuff like that, I imagine someone pretty strapped for resources, sorus.

You don't want people feelin' pity for you, I'm pretty sure, though.
And lots of the people here, myself included, have at some point been "strapped for resources"... and can probably testify to the hidden strengths that result.

Still not sure what to do with that, though. *hug*

It's more that I am at a point in my life where I just don't care about stuff. I've lost all my stuff three times in my life. I'm determined not to accumulate more. If I get something new, I get rid of something. If I haven't used something in six months, it's gone. Living completely clutter-free is something I would recommend to anyone. It feels like losing literal weight.

Yes, I occasionally wish I still had something I lost (such as camping equipment), but the good outweighs the bad.

And Ali, I just might take you up on that.

[Linna Heartbooger]

It's more that I am at a point in my life where I just don't care about stuff. I've lost all my stuff three times in my life. I'm determined not to accumulate more. If I get something new, I get rid of something. If I haven't used something in six months, it's gone. Living completely clutter-free is something I would recommend to anyone. It feels like losing literal weight.

I definitely think decluttering and not being ruled by possessions are good things.
Wasn't realizing you were especially thinking about that aspect of things.

Losing all ones stuff and having to start over again would still be an enormously inconvenient pain...

Yes, I occasionally wish I still had something I lost (such as camping equipment), but the good outweighs the bad.

ah. For most of my life I've been in a pretty odd place with regards to stuff...
kinda wanting to buy various things, but not feeling I had "emotional permission" to get what I wanted.
So maybe I was doing a bit of "assuming someone else is like me" in this situation.

[Sorus]

I'd like a better job and more financial security, but if I won the lottery today, I would not go out and replace stuff. There's a lot to be said for minimalism, especially if you hate dusting.

[Avatar]

I have trouble getting rid of stuff.

--A

[Linna Heartbooger]

I've got a foot in both worlds, really.
Hoarder by parentage, wanna-be-ascetic by training.

So I compromise:
* Get rid of some things,
* organize and "compactify" the stuff I can't convince myself (or my fam) to get rid of,
* try to accept the parts of the house that aren't organized, (though I fail at this some of the time.)
* innovate about organization when possible.

I bet the plan of "making all the little thingies go in little containers with other items of the same kind" would have zero emotional appeal for you though, Av.
But it sure helps for some of us!

-Linna "Heart-worn-on-sleeve"

[Avatar]

Probably not Linah, probably not.

--A

[lorin]

So I ventured to Dublin for two weeks. What a lovely city, I can't wait to start exploring. My body clock is a bit off, it's 7pm and I just woke up. I rented an apartment across from Christ Church. I went to put a few things in the fridge and am really shocked at prices!!!! But I am not complaining. They upgraded me to a 2 berm apartment with a terrace overlooking the church. Lots and lots of churches here. I met a really nice lady on the plane. Her husband is an independent author in Minnesota who writes mystery novels. She has been married to him for 15 years and they split their time between the US and Dublin.

I feel so relaxed here. The city is large, and there is the usual rushing but not the hostility of other big cities I have been in.

Anyway, will hopefully meet up with Mike soon. Will keep you updated.

[ussusimiel]

Welcome to Ireland, lorin!

I'm still in Waterford and I won't get up to Dublin until tomorrow evening or, more likely, Saturday morning. I've been trying to shrug off a heavy cold for the last few days and it finally began to lift today *phew*

Enjoy the Christchurch area, it's probably the most visually striking in the city and it's within easy walking distance of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Trinity College.

See you in a couple of days!

u.

[aliantha]

Have fun, you guys.

Ali, I just might take you up on that.

My mom was a hoarder. It made me crazy. I still get itchy if I've got papers and boxes and stuff just sitting there -- I have to put it away or get rid of it, or else I get cranky.

My apartment is making me nuts right now because Batty's stuff is mostly sitting out in the open. But she doesn't have anywhere to put it, so I'm trying to be tolerant. But it makes me nuts.

I'm also starting to re-think some of the stuff I kept from my mother's house. If I downsize in retirement, I really don't want to have to rent a storage unit for stuff that belonged to her but that I never use. I may just end up selling some of it. Case in point: her silverware. It's a lovely Art Deco style that she must have received as a wedding gift, because it's sooo not her style. She never used it. I love it, but I'm never going to use it, either. I guess I should ask the kids whether they'll want it someday...

[sgt.null]

Just got back from 3 days in San Antonio. Did the Ripleys museum (including waxworks) the River Walk and the zoo. Pics in my facebook.

[Linna Heartbooger]

Yay for you having a new adventure, arriving in Ireland, and feeling relaxed and happy with the place lorin!


Av- we're not allowed to ask if your gf likes having decluttered spaces, are we?

As for me... I've found today fun. Chilling around the house.
Coming up with crazy scheme after crazy scheme and getting excited about every one of them, as I tend to do.

[Avatar]

Av- we're not allowed to ask if your gf likes having decluttered spaces, are we?

Let's just say she tends toward the "throw it out" school of thought.

--A

[Linna Heartbooger]

Let's just say she tends toward the "throw it out" school of thought.

I have a friend who is an extreme example of that school of thought.
I even use her name as a descriptor of my own more extreme decluttering episodes.
Ex: "I went 'all Lydia'* on that one bookshelf the other day!"


* Name has been changed to protect the accused.

[ussusimiel]

lorin and I visited the Wicklow Mountains today, drove up through the Sally Gap and then visited beautiful Glendalough (the Valley of the Two Lakes). A great way to start lorin's first trip to Ireland!

(Expect pics anon.)

u.

[Sorus]

Let's just say she tends toward the "throw it out" school of thought.

I have a friend who is an extreme example of that school of thought.
I even use her name as a descriptor of my own more extreme decluttering episodes.
Ex: "I went 'all Lydia'* on that one bookshelf the other day!"


* Name has been changed to protect the accused.

That sounds like me. I lost a lot when I moved here, just from the necessity of moving from an apartment to a micro-studio, but I got rid of a lot of stuff afterwards that I didn't strictly have to. I have no closets, no cupboards, no cabinets - just shelves, so stuff sitting out, gathering dust, piling up - drove me nuts. It's amazing how fast stuff piles up, especially when you don't have the 'shove it somewhere you can't see it and deal with it later' option. It got to the point where even a tiny pile of kipple will drive me to distraction until I deal with it. I think I have become an anti-hoarder.

(Expect pics anon.)

Pics!