Recovery and Precedented Times

Here in Texas we've eschewed masks for the most part, unless you're in my pediatric office since we're in healthcare.  We seem to be keeping a lid on the Covid numbers, and things are looking less miserable than this time last year when we were stuck at home. My kid's lack of prom and the virtual college orientation were my whiny complaints, and the days ahead looked bleak.  

Summer 2021 seems far better than 2020.  So far, it's been a year, right? Here at the ranch, 2021 has brought record low temperatures, a full house flood, and unplanned renovations post-said flood.  It's also brought a new look at minimalism.  We realized we put our hands on nearly everything we owned when it had to either be relocated for clean-up, or re-evaluated for insurance purposes.  Dang, did we have a LOT of stuff for self-proclaimed minimalists.  

Boy #1 doesn't live here anymore, as he is a grown up now who pays for his own car repairs, etc.  As is typical when they fly the nest, they tend to leave some stragglers behind.  They don't want their junk where THEY live, but don't really want to toss it either.  As the Mayor and I had to relocate to the guest room/my office/Boy#1's former  room, he had to come get his stuff.  There was no room for his hat collection and Star Wars paraphernalia AND my shoes.  My children have neither adopted the tenets nor claimed to be minimalists...

After spending volumes of time at the house because of pandemic-life, we had time to go through much of our stuff and make some hard cuts.  We had to tell a lot of our books, "I'm sorry, we've just chosen to go in a different direction."  The t-shirts all heard, "you've been an asset to the organization, and we wish you well." The games and toys were informed that "this just isn't working out, so you'll be played with one last time, then security will escort you to the dumpster."

Seriously, we had a dumpster for about 8 weeks planted here on the ranch.  Its purpose was for construction materials, as we had tons of drywall, carpet, and other wet stuff removed and tossed.   I had mixed emotions tossing belongings into the dumpster, because although the tidying and purging part was great, the environmental impact did not go unnoticed.  The crap you discard has to go SOMEwhere.   I felt shame for even permitting some of our things initial entrance into our house.  

Boy #2 was at college during the flood and subsequent clean up.  I had to make some executive decisions on some of his things whether to stay and rehab or throw away.  There wasn't time or space for deferred decisions; I had to say keep or toss.  My rationale was that he probably wouldn't notice anyway (I was right) because nearly all his worldly goods were with him in his apartment.  As previously mentioned, the rest they leave behind for the parents to mull over years after their departure.  

So what has this renovation and clean up taught me, the alleged minimalist?  Four months later with renovations complete, the house is back to normal, but I still have a lot of shoes.  In fact, I added a shoe closet with my renovation plans, so they would all have a tidy place to live. (In my defense, I have this disclaimer about shoes on my Instagram profile, so all is forgiven).   The sheer volume of one-and-a-half Dumpsters-full brought me some shame, but it did force me to cull the herd of books, clothes, the just-in-case stuff in the garage and the attic.  

I don't recommend a natural disaster to cure you of any hoarding tendencies, but a move to a different abode might do it?  Of course, this housing market is so crazy, no one wants to move unless it's critical to survival.  In that case, just pick a room, and be brutal with your decisions.  Especially if you have children at home.  Their stuff multiplies at night when you're sleeping,  and the playroom becomes a wonderland of crap.  

Our house is not exactly a shadow of its former self, but it's better.  Each room has a purpose.  We removed the TV from the master bedroom and returned it to a haven of mid-century modern relaxation.  The office/guest room is organized and free of extraneous furniture and clutter.  The seasonal decor has been trimmed to just the things we enjoy and no more.  Half Price Books is now the home to many of our media and books.  Go have a look!

We hope this summer brings you time outside and less clutter in your life.  It's hot out, so when you retreat to your home and its refrigerated air, I hope it's comfortable and minimal!

Drywall disaster 

A fraction of the book stash

Shoes have a new home!