Tuesday, May 29, 2007
UFC 71
I did not see the fights since I was away, but from what it looked like, it was one of the best UFC cards ever. I was definitely surprised to hear Rampage took Chuck out in the first round. Not luck at all, and I will say Rampage came to win. Chuck made a mistake and Rampage seized the opportunity. I at least hoped the two would at least go the full 5 rounds. Maybe Chuck will fight Jackson one more time to avenge those losses, then maybe not. Like with any sport, MMA has it's share of surprises. My hats off to all fighters
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Mr. Carter
While former president Carter was probably not one of the greatest presidents ever to reside at the White House, I still admired him for his down to earth Southern demeanor. But for heaven's sakes, Jimmy..aren't you RETIRED? Granted, we know the current administration is not up to snuff, but If I were you, I would be out playing golf, sailing, travelling, gardening, spending time with the grandkids... doing whatever retired people enjoy doing. Let it go, Mr. Carter. the country will go on long after you are gone. Don't get to the point where few people will show up to your funeral here in DC. Enjoy life.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Project "De-Clutter" 98% complete!
Well, Sunday night I put the last of unwanted things in the trunk of my car to be donated and after an undertaking that lasted about 2 months, I can say I'm near the end. I will also say I slept peacefully and woke up refreshed, even though it was Monday and time to go to work. I actually FELT better waking up in a pared down apartment.
All in all, I have no idea how I accumulated so much and vow never to let it happen again. Generally, I'm a clean and tidy person, but I just let things get way out of hand. I was also buying things here and there that I eventually no longer used, especially knicknacks. One day, I just said "enough". Plus, I also decided that I want to live simply and with less and my life will no longer revolve around material goods. I feel when too many items clutter up our physical spaces, they can have a negative effect in other areas of our lives as well. Now, I am in no way implying that I will live like a pauper since we all need creature comforts in life. However, I now feel one can have and live more with less. Thankfully, my girlfriend is that same way about her place, so at least we have SOMETHING in common :).
The vast amount of things that were banished and donated were knicknacks and decorations, magazines, extra weight plates, cassette tapes, many books, clothes that no longer fit or WAY out of style. In fact, I had to ask myself did I really wear this??. I also got rid of excess dinner and sliverware, coffee cups, appliances that were no longer working and other items. A perfect illustration of how bad it was in my apartment, I could hardly open the closet door and literally had to yank an item of clothing out.
I also organized books, CDs and videos in somewhat logical order by genre and author. I bought shelves and storage units to accomodate said items. I also downsized furniture that was not functional and/or bulky and put casters on shelves for easy mobility, especially for cleaning. I gutted the bathroom and can now step out of the shower without knocking something over.
Eyesores, such as old and excess decorations and paintings were removed and given a freshening up or donated. Also things that were previously packed and hidden away by other clutter are now more accessible and easy to reach.
I didn't have a prescribed system, but this is what worked for me:
Have a box for donations, one for trash and the other for friends. The things you decide to keep can be organized later.
I focused on one area at a time, such as the living room, thus avoiding the temptation to stop. Plus, my entire home was not in shambles during the project.
Do a little each day instead of trying to accomplish too much at once, but make sure you devote at least an hour a day.
Remind yourself that someone else can enjoy what you no longer need or want.
Once you've decided to let go of something, stick with that decision. I know it's hard, but do it anyway.
Remember that your are also getting rid of items that may attach you to a period of turmoil in your life. It's time to start anew.
Visualize what your "new" home will look and feel like.
Upon completion, reward yourself with a special meal or other gift.
Now, after all of that work, your new home must be maintained. This is what will be very helpful to me:
ALL junk mail should immediately be thrown out. If possible, pay your bills online, thus cutting down or eliminating paper clutter.
Instead of subscribing to the newspaper, read it online. As for magazines, the same should apply. If there is an issue you really want, just buy it at your local bookstore.
Avoid Garage sales, rummages and flea markets at all costs. Remember that we are trying to maintain a clutter free life now. The aforementioned outlets offer items at a reduced price and it can be tempting to give in.
Also minimize trips to IKEA, Bed Bath and Beyond and other similar places. This was my downfall for sure, as I had to have the latest accessory or candle holder. Go only if you need something and have allocated space for it.
Money that is spent for unneeded items can be saved for a trip or home improvement down the line.
Once every month or two, do a re-evaluation and see if there are some more things that can be given away.
I found these sources to be extremely helpful:
www.eliminatechaos.com
www.simpleliving.com
Hopefully I won't have to do this again, but for now, I'm enjoying my new place.
All in all, I have no idea how I accumulated so much and vow never to let it happen again. Generally, I'm a clean and tidy person, but I just let things get way out of hand. I was also buying things here and there that I eventually no longer used, especially knicknacks. One day, I just said "enough". Plus, I also decided that I want to live simply and with less and my life will no longer revolve around material goods. I feel when too many items clutter up our physical spaces, they can have a negative effect in other areas of our lives as well. Now, I am in no way implying that I will live like a pauper since we all need creature comforts in life. However, I now feel one can have and live more with less. Thankfully, my girlfriend is that same way about her place, so at least we have SOMETHING in common :).
The vast amount of things that were banished and donated were knicknacks and decorations, magazines, extra weight plates, cassette tapes, many books, clothes that no longer fit or WAY out of style. In fact, I had to ask myself did I really wear this??. I also got rid of excess dinner and sliverware, coffee cups, appliances that were no longer working and other items. A perfect illustration of how bad it was in my apartment, I could hardly open the closet door and literally had to yank an item of clothing out.
I also organized books, CDs and videos in somewhat logical order by genre and author. I bought shelves and storage units to accomodate said items. I also downsized furniture that was not functional and/or bulky and put casters on shelves for easy mobility, especially for cleaning. I gutted the bathroom and can now step out of the shower without knocking something over.
Eyesores, such as old and excess decorations and paintings were removed and given a freshening up or donated. Also things that were previously packed and hidden away by other clutter are now more accessible and easy to reach.
I didn't have a prescribed system, but this is what worked for me:
Have a box for donations, one for trash and the other for friends. The things you decide to keep can be organized later.
I focused on one area at a time, such as the living room, thus avoiding the temptation to stop. Plus, my entire home was not in shambles during the project.
Do a little each day instead of trying to accomplish too much at once, but make sure you devote at least an hour a day.
Remind yourself that someone else can enjoy what you no longer need or want.
Once you've decided to let go of something, stick with that decision. I know it's hard, but do it anyway.
Remember that your are also getting rid of items that may attach you to a period of turmoil in your life. It's time to start anew.
Visualize what your "new" home will look and feel like.
Upon completion, reward yourself with a special meal or other gift.
Now, after all of that work, your new home must be maintained. This is what will be very helpful to me:
ALL junk mail should immediately be thrown out. If possible, pay your bills online, thus cutting down or eliminating paper clutter.
Instead of subscribing to the newspaper, read it online. As for magazines, the same should apply. If there is an issue you really want, just buy it at your local bookstore.
Avoid Garage sales, rummages and flea markets at all costs. Remember that we are trying to maintain a clutter free life now. The aforementioned outlets offer items at a reduced price and it can be tempting to give in.
Also minimize trips to IKEA, Bed Bath and Beyond and other similar places. This was my downfall for sure, as I had to have the latest accessory or candle holder. Go only if you need something and have allocated space for it.
Money that is spent for unneeded items can be saved for a trip or home improvement down the line.
Once every month or two, do a re-evaluation and see if there are some more things that can be given away.
I found these sources to be extremely helpful:
www.eliminatechaos.com
www.simpleliving.com
Hopefully I won't have to do this again, but for now, I'm enjoying my new place.
Monday, May 7, 2007
The Mayweather-De La Hoya Fight
I didn't get to see this fight, but I knew Mayweather would take Oscar..Nonetheless, I have the utmost respect Oscar De LaHoya. Now if Floyd will only fight Hatton...
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Nothing much lately, but almost finished with my cleaning out and de-cluttering. I had no idea I had this much crap. I'll write a small "how to clear your clutter" guide when done, even though there are tons of these around the net.
With regards to the Easter Market in DC that was destroyed, I hope it is rebuilt, BUT I hope this is not another avenue for chain stores to snake their way in even more. The DC area is saturated with chain establishments, and this one landmark helped keep some balcance and charm.
With regards to the Easter Market in DC that was destroyed, I hope it is rebuilt, BUT I hope this is not another avenue for chain stores to snake their way in even more. The DC area is saturated with chain establishments, and this one landmark helped keep some balcance and charm.
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