Stuff

Not only do I want to make my home smart but I also want my home to be functional. I'm talking functional on a level where there are no unused spaces and there are no unused things.  I don't want to have rooms that are unused.   AND-I don't want stuff that just sits there and collects dust.  Stuff that makes me feel bad when I look at it because I should be doing something with it...I should be building it or reading it or knitting it or fitting into it.   

Stuff is funny in that it can trigger emotions like guilt or remorse.   It can conjure up the "I should haves" and "I could haves".  Well you know what... you didn't.  You didn't follow through with that acrylic art class a couple years ago because to be brutally honest, you can't paint. Sure you can make a decent abstract but so can a gorilla. When the teacher wanted you to paint objects with shadows, you failed.  Truth...but good for you for trying.   If you're not going to try again and I'm saying try again in the next couple of months then maybe those paints should go to someone else...like to a real artist or the next person who wants to try it out. 

What about those softball cleats.  You tried that too. Yes you tried to take up softball at the age of 31.  You never played softball a day in your life but your boyfriend and some friends were playing on a league and they sure had fun.  They needed a girl.  So you tried it. Hey- you're a good sport...you're even good at some sports.  But every Monday you got sick to your stomach thinking about having to play.  You literally got sick to your stomach standing in the out-field, 31 years old, praying that the ball didn't come to you.  And when it did you swore like a sailor as it flew through the air bound to land directly on your face.  You didn't even really bother putting up your glove...did you?  No, instead you looked at the others in the outfield hoping they would run towards you and save you from the disgrace of not only 1. Not being able to catch the ball but 2. Picking the ball up off the ground and not being able to throw it to the infield.

It's okay.  Give yourself credit for trying...cause isn't that one of the most beautiful things about life...trying? It's exciting to try something new...it's annoying to look at the items of your failed attempts.  Especially when there are other people who could be using those items right now and enjoying them!  Give the stuff away to friends, family, or strangers.  Sell it on Craigslist or Ebay or donate it to Goodwill or St. Vinny's or Easter Seals. There are so many great websites for getting rid of your stuff.  This is a neat one: http://www.tradesy.com .  If it's in good shape don't throw it away. 

Note: These are references to my own failed attempts.  I'll be putting softball cleats on Craigslist tonight.  Size 8.5 (Like New). 

And Mom - You can get rid of my violin.  I'm not going to start playing it again...hey think of the cute kids out there who would love to have their very own violin to play in orchestra!  Kids like us who didn't have enough money to buy one new.