Wilderness Quilter

Well, I’m finally back at it!  I boxed up 33 books today and they’re going to the local 2nd hand book store.  What a relief!  I’ve been gone so much the past 4 months that I hadn’t made any more progress toward getting rid of 100 things.  Of course, it would have been to my advantage to count the books as 33 items instead of 1 group but my goal is to eliminate as much stuff as possible so . . . 

I also found a cool book swap site - http://www.titletrader.com.  So I actually have several more books hopefully destined for other homes soon.  But if I then get a book in return, I guess it doesn’t really count, right?  So I won’t add those books to my 100 Things Challenge list.  Anyway, I’m feeling like a success as I already had my first request.  And I feel good about being able to send good condition books that I no longer need to folks who really want them – and it’s all free except for the cost of postage when you send a book out.

Just realized I have another 7 books set aside to give to various family members so I guess I’d better add those to the list.  Now I Just need to decide if I’m going to count it as 1 group or bump my numbers up by counting each book separately – hmm.

Though progress was made, it was not as much as I had hoped.  My list of 100 things gotten rid of is at 19 – some of those were multiples, however, but I’m still well below 50% no matter how you count.  Not that I had to have it done this week – but I sure thought I’d be working on a second list by now!  Did get some sorely needed cleaning and organizing done and am feeling really good about that.

My list of 100 must-keeps is also growing slowly – I’m at about 30% there.  Still haven’t established my criteria so am just adding as I think of things.

I’m also at about 30% on my 101/1001 project list.

Been making good progress on the 100 things challenge.  Actually I have 2 going – I’m getting rid of 100 things and also have started a private list of 100 things to keep.  Deciding which types of items are exempt is a challenge in itself!  And do you count a collection or set as 1 item?  (I am.)  Do everyday items (like alarm clock, hair brush, computer, ???) count?  Right out the gate, I exempted all sewing/quilting related stuff.  No sense even trying to limit that!  But what about books?  I’m mostly working on getting rid of 100 things but as I sort through stuff, I’m also compiling my list of the things that are absolute must-keeps.

This is an interesting exercise as it really causes you to think about the stuff that has accumulated, whether you really use/need it and if it’s actually important to you.  I’m finding there are just so many things I don’t need or want.  Why have I been hanging onto them?  I prefer open space but stuff has accumulated to the point where most every spot is taken.  As I don’t live alone, I don’t have total control over my environment but am taking action where I can.  And I’m going to make it clear that newly opened space is to stay that way – it’s not an invitation for someone else to fill it up!  Maybe the rest of the family will jump on board as well?

A major hurdle in this whole process is items that have sentimental value.  They need to go on the must-keep list but if I truly succeed in paring it down to 100 things, some of them aren’t going to make the cut.  And worse yet, are items that should have sentimental value – like something someone made and gave you as a gift that no longer fits your life.  Maybe I can pawn that stuff off on the kids?  Wouldn’t that be nice of me?  Let them store the stuff and feel guilty when they aren’t using/appreciating it properly and want to get rid of it.  You know, I’m running across quite a few of those type items that were passed on to me.  Don’t think I can burden another generation that way!  (Well, maybe just a little.)

I would encourage everyone to take on this challenge – from both angles - getting rid of 100 things and trying to compile a list of just 100 things to keep.  Just how much stuff do we all need anyway?

After giving it more thought, I’ve decided to modify the 100 Things Challenge and start by getting rid of 100 things.  I read all of Dave’s progress and experiences and figured this is the way for me to go at present.  I love the idea of simplifying down to just 100 (or less???) personal items but figure that getting rid of 100 things is more realistic right now and certainly moves me toward the ultimate goal.  I have a page dedicated to tracking my progress.  I’m focusing on all stuff that is under my jurisdiction even if it isn’t actually my personal stuff.  For instance, I think I have a box of my daughter’s stuff in a closet.  I’m going to her house this weekend and guess what?  I think I’ll take that box along.  (But I’ll count it as just 1 thing rather than counting each item in the box.)  I won’t, however, be padding my list by weeding out my husband’s clothes, etc.  The goal is to get rid of 100 of MY things.  I’m also not going to add in the dozen or so books I got rid of last week, although I could!

I’m also going to join in the 101 things to do in 1001 days project so have made a page for that, as well.  When I post about either of these, it will be under the Challenges category but my actual progress will be listed on the page specific to each.

This is going to be fun!  I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff that’s accumulated around me and also by the things I’m NOT getting done so I welcome both of these ideas to get me heading in the right direction again.

Found some interesting stuff online.  Started at the Cotton Spice blog looking at Karen’s 100/1001 project list and followed some links and followed some more links and – well, you know how it goes.  Anyway, 3 things of interest that I’m considering.

First – the 101/1001 project.  The mission is simple:  Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
http://triplux.com/dayzero/default.asp?view=gettingstarted. 

Second – and I’m really excited about this one! – the 100 things challenge.  The mission?  Reduce your personal stuff to 100 things.
http://guynameddave.typepad.com/stuckinstuff/2007/07/100-thing-chall.html  Didn’t totally figure out how to navigate the blog to see his progress to date but plan to look some more.  Not sure how I’ll do but I really like the idea (all sewing and quilting related stuff is exempt, of course!).

Third – http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/ - inspiring people to use their everyday actions to change the world.  Haven’t decided which to start with (or which ones even apply to me) but they have a nice list to get you thinking under ”Do Something”.

The fact that I’m considering these things makes me wonder – Do I not have enough to do?  Am I bored?  NO!  But I do feel the need to re-energize.  I’ve hit somewhat of a creative dry spell and feel the need to shake things up a little.  I was planning on re-prioritizing anyway and these 3 activities should be fun and helpful.  Care to join me?