9:29 am. Eric's typing furiously on his laptop, getting ready for SHED part 2. I'm working in my pajamas. Fridays are like this for us. The frantic pace of the work week stops as he sits before God alone and prepares his talk. I'm a low-energy person, so I'm wiped out by now and need a chill-out day to survive the weekend. Of course, today I'm getting ready to host Pastor Bruce's birthday party. Come if you can!
SHED thoughts:
1. EXCESS! As we SHED, we find out just how many things we have in particular categories. Examples: We have about 800 books. We're gearing up to SHED a bunch.
I had 7 pairs of boots (and none were snow boots). I'm down to 4 now.
I had a drawer full of scented lotions that I don't like the smell, body spray & perfume I never use. I'm dumping bottles & recycling them.
I'm a sucker for linens/fabrics, and I love to thrift shop. So I've been shedding tablecloths, sheets, curtains, bed skirts, pillowcases, blankets, antique scarves, and random fabric I thought I'd make something with.
2. Sentimental stuff. I'm being more intentional about what we keep: our kids' baby blankets, my old journals, and Braden's Winnie the Pooh pacifier (he's 12 now). I ditched Eric's graduation gown, the box from my engagement ring, and the first bottle of perfume Eric bought me. Seriously. It's 15 years old. If I haven't used it by now...
3. Garbage vs. Give-ables. The point of SHEDding really isn't about helping someone else. That's a happy by-product. Therefore, you must get rid of it, whether or not someone else can use it. Someone told me the other day, "I have this stack of old T-shirts. No one else will want them, so I'm keeping them." Then they should go in the garbage. Or the rag bag.
BE OK WITH THROWING THINGS AWAY. Don't force your local charity to throw your garbage away for you. No-one wants 1/3 bottle of Bath & Body Works lavender body smoothing cream.
Only give what's good to give.
Kelly