I read this and tried to think of something I really missed. Besides the one thing - as a college student who was not capable of taking care of something special yet, I destroyed (by accident during a move) a map from my grandfather. I am still sad that that is gone. But by far, I felt much more guilty that I hung on to some of that stuff so long than for getting rid of any of it! Granted, when I first started purging, I second guessed myself a lot. I don't anymore. I got rid of a huge box of baskets last week. Before this, I would not even think of getting rid of them - I could use them for gifts, decoration, etc. But except for a few that I kept, I realized I didn't even like most of them. This is progress for me, and I can't feel guilty when I see the improvement in the house! Julie - don't take this the wrong way, but it seems like your house is full of MIL's castoffs, not stuff you actually like! I have some Artwork stored that I really don't like, either. DG (my grandmother) painted. I have a couple of her paintings, but I really don't like them. One I remember her having up as you came in her house. I like the colors and all, and I had it up in here for a long time. Then one day I LOOKED at it, and realized it was all smokestacks (granted, reflecting in water), but I didn't want that up on my wall any more. The other was just abstract, but I don't like it (or the really elaborate & big frame). There were a few pieces I would have liked of hers. Oh, well. As with my grandfather's map, I was too young at the time to take care of those things, so I missed out on getting any of them. I do have some things of hers that I have been able to take out of storage and display since doing all of this purging, though. And THAT is the great reward of all of this.

I just have junk to deal with -- good thoughts and wishes to those with health problems! Magazines are not my issue. My town's yearly bulk pick up is next week and I've been cleaning out my garage, basement and attic. The basement is basically done except for about 50 cans of paint that have to be dried out and discarded. That's a project that will be on-going for awhile. Don't keep paint cans is my advice. Pour some into a small jar to keep and get rid of the can. If you need more than a touch-up, go buy a quart. I have a huge walk-up attic that has been a dumping ground for everything we have not wanted to deal with for years. I have been filling contractor bags with junk my kids brought home from college (youngest graduated 4 years ago!). I'm trying to recycle what I can, but I have reached the conclusion that I can't let that hold me up. And I have to go through everything - I found some gold earrings my daughter said she's been looking for and there are papers with SS#'s and other sensitive info. Whenever I've upgraded a lamp or a chair the old one has gone to the attic for the kid's apartments. Guess what - they don't want my old stuff! I have a charity picking up anything worthwhile. It's gotten to the point that I have run out of room to sort things around the piles that have to go out. I've hired a few young men to help me get it all to the curb this weekend. I can't wait to see how much space is left. Another purge will have to happen before it's really cleared out, I'm sure. You would not believe the electronic equipment that needs to be disposed of - who has 7 turntables? ME! The garage is a whole other problem. There are cabinets that are filled with half-empty cans of solvents and stuff like that. I have to box it up to wait for the toxic chemical dump day. The cabinets are going on the curb. I think that cabinets in the garage are a bad idea - the more storage you have, the more junk you keep. My DH used to work in a hardware store so we have discontinued displays of entry sets, doorknobs, and towel bars, plus coffee cans filled with every size screw and nail. That's all going to a Habitat-type organization near me. It takes a lot of effort to keep stuff out of landfills, but I'm trying.

My husband and I are both in favor of a one-butt kitchen. We both cook, but we don't like to do it together. We like a sitting spot across the bar from the cook, but we're solidly united in our desire for something small, just for one person. People say such different things about floors. Let's analyze this: What type of pets do y'all have that have /have not damaged this floor or that? Or, coming at it from a different point of view: I have a small dog now (Beagle). 25 lbs. I anticipate always having a dog his size or smaller. I'm kind of in love with a friend's miniature Daschund. I also want to get another cat in the future -- specifically, I want a RagDoll. Or a Maine Coon. Or both. And possibly another small dog. And which is easier? Storing away an extra box of engineered wood planks so a damaged board can be pulled out /replaced ... or sanding /refinishing a whole room? Neither is a job I could DIY. And, yes, you're right -- I'm not quite 50 yet. My kids are in college, and my husband and I aren't tough on things. How many times am I realistically going to need to refinish those floors?

I love rye bread with cheese melted on top. If I could have a white bread sandwich I would have a grilled cheese with onion tomato and mayonnaise. I just love.the creamy mayonnaisey melty cheese flavour. I won't even spoil it for myself while I'm fantasizing about it by saying that I can't eat the white bread or mayonnaise... Sigh... my taste buds even remember the first time I had a grilled cheese with mayonnaise.