Thursday was technically my last day of spring break. Friday, I worked in testing, which 'never' takes a break. Since I filled in for Test Boss on Monday, I had but 3 fun-filled days of spring break. No girls-gone-wild here, but I enjoyed not having to be anywhere at anytime.
Tuesday, I hauled a donation to the thrift store - always a fun time. I browsed the bargains for a while. A few months ago, I was in there on another Tuesday and learned that Tuesdays are Senior Discount day. Then I was smacked in the face with the realization that I'm eligible for the Senior Discount. Egads, when did that happen?!
While I love a good declutter, I've slowly come to the realization that I actually no longer identify as a "minimalist". A while ago, I perused some discussion boards around "minimalism" and "simple living". I sensed a common theme among many participants.
It wasn't just that they didn't have much "stuff", but they also steered clear of obligations, responsibilities, employment, relationships...
And I thought, well, that's not me.
Recently, I was at the joyful Happy Whisk blog, where she was enjoying a good declutter. I asked her how her hobbies, of which she has many, meshed with her minimalism. She affirmed that she was not a minimalist, but rather
"I make room for what I love to do".
Marvelous! So THAT'S what I'm doing when I declutter! Hadn't really put it in those words, though.
In work updates, we have a new coworker. "Daffodil" started in late January. She's fitting in nicely, and I enjoy working with her. Other than Boss and Blossom, we are all part-timers. Since I just work one shift a week now, I've not had much time to get to know Daffodil, but I worked with her both Monday and Friday this past week, plus we were a little less busy than usual since the students weren't around.
She is in her late 20's, moved here recently with her boyfriend, and no kids. I'm not sure why she wanted a part-time job, but maybe just took what was available from jobs that interested her. Yesterday, she wore a skirt, and I noticed a tattoo peaking out between the top of her sock and the hem of her skirt, so I asked her about her tattoos.
She showed us the one I'd seen peeking out - a roses-and-dagger design - and one higher up on her thigh. The one on her thigh is a triangle, similar to [The Eye of Providence], but not exactly. She explained that she and her best friend got that tattoo together based on their interests in "alien conspiracy theories".
Well all righty then. I'm honestly curious to hear more from her thoughts on that 👽
Oh my gosh, I popped over and what a neat thing that you wrote about. I tell you, the stations really help keep things tidy and what's nice, when I want to create that hobby, everything is right there for us when we wanna play.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to hear more about her alien stuff too. That's fun.
Wishing you a happy spring!
You're an inspiration, Ivy! I'm going to put more thought into the stations thing.
DeleteSo I had to come back and tell you. Yesterday I got this new ruler for cutting fabric. I went to my little sewing nook, cut the fabric, did a happy dance (because this thing ROCKS). Then went to the dough station and whipped up homemade pasta dough.
DeleteStations rock.
Thank you for the kind words.
I am not a minimalist; I am not a junker either. But I do put out things I need. lol
ReplyDeleteNow my grandson and his wife - are minimalists. I am always looking for something there.
I think it is a good idea to make room for what you care about. It's important.
Agreed. And I feel it's okay to chuck things - donate or toss - as our interests change, which they do.
DeleteI try to stick to the rule of one thing in one thing out in my house. It helps keep me from buying a lot of useless stuff at estate sales! I just gave a huge donation of stuff to the Vietnam Veterans Association and am accumulating more stuff to donate in a few months. Hope the new coworker works out!
ReplyDeleteSeems like a good rule!
DeleteI'm afraid I'm now a Maximalist to the Grave, tho' I did indulge in Minimalism in my Younger Adult Life before Retirement and when I was a Global Nomad and had to Travel Light due to constantly Moving. I despise Clutter and yet, I'm the worst Offender. I don't mind having Muchness if it looks Organized, Decorated, has Placement and Layers of Beauty even if there's no place for the Eye to Rest, as The Young Prince tells me. *Smiles*
ReplyDeleteI have a friend whose every surface in her front room, it seems, is occupied by a figurine - hummels, etc. It makes her happy, so more power to her and you!
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