Stuff

Dog run is officially complete

We bought bark dust last night.  Today, while Avery is at school, I put it down in the dog run.  The dogs now have a pooping sanctuary, though they'd much rather just have the whole backyard in which to poop, I'm sure.

I've also developed my method for near-daily poop pick up in the run.  I put on gardening gloves, then put a plastic bag over the glove.  I pick up all the poop and put it in a plastic or paper bag, then I toss the plastic bag in with it all, then toss the bag in the trash.  So far, there is no stench in the dog run or the garage, which is where the trash can is kept. The biggest challenge is the plastic bags.  We just don't have that many plastic bags.  I do most of our shopping at New Seasons, which doesn't use plastic bags.  Plus, even if they did, I usually bring my own bags.  I carry them in my purse, so even at stores like Target I rarely get a plastic bag.  If anyone wants to save some of your plastic bags, I'll take them!

Organization kick

I've been on a bit of an organization kick lately, probably because I have more energy. In any case, it's nice to get things sorted out.  There's still much to do, as there always is, but I like organizing and decluttering.  I find it relaxing the same way that some people like to cook or read.  I really want to focus on getting my computer cleaned up and the photos sorted and backed up, but I fear if I spend too much time at the computer, I'll start to have wrist problems.  So I'm trying to attack that project in chunks. 

I think compared to the average American, I stay more on top of getting rid of stuff and keeping things cleared away.  I have no problems throwing stuff out/giving it away/recycling - whatever.  Stuff is just stuff to me.  Nonetheless, I'm shocked by the amount of time I spend sorting stuff, moving stuff, decluttering stuff, and just generally dealing with stuff.  Part of that is my constant need to reorganize.  I will change something around completely if I think it'll make it easier to maintain a system of organization.  With Avery in the equation, I find that with each new phase, comes a shift in needs.  For example, now we're getting bombarded with art projects.  I don't want to immediately chuck them all, but I also know I'm not going to hang every one of them up.  It's just too much.  So I need to find an easy location to put all these art projects until I get a moment to sort through them and pick the ones to keep or display.