Mission Accomplished!

Among the "keepers" I found in the attic were four vintage cameras: two Brownies, a Polaroid and an Argoflex. They aren't worth a lot but they are cool. All have been gently cleaned up and added to my home decor.

I'm checking in to let you know that I did it! I finished cleaning out my attic. One week ago I told you that I was going to do it and I was going to be accountable to you, dear reader, for getting it done. That worked as motivation for me. I went through every box and bin. It about killed me but I stuck to the one week time-line that I set for myself. Last Saturday it rained most of the day so I took advantage of the cooler weather and worked from the morning until nearly 11:00 that night with only a few short breaks. Yesterday evening I finished up the last of it. It was so darn hot up there I thought I was going to melt. Sweat was dripping off the end of  my nose and into my eyes. But now it is done. Everything is neatly boxed and labeled and I know where things are. I can actually move around up there as well. I should have taken before and after pictures, but believe me, the difference is remarkable.

I took so many boxes and bags of stuff to the thrift store to donate that I lost track. I found some baby clothes and other things to pass along to friends. I found some cool treasures, but I found more stuff that made me think, "Why the heck have I been holding onto this for the last 25 years?" I kept thinking of my friends' advice--"be ruthless" and "if [I am] holding onto it, someone else can't be putting it to good use." I feel good about what I accomplished--lighter, freer, more organized and prepared. As we prepare for the inevitable move that is coming sometime in the next month to two years, I will probably come across more things to weed out, but for now I am patting myself on the back.

I also think my boys did a great job of helping me--all three of the older boys and David all did a share of the work by hauling boxes up and down attic stairs and out to the car. They brought me glasses of ice water, garbage bags, tape and sharpies for labeling boxes. Nate brought me an ice pack on one particularly hot day and held it on my back as I taped boxes. They helped me decide what could go and what they couldn't live without. I am thankful for their cooperation and help. It was hard work but I am so relieved that it is done. Hip hip hooray!