Getting back on track
Posted by periapt on March 7, 2008
I just posted at Stream of Conscience about how I’ve been escaping from real life. That includes my decluttering plan.
The problem with the kitchen is that, in addition to decluttering, I need to do maintenance work every day. But I really slacked off this week. While I accomplished some good work last Saturday (Mar 1), I wasted much of Sunday, only getting to the kitchen late in the day. I wasn’t in the mood to tackle a cupboard or cabinet, so I cleaned out the drawer that holds my basic utensils. I didn’t throw away very much, but there were a few odds and ends that made it to the trash can. One item that probably should have gone out was an old fashioned punch-type can opener. You know, the triangular type that we used to use to open soda cans. (And, it turns out, we still need for items such as condensed milk.) I don’t use it anymore because it’s very old and rusty, but it has sentimental value. Maybe I’ll put it in a place of honor, even though it’s really ugly. Or maybe I’ll realize I don’t need an inanimate object to save my memories.
The drawer had some dividers I’d had for over 20 years. I was going to clean them and put them back, even though one was cracked, mainly because I hadn’t thought far ahead enough to buy some new ones. But the dividers were pretty grungy and even after a nice soaking, they were still icky. So out they went. Now I’ve put the utensils back in the drawer in an orderly fashion, but I really do need to buy some new dividers. I wonder if I can find some at the grocery store tonight when I stop this evening for the all important cat food.
After Sunday, I didn’t get back to the decluttering until yesterday. Although, to be fair, I did do some good kitchen maintenance cleaning during the week. I figure that counts for something, since I did clean up some large items that were cluttering the counter.
Last night I decided to tackle one of the cupboards. I didn’t get to all 3 shelves, but I did get 2 cleared out. Now they’re very empty, since a great deal of the food was far beyond its expiration date. I still need to check the salad dressings. They don’t look particuarly bad, but they do need a closer inspection. Maybe I’ll try to finish up that cupboard tonight. Then tomorrow I can tackle one of the other cabinets.
