wham! tess style
It's cold out there but it's warm in bed
they can dance, we'll stay home instead….
Jitterbug that, friends.
It is very cold in Hong Kong. And I do have a cough inherited from…say, Ursula. (why not).
But it is no fun being in bed as MC is in Vegas, so, today I stayed warm the best way I knew how.
I was wearing my warmest sweats and racing around when the phone rang. It was Cora.
She asked what I was doing.
I responded, "It's cold and I am trying to feel better. What do you think I'm doing?"
Without giving it three seconds, Cora responded, "You're cleaning and throwing away."
Guilty.
I started in the girls room (no need to mention this to them) earlier today. Getting rid of little pieces. Asking myself questions that really have no answers: How many hairbrushes do barbies/my little ponies/strawberry shortcakes need? They don't have to worry about headlice…shouldn't they share? (I decided four, incase of playdates, and threw away about 10).
I then headed to their closets. Turtlenecks, shoes, dresses. Two Laura Ashley smocked dresses were transferred to the "memory chest", the rest I took pictures of and sent to Auntie Pammy and asked if she wanted them. That her daughter is not even 18 months and these clothes are size 4-6 years…well, that's her problem. I then culled summer clothes and have a nice box for the Philippines.
Took a small break to pluck my eyebrows. (I know you asked but I am being factual.)
Then I answered a few emails and then realised with horror it was time to get back to the job.
To the boys room! I amalgamated three clothes storage areas (behind bed, two drawers) and pulled out items I suspected might be too big. Made piles of idential coloured pants. Made piles of things for them to try on. Pulled out things that I knew were too small.
After bath time, before the boys had time to get their pajamas on, I had them try on the piles. I feel good and in control of the clothing situation. While they were eating their spaghetti, I grabbed their boxes of "dress up" and took them to the table. I would say we reduced by 50 per cent everything that was there. I tell you, that room is looking better and better.
I am of course, getting it in shape for when my parents come. One day, mum and I will send dad off somewhere with an Octopus pre-paid card and a map, (or the couch, the remote control and some peanuts) and we will hit the rooms and do the process all over again. She anything I learned about throwing away, I learned at her knee. Anything Charles learned about pack-ratting, I think my father taught him, because my FIL isn't much of a hoarder.
So it was a good day and yes, I do feel better. I make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day.
