Serious War on Spam

Yesterday was harder.  I waged a serious war on spam in my gmail account, where it's worst.  Instead of merely deleting, I spent a good 45 minutes unsubscribing from email lists.  It's a time consuming process, but each time I clicked that button, a little weight lifted, knowing I'd get fewer and fewer each day. Now, when I get new junk mail, I immediately scroll to the bottom in search of that unsubscribe link. I have to admit though, some made me pause and wonder what good deals I might miss out on by unsubscribing. But then...I'll probably only miss out on being tempted, distracted, and even more scattered!  Chances are, if I want to buy something, I can always search then for a coupon code, and luckily there are people with a generous spirit and extra time who are always submitting coupon codes online.

I attacked the board games, but there were actually only three I could part with.  Michael played along and went through his magazines, so the living room is officially de-cluttered. That might have been a good time to also dust, so maybe I'll go back and do that tonight. Then the living room will be the first newly cleared, expansive space in our apartment!

I caught on with the fridge and freezer (which was much more satisfying) and cleaned as I went.  I was shocked to find many, many condiments years past their "use by" dates, and suspicious of those with no dates printed on them.  I actually took a picture afterward, I was so proud of my efforts, but I couldn't post it...there's absolutely no real food in it! In fact, the freezer is nearly empty and the fridge is mostly condiments.  At least we now have room for real groceries--for when I take on cooking in the coming months!

I have to say, I started the fridge before a 10 pm meeting and by the time I got back to the apartment after 11, I was tired and discouraged but rallied with Michael's never-ending support.  And by the time I was done, I was so invigorated that I couldn't sleep!  I sat there re-writing the admissions acceptance letter in my head, wishing I had a pen and paper because I was on a roll...but too lazy to get up and get it.

So a few lessons learned today: 1) If you're taking the time to de-clutter, you might as well clean at the same time.  2) If you can just get started, despite your fatigue, you'll soon inspire and energize yourself! 3) As with exercising at night, you shouldn't clean before sleep--it's too invigorating.

There's a very messy in-and-out (by which I mean, in-and-in for longer) box on my desk calling my name for my office task today.  Tonight, dusting in the living room and something else in the kitchen area...

What could you take on in 15 minutes tonight?