Basketball Videos-An internal conversation

Did you catch the dilemma at the end of my last post? What, you didn't read my last post? I'll refresh you...I would decide what to do with a stack of VHS tapes from a few of my college basketball games. First let me say, that I don't own a VCR anymore and no, I don't want to buy one for $30. When our last one broke a few years ago, I joyfully purged our collection of VHS tapes with no regret.

While I was shredding this pile of financial stuff in the basement (I'm not under indictment, but the post about the filing cabinet made me notice the huge pile of bank statements and old checks on top of it) I was thinking about what to do with the tapes.

Another thing you should know is that I've had these tapes for more than 5 years and haven't watched a minute of them. I attended an alumni luncheon and my coach was decluttering her office. I thought my kids would want to see me play and we'd have hours of entertainment viewing them. "Pop some corn kids, it's W&J vs. Hiram tonight!" Surprisingly, the kids aren't clamoring to watch them.

I was imagining some conversations like, "Who wants to watch an old basketball game?" (crickets  chirping in the background) or

"Hey guys, I just spent the better part of this year transferring my old basketball games onto DVD so if you want to stay up to watch TV, you have to watch me playing basketball."or

"Hey mom, what are you watching?" "Just one of my old basketball games" "Cool, can I watch?" "Sure"............."Do you do anything in this game, I mean besides just run around, like do you score any points?" or

"Gee mom, you weren't that good." or "Gee mom, do you sit on the bench for the whole game?" or "What were you guys wearing?" (I played when the uniforms were still tight and polyester).

Needless to say, I pretty much decided that my children would have a full childhood even if they never watched one of my games. But then I was thinking, maybe I should just keep one and they can decide for themselves if they want to keep it and they could show it to THEIR children some day, Well, then that started a whole 'nother conversation in my head....

"Hey kids, want to see Grandma playing basketball in college?" "Eww, NO!"

In all seriousness, I'm really not that hard on myself. I had to ask myself whether I'd give anything to watch a video of my dad playing one of his games in high school or college. He has some great stories about nail-biting games at a time when the whole city cared about who won. But the answer was "not really". I have an image in my mind of him dribbling down the court and scoring. Though I have no doubt that watching him on video would meet or exceed that fantasy, what I'd give anything for is to BE at one of his games-but that can't happen. (I'm hoping that heaven will have something like that in store for me).

The truth is, I've played my games. I had a great time but I've decided to make room in my cabinets for the present and the future. I have terrific memories of playing and being on the team and holding on to a pile of unwatched videos isn't preserving those memories for me, so, I've decided to let them go.

Out of the Home Work History-Letting Go

We have a steel 4-drawer filing cabinet in our basement. It is nice to have, but I'm realizing that it's also a nice place to hold onto the past. As part of the 40 bags in 40 days challenge, I've been looking at my spaces with different glasses.

In addition to our tax files, appliance warranty things,  7 years' worth of returned checks and bank statements (do I really need these), and some personal things like resume samples and other job-search forms, I have been keeping almost 2 drawers full of old case files. Some from my days as a federal clerk, some from cases that I worked on that include lots of my legal writing. Other files contain forms and resources for employment law-related issues since that was my area of practice.

I haven't worked full-time for 13 years but I was keeping these files "just in case". Just in case of what? Aside from a few writing samples, no prospective employer is interested in the nitty-gritty of any of those cases. Part of my reason for keeping them is that they reflect professional successes so I guess, it was emotional attachment, too. But I am years past needing validation from my days in the working world. I really don't care about that anymore.

To be honest, my brain doesn't really even process the legal language anymore. Anyone who might hire me in the future-quit reading now-but I don't remember ANYTHING! As a former federal clerk, I knew the federal rules pretty thoroughly, I don't even recognize them anymore. 12(b)(6)? Huh? I have to attend continuing education classes in order to keep my license active. I only do it as insurance in case Mark loses his job or something worse. I bumped into a classmate who is also staying home but keeping up with requirements and we were both talking about how we'd be in trouble if we had to work again. She asked whether I could write anything in blue book form (a legal writing standard for briefs), my response was I forgot there was a blue book form. My point is, I didn't need 2 drawers full of files which basically remind me every time I look at them that I don't remember anything.

Aside from a couple of writing samples, the files are GONE!

Next up-and I might need your help with this....a stack of VHS tapes from my college basketball games. Even the most relentless purgers among you have to admit, that that's a tricky one.

Update on Everything

1. I'm plugging along on the 40 bags challenge. It is forcing me to evaluate everything that takes up space in the house-even in the nooks and crannies. Sarah's update is inspiring. Empty drawers are possible....even for a family of 7! Surely, I can get there for some of the drawers and shelves.

2. CAMCORDER...I did it. I dropped it off at the thrift store today. I considered taking the battery off and giving it to my brother. I really should have. But oh, the energy that would have sapped. Phone call, debate-does he want it-set it aside and then forget to give it to him EVERY TIME I SEE HIM. Much less energy just to let go.

3. CDs- Even thinking about playing some of my CDs gives me a headache. I purged about 15 CDs. I would never touch Mark's. Some are just too hard to part with and for now, I won't. I would like to share them with the kids but also, some are just fun to dance or listen to. I definitely will revisit this often. But Pandora just might cure me of the attachment to some of my music. I'm way past how much I spent on them. I could sell them on Half.com but that's too much trouble and I honestly don't want to invest the energy. I'm slowly progressing in this area and it's likely that before the 6 month deadline, most, if not all of my CD collection will be out of the house.

4. My friend, Amanda, recommended this book and it's the perfect read for my efforts to simplify, especially during lent. It's good to get a dose of radical detachment. I was glad our library system had it, otherwise, I probably would have purchased it-ironic, no? Nothing would make me happier to clear the closets and start walking around in a tunic.

I think that's all the updating for now. I'm off on a new adventure....Dave Ramsey class!

40 Bags in 40 Days-A Simple Challenge?

Have you heard of this lenten challenge? Sounds simple enough, right? And I'm all about SIMPLE these days. It suggests choosing which size bag to use before you begin. I'm not getting distracted or deterred by that notion. I'm just trying to fill one or more bags a day and getting them out of my house. After all this snow we've had, it's not the best time to load up the curb with extra garbage, but I'm still doing it.

I'll let you know how it goes. Less is more! Another update to the CD post, coming soon. Trust me, these 2 ideas are related.

More "Letting Go"

You'll never guess what happened. I'm pretty sure my digital video camera broke today. I opened the tape compartment to put in a new one so I could video my neighbor shooting off giant icicles with a BB gun-no we don't live in West Virginia-and the compartment won't close. To be honest, I made this purchase about 6 years ago when my youngest son was just over a year old and I became panic-stricken that I would miss his first steps. He had some developmental issues. I was tempted to launch into action. Call sony, trouble shoot, find out how to fix it, how much it will cost and how long it will take. But then, I remembered.....I'm trying to simplify, right?

The truth is, I never take the video camera to major events because I want to experience them and enjoy them in real time. I have mostly used the camera to tape everyday happenings that I don't want to forget-certainly not everyday. I've had the camera for almost 6 years, but I've probably only taped about 6 hours of video. I find the process of uploading and editing and creating DVD's too tedious.

I'm asking myself, is this little appliance worth all the energy? Maybe I should just cut my losses-in terms of time and energy. Both mine and Hannah's point-and-shoot cameras take video if I'm ever in a bind and we are going to be forced to re-evaluate our cell phone plan in April. I'm pretty sure you can't even get a phone without video. So, folks, I'm letting go.

Wasteful, maybe, in terms of monetary investment. But in terms of time and energy, I'm thinking my decision is most cost-efficient.

Thank you sony.

An Update on my idea about the CD's

I bought some nice little boxes for the CD's and they should look all neat organized in the cabinet. It does take energy, though. I have to build each little box from IKEA, then sort of categorize them. I refuse to alphabetize-the homeschooled children can do that- and finally, label the boxes so I don't have to open every one each time I'm looking for a CD. BUT Cheryl over at My Simple Spot may have me convinced that it's a better idea to let these things go. On the one hand, I probably haven't listened to most of them in 15 years. On the other hand, if I actually DO begin to listen to my music again, it would be a loss. What to do? Simplifying is all about being more efficient, clearing space and ultimately minimizing, right?

I've decided on a compromise, I'll get rid of any CD that I haven't listened to in the next 6 months. I think I can live with that. Maybe it will motivate me to actually take them out and play them. Also, I'll know whether they are still pleasing to my 40-something ears or at least evoke positive memories or emotions. Certainly I'll ditch the ones that have the opposite effect. I did play "10,000 Maniacs" the other day and it reminded me of my roommate in graduate school. She was a sweetie. I also remembered the time I went to see Natalie Merchant in a relatively small venue. A good memory. But I have to admit that I didn't love the songs as much as I used to. I could see my daughters liking the sound, though.

 By the end of 6 months, if I don't make an effort to listen, it will be nice to have the empty shelves. AAAHH, just the thought of it makes me feel better.

Using What I Have-CD's

The idea of using the things in my pantry and freezer is working great. If I were more organized, I'd know how much I've saved. I wrote a whole post listing my menu and what I had on hand and the few things I bought to give you an idea of how it was working.

In the process of clearing a cabinet to get rid of this, I've been forced to organize our CD collection. It made me realize that I NEVER listen to my CDs. I used to listen to my music all the time. I know Mark did. He loves music and we love listening to music together. I know lots of moms have music in the background all the time. They've been proactive about sharing their music with their children and I have to admit, I haven't been that good about it. Mostly because I just got out of the habit of listening to music because I think I prefer quiet. But I know that music is so important to overall well-being. I don't have data to back it up but I'd bet that listening to music is good for your health. I know it's good for the soul. I just bet it releases good chemicals. Don't quote me on that, though, it's just a guess.

So, I am resolving to USE my current CD collection. Sounds simple enough, right? I may even get in there and purge some! Have I told you how much I love to PURGE?

OK, now for the fun part....what music did you listen to before you got married? I loved Natalie Merchant, Elton John, Seal, UB40, Eric Clapton, Bruce (of course-who doesn't love the Boss?), R.E.M., Dave Mathews Band, Fine Young Cannibals, Billy Joel, The Allman Brothers, Bob Marley. I didn't listen to country until I met Mark, now I love Kenny Chesney and The Zac Brown Band and will listen to them when I turn music on. (I have no idea why I asked a Q since nobody reads this blog-oh well).

A Case For Doing Less

I love when you come across something that demonstrates by data what you know intuitively. This article explains the pitfalls of multitasking, a practice at which,  admittedly, I stink. When I was younger, I was ashamed of my inability to do more than one thing at a time really well. This, coupled with my interest in many things....sports, school, fun with friends and family, working, I accepted early on that I'd never be the highest scorer, but I'd be decent, I'd never be the valedictorian but I did well enough. For me it was a matter of what gave me satisfaction and joy. It was never only one thing. Maybe I also wasn't willing to make the sacrifices to be the best at any one thing. Laziness? Maybe but I think the article makes a good case for the idea that it's best to apply yourself singularly to the task at hand. I've always been pretty good at that.

I can remember all through high school, college and even graduate school longing for the day that I just could have a job because finally, I'd only have one thing to do. I played sports and worked through high school and college. Worked though law school. I really thought it would be so easy to just have a job after law school, but I got married the month before I started my first job-so there went testing my theory.

I admire people who can do many things and seem to do it well but I always wonder whether they're really joyful or content. Since I've been home with the kids and began to view the role as a vocation rather than a job, I've been completely content.

While being home requires many tasks, I'm still no good at performing more than one at a time. I read blogs where moms can make dinner and minister the hearts of the children. Knit and listen to their teens spill their guts. Meet the needs of their children and their husband simultaneously. Paint the living room and organize a school fundraiser. Sometimes I envy those moms who can meet the needs of many and do a lot of things at once, but usually I remind myself that I am the way I am and I do the best I can. And the article above gives me reason to be accept my limitations.

*Update on "Using What I Have"

I promised to check in at the end of week with the progress of this idea. This is how it worked with our dinner menu and groceries.

Dinners:                                                                        

Sun: Lasagna          Had: homemade sauce from freezer, noodles, salad fixins, rolls from freezer; Bought: 1/2 # cheese.

Mon: Meatloaf        Had: potatoes (mashed), frozen broccoli, broth for gravy; Bought: ground beef and pork

Tues: Crockpot beef sandwiches    Had: beef , broth,  frozen veggie; Bought:  fresh rolls                                            

                            

              
Wed: Chicken cacciatore          Had: frozen chicken tenders, onion, peppers, chicken broth, tomato paste, penne, salad;    Bought: mushrooms.                     

                  

Thurs: Homemade pizza    dough ingredients, sauce, mushrooms (see Wed.), pepperoni, salad; Bought: mozzarella  cheese

Fri: Burgers               Had: noodles, american cheese;     Bought: ground beef, buns, beans. (On burger days, we always buy the beef and buns fresh.

Sat: Soup       Had: soup

Sun: Linguini with white clams sauce:  Had:  chopped clams(cans), clam base, garlic, olive oil, butter, linguini, salad

So, there you have it. I won't bore you with another week. I did buy more than what's listed for lunches and breakfast but those were the basics. Since we're home, I do make more hot lunches than I would if they brown-bagged it but it's usually something quick. I know I spent less on my grocery bill but what feels better is clearing out the cabinet and shelf space. I feel like once I do this, I can sort of start fresh and build a pantry with things that I actually use. It's nice to have a few things on hand for a quick meal. I like to have spagetti sauce in the freezer and clams on the shelf. Everyone likes linguini and white clam sauce. But I've found that I don't prefer to have meat in the freezer, I have to think too far ahead to use it.

I'm done boring you, but it's been a good practice and has actually made dinner easier these past 2 weeks. Of course, planning the menu is half the battle, but overall, the exercise, of "using what I have" at least with respect to meals, is quite liberating.

* An update to this update. I wasn't able to format and post this until AFTER the Blizzard of 2010. We got nearly 2 feet of snow in a matter of 24 hours. We also lost power for almost 2 days. This gave me a different perspective on the pantry and fridge contents. I was so relieved that there wasn't much in the fridge that I had to transfer to a cooler or pitch. There weren't many meats that I had to worry about. On the other hand, we had to come up with meals that could be cooked on the gas stovetop. I wasn't really prepared for more than a couple of days-worth of good canned soups. We certainly had enough but there are a few things that I would have liked to have on hand. You might be interested to know that we didn't open our freezers. After about 36 hours, the contents of the extra freezer in the garage were frozen solid. The contents of our freezer in the house were 1/2 and 1/2. The things on the top racks were thawing or thawed but cold, the things in the bottom baskets were frozen solid.