I never do anything in moderation. What is the fun of that????
Monday, April 22, 2025
6:20 pm
I start my “little” clean-up project while watching national news. It entails removing the two towering piles of newspapers from under the rattan table, plopping them on the floor in front of the big TV in my family room in order to go through each edition looking for interesting articles to read and save.
6:55pm
I pause to gobble down dinner – a hefty bowl of my own making:
Crumbled Feta Cheese
Toasted walnuts
Cut-up beets
Drizzled Blush Wine Vinaigrette
Cut-up Medjool Dates
Salt to taste
It is delicious.
7:02pm
I switch channels and start watching the Cincinnati Reds get trampled by the Maimi Marlins.
I reach for the first batch of newspapers – comprised mainly of Wall Street Journals and New York Times newspapers dating as far back as July 7, 2023 – papers I had saved with the purpose of ferreting out engaging articles. Week after week, the pile kept growing…..
It was time for action.
I eliminate all the sections which have little appeal to me:
Business
Sports
Tech Talk
Outdated local news sections
I haphazardly stuff those sections into bags for next day drop-off at my favorite thrift store – always in need of newsprint to wrap fragile items.
8:31 pm
A pre-recording of CBS Sunday Morning is my choice of background entertainment as I begin tackling the massive amount of newspapers still remaining untouched – specifically:
WSJ Off Duty section, the Mansion section, Review and Exchange
NYT Sunday Style section, Art and Leisure, Travel and Book Review
I gleefully realize I have at least 30 “Modern Love” columns I have never read. I am in heaven just thinking about all the romantic twists and turns in store for me.
10:24pm
I lift my stiff body up from the floor, wash off the black patches of newsprint covering my fingertips and begin moving all the stories and articles I deem worth saving into my favorite basket.
10:48pm
I’m fading, but there is still more to do.
Keurig time: I opt for a strong cup of java, coupled with a wallop of whipped cream and a generous portion of Kahlua.
I realize I have not followed any advice from the plethora of de-cluttering experts out there who have all advised to: start small and keep at it for less than 15 minutes at a time.
I begin flipping through my pile of pulled pieces.
My single son Sam will be “so happy” to know i have found an article that I will soon be sharing with him – entitled ”Don’t Touch, Don’t go Dutch and Other Tips for Dating Success.”
My son Lou will be “so happy” because I discovered the secret of a great guest room and am ready to compete with the other set of grandparents for his family’s travel preference being with us! It’s entitled “Make Sure the Kids Choose Your Guest Room to Visit.”
My son Harry will be “so happy” to know that the city he served as a city councilman is being touted as “the new Miami.” (It may be old news to him, as it did appear in July, 2023 – Oh well)
My sons Frank and Max will be “so happy” to know that the next time I see them, I won’t be reticent in detailing all the directives I want in my living will. I bet they can’t wait for that conversation. I learned it all from “A Living Will Covers Your Most Important Asset: You.”
I never knew de-cluttering could be so enlightening. And elucidating.
12 midnight
Every article I deem worth saving has been filed away.
I slide the empty basket back under the rattan table and rise slowly from the floor.
A great feeling of accomplishment rolls over me – at the same time that I hear the Amazon truck stopping at my driveway.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
