Hecking finally, I have found the tubs of supplements. Turns out I put them away in the bag of cat toys that weren’t being played with. Two have expired, but two are good. And the expired, I’ve replaced anyway, but that’s still annoying. I also forgot we had more cat toys. One’s more like a Christmas tree decoration, a big plasticcy flower.

#tidying

I have achieved vacuum of half a room (pronounced “vac-oom” for the lols tonight). Cable made it all the way round the dining table with me. Impressed.

First year of not moving the fan out of the living room in autumn because every time I get busy for five minutes, I get so hecking warm. Not even menopause yet, probably (dysautonomia?)

Anyway, half of the carpet looks good (it’s a double-length room). Cat cushion cover half-defurred and headed for a wash. Jasper hasn’t used it in ages, I think I put something in front of it briefly a few months ago and he went to sleep elsewhere.

Umbrellas out of the corner and into their stand which had been filled with a tube of wrapping paper and my bat mitzvah party seating plan from 1994 😏

Five large umbrellas and two small. Five black, one covered in cat eyes from Cats, two blue and one pink with a children’s character design. I was going to let that one go. A few more can too, I’m sure.

#tidying

Tidying the dining table wasn’t as tricky as I thought. Easy enough to sort into a few piles (keeping, and going to different places). I’d move on to another surface that needs it, but I did two more little things and need a rest.

Finally remembered to ask the doctor if the nhs supplies replacement consumables for the glucose monitor, was glad not to forget that.

#tidying #health

Oof, did a little tidying that turned into a little more. Resting before I move a whole small pile of plastic and paper sheets into the garage.

And put the frame back into one of the cat carriers. I’d taken it out to reduce the weight so I could carry Lola. That was in February 2024.

I hurt my shoulder just with a 2.5kg cat and finally fixed the last bit of tension a few months ago by using my massager under my arm. Took me that long to remember we hold a lot of tension there.

Some of these things take a while to get done (burnout and fatigue). Though I also didn’t realise I hadn’t fixed the carrier, it was sitting under some things and I didn’t see it for ages.

#tidying #health

Author: Marie Kondo

Quick Review

Letter from Japan gives context to Kondo’s other books, pointing out the cultural influences that shaped her approach to tidying. It’s also a love letter to Japan and its culture, celebrating the aspects of the place and people that positively shaped her worldview.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

On Bookwyrm

Description

“This book represents guiding principles by which I lead my life every day. They also define, at least for me, the values that flow through the customs, traditions, arts and sensibilities of Japan.”

Though she’s known for “tidying up” and “sparking joy,” there’s more to Marie Kondo than her fervent desire to help you better appreciate your mess. Across book tours and international conferences, it became clear that her audience, while interested in how to keep their lives tidy, was also keen to learn about Marie herself and the culture that is intrinsic to her tidying method.

Written with her television co-star Marie Iida, in Letter from Japan, Marie reflects on the myriad questions she received about her inspirations by examining the Japanese customs that she grew up with—minute details of tea ceremonies, the art of taking care of gardens, and the power of passing seasons—with her trademark gentle wisdom. But this book isn’t only a response to her audience’s wish to know the real Marie Kondo; it’s a testament for her three children, a documentation of the foundational elements of their culture, despite the rapidly changing times, which is essential to their understanding of the world around them.

With subtle and lyrical prose, Marie embarks on her most personal and affirming book yet, unveiling for her readers the customs, traditions, and practices that not only spark joy for her, but also to preserve them for future generations.

Also nearly finished brushing the carpet. Still needs a vacuum.

#tidying #cleaning

Taking longer than I hoped, and needing to pace and rest, but the floor is nearly clear. Clothes and things were creeping towards each other, it was a mess. Glad to get the clothes away and still have energy for more. Usually in these last years, they’ve taken all of it.

#tidying #decluttering

Finally managed to do some more tidying and clearing. Pile of old tshirts reduced to three - two worn out (print flaking off) Dan and Phil merch for the nostalgia and one with tiny holes but a lovely motif, can maybe stuff a cushion inside it. Look out for DnP and Cats tshirts on a Vinted near you sometime.

Even if I could fit them to wear again, they all feel from such a different time, it’s weird.

Bedside stuff tidied into a now-overfull cosmetics bag, I’ll get the other from the wardrobe so they can both be half-full and usable for finding things.

Brushed the carpet somewhat too.

#tidying #decluttering #stuff #clothes

My gods, shredding old documents I don't need anymore is so damned satisfying.

For a good handful of years, I would do a semiannual "konmari" purge to keep things in order, but I fell off a couple years ago.

It is definitely time again. And it's so satisfying.

#minimalism #konmari #tidying