Rob's pick for 12/31

I saved a big one for last. This is the guts of the 2nd computer I built back in 1998-9. Yep, those are nearly 20 year old parts.

Let's take a moment to compare this to my current cell phone (One Plus's One):

Computer:
CPU: Single processor spec'ed at 300Mhz , overclocked to 450Mhz
RAM: 768 MB

Phone:
CPU: Quad core spec'ed at 2.5 Ghz (4 times the processes at 5.5 times the speed)
RAM: 3 GB  (Nearly 4 times as much)

And the phone fits in pocket. :)

This is the classic: "I'm saving this for sentimental reasons, maybe one day I'll turn it into a clock or something". Except I haven't, in almost 20 years. At this point there is a whole lot of other stuff that I rather spend time with. So goodbye fair traveller, we downloaded a lot of MP3, spent time waiting for my 33.6 Modem to connect, and played the heck outta some Rogue Squadron. Thanks for all the fun.

Fate: Fondly remembered.

Done! Congrats all!

Well, that was an eye opening Projectrama!

I've tossed/given/sold 365 things over the course of the year (mostly one a day) and haven't missed a thing.

Granted, some things were kinda lame, and I don't think anyone I knew that was doing it kept up the whole time. But still, the important thing was to delve into the nooks and crannies of our home and get rid of things we didn't need that were just hanging round.

Thanks to my lovely wife for the great idea, and for poking me when I got WAY behind to get on the ball. Everyone we have mentioned this project to has thought it was a great idea proving that we all know we have too much cruft in our lives. Tina's great idea has greatly lessened that level junk in our house and spawned several other folks into action.

I will encourage you to try this if you haven't. This coming year, everyday find something to get rid of. It'll be tough, but I doubt at the end of it you will truly miss anything. You will also get a few bonuses: less stuff to keep clean and organized, fewer instances of running across "That Item" that you are not sure what to do with but don't really feel right about getting rid of (Pro Tip: If you no longer have it, you will not have that feeling any longer!)

If you don't want to tackle this, try some other goal for the year. Not the standard NYE resolutions (though most of could stand a little more exercise and little less calories), pick something that is challenging that you will feel GOOD about tackling a little at the time over the next 366 days.

Good luck, and have fun!

Rob's Post for Dec 30

I'm a trackball guy (think upside down mouse). They don't hurt my hand the way that most mice do and act as a low level "keep your hands off my system" as 95% of the population can no more use one than they can drive a manual transmission (Americans at least).

This one the right button died a while back and I replaced it. Why do I still have it? Well, "just in case" I need a spare trackball. Yeah, that's kinda how the packrat mind works.

Fate: Trash

Rob's Post for Dec 29

not even sure where I got this guy, maybe a bonus add-on from ThinkGeek? It's been sitting on a shelf for at least 3 years.

Off to Goodwill!

Rob's post for the 39 days he missed this year...

All this stuff. And more.

Books I've had for years but never read and some that I will never read again (the Dark Tower Series book 2 was  dud for me). And I'm not sure if I will have the time to build an electric car until long after they become readily available).

Chipped coffee mugs, old CDs I'd forgotten existed, supplies to build window screens (easierr at this point to get new windows, they come with screens...).

More clothes? How is that even possible? I thought I'd tossed out at least 2 wardrobe at this point.

39 things that have just been sitting around the house, taking up space and most importantly: not contributing to my life. See ya!

Fate: Trash / Goodwill

Rob's pick for 12/28

This shapeless blob is a pair of PJ bottoms that I think I got last Christmas (...or the one before...).

Anyway, they are super soft if a little big, and totally something I would wear...only I haven't. For whatever reason, they still have the tags from the store.

Fate: Goodwill

December 27 - 31 - Linda's post "grand finale"

All donated to DRM. 

December 7th-31st (The Grand Finale!)

Pictured here is the final pile of stuff that will be making its exit as part of the 2015 decluttering project.  The pile doesn't include the sheets and pillows on my messy bed (I must confess I have never seen the point of daily bed making), but it does include clothing, purses, wallets, unused shelf paper, resume paper, a flamingo travel mug, a Spongebob pin, cookbooks and several other assorted items.

I am thrilled to have completed this project, since I don't consider myself someone who is particularly good at following through on long-term goals.  I've also really enjoyed the enthusiastic responses I've received from everyone I've shared the idea with. 

Since this is my final post, here are a few things I've learned over the past year:

1. My mind is very sneaky.  Even when I know my attachment to something is completely irrational, I am still able to come up with a dozen reasons why I can't get rid of it.  For example, there were several times I had a hard time getting rid of an item that had been packed away so long that I didn't even remember I had it.
2. I have more hiding places in my small house than I ever imagined.
3. Picking out clothes in the morning is much easier now that I've gotten rid of most of the things I knew I would never wear.
4. Single-purpose kitchen gadgets should be some of the first things to go.  Who needs a tomato slicer when I knife works just fine?
5. One of the most difficult aspects of getting rid of things is deciding where they need to go.  Donating is the easiest solution, but not everything is donation worthy.  I try to recycle what I can, but, unfortunately, some items are just destined for a landfill.  Rob and I are still due for a trip to a local convenience center to get rid of some our old electronics.
6. I have not missed or regretted getting rid of one single item.  No matter how attached I thought I was to something, once it was gone, I never gave it much thought again.  
7. Even after getting rid of 365 items, I still feel like I have a long way to go.  My plan is to continue to do one item a month as a way to continue being mindful of my possessions.

Rob's pick for 11/19

One random black cup that has been a collection point for loose bathroom items (nail files, clippers, scissors, thermometers, etc...).

It was initially part of a set I bought back in my bachelor days (hence black, so I didn't have to worry about it matching), somehow it has survived long after its fellows have disappeared.

Fate: Goodwill

Rob's pick for 11/16-18

Still behind, but catching up!

I noticed that our "random utensil" draw was a little over populated so I went through and removed all the duplicates / things we do not use.

This is my half of the 'take'. On to Goodwill!

November 24th-December 6th

I am running a bit behind (as usual), but with this post I am finally breaking into the final month of this project.  I knew from the beginning that I "should" be able to do it, but to have made it this far is very exciting...especially for someone like me who has a hard time following through with things.

This is an oddball set of items, many of which resided in my attic until recently.  I find that the attic is a great place to go when I'm struggling to find something to get rid of  because "out of sight/out of mind" means I'll probably never use it again.

Rob's pick for 11/15

A stack of about 80 (weak) beer coasters left over from when a friend that use to peddle "beer" came for a party and brought cups and coasters.

Don't work, he has seen the error of his ways and stopped delivering sub-par beer.

Fate: Recycled

December 21 - 26 - Linda's picks

Donated to Durham Rescue Mission. 

Dec 16 - 20 - Linda's picks

Donated to Durham Rescue Mission

Rob's picks for 11/13-14

I wanted a very log stainless steel stirring spoon for brewing but due to a mix-up at Amazon, I was sent 5 instead of 1!

I've found homes for two of the 4 extras, but these two have hung around for nearly two years. Off to Goodwill!

Fate: Goodwill

Rob's pick for 11/12

A bit of a cheat since I actually got this a few months ago. However, it has been just sitting on the floor since I got it and is danger of being yet another t-shirt clogging up the dresser.

Fate: Goodwill

Rob's pic for 11/11

Great gift from a co-worker last year, but I just do not have that much room in my dresser and rarely wear t-shirts. On to someone who may enjoy it more!

Fate: Goodwill

Rob's pic for 11/10

Part of matched set for myself and Dax. Sadly I only got to wear this a time or two before Dax outgrew his...

Fate: Goodwill

Rob's post for 11/9

Crapy pic, but all the accumulated business cards, bend paper clips, broken pens and loose screws that I've been throwing in a coffee mug at work for the last 8 years.

Fate: Trash

Rob's pick for 11/8

I guess I can say good bye to the "Pimp my Cubicle" mouse pad.

Ya know, since I'm more of Trackball kind of pimp...

December 11 - 15 - Linda's picks

Durham Rescue Mission donations. 

November 7th-23rd

I am rapidly approaching the final month of this project, so I decided I desperately needed to play a little catch up today.  Also, poor Dax is sick and had been sleeping most of the day, so I had some extra time to dig through my stuff.  Mid-November's features include an assortment of clothing, some paper maps (who needs those anymore?), a couple of calculators, and a few other odds and ends.  I think the most difficult item to part with from this lot is my Veronica Mars T-shirt.  I received it for supporting the Kickstarter campaign to get the movie made.  Sadly, I ordered it a size too small, so I never wear it.