Stuff

Stuff. It is everywhere. It's seems there is no way around how much "stuff" one needs!! I experience this everytime I go some where for a long period of time. Whether it be a day trip, the beach, a vacation, or just a trip to a family member's or friend's home. We, our family or me rather, have to bring soooo much stuff.

Like yesterday, when I took the kids snowboarding. Of course they need their stuff, but I on the otherhand brought books, the computer, water, lunches (yay me!), my daughter's purse full of things to do, chapstick, wipes, wallet (necessary!), snacks, a scarf, mittens, my large purse full of stuff and it just goes on! I was thinking while most of it is necessary, wouldn't it be nice to just walk in with a small purse and a water bottle? When I go on vacation I think, wouldn't it be nice to just have a small suitcase and my purse instead of a carload filled to the hilt? I know people who live a simple life would say, yes! it is possible. But for me it's not. I'm already sucked into the need to have it with me, just in case. Or better yet, I'm prepared as in Boy Scouts, that I will have everything that someone may need at any given point of my day.

I read a lot of blogs on living simpler, but it seems to me it's easier when it comes down to just yourself. When you have three kiddos and a husband (actually he only needs a water bottle!), it's hard to be more simple. Granted my boys are older, so having just their ipod is enough, but my daughter is six and still at the age where you need a lot of stuff.

I sometimes wonder, if you get rid of all the "stuff" does one's home become neater? As I look around my family room every morning and throughout the day, all I see is STUFF! I put it all away and there is suddenly more stuff!! I always wonder what I would do if I had to start all over.....would I end up with all this stuff again?

I recently saw an episode on Oprah where she visited homes in Denmark. This one woman's home was clear of stuff! It was really more austere than anything, but all their "stuff" was contained in small cupboards. I loved the look. I want to contain all my stuff in the cupboards. I don't want to have any stuff laying all around the house. Then I want to lock my family out of the house after 3pm. Is that illegal?

Here's to stuff! No way around it. Literally.

Victoria