Can I go Analog?

I am reviving this blog because - why start a new one when this was barely begun?  And the idea is similar - simplify my life.

The last year or so I'm increasingly less happy with social media.  The effects of time on me, the need to always check it, and what really am I gaining?  Also, do I need to have my phone with me all the time?  Do I need to also spend time on my laptop?  Watching my TV screen?  When is enough, enough?

So I am contemplating going Analog. 

This doesn't mean that I'm going back to the prairie, or cold turkey.  I still have Digital commitments that I need to do.  Plus, I believe if I step down gradually, it could be easier and frankly - I like a good Process.

So today I went through my Facebook Groups and unfollowed some because:

• The info is no longer interesting to me
• I can find the info in another form

I unfollowed 37 Groups.

I still am a par of 34 groups, so I have cut the number by more than half.

Why did I stay in so many?

• I moderate some of them
• The only way to keep in the group is through FB
• Has info that is interesting or helpful
• The only method of keeping in contact with those people

As I go, I'm sure I will leave more groups.  And I will think carefully about the 11 groups that I moderate as well.

Note to self: This is an issue for YOU.  Just because you are convicted and want to move in the "Less Analog" direction, it does not mean that others have to be at the same place.  It's not a virtue, it's a choice.

21 Boxes

I have been cleaning out my house like never before.  21 boxes went out on the last charity pick up.  I'm accumulating more boxes for another pick up.  It's time to get this house ready so we can move on.  I've shed:

• a rigid heddle table loom with stand
• oak dining table
• 2 dining chairs
• wooden desk 
• clothes and shoes
• a box of new super soakers (it's hard to resist Target clearance)
• over 100 craft books and magazines
• yarn and fabric
• Misc household items

The weird thing is, the more I get rid of, the messier the house seems.  I think it's because things are getting resorted and have to hang around out in the air for awhile.  It's like reaching critical mass before the end.  The sad part is, I'm not quite at critical mass yet.  More mess to come.

The Year of Shedding

2015 is the year is the year of shedding.

• Shedding physical things
• Shedding pounds
• Shedding mental things
• Maybe even updating the shed in the backyard

Each thing that comes up this year, I will see if it helps me with the shedding of things.  If it doesn't, I may not accept it into my life.  This blog will be my journey of this year of shedding.