NOW WHAT???

My apartment is spotless, my dog is walked, my clothes are clean, the storage unit in the basement is organized, the plants are watered, my bike tires have air in them and my gas tank is full.  My bills are all paid, my fridge is stocked, I even matched my socks when I pulled them out of the dryer.  I don't think I've done that in...well, I don't think I've ever done that.

NOW WHAT???

Hmmm, the world is my oyster.  I could use a job, though, so if you know anyone who'd like to hire a very intelligent, hardworking, well-spoken, stylish and urbane lady with a great sense of humor to do, well, whatever, send 'em my way.

Coming soon: a thrilling recount of my latest visit home to StL.  Easter, my sisters' birthday, reorganizing closets, Julie's engagement!  What...a WHIRLWIND!

Don't judge...I love cleaning out closets.  I love cleaning out my closet and I'm pretty sure I love cleaning out everyone else's closets as well.  And I'm pretty good at it, too.  Just ask my friend Katie.  One afternoon with me and she's five bags of old clothes lighter and loving everything in her closet.

I swear, I got a rush when I looked at my newly organized and edited wardrobe.  I stared at my closet for a good thirty minutes on Saturday, which happened to be the the day that I finished a five-phase, three month closet renovation encompassing everything from throwing out old, stained, damaged clothes, making donations to the Salvation Army, trips to the resale and consignment shops, cleaning and the install of new shelving to house a plethora of accessories.

Now, allow me to explain myself.  Some people like art, furniture, kitchen appliances, cars, what have you.  I happen to love clothes, shoes, purses, scarves, gloves, hats, jewelry and so on.  My 2008 New Years' resolution was an experiment, if you will.  A challenge to myself: I was going to wear everything in my closet and at the start of 2009, I had to cleanse myself ( and rid my closet) of anything that I didn't wear.  This challenge took on a life of its own, forcing me to wear things that I had bought on impulse, items that I had held on to for sentimental reasons and old favorites that needed to be let go.  Not only did I succeed in building a wardrobe that I truly loved, but I discovered my own personal style along the way.

I felt so great upon completion of this project that I want to do this for everyone I know!  I love the feeling of opening up my closet and getting excited about what I'm going to wear each day...and I can find EVERYTHING.  I donated eight bags of clothes, I sold end of season trendy pieces and put a nice chunk of change back in my pocket, I even gave away shoes, and those who know me well, I am sure, are shocked.

All in all, this closet renovation was a great experience.  With my closet under control I feel like I've reclaimed a part of my life that I had neglected in the past.  Cleaning out your closet and editing your wardrobe is a fresh start, a new outlook and a big accomplishment.  We form attachments to our clothes.  They contribute to how we feel, be it comfortable, powerful, sexy, cozy, the list goes on.

Here's to my fresh start, my new outlook, my new wardrobe...and maybe YOURS!