Minimalism

I’ve spent almost 16 years filling my house with stuff — gifts, the kids’ artwork, clothes on sale, gadgets, paperwork, appliance manuals, books, and junk.

I’ve tried Feng Shui, the FlyLady, and monthly donations to Big Brothers/Big Sisters…and yet the stuff always seems to come back.

Recently, I’ve subscribed to a few “Minimalist” blogs.  The theory is that the less stuff we have, the less stuff we are responsible for and, therefore, can live freer, happier lives.

Anyway, I’m going to see how much of the house — specifically the basement and garage — I can empty out.

Have you heard of minimalism?  How do you apply it to your lives?  Have you recently cleared space in your house?  Inspire us with your success stories.

For a much more detailed explanation, go here:  http://www.becomingminimalist.com

Where to?

I love to travel.  I wish we had done it more when the kids were younger because now travel competes with school, sports, music, etc.  In two years, Jackson will be going to college and then it’ll really be a challenge to make it happen.

So I am making a conscious effort this year to travel as a family.

The next trip I’m planning is a roadtrip to Louisville, KY, so Bojangles can meet his Aunt Joanie and Uncle Jimmy– planned stops include Pittsburgh, PA (home of the Steelers); Terre Haute, IN (Del’s old stomping grounds); Chicago, IL (to visit my niece Emily at DePaul University); and Cleveland, OH (not really sure why).  We’re saving money by using up some of Del’s Hilton Honors points and crashing at my brother’s house.   I’m looking forward to crossing some states off of Elena’s Bucket List.

I would love to know how others juggle family schedules with travel plans.  Have you recently planned a family trip?  Do you have any tips for traveling with a dog?  Please share with me.

Bojangles

This is Bojangles, my two-year-old Havanese.

Bojangles just turned 2 in this photo.
Bojangles just turned 2 in this photo.

Since he is my first dog, I tried to read all I could about raising a puppy.  Ian Dunbar, http://www.dogstardaily.com, suggested that a puppy needed to meet at least 100 people before it turned 12 weeks.  I fell short.

First,  Bojangles had Giardia when we got him and I didn’t want him to infect other dogs.  Next, I didn’t have 100 friends to introduce to him.  I think we got as close as 87 by the time he was 16 weeks.

Luckily, I found a wonderful, pawsitive and force-free trainer — Helen Del Bove of Smarty Paws.  After a few private training sessions, Bojangles learned to love his crate,  walk with a leash, and calmly sit by the front window.  Last Spring, he earned a certificate in “Basic Manners”.  This Spring, he is registered for puppy playgroup and an agility class.

If you’re in the NY area and interested in a positive dog trainer, I highly recommend Helen.  Here is her website:  http://www.smartypawsny.com

Bojangles is still sort of shy and anti-social (sorta like his mama).  But we’re working on it.

Follow him on Instagram at  http://instagram.com/bojangles_the_havanese

Do you have a shy dog?   Please share with us some ideas on how you got your dog to be less shy.