ten things to do as a couple this summer

I have a problem with making time for Robert, my boyfriend, and he has a problem with making time for me.  We live together, so we automatically see each other, but I think living together has made it that much harder to make time to actually spend time together.  I've come up with my top 10 bucket list of things we can do together this summer.  It's probably not very realistic, considering Robert is serving almost everyday to pay off some bills, but maybe I could use it for next year.  The point is, we need to make more time for each other!

1. Go to a baseball game.
Baseball is my sport of choice.  I grew up learning the rules and all of the players, and I can spit out facts and stats now like they're chewin' tobacco.  This is essential for me.  If we have to settle for our local minor league team this year, that's okay, but I need my Atlanta Braves.  Cincinnati may be closer, but the Braves are America's team, and more importantly, my team, and it wouldn't be right if I went to a game without Robert.  I've been following them since I was the ripe old age of 3, and I want the tradition to carry on with my love.  My ultimate dream would be if we timed it so we could also make the Braves Bark in the Park game and take the dog with us.

2. See Dave Matthews perform live.
I haven't really listened to DMB in years, but when I was in college, I would go to 3 or 4 Dave concerts a year, and it was so much fun.  My parents would sometimes go with us, or my friends and I would go by ourselves, and it would always be an outstanding affair, which is something I want to get in the habit of doing again.  Even though we don't know any of his new music, both Robert and I have decided that Dave is a good enough musician that we would like to make an effort to see him every summer.  So far, we have plans to see him in Cincinnati on June 5, so I hope the tradition will actually start this year.

3. Tube the Ocoee with the dog.
I'm not even sure if this is allowed, but I would be happy to put my little Charlie in my lap and tube comfortably down the river with Robert and a cooler by my side.  So many of my friends have done this, and I feel like I'm missing out.  Yes, I might be allergic to the sun, and yes, the dog might be terrified of water, but I have sunscreen, and he has a lifejacket, and I think we could make it work.  Picture it: just the three of us and a cooler, floating along, no worries.  Ahhhh, life is good.

4. See a movie.
Sometimes life gets so in the way that we can't even stop and see a movie.  I'm not really a movie person, but I am a popcorn person, so I will do my best to sit still through a movie so I can devour politely eat my giant bucket that I purchase every year (The tradition started when my best friend bought it as a gift for me.  Do I have the best best friend ever, or what?).  I mean, a movie is something so simple and easy to stop and do, and if we can't do that, then we have problems.

5.  Get the house so clean that we can stay in bed all day.
This one Robert is going to have a problem with, but a girl can dream.  The house being actually so clean that I don't have to clean it on the weekends is something that I can only wish for upon a star, because I live with a really messy man.  But maybe, just maybe, one day, on a weekend, the house will be so clean, and he will have helped out during the week (there's a lump in my throat just thinking of the idea), that we will be able to lounge around all day and do nothing but eat junk food and watch sports and silly movies.

6.  Work out together.
This speaks for itself.  We worked out one time, and he couldn't even speak to tell me how made he was with me when it was over.  I guess we will need to find something other than my boxing gym.

7.  Go for a stroll, with the dog, downtown.
Most people don't want to include their "children" when spending time with their significant other, but I don't think Robert and I could do anything without our "child".  It's sad, but we both have some separation anxiety.  We live in Knoxville, which is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, and sometimes just taking a stroll downtown, followed by eating outside at a yummy local restaurant makes for a great date.  Plus, it makes Charlie a very happy dog.

8.  Let Robert pick a date.
This speaks for itself and makes me very nervous.

9.  Let Robert choose a destination.
This also speaks for itself and makes me very nervous.  I would need to approve the hotel.

10.  Grill out and go to bed early.
For some reason, this just sounds so appealing, and it's something we never do together.  Last summer Robert grilled out while I cooked in the kitchen, but that stopped when he started working so much.  As far as going to bed early, I'm usually out by 9 while he doesn't even get home until 11 or 12 every night.  It would be nice to just crash together around 10 and then wake up early, refreshed and ready to conquer the day.

These ideas just came off the top of my head.  I'd love suggestions and more ideas!  Maybe I'll try them out!  xoxo Courtney

why i decided to declutter

1. It feels amazing.

I can't describe the feeling I have knowing that I have rid my have of over 6 human-sized Rubbermaid totes containing clothes, trinkets, and junk. When I come home from work, my house looks clean, and I have a place for all of my bags, keys, and papers. It's such a great feeling.  I'm sure if I felt like researching, I'd find some article on cleaning and endorphins or something, because I actually feel high at the end of time spent decluttering. I have such an easier time with organizing when there are fewer objects, and it's less stressful to choose from objects when there aren't that many there. I am so much happier on my journey to a minimalist.

2. My boyfriend can't make as many messes.

Without as much junk around the house, he can't leave as much lying around, which leaves less for me to pick up. I yell less, and everyone is happier. Plus, there is more room for every item to have a designated space, so he has no excuse to not put something back.

3. Organizing has become a breeze.

As mentioned above, everything now has a place in our house. It is so easy to find everything and keep everything clean and picked up. Our cabinets and drawers have stayed neater, and even the fridge looks better.

4. You'll lose weight.

Literally.  Maybe not from your body, but your figuratively getting rid of extra baggage and poundage that you don't want, and that can cause a lot of stress. Over time this builds up and becomes incredibly overwhelming. I found I was more unhappy and depressed in a junky house, and maybe it was just coincidental timing, but I've lost 12 pounds off my body since I started decluttering my house. Clutter can play mental games with a person. It can impact your life. Be honest with yourself and let it go!

5. You are helping someone else (or making some money).

When I finished cleaning out my clothes, I had three large containers, like the largest containers they make. These were really nice clothes, y'all. I had Coach purses with tags, Sperry shoes worn once, and boutique dresses with less than one wear out of them. I could have easily sold what I had and made a good couple of hundred bucks, but a lack of time and energy, coupled with the pressing feeling too make a tithe, sent me to my local thrift store, and it felt great to bless so many people that way.  

Can you guys think of any other reasons to declutter?  I swear I have never been so happy as I have been since I have started trying to be more minimal in my life.  How has decluttering helped you?  xoxo Courtney