Will not

My usual combination of lofty aspirations and a pathetic amount of follow-through often leads to apathy and disappointment in myself. My 101 things list seems daunting but part of the goal of that project is to help me to become a more productive person (outside of work – I’m pretty productive at work I guess). Because of my usual attitude, it is often easier to pledge not to do something, rather than promise to do it. For example, back in July, I made a pledge to forego buying any tchotchkes or other dust-catchers for my house and I haven’t bought one since, not even a Christmas decoration. [caveat: I did buy some Halloween stuff because we were having a party, but most of that we made.] I pledged not to eat meat ever again in college, and I never have. I pledged not to drink soda in high school and didn’t drink any for four years afterward (until I discovered the art of moderation and realized that a diet coke every once in a while won’t kill me).

I also want to make a pledge to shop online less. Mrs. French of Bliss posted about starting her blog to cure a shopping addiction and I can completely see her point. A blog about great things that you enjoy is a wonderful alternative to actually buying new items all the time for yourself and your home. And maybe someone else will stumble across them and find the perfect vintage luggage, stacking ring set, or photographic print that is just the thing to give something or someone in their life a little spruce. In addition, if I can help an independent seller, so much the better.

But, I digress, the point of this post is (yes, you guessed it!) to make another list. Oh man, I love lists!

I will not…

…share any office gossip (I’m usually pretty good at letting the gossip chain stop with me)

…buy any new clothes until I’ve cleaned out my closet and returned those pants I didn’t like. I literally started throwing my clothes into a pile on the floor in disgust the other morning because there was so much stuff that was faded/misshapen/shrunken and needed to be donated or thrown out.

…buy super cheap clothes for work. They don’t last very long and the more expensive stuff looks nicer and lasts a lot longer.

…buy any more clothes online unless I am absolutely certain of the fit/style (i.e. Nine West shoes, pants in styles I have purchased before) – because I’m so lazy about returning them

…bring my laptop to bed.  

…let the water cups pile up on my bedside table

…wear my gym shoes into the house – then they won’t go back to work with me (where my gym is)

… sleep on the couch. This is a BIG problem for me. I fall asleep on the couch almost every night and, more often that I’d care to admit, I sleep there all night. I know myself and I know that I should probably go to bed when I’m dozing off and not “just try to watch the rest of the episode.”

… Neglect my appearance. I will make that overdue haircut appointment, get my suits and blazers dry-cleaned, and get a manicure when my nails are scraggly. If my eyebrows need maintenance, I should do it right away. After 3 years, I really need to stop thinking like a college student and start being more professional in my appearance. 

…Let the laundry overwhelm me. No more waiting until I am out of clean underwear to do a load!

…buy anything without thinking about it for at least 2 days.  

...buy any more cameras for a while.

I’m sure there are many more things I shouldn’t be doing, but the thought depresses me so I’ll leave it here for now.