**Dh had a poker game, and won as usual. Well, second place. Won a whopping $22. Like last time, he told me he could have probably won first place or won more, but it was getting too late. Maybe next time he should just crash with his friend, and stay to the bitter end???

That said, he spent $17 on gas and the bridge toll, so it wasn't a huge win. He guessed he may be up $5. But, hey.

Obviously they are not huge rollers!

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Yesterday morning we picked up the downstairs. IT was one of those times where it took no time at all and I wondered why we didn't do it sooner. (It's either that or "OMG it's been so long and it took forever" - hard to tell how it would go - I was expecting the worst since we hadn't picked up in months).

I scrubbed the little half bath from top to bottom. I could do some dusting/vacuuming, but at least the house is presentable again for guests.

I was thinking I should probably scrub the kids' bathroom real good too. Maybe my chore for today.

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Oh yeah, I went to aerobics yesterday. It's probably been 2 months. 5 weeks or so since I even hit the gym. We played tennis last weekend and I was surprised by my stamina, but aerobics really surprised me. Sometimes it just REALLY kicks my butt, but my heart rate was very low and I had far more strength (& flexibility) than I imagined I would. I am relieved I don't have to start over from 0. But trust me, my abs are flab. I am obviously far from 100%. I guess I am mostly surprised how strong my heart is after neglecting cardio for many weeks.

All that said, I had done a fair amount of walking. I suppose that was helpful.

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Since dh was gone yesterday, playing poker and all, the kids and I had a nice night to ourselves.

We went to McDs since we had $20 in G.C.s from Christmas. (Dh hates it - I can tolerate it - I at least like the fries - can't say I'd eat anything else there). The kids ran full speed for about 45 minutes (through the play structure) before I carted then out red and sweaty. I think they'd *go* until they passed out if I let them.

It was really funny, but most of the kids there were wearing identical outfits (down to the shoes). I Was kind of laughing to myself - I didn't get the memo! I saw 2 sets of girls (clearly not the same age - so not twins) dressed up to the hilt in identical outfits. Then 2 little boys came in with matching jeans, shoes, shirts. Strange, to say the least!

Anyway, as the kids put on their shoes, I remembered there was a Payless right down the street. BM was well in need of new shoes. LM's shoes were also borderline. Lord knows what they do to their shoes! We went to Payless and I told the kids just BM Was getting shoes unless there was a sale. Was Buy one get one 1/2 off, so ended up getting them both a pair of shoes.

After that we went home, watched a movie on the DVR, and snacked on popcorn. They are easy to please.

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While at the shoe store I bought myself some earrings. I actually had run to the store in the a.m. - to get milk - and bought some tulips (they were gorgeous and only $3.99). So I had myself a nice splurge. About $11 for a few pairs of earrings - so $15 treat for myself. I am easy to please!

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V-Day is tomorrow and I can care less. It is a non-holiday to dh and I. Absolutely nothing planned - no purchases planned.

We had leftover V-Day cards from last year, so didn't spend a penny on the kids. Last year I missed the after sale, so tomorrow night or Tuesday I will stop by Walgreens and snatch up some Valentine cards for next year - after they get marked down. (This seems to be more cost effective than printing out *free* cards on our color printer - with the expensive ink - I think I paid $1 for holographic Valentines last time - they are really cute!).

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In other news, dh shocked me when he vocalized his intent to go through all his boxes and crap. Woohoo!

The story on that is I have been in de-clutter mode for a while and have little left to de-clutter.

The kids came along after this, and so we have done pretty good with them. Sell/donate/give away old toys and clothing as soon as it is outgrown. I am sure it could very easily get out of control, but that is something we have never had issue with.

Dh? He is another story. It's kind of funny because he freaks out about clutter in the garage and closets, etc. I generally believe we can fit 10 more times as many things in these spaces - 10 more times as much as he does. So, he can be a little particular about not hoarding too much.

BUT, he likes *stuff* far more than I do. He is also more sentimental. This means he just has a lot more crap than I do.

That said, I think a lot of my de-cluttering came from being forced out of one of the bedrooms when the kids were born. I took an office in a nook in the upstairs hallway. Dh on the other hand, gets 2 bedrooms - an office and a media room. (Don't ask me how this worked out - except he had more *stuff* to begin with). Anyway, he hasn't had much motivation to downsize his crap.

As the rest of us have de-cluttered so efficiently, I have lately asked if he really needed all those boxes - if he even knew what was in them. Some of them haven't been opened since we moved.

As far as movies, music, games, etc., I know we are very different. I don't like all that crap everywhere, especially when it can all be rented or digitized. I find with technology I own less and less *stuff.* Anyway, he loves all that stuff, I know that, and it's fine. It's the boxes that are never opened that have bugged me over time. & that is the stuff he is thinking about going through. Woohoo!

Particularly his office/bedroom - seems there is a lot of crap in there that no one ever uses. I don't have any other use in mind for that room at the moment, but would be nice if it was cleared out a bit in case we needed it. Could make it a guest room of sort (just needs a futon).

With the kids (& technology) we have mostly abandoned our respective offices. I prefer the small/portable netbook. Dh does most his video work in his media room - more central to where he can keep an eye on the kids. My *office* has been taken over by the kids. OF course, I no longer work from home and prefer not to! Funny how quickly things change. When we bought the house, we both wanted our own private space. Technology really changes things. I just make my private space wherever I can find it - and am happy with that since I don't have so much *stuff* to keep track of.