I’ve been going through boxes of very old papers as well as messy closets, drawers and cabinets this summer. We’ve given away many boxes of books and household items, thrown away a lot of broken or damaged items, and recycled a huge amount of paper.

What is your philosophy on old clothes or other items cluttering up your home?

Do you give away anything you haven’t worn or used in a year or two years?

Do you keep things you forgot you had, because they may come in handy (or you may fit into them again) someday?

Do you keep things you know you’ll never use because they have sentimental value?

I found this report I wrote for a fifth grade class assignment in one of my old boxes. When I tried to read it out loud to Mr. desmoinesdem, I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe:

[desmoinesdem], ABC News?

When I get older I would like to be a journalist. I would know what was going on. I also would enjoy doing something useful, not just a housewife.

I know about journalism because every day I watch local and world news. I have decided that world news is more exciting. I can learn more about it by watching more news. And that’s what I’m doing.

I would probably choose a busy city, like Chicago or Detroit, but not too busy, like New York. I am not sure what car I would choose, but most likely one with good mileage. One thing for sure, though. I will enjoy my work.

The End

It’s funny because

1. Although I am not currently working outside the home, I have kept active with various non-profit groups and political causes since becoming an at-home mom.

2. For many years as an adult I did write professionally about the politics of another country, which I found more interesting than U.S. politics.

3. I wrote this during one of the big energy crises of the 1970s, but as it turned out, I do drive a car that gets good mileage (Prius).