The 100 Thing Challenge
In an article in this week's Time magazine entitled "How To Live With Just 100 Things" (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1812048,00.html), the author states:


"Excess consumption is practically an American religion. But as anyone with a filled-to-the-gills closet knows, the things we accumulate can become oppressive. With all this stuff piling up and never quite getting put away, we're no longer huddled masses yearning to breathe free; we're huddled masses yearning to free up space on a countertop. Which is why people are so intrigued by the 100 Thing Challenge, a grass-roots movement in which otherwise seemingly normal folks are pledging to whittle down their possessions to a mere 100 items."



Anyone who has ever helped me move knows firsthand that I have a lot of crap. I attempt to jettison anything unneeded or no longer wanted shortly after each move, but that only lasts for a short time. I always seem to accumulate enough more crap to replace everything I had gotten rid of, thus eliminating the point of the initial purges and bogging down each subsequent apartment even more.



In college, I owned one pair of jeans, one hoodie, some t-shirts and one pair of shoes; after a stint at Old Navy and managing a Gap, I now own over 20 pairs of jeans, 36 pairs of shoes, 5 pairs of khakis and too many skirts to count. After a winter in Jackson Hole (and a mother who is obsessed with knitting), I have two BOXES of hats, gloves and scarves. I have a 5-piece dining set even though I eat in front of my computer and never have any visitors, however, this dining set was my late grandmother's and I don't have the heart to get rid of it....yet.


I'm tired of having rubbermaids and boxes chock full of stuff that I might use someday. Enough is enough. If I can sell my fabulous Honda Accord and be happy with taking the bus, I can attempt to take up the 100 Thing Challenge! I think. Well, I'm going to try.


If anyone wants some free size 8 ultralowrise Gap jeans, hit me up. Or else they're going to the DI.
4 Responses
  1. Moose Tracks Says:

    Girl you're nuts but good luck! I couldn't do it.


  2. Anonymous Says:

    Good for you! I might try 100 categories. 100 items is definitely out -- I'd end up with 87 books, 2 cats, a few items of clothing and 5 dark chocolate bars. But, hey - more power to you!


  3. Teresa Says:

    That is a great goal to have! You will have to post how it goes! I wish that I could do it, but alas, think I would be giving away family members:cP

    As for the jeans, if you are still givig them away, I would love them. I am not to a size 8...yet. But, I am hoping to be there soon...or at least some time this year!


  4. Cammie Says:

    Jenny,
    I love to periodically peek into your blogging life. I had to comment on how much I love love love this idea! My hubby would hate it if I de-junked his junk, but oh, how I would love it! As for my stuff...I should give it a go...on the other hand, if you are still getting rid of your pants and if they are longs I would love to free up your hands and crush the 100 item dream I just began :) If not, I should try this thing out. Keep us posted on how it goes!