My Cryptic World

I’m a clean freak and an avid declutterer (if that’s even a word). I throw away things I really don’t need. Like that time I tossed out the tray from my daughter’s lunchbox because it was “just taking up space.” I’d just read that if you haven’t used an item for over a year, it’s time to let it go. So I did, only to realize two years later that I actually did need it. It was perfect for keeping her burger in place and holding a packet (or two) of ketchup. I’m that kind of declutterer. (And yes, that’s definitely a word now.) When I was younger, I’d see my grandparents and in-laws keep things they didn’t need-collecting dust, debris, and a generous layer of oil and grime that turned everything into a shade of brown with a hint of black. I’d promised myself I’d never let my house turn into that. I prided myself on being a minimalist -keeping only what I used. Sure, I kept small cardboard boxes to wrap gifts or reused pretty gift bags (I’m an environmentalist at heart), but otherw...