Jewelry, Nail Polish and Dresses oh my!: The three month challenge

When I arrived in Rome to my new apartment, I was met by one of my new flatmates, Marco, who was shocked by the amount of things that I had. I arrived with approximately 150 pounds worth of stuff (read: clothes, jewelry, hair products, cocoa butter, you know the necessities) in two suitcases and a carry on bag.  I simply laughed at the notion that he thought it was a lot of stuff because I knew I had many things to pick up from the houses of friends.

Before I left Rome I packed up my entire life and much of it was to be stored at three different friends’ houses. Sunday morning I got in touch with my friend Antonio who kindly agreed to take me to pick up my things from Kristy’s house. I had heard tales of how difficult it was to store my things because of the weight of everything but it was more than I remembered. What I picked up from Kristy’s filled Antonio’s trunk and back seat. Then Grace brought over a suitcase, two boxes and a few random bags. This was all topped of by the last suitcase and a bag of hangers from Mariana. All in all probably an additional 350 pounds of STUFF. Though I only packed my things away two months ago, I had no idea that I left so much. To be honest, I had was embarrassed and even had a mini panic attack.

Having dedicated two days to unpacking, much of it filled with paralysis, I realize that I have a problem. Where were my friends when I was accumulating all of these things? As a result of this disgust with myself, not only am I trying (gotta be honest with myself) to commit to the purging of 50 pounds of stuff, but I am also going on a three month shopping freeze. I would like to do longer, but baby steps.

Thus, I solemnly swear not to buy clothing, accessories, shoes or anything that can be perceived as an unnecessary material item starting today 18 September 2012 until the 18 December 2012. WHO IS WITH ME??