Too Much Stuff

I clear off the dining room table, disseminating the mail to: business, home, my spouse, myself. But there is still that hand-embroidered holiday tablecloth I have to find a place for. The drop-leaf table that serves as a credenza in my home office stubbornly refuses to let me clear it to the point I can put that leaf down that is SUPPOSED to elevate ONLY for the day I do my household accounts. Medicare stuff for me and my spouse. The camera with pictures still not uploaded to the computer. The Cd's I have yet to copy onto my IPod. The odd notes, forms and notices I don't dare to file until I am absolutely sure they are no longer needed. If I can't clear it off, where the HELL am I going to wrap holiday gifts?

My computer desk is covered with notes on pending matters. Charges on my debit card that have not yet come through. Notices from my health insurance company that have to be matched against invoices from my health providers to guarantee each charge is correct and balanced.

The cards for my current health care coverage and the cards for the coverage that begins January 1. The notices from Medicare for me and for my spouse whose coverage will begin in February. The coupon from JC Penney that is only good until Christmas. The receipts for all those online Christmas gift orders. The note on the electrician's visit - oh right, he came last Thursday. I can toss that one, but where the hell is the invoice?

Three books I am currently in different stages of reading. Four small yellow pads with important notes on the first page that I do not DARE to discard. The binder containing "Medicare and You."

I have way too much stuff and way too little space in which to store it. Every time I try to clear some of it out, it seems to say "Wait, you might need this later."

Time for a bonfire in the backyard?