The Urge to Purge
I've never been much of a cleaner, let alone a spring cleaner. But this year, something has shifted and I have the sudden urge to spring clean my entire house. Maybe it's the fact that Char decided to reno the office and purge all our old stuff for new. Maybe it's just time. I'm not sure.

I've started with my office/scrapbooking area. I've already taken out two bags of garbage and ordered some shelves and storage for my stuff. I've cleaned out the closet and neatly stacked the things I want/need to keep.

I went through my clothes and have about a bag and a half for charity. I'm foregoing my usual method of packing it up for a year, taking it out again, deciding if I missed it and then taking it to charity. This time, the bag is ready to go, and it's just going to go.

I find myself wandering around the house wondering what else I can purge. I open drawers, cupboards, checking to see if there's anything in them that I can clean, junk, pack away or file. I'm sure there's tons more I could do, but I really don't know where to begin. Jenge and I already had the Junk guys here in June and we purged a bunch then [in preparation for our basement renos] but I still feel like there's more to go and I'm not sure if the feeling is coming from a physical need to purge or an emotional need.

I do know that Portia gets very nervous when I start tossing stuff. She follows me around, watching everything go in the bag. And then she sighs loudly before padding off softly, her head low.

Feel the burn!
So, I had my first chemical facial peel on Friday. I'm new to this whole thing, having only had two facials in my entire life. I kinda expected it to be like them. About an hour, a lot of stuff going on that I don't see since my eyes are closed, some facial massage, some cream, dorky hair from a hairband and there you have it. In the interest of those who want to know, here is the skinny:

It took about 10 minutes, burned like a mofo and left me yellow for the rest of the day [which I worked, thank you very much!]. Apparently, I was yellow from the retinol A which is to be expected. From Friday at 2pm onward, I looked like I had a moderate sunburn. By Saturday night, I had started to peel. I foolishly thought that the one layer that peeled off by Sunday would be it.

On Monday, I returned to work somewhat self conciously, wishing I could wear a sign that said "I had a chemical peel." However, by today, I was doing much better and someone actually commented on how nice my skin looked! [NB - they did not know I had done anything, so this was a genuine compliment]. By tonight, I think [hope!] I am done peeling. I must say, my skin tone is almost totally even, except for a few red patches, but it is much better than my pre-peel face which was kinda dull looking and blotchy. I feel like I have a really nice glow now. In three weeks, I have another one scheduled, and then a microdermabrasion after that.

Am feeling very diva-ish this week, since I had my peel on friday, I have a pedicure tomorrow and my nails are getting done on Thursday. Hey, when it's just you and the Portiacakes, you can spend your money how you want!