I bought myself a few big gifts in 2014: a new steam mop, new stove, new dishwasher. I’m not a big spender. I buy what I need when I need it but my timing could be better. I was down to one burner and no oven before I thought I needed another stove. Only the last few years have I cooked enough to justify having a dishwasher again. I gave mine away 20 years ago. Now I look forward to more convenience, and more counter space. The older I get, the less clutter I want around me. I like to see into all the corners and edges where the floor meets the wall in each room. It gives me a sense of spaciousness, whereas when I look at clutter, I feel a little contracted and confined. I like having space between my molecules. I don’t like to feel bound or tethered. Even in my stocked storage shed, I can see behind the stacked furniture and walk between the boxes. I like knowing what I have. That lets me know when it’s time to get rid of something. I don’t like to keep things around unless there’s a reason and they serve a purpose. Either they are in use, or I have a vision for their future use, or they’re given away. Keeping my “stuff” manageable helps keep my life manageable.