Well I finally took some stuff and hid it in the bedroom. Tomorrow I will vacuum everything, make sure all clutter is out of entryway, deck and living areas and bathroom. Funny I spend days stressing over a visit that will probably be less than an hour. The positive is that it forced me to really organize living areas, and tomorrow they will be totally clean. I am more aware of the importance of daily maintenance and really completing an area. I was making rooms "neat enough" and now I want them to stay organized like they are now. For the first time in 20 years, I can see the possibility of having a comfortable living area, that I am not ashamed of. I see that as I live in a clean area I will be able to see what I need and what is extra stuff that I do not need.

I read some chapters in a book called To Lead is To Serve today. So it strikes me that a [reforming] hoarder could lead space and things by serving them.

By discarding broken things with gratitude for their service, one can honor the people who made them for their work, honor the things for their service, and one's own space by allowing it to contain useful things.

By giving away useful things that one is unwilling or unable to use, one honors the things and the people who made them by granting the things an opportunity to serve someone else who requires their services.

By removing broken and unused things, one honors one's space by giving it the opportunity to display beauty and tools useful in supporting a person's requirements for daily living.

T,hanks for posting, so great hearing all that goes on in your life. Thanks Tillie for antenna info. Got up and got to work on cleaning, then at 9am sue called and asked me to go with her to go an organic farm that had a bunch of potatoes freeze and were giving away free organic potatoes, since could not sell the good ones because exposed to bad ones. It was miles out in the country where I had never been. We got lots of good little red and gold potatoes. they are out on towels drying off now, Leave dirt on and store in dark place, they were a little damp so have to dry before putting away. Wasted lots of time laying them out and flipping. Gave some to neighbor today, will give some to Sandy when she brings Max tomorrow. Still have tonight and tomorrow to finish cleaning. I love my living room now. Have to take a picture so don't start leaving stuff around again. I like the colors in here, great art, nice job putting things together that are pleasing. It is really self care having a clean living room that I feel serene in, thanks to all of you on this journey with me.
Took all the donations to thrift store today.
Went to Bimart and bought lots of the old type light bulbs since they can not make them anymore. I love those bulbs in winter because they have heat, then use the newer ones in summer that don't make heat. They were almost sold out so I was happy I got them today. They did not have 100w, which I like to use to help prevent depression in winter. 75w is ok. Is it true the new kind have mercury in them, just heard that today.

Dianne :)
WAY TO GO!!! for recognizing your triggers and going so far as to leave the store with the minimum.
Stores spend MILLIONS of dollars to set up merchandise to work on our subconscious.
Having to go back to get the rest of your list is a small price to pay for breaking their hypnotic hold on you.
Keep up the great work and you will begin to become immune to the psychology.

(((HUGS)))

Happy New Year All!
I love starting a new year. It always seems so full of promise, new beginnings and possibilities. I used to try to write resolutions with lofty ideals for the year. No more. I am learning to live like my dogs---one day at a time, one moment at a time. They know how to live in the moment without the burdens of the past or fear of the future.
I wish for all of you peace and good health in 2014.

Good morning :D

Hi Diane :)
When the dog gets there just have wonderfully doggy type fun! :D

Hi Roxie :)
WAY TO GO! for all the things you have accomplished! :D

Hi Dianne :)
Doggy sleepover sounds so cute. ;)

Sleepy today. Gunfire & fireworks got the cats all spooked and it took a while to get them all back in bed.
Have laundry hanging out on the clothes line under clear blue skies. :D
Tomorrow will be a BIG cleaning day for me. Mr. Hoarder finally goes back to work, YEA! So whatever I clean will stay clean for at least a few hours. :D
Wish I had corned beef & cabbage. Supposed to eat corned beef & cabbage new year's day. Oh Well.
Rather than buy expensive beef, instead I bought a 3 pack of new undies for me. ;D

Thanks Cory, we all appreciate this site so much.
Tillie, funny girl, yes the dog will appreciate all my work!!!!!!!! Actually, as soon as she leaves the dog and I will go play in the yard and get as dirty as possible. Thanks for the laugh. Thursday at about 4pm, I will be stashing and dashing, actually should be ok by then.
Is the wire aluminum or steel that goes to ground? Thanks for input.

WOW! so many posts to read! :D

Hi Barb :D
Great to catch up with you and hear how you are. :D
Looking forward to working along side you this new year.
The grocery store was pretty empty of people and I only had to wait 2 minutes for my turn to check out. Perfect timing.

Hi Diane :D
WAY TO GO! on all your tidying up!
Hope the dog appreciates all the hard work you have done for it. ;) lol
I don't know if being in a tree is good or not for reception.
My antenna has a long wire on it that goes to the ground and is attached to a grounding rod that is driven deep into the earth.
So, if lightning hits it the bolt will be directed safely into the earth.
(((hugs))) we all have occasional melt downs, no need to apologize. :)

Hi Dianne :D
You have a wonderful way of saying things. (((hugs)))

Hi Karl :D

Hi Dave :D
So very sorry you got that nasty paper cut. ;)
WAY TO GO! dealing with that paperwork!
I think papers are the hardest thing for people to make decisions about. Even I have a hard time deciding what to do with papers so I just throw them all away which tends to not be the right decision at times.

Unclutter your life in one week?
The only way that my hoarder could accomplish that is if he hired Cory's company. ;D

sorry it is going so slowly Dave, glad you keep at it, in spite of frustration

Pressure of having unwanted company Thursday really kept me moving today. Things are looking better. Took donations to garage, then realized have to load car. I cram-packed the car with donations. No wonder garage looked so bad, had so much to donate.
I was waiting to have a pick up, so just kept gathering stuff, then today, just loaded it into car. Did not go to store, just worked all day. Nothing like company to put the pressure on to clean.
I attached a cable to the huge antenna, it is about 10 or 12 feet tall with really long arms. It is so big, I don't want it to be visiable so I stuck it in a big aspen tree. Not sure if that is ok. I will try it on tv tomorrow. When tree leafs out, will I still get signal? Is it dangerous for lightening? Hurt back while tying it to tree, so resting now. If it doesn't work, it may live in the tree! I cleaned more stuff from deck and entryway today. she is coming between 5-6pm with dog so at least it will be dark so she cant see my hidden stuff. Tomorrow will continue to focus on living area where she will be. It is looking better, still need to finish some areas.

Diane,
I have, last night and today, learned what you are really coping with that I really haven't recognized. I don't have the time right now to make that make sense, but I think you are showing strength, flexibility and resilience in the things you are doing. 1 comparison thing, I spent over an hour today, even with some help, dealing with 14 pieces of paper, mostly receipts. (I also whined at great length when I cut my finger digging around in the recycle bucket for an envelope I wanted to reclaim. :) .

I hope you are able to continue doing your good work.

In my area, Big Lots had 8gb ones, for, i think, under $10.

great book title Barb. After many months I must be doing something wrong, better read that book so can finish in a week.
I worked too long today, and started feeling anxious so took a break, realized had not eaten yet, already feel better reading your posts on here.
Dianne, "crazy" has been a word I fear being called, so glad you enjoyed trip to crazy ville with me. I like the idea of focusing on the area where people will be. Have to get locks for other doors!!! Imagine if they peaked in and fainted, hit their head and we had to call paramedics

I just had the ad for the book Unclutter Your Life in One Week pop up on my screen. HaHaHaHaHa! What a good laugh! Oh, if it were only that easy! Anyone who can clear out all the clutter in one week doesn't really know what clutter is.

Barb, I am so happy you are seeing such great progress and that you know today you are tired and need to slow down. Nice you can give yourself permission to take it easy, I am still learning that. I wish you continued success

Thanks Tillie, when I am out today I will find a long cable of any old type then, excited about attaching that huge old antenna, now that know I can use any old thing. Actually saw really long cable under the house that the last people left, I will try that first, looks extremely old. Goal continues to be use the stuff already hear before buy anything.
MIRACLE REPORT: Sunday after my turn in chat I asked for more time and discovered the terror I was having thinking of my boss/friend coming here thursday to loan me her dog. I burned the terror in my fire yesterday, and today I got up with a new attitude. I know others must look for feelings under anger/terror/fear etc. and I was able to do that for myself this morning. I also know when mad etc I get, it is time for a change. I looked at my living area with new eyes, as if someone I respect was here to help me. I cleaned up several areas. The bump in the road could have sent me shopping, but instead I have now used all that energy to make a huge impact on living area. So the miracle is not being paralyzed by negative feelings but to look at them and see what I could do to make it better. reading Diannes post and tillies, made me know it was time for a huge attitude shift. Sorry I dealt so poorly with it last week, and thanks for all the support when I least deserved it.

Hi Tillie,
It's good to sign on to the post and find someone in a great attitude.
I wouldn't bet on the grocery store being quiet today. People have the day off and are out shopping for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day party supplies.
I finished completely cleaning and sanitizing my refrigerator and freezer compartment yesterday. (The power outage had made quite a mess in there.) I went to the grocery last night to restock the basics. The clerks were all quite busy at 8 p.m. and I had to wait in line at the check out.
I would love to jump in again today, but I am tired from yesterday and my legs hurt from getting up and down off the floor. Part of getting older is trying to learn to pace myself.
I need to do laundry and catch up on the dishes. If the optometrist is open, I will pick up my glasses which are already paid for. That may be all I get done today. I am planning a quiet evening at home to see in the new year.
My goal for 2014 is to be able to invite people in by Christmas time next year. That means having a kitchen, entry, living area, and the bathroom clean and clutter free. I can do this!
Have a very pleasant day and blessings on you in 2014.
Barb

Good morning :D
The sun has finally burned through the fog!!! :D YEA!!!

Planning on going to the grocery store today.
Should be fewer people now that all those after xmas sales are almost all over with.

My wish for the new year.
With so much hatred, suffering and tragedy going on in the world...
My wish is for everyone to find inner peace.
Acceptance of other's differences.
Forgiveness even for the unforgivable.
Walk in peace. (((hugs)))

Diane,
We had a huge antenna on the garage connected to the analog tv with a cable.
When he bought me a large flat screen HDTV I attached the old antenna cable to it.
Using the huge old roof top antenna I get great HDTV on the new tv.
Plus now I get 27+ channels rather than the 3 fuzzy ones I used to get.

Karl, with new HDTV can you use any cable to connect to antenna, or does it have to be a new cable
just for HDTV. Don't know if cables are all the same or if they are different for cable vs antenna.
Tillie, how is white death? still foggy brain?
Did dishes and put all away. This morning plan to finish papers in living room, then tidy up living room and dining room. then for reward will do whatever I feel like outside. Today have to go to town and pick up prescription, go to store and buy food and also more board insulation for opening in skirting.

Dianne great insight, optimism and extremely helpful.
Well I had such fun taking stuff off deck and putting away in garage. Then for the reward I burned a pile of leaves just for fun. I made a hohum fire pit last summer, and realized I can make a real fire with wood and roast a hot dog just to pretend I am camping. Have only used it so far for burning debris. Now that I have been reminded to balance fun and work, have thought about fun things to do. I put a curtain up in walkway, looks so good, it was fun and only took a few minutes, have been "planning" to do it for days. I also started putting up racks and peg board up in garage so I can organize things where I can find them. Was so much better than working inside all day.
Emailed boss to meet away from here for dog. She really wants to bring dog here so dog will know she wants him to be here. I understand, told her I have fear she will judge my excess stuff, she knows I have worked on clutter for months, she was very understanding, took the pressure off. My plan next few days is to finish entryway and work on maintenance of kitchen living room, so I can have her bring dog here, and survive it.

Tillie, I did it!!! Thanks, chicken smelled ok but has been in there too long so it felt liberating to toss it plus lots of other stuff. Then remembered how I used to burn in yard for fun. Burned all papers that had my name on it and bank stuff, wasn't as much fun as I remembered but I got into it and enjoyed it. Probably not as much fun because what I was burning, memories, and chances lost instead of just leaves and sticks!!! Thanks again for your support.

Tillie,
Before I go could you please list some of the "hard times" topics so that I'm not completely in the dark? If you know any that could help. Thank you.

Without getting into detail please if you know what are the "hard times" topics.

Hi Lynn :)
I will still be wishing you good luck and best wishes in all you do and strive for.
Remember that the most important thing is to take good care of yourself.
Keep looking for all the answers to your questions, stay curious and interested.
(((hugs)))

Tillie,
I'm sorry that I won't be posting on this site anymore.
I've been judged too many times. I've been to two testing places to test my cognitave skills and both don't support college work, nor do both think I can be a leader. (such as an independant worker).
I've been told(by someone on this site) that I haven't experienced any hard times though everyone's hard times are unique to them I was also told that I don't pay bills for which I do considering only working maybe 11-12hrs/wk on minumum wage and paying my car insurance bill, until I paid off my car, I paid car payments (I've had title for a while now), and paid for my car, I pay for gas for the car which is more expensive and I also pay for my essentials for daily living. I've also had very depressing moments such as a very bad break-up with my boyfriend, loss of family members and now dealing with the debt collectors for bills I can't pay.

I don't know what counts as hard times other than losing a child which would be discrimatory for I choose not to have.

If everyone could be a leader it would be a very boring world and there would be no employees. (not everyone can or wants to be a leader)

I'm very very happy being a follower and asking questions on how things are done.

Is it wrong for saying I'm not afraid to seek a counselor for tips while on my own to not follow my mother? If it is I'm sooo sorry, truely sorrry.
I've always believed in not buying things for comfort but doing physical activity for grieving such as cardio and or strength training to help me feel better. I've always believed in that and would never change even when I can be on my own and still keep in touch with a counselor for positive re-enforcement.
I believe not everyone spirals out of control when they are out on their own even during new hard times to deal with.

YEA!!!! :)
let it go and don't dwell on it.
These things happen. We mean to cook dishes but then get side tracked.
Just don't punish yourself ever by trying to salvage the unsalvagable. :D

Thanks so much Tillie, I would have tried to salvage if possible, out it goes!!!

:D

and again

YEA! :D

Hi Tillie, we posted at same time! I just emailed about meeting her in Bend.

Hi Diane :)
When in doubt throw it out.
Better to be safe than sick when it comes to food.
WAY TO GO!!!! for tackling the papers but especially for walking away from that task as soon as you started to get frustrated. :D

Self care is very important.
Good food, enough sleep, hygeine
We function better when we take care of these things.
It is also important to have equal parts of work, exercise, rest and recreation in oue days.
(((hugs)))

Good morning. I started going through bins of papers in living room this morning. Noticed as soon as I got frustrated and stopped, got up and walked. Started again, frustrated, got up and had boiled egg and cocoa, then started again. Not all done, but I am done for now. A few hours on papers is more than enough for me. Have a big burn bag for papers with personal info, bag of recycle papers and filed most of stuff. Paid bills. Helped so much to hear over and over to time and take breaks. I boiled a chicken days ago to make soup. Afraid to use it, afraid to toss it. I guess logically should toss it, just hate wasting it, and for the fact I procrastinate, and let food rot, over and over. Probably all vegetables are rotten too. When I sign off I will just make decisions and take action, waiting is not going to make it safer. Worse to be sick than to waste $10 food I will prepare some form of protein next. Have frozen vegetables I can use if fresh are rotten. Healthy food is my focus today. I now it will help with the anxiety. Also will load up pill dispenser with vitamins, calcium and D3. Then will shower and wash hair. Today I am procrastinating on calling my boss about not coming to my house, ok will email right now. Thanks for all the support and kindness. I will also be kinder to myself and others today.

Good morning :)

Chat was GREAT last night!

Still foggy & frosty here, I am getting moldy :(

Need to get some fresh fruit & veggies but don't want to go to the store. Oh Well.

Doing the usual stuff here.
cat stuff
sweep stuff
tidy stuff

Oh yeah, almost forgot...
the cat vomited on all her toys this morning.
Need to clean that up too. :(

Just the usual stuff kind of day. :D