Hey Dianne, Yeah ever since I moved in with my firefighter hunk, I haven't been as attached to all my electronic devices as I used to be. Don't worry though. I'm still going to post when I can. My firefighter hunk (I love saying that. LOL.) and I are actually trying to get pregnant. (Well he's trying to get me pregnant. He can't get pregnant because he's a dude. LOL.) :D
diane
Posted: 12 November 2013 - 03:08 PM
Thanks Tillie and Dianne and Roxie. This morning I cleaned the chimney and did some other stuff outside, then wrapped present, and am now heading to party, no time to shop today!! Giving a gal a ride back to our town, so cant stop to shop to de stress after party. Deep breathe, I can do this.
Dianne
Posted: 12 November 2013 - 11:25 AM
I wasn't going to tell this but here goes.....
Yesterday I went to the beach and bought maybe 15 Life Is Good t-shirts and 2 dinners, 2 appetizers. I've been stressing (one of them about all the money I spent last week on my high) and other stuff and just wanted to get away. I went into a little shop where I know the owner (should NEVER have done it, it was like an alcoholic going into a bar) and we got to chatting. Pretty soon I was just wandering while we chatted throwing shirts over my arm. When she started counting I sort of just closed my ears and she was saying how about if I just give you this and that so I'm not even sure what I paid for. Then she said pick out a hat, you can have it. Now I already have dozens of Life Is Good hats, I wear the shirts and hats every, single day. Of course I didn't need another and of course I picked one anyway.
Then there's a place to get the freshest seafood ever (even their garlic bread is from heaven) so I bought some to eat in the condo and a lot to take home.
I know I'm going to keep these shirts and not get rid of any of the ones I have. I can only tell myself it was a major setback and I need to pay a little more attention to boundaries. I feel drained lately and that leads to a swing in the opposite direction and what I'm guessing is a need to put up a wall with stuff, comfort myself since I don't get that from others, and do it to a point that feelings are tamped down again. I didn't even feel a crazy high from this. Just comfort.
Oh and speaking of comfort how could I forget? I have 2 of the comfiest Sherpa throws I keep at the beach that I got from Costco. When I got home last night I wanted to order a couple more. Well they are literally nowhere but at great expense on Amazon. I kind of panicked thinking I never realized how hard these are to find so I dug around and bought 6. :(
Ok time to stop beating myself up. New day. And maybe if I wait a bit I can get to the point where I give some of that stuff to the Interfaith Center. Those sherpas and a bright tee sure would be a nice gift for someone to get for free. So cozy. :)
Dianne
Posted: 12 November 2013 - 10:43 AM
Wow, miss a day, miss a lot!
Jess, good job on laundry and packing for your family visit! How did your therapy session go? Any old candles thrown out? During the summer Tillie finally got me to toss old make-up. It was a huge amount some from high school, well over 40 years ago. We had a monthly challenge going and I listed each lipstick, etc. I think it was something like 110 lipsticks alone. I had to put them in trash bags with used cat litter to make sure I didn't pull any back out. I don't miss them now.
MayMay, I've been thinking about you! Figured you were settling into domestic life with your firefighter hunk and all the fur babies. :)
Karl, glad to hear you had a good weekend. I miss a lot of what's happening with by not being in chat. Hope all is well!
Tillie, I love the website, fave placed it. I don't mind swearing. Yes, I'll say/write it ~ fuck is one of my favorite words ~ so descriptive! Years ago someone sent me a LOL email about how it was the most versatile word in the English language. Could be used as a singular or plural noun, a verb, an adjective, an adverb, as a curse, with anger, with vulgarity, with humor, with mindlessness, with endearment, etc. etc. I wish I could find that mail but it got lost in the paper hoard. It was always good for a gut funny laugh.
Diane, dammit you are breaking my heart lately. {{{{HUGS}}}} When you wrote "went to craft fair, got ideas of things I could make and shopped non stop for 2 long days for things to make for non existent friends." I wanted to cry. My daughter Laura, always has the sweetest ideas of wonderful things she wants to do for people, food and crafts to make and parties she wants to have for non-existent friends. What I'm encouraging her to do is make that stuff for people who would love to have something special especially around the holidays. I bet there are so many people around you who would love to have a hand-made object that they can't afford to buy to give as a gift to someone. I have been very excited since finding the place not too far away where everything is given for free to poor people in my county. Laura and I have gotten together lots of items that can be regifted or used for Christmas decorations and I love that someone will be delighted to have it. You won't know who gets your crafty gift but you do know you will have made it with love and it will warm someone's heart! Celebrate your 65th birthday by blessing someone with the beautiful talents that you have developed over those years. :)
Roxie, congratulations on getting those dishes and counters done! Yes the *shopping for others* can fool us for a bit but it's just the same old problem with a different twist.
Tillie
Posted: 12 November 2013 - 08:48 AM
Good morning everybody :)
Hi Jess :) WAY TO GO! with using the vacuum! :D Did you toss any of those old candles?
Hi MayMay :) Happy to see you again. :D
Hi Karl :) Enjoyed catching up with you in the chatroom last night. :D
Hi Diane :) Have a wonderful time at the party. (((hugs)))
Hi Roxie :) WAY TO GO! for getting the tidied up! :D
Yesterday I totally cleaned the diningroom area. Washed the walls, washed the light fixture, washed & polished all the furniture, washed all the things I put back in there. Today I am catching up on other stuff & giving myself a break. My plan is to totally clean the livingroom tomorrow. Today I am doing some laundry since the weather is nice enough to hang things out on the clothes line.
Roxie
Posted: 11 November 2013 - 11:03 PM
Hey, kids. It's not okay to harm yourself if you overspend. It's okay to make mistakes, then get back on track. I can understand Dianne's "shopping for others" since that has tended to be my own shopping fix in the past. You know all the rationale for that one. And Diane, I'm glad you understand the reasons behind your shopping binge and that you really don't want to do that. Mistake, dust off fanny, recover and move along.
I did get dishes done yesterday, and wiped down counters. Not much else.
Karl, how was the party?
MayMay, good to see you.
Diane, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I'll catch up with you in April.
Hugs
Karl
Posted: 11 November 2013 - 07:55 PM
I'm in the chat room right now.
diane
Posted: 11 November 2013 - 12:19 PM
wow, I have missed out on all the great stuff posted here, I like Dianne, was off on a shopping spree, the high was great until I got home and had to deal with it. Two solid days of long hours of shopping. I think isolating after working around so many people the past 2 months, left me feeling lonely. Turning 65 this week and having only a few casual friends, no family, and no male love interest,, brought lots of feelings I did not want to feel, so went to craft fair, got ideas of things I could make and shopped non stop for 2 long days for things to make for non existent friends. I am so grateful for chat last night, feel like shopping is not the answer. This morning I washed all dishes, and there were lots. Cleaned inside of microwave. Grateful for the work I did yesterday, an hour of scrubbing with pumice, removed several years of hard water ring in old toilet. Adjusted inside stuff so now doesn't continue to run after flushing. Tightened nut at shut off valve that was leaking. I smile every time I look at that clean toilet. I am so grateful you all post here, makes my aloneness less painful for sure. Dianne, so happy you posted about the addictive high we get from shopping, it is so inviting when things are difficult, that quick happiness. With all the anger you had over repairs, it was a diversion, nice you are so honest. Today, I will continue working on kitchen to get it back to being useable so I can prepare healthier food this week. First will clear off counters, move paint cans out of kitchen, yes tillie they are still there. then if energy will work on clothes on dryer, clean, and piled there. Grateful I can see there is hope after shopping binge. Today, we are fogged in, grey, gloomy, great day to go shopping, but NO, will make it more cheery in here, and shower and curl hair, wrap gift for party tomorrow, and focus on all I have to be grateful for. Thanks to you all for continuing to battle this cunning hoarding disorder.
Otherwise, it says the things that I would say and often do say to my hoarder. ;)
Karl
Posted: 11 November 2013 - 05:31 AM
Busy weekend, in a good way for a change. Sorry I missed the chat -- when I finally got back to the computer, everyone had left. I'll try an off-schedule chat on Monday, 6pm PST / 7pm MST / 8pm CST / 9pm EST, for people who'd like to hear about how things went.
MayMay
Posted: 11 November 2013 - 01:33 AM
Hi everyone! :D
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. :(
I've been super busy lately. I can't believe it's almost thanksgiving. This year has gone by so fast. It feels like just yesterday I was preparing for the 2012 apocalypse; that never happened. lol. :)
Today I went to work; took Cory, Matt, and Snuggles for a walk in the park; and then went to the grocery store.
Jess
Posted: 10 November 2013 - 11:27 AM
Okay, one more goal...
Since I posted about the old candles I have they have been bothering me. I just want to throw away a minimum of three candles. Knowing myself, I'll probably go through them all but I'm trying to encourage myself to take it slow.
Jess
Posted: 10 November 2013 - 11:18 AM
Roxie -- I'll have to try that breathing technique. I almost always end up counting in repetition to soothe myself but sometimes I think that makes me anxious by itself. Always good to try out things that could help!
Dianne -- I definitely understand the high of the buy. I've always thought it was ironic that I love love love to buy organizational products. And office supplies!! Can't get enough. I too am a frequent cart-filler and then put-backer lol Whatever helps reel us in I suppose.
Tillie -- Your dusting tips inspired me to try out the new vacuum I finally decided to purchase. Over a year after our wedding shower where we received gift cards for such things. So yes, I was avoiding vacuuming because when I start I feel like I have to move all the furniture in every room but I managed to make a compromise. It bothered me but the important thing is that I got something done.
Karl -- I'd love to hear how the party went! :)
Today my goals are to put away the laundry I washed yesterday. My closet is a mess so I got stuck but I don't want to keep that clean laundry just sitting there. Realistically, I cannot clean the whole closet today the way I want to so I'm going to try to just refold the remaining dresser drawers I have and put the clothes there. For whatever doesn't fit I'll have to figure something out.
The other goal is to pack a bag to visit my parents and inlaws and get on the road at a decent hour. I'm awful at packing. I bring way too much stuff and get so anxious about forgetting something that I "need" that I end up stalling and leaving later than I should.
Tillie
Posted: 10 November 2013 - 09:45 AM
Good morning :)
Hi Karl :) How did the party go? Hope you had a wonderful time. :D
Dianne, thank you :) That's all I ask, is that you try. (((hugs)))
Sunday, sitting here on the interwebs, drinking tea, thinking about making a big dish of macaroni and cheese today. I could cut it up into meal size portions, wrap it and freeze it and have home made mac & cheese any time I got the craving for it. My hoarder has Monday off work & will be here. I have no hopes that he will do any thing so I won't be let down. ;) I am planning to do a major cleaning of the house this week. This means pulling all furniture away from walls, dusting walls and vacuuming/washing the baseboards. Washing all the furnishings with Murphy's oil soap, polishing the wood and washing all things that go back into the spaces. Won't be hard or take forever. These are my "no Clutter Zones". :D I want to banish all the dust from Summer from my life this week.
Hope to "see" you ALL tonight in the new Sunday chat room. ;)
Dianne
Posted: 10 November 2013 - 07:29 AM
Thanks Tillie and Susan.
Tillie I would NOT be happy if someone tried to pop my balloon. But I can pause before checkout and take some deep breaths and think.
Susan I have tried making feelings like little personalities in the past and had conversations with them. It's a pretty cool technique and I do like it. Miss Crazy and I have had some great times but I'm sure she has many other friends to visit. :)
Karl
Posted: 09 November 2013 - 06:19 PM
No progress on a new home yet.
SusanL
Posted: 09 November 2013 - 10:22 AM
Dianne, You can thank Miss Crazy for helping you feel good in the past, and tell her you now have other healthier ways to feel good about your life. Shopping is no longer your only source of happiness.
Tillie
Posted: 09 November 2013 - 10:18 AM
When I have tried to stop my hoarder from one of his crazy wild spending sprees it always ended up badly for me. He would get extremely angry at me if I said anything to question his purchasing choices.
How would you react if someone popped your balloon?
But somewhere deep down inside him he must have heard my voice and my logical reasoning. All on his own now he has begun to slow down and take the time to think things through before getting to the check out register.
He must have wanted to make the buy/not buy decisions all on his own. Hates being told "no". Feels deprived when the big bad bully won't let him enjoy the high of the buy.
Before you get to the check out counter STOP and reel yourself in. It is perfectly alright to fill your cart full of everything you can grab and then not follow through with actually buying it.
STOP and think it through.
Look at each item and ask yourself "WHY do I feel the need to own this??? "What do I already own that is just as good/useful/a joy to own as this new item???"
Then remember that you can always go back later and get it if you find that you really do need it.
Part of the hoarder's buying high is achieved from getting immediate gratification. Force yourself to wait. Take time to reevaluate each item. Think about all that you already have sitting neglected at home. Learn to distinguish between what you truly need from that what you only want.
(((hug)))
Dianne
Posted: 09 November 2013 - 09:23 AM
Thank you Tillie, you are always so supportive! {{{hugs}}}
Now that I'm coming off that high the little voice is getting louder. Spending recklessly is part of the hoarding problem.
The Cub Scouts only asked me to fill one bag with their info on it. Just a regular, grocery sized, plastic bag. I said give me two. Than I came back with like 8 bags full. Really 1 or 2 would have been fine.
Buffy surely didn't need as much stuff as I bought for her. It would have been a better decision to buy one of each size, take them home, see what worked, then return some or exchange them for what was needed.
So another lesson. Will I learn it? Probably not. I haven't yet.
Any advice on how to stop the crazy before it runs away?
Tillie
Posted: 08 November 2013 - 08:37 PM
Dianne :)
(((hugs))) Happy the shopping/buying spree was for others and all you got to bring home was a good feeling for helping/treating others. :D
Tillie
Posted: 08 November 2013 - 08:31 PM
Hi Roxie :)
There are several ways to tackle dust. One thing I feel is important is to try to contain it to keep it from all going up in the air and settling on other stuff.
The vacuum with the attachments is great for sucking it up. Sucks up spiders too. ;)
A damp rag, one wrung out real well, is also a great dust grabber. Often times you will need to rinse the rag out a couple of times before the job is finished.
I don't know how well those fancy "dusters" work since I have never used one. I hear they are expensive and you have to buy replacement dust pads as they get dirty and can't be washed out.
Sometimes I use a bucket of water with some Murphy's oil soap and a soft rag to wash dust off. Makes the house smell real pretty. :)
When looking at that dust and procrastinating about dusting remember what you are really allergic to is the dust mite's poop contained in all the dust.
Hope I answered your question, if I left something out let me know and I will try again. :)
Dianne
Posted: 08 November 2013 - 08:24 PM
Wow, everybody is doing great with getting things done! Roxie, I am especially proud of you for all the medical tasks accomplished!
Yesterday I started easy and got progressively crazy high which always feel good. Even though I know it's going to end in a crash I don't care while I'm in it.
It's like being a kid going down a steep hill on a sled on packed snow. You know you're going to have a big crash at the bottom of the hill and maybe even get hurt but man, is it fun!! haha
I took my truck in for service and got a loaner. Headed home, got laundry ready to take to my daughter's. Found out it would take 2 days for truck repairs so there was no need to hurry back. Daughter had a mouse in the basement where she stores lots of food. We went out for traps and she wanted some plastic containers to store the food rather than just on shelves. She couldn¡¦t afford strong containers so I took her to Lowe¡¦s to the Home Organization aisle.
I was like a little kid in a toy store, just lost it. We (I) bought 4 of every size and kept going. I had told her we would need 3 baskets and we filled them. I was a total chatterbox with the cashier and then we went to Party City for stuff for my grandson Jakey¡¦s baseball party. Buffy has really learned to manage money and spending but not me yet. I kept grabbing stuff and telling the balloon girl to arrange this and that.
We went to daughter¡¦s home and decorated and made brownies and fun food stuff. I haven¡¦t bought that much in a long, long time but I had so much fun. I could see the crazy taking over and pushed the balanced voice down.
The 12 little boys had the best time beating each other up, bolting pizza and just being the wild little things boys are. :)
Today I did mostly regular stuff. The kids from next door were collecting food for their cub scout troop to take to a food bank so I went to the store and bought $150 worth of groceries for them. I haven¡¦t done that for a long time either.
After coming off the spending high I was feeling a little guilty. I tried to tell myself at least it was for others and I didn¡¦t bring anything into my house. ?º
Roxie
Posted: 08 November 2013 - 04:54 PM
Karl, you are making progress and I am proud of you. What have you been able to do about a new place to live?
Tillie, I have a question. I do not "dust" regularly (okay, at all), then I notice a deep layer of dust on something. Say, the television. What do I do about deep dust? I just keep ignoring it and that's not the answer. I'm allergic to dust mites, by the way. And I see a few cobwebs in the making. Sigh.
Jess, you did excellent with your drawer compromise! I was just watching a youtube video that had nothing to do with OCD (it happened to be about bipolar disorder), but I want to share something I thought was interesting. She referred to it as "square breathing," which seems to help center her. She said imagine a box. Breath in for four seconds as you visualize moving down one side of the box. Then as you breathe out for four seconds, visualize moving along the next side of the box. Continue alternating until you have completed the box. Practice a lot. I'm wondering if that will help you when you get frustrated with the inner demands for perfect?
I slept until 3pm today so I've not accomplished much. I will. The inhaler, which I am to use twice a day, seems to help my breathing some, which is great.
Yesterday I did round up outside paper plates from feeding cats and got them into the garbage. I also prepared some newspaper for recyclying. Not much, but it is a step.
Hug to all
Tillie
Posted: 08 November 2013 - 10:24 AM
Good morning :D
Been listening to some Andrew Mellen videos on youtube this morning while going through all my kitchen finding stuff to let go of before I do a major washing the dust off the entire area. Summertime with the windows open 24/7, living in the desert, where the wind blows a lot, off a dirt (unpaved) road, things tend to get very dusty very quickly. Now that the house is all closed up for the winter I can do a deep clean in here & things will stay clean for a long time. :D
I am having fun sorting out and reorganizing. The key to keeping out clutter is to regularly reevaluate everything as to WHY do I have this? Do I use it? Do I need it? Do I have another similar thing that I like better? Do I truly treasure it? Does having it add to my life or take away from it by my having to clean and store and take care of this thing?
Some things I have had and was happy to have them. But times have changed and so have I. The items no longer suit my lifestyle or tastes. Once these items are removed from my life I find that I can then enjoy what I am keeping all the more. This is when I can see that saying Less Is More come true in my life. ;D
Karl
Posted: 08 November 2013 - 04:52 AM
I washed the bathroom floor, hand-washed a few dishes, and cleaned off the stove and counter top; then I took a break, finished off the last of a carton of ice cream, and checked my email.
Unfortunately one pending email involved a puzzle that I then spent a lot of time solving -- completely forgetting that I was going to run the dishwasher and wash the kitchen floor tonight. Fortunately, the dishwasher was already loaded -- I've just now started it running -- and the kitchen will probably be good enough without scrubbing, if I sweep any food bits off of the floor.
Looks like I'll need to go out tomorrow afternoon to take care of one more banking item; I have a credit card bill that's due on Monday, even though that's a holiday and the bank will be closed then. Then clean the living room and take a shower before guests arrive.
Jess
Posted: 08 November 2013 - 12:27 AM
Thanks Roxie! I am trying to find some balance for sure and breaking up my chores is something I find very difficult. I ended up doing the three loads of laundry because I needed darks clean for work and my bedding should be washed separately. I also needed clean towels. So I washed three but I have a few more that I managed to leave for later.
When those were done I didn't want to put them away because then I want to take out all of my clothes so I know how to organize them "properly." It makes me want to cry to think of just folding them and putting them in the drawer. In the interest of breaking myself of this behavior I settled for refolding three drawers and putting the newly laundered clothes in those drawers with the stuff I refolded. I put away the towels and bedding. Bedding takes forever because I struggle with folding fitted sheets. I get so frustrated I have to calm myself down by counting and taking breaths. I did this hours ago but I'm still thinking about them in the closet.
As I was working on the laundry I found a few hair ties I put in my nightstand and that made me want to pull everything out of the nightstand drawers. Same went for when I needed a bandaid and had to go in the linen closet for one. I wanted to rip out everything in there. It's exhausting.
I think I'm extra edgy tonight because I have my first therapy appointment in the morning.
Karl
Posted: 07 November 2013 - 06:50 PM
Today I picked up some groceries, returned the audiobook to the library, and deposited a check, before finally sitting down to a late breakfast. Party is tomorrow; I'll try to get the bathroom and kitchen adequately clean tonight, so that I can focus more on clearing the living room tomorrow.
Roxie
Posted: 07 November 2013 - 12:52 PM
Good afternoon. Haven't gotten much done yet today. It is chilly. Brr. I'll get stuff done, I know.
Jess, it is good to see you posting here. I think if you break chores or tasks down to smaller pieces it might help you. For instance, instead of targeting three loads of laundry, just target one to complete (putting things away) and see how that goes. I'm rooting for you!
Tillie, glad to see you, too. All that yard raking is great. It's been raining pretty much every day here so it's a good excuse not to try to go out and labor.
Dianne, how're you today? Still going full out to accomplish the laundry & plumbing issues? Hope your new bed is helping.
Karl, dear, time to operate on those 15 minute intervals to get things accomplished?
Later.
Tillie
Posted: 07 November 2013 - 10:32 AM
Good morning everybody! :D
Hi Diane :) WTG! on getting outside work done!. :D Big (((HUGS))) for facing the end of life issues with your Father.
Hi Roxie :) That is GREAT! news about the new doctor being able to take you on as a patient! :D Whatever the test results are you can now get them under control. :)
Hi Dianne :) Love reading how you are taking a stand and insisting that you get the services you deserve! No more Mrs. Nice Guy. ;D
Hi Karl :) WAY TO GO! for all you have accomplished! :D Wonderful about getting that credit card paid off! :D
Hi Jess :) Welcome to the message board! :D WAY TO GO! making daily plans and getting stuff done. ;)
Hi to all you who read and haven't posted! :D
Well, been a busy two days for me. Tuesday I was going to tidy up the kitchen but there weren't enough dishes to bother with washing... So I make some chocolate butter cookies with the cookie press. :D Then I washed dishes & wiped down the kitchen. Wednesday I really needed to get the front lawn raked because all that heavy debris from the tree cutting down was smothering the grass. Got the grass all raked clean and then just kept raking all around in my little yard/garden/oasis/sanctuary area. Was so much fun being outside in the fresh air & sunshine with all five cats out there playing around. :D Really over did.. Had cramps in my legs during the night. LOL :D Today I have two loads of laundry hanging out on the line. Weather report said it will be cloudy & windy today but no chance of rain. Planning to sit, watch Netflix and do some sewing today. When the wash is dry I will bring it in, fold it and put it away.
:D
Jess
Posted: 07 November 2013 - 10:06 AM
Okay so by the time I got everything sorted and I stripped the bedding I realized I work at noon today instead of 4 and I don't have time to wash it before work. Tried not to panic. Made a phone call I've been putting off about schedule a service appointment for my car. Felt a little better.
Jess
Posted: 07 November 2013 - 08:59 AM
Good morning everyone! Glad to see everyone taking steps to get things done.
We are putting in an offer on that house today, though I'm trying not to get attached. If we can't agree on a bit of a longshot price it's not going to happen. The seller is flipping the house and asking way more than it seems he put into, so we'll see what he's willing to take. This is still all new to us, as we've never owned before, but I'm proud of my husband and me for the research we've done.
I got up early to tackle that laundry. I think it's unhealthy to marathon clean like I always do so I'm going to do three loads and put them away before the other stuff is done. Then I'm going to make myself tell you guys if I don't actually do it. I'm much more of a planner than a doer if you know what I mean.
Karl
Posted: 07 November 2013 - 03:34 AM
I spent some time cleaning paper-junk out of a previously untouched corner of the computer room, while listening to an audiobook. I also scheduled a doctor appointment, made weekend plans, and got my credit card paid off -- actually, it looks like I overpaid by mistake; oops.
I did a quick check of the new chat room. If someone wants to try it out Thursday afternoon or evening, I could probably arrange to be around and either do a buddy-system cleaning session or provide more details of my life situation.
Roxie
Posted: 06 November 2013 - 11:34 PM
Hi, all. Days just slip by me. Sorry. On Monday I called out to my old doctor since I'm down to 12 pills with no refills. They indicated that the new doctor I'd contacted (2 minutes from me instead of 40) had approved me. I had not heard from them. I filled up the garbage bin and wheeled it down to the street. I missed last week.
I called the new doctor's office. But they did not have me in the system and the person who does system entry left early for family reasons. So I said I'd call Tuesday. Which I did, and got an appt. for Wednesday at 3pm.
Today I took meds and brushed my teeth. I was at the doctor's office early for paperwork. I like the doctor and got along with all the nurses, techs. and assistants. I got blood drawn, charts made up, paperwork signed, and got new prescriptions including a new one for my rough elbow. Got a couple inhalors. Got a chest x-ray.
Then they sent me to another place just a little ways away where I got a lung function tests (blow into machine three separate times), after which I used an inhaler for the first time. Then they did bone density scans (I have osteopenia). Then another three lung function tests.
I will go back in a month or so. On the way home I picked up McDonalds for a quick dinner.
I got tired but I felt good that I accomplished so much and that I can be under "one management" for my physical status. We'll see what all the tests turn up and if I have COPD or anything else. Chest x-ray says no pneumonia, at least.
Sorry to rattle on. It is good to read all your updates. Proud of you all!
diane
Posted: 06 November 2013 - 10:23 PM
Tillie, glad it was computer and not your health. Today I got more dishes done, started a pot of soup, still have to take meat off chicken I boiled. Washed outside of bedroom windows then put plastic over them. Did vacuum living room and part of kitchen cleaned. Took more stuff off deck and put in shed, like a big umbrella and chaise pads. Washed some wool in hot water to shrink it for felting, turned out good. Supposed to be heavy winds tomorrow, so was good to get plastic on windows today. Hopefully will get more cleaning done tomorrow.
Tillie
Posted: 06 November 2013 - 08:49 PM
HI :D Was offline because the little blinky light box was malfunctioning and he finally got it to work but now it's late and I am tired. Looking forward to "seeing" you all tomorrow morning! :D
Dianne
Posted: 06 November 2013 - 01:45 PM
Decisions can be tough and spin us in circles. But you made 3 decisions ~ shower, get ready, go to store ~ that's really good.
Everybody's progress is about baby steps. There will be lots of good advice you can try and you'll find a system that works for you.
Tillie hasn't posted yet but she has great advice for those tiny, one-step-at-a-time things to keep you going.
House hunting can be fun. Enjoy!!
Jess
Posted: 06 November 2013 - 12:51 PM
I have to be ready in a couple hours to go check out a house my husband and I might be interested in buying. We're in an apartment right now. I'm stuck, as usual, trying to decide what to do first. I wish I had done my laundry yesterday and that keeps nagging at me. I don't have time to do it all before we have to leave and I have a really hard time starting things like that without being able to finish. That's why I tend to not start.
My husband likes to do things spontaneously which is sometimes a trial for me. We don't have to leave until four but he said he may pop out of work around 2:30. That keeps nagging at me too, wondering when he'll show up and if he'll interrupt what I'm doing to leave early.
The thought of doing only one load of laundry makes my head hurt. I don't like to put clean laundry away without reorganizing all of my drawers and I "can't do" that without having all the laundry clean. But if I don't try to get some done today I probably won't do any and I'll feel really awful about that too. Sigh.
But okay, I'm going to make myself shower and get ready and run to the store for the flashlight I need. Maybe by then I'll know his plans and I can at the very least sort the laundry.
Dianne
Posted: 06 November 2013 - 08:19 AM
Having a plumber come today for some repairs. He's been here many times before and is good so I feel no stress with him in the house.
I'm in squirrel mode getting ready for winter. I've been clearing things out of the garage. Most of it I accepted taking to the dump - perfectly useable boxes and plastic flower pots, old gardening and lawn care supplies. I've been stacking lots of animal supplies and water jugs. The older I get the more I fear winter and getting shut in without having what I need. Fresh bags of cat litter, cases of paper towels and jugs of pine sol for cleaning are must haves. Many boxes of potty pads if I can't dig out enough snow for the dogs to get out. Plenty of open space in the garage to store trash bags of litter and poop until I would be able to drive to the dump.
I'm only doing the bare minimum with maintaining. I'm in dejunking mode again and trying to give big chunks of time to getting rid of things. My mindset is shifting (with the anger energy) and I want to take advantage of that.
Hope everybody has a good day!
Karl
Posted: 05 November 2013 - 09:05 PM
I didn't get the laundry done last night after all; I discovered that there were a couple of items not in the basket yet, and I need to find out what happened to them.
I did get up early enough to do the bike trip to the landlords' home. Nobody was there so I left the rent check where they said to.
Tuesday chat is on right now. I'm in the new chat area, not the old one.
Dianne
Posted: 05 November 2013 - 06:34 PM
I got a lot of laundry done today at my daughter's. Took a load of books to storage and another load to the community college with a Free sign. I got 2 bags of clothes and stuffed animals to the Interfaith Center where everything is given for free.
Got the dogs brushed out and nails clipped. Went to a store for some healthy food. The register guy was new and young. When I got to the car I saw he had short changed me by $10.00. At first I thought, oh well, I don't want to make a big deal or get him in trouble, I'll just let it go. Then I thought it isn't about not getting him in trouble, it's about flexing my stand-up-for-myself muscles and ask for my correct change. So I went to customer service and asked them to count the register. It was $10.00 over so they apologized and I thanked them.
One of my brothers emailed to see if I needed any help moving heavy stuff again. He's coming over on Saturday. Not sure what I'll have ready but knowing there's that deadline to meet I want to make it worthwhile.
Dianne
Posted: 05 November 2013 - 09:15 AM
{{{{HUGS}}}} to you Diane. It was so hard for you to deal with that phone conversation. One of the things I admire about you is that you face an emotional issue that could be underlying part of your hoard tendencies, feel the pain and work thru it with positive action. Some people just clean the hoard, which is great, but tacking the emotional parts is what makes the changes stick. I'm nowhere near that point but I look to you for inspiration.
Karl, I can see your point that ignoring the problem is just as bad as breaking down about it. I tend to project my feelings onto others and think, wow, if they aren't feeling like I would feel in that situation they must be so strong. My take on things tends to revolve around me. It's a hard rut to climb out of. I need to remember that each person reacts differently and they might still be suffering even if it isn't apparent.
Last night I had a meltdown. The cable/tv broke and the person I called was trying to talk me thru fixing it, unplug this, count to 20, then do something else, etc, etc. I just wanted to slice my wrists open and say fuck this whole world I hate everything about it. Other things have been going on and I am beyond sick of outright lies, deception, manipulation and all the hardship I see. It was bad.
The meltdown was internal so Laura didn't have to fear. This morning the anger is back (energy) and I am ready to fight tougher. I made 3 calls this morning and will not wait anymore for them to get back to me. I'm not going to worry about hounding them and that they might make things worse for me. I'll take control of what is actually in my control and stop letting the emotions make me feel so helpless. I'm sick to death of letting other people and situations control my life. The breakdowns (in me) are more frequent now which might be a good thing. It spurs me to action which is a whole lot better than the dead feeling of living in a hoard. I guess I'm waking up.
Karl
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 09:43 PM
No, I can't say that I'm dealing with the move with clear thinking. It's true that I'm not getting all emotional and going off into either a sobbing fit or an angry rant, but my usual way of handling unpleasantness is to ignore it, which is hardly any better.
I'm still stuck at one box fully packed and one partial -- I'll make sure that I get that one completed tonight, though. And I'll start the laundry ASAP, since I need to make sure that I get to bed relatively early -- I delayed too long on the bike trip to the landlords' home, so I'll have to get an early start on that tomorrow.
diane
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 08:16 PM
after rereading my last post, I realized a sentence had been lost. After the first part about the leaves, I said I put all the tools on the deck into the garage where they belong. When I read my post without the sentence it sounded like the leaves were in the garage, not so!!!
diane
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 08:11 PM
Dianne, so glad I signed on to read your posts. Life is one challenge after another it seems, sorry you are having so many challenges at once. Today it was cold but didn't rain, so I went out and cleaned up all the fallen leaves, they get slimey on the rocks after it rains and snows, took a long time, not easy getting them up from gravel, and the wind didn't help! It was so fun being outside, stayed in all day yesterday.The garage where they should be for the winter. Then I brought firewood up onto the deck, supposed to rain/snow next few days and be cold so wanted wood up here. The deck collected stuff that I used and didn't put away. It is a long process getting used to putting things away since for 65 years, I have just left stuff where I used it, then could not find it when needed again. I spoke on the phone for over an hour this morning with the nurse practitioner that treated my dad and missed the cancer until it was too late. It was a chance meeting a year ago at a wedding that she happened to sit next to me. She said she retired from the town my dad lived in, as we talked, I realized who she was, never met before. I did not tell her at the wedding about my dad. Last week, I finally asked a mutual friend to give her my phone number and say I would like some closure on dads death. She was so helpful and kind. It was so emotional reliving the events. I said I did not blame her at all, just wanted more information. I cried and was emotional the rest of the day, thus the leaf pickup, my therapy is being outside doing menial tasks. I am forgiving myself for not working inside, the phone call was my work for today. Tomorrow will be more productive inside, with rain outside, hooray. So happy we can share all the things going on in our life. Shopping did enter my mind after the phone call, I rationally told myself shopping would not heal the wounds of losing my dad, he would be proud of me for working in the yard instead, thus work in yard and deck.
Dianne
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 03:10 PM
I am beyond f*****g pissed. I asked for the senior tech who installed the water treatment, instead they sent a kid. He did nothing, told me the *boards* were fried and I had to order new ones. I said I have no idea what you're talking about and why wouldn't you order whatever parts are needed since you are the repairman?
Then he wanted to charge for a service call. I said there is no way I'm paying for service on equipment that was installed 12 weeks ago. The poor kid had to call the office where they had it written up as an annual service check.
He had no clue what I was talking about with the lime crusted filter from the washer, he didn't even know what the lime was.
I just left two messages on the senior tech voice mail (of course he isn't there) and laid out all the issues I had. So until he calls me back I have no idea what is going on and when it will be resolved.
I just do not get why companies that are well rated cannot follow thru anymore on good service. Sometimes I think it must be me trying to be nice and not a bitch demanding that something is fixed then I think no it's just that nobody gives a shit anymore. [/nme]
Dianne
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 11:31 AM
Heavy physical work, time thrown off is making me feel sluggish today. I don't feel like doing anything. But I have something scheduled everyday this week so it pushes me (but not too much) to get some things done. It's builds to the next thing.
Today the water treatment people are coming back to check why the lime is still clogging the washer intake valve. Wednesday the plumber will come out to flush the pipes and maybe unhook the washer. Also some bathroom repairs while he's here. Next week will be the washer guy again. Starting from the source (the well) this sucker will get fixed.
Another car repair this week. Yesterday my brakes almost failed on my utility truck. That poor baby has given good service and should be retired but it carries such messy stuff I don't want to give it up.
High fives to everybody on pacing themselves, chugging forward and checking in. Karl, I am especially impressed with how you have handled the news of needing to move and dealing with everything with clear thinking. Great job!!
Roxie
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 11:10 AM
Hello. I just got up so I haven't done anything yet, but I will. Yesterday I was able to bathe and change clothes, then go to the grocery store, which was harder than I'd hoped. Reading below, I laughed because I had a situation at the grocery store where I was picking up some soda to put in the cart, then noticed that nothing in the cart was mine. Worse, a purse and a large wallet were in the cart, and they sure weren't mine. Egad. I flagged down a clerk, who took the cart, found the owner, and came back with mine. How strange. I don't get how women leave their purse or money in the cart. That proved how easy to get away with it if you tried.
I put most of the groceries away but not quite all yet. I will do that today. I had to ask for help taking the groceries to the car and unloading them into the car. I don't usually do that, but I was falling all out.
With atomic clocks and a computer that resets itself, I had no awareness it was Daylight Savings Time other than noting how danged dark it was early last night.
Hugs
Tillie
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 10:00 AM
Good Monday morning everybody :D
Hi Dianne :) So wonderful reading about how your new bed is taking good care of you! :D WAY TO GO!!! Getting so much accomplished!!! :D
Hi Karl :) It was a LOT of fun last night discussing the plans for your party. :D Packing up.... have boxes ready try to pack like things with like or room items together like bathroom, kitchen items. If you have time or the inclination, write down what is in each box in a notebook and label the boxes. At this point in time don't over think and complicate the process. Just get the stuff into the boxes best you can. Good luck! You CAN do this! :D
Monday morning, Still not back to my old self but feeling a lot better than I was. My spirits are good and I plan to enjoy the day and also get some things accomplished. Nothing major yet. We all tend to over do after we have been sick for too long and end up just exhausting ourselves and it then takes even longer to get back on our feet. I will tidy up the bathroom, do cat stuff, sweep and vacuum the carpet. The kitchen is good, been keeping it maintained. So much I want to do, but it will have to wait.
Hope all your plans for today go smoothly for you. :)
Last night's chat session went GREAT! The new chatroom worked like a charm and has a lot of fun features. Hope to see more people join in there. :D
Karl
Posted: 04 November 2013 - 04:33 AM
Bike reassembly and ride went OK. Monday's plan is now to ride in the opposite direction to deliver the overdue rent check.
For some reason, it took me an hour and a half to compose the text (most of which I already had from a template) announcing my pot luck dinner, games, and housecooling party. I added a note that I don't have a new place yet, and if anyone has a spare room they'd like to rent, I'd be open to discussing it. This might produce something better than I was finding on craigslist.
I thought I was going to get more packing done today, but somehow between the Sunday chat and the email -- OK, and a few Web comics too -- I seem to have run out of awake-time.
Dianne
Posted: 03 November 2013 - 09:45 AM
My friend couldn't make it yesterday so I ended up doing a lot by myself. Then I babysat til the wee hours and when I went to bed my back was really sore. The new mattress made a huge difference again. Normally I would have been useless for a couple days but I feel pretty good.
Yesterday I got 16 bags to storage (threw out a lot) and did a lot of stacking of animal food bags and cat litter. The truck is full for a dump run today.
It's cooler here today and brilliant sunshine. I'm tempted to go for a long ride but I think I'll work in the garage or maybe the attic.
