Good morning :)
Got cold here last night, 40 degrees.
Had cats snuggling up close to me in bed & couldn't turn or roll over much all night. lol :D
When it warms up a little I need to go out and water some trees and bushes.
Already fed the cats.
Want to do a bit of laundry today.
Also want to cook a few things for me to eat the next couple of days. Then will clean the kitchen.
Need to get out the plastic storage bin that's full of cat blankets & quilts.
I place these around where the cats like to sleep and now they won't all need to cuddle me for warmth. ;D
Wednesday, tonight a new Survivor game starts. YEA!
Need to cut my fingernails, they are too long and making it hard to type.
The big green wheelie trash bin is out at the street for pick up sometime today. :D
All in all a pretty good start to the day! :D

Hi Karl :)
I am happy you are getting some insight from your reading.
Good luck with the internet issue and thank goodness libraries have computers.
Have fun tonight. :D

Posting from the library again. I have dinner plans for tonight, so I won't be at the Tuesday chat even if by some miracle I get my internet working again. (Bah, I just tried to check on something with one of my credit cards, but their site doesn't recognize this computer, and wants to send a confirmation code to my phone. At the moment I have no easy way of being near a phone and a computer at the same time!)

I went through more papers -- one of them contains some calculations and sketching from a mathematical problem that I vaguely recall working on, but I don't remember what it was; I've put that on the stack of keepers just in case more info comes up, but I expect I'll be tossing it in the next pass through that stack.

I read a couple more chapters in the book "Stuff". The term "anxiety avoidance" came up; that describes quite a bit of my behavior pattern, not just in hoarding-related matters.

OOOOH Thanks Roxie
For the reminder.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, is our trash pick up day too.
Off to find something more to toss! :D

WTG! Roxie for getting things accomplished!

Good morning :)
The cats have been fed.
Moving slow this morning.
Soon will scoop litter boxes, refill water & kibble bowls & sweep.
Those are all my "have to dos" every day.
Anything else I may do is just icing on my cake. ;)
Probably will wash dishes later today. Might even get dressed and brush my hair.
Should water some plants outside.
Wanted to wash the curtains and drapes this week but the report for today is for very strong winds.
That means blowing dust, dirt & sand, lots & lots of sand.
Since it's so dry here we will have a chance of raging wildfires so nobody is to start any fires today. fingers crossed.

I need to find my motivation.
Hope you all find some today too. :D

HEY Karl! :D
we all really missed you in the chat.
Glad you are alright. ;)
WAY TO GO! on getting so much accomplished!
Sorting out the papers like that is a great way to start getting them in some form of control/organization.
Sorry about your internet. Hope that gets straightened out soon for you.

I lost my internet connection early during the Sunday chat. Still not back; I'm posting this from the library (I have 5 minutes left...)

While waiting to see if my connection would come back on its own, I went through more papers. Some of them have a lot of different notes on them, so my new protocol is to check it as quickly as possible; if it's clearly trash, then out it goes, otherwise it gets put into a pile to be checked more thoroughly later. It's half-churning, but at least it's still reducing the size.

I went into the kitchen and was inspired to clean off the dirty handset on the phone, washed a few dishes, soaked the various kitchen sponges / scrubbies and gave them two minutes in the microwave, and washed off the tablecloth and placemats.

Good morning :)
Feeling better today.
Planning to...
clean the bathroom and vacuum.
May do more depending on how that goes.
Then will shampoo my hair and put fresh clean linens on my bed. :D
But first I will have some tea and feed the cats.
A fresh start on a fresh new week ;)

yes, dogs are lots of work, especially puppies, they are so wonderful except when young and again when old. I have dog door and fenced yard, or it would really be alot of work.
Tillie, sorry to hear how you feel, it has been unusually bad for you with the smoke, and new kitten and hot weather.
I didn't get enough sleep again last night. I have to maintain regular sleep or it throws me into hyper excited and it is tough to go back to sleep. The more I am tired the worse it gets.
Will be good to have other dog go home tomorrow.
I drove to a town 20 miles from here and went to a street fair. No exciting crafts today, so was a little disappointed. It is 90 degrees, supposed to be 85 today, too hot for me, glad I got out and about though. Supposed to be cool rest of the week, sure hope so.
See you at 5

Hello everybody :)
Had a very bad night's sleep last night.
Finally fell sound asleep about 5:30am and woke up about 9:30am.
Had to run out and start watering my trees and bushes then had to get busy doing other stuff to try to catch up with the day.
There is so very much needing to be done around here and he just keeps sitting at his computer.
I can't do it all myself or I would.
I am so tired and discouraged.

Planning on being in chat this evening.
Hope to see you all there. :D

I've been feeling that hopelessness, too, though probably for different reasons.

I'm currently dealing with a stack of papers in the study. Lots of different stuff, so it's hard to classify things quickly. I've made a list of items that will eventually need a home location.

Yes it was beautiful but 91 degrees is too hot for me, so I just played computer games, tried to learn some stuff about downloading pictures etc, didn't go well, watched the end of Manchurian candidate, 2 loads of laundry, hung out on line, folded. Molly laid a load on the carpet today, which is very abnormal for her, so had to clean that part of carpet. She has diarrhea, not normal for her. Had to start on antibiotics again, started peeing on everything again. Maybe antibiotics caused the poop download. The dog sitting dog has awakened me at 5am with barking past 3 days, will be good when he is picked up on Monday. I feel so tired don't feel like cleaning, although did do dishes and laundry today. Supposed to be cooler tomorrow, then I will feel perkier. Ok enough whining. Life is good most of the time, just dog problems, better than man problems!! Guess just maintaining is enough while working and hot weather.

Good morning :)
The cats have been fed.
I am drinking my tea.
Have no idea what the plans are for today.
I know what I would like for him to do but am not holding my breath.
The leaves are turning color and a few have already fallen.
Nothing has been done to prepare for the winter.
I have an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.
So, what are your plans for this lovely day? :D

SusanL
WAY TO GO!!! :D
That must have been so exhausting but you did a GREAT job! :D

Helping 88 yr old Mother sort ancient papers. I was literally sneaking trash bags out to the garage. Thought you guys would be sympathetic.

At the end she says, I want to look through everything you threw out. Stunned silence. I said no Mom that's not a good idea. She reluctantly agreed after quizzing me on what got thrown away.

HAPPY FRIDAY the 13th. ;D

Slept well last night and am ready to face the day.
Planning on cooking/preparing some food today.
Feels good to be using up everything old from the pantry and deep freeze.
Cats have all been fed.
Been having a lot of computer problems. :(
Screen freezes and other problems getting online.
Sorta chilly here this morning at 50 degrees.
Clear skies so far, had a little bit of rain yesterday, hope we can have some more. :)
Need to do a bit of house maintenance, floors need attention & bathroom needs a wipe down.
Find some fun today, be silly. :)

WAY TO GO Karl! :D

I went through more papers on the desk, and also hand-washed some dishes that I expect I might need before the dishwasher is full enough to run a load. I read two more chapters in "Stuff". I just returned from a 20-minute walk, and brought in today's mail -- I tossed it into the "unsorted" box, but I guess I'll go through that tonight, too.

Thanks Tillie, yes smoke is staying north of here, I live high enough up the hill, that I can see where it is. Yes dog is such a help-----
I feel lazy now and am just resting up for an assault on closet or the clothes by bed, maybe it is ok just to rest for now. Woke up early fretting, so am hoping I sleep well tonight, you too tillie.

P.S.
WAY TO GO! on getting dishes done! :D

Hi Diane :D
LOL :D that bad dog doing you a decorating favor.
So wonderful to hear how that fresh clean & clear room are just what you need in your life! :D
Another clear air day here. Hope you get a gentle breeze to keep the smoke away from you.

dishes done

HI :D

Hi Karl :)
BIG WAY TO GO! for all you have accomplished!!! :D
You CAN do this!
You have proven to yourself and all of us here that you CAN! :D

Hi Roxie :)
YEA!!!!! :D
The fridge is finally gone! ;D
Scooter loves me best when I am laying in bed. That is when he gets real snuggly and sweet. :)
Must be a feral cat thing since all my ferals like sleeping with me.
Right now Scooter is still very young and doesn't understand that he hurts me when he gets too rambunchous. Once he is through this kitten phase he will probably know to be more gentle.


I watered some outside, visited with a neighbor for a bit.
Then I got ambitious and decided to bake up some things to freeze and in this way use up a bunch of food items so I can buy new stuff and it will all be fresher/newer than anything bought this summer. :D
Now my kitchen is a big mess.
I have just finished eating some lunch and in a few I will get to cleaning that kitchen. :)
So far, a good and productive day here. :D

Work was so much fun today, I work with such great people.It is just 2 months part time every fall, but is really fun. Of course I waited until bed time last night to pick out clothes for today, and they were a little too warm, going to be in 90's tomorrow so will find a light weight outfit for tomorrow. I will take good food tomorrow to keep my mood up, have to be cheerful all day.
My dog sitting dog tore up a foam thing I had on my deck recliner so I covered it with fabric and pinned it, now have to sew new cover on it, looks better with new fabric, so he did me a favor~!! There was foam shreds everywhere including his paws, ears and tail, and he said he didn't do it!!!
He was caught foam handed instead of red handed.
Tillie so happy air is clear there for 3 blissful days. Roxie thanks for the updates, and kind comments.
I am sharing good news-----The insulated room I cleaned out, well almost all done-it is clean at least, still some bins to go through-This is the FIRST year I have been able to store my work supplies in it. Too hot to leave in car this week. It was so great putting the stuff on a clean table in that room where the dogs and heat cant get to it. I felt so great taking it in there. Amazing the thrill I felt to know it was clean enough for work stuff. That room was so full of hoard couldn't open the door more than a crack, barely get in, and now the door opens, there is floor and no piles taller than me!!! I tell you, this site has saved my life. I feel so blessed to be part of your journey as well as the support you freely give. Thanks all.

I guess it didn't help, since I haven't yet talked to that friend.

I did some "emergency" banking errands yesterday after realizing that I had a credit card that needed a same-day payment; then when I got home I used online bill pay to pay off some upcoming bills early, including next month's rent.

I did a couple more decluttering sessions last night, and took the trash out to the curb. I was up late and hoped to sleep in today, but since I don't seem to be getting any more sleep, I guess I'm up for the day now. (I might nap later.)

The bedroom isn't perfect, but might be "good enough" for inspection -- I should put more emphasis on the study now. I've still got a bit more than two weeks to finish up, but only a week and a half until my hosting event.

Good morning :)

Did not sleep very well last night. Kept waking up and having a hard time falling back to sleep.
Too many bad things running around in my head.
Going out to water some stuff this morning.
Feeding the cats first.

TTYL

Hey Karl
No ice cream for you!
Till you get started on some of those projects!
Thought you knew a person who knows a bathroom cleaner. If so, CALL them and get that settled.
Until you do we are cutting you off.
NO ice cream!!!



Did that work? ;D

Deadline is Sep 28. I've got the bedroom "mostly" cleaned; I haven't started cleaning the study, and I still need to take action on the bathroom, probably by hiring some cleaners.

I seem to not have much of a future-sense, so I'm hard to motivate with either bribes or threats.

Hey Roxie :)
That's living dangerously! Having no canned cat food in the house.
Hope the cats take mercy on you.
WAY TO GO! getting some trash picked up and good luck with the computers.
My laptop has been acting like it's about to fail. Having to reboot a lot to get online, freezing up, etc...
After 7 years maybe it's time for me to update to a new one.

Hi Mariana :)
Stepping out of squalor has been slow lately but is starting to pick up a little bit now.
The A&E HOARDERS site is a ghost town now.
Last I looked Fly lady was a bit slow and so were the professional organizer's sites. Dorothy and Geralyn.
Minimalist sites were slow.
Other non clutter & organizing sites were slower than usual too.
I think it's the end of summer, back to school business that has people too busy to post right now.

Hi Mariana :)
Stepping out of squalor has been slow lately but is starting to pick up a little bit now.
The A&E HOARDERS site is a ghost town now.
Last I looked Fly lady was a bit slow and so were the professional organizer's sites. Dorothy and Geralyn.
Minimalist sites were slow.
Other non clutter & organizing sites were slower than usual too.
I think it's the end of summer, back to school business that has people too busy to post right now.

Tillie: what other boards are there on this topic? I have gone to Stepping Out of Squalor and have found some very helpful and inspiring comments about physical and mobility problems which can impede successful maintainence. Any other forums you might suggest?

Good morning everybody! :D

Hi Diane :)
WAY TO GO! for finding the shoes and having fun painting and conversating on the phone and getting things accomplished. ;D

Hi Janie :)
Have some cheese with all that whine. ;)
Sorry your schedule is so hard right now.
Take care of yourself, get enough rest and eat properly and hang in there. (((hugs)))

Hi Karl :)
WAY TO GO! for working on that paperwork! :D
So very sorry nobody joined you in the chat.
Seems like a lot of our regular people have been missing lately. And not just on this board, other boards are quieter than usual too.

My plans for today???
Don't really have any, feeling lazy.
Marty (the cat) threw up his breakfast this morning on the carpet, already got that cleaned up.
Scooter (the kitten) is being lazy today too.
This is day 3 of clear air here. Lovely gentle breeze keeping the smoke cleared out. :D
Wednesday is trash pick up day and only stuff in the big wheelie bin is what I have put in there. :(

Thank you all for updating us on all your progress and other life type stuff. :)

I've been having trouble keeping motivated lately. I did make it through most of the paper stack, during a couple of timed sessions tonight. Nobody showed up in the chat room during the three hours that I was there.

Great reading all of your posts, thanks. Yesterday I caulked garage windows that leaked during big rain storm, today painted the caulk and redid part of it. Painted the garage door and wall, hadn't noticed how bad it looked. then I painted a bunch of boards I have, just wanted to have fun today, and painting is fun. tomorrow I have to finish scheduling clinics and other business stuff.
Found my favorite black shoes finally. Still need to pick clothes for work, supposed to be hot weather rest of week, so have to go with light weight clothes. Started to get smoke again today, not sure where it is coming from. Hope your smoke is staying away tillie.
I had two long conversations with friends on phone, which was fun.

HI! Karl & Roxie :D

Roxie, hope you get your sleep schedule straightened out. :)
Karl, hope you find a solution to the keyboard issue.
If you lived near me I know for a fact that my hoarder has many many working keyboards you could check out. ;)


Scooter has been sleeping most of the day.
He woke up when my neighbor came to visit and then again when my hoarder came home from work.
But then he just can't keep his eyes open and goes back to sleep. :)
Otherwise, he is doing very well.
Got my chocolate chip/pecan cookies all baked, cooled, bagged and in the deep freeze.
Kitchen is all clean and tidy again too.

Hope all your plans are going well today too. :)

Keyboard failure on my main computer yesterday. I'll be in the chat tonight, but I might not be able to participate effectively, depending on how good a workaround I can find by then.

Good morning everybody! :D

Hi Bonnie :)
WAY TO GO! on making phone calls!
I too hate doing anything on the phone. ;)
Fantastic! that you found that certificate! :D

Hi Roxie :)
GREAT! that you got that yardwork done!
We have some dangerous trees here that need to come down but "HE" doesn't want to let them go.
He hoards trees too.
WTG! for keeping up with the maintenance of yourself and your home. :D

Hi Janie :)
WONDERFUL! that you got that rotten smell all under control! :D
So nice to come home to a nicer smelling house. ;)


Scooter was so nervous and freaked out when he came home. :(
He is so very feral except when he is here in his own home.
Took a long time to reassure him that he was safe.
This morning he is back to his usual little self except that he is not as hungry as usual and he is not as active.
He is back in my bed now sleeping again. :)

Today I plan to bake chocolate chip/pecan cookies then clean the kitchen.
Yesterday I did a lot of straightening, sorting, organizing of my clothes & linens.
Was in a "mood" and tossed a lot of clothes that are still very nice but I am done with them.
I am very easy on my clothes and shoes and rarely ever wear things out.
Some stuff I have been wearing for 10 years.
Time to move on. ;D

Keep up with all the GREAT progress and keep on including us in your daily doings. :)

Roxie, so glad to see that you had something crossed off your master list!! I too had a tree taken down recently. Clearly I should have gone to school to learn how to take down trees - it is sooooo expensive!!!!

I am making progress on my paperwork. Still lots to do but the BIG pile is going down slowly. I did find my certificate for the Defensive Driving Course and went up the street to the drugstore to fax it. I should get some money back as it becomes effective upon completion of the course.

Again, glad to see the progress everyone is making.

WE CAN DO THIS!!!!

Nite Nite and Happy Dreams to all.

Good Morning Everyone!!!

I am thrilled to see that awesome progress that all of you have made. Keep it up!!!

Right now I am trying to make baby steps.

I had a bunch of phone call to make and they are all done!

I continue to work on my bedroom. I took a driver safety course back in May and I have to find the certificate to mail to my insurance company. My plan today is to pour through/organize my paperwork so I can fax it to them.