I made a phone call to transfer some money, which is not actually a cleanup item, but will defer the financial catastrophe a little longer. I attended the Tuesday chat with ali and billie. During a buddy-cleanup, I tackled a smaller stack in the bedroom, and the day's mail.
Tillie
Posted: 03 September 2013 - 09:06 PM
Hi Diane :)
You accomplished a lot today. WTG! :D I hate yellow jackets with a passion. We get a lot nesting in all his stuff around the yard. I get a good feeling when I take the wasp spray around on a hunt and destroy a lot of nests. :D Only been stung once this year, so far. But I can still run fast when very motivated to get away. lol Send that rain down here to me. I'm tired of eating dust.;)
diane
Posted: 03 September 2013 - 07:41 PM
Good job Tillie, busy morning for you. Guess I overdid it yesterday, I feel exhausted today and didn't do as much as I hoped. Did get another clinic scheduled, discussed things with my boss. She is so wonderful, offered me more clinics, said I would let her know. Enjoyed watering plants. Hung some pictures in walkway, not sure about them. Put a fun sign up in garage, "Busted Knuckle Garage". Hung a big rack for tools and snow shovel. Must have done more, took all morning. My mouth hurts today, got the blood pumping running up and down ladder today. Got the yellow jacket nests down, they keep biting me, that went well, snuck up on them this morning when they were sleeping. Two stings last night was the final straw. Didn't rain yet, plan to work inside house when it rains this week. Showered last night and slept in clean sheets, nice. Where is everyone today? Just Tillie and I posted so far today. Hope everyone is accomplishing what they want today.
Tillie
Posted: 03 September 2013 - 09:17 AM
Good morning :)
Diane :) So very happy you are feeling better! WAY TO GO! on all you accomplished! :D
Karl :) YEA!!!!! for tackling that pile and putting stuff away! :D
It was still dark when I got up at 5:30 so I read internet news and drank tea till the sun came up. Fed the cats their breakfast so the little boogers would leave me alone.
He went back to work today. YEA! :D So it is time for me to clean the house and get it back to normal. He spent the 3 day weekend sitting out in his hoarded garage watching Gilligan's islands on his computer. I went out there once to ask him to please do something for me, he didn't, but anyway I noticed this one tall stack of boxes is leaning worse than the tower of Pisa out there. 7 large cardboard boxes of LP record albums. I said that was very dangerous and he said that he was trying to find the time to "fix that". He never found the time.
Whatever.
Today I plan to clean the bathroom. Sweep floors & porches. Vacuum carpet. Wash & sanitize litter boxes. Clean out the fridge and wipe down the shelves. Take a nap after lunch. :D
So, what are you all up to today? :D
Karl
Posted: 03 September 2013 - 05:59 AM
I spent most of today at a board games event -- I haven't been able to attend one recently; I was glad for the chance. After I got back home, for a while I thought that I wouldn't get any cleaning done, but I decided that I'd better go through the stack that was blocking access to the closet. I found several shirts, and T-shirts, and a few pairs of jeans, all clean, that never got properly put away after some long-ago laundry session.
Once I had access to the closet, I put the shirts on hangers, and the jeans on stronger hangers; in the past I've kept jeans elsewhere, but there's more room for them this way. I'm holding off on the T-shirts until I figure out whether I have space in the dresser for them.
diane
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 06:48 PM
Today finally had my energy back, got alot done. Worked most of the day then realized I forgot to have fun! Became an expert churner, then caught myself, threw a bunch of it away, filled 1 large bag of donations. Washed 3 large pieces of art, may have to burn them. reclaimed most of my deck that had stuff I had washed and stacked on it. Really did get things done today, so good to feel better again. Supposed to rain hard, motivated me to get lots done outside so it wouldn't get wet. Took clothes off line, folded, have to put away still. The time flew by today, so good to feel good and get lots done. Thanks for being here everyone, sure helps.
Tillie
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 03:54 PM
Ya'll are just so sweet :) ((( hugs)))
Hope everybody is doing ok today. Remember to play, relax and think happy thoughts.
The nicest thing about our pets is that they love us unconditionally. They don't care if we are dirty & smelly and always forgive us for everything.
Roxie
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 01:05 PM
It is so good to see all of you posting!
Mare, please post even if it is only in supportive response to other posters, or just to say "Hi, I'm here." We miss you when you are gone.
Ali, glad to see you back again, too. How is your recovery going? Are you breaking down the cardboard boxes as you go so they lay flat? I found I need to do that, then get the flattened boxes into the car so I eventually and actually recycle them.
Karl, sounds like you did have a great day. I am happy about all your bicycling, and that you are taking steps to keep purging and cleaning. When's the next inspection?
Diane, my friend, how are you today? How is the painting and purging for you?
Dianne, always love to see your colorful posts. I am proud of you for ordering the beds. I know you can rally and prepare for their arrival. Sometimes I think deadlines are good for us, even if I resist them.
Tillie, my dear, you always post good posts, and they are very supportive. I rely on you being here, you know? I want to see you include better things in your life for YOU.
If I've left someone off, it is unintentional Hugs all around.
Yesterday I attended to Boots' body then went to the grocery store. I really needed to use the electrical cart but there was not one available. I got through the very expensive shopping trip, got out to my car and had to sit on the fender and rest. A young couple approached me and I tried to assure them and wave them off, but they continued and I let them load the car for me while I sat inside the car in the AC. There really are kind people in the world.
I put all of the groceries away except for a few paperback books I bought, which need yet to go on a shelf for future reading. And a magazine which needs to go into the "library" (bathroom).
I think my feelings were kind of numb regarding Boots. I feel like I let him down. While I bagged his body, my Snowshoe Siamese, Clyde, observed and I felt guilty for not having a proper funeral for Boots. But I simply cannot afford to after my years of so many losses of beloved pets or foster pets.
I brought Boots home as a rescue from Louisiana. He held my hand the whole drive home. He always liked to be near me and was comical and sweet.
Later I was missing him and still apologizing to him. I hope he understands that he will always be in my heart and that when I die I want him to be with me again and forever.
I was only ever able to afford to cremate two of my pets: Scoot, who was my soul mate cat and whom I promised, and JC, a Ragdoll I adopted when she was 10 years old and only had four years. She used to bark like a dog. She looked like a little girl with fluffy pants. So cute and so sweet. I had to euthanize her due to internal organ failures. But I got to hold her and say goodbye.
Sorry for the sad post. I'm okay, really. Not sure how much I'll get done today, but I did buy more laundry detergent so that I can continue with Laundry Mountain soon.
I'll call the tree guy tomorrow and authorize him to come trim trees and bushes away from the house regarding the raccoons. That'll be another check off on the master list. After that I really need to call in the door guy for the laundry shed. Don't have any idea how much replacement doors will cost, but I at least need to check it.
Dianne
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 12:08 PM
Ali, great work on the boxes! Since I don't go to chat I miss out on some updates. You're back home from recuperating at your daughter's?
Mare I totally agree it's hard to stay in touch when we feel there is nothing positive to say. In real life I felt that way for literally years and shut out family and friends. Family understood my need for distance but I lost all my friends. We move at our own pace. And thank goodness for friends here who understand.
{{{Roxie}}} I'm so, so sorry. I hope you can feel all the love you are getting from our hearts for you and Boots. How are you doing?
Diane, I hope your tooth continues to heal well. Good list of dailies. I need to get back to the affirmations too.
Karl, sounds like you had a great day. You got a lot accomplished and continue to do those 15 minute clean-ups.
I've been feeling like a slug for a couple days. Catching up with washing the backlog of animal beds. That's no work really because they just get stacked on shelves not folded and put away. I ordered people beds, which was a big leap of faith. Delivery will be in 6 - 8 weeks so that's my timeframe for getting the bedrooms clear and the goat trail in the upper front hall widened even more. Ideally that will get cleaned out too but man is all that going to be a ton or work.
Have a good Labor Day everyone!
Dianne
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 11:43 AM
Tillie, it's interesting that you mentioned all the people who have posted here and then stopped. The past couple days I have been rereading old posts for inspiration and advice. I wonder where they are too and how they're doing. Especially a woman named Catherine. She had good insights.
I think we all sometimes think maybe we have said something that hurt or offended and pushed someone away. But you have always been authentic with us. You have good advice and good perspective. You know when to cheer and when to give a gentle nudge.
Since I've been reading (last January) and posting (beginning of February I think) you have opened yourself more to allow us to share your pain and frustration as well as your successes. You've put lovely visions in my head of your beautiful garden and pretty dollhouse getaway.
You're a kind, patient, wise soul and no matter what happens in real life you are much appreciated here.
My guess is that when people stop posting it is due to depression, real life issues (like for Janie), computer problems, or maybe they feel like this isn't the right place for them. There was a woman awhile back who was desperate but once she felt better it seemed her level of hoard wasn't like most of ours and her issues were different. So she moved on.
Maybe they don't say goodbye because they don't really expect to be gone long. Maybe someone needs a break, they plan to come back and don't get around to it.
I do hope everyone who posts no matter how infrequently feels like they are an important member of the group. And that the group is always open and fluid for people who come and go. Sometimes I think wouldn't it be cool if at some point we had a gathering in real life. Karl can bring the ice cream! :)
Tillie
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 10:52 AM
Good morning :)
Getting some laundry washed right now. Later today I will water some stuff out in the yard. Otherwise not much happening around here today. :) Fed the cats as always because until I do they give me no peace.;D
TTYL :)
Tillie
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 10:15 AM
YEA! :D WAY TO GO! Karl! :D
Karl
Posted: 02 September 2013 - 01:11 AM
It's been a good day, I guess -- I delivered the rent check, made several other stops, picked up some free ice cream, attended the Sunday chat, did a short buddy-clean, made some plans for the week. I'm setting a goal to have the bedroom completely decluttered within one week (Sep 8).
Tillie
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 07:00 PM
(((hugs))) :)
diane
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 03:11 PM
Supposed to be 93 here today which is too hot in trailer, so have both window AC on high. After took pictures down from that shelf in insulated room, I decided to finish painting the top of the wall and ceiling which they had blocked when I painted the rest of the room. I still need to patch areas with holes, bought steel wool when picked up RX Friday. I think the antibiotics are making me feel crappy again today. Took aleve again today for pain and it is taking care of it. Friday through today I have spent more couch time than I have in months combined I think. Still got a few things done. Not doing enough self care so made a list with the help of friend-After the dental visit very aware, went there without showering for 3 days!!! Very unlike me. 1. Brush teeth 2xday 2. Water pik after mouth heals a little more 3 10 minutes yoga a day 4. dishes daily 5. lotion and sox on heels nightly, so cracked, really hurt. 6. Shower at least every 3rd day (hope to get back to daily or every other day soon after reading Tillies post I will add, 7. daily affirmation
diane
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 02:59 PM
Hello gals, thanks for letting us know what is going on in your life. So very sorry to hear about finding the cat today, so sad for you. We all have down days Mare, getting on here anyway, seems to help, and makes it ok for me to have down days too. Tillie, I have lived my life thinking no one likes me or that I can't control behaviors that drive people away, self fulfilling profesy in my case. When I went to self help seminars and did affirmations, like, "I am lovable" it helped. I saw myself as fat, lazy,, and depressed so said, "I am thin, energetic, and happy". As you know our thoughts create our reality in many ways, so appreciate you saying that you also have those thoughts. On this site you have been kind, understanding, accepting, helpful and honest. As a hoarder, I think I would drop out if I relapsed and felt hopeless, or just not willing to keep moving ahead. Perhaps a 3 day weekend with a hoarder, and smoke have made you see things differently than we see you. You are very loved and appreciated on here. Hugs to you Tillie.
Ali
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 02:42 PM
Roxie, I am so sorry to hear about your cat. I had the same thing happen with one of mine who was about 12 yrs old at the time. My Vet told me that audden deaths in cats is usually cardiac related. Still heartbreaking & quite a shock. Hugs & Prayers to you.
Tillie
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 02:38 PM
OH! Roxie :(
So so very sorry.
(((HUGS)))
Roxie
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 02:23 PM
Barb, Ali and Mare, glad to see you checking in. Thank you. You are missed when you don't show up!
This is just a quick hello, since I need to go grocery shopping and need to go in the next few minutes.
I am down for right now since I woke up to find one of my cats, Boots, dead on the kitchen floor. I haven't had the heart to attend to him yet, but must do so.
ali
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 12:56 PM
Mare - just glad you are OK. I think all of us posting here are on a roller coaster of ups & downs & dealing with difficult decisions. It's OK to admit to feeling pissy.
Tillie - you are one of the reasons I check in on this board several times a day. I can't imagine anyone leaving this board because of you.
And to everyone else who has been so supportive & welcoming as well as giving practical advice - Thank You.
Not sure if I will be in the Sunday chat tonight as my plans keep changing.
Here's to September, Fall, Football & hopefully cooler weather & rain in Texas.
Take care of yourselves & be as kind to yourselves as you are to others.
Tillie
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 12:05 PM
Good morning everybody :)
There have been a lot of people who come post here or in chat for a while and then just one day stop. No good bye or nothing. I always assume it's because of me. That I said or did something and now they all hate me. This is how it has always been in my real life. I haven't changed, so why do they all hate me now? The friends that kept liking me always ended up dieing. I always tell new people who want to be my friends that all my real friends die and the others turn on my and try to destroy me.
Anyways... enough of my little pity party.
WAY TO GO! for all the accomplishments! :D All you sleepy heads try to get a nap or get to bed early enough. All you aching folks take care and be kind to yourselves.
When I am feeling down and immobilized I force myself to get up and tackle something. The physical energy expended helps to settle me down inside. When I am angry, depressed, grieving, anxious, nervous, etc. the activity helps to reduce these bad feelings. The feeling of having accomplished something positive makes me feel better. Feel like I have more control over this chaotic world, even if it is only a small section of my home.
Happy September! :D
Mare
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 10:32 AM
I won't be able to be in chat tonight, I am going to the farm for family dinner and cards. Its every Sunday but I don't always go.
If I end up not playing cards then I will be here but I doubt it... :(
I have missed you all and I'm sorry if anyone was worried (ali)! I will get back to my posting self soon I hope. Its hard if I don't have anything positive to say it gets old just saying I'm down, I'm sleeping all the time, I don't feel well.
So will focus on the positive and get back on the right track!
HUGS!!!
Mare
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 10:25 AM
Hello ali, I am sorry for my disappearance I was just so down in the dumps but am feeling better now! I haven't been doing a lot except sleeping, I think I need a medication adjustment.
My daughter is back so I am hoping to have some help with a lot of my boxes next weekend! My sister said she will help as well I need to find out if she is still coming it will be great to see her.
I have been struggling with decidions and also am faced with some huge ones like should I move again, so that has me a little overwhelmed but not as much as it did (last week). Ha.
Today I am going to the store... this is huge hahaha.
ali
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 03:31 AM
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the Shout Out Roxie. I'm glad you got a new computer because I am really enjoying your posts.
Mare - Where are you? I hope everything is OK. Please check in & let us know how you are. I miss all of your positive posts. Does anyone know if Mare is OK. Seems like she just disappeared. Kara & I were the only ones in the Tuesday night chat & Kara said she had chatted with Mare on another Board????
Tillie - I hope the smoke slows down. I think of you when I see that fire on the news. Also it is time for you to get out and get that Hamburger.
diane & Dianne - so inspired by all you have done & continue to do & how handy you are at fixing things.
and Karl - You are getting a workout on your bike in addition to cleaning & clearing out. Keep up the good work. ( & then treat yourself to ice cream)
I have been working on clearing out boxes stacked in the hall. Lots of old boxes of make up that had to be trashed. And because of my limited trash pick up everything gets broken down into trash & recycling. A few items to donate but out of all that stuff that has been stacked up taking up space very little I want & nothing I have needed.
We had a few teaser days with temps under 100, yes highs of 99 but still under 100, and early mornings in the 60's. I could even get out & play with the dogs in the back yard & then Bam back to 104 temps. I am so looking forward to cooler weather & being able to walk the dogs again. And no rain with water restrictions,(You can only water your yard one day a week at night). Dangerously dry again. I wait until after dark to do laundry when overall power usage is lower.
So everyone "keep on keeping on" & stay cool.
Karl
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 01:31 AM
Sunday's plan: Bike to my landlord's, 15 miles round trip, to deliver the rent check. I hope to be back in time for the chat session.
Karl
Posted: 01 September 2013 - 01:26 AM
Not enough sleep, again. I spent some half-awake time going through some old papers next to the bed; I found they were all trash-worthy.
diane
Posted: 31 August 2013 - 04:41 PM
Thanks Tillie and Dianne. I took a half then a whole pill and that was all I took. Today pain started and took aleve, which seems to be working, will take another one soon. My brother died of alcohol/drugs at 50 y.o., sister is on drugs, other sister is now off alcohol. fear is based on reality, but today no need to take. I took some pictures, paintings, frames down from a ledge near the ceiling, in the insulated room in walkway, this morning. There was probably 10 pounds of dog food and mouse droppings that my little mice hauled up there. The must have lived up there for years by the amount of droppings and art covered with pee. Right when I think I am done with squalor, I find another surprise. Now it is totally clean in that room, still some organizing to do in there, but done for now. This week plan to mostly do things inside where I live. Dishes are done. Actually as I write this, I realize I am exhausted and will probably rest the rest of the day. Dianne, they didn't say to ice, so cheek is swollen today, I should have known to do it, just didn't think it would swell.
Dianne
Posted: 31 August 2013 - 11:38 AM
Tillie, can you make a deal with your hoarder that if he takes you for that good cheeseburger you've been wanting then he can buy something extra for himself? He might buy it anyway but at least you get a treat out of it. :)
Yesterday's plan of just hoard cleaning was productive. Instead of just maintaining and treading water I felt like I actually made some progress. So today will be the same.
Dianne
Posted: 31 August 2013 - 11:32 AM
Oh yes Diane, please take those pills as prescribed. If you wait til the pain is so bad that you need one by then it takes more meds to control the pain. If you take them every 6 hours or whatever is recommended that will pain at a manageable level.
You'll probably need the strong stuff only for about 36 hours. I hope he told you to keep ice for 24 hours. The on/off schedule about 30 minutes at a time. Pretty hard when the pain meds are making you sleep but a towel can hold the coldness against your face without shifting and without getting so cold that it needs to be changed often.
I had a shattered tooth removed from the root once and it was like being in a horror movie. I totally understand the addiction fear but this is one time you need those meds.
Don't bend forward either. Take good care. {{{HUGS}}}
Tillie
Posted: 31 August 2013 - 10:12 AM
Good morning :) Last day of August! :( I really don't want summer to end.
Very dangerous day ahead for me. He said the plan for today is to go shopping. We need to pick up a few items that we actually really need and I worry about him finding other things he would want to buy even though we don't need them. Our first stop will be at the hardware store to buy some pipe insulation. Hardware store is a very risky place to take him to.
Already fed the cats. Now I need to put down fresh water & fill kibble bowls & scoop litter boxes. Get dressed, brush & braid my hair. Wash my face & brush my teeth. Make my bed.
Still have forest fire smoke but they did manage to contain one of the fires and that should help a little. :)
TTYL :D
Tillie
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 11:29 PM
Diane
(((HUGS)))
Take care and take it easy on yourself. I understand about not taking any pain meds. You need them now so please use them.
I never take pain meds for the same reason as you. Both my brothers and both my sisters abuse drugs and/or alcohol and my mother was an alcoholic so I never drink or take any prescription meds except antibiotics.
(((HUGS)))
diane
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 08:11 PM
Tooth was fractured all the way down the root so was not able to be fixed, had it pulled. Did you know it cost $386 to have it pulled, what the heck. It was very difficult because of fracture, lots of drilling and pulling, finally all out. He gave me Rx for pain meds, I said I don't take them. he said you will need these , so I did get it filled. Now I am grateful he talked me into it, wow, all that pulling and pushing, really created some pain, and it is getting worse. Now finally willing to take a pain pill. Addiction is a problem in siblings, so have been fearful of using any drugs. I got dishes all caught up this morning, cleaned counters, organized a few areas a little then to dentist. I really don't feel like doing anything now, which is the way my evening will be. Nice reading updates from you.
Tillie
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 06:44 PM
Hi Everybody :)
Hi Roxie :) WAY TO GO! washing dishes and taking meds and brushing teeth! :D
Hi Dianne :) WOW! Fantastic! job! You did GREAT!!! Happy you remembered to take your breaks while doing such a lot of work. :)
Hi Karl :) WTG! getting some sleep! :)
Hi Barb :) Great plan for the teaching materials! Happy you have your internet fixed. I have noticed that appliances do tend to all start to fail at the same time. lol ;) Good luck finding that ID tag.
I sat down on the couch and was loving the sleeping kitten. Fell asleep with him and woke up 2 hours later! :D
Barb
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 04:53 PM
Thanks, Roxie, for noticing when we have been silent for a while. This seems to be a time in my life when everything is wearing out and needs to be replaced. Yesterday, I was in line for almost two hours at the cable company waiting to replace the Broadband box I need for my internet service. I had been rebooting it everyday as it was wearing out. This week it quit. Last night I got the new one plugged in and i have internet service again. This morning, the coffee maker quit. I left work on time tonight with a clean, organized desk. That feels good. My time is my own until Tuesday. I will have a three day weekend. That is the opportunity to catch up on all my home maintenance and cleaning tasks and to make another dent in the clutter. Saturday is for laundry and maintenance tasks. Sunday is for bill paying. Monday is the day I plan to look through my "teaching materials" stuff. There is a new first year kindergarten teacher at my local school who is starting with very few supplies and no budget to buy any. I have boxes and boxes of personal items I used in thirty years of teaching. Some are obsolete and need to be discarded. Some are still in like-new condition. They were originally boxed by subject matter and age level. I hope that I can find what I have in mind for her and don't make a bigger mess trying to locate things. Have a Happy Labor Day. everyone!
Karl
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 01:36 PM
I'm not convinced that the weight gain was due to muscle tissue; feels like I've still got plenty of fat storage to burn off first.
I went to bed early and got 10.5h of sleep last night. Hopefully getting caught up on my sleep deficit now. (It seems to me that it's been weeks since I've been properly rested.) Maybe today I can focus on some task.
Dianne
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 01:22 PM
I finished a linen closet that had been partially done. 5 shelves and the floor. Cleared and cleaned the top of a vanity and the mirror above. That led to some cleaning of door jambs and the wall around a light switch. I half expected the wallpaper to come off but it just got fresh looking and clean. :)
I scooped up a bunch of laundry. There were t-shirts that were from the kids' high school and early college days over 10 years ago. That gives a measure of how long some of the hoard has been around. I threw out armfuls since the goal was to clean the hoard not clean what was in the hoard.
I took mini breaks with a computer game. Now I'll take a major break and take a truckload to the dump.
Roxie
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 11:33 AM
For what it is worth, yesterday I did my basic two (meds and brushing teeth), but also managed to wash a sink full of dishes.
Karl, muscle weighs more than fat, but it also burns a lot more calories than fat. So don't worry as much about numbers as about body tone and condition. All that bicycling is great for your legs and butt and cardio. Also, you need a certain number of calories per day and 1.5 meals probably didn't reach that desired number. That just signals the body to go into starvation mode, storing more fat. :(
Tillie, I feel sad that you want to go somewhere and are not making that happen. Can you just plan a trip for yourself? Even just a day trip somewhere? Meanwhile, do good things for you each day as a priority so you feel nurtured, okay? Hugs.
Diane, can you update us? Did your visitor come? Have you been able to find your shoes? When the pro cleaners were here they rounded up my shoes and designated a place in my closet for them. I love it. For me it was racks I'd installed on the closet walls already.
Dianne, I truly understand about the start/stop route we share. But the important thing is to move ahead in however a fashion you can manage. And brush those teeth. :D
/size]
Tillie
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 10:29 AM
Good morning :)
WTG! Karl for getting stuff done and all that exercise. Yes, that was a bad decision to update when you need the sleep. Exercise makes our muscles fill up with stuff and that's why it seems we gain weight from exercising. That weight is OK because it's not fat weight. Sorry for explaining that so badly. ;)
Happy New Year Diane :) Hope it brings you all your heart's desires. Autumn is my favorite time too and I alwways start my new year November 1st. After the last harvest, time for the hoe down. ;)
My To-Dos for today... I don't know. Guess I should get ready for the 3 day weekend. What I mainly need to do is make sure that all my no clutter zones are clean and clear to discourage my hoarder from trying to clutter them up. He will try to drop stuff where ever but it really stands out when it is the only clutter in my zones.
I want to go to the beach, or the mountains or Redwood forest. But I never get to go anywhere any more because he only wants to be with his hoard. We used to always go some place right after all the kids were back in school. That's when the camp grounds are empty.
The smoke is still thick here so I won't be doing anything outside again today. Planning to straighten my dresser drawers. That should take about 10 minutes.
Happy labor day weekend everybody! :)
Dianne
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 09:55 AM
Thanks for the updates from everyone. You all continue to inspire me with your accomplishments but even more with what you must go thru to get there.
Other than essentials today I plan to let things go and tackle some real hoard. I go back and forth between maintaining what's been done so far and ignoring the hoard. Then I get frustrated and jump into a hoard area and hope the clean areas can keep themselves going for a bit.
September has always been the beginning of a new year for me. It seems everything always started then ~ school, getting ready for the biggest holidays, the change in seasons being so distinct here and autumn being my favorite. And tucked into autumn are those precious Indian summer days which are my very favorite of all.
Happy new starts for all whatever that may be for you. :)
Karl
Posted: 30 August 2013 - 01:53 AM
I decided to go to the Wednesday dinner and games group; I figured it would have low attendance due to the weekend holiday, and I wanted to help boost the numbers. Since I didn't have a ride, that was 7.5 miles (45 minutes) of bicycling, and the same for the return trip. Adding in the 30 minutes from doing errands earlier in the day, and it makes two hours of exercise, with only one and a half meals during the day. So how did my weight go up a pound as a result??
After I got home, I got the trash and recycling out to the curb, and I did some cleaning of a different sort: the hard drive on my computer was 99% full. I got rid of some huge files left over from a project I was doing a few years ago. I should probably keep better track of my disk usage.
When I was just about ready to go to bed, I noticed that my secondary computer had an error that suggested something was seriously wrong in my browser; I decided it was time to do an update and reboot. What I forgot to account for is that the download would take about 40 minutes, and so I probably shouldn't have started it when I was already ready to collapse with exhaustion. But I forced myself to stay up, and spent some of the time going through paper clutter in the bedroom. (About 2/3 of it turned out to be trash.) Too tired to make a second trip to the curb, though, so that'll stay wait for next week.
Tillie
Posted: 29 August 2013 - 11:54 PM
Hi Diane :) So glad you are getting that tooth taken care of.
WAY TO GO! patching roof, paying bills, laundry and getting donations ready for pick up! :D
Good luck finding your shoes! ;D
diane
Posted: 29 August 2013 - 05:44 PM
Sorry the smoke is so thick Tillie, and will be for awhile, that must be so difficult. I found new roof leaks when we had the big record breaking down pour, so went up on roof and patched several areas today. Finally will see dentist 11:50am tomorrow, really should have done already, but with antibiotics, swelling went down a little so I hoped it would just go away, procrastination and now is worse, when will I learn things just don't get better by themselves. Paid all bills 2 loads laundry put donations out on a pallet and covered with tarp, will call for pickup, too much for my car Yesterday dressed up for business meeting, and had trouble finding shoes I wanted to wear. Plan to spend time tomorrow am putting together shoes and outfits for work, so I don't have to go through the mad scramble again. I am so used to wearing casual clothes, know where they are, now have to organize area for nice clothes for work next 2 months. have shoe rack waiting for shoes, where are they? scattered that is where
Tillie
Posted: 29 August 2013 - 12:31 PM
Good morning everybody :)
Spent yesterday in a foerst fire induced fog. Just sort of wandered around aimlessly. Talked with a couple of neighbors. Accomplished nothing much.
The smoke has been very thick here again since yesterday and is still very bad here today. Too dangerous to go outside and water my trees. The lack of clear sunlight day after day messes with my brain and keeps me sleepy all day. It is physically hard to do most anything. I have been coughing an awful lot. I need oxygen. My eyes and throat burn. The cats are all feeling the same as me.
Anyways ;) My plans for today are to stay indoors with the windows shut. Eat. I have some very nice things to eat. I bought a huge watermelon and have that all cut up in baggies, ready to eat. Check in with my neighbors to make sure they are OK too. I have been using a soft warm wet wash cloth on the cats eyes several times a day to soothe them. Plead with the wind to blow from the East to wash this smoke away from me. ;D
WTG! Karl and Roxie for all your accomplishments. The little accomplishments are just as important as the big major ones.
TTYL :)
Roxie
Posted: 29 August 2013 - 08:57 AM
Yeah, Karl, for the 15 minutes yesterday. Now for one today! And thanks for the input, much appreciated.
Will the following people please check in? Mare, Kara, AnneW, Ali, Barb, SusanL, Bonnie, Janie
I seem to have gone overboard on internetting since I got my new computer. That's what computer withdrawal did to me. Yes, it is. And I'm sticking to my story.
I also got sidetracked into listening to songs online with the idea of adding to the other thread about music to clean by. I'm more interested in upbeat music (as opposed to actual lyrics) and I've really enjoyed listening to oldies. I'm not up on current music and I don't care for rap.
I realize one way I can save more money is to quit smoking. I know it. I know I should do it. But boy am I really really really reluctant to even try.
Hugs
Karl
Posted: 28 August 2013 - 06:42 PM
Roxie, you should probably report the "MSN" caller now, rather than waiting for them to call again. Do you know the number they were calling from? Even if you don't know it, it might be worth letting the police and phone company know about the call. They might track them down anyway. This isn't just an annoyance, it's a dangerous crime!
I did make some progress last night -- 15m mostly targetting just one pull-out tray on my desk. I also remembered to brush my teeth.
Today I was out and about, depositing money into two different bank accounts so that I could do one instant transfer and one electronic payment. Now the current credit bills are covered, and I can try to work out how to deal with the rent payment.
I'm thinking that I'll go to a games event tonight, even though it's a bit further than I'd like, and I'll have to bicycle home in the dark... This particular group is expecting a lower attendance tonight, and I'd like to help keep the numbers up. I'll have to get ready right now, though.
Roxie
Posted: 28 August 2013 - 11:21 AM
I'm glad to see folks posting, though I note that some folks have been missing. Come back, come back!
Karl, how about you set your timer right now as you read and do a bit of work, motivated or not? You do have specific goals with regard to your next inspection: just trying to nudge you along like a good sister.
Diane, I can understand your hesitation on having your friend come and stay. Is she aware of your situation? Regardless, it might be a good test for you in many ways. Let us know what you decide. Thinking of you always.
Tillie, I am vicariously enjoying the good times you are giving yourself. Is it possible to negotiate with DH for him to fill one bag a week for the garbage from his stuff? Only you know how that would or could go...
Dianne, I'm glad to hear you are sticking with your teeth brushing project. You can do it. I'm sticking well with the once a day brushing and then frequent flossing in addition (have to). I'm not doing so well in other areas.
I've been getting a lot of phone calls in the past day or so, and I hate phone calls. But many are from potential lenders in response to my online activity. So I just have to tell them I'm postponing refinancing until I'm further along in home rehab. I don't explain more than that.
I also had a call from a man purportedly from MSN saying my computer was being hacked and I was in danger of "losing my computer." None of it made any sense and I finally just said, "I am hanging up now." But I was rattled, so I called Best Buy and talked to "my" geek James. He assured me that that was a scam, that MSN never calls you at home, and to threaten to report them if they call again. Next, he helped me make decisions about the computer that I'd left there so they can work on it and I'll have a backup computer.
I've realized that I am in a kind of stuck position due to the refinance issue. I feel shut down and am not getting much done. Since I spent so much money (needed to) on the roof, that does not leave much for other necessary projects. And I look around and see so many other things needed to make the house presentable and up to par for refinancing. I have not gotten those danged walls and ceilings cleaned or painted, for instance. I have to get floors put into both bathrooms, a new credenza in at least one, and a new toilet in another. $$$ I have to figure out how to manage all this and in what time frame.
Meanwhile, I still have to get someone here to cut back trees and shrubs around the house so raccoons cannot get in. I have noticed only one around since the new roof was put in, but that doesn't mean there are not more.
The guy to give me any estimate on replacing the laundry shed doors didn't show up, but I can call about that. Replacing the doors would prevent critters from getting into the shed or roof that way. After that would be repairing the ceiling and closing up openings in the shed, further blocking unwanted entry. Dang I wish I had someone to hand a Honey Do list to.
I have not been able to get my pictures from my computer as I am missing one cord I'll have to buy. When I go get the currently in work computer I'll pick up the cord (not expensive) and get to work on loading pics onto my computer then onto the website if they are good enough.
Boy is this long. Bye for now. Check in everyone, please.
Karl
Posted: 28 August 2013 - 12:36 AM
Last night I posted to the Quotes topic. Today when I took some time to play a board game, my first inclination was to leave it out for the next time, but then I remembered what I'd posted there... So I put everything back in the box and put the game away.
No new progress in the remaining rooms. Maybe I can get the motivation to do 15m there tonight yet. I'll be in the chat room if anyone wants to join me.
Tillie
Posted: 27 August 2013 - 07:36 PM
Hi Diane Please let your friend come stay the night. You have been doing so much there to make your home nice and I think the house is ready enough for a friend to stay the night. Think about it and try real hard to talk yourself into doing this.
:)
diane
Posted: 27 August 2013 - 05:55 PM
Worked all day yesterday and today to try to get all the mess out of garage and walkway. I knocked over a can of paint I was using, and it spilled all over the floor I had just cleaned the mud from, I tell you, this month has been a tough one, and I just keep trying to move ahead. I am almost back to pre flood conditions now. Challenging to stay positive, think I did remarkably well considering how stressful this month has been. A friend just emailed and asked if she could come and stay here for a night or two. I have stayed at her house in Ashland in the past. No one has stayed here in years, and only one person has been in here in a few years. My first reaction is to say no, then I thought maybe it would be good for me, what do you think? Probably would be a nervous wreck. I won't answer until tomorrow, after I process it. Plan to do dishes soon. Have to make a healthy meal, have been eating on the run since flood. Hope all of you are getting lots accomplished today. Tillie, sounds like you are enjoying life.
Tillie
Posted: 27 August 2013 - 10:37 AM
Good morning :)
Very quiet here and this morning the forest fire smoke is thinner. The winds will bring in more smoke soon so I have been out watering while it's still nicer.
Haven't made my bed yet or gotten dressed or brushed my hair. LOL ;D Guess I should do that next. Want to wash my laundry today, will only be 2 loads. Probably should cook some food. I have hard boiled eggs but maybe should eat more. Have a watermelon and some plums. My new jeans are way too long, should hem them since I don't like cuffs 'cause they get full of dirt and stuff. Tomorrow is trash pick up day. We are allowed to put out the big green wheelie bin plus an additional 7 other trash cans or bags or boxes or bundles. Really depressing to only have out the few bags of kitchen/household trash that I gather weekly when he could easily find so much more. The air in the house smells bad now from the wildfire smoke. Need to wash all the drapes and curtains. Will wait till the fires are all out before I do that.
