Sorry for the confusion. That last post was supposed to be from me. I meant to put Kari's name in the reply box, but it ended up on the name box.
Kari
Posted: 08 August 2013 - 09:06 AM
Congratulations on your progress! We celebrate with you. And congratulations on your courage and openness to plan a party and invite friends in. I envy you. I used to love having people over but haven't been able to ask anyone further than the front door for months. You give us all hope.
Karl
Posted: 08 August 2013 - 03:58 AM
Enough guests have replied that I've decided that the dinner party is on. There's so much to get ready, though -- yikes.
This afternoon I dealt with more magazines, and started to deal with laundry. I stripped the bed, rotated the mattress, stored a couple of quilts between the mattress and box spring (Tillie's idea, I think? Thanks for that!), and left myself a reminder to start the laundry on getting home. I left for dinner and board games, and tossed the dirty quilt into the washer; it's in the dryer as I write this. I'm not sure if I'll try washing anything else tonight -- it's already 2am here.
Oh, I'll need to take the trash out to the curb tonight. That would be the fireplace ashes, and probably some assorted recycling -- I don't think I have any significant amount of other trash, this week.
Mare
Posted: 08 August 2013 - 02:59 AM
Thank you MayMay, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things today, feeling some better.
MayMay
Posted: 08 August 2013 - 01:30 AM
Hi Tillie, That's cool. Yeah if I ask the guys at the fire station, if I could ever ride along with them to a call, they would probably let me. But I don't know if I could ever do a ride along with police officers; unless there was some sort of program or something that would allow me to do it. Which I don't think there is one where I live. :(
Thanks Mare, GREAT JOB TODAY! :D
Mare
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 10:56 PM
In the CLEANUP section there is a new post from Shannon in regard to help needed for his aging father, I am hoping some of you with more experience here than I have will go in there and help him please.
Mare
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 10:45 PM
I finally caught up with everything here, what a pleasure to see so many posts! So tired today, but trying to push through or it will only get worse.
So tonight I am doing something every time I get up to do anything, such as when I make coffee or let the dog out, I do a short chore of 5 - 15 minutes. I took out the trash once, need to again so I will do that next time.
Cleaning the kitchen floor, fed the dog and let him out twice so far.
If anyone comes in tonight I would be up for a chat, too... will check back to see.
Mare
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 10:07 PM
How wonderful to see all of these posts and I am busily reading and catching up!
Roxie, yes it was a thrill to see Cory, he is such a kind man and so devoted to helping us all, and others of course.
Dianne it is always so great to read your detailed posts and I always feel spurred on to get rid of unneeded things while feeling alright about keeping a few sentimentals. I know what you mean when you say "creepy". Wow you did some massive stuff too.
Karl I had a hugely tired day I think it is for a combination of reasons, one being the huge high I feel when I come here but that can be draining. My initial posts and reads gave me such gratitude and excitement over finding these boards, and I over-did it but now I will even out a bit and be alright I think. I do hope you do the dinner party.
diane I am with you on feeling glad to see everyone being here and posting so much, I am behind now hahaha. Heat is hard to fight, here in NC we have been having some unseasonally cool weather which has been nice.
Wooooooooow Tillie YOU are doing fantastic and so positive with all of us, what a blessing you are!
Karl thank you for the pictures, I found the levels chart on the Insititute site and it was very helpful, I am a level 2 almost 3 but it gave me a lot of hope and more awareness.
Hahahahahaha Tillie!!! I love THE INCIDENT!!!
Kara you are doing so fantastic and I love the cleaning-to-the music idea, I could do that!
Barb you reminded me that I need to go to the dentist too... having some problems getting out of the house lately but am working on it... so difficult.
I went to see my therapist today and she was so excited for me that I have found all of you and that I am being active here and really reaping some huge rewards, thank you all so very much again.
MayMay you aare such a love!
Please forgive me if I missed anything or anyone, man this is great, all this activity.
Tillie
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 07:04 PM
My qualifications to do this were my education in emergency medicine and a desire to see how all the agencies worked together. There were legal forms to fill out too in case something happened to me. It was well worth the risks.
MayMay
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 05:46 PM
Hi Tillie, WOW! Speeding down the road in the other lane with oncoming traffic coming at you?!... A guy shooting at police for no reason?!... Sounds scary! How were you allowed to do all those ride alongs?... Was it something you did for work?... Or was it just something that you signed up to do? :)
Tillie
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 04:45 PM
It was more fun than anything ever! Speeding down the road in the other lane with oncoming traffic coming right at us. Idiots not pulling over even though we had the lights and sirens on. Responding to traffic accidents and other incidents. Getting calls to check out citizen's complaints. One guy called to report he had been robbed. He was soooo high on drugs it took us forever to figure out what he was robbed of. Drugs lol :D Cruising around just after dark and coming upon two men getting it on in a public park. Scary was the crazy guy that called for police help just so he could shoot some cops. :( Only the crazy guy was hurt that day. When riding with the police, every time the fire department or an ambulance was called we would respond to help out, mostly with crowd and traffic control. A call to report a dead body in a parked car. Turned out that the guy was extremely drunk and not really dead. Call to report a dead body by a fence. That guy had been dead about three days. Most of the time we just drove around town waiting to get calls and looking around for things. Pushed a stalled car out of an intersection. Stopped a street fight from progressing. Found a little kid wandering around and his mom soon showed up.
It was more fun than Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney land and the "Cops" show on TV put together. :D
MayMay
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 04:13 PM
Hi everyone! :D
Hi Tillie, WOW! I'm sooooo jealous of you! I've ridden in fire trucks and ambulances before; but I've never ridden in them to an actual call before. That's so cool! Oh and I definitely have to ask you this question... What was it like riding along with police officers?... Did they arrest anyone while you were with them? :)
WAY TO GO Kara! :D I love that song! :)
Hi Roxie and Barb! :)
Roxie
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 03:43 PM
I'd love to get the Zumba cd's so maybe I'll put that on my list. I'm not sure I could DO the program but it'd be fun to watch/hear.
Barb, I am so glad you have taken the step to go to the dentist. My ex had not been to the dentist in many years when I dragged him in. I found a kinder, older dentist who babied him along through two very long cleaning sessions to get his teeth up to par. Well worth it and he's been good with brushing and going to the dentist ever since. Never too late to get back on track with self-care.
Kara, some good suggestions have been made for where to store clothes when/if the normal place is mouldy. Maybe search online for solutions to keeping the wardrobe mould-free? Good to see you online and dancing!
Tillie, I've always wanted to do a ride-along in a police car but... I'd love to hear any stories. And the free-floating, tinkering days can sometimes be good...put your energy where it is inclined and feel good about the accomplishment after.
I did not get the litter box scooped yesterday, nor much of anything beyond brushing teeth and taking meds. It has been so hot that I look like a puppy that just got a bath (oh no!) from the sweat. Ugh. I need to go to the grocery store and I've been putting it off for days. It takes a real effort to get cleaned up enough before I go, then the whole process is so tiring and cumbersome. I want someone to shop and deliver for me!
More time fiddling with the blasted computer. I think that keeps me frazzled.
Hugs to all
Tillie
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 10:45 AM
Good morning :)
Hi Diane :) I've been picturing you sitting out by the lake. Hope you get there! :D
Hi Karl :) Tuesday night chat is for hoarders and messies only. I am not allowed there. WTG! on moderating the chat session! :D I watch the time from when the poster starts their turn then at 15 minutes I say "Times up" and name the next person who's turn it now is. There are a few more posts to the poster and the poster then thanks everybody as the next poster starts to write.
Hi MayMay :) Remind me never to mention to you all the times that I have ridden as an observer with fire departments, police departments or on ambulances. ;D
Hi Kara :) Since the wardrobe is useless due to mold you need to make other arrangements to store items that need to be put away. I have a portable clothes rack to hang clothing on. Could you use something like that? Also, I have a chest of drawers where I fold my blouses, night dresses, frocks, etc. and store them in that. You can temporarily use plastic totes, stacked by one wall to store the clothing in till the mold issue is taken care of. Hard to make suggestions without being in your room with you. ;)
Hi Barb :) WAY TO GO! going to the dentist! :D Yes, beating ourselves up over things not done only makes us even more sad. Every day is a fresh new day to start over. ;)
Today I need to tidy up a little. Sweep floors & porches. Wash a few dishes & wipe the counter and stove top. As always, scoop litter boxes, put down fresh water & fill kibble bowls. Already fed them their canned food breakfast. I have a few things that need to be glued and plan to do that today. Will probably just wander around in here doing little odd jobs today. :)
Kara
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 10:44 AM
Oh Yeah baby.... Dancing to Katy Perry song FIREWORK whilst de-hoarding. GO GO GO girl. Oh what fun I'm having. We should a have disco night in the chat room and do 15 mins de-hoarding to music.
Barb
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 08:44 AM
I love your idea of cleaning to Zumba music! I use plastic bins to sort clothes on the bed. If I put them in piles, both dogs and the cat run through them or make beds in them getting pet hair on them so they have to be washed again. You can stack them on the floor when you are ready to go to bed..
Barb
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 08:40 AM
I'm on my way to the dentist this morning. It's not my favorite place to go, but I need to take care of myself. And it is good to get out of the house. Yesterday I had big plans but did not get them done. I am learning to take the slow-going or non-productive days with the good without beating myself up. Today is a new day.
Kara
Posted: 07 August 2013 - 06:42 AM
I am de-hoarding with Zumba music. Oh boy what an experience. A double workout. I think I have finally got rid of the depression. At least whilst the sun is shining during the summer.
I have sorted out some clothes and folded them and put them in piles on the spare bed. Wardrobe get mouldy during the winter.
Question: Where does one put clothes without taking up surface space?
MayMay
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 11:28 PM
Hi everyone! :D
Thanks Mare, I always love telling that story. I always refer to the story as "THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE WITH FIREFIGHTERS!" My mom, on the other hand, hates it whenever I tell that story. She always refers to the story as "THE INCIDENT!" LOL. ;D
WAY TO GO Roxie! :D Yeah my boyfriend and I laughed about falling in the toilet for hours. LOL. :D
GREAT JOB TODAY Dianne! :D That's hilarious that your daughter used to do that to her Barbies. LOL. I never did anything like that to my Barbies when I was younger. But one time, when I was like 6 or 7, my dog chewed off a bunch of my Barbies heads. I called that little incident "THE BARBIE MASSACRE!" LOL. :D
WAY TO GO Barb! :D
GREAT JOB TODAY diane! :D I wish I would be called for jury duty one day. I love watching trials on tv. I want to be on a jury so badly.
Hi Karl! :D
Hi Tillie! :D
I hate thieves too! I hate thieves and stalkers! I've never really had a problem with thieves; but I have had some problems with stalkers before. Like my ex-boyfriend; after my ex-boyfriend and I broke up, he stalked me for like 2 years. :(
Karl
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 10:37 PM
Great chat session tonight! Thanks to all who participated.
Tillie, sorry you weren't there tonight, I was hoping to see how you did the time limit protocol, but I was able to wing it as tonight's moderator.
diane
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 07:28 PM
Thank you Tillie, exactly right on the thief taking a sense of security, last night locked garage and gate. I usually leave unlocked hoping someone will take hoard, but it scared me that someone took that big metal carrier off RV probably while I was home, since I rarely leave, why do they take something I actually use? Yes, thanks, need to go camping, summer is slipping away, put $75 gas in RV on way home from mechanic. Need to put water in tank, plug in to get refrigerator cold, and hit the road, depending on weather, sounds like lighting is on way this week. Nice Cory dropped in to say hi.
Tillie
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 05:19 PM
Hi Roxie :) WTG! on all you accomplished. :D Soon you will be brushing your teeth AND scooping that litter box every day. Practice makes perfect. ;) I have no medical insurance so no medical care.
Hi Dianne :) FANTASTIC! Job you did with the furnace room! :D So happy you are getting a new system installed. :D
Hi Karl:) If I were giving a party I would serve... cold cuts cheese assorted types of bread potato salad my family favorite jello salad iced tea cookies or a cake
Lime jello salad... 2 boxes of lime jello celery cut in about 1/4 inch bits carrots diced scallions (green onions) sliced in small circles peas fresh, canned or frozen (uncooked) Make the jello as per instructions on the box pour it into a 14 by 9 inch pyrex cake pan add the fresh raw veggies and put in fridge to set Use as much veggies as you want in it. Add any others you may like in it too. Serve with a spoonful blob of mayo or Miracle Whip on top of each serving. This is a summer time favorite of mine. :D
Hi Diane :) Sorry the smoke is there. :( Hoping you do go camping at the lake. Summer will soon be over and I don't want you to miss out. WTG! on all you have accomplished! :D I hate theives. :( They steal more than property. They also steal our peace of mind and feelings of security.
diane
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 04:30 PM
Dianne, so happy you reported all that you did and your thoughts about it. Really helps me to read the process your mind goes through, especially throwing out stuff you could have cleaned. I spent the past 3 evenings washing stuff in the yard, had so much, dirty storage stuff, tools etc. Now I look at it and think I wasted too much time on it, need to practice throwing dirty stuff away, was doing that for quite awhile, easier than washing, then having to haul to thrift store, if I don't need it. Yes we all have down days and just look at the hoard, churn and feel defeated. Now I know that is time to stop and do something else. Smoke is really thick here today from fires from lightening strikes, so didn't ride my bike to get rv, a neighbor was driving by and I asked for a ride, this was a first for me, never ask for help, was so great. This morning talked myself into selling RV, then when I picked it up, and drove it home decided I love it, so much fun going to lake in. If smoke is this bad tomorrow, may just drive up to a lake, and stay overnight with Molly. Sure will miss the cargo carrier, it was a big rectangular metal thing, held all my gear. Can try to see if my bike rack will fit on RV. Dishes are done finally, now have to clean off counters. I watered all the shrubs, trees this morning, finished washing rest of the storage stuff in yard, worked lots of hours already. I got jury duty notice that I have to get in the mail today, it is overdue. I was on grand jury in January, and do not want to do jury duty again so soon, plus will be working. Today is hottest day of week, plus smoke so I am going to lay low the rest of the day. Happy so many of us are on here regularly, great being part of positive change.
Karl
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 03:30 PM
Good work, Dianne! Wow!
I was up late last night (5am), and got up just past noon. I noticed the date on the milk was looking dangerous, but it still smelled OK, so I used up the last of it for whatever meal this was. (I'll call it breakfast.)
I still haven't figured out what to do about the dinner party; I told one person I was planning it, is all. I've been having trouble with motivation lately.
Dianne
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 03:09 PM
I've gotten a big chunk of the furnace room done. Some stuff I moved to other rooms but I did get out a lot of trash.
It took too much time the last time I did a count (with lipsticks, etc.) and too much time to list it here. Plus it gave me too much time to think about the objects ~ throw it out, jot it on paper, type it here; hmm maybe I want to keep that? So this time I had the trash bags ready and just tossed.
It was pretty creepy. These were areas that haven't been touched in many years. There was a bad leak from the roof down thru walls 3 stories to the basement. I got the leak fixed but had yet to deal with a lot of the water damage. Some cardboard storage boxes I pulled out were so stiffened that they pulled the linoleum pieces right off the concrete base. I peeked in some. Moldy baby clothes and mouse droppings. They went right in the truck for the dump. No sense looking at what was in there. It would just be too sad.
Got rid of lots of big toy stuff. Remember He-Man and She-Ra? And all the castle crap. A big cardboard box of headless Barbies and Kens went. My younger daughter went thru a period of popping off heads.
Some fall décor went ~ small straw bales, more Indian corn stalks (stripped of every kernel), grapevine wreaths, crafty items. Those poor mice are going to be so disappointed when they come in for the winter this year. The cats aren't allowed in the basement, that's total dog territory. And catching mice is not their thing.
Some sentimental things I kept. My wedding cake topper with pretty silk flowers. A box of dog show stuff ~ very thin, braided silver collars and show leads for my Belgian Sheepdogs. There were big, plastic boxes of pictures. I didn't look at any because those trips down memory lane can bog me way down. I used to take pictures every day of everything. The way the light played on chestnuts laying in the grass or my cream colored cat in the dead cornstalk field at dusk.....I loved it all.
Some stuff in another time I may have agonized over and said I can clean that up and use it. Like some dirty buckets, horse stuff and doors for outdoor dog houses. It felt good to say, screw it. Lots of stuff was from laziness ~ dirty furnace filters, empty bags of salt for the water treatment, broken pieces of pottery that had fallen off shelves in the earthquake we had here (maybe last year?).
Now there's plenty of space for the guys to get in, haul out the old crap and put in all the new whatever for the new water treatment system. That happens on Thursday.
Still no washing machine but at least I'll have safe, clean water. :)
Roxie
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 02:34 PM
Hi, all, Seems like a long time since I was here.
Tillie, do you need to go to the doctor? I'm concerned that are you not feeling well. You are such a big part of this place I don't want to lose you!
Mare, I'm sure you were excited that Cory stopped by while in chat! :D
As for "down" days, they do happen. If you have a small daily checklist like I do, you can at least manage those small tasks and consider it a "lick and a promise" until you rally. And I know you will rally.
Barb, I'm so glad to see you in here. You have taken impressive steps in the cleanup, and you have already experienced what I've learned here: there is more than one way to tackle a problem. I cannot carry big weights, either, so using smaller bags or not filling them completely before putting them in the outside garbage works for me. That's why I suggest folks first start with grocery bags. I've even used empty dry cat food bags.
It is quite hot here and that definitely affects my abilities. Yesterday I brushed my teeth and took my meds. I still haven't missed a day with the teeth (yeah!) but I did not scoop litter yesterday. I had five days in a row of scooping up til then. Back on track today.
I also picked up dishes from outside and put them in the sink. I sorted, shredded, filed a small pile of old papers. I got flea TX on 2/7 cats.
Tomorrow is garbage pickup so today I must dump all garbage into the big bin and get it down the driveway to the road for pickup.
I am always glad to read up on you all. MayMay, too funny with your butt in the toilet. bwaaahaha.
Tillie
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 02:03 PM
How wonderful to hear Cory dropped by! :D
My household trash situation... I use one of those sturdy plastic 25 pound "Tidy Cats" litter buckets as my only trash can. I keep it in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. A plastic grocery shopping bag fits it it perfectly. I line the bottom of the bag with a mail box store flyer in case something put in it is drippy. Every day I remove the bag and take it outside to the big wheelie trash bin. Sometimes I take it out more often depending on what has been put in it. I never allow food garbage to remain in the house over night. This helps keep bugs and mice from coming in to eat. :D
Mare
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 12:53 PM
Good afternoon Barb and Tillie so nice to hear from you both.
What a productive day you had Barb, yes, very inspiring for me... I have the same experience with bags and use the plastic wal-mart bags most of the time, a tall kitchen bag when I have more than that.
I hope you get your strength back Tillie and have a good day of rest.
I am in the same boat, so taking it easy as well, doing small tasks during the day but nothing too much really.
Cory stopped by the chatroom earlier and he may be back, I hope others will come in and see him there.
Tally Ho!
Tillie
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 12:37 PM
Good morning everybody! :)
Had a lot of plans for today but need to rest. Still have to water stuff outside but other than that today will be quiet sitting down activities and a nap after lunch.
Hope all your plans for today are easily completed without any surprise interruptions. :)
Barb
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 11:58 AM
Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Yesterday was a very productive day. I took Jazz for her rabies shot, dropped off the school supplies at The Salvation Army, got caught up on dishes, did one load of laundry (washed, dried and put away) and sorted another ready to do today, cleaned out the cat box, and took one bag of garbage outside. Tanner mowed and trimmed and cut down some vines and weeds. Because he did the yardwork, I could concentrate on the inside. I went out for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Today I am cleaning out the refrigerator and going to the grocery and Farmer's Market. I also hope to get another bag of garbage out of the house again today. Trash pickup is Thursday and I would like to have the toter at least half full. I tried filling contractor bags, but found they were too big for me to fill in one day. During the night, the cat and dogs would get into it, rip the bags and take out anything they though interesting. It was a losing battle. The tall kitchen bags work better for me. I can fill one a day and get it out of the house for pick up. Hope everyone is doing well today.
Mare
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 10:18 AM
Today I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and I did a little churning... then just looked at everything for a while. I have a habit of looking at the stuff and being paralyzed for a while and sometimes its just hard to snap out of that.
I will be doing my best to focus again but taking a break at the moment. Missing everyone here, too.
If anyone is up for a chat I will be in there, if I don't answer right away I will be back soon, I tend to go in and out hahaha.
Mare
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 10:15 AM
Hello everyone, its a new day!
Wow MayMay that is so funny and true, yes we should be able to trust those fine firefighters hahaha. Thank you for telling that story.
MayMay
Posted: 06 August 2013 - 12:40 AM
Hi everyone! :D
Today I went to work. Then after work I went to my boyfriend's house. I gave Cory, Matt, and Snuggles all baths. And I fell into my boyfriend's toilet. That's right! I literally fell butt first into his toilet. LOL. :D
Hi diane, I'm sorry to hear about your bike carrier being stolen. I hope the cops will be able to catch the person who stole it.
Hi Mare, Yeah I'll never forget the very first time I rode in a fire truck. I remember it happened a few weeks after I turned 18. There was a single car accident at the end of our street; and while the firefighters and paramedics were helping the person in the car, my parents and I watched from our window. Then after the paramedics left to take the person to the hospital, I went down to the end of the street to talk to the firefighters and ask them what happened. I talked to the firefighters for about an hour; and I told them that I liked their fire truck a lot. After I said that, they asked me if I wanted to ride in the fire truck, down to the fire station, with them. I remember being in so much shock when they asked me that. I was like, "OMG!!!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS!?" And they were like, "yeah! And we'll show you around the fire station too." After they said that, I was like, "YES! I WOULD LOVE TO RIDE IN THE FIRE TRUCK WITH YOU GUYS AND SEE THE FIRE STATION!!!!!" :)
After I got back from the fire station, my mom was SO MAD! She gave me a HUGE LECTURE about how I could've been killed and stuff. I remember being like, "OMG! Are you serious mom? They were firefighters! Firefighters are supposed to be people you can TRUST! Back when I was a little kid in elementary school, I was taught that the 2 types of people I can always trust are firefighters and police officers. So stop being mad at me!" LOL.
Even though my mom was really mad at me, I DIDN'T REGRET GOING WITH THE FIREFIGHTERS AT ALL! ;)
Karl
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 11:43 PM
Diane, sorry to hear about the bike carrier disappearing -- I guess if it's been a while since you've used the bicycle, it might have been gone for some time without you noticing? Or do you know for sure that it was there recently?
Mare
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 05:41 PM
So an hour and twenty minutes but I took my time eating and playing with the dog, still it was longer than I thought, go me!
Mare
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 05:39 PM
I really enjoyed your post diane thank you and you're welcome haha, yes a great chat last night for me too. I agree about the structure.
Well... I forgot to look at the time but from my last post until now I have:
Put away the groceries, hung up my new blouses, put the shower curtain rod and hangers up, still have to add curtain, had a good lunch, and played with my sweet dog, Gizmo, what a joy.
I also put a call into my son-in-law's brother to bring me that appliance out of the basement, waiting to hear back from him (left a msg on h is voicemail). I am sure looking forward to being able to actually cook. Oh and I also bought:
1 small frying pan. And another thing in:
1 electric double burner (small appliance for cooking).
Oh hmmm... it is 6 38 pm I guess that was dinner not lunch hahahaha.
Tally Ho!!!
diane
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 04:42 PM
correction: My friend is NOt coming to help today.
diane
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 04:38 PM
thanks for the replies Roxie, Mare and Maymay. Today I drove RV in to have leak fixed. I went to put bike on back cargo carrier, SURPRISE!! some thief took it, I kept looking, like it should be there, it was gone. Bike fit inside. Biked to police station and filed a report. I biked home, haven't biked in years, so hot and exhausted when got home. They just called, $195 to fix leak, will bike tomorrow and pick up. I will have it fixed, but sure hate paying that much for a few new hoses, should be able to fix myself. Now that Molly is doing better want to take a trip to lake and stay a few days. It is my only luxury, so maybe I will keep it another year, needs 2 new tires, will have to get new tags, over $200, insurance $200 for 6 months, so would be cheaper to stay in motel!! Not while Molly is still here, she barks in motel, quiet in RV, plus I prefer being in nature. Great to wake up with lake right there. Bummer cargo rack is gone, carried my blow up boat etc. Last night after chat washed more bins and other stuff in yard until after dark, used my solar lights, fun. Today not so fun dealing with all the stuff. My friend is coming, her book group canceled, so won't be in town today. I am too hot and tired anyway. Today have to do some paper work, that has to be mailed, read work papers, for a phone meeting with boss, work Sept and Oct. sort and file the stack and toss and shred some. Will do dishes today. Maybe it is a good thing it is hot and I am tired, I will get some things done in here. Thanks all for chat last night, it was so great having 15 minutes for each person. I think several of us have problems with anxiety, having a set time, adds the structure we need.
Mare
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 04:19 PM
Today I finally got a ride to the grocery store with a trusted friend, and it went really well... I felt good mentally and strong physically!
I put away the freezer and refrigerator items so now I have to tackle the rest of it, as well as putting up the shower curtain for which I bought a rod and hooks today. So in:
1 shower curtain rod 1 set (12) shower curtain hooks and I know where the curtain is. 1 small vacuum cleaner 1 are rug for which I actually have a clear space in the living room!!! 3 new blouses which I sorely need. If there is something I do NOT hoard it is clothes, I could list everything I have and it would be... *counts in her head* roughly 16 items I use regularly and a few winter items that are in drawers. I have set a goal to get new blouses and jeans each month so this month I did the limit and just love them. I is a denim shirt. 1 bottle of draino stuff 1 bottle of dish detergent 1 can of comet I forgot a couple of necessities so will start a list.
Onward and upward, cheers!
Mare
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 11:41 AM
Anne - thank you so much, I have really been enjoying myself and everyone here so much. I have a habit of throwing myself into things full throttle hahaha.
I know what you mean about the therapists and other health care people. I receive county services so I have learned that they may very well leave when they find a new and better position, even though it feels like they are leaving me hanging, I have gotten better about the losses.
Our weather has also been atypical, so cool and pleasant, not really like summer at all so far.
diane - loved reading your posts. I was in Japan for 3 years but did not keep a kimono what a shame. I think the idea of pressing and framing/hanging on a wall is wonderful and if you have one you're going to throw out send it to me and I will do that hahaha!
Wow everyone is doing fantastic! So encouraging and motivational.
TO THE HOARD!!!
I plan to tackle some more of the boxes and bags in my clutter room today, but haven't decided which ones so I think I will just grab them one at a time willynilly and see how I do. I also will wipe out the refrigerator, feed and water the dog of course, put trash in the trash can to be taken out later if it fills up, tell myself to get rid of the excess hair stuff and old earrings *working on that*, sit outside and enjoy this unseasonally cool weather, and throw out the big box the a/c came in.
Mare
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 11:09 AM
diane - I had an old toilet at a previous house because my husband was a plumber! I used it as a planter which at first looked rather hilarious but as things grew and cascaded over the top and the ground cover got thicker it actually looked pretty neat hahaha.
MayMay - yes it was a huge adventure to drive it, it was empty thankfully, I told them they reaaaaalllllly wouldn't want me driving to a scene at 25 MPH!
I have a dog he is such a sweetheart - loyal, always nearby usually right beside me, and a great companion and comfort.
Kara Hello Kara so glad to see you and you are doing great.
Tillie that is so funny about the bins labeled STUFF hahaha.
Dianne that is a list that could be mine except for the game. I am finding a lot of things we all have in common which makes me feel safe and understood, what a joy.
Tillie I am still having a problem with getting out and to the store but today is a new day and we will see what happens.
WooooooooHoooooooooooo Kara!!! I am so glad you are posting and chatting and I love the 15 minutes tasks we are doing, so helpful.
Barb - welcome and so good to have you posting. I have started a journal but am not being regular about it yet, its a new day though with new opportunities, Yes charting feelings is helpful for me as well.
Yesterday my mood took a dip, after finding this where I was on a pink cloud - reading and posting and ohsovery happy! Those highs always result in a dip afterwards but I understand it and give it time to just pass. I am better this morning!
Roxie I completely understand how you feel when you can't get online I feel the same way. My electricity was off for a few hours last week and I thought I would go mad hahaha.
Also the feeling defeated over the oddest things... I find my moods and thoughts going all over the place from time to time and I am trying to keep a chart to see if there are any triggers/situations involved. I have to be careful of even doing that as the journaling itself can trigger some deep emotions which I am giving myself permission to just feel even if I do a lot of crying... its cathartic.
To Be Continued, still catching up!!!
Tillie
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 10:57 AM
Good morning :)
WAY TO GO Karl! for cleaning out the fire place. :D Closets are good places to store stuff that we want close at hand yet out of sight. Great plan and lots of fun having a party on Friday.
My To-Dos for today.... sweep floors & porches clean bathroom wash floors vacuum carpet dust Days like today make me glad my house is so small. One room that is the livingroom, kitchen & dining area with one bathroom. ;D
Wishing everyone a GREAT new week.
Karl
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 01:06 AM
Tonight's primary task was to scoop the ashes out of the fireplace. I took out some ice cream for incentive, and used some empty ice cream cartons as containers for the ashes; those will go out to the curb Wednesday night. I also returned some items to the closet I'd previously cleaned out -- I decided it's better to keep the floor free for the box of vacuum cleaner attachments, so I put the cloth briefcases up on the shelf (which now has room!), and put the backpack on the hook with the cloth shopping bags.
As I mentioned during tonight's chat, I'm hoping to host a dinner party on Friday, the day before the inspection. This would be both an additional incentive to get everything in order by then, and a way to celebrate the accomplishment. (And possibly a few extra sets of eyeballs to check whether I've overlooked anything.)
MayMay
Posted: 05 August 2013 - 12:44 AM
Hi everyone! :D
Thanks AnneW, We are leaving for L.A. on August 24th. I'm SO EXCITED for the trip! I'm excited that I get to help another hoarder again, I'm excited that I get to have a crew with me this time, and I'm also very excited that I get to go to L.A. again. This trip will be my second trip to L.A. My family and I went to L.A. 9 years ago for a family vacation; and I absolutely LOVED IT there. I loved L.A. so much, that on the last day of the vacation, I cried because I didn't want to go home. I'm from a small town in Ohio. But in my heart, I'm a total CITY GIRL! :D
Hi diane, OMG! THAT IS SOOOOO COOL that your high school boyfriend played for the "NY Yankees" and the "Atlanta Braves". Sorry to hear that you guys aren't friends anymore. It sounds like his wife has some jealousy issues. Some of my guy friends' girlfriends have jealousy issues too; so I totally know what that is like. And I kind of always have a huge target on my back because of it. :(
Roxie
Posted: 04 August 2013 - 11:08 PM
Diane, the prof. crew spent two days at my house, and filled on whole dumpster to the top. However, they did not do deep cleaning and there is still that to do. There is also further purging and organizing. It was worth it to me because of my physical limitations and my magical thinking about how much I could do on my own.
What I think is great in your case is that you have done so very much, been tenacious, and can see results now. And I concur in the idea of getting the outside decluttered as much as possible before harder weather comes in.
I'm tinkering with little jobs outdoors to get cleared up some stuff that still needs to go. I'll get there.
diane
Posted: 04 August 2013 - 05:31 PM
Thanks Roxie, I had forgotten about coke, you are an encyclopedia of info. How long did it take the professionals to go through all your stuff? I think it is so great you had that done and are working on maintaining a clean house. I do get frustrated at the amount of time I am spending, but now have gone through almost everything and see I have to go through and get rid of so much more. his winter I can have fun sorting little things, mostly want to get all the outside stuff in appropriate areas before winter hits.
Tillie
Posted: 04 August 2013 - 05:26 PM
WAY TO GO!!!! :D everybody on all your accomplishments and maintaining and insights and future plans!
Roxie
Posted: 04 August 2013 - 05:24 PM
I'll post more before I get booted off again!
Diane, you can pour Coke onto those rusty bolts. Gotta be Coke. Then after awhile you can wire brush. Works like a charm. I used that method on my car battery connections. Makes you wonder about Coke and your guts, though. haha
And I'll be that baseball and those kimonos would do well on eBay if you were so inclined.
AnneW, you have accomplished an impressive amount of work, friend! Whatever you are doing, keep doing. It's good to hear from you again.
AnneW
Posted: 04 August 2013 - 05:10 PM
I forgot to include in the last post what I've gotten done recently...
Maintenance: Kept Kitchen sink & counters clear (handwash dishes as I use them) Washed kitchen counters, stovetop, inside fridge Washed bathroom sink Swept inside front entry Took out co-mingled recycling (now I have cleared enough room to keep the curbside bin inside of the garage) Maintained Kitchen Floor Clear Maintained newly cleared entry area behind front door Maintained 1 newly cleared large living room chair Maintained master bedroom & 2 bathrooms
De-Clutter Progress: 1 stair step Cleared 3 square feet of space between front entry & dining room Cleared a space 3 feet long, by 1 foot wide, by 3 feet high in living room Cleared off 2nd large living room chair Cleared 2 foot by 2 foot area in basement backroom Cleared 3 foot by 3 foot area in garage Swept up & threw away multiple litters;) of Dust Dogs from all newly cleared areas!!!
diane
Posted: 04 August 2013 - 05:04 PM
correction: My high school boyfriend played professional baseball.