Today i was a bit ambitious with my "to do" list. I filled my gas tank and cleaned the car after work. I don't know why I hate doing that so much, but I do. Glad it's done. I also stopped to pick up what I needed for sloppy joes (they were delicious!) and returned a movie I've been forgetting to return.
Tonight I'm going to clean the cat box, take the trash to the curb, and then spend 10 minutes picking up in my bedroom and cleaning my mess in the kitchen. After a shower, I'm going to reward myself with a big bowl of strawberries and a movie in bed. The strawberries in sugary syrup. Yum! I'm exhausted just thinking about all of that. Wish me luck.
Diane - how long will you have the dog?
Diane
Posted: 21 June 2016 - 03:05 PM
Thank you so much for your kind words and loving support of my dog sitting. I did shower, washed sheets, felt good going to bed in clean sheets. Went to library, returned all the overdue stuff, checked out some movies. Woke up several times with dog barking, wanting toys he broke, and I put up out of reach. Full moon was beautiful. The brat part of me really wanted to take dog on an outing today-----instead we played fetch in yard. Then for fun I washed and sorted some rocks to tumble. When I came in there was email from dog owners, requesting I mail a photo of dog from today, bet they thought I was out on an outing!!!!! He is sleeping and has a muddy face from digging in dirt. I took a picture of him sleeping, after I emailed it, I cracked up laughing, the way he is laying in photo he looks dead!!!! Imagine the next email I get hahahahahahah I feel so much better after reading your posts, knowing I am treating the dog better than a kennel would. I did offer to take dog to kennel, if they were worried, they said no just no outings. Dog head butted dog door closure until it broke so duct taped it together, have to find something sturdier, so I can go to store. Feel a bit trapped with dog not going on outings, and he is escape artist. Sure hope you all have a wonderful day. Thanks again for your kindness, I really needed it. I know I am too sensitive to criticism, and today I want to isolate from all humans. Thought just occurred to me to stop criticizing myself, good plan for today. Maybe clean up one area on deck, that will make me feel better.
Tillie
Posted: 21 June 2016 - 08:28 AM
Good Morning Everybody :)
Hi Tatoulia :) The painting went well and the plum color looks lovely on Scooter (the cat). ;) WAY TO GO! for keeping up with all those routine tasks. Every little thing we do all adds up to one big overall improvement in our homes and lives. Even just doing the minimum some times is great! :D
Hi Diane :) Sorry to hear you cancelled your next outing. :( The people I dog sit for appreciate all that I do for their dogs. I tell them about everything and they are always so very thankful that I handled the situations and returned their dogs to them alive, happy and healthy. I could say a lot more about your loaner dog's owner but I will bite my tongue here. About shopping, even the "Good Humor" ice cream man has nothing to sell to us to make us feel all better. (((HUGS))) About showering, I write it down on my "To-Do" list so I can make sure to schedule it in before bedtime. Many times it is the only thing written down on my list. ;)
Hi Dave :) WooHoo! :D Did you catch any and put them in a jar to sit on your nightstand to use as a night light?
Hi Tess :) WAY TO GO! for gathering a bag of trash even on this very stressful day! :D Retail therapy only temporarily relieves stress while we are still in the store. And as we all know, all the excess stuff in our homes adds more stress to our already stressed out lives. Since you have been craving sloppy joes I suggest you make up some. It is comfort food and mine made me happy and content. (((hugs)))
Last two nights I have woken up at about 3:00am and can't get back to sleep. I don't know if it's the bright moonlight or the resident skunk in the yard. Going out to water the trees and bushes at 7:00am then planning to just play the rest of the day. Hope the skunk has left because all the cats want to come outside with me. They know Stinky is out there and are curious about her.
TTYS :)
Tess
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 10:26 PM
I haven't seen lightening bugs in YEARS!!!
Tess
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 10:24 PM
I hope everybody had a good day! I had hopes of making it to an exercise class after work and doing more work in my bedroom. However, work got in the way. I had a very long, very stressful day. Instead I brought even more work home and then vegged out. I did gather a bag of trash before work. So that's better than nothing. Days like this (and retail therapy) are how I got into this mess to begin with. I have to remember that and try to stop stress from getting the best of me.
Tillie -I've been craving sloppy joes for days. Sounds delicious. How did the cabinets turn out?
Tatoulia - I'm not a fan of heat. I'm always more productive on cooler or even rainy days. Are you itching to get outside? Or just restless? Yay for doing the laundry and dusting. That is something off your plate. It might not be what you wanted to do, but it is better than nothing!!! Baby steps add up.
Diane - that sounds like a stressful situation. Is the dog ok? I'm sure he enjoyed his outing before his attack. There is some comfort there. Hugs to you!
Tatoulia
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 10:21 PM
Ps. I love the image of the dog with the wading pool! So cute! Keep up the good work sand congratulations for making a smoothie rather than buying stuff. Good to find new ways to be happy!
Tatoulia
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 10:19 PM
Sorry about the situation with the dog, Diane. I too would feel all stirred up. You did the right thing by taking the dog on a nice walk and I'm glad you got him home for his medicine. It must've been scary for both of you. I'm sorry the people scolded you. I would've felt like I should've kept the incident to myself but like you would've told the owners. Such is life, I'm afraid. Hoping you are feeling better-
Dave! How I love lightening bugs!
Tillie well I didn't do anything remarkable today but the kitchen sink is clear for the AM, all laundry for the week is done, garbage is out and kitty's box has been changed. All routine stuff but all done. I hope your painting project went well!!
dave
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 09:23 PM
I SAW LIGHTNING BUGS!
Diane
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 05:38 PM
Plum sounds beautiful, good project that you will get to enjoy for months, maybe years, depending on your plans. Yeah, even dusting is an improvement. Dog and I went in country yesterday, had a great time, then he had an asthma attack, we rushed home and I gave him medicine, he is fine today. I told his owner which was a big mistake, she said, "no more outings", I still feel bad about it. Mouth filters must have gotten lost, I think I need to tell too much. Did dishes, had a smoothie, tried to figure out curtains for bedroom, watered flowers in yard, made a little wading pool for dog, he just drank out of it and put one foot in. Cancelled my outing tomorrow with rock hounding friend, she was disappointed, me too. Plan to put sheets in washing machine now, then hang them outside, shower, which I do not do enough of. Also have to return some overdue stuff to library. Still have a gut ache from dog owner being upset that I took dog out, mostly that he had to be on leash all day, then had attack. She thinks it is because he was stressed being on leash, I think it was from pollen. Let it go, but how? This is when I used to go shopping!!!!! Feel bad about myself so thought shopping would make me feel in control, and better in general. Especially being able to buy anything I want at thrift store. In reality I only liked that part, having to deal with it at home made me feel worse
Tatoulia
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 03:37 PM
I finished all the laundry and I dusted the bedroom. Not the things bothering me the most but progress nonetheless. Once the sun goes down (longest day of the year!!) I will do some other chores that will make me feel better. For now, I am pleased to have done just the minimum.
Tillie
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 11:56 AM
HAPPY SUMMERTIME
Hi Tatoulia :) Hope you got some good sleep last night. WAY TO GO!!! taking good care of yourself with a proper dinner and early bed time. :D Any little things you can do to make your home more pleasant for you would be big accomplishments. You CAN do this! (((hugs))) Don't look at the whole thing as needing to be done in a day. Chip away at it one small thing at a time. Look around and find the one thing that bothers you the most and do that first. We all want so much for you to be happy in your own home. (((hugs)))
Hi Tess :) So FANTASTIC! to read about all you have been doing! Those cookies are a GREAT way to reward your self for a job well done. WAY TO GO!!!
Hi Karl :) I have no worries that you won't get the computers all sorted out soon. You have become very good at figuring out good ways to organize your stuff in small spaces. :)
This morning I plan to cook sloppy joe stuff and do a load of laundry. Then I plan to paint the back side of the kitchen cabinets that face into the living room area. Right now they are painted pink and I am going to paint them plum. Just because. ;D Sometime today I will clean up the mess I will be making in the kitchen but right now I am anxious to do the painting and want the cooking done before it gets hot out.
TTYS :)
Tatoulia
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 10:46 AM
Okay, so I find my place to be intolerable when it's hot and humid out. Doesn't this rest in my hands--shouldn't I have more spring in my step and do more cleaning when the weather is still good? What is the matter with me? Being happy in my home is within my control.
Karl
Posted: 20 June 2016 - 05:07 AM
My room has an unusual amount of stuff in it right now, as I had my old computers out for repair work, plus a newly donated (used) computer and printer. I've been out and about all weekend and haven't yet made the time to put everything away properly.
Tatoulia
Posted: 19 June 2016 - 07:32 PM
Excellent work, Tess! Very envious of all your hard work today! I only did routine stuff today--
I would love a warm chocolate chip cookie and a cold glass of milk! Congratulations on your great day and your sense of accomplishment!!
Tatoulia
Posted: 19 June 2016 - 07:32 PM
Excellent work, Tess! Very envious of all your hard work today! I only did routine stuff today--
I would love a warm chocolate chip cookie and a cold glass of milk! Congratulations on your great day and your sense of accomplishment!!
Tess
Posted: 19 June 2016 - 07:25 PM
You guys have motivated me again! I did laundry this morning at a laundromat. I've been feeling lazy today, so I was going to count that as cleaning for the day and do the other stuff I wanted to do before work tomorrow. After I read your posts, I got my butt up. I vacuumed the living room, swept the kitchen, picked up my new messes, cleaned the litter box and made my work and home to do list for tomorrow. Oh and I made chocolate chip cookies. I haven't been able to bake in 2-3 years. I'm loving my clean kitchen!
This weekend I also went to Target and Barnes and noble. I'm very proud of myself for not buying more than I needed. I'm so determined to dig myself out of this hole. That little win feels so good.
Hope you all had a good weekend!
Tatoulia
Posted: 19 June 2016 - 03:32 PM
Tillie, you are just such a sweetheart. Thank you for all of your support! I am home from taking various people various places. Haven't had a proper meal and so I am making an early dinner now. Took a shower, in pjs, and can drift off to sleep whenever I want. Only 4:30 here so hopefully not too soon!!!
Tillie
Posted: 19 June 2016 - 12:20 PM
Good Morning Everybody :)
Hi Diane :) Sounds like you have been having a great and relaxing time watching movies, playing with the loaner dog and getting out in the country! :D WAY TO GO! for maintaining living areas. Finding a proper balance between work and play is very important and you have been doing so much better. (((HUGS))) I remember way back when Cory asked you to agree to stop the constant shopping and how hard you worked on keeping that promise. We are all so very, very proud of you for breaking through that addiction. (((HUGS))):D
Hi Tatoulia :) Tea clink! ;) Yes, cats are so "helpful" when trying to make up a bed. lol :D Hope you had a great time at the party. :) Please try to get all the sleep and rest your body is telling you that you need. (((HUGS)))
Woke up this morning, looked around, rolled over and went back to sleep. Nothing pressing to get to today. Planning to go out and light the burn barrel soon as I get off the computer and get dressed. My garden really needs weeding again but my back is too achy. The garden can wait. ;P
Everybody enjoy this very last day of Spring. Tomorrow is the start of Summer. Happy Equinox! :)
Tatoulia
Posted: 19 June 2016 - 08:45 AM
Coffee clinks, Diane and Tillie! Diane, your post reminds me I need to be productive before the heat and humidity hits the East coast. I hate my place twice as much when the weather is humid.
Tillie, I am working in laundry this AM, hoping to get one load done before family duty calls! As soon as I finish this cup of coffee I'll quick change my bed--doesn't take too long unless a cat tries to help.
I need to make a list of things to do tonight. Other than going to a party yesterday, I basically just slept. I've been very tired these days and don't feel depressed, so I think it's okay to sleep. I'll keep an eye on the situation and make sure I'm not sleeping too much.
Ttyl!
Tatoulia
Posted: 19 June 2016 - 08:45 AM
Coffee clinks, Diane and Tillie! Diane, your post reminds me I need to be productive before the heat and humidity hits the East coast. I hate my place twice as much when the weather is humid.
Tillie, I am working in laundry this AM, hoping to get one load done before family duty calls! As soon as I finish this cup of coffee I'll quick change my bed--doesn't take too long unless a cat tries to help.
I need to make a list of things to do tonight. Other than going to a party yesterday, I basically just slept. I've been very tired these days and don't feel depressed, so I think it's okay to sleep. I'll keep an eye on the situation and make sure I'm not sleeping too much.
Ttyl!
Diane
Posted: 18 June 2016 - 08:11 PM
Hi Everyone. Today was a grey, rainy day so watched dvd's all day, was fun. Walked dog I am taking care of, lots of fetch, just a calm day. I worked all last week cleaning up junk in my yard, looks so much better. Wish I could work that many hours inside!!! Have maintained clean living area, still lots to do in craft (crap) room, but it is on hold for now. Tomorrow dog and I are going out in country for an outing before the heat wave arrives this week. Plan to work on cleaning more off deck and maybe craft room this coming week. I am practicing saying this is good enough, and stop myself, when I start criticizing myself, for not being better. I am doing good enough, thanks to you. Not sure I will ever really believe I am doing good enough, but have a glimmer of hope. Just by stopping the addictive thrift store shopping, I see change is possible
Tillie
Posted: 18 June 2016 - 03:48 PM
Hi Everybody :)
Hi Tatoulia :) Big Big WAY TO GO!!! For freeing yourself from the need to always be prepared just in case someone somewhere needs something someday. That is a very difficult impulse to overcome and YOU did it. (((HUGS))) GREAT job getting those gifts delivered! :D
Almost 2:00pm here. Wasn't much tidying up to do this morning, YEA! Today is hot and cloud covered and humid, yuck.:( But maybe it will rain???? :D Watching Netflix and doing some beading. He went into town and bought a new lawn mower today. Maybe he will mow the grass? ;)
TTYS :)
Tatoulia
Posted: 18 June 2016 - 09:51 AM
Hello everyone! Great reading your posts!
SusanL--how fantastic! Good work! That's a great accomplishment and a great reminder to all of us! I had a similar moment a few years back (when I first came on here) and it's probably worth mentioning again. I was cleaning out my closet and found all of these things that I had purchased, in case anyone ever needed the stuff. Anyone was never defined, mind you, I just wanted to be the family member, neighbor, friend, co-worker who could come to the rescue and have exactly what someone needed. As I made bag after bag after bag of these things, all unused, to be donated, I realized that it's not my job to rescue people--and it's not my job to be a warehouse--we have stores, STORES, where people can go to buy things they need. I don't need to stockpile for them. I couldn't believe it. Well, two or three years later, I have completely broken myself of that habit. It was eye opening.
Congratulations to Tess and everyone else on your successful weeks! I have delivered one of the two gifts that have been sitting around my house, unwrapped and undelivered, and have vowed to get the other one to the post office on Monday.
Take care! Thinking of you all and thanking you for your insights and support! Coffee clinks!
Tillie
Posted: 17 June 2016 - 05:35 PM
Good Afternoon Everyone :)
Hi Tess :) Thank you and You're welcome :) WAY TO GO!!! for doing the small time, quick task routine! :D Good luck with your plans for today, enjoy your book.
Since I did a lot of long put off things this week, I decided to take today off and go into town this morning. Had fun. :D
Tess
Posted: 17 June 2016 - 12:16 PM
Good job with the car and closet!
Thanks for the tips, Tillie. I did a 10 and later a 15 minute cleaning spurt yesterday. I'm back at work, so I did one in the morning and one when I got home. I used one to pick up my new messes and the second to work on cleaning a new space. I'd like to keep that up. It's very doable.
Today I'm going to work in the kitchen. Cleaning a cabinet, a drawer, and a shelf for use. I also need to give the floor a good scrub. When I'm done, I'm going to reward myself with an evening of reading.
Tillie
Posted: 16 June 2016 - 08:42 PM
Today I washed the car and dusted the inside too. I had not planned to do this. Surprised myself! :D
Tillie
Posted: 16 June 2016 - 04:55 PM
Hi SusanL :)
Thank you for this wonderful update. WAY TO GO!!! :D
I too, at 62, try to keep in mind that it's better to take care of things now while I still can. (((hugs)))
SusanL
Posted: 16 June 2016 - 01:56 PM
Hi all,
Wanted to share the story of our coat closet. We had to pull everything out for an electrical repair. Then afterwards we swept it out and started putting things back in. Lightbulb moment. Only the things we use should go back in there, right?
I kept out three large boxes of random papers that I had been saving to sort "LATER" and decided that later was now. It took about three weeks to go through them all, tossed more than half and filed the rest where I can actually find them in the future. It was kind of painful but I'm glad to have this task behind me.
I'm 64. Who knows how many more years I'll be in good enough shape to sort stuff. Gotta get it done.
Thanks all for the encouragement. Susan L
Tillie
Posted: 16 June 2016 - 11:43 AM
Good Morning Everyone :)
Hi Dave :) We have probably a hundred useless rolls of ancient tape around here too. None ever gets thrown away because he hopes that in another decade or two it will get better. Same as the crates full of tubes of assorted caulk that has all turned hard as rock. ;D
Dave
Posted: 16 June 2016 - 09:05 AM
Hi tillie: re: Green. I found some green duct tape. I decided I wanted to use some to cover something on a yellow shovel handle. The green cloth part of the tape peeled great. Unfortunately the glue layer did not come with it. So much for saving duct tape for 10-15 years!
Tillie
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 04:40 PM
WOW!!! Tatoulia :D Keeping those surfaces clear is such a FANTASTIC accomplishment! (((HUGS))) In time, you will be keeping them all dusted to your own liking. Making these changes all take time before they become more routine and the best part is that if you fall behind, it is fast work to get it back to tidy & clean. :D (((HUGS)))
Hi Tess :) A good cleaning routine is one customized to you, your lifestyle and how often things need attention. A single person with no pets has an easier amount to manage than a person with other adults, children and numerous pets living in the home. A good thing to do is to tidy up after yourself. Spend 5, 10 or 15 minutes a day cleaning up, straightening and putting away items that you have used or messes you have made. Notice how often your bathroom could use a good scrubbing, if weekly, then schedule that in. Floors? When do they usually need rewashing or vacuuming? If you cook/bake a lot the kitchen/oven will need more frequent cleaning than if you favor easier menus. See? it all depends on what and when stuff needs doing in your home. When the house is not cluttered and you keep up with tidying up after yourself, you should be able to do a general cleaning, bathroom, floors, vacuuming, dusting, etc. within just a few hours one day each week.
Well I made my banana bread and it is so nice for cooking today that I cooked a lot more stuff. Cleaned up the kitchen mess. Yea! me :) Now I have a bunch of home made, ready to eat stuff in the freezer. Think I will water later this afternoon, near evening. Right now I am eating some really good watermelon.
Tatoulia
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 12:59 PM
Hello! How wonderful to see so many posters! Hello Tillie. Diane, Tess, Anony., CM, Dave and anyone I may have missed!
My pile on the couch is almost gone. Got a good session in two nights ago. Last night I just slept and it was wonderful. So far not putting anything on the coffee table. It looks so pretty. Time to look back on the past few months: I have successfully kept the dining table clear for quite a while now. Sometimes i have flowers or pussywillows on it. Right now there's a silver tray with a few objects--looks really pretty. I have t been as diligent about dusting it and will work on that. Have kept the two side tables in my bedroom clear and clean (just lamps, coaster, clock and minimal decorative items, desk is exactly how I want it. Now to apply the same devotion to my coffee table. I will say its companion end table has remained clean and clear since inheriting them last year. So let me keep moving forward--I'm proof I can do it. I need to be better about dusting--shouldn't be an issue since not covered in junk. I'll work on that.
Tess, the only cleaning schedule I adhere to is I make my bed every morning and I change my sheets every weekend. I'd love to build on those habits. Right now I'm trying to make keeping dishes out of the sink into a habit and I'm almost at habit-level for folding and putting away laundry.
Hope everyone is well--good to hear from you all!!!!!
Tess
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 12:22 PM
Hi Tillie, sounds like you have an awesome day planned for yourself! Lol! I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I will definitely set aside some time to veg out later.
Tess
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 12:18 PM
Diane, hugs to you. That's the best reason to do it. Today I'm working on my motivation to get up and do a little more now that the emergency is over. I like the little bit of peace of mind that came with clearing out space. I can't deal with sorting through stuff today, but I'd like to at least clean the floors today. And maybe buy some flowers for my kitchen table now that I can actually see the table!
Can anybody recommend a good cleaning schedule?
Tillie
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 12:13 PM
Good Morning Everybody :)
Hi Tess :) YEA!!! :D So happy the "visit" went well. :)
Hi Anonymoniker :) GREAT! job getting those weeds! Enjoy the good feeling you get from looking at that weed-less area. :D
Hi Diane :) WONDERFUL! Cleaning just for your own self. :) No stress or pressure trying to please anybody but your own self. It is such a freeing realization isn't it? This is how it should be. (((HUGS)))
Hi Dave :) Yes, it is hard to pull those weeds when the rest of the whole world is holding tight to their roots. ;D The color choices are limited in his vast stash of spray paint squirreled away in the pump house. Mostly, they are shades of gray, primer or top coat clear, no colors of the rainbow. Red seemed to be the only color bright enough to catch the eye. He has a whole case of light green glow in the dark spray paint but it is Halloween grade and washes easily off with water.
Thinking today I will bake two loaves of banana bread, slice, wrap and freeze it for future breakfasts. That will only take about one hour, so I will have to find other things to do besides just vegging out watching Netflix. :D
Dave
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 04:06 AM
The red sounds bright. I guess we are more staid. Mrs Dave used black duct tape on the edges of the two bottom steps of the basement stairs.
Dave
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 04:05 AM
The red sounds bright. I guess we are more staid. Mrs Dave used black duct tape on the edges of the two bottom steps of the basement stairs.
Dave
Posted: 15 June 2016 - 03:57 AM
Weed pulling is getting harder now the ground is drying out.
Diane
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 06:47 PM
so happy it went well Tess Tillie sounds like a good solution, next you will be using glow in the dark paint. I had a new experience, cleaning in here for myself, maybe for the first time ever. No one coming over, so no stress, anxiety, pressure, just cleaned for myself, took breaks, such a new feeling, to clean with out the pressure of trying to make it ok for someone else, just cleaning to make it more comfortable for me. I don't ever recall cleaning without rushing to be acceptable to some one else.
Tess
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 06:12 PM
Hey Anon! It went well. I was finally able to eat and take a nap this afternoon. I was a wreck. I hear you regarding it hindering relationships. I have put off dating because of it. I know I'll eventually have to have my date over. Yikes.
Congrats on the weed pulling. Doesn't it feel good to accomplish something like that? Especially if you've been dreading it.
Anonymoniker
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 05:09 PM
Wow?! Tess, i hope all is going well? This could be the beginning of a wonderful new phase for you?! Being able to have people come here is a big motivator for me, even tho i am a very private person & have always considered my place my sanctuary, it has hindered having relationships in general. I am happy to report that i cleared some weeds to burn & it does make a difference & it was very easy, considering how nice it looks! YIPEEEE!!! :D Tillie, i love your story about your dream about using red paint! That is so neat! ;D Hello to all you Happy Hoarders!!! ~☆♡☆~
Tess
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 12:57 PM
Today I have to let people in my apartment for the first time in 5 years. To say I'm nervous is an understatement. I worked like crazy for the last 3 days to get ready. While it looks much much better, you can definitely tell it's not "clean". Especially the floors. Wish me luck. They'll be here in half an hour. I'm so nervous.
Tillie
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 11:35 AM
Good Morning Everybody :)
Hi Tatoulia :) WAY TO GO! YEA! for your beautiful weather :D Reason I live in deserts is because there is very seldom any humidity. Humidity is the worst. Crank up the music and "let the good times roll!" :)
Hi Anonymoniker :) What I like best about watching "HOARDERS" is listening to the therapists, Doctors, professional organizers and Cory Chalmers talking. The things they say are very, very insightful and helpful. WAY TO GO! for keeping up with healthy eating and exercising. :D
Hi Diane :) WAY TO GO!!! :D Cleaning up outside counts as much as cleaning up inside. Good plan to spend the rainy days working inside. :)
A good way to tackle a paper pile is to nibble away at it. Force yourself to periodically throughout the day to grab one piece, make a decision to keep or toss. This breaks it down into a less terrifying project. :)
Beautiful morning here. My vision/perception and balance is not what it used to be. The front porch is a cement platform with two steps down toward the front and both sides. Being all the same cement color it can be hard to see clearly exactly where these areas end and I am constantly worrying about falling. It came to me in a dream last night to paint the edges red. So, this morning while still in my nightgown and robe I did just that. Used red spray paint and a piece of cardboard, took maybe five minutes. :D Looks GREAT and really makes a difference.
TTYS :)
Diane
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 10:00 AM
Hi, was great reading all of your posts, I am impressed with all that you accomplished. Past few days I have worked all day in the yard. Cleaned up all kinds of things, crammed plastic stool, containers in garbage can, that were cracked or unusable. Moved huge wood stumps, rocks etc. I would be out there now if body wasn't so sore. Cancelled helper tomorrow, can't go through that this week. Have done nothing in here except dishes and laundry. Thought the shame would motivate me, but instead cool weather got me out cleaning and organizing the yard, where I love being. This week we will have cool weather and maybe rain, so will work in here. Next week will be hot. Crazy temp. swings. I want to start some rocks tumbling in tumbler this week. Tat, I too, have the paper problem, a little stack on table by chair where I am sitting, and on desk, seems most difficult to deal with, hopefully I will join your clean table club. Tillie I was so impressed with all that you have done, your body is really cooperating this year! How can I make this room better? thanks again for this wise question Tat, I think it was tat? Any who, off to see if I can make living area a little better, papers, vacuum laundry, dishes? We will see. Words are hard to find to express how much I appreciate all of you. Hi LR, Anon
Anonymoniker
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 12:30 AM
Wow, Tatoulia?! That is really inspiring? Continue that flow?!! Id love to be there?! Ive been really feeling more pressure to get things better, since my relationship fell apart. Im thinking of trying to find someone to hire, just to make myself do it by having someone come here on those days?!! Ive been considering getting some of the 'Hoarder'tv shows on dvd from the library to shock myself into hopefully positive change?!! I looked at some 'hoarder memes'and that really shook me up??!!?? Even with this devistating breakup, ive been being so good on eating healthy & exercising, but cant seem to make myself get anything done on this place....tho, the beautiful job my ex did on my backyard makes me think if i could just do that in the side & front yard, itd be like Heaven?!! I know i need to.....(sigh)
Anonymoniker
Posted: 14 June 2016 - 12:30 AM
Wow, Tatoulia?! That is really inspiring? Continue that flow?!! Id love to be there?! Ive been really feeling more pressure to get things better, since my relationship fell apart. Im thinking of trying to find someone to hire, just to make myself do it by having someone come here on those days?!! Ive been considering getting some of the 'Hoarder'tv shows on dvd from the library to shock myself into hopefully positive change?!! I looked at some 'hoarder memes'and that really shook me up??!!?? Even with this devistating breakup, ive been being so good on eating healthy & exercising, but cant seem to make myself get anything done on this place....tho, the beautiful job my ex did on my backyard makes me think if i could just do that in the side & front yard, itd be like Heaven?!! I know i need to.....(sigh)
Tatoulia
Posted: 13 June 2016 - 06:42 PM
Hello Tillie & Joan & everyone else!
I got three bags of garbage out tonight and two big bags of recycling. I don't know where it all comes from! But as long as it goes, I'm happy.
It is a joy to see my table. I'm doing laundry and picking at papers. Just got the kitty's blankets back from her holiday at my BF's and I need to wash those. I also took a big bag to the car to donate to goodwill. So I'm getting stuff out, Good feeling.
This feels good. Will out some music on and keep the good feelings coming my way.
Love to you all. PS Tillie the weather here has been mercifully cool and dry -- dry meaning no humidity--has been rain but rain I doesn't bother me, heat and humidity do, what a blessing.
Tillie
Posted: 13 June 2016 - 06:31 PM
Good Afternoon/Early Evening :)
Hi Tatoulia :) Wishing you strength and perseverance on the papers! :D (((hugs)))
Hi LR2014 :) So good to "see" you! Good luck with your plans. Wishing your wrists a speedy recovery. (((hugs)))
Hi Joan :)
This morning the weather was perfect window washing weather. All the windows and screens I can access have been washed inside and out. Hosed off the outside walls that are not buried in clutter too. Washed off the front porch, door mats and walkway too. Four windows and the back porch are not done due to being covered in his "stuff". Oh well..... Right now I am watering the grass with the sprinkler. It has been a busy day but I am so happy the windows are finally clean. :)
Missing so many of you. :(
Tatoulia
Posted: 13 June 2016 - 11:57 AM
Working on remnant pile from coffee table. Have moved to couch where it is very inconvenient and everytime I sit on couch I naturally start pulling out pieces of paper to deal with.
Cannot live like this, so I'm hoping to make some real progress on it.
Joan
Posted: 13 June 2016 - 05:26 AM
Tillie, that was a great post about "good enough". It is important that we aim to avoid extreme decluttering, as well as exteme cluttering. I am comfortable in most cluttered houses, but wretched in overly scoured spaces. The people who live in antiseptic environments are usually the most toxic to me.
Also, in response to the bit about the old sock: I DO give myself clean-up credits based on not just what or how much I address, but on how old the stuff is. It is much more difficult for me to move things around that have been with me longer.