WOW! Diane

You did some amasing adding to the June Challenge! :D

I am hoping that airing out the bedroom is what that room needed to get rid of the heavy mold smell. Closed up rooms always smell worse because the air is stagnant.

Sorry the dog gave you a hard time. :(

I think a heavy old futon should be counted as more than one item since it was so hard for you to move.
WTG! you are like Wonder Woman.

Tomorrow take it easier. Remember to play. (((hugs)))

The way I used to wash 2 cocker spaniels was to get naked in the tub with both dogs.
Get them wet and all lathered up.
Rinse them with the hand held shower head.
Then I would open the bathroom door and they would both run out where I had my son waiting with towels to dry them.
Then I would take a shower myself. :D

When I was all dressed again I would start brushing and combing them out.

I don't think I could give 3 dogs a bath in one day. You are amazing.

Hey diane,

You think giving one dog a bath takes a long time?... Try giving 3 dogs a bath all on the same day. It's exhausting! And by the time your done giving the baths, the bathroom will look like a tsunami. Lol. ;)

Snuggles absolutely hates getting baths, and Matt and Cory both love getting baths. So what I normally have to do is chase Snuggles around until I'm finally able to catch him; and then give him a bath first. And then after Snuggles is done being bathed, I give Matt and Cory their baths. :)

I always have to give Snuggles his bath first. because if I don't, then Cory and Matt will want to jump into the tub with Snuggles while I'm bathing him. Lol. :D

hello everyone, got up early and sorted stuff in bins from bedroom, filled my car with stuff, filled 3 bins I borrowed from thrift store, so will return tomorrow or the next day. Today dog will be picked up so had to give him a bath. He ran under daybead, couldn't get him out. Had to take heavy futon off then turn frame on its side to get him then he tried to bite me, I was ready to bite him, took so long to catch him. Bath and drying him took so much time. Then he was picked up and I had to vacuum and put things back together, decided I didn't want that heavy old futon any more so hauled it out to garage to put out with "free" sign, on Friday, when rain will stop. My dog peed on it a few times lately, not sure what that was about, figure the puppy from across street peed so she did too. Anyway, glad I decided to get it out of here. It was so heavy and awkward should have waited for help. Didn't spend much time in the big bedroom, brought stuff to living room to sort and clean. It doesn't seem to stink of mold as much today, but maybe because I didn't spend much time in there. Tomorrow will do more of the same. will have to deal with more clothes tomorrow. Feel good about what I did today, just so busy with the dog and futon, took up time.

Hey Tillie,

Actually Matt and Cory have been great with helping me train Snuggles. :D

Because Snuggles is always following Matt and Cory around and mimicking their behaviors. Like if Matt and Cory go outside, then Snuggles will want to go outside too. And if Matt and Cory walk up and down the stairs, then Snuggles will do it too. :)

Matt and Cory are wonderful big brothers. :)

Here is a link to a website in case anybody is interested. :)


http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm

Hi MayMay :)

After I have trained one animal (cat or dog) I just let them teach any newcomers.
The animals learn better from animal teachers than from us dumb humans. ;)

Hey Tillie,

I'M HERE! :D

I've just been super busy taking care of Snuggles lately. :)

Right now I'm in the process of training him so that he will be able to do all of the same stuff that Cory and Matt are allowed to do; like go to work with me and walk around without a leash on. :)

Right now I'm in the process of potty-training him, teaching him how to walk up and down stairs, and training him to follow me around without having to be on a leash. :)

Where is everybody today? :(

Good morning :)

Have watered most everything in the yard.
Fed the cats, scooped litter boxes.

Today my plan is to systematically look through cupboards, cabinets, drawers and nooks & crannies for items to add to my June Challenge total.
As I search I will also wipe off any dust in these areas and make sure the areas are tidy & neat.

Weather forecast for today is wind and blowing dust. :(
Nice day to stay inside.

Scooter, the kitten, is feeling much better today. Still a little sore at the injection site.
Veterinarian said he is doing very well considering how ill and malnourished he was. No more medications but now he has a daily cat vitamin to help build up his immune system.

TTYL :D

WAY TO GO! for tooth brushings going on! :D
I was a surgical assistant specializing in oral maxillofacial surgery and good oral hygeine is important to your overall good health. :D

Evening time about 6 adult quail came walking through my yard.
With them I counted 19 teeny tiny newly hatched babies and one other a little bit bigger. :D

Roxie, keep aiming for those gold stars! :D

Diane, so happy you haven't seen any leaks! :D
WAY TO GO! on all you accomplished today!
Sleep well tonight and remember to take those breaks and play tomorrow. ;)

The kitten got his shots today and he's sore and tired. Sleeping all cute now in my bed.

heavy downpour, checked ceiling in bedroom, no sign of leak
went out in garage and found the wire hangers etc.
did dishes
put shoes I wear in shoe holder, couldn't find them when needed shoes for work last winter, so this year they are easy to find
sore throat tonight, not sure if it is because of mold or dust, enjoying relaxing the rest of the evening

Diane, I'm hanging around today trying to support "Me" on the Welcome board thread. She's in distress.

My system of putting one slash mark on my calendar to indicate I took my meds has always helped. Now putting another slash to indicate I've brushed my teeth is very helpful. Like a gold star, I want that X to show up! LOL

Thanks Roxie, I brushed my teeth last night when I didn't want to because of things I read on here, like you brushed this morning, good for you, maybe I will brush twice today, who knows?

went back in, feel like I am describing a war zone---got 12 more exercise tapes, then cleaned off shelfs, so many cute things on there, will be difficult to decide, but for now they are all together to be decided upon in living room and rack is empty, too tired to move or clean it right now, so another break, maybe that will wait until tomorrow or, at least much later, need to go outside fo my break and that could last for a few hours. Might go out and paint some boards that is always fun, why you ask? I want to put them up in garage where roof is a little crooked and where it is starting to sag, love seeing if I can fix things. Well I see the bedroom is going to take all week, at least so need some fun, and no shortage of paint, that is for sure, or boards for that matter. Need to donate more paint not today though. Thanks Tillie, know I need to take everything out of there, but needed to be reminded that is the right thing to do, just so much stuff. Not all today though, thanks. Tomorrow morning I can hit it again. Did accomplish enough for today, need to keep reminding myself.

Like Tillie said, you did fantastic today, Diane, so you have amnesty to relax now and not worry about what comes ahead. Do the Scarlett O'Hara, "I'll worry about it tomorrow" thing today.

As for my I am living vicariously. Big whoop, I got my teeth brushed today.

So sorry I missed Susan last night. :(

Diane,
Yes, I did suspect you tend to hoard paint. ;)lol
Once you get the items all sorted and out of that room we can then work on all the necessary repairs.
Too hard to see what all will need to be done till the room is empty.

You have done FANTASTIC today!
But now you need to rest & relax and feel good about this great start.
Remember this is NOT a marathon and we don't want you to burn out.

The clorox wipes are ok for the wiping down walls and stuff. :D

Are you planning to paint the room?
If so, you may first need t treat the moldy areas and then seal with KILZ or some other sealant.

You have every right to put the dogs away from you. I understand how you feel. That darned kitten never gives me a moments rest either.
He has gone off to work this afternoon and then off to the Vet at 3:30 today.
So I am now able to sit peacefully for a while. ;D

Keep the big picture in mind.
You relaxing and sleeping in the big bedroom with the nicer bathroom. ;) (((hugs)))

no spray lysol that I can find anyway. I have the clorox wipes that are good for germs. Says not to use on unpainted wood, so hoped it was ok to wipe down wall and ceiling with it, did section by bed, and used wipe on bed frame, those wipes stink
Do feel better knowing I did all that I could in that area, next will do the rack at end of bed, has lots of clutter and spider webs, once cleaned off, will move and vacuum under bed and at both ends, then will have one wall done, that is my goal for today. That will be enough for today. Wiped down bathroom with wipes and it is still clean from last week, so that was nice to see. I was going to keep some tapes on yoga and tai chi and pilates then thought, havent used them yet, why not donate, and if I ever want to exercise to dvd, I can buy a new one, just get rid of all of them, will pull all of those out of there when I get rested, so nice taking breaks, thanks for teaching me the importance of breaks.

Thanks Roxie and Tillie. Roxie, I did replace whole toilet with a good one, over a year ago,it no longer leaks, referred to old leaks.
Thanks for mold info Tillie and roxie.
Tillie I appreciate the lysol spray tip, will try, did open window and deck door.
Update, there were 16 gallons of paint under bed, mostly full, luckily none leaked through onto carpet. Took 48 VHS tapes to donate, there is another box, haven't looked at yet, want to keep a couple that haven't watched, one on Paris, one on fly fishing lesson, and one a travel show, forgot where.
Did I mention I am a paint hoarder.------
Tillie, forgot to hug you for putting up with his antics yesterday.
Did Susan get a turn with you last night, I was outside when I came back in she asked who was still in room, seemed she didn't get a turn. We decided she would work 15 minutes a day on hoard. Not sure if she is talking to Sheryl online. Needs support.
Ok, I just made some tuna/salmon/yogurt concoction and ate it.
Problem: both dogs, mine and dog sitting dog, are following me around non stop and it is really irritating me, so locked them out in yard. They are cling ons because I am clearing out that room, when in the garage they don't care. Now I am feeling guilty got so irritated with them, but darn it, this is hard work, and I deserve some space from them, and to eat with out them staring at me. Some can relate that I need to believe I deserve some peace and space. I am doing ok, feel pressured to get stuff off deck and make decisions, clouds rolling in, supposed to rain. I have already worked hours and there is so much more to do. feel I must move everything to clean behind/under, have found droppings and cob webs, plus mold, so sad, let it get this bad. As they said last night, look at what I have accomplished today and feel joy, as well as joy at my willingness to tackle this most difficult area. Thanks, Roxie and Tillie, I would feel so bad doing this without you. there is hope, and yes, it is affecting my breathing a little, that is why I left room and got on here. Need to spray windows etc before cleaning dust and webs off sills etc. Bathroom window is open, already cleaned last week thank goodness

Mold can be easily cleaned by using bleach. Just be sure the room is well-aired and you don't over breath the fumes!

Your toilet may need a new O ring, which is not too hard to fix. You turn off all the water, drain the toilet (repeated flushing). Have a large sturdy garbage bag nearby. Unscrew the toilet from the floor, unscrew the plumbing lines to it, life the toilet onto the garbage bag. Check the O ring, check the floor and subfloor around the toilet. If signs of mold, treat that.

Then you can get the same size O ring cheap at a hardware store, fit it in place, plunk the toilet down on it, then reverse all the previous instructions, being sure to firmly seat the toilet and tighten the bolts (don't go crazy tight, just firmly tight).

For carpet, pull up the edge of the carpet and try to look at the floor beneath. If mold removal is needed, you may need to replace the carpet or a section of it. And treat the floor area.

Diane,
First let me give you a big (((HUG)))

You have made a great start already. :)
Mildew is mold.
We need to get a good look at the areas to see just what is going on there. May be just mildew or may be some other type of mold.
This CAN all be fixed. Please don't let mold stop you.
So happy the mice didn't get down into the bedding! :D
Get as much fresh air flowing into the room as possible. Keep the window open day and night to make the air better.
There are many types of molds and most are not the toxic mold. But any molds can cause allergies and breathing problems.
To cut down on mold spores in the air while you work in there spray Lysol disinfectant spray through the area, leave and let the mist settle.
Lysol kills mold spores.

Thank you MayMay and Roxie :D
It was extremely stressful.
Also he is a big DramaQueen when doing any home repair stuff and that really wears me down too.
When he saw he had broken the valve he started going on and on about how he was going to have to tear up the floor in my little room to get to all the water pipes.
Fortunately, the men at the hardware store told him to just buy a new valve and install that.
LOL ;D

Thanks for last night, and yes couldn't sleep so at 5:30 was up, made coffee and headed to the dreaded bedroom. Baby steps, took all colored and wood hangers out, they were everywhere, thrift store will get them when return their tubs, nice I borrowed them and need to return them this week, I do these tricks to make me fill them up and return.
Next took all storage bins, racks, overnight bags out to deck, piled all clothes together. Put all tools, and paint in one area in hall to take to garage Had several foam cushions in there, all on deck, now can get to bed. Took all linens off bed. You were right, mice slept on bedspread, and the best I could tell on sheet, bottom sheet and mattress cover had no droppings, all bedding is on deck, will shake and wash unstained ones. The mattress is a new memory foam one I bought several years ago, tried it off, so nice Tipped it up, no gross stuff underneath so think it is fine. I kept thinking I will do one more thing, after 3 hours, I am tired and hungry.
Help needed. The room smells, not sure if it is mold or mildew, or are they the same. Cant tell if it is floor or ceiling. I see leak area in roof and the toilet leaked under linolium and carpet, and then there were the two separate times I left bath running and flooded the closet. Is there a way to treat this? Or would I have to pull up carpet and replace? Would vinegar or bleach kill whatever it is. That is one of the reasons I moved to small room, now that I smelled that, I remembered, fear of mold.
I won't let that stop me, still need to get rid of all that crap to keep mice out. thanks Tillie for all of your support and advice.

Tillie, that was a stressful day for you. I'm glad it is fixed!

Hey Tillie,
I'm glad your husband was able to fix the water valve. :)

Update...
He fixed the water valve and we have water again.
Won't know if he left any leaks till the pumphouse dries out a bit.
He had a major flood in there. :)

Well :(
He broke the valve for the main water shut off and now can't turn the water back on. :(
I have a very very bad headache now. :(

Oh well :(

It's Sunday and for me Sundays are chatty days. Don't know why? I'm typically quiet and a loner.

Dianne, your granddaughter will LOVE to get the jewelry. Great idea.

I actually gave a dainty rhinestone necklace to the lady crew member of my cleanout group. She was thrilled to get bling and I got rid of one of a vast number of rhinestones googaws I have (both my collection and my mom's). I did inquire at our thrift store if they thought gaudy rhinestone jewelry would sell and they said "heck,yes." Some of the rhinestone pieces are pins and matching ear rings I never wore and never would. They are probably from the 1940s and 1950s from mom.

Diane, I think giving that guy some work and helping yourself in the process is a GREAT idea.

I got some work done then went downtown for a street faire. Surprised it wasn't much fun, seen it all before kind of feeling, nothing new and exciting, looked like lots of junk to me now that my full time job is getting rid of stuff. I ran into a guy that I know, he lost his job and told me of some of the jobs he has done for people, like cleaning out a garage for a hoarder, yep, I will call him and have him make some money in my garage, it is worth paying him, since he said he has cleaned filth before, I am getting tired of the dirt and how much I have done myself, time to try hiring. I keep backing out of help from friends, but this guy needs work. Dropped off 3 bags of books, bags of shells, at thrift store today, wow I should have counted shells, would have been a huge number for the June Challenge!!! Some were really pretty, all gone. Borrowed 3 plastic bins from thrift store to fill and return.

Sorry it's been so long since I last posted.
Every time I sit down that darned kitten starts crawling all over me and it still bites so I haven't had a chance to sit and relax let alone get on the computer. Darned kitten loves attacking my hands when I type and he is always on the keyboard clicking on stuff & away from the page. :(

Anyways, :)
Have my laundry caught up, kitchen clean and all those other little daily tasks completed.
The darned kitten is outside with my hoarder, playing in the hoard.
So, I was also able to sit, relax and enjoy eating my lunch today. :D

My hoarder is now fixing an outside faucet that has been leaking for 3 years. :D
I am just hoping that this does not end up being worse than the constant drip we already have.
He is not very good at doing things like this. :S

Karl,
WAY TO GO! gREAT JOB PASSING THAT INSPECTION! :D

Hi Diane :)
Wonderful progress!
It is hard work processing all those long forgotten bags of mystery items. Maybe not too hard physically but mentally it can be extremely hard.
Be ready to walk away from it all, clear your head and rest when it gets to be stressful.
(((hugs)))

Lynn,
Maybe there is someone else commuting who you can ride share with.
They would have to be dependable though and have a dependable car too.
But anyways, keep this in mind. :)

Dianne :)
BIG (((HUGS)))
For everything! :D


Remember ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP today at 5:00pm PST. ;)

Dianne, good job pushing forward. Remember that makeup definitely has a shelf life. Anything not used in one year gets tossed. Some say 6 months.

Costume jewelry, at least for me, is fairly easy to sort through. If you won't wear it again, put it into a donation bag and get it out of there. I had some great costume jewelry, but very dates (say the ugly 80s). For me, I used small Ziploc bags to bag individual items or sets, then put all into a larger bag and out to the car for delivery to the donation location.

Lots of others giving LynnS great advice here!

Lynne, you could put a note up in the lunch room to rent a room in someones house that works there, that lives close, pay her with first paycheck. When I had to commute in California, I just left extra early. You will figure it out keeping your job is your priority.

Thanks diane and good job with all that work at the garage :)

The only worry that I have now is construction on the expressway that I take is the main way how I get to there. If construction hinders my way to get there if I'm called in to come for a certain time I don't know how late I'll be and that could be points against me unless I can call it in and tell them due to construction or road closeures for something.
That truely is my only worry. Oh how I hate consruction season on the expressway to work!

Hope everyone is having a great evening. :)

Wow, thanks everyone for the support. Karl, so happy to read you passed inspection. Dianne and Tillie,thanks,still have to remind myself of the amnesty to toss anything I want to toss, and that you can not organize a hoard. Congrats Lynn, hopefully you can find a place to live close to job very soon. Your first time living on your own, you deserve it. Be careful not to look at what is wrong with the job/commute, that is your mothers way, focus on what you are grateful for on the long drive.
I think my competitiveness is why I keep going out to the garage, there are thousands of things to throw away out there, and really trying to accomplish alot on June challenge. Then wonder what I will do in July!!!! The thing about the garage is that I keep pulling more and more bags of stuff out that I bought at garage sales or thrift stores that haven't been opened since purchase, years ago. I thought of the time Dianne tossed a bag of new clothes, I am still terrified to toss bags without looking in them first, then may pull out a thing or two, not only is this wasting time, it is keeping things that I wil have to toss later, so I took a break, and will rethink the process. Thanks Roxie for all your words of wisdom. Ok, I think I have done enough for today, need to take a shower, hope everyone is enjoying today.

Thanks everyone!

I'm betting the only way and some days I may be able to post anything at all is maybe on
Saturdays or Sundays depending on my schedule.

If I get a 12hr shift it will be added to my 2hour commute both to and from totalling 16hrs so I'll need every minute of sleep I can get and on a very tight schedule. It won't be for five days a week though but it will sure be tiring. Alot of unexpected calling in work or unscheduled calls from the manager can happen and I could be asked to work some shifts sometimes one after another.

Congrats on all who did all that hard work.

Karl congrats on that inspection.

I can't remember who did what else but don't let any guilt creep up on you.

Congrats to all Dianne, diane Karl, Tillie, Roxie, (I can't remeber who else) who are working hard to make room for the better things in life... :)

The landlords just left. They're happy with the state of the living room.

The new target is the kitchen and dining area. In this case there's not terribly much clutter -- a few glass jars and miscellaneous plastic containers -- but they want the stove hood removed and scrubbed down, and the drip pans replaced, etc.

Hi Kara,
I believe you CAN do this. :D

Diane,
Don't worry about the items you are tossing.
Think only about yourself and your health and happiness.
You are on a mission to get your home and home life all sorted out.
The world will not miss those items, there is still plenty available at the thrift shops.
Once you have your home under control you can then donate and recycle.
Think of the time and energy you are not wasting cleaning and carting off items.
AMNESTY to throw away perfectly good stuff gives you the ability to get your home decluttered faster and makes it easier on you physically.
(((hugs)))

Karl,

Good luck and best wishes.
Thinking about you today. :D

Lynn,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :D

I got that job in a factory. No one from the cleaning company ever called me back after the interview.
I had orientation yesterday at 1p for the factory job. I didn't get back until 5:30p.
It's the season for CONTSTRUCTION. The highway is under construction in which is the way I go for the factory job. I only have 2 other alternate routes to get there. It still is a 45minute commute just on the freeway now with good weather and no accidents.

The other alternate routes take an hour and more to get there. With a possible 12hr shift it will be even a longer work day for me.
But I'm glad that I have a job.
There are possible options to work an 8hr shift if they are available. I hope that I can also get an 8hr shift.
The first shift is from 4am to 4pm. an 8 hour shift would be from 2p to 10p. I don't know the other 8hr shifts yet.
Whoo Hooo!! I'm glad to have a job.

Thanks Dianne! :)
A play date sounds like a great idea. :)