Feeling better today.
I didn't throw any off or away.
I could of ,but I know I would of regrets it.
I have alot of good stuff. I think I just need to find a space that can keep it all. However I need to manage it vigilantly. Not not like a hoard in the form of an abandoned pile. Bug hoard in the form of a wall of photographed tubs. Whatever cannot fit in the wall or in a place in the house .
Needs to not be apart of my life.

I got through 1 large tub of paper today.
As long as I improve my situation a little bit everyday. A little mess is OK, but alot of mess is unacceptable. I don't like being the only person whom is responsible for the cleanliness of the living spaces. But I just need to complete the cleaning any how.
I have an appointment with a cleaning service.
I asked. *visiting nurse services. For a reference, a week later I got a name . They will be here on Friday.
To be honest I get overwhelmed when I go into their rooms and try to clean as they attack me verbally .it's bullspit. But it has to done. I just trying g to find a away to decrease drama, but maintain healthier level of cleanliness...

I know it's just anxiety. Not good at working through it slowly like with CBT.

I usually just stop . And avoid the triggers .
But I follow through with revisiting or repairing issues. I see the hoarder in me. Something I'm not comfortable with. I think I need to expand my routine to a monthly routine.

Where I clear then clean my environments once a month. I fear if I don't then I allow things to accumulate in spaces .

So to be clear. My struggle was to get the house clear and cleaned.

But after I accomplished it . Instead of relaxing, I still feel a sense of anxiety about maintaining it. Maintaining all the common areas with bossing everyone around. When I vent I go too far.

I know I make the mood. Of cleaning together a chore rather than a positive or a good time cleaning together. Like I'm forcing everyone to work as hard as I do.

Good Morning Everybody :)

Hi Tatoulia :)
Wonderful that you took some time off from your other obligations and rested.
(((HUGS)))
Good luck tomorrow with getting to the office early. ;D

Hi Pain :)
By tossing everything out you were then able to truly see how you felt about having everything gone.
Sometimes it helps to do something radical but also reversible to really get to the bottom of our thoughts and emotions.
One way is to completely remove everything from a room or maybe just a closet, shelf or drawer.
Enjoy the emptiness of the space for a while
then slowly bring back in only the items that you really want in there.


Hi Anonymoniker :)
WAY TO GO!!! for your fresh clean yard! :D

Hi CriticalMass :)
There are a LOT of very good videos on Youtube on decluttering.
Everybody who ever wrote a book or worked with hoarders has a Youtube video.
Videos by people who recorded all their steps to declutter their own homes or their parents homes.
Videos of hoarding shows like "Buried Alive" or the 'Hoarder Next door".
Honestly, I have spend way too much time watching videos on Youtube. ;D


Hi again Tatoulia :)
You posted while I was composing my post! ;D

Raining pretty good this morning.
Rain predicted for all the next week.
Yesterday I fixed my clothesline T pole and organized/inventoried all the lawn & garden stuff neighbor friends gave me before they moved.
Had that stuff safely stored in the pump house over the Winter.
With all the plant food, bug killer and weed killer my garden will be looking so good this year! :D

Arg--even further behind today than I was yesterday. I have an hour before picking up mom. I will change my sheets now as I did nothing last night other than shower.

I had a moment of despair.
I started.just throwing it all away.

I kept thinking about what you said earlier ,
About pulling some of it back out of the dump.

I put it all back, I do need to purge, but no need to go complete minimalist.
I kind don't know what I want to do. So I'm just putting it all back and act like today never happened. Just when I think I'm normal . I go and try to throw away everything I've ever owned.

If I had to guess ,I was trying to have control over my situation even though I have very little Control.
Hmm what I needed to do was find a creative outlet.

Hey everyone! Good to hear your progress!

I have done everything but stuff involving the house the last two days. I will shower now then change sheets and keep on shredding stuff. It's good to read everyone's progress!

Tomorrow is a day off. I'll get mom out then relax. I'm trying to psych myself into going into office early in Tuesday/be at my desk by 7. That sounds impossible but I'm going to try. That's a full two hours before I usually arrive.

Getting rid of stuff feels so good. I'm going to maybe help mom tomorrow with that too. We will see if she feels up to it. I don't like to press her where she's so old.

CM, that is really funny you suggesting that particular saying, cuz its the saying his ex he keeps getting back with used a lot...ha ha

Everybody's keeping busy - good energy begets more good energy, looks like!

Read back through posts -

Pain - your planning strategies and progress in carrying them out continue to inspire. I like to plan yet with hoarding it hasn't always been clear how. I think it's a skill that improves with continued practice, though. I seem to be finding it easier. I didn't know there were YouTube videos on decluttering - but then, I don't go on YouTube really often. May have to check those out.

I hope your living situation decision, and move if necessary, go(es) well.

Tatoulia - I like that mantra "I loved it long enough"! My corollary is that if it's not just trash, I'll then bless someone else with it. I think FlyLady said that originally.

We who hoard usually possess creative, innovative minds, therefore we almost always can think of uses for items, in fact we can probably think of many uses the original manufacturer never dreamed of! I love being creative, but it can lead me to hoarding. I either have to dial down the creative part of me when decluttering, or try to redirect it toward coming up with creative strategies for the work at hand. Like Pain's planning, for instance. Channel that energy in a different way.

My beloved Don Aslett the clutter expert in one of his books points out the cost of storing something is usually worse than the cost of replacing it if it turns out we really did need it later.

Anony - glad kitty is recuperating well. Glad too that your heart seems to be mending. Like you said, just do the next step, whether it's in decluttering or moving forward after the breakup. If he tries to draw you into his drama, just say "Not my circus, not my monkeys"!

This morning I did some more on the Box 'O Papers and now there is only a much smaller bag, and I anticipate most of its contents will be recorded and shredded. I filled the ratty old box with sticks from the garden and put it in the dumpster. This afternoon my roommate and I went to do errands and stopped by the storage unit. But I didn't do much. I'd hoped to find a few things I decided to recycle, couldn't find them, grabbed a small sack of other things plus a box to throw away, and decided I'd just wait till I was by myself to do more. It has been a beautiful weather day and I didn't want to make her antsy waiting for me. I was a little disappointed but I'll catch up next time I'm out there. Overall things are going well.

Hey, I've been thinking about Diane. Anyone hear from her lately on another thread? Hope she is well and happy.

Pain, i am really impressed how well you have planned all this out & carried it through! You are amazing!!! :D
I remembered as i was loading this truck & unloading it at the dump, how its almost like throwing that junk out 3 times! I have to resist pulling stuff back out to keep, which the stuff i did pull out, really was a good call cuz i do need to keep certain types of scrap materials & i am proud of my small pile i kept! The memories are like in triplicate, tho!
My place actually looks better now(outside), than its looked in 20 years! The lush green groundcover will be obnoxious weeds in a few months, but with the areas ive cleaned up & the spring greens, it is gorgeous!!! :D
~☆~☆♡☆~☆~

I prompted everyone to have a closet purge day.

Remove everything.
Put unwanted items Into trash bags.
Put keepers on the beds.
"I will put it all back in for you."

I don't understand why it's so hard.


I'm spending all day in my daughter and my storage. I'm going to start making the harder decisions.

Another thing is I have a stack of papers 9 foot high. Lol .
OK I have a stack of tubs 9 foot high filled with papers.

I plan to bring 1 tub a day home on Weekdays.
And go through that tub until it is done.
Everyone in the house can participate.
Most of the legal stuff has long past. So it's more just making sure pictures and birth certificate and other irreplaceable papers aren't tossed.

It's a good plan.

I called my go to guys on being ready to move.
Everything seems great.


Moving check list.

Hoard In storage already.

Near by storage with capacity to hold
Couch,dinning room , kitchen, bicycles, lawn mower, air Conditioning.

Three helpers with three trucks to help move bed rooms.

Quick drive-by. Took day off, meaning didn't get together with family as usual. Slept late then got hair cut. Now thinking about my day

Hello to everyone--keep up the good work!

Another Drive By

I think the excitement about the storage help is making me motivated, plus I wanted to procrastinate on outdoor work (LOL!), so I opened the box of papers (bills mostly) that's been sitting for months and started going through it. I'd say I'm 1/3 to 1/2 of the way. Got a bag to give to my friend who recycles and a smaller bag of shredding, plus I shredded some. Need to empty the shredder bucket before I can do more.


It also was like an endurance test, because there are lots of papers in the storage unit I'll be doing the same thing with eventually. I think I'll do fine! And if this plan works out to move the storage closer to where I live, I will be able to do it at a steady pace so it gets done but I don't burn out. I won't feel like I have to do a ton in a day or feel guilty about the gasoline to go back and forth. I can just do a small amount, then go back and do more.

I'll do some in the meantime while I'm waiting to hear news, too, because that'll be that much less to fiddle with later.

I feel good! :) :) :)

My plan if I need to move tomorrow.

Completed
The hoard is already able to fit into its own storage unit. Is at discount long term rate.


Active
A second unit is available to me. For temporarily moving the living room, dinning room, and kitchen, bicycles, refrigerator,stove,air Conditioners,tools.
Move these rooms as early as possible. 3pm deadline.

Active
Part three is to assign moving buddies per each individual bedroom.

Wife's moving buddy is her brother in his truck.
Daughters moving buddy is my brother insisting van.
My moving buddy is my nephew in his truck.

This way everyone can focus on their own bedroom space. And move in this guide.
2 hours to pack up and load vehicle.
2 hours to reach destinations
2hours to inlaid vehicles and set up beds and place furniture.
Needs to start by 3pm to finnish by 9pm.

Landlord came today without notice demanding a tour.
I let them in, but I told them they need to give 24hrs notice per the lease. Thing is this is our second property management company. They tried to get me to sign a new lease on the spot. I said nope. And to leave. One guy was big dude and I've never gotten along with he acts like he is a god of maintenance. He was moving furniture away from walls and not putting them back.

Basically they gave us a verbal 30 days if we didn't resign a lease. Daughter graduates by June 1st. So March,April,May. I told them I'm not making any decisions today. I told them they need to make any and all requests in writing.
Worst case scenario. We move by April 1st and have to either transport daughter to school 100 miles or have enroll in a new school. So it's not a preferred situation, but it's not a disaster emergency.
At least we won't need to move the hoard until we're ready to. I can think of four reasons that the property management team should go to hell. But I'm not emotionally attached to this place so I can just deal with it. I know if vent about it wife she'll just get angry at the situation and try to make me feel what she feels in a dysfunctional way.
So I letting her make the decisions. That way she's not fighting me. Like I've said in a earlier post last month. She's hurt me emotionally so many times in so many ways . If today was our last day together I'd be ready to move on tomorrow. I know that sounds cold. But we're a family , we're just parents living together, than husband and wife.
With her being so sick I'm just not going to abandon her. Nor do I want move on. I believe we are better for our daughter to stay together till she graduates high school. But I'm not going to fight what my wife wants to do.

I hear her mother whispering to her and when I make a noise she makes Shh Shh Shh noises. I mean really ? Well it aromatherapy balls are in everyone else's court. I'll have to wait and see what the landlord wants to do. And what my wife wants to do after we find out.
I've been slowly buying things so if we ever separated . Many things are duplicated and some thing in triplicate. .
Is mostly the big contributions to the hoard.
Out fear of starting over with nothing.

I don't like the idea of living in an efficiency apartment that I have throw away everything I have just to live there. Or live within a hoard.

I refuse to share a bedroom with the wife. Hygiene being my issue. We've had separate rooms for ten years. My room is usually filled with tubs of clutter, but her room is filled with laundry and trash.


Well,
Seems the videos were right on the spot!
To be ready for an unexpected purge?
We have to spend time with the hoard to purge in advance of the unexpected.

This was a lesson I learned last year watching YouTube videos about purging a hoard tips and tricks.
The second lesson. I learned from the experience of actually purging my personal and family's hoard.

The storage unit must have the capacity to swallow the entire hoard.- to avoid unstacking and restacking.
I divided the purge into to phases .
Phase 1.
Moving things unpurged to clear living space.
Phase 2.
Separating clutter per individual. Everyone's stuff must be separated from each other.
There stuff needs to be separated into three categories
1 valuables of $20 or more.
2 large items
3 small items

I was lucky to buy small tubs when they where on sale. So the late items could put Into a single layer nothing overlaping. And photographed Into a easy to view slideshow.
And shoe boxes filled with small things in a single layer nothing overlapping. And photographed Into an easy to view slideshow.

Once my living space was cleared and then cleaned.
I only brought back the valuables I wanted to keep.
I set up a way to sell things I dont want to keep.
If they don't sell in a months time I take them to a donations center for tax deductions.

Our hoard is about 1/3 gone.
My personal hoard is 3/4 gone.
I still Scan memories and photograph things I'm emotionally attached to. But I'm trying to purge large things let them go.

Tatoulia, i got to thinking about my regrets of stuff tossed and realized, of the maybe 15 tons of crap that has gone to the dump, it was only maybe 20 items that i regretted! So, looking at it like that, that is not bad at all!!! :D
Yesterday i collected these 20 year old sheets of fiberglass panels that are horridly crumbling, into the truck & the dang tailgate wouldnt close & it was an aweful mess to try to rearrange them! Every movement i made little glass sparkles went into the air! My arms are all itchy from it getting into my skin! I just know if id gotten my worker-friend-hoarder to take them, hed not have even tried to be careful & itd be everywhere even worse! He is such a mix of help, cuz hes a way worse hoarder than i ever was, and is so happy to take junk loads, so he can go through it & keep stuff,but when it comes to fixing stuff, he insistes on using old crap parts, etc.! At least i now know what to call him for! :D
I am loving the way it looks out back now! What a difference this past couple weeks has made! ~♡~Love to all!~♡~

Tatoulia, i got to thinking about my regrets of stuff tossed and realized, of the maybe 15 tons of crap that has gone to the dump, it was only maybe 20 items that i regretted! So, looking at it like that, that is not bad at all!!! :D
Yesterday i collected these 20 year old sheets of fiberglass panels that are horridly crumbling, into the truck & the dang tailgate wouldnt close & it was an aweful mess to try to rearrange them! Every movement i made little glass sparkles went into the air! My arms are all itchy from it getting into my skin! I just know if id gotten my worker-friend-hoarder to take them, hed not have even tried to be careful & itd be everywhere even worse! He is such a mix of help, cuz hes a way worse hoarder than i ever was, and is so happy to take junk loads, so he can go through it & keep stuff,but when it comes to fixing stuff, he insistes on using old crap parts, etc.! At least i now know what to call him for! :D
I am loving the way it looks out back now! What a difference this past couple weeks has made! ~♡~Love to all!~♡~

Good Morning Everyone :)

Cold dark day here, no playing outside today.
Been up and doing lots of little things inside.
Tidying up and putting away and catching up on things I have neglected while I was outside.
Nothing much really, just sorta puttering around.
Another 3 day weekend coming up.
Maybe I'll get a little help fixing my clothes line T poles.

Anybody have plans for the weekend? ;D

Hey Peeps :D

Wonderful to read all your posts!

Hi Tatoulia :)
Wonderful that you don't try to stockpile or save for Justin Case!
Hope you never regret no longer having the diaries.
Remember only the good and positive things and leave the painful memories in the past. (((HUGS)))

Hi CriticalMass :)
I make lists too. Some are long lists but most are just a few things jotted down on a post-it note.
So excited about the help you have coming.
Please keep us updated on the developments! (((HUGS)))

Hi Anonymoniker :)
Happy Kitty is doing OK :D
So GREAT that you have that truck and such a positive happy feeling loading it up! (((HUGS)))

Hi Pain :)
We all are grateful to have you here with us.
(((HUG)))

Horrible wind storm raged all day.
Some damage around the property. My pretty glass hummingbird feeder is shattered on the ground. :(
Will do some clean up next day it's nice out there.
Went to town for some gardening stuff.
Got a small rake and some tree & shrub anti icky bug treatment.
Steer manure still not stocked in the stores.
I'd get it from the Dairy but I don't want a big heap of raw manure dumped straight into the car.
Rather have the bagged stuff in the trunk.
Tumbleweeds rolling everywhere, dust all over everything, including me. LOL :D

Cm I like your plan of giving your friend the full picture. Very smart idea. She needs to see the totality of the circumstances! Very pleased for you!

Anony, I am happy you have a truck! And I'm impressed by your strength with the Ex. Some people like to be stringing a number of people along at one time. It feeds their ego, it keeps drama going, there's never a dull moment, etc. good show if strength. Yay on kitty doing better!

Oooh I can't remember who said she sometimes feels regret when getting rid of stuff. I am lucky that I haven't experienced that. I know it's pure luck. I loved it long enough is my mantra. If it wasn't necessarily something I loved but something that could be useful, I don't sweat it. The fact that I could figure out a use for it today, now that it's gone, doesn't mean it's actually useful. Also, if say, mom needs something but I've gotten rid of that something, then so be it. I'm not a warehouse for others's future needs. I tell myself these things & im good with it. I'm happier with space.

That said, I do expect that someday I'll regret shredding my diaries. But it needed to be done. And I'm still not finished but def closer to the end.

Pain, we are all down at one point or another. It's impossible not to be. Keep your chin up! You are doing great!

Hellooooo Tillie!

Anyone want to hear how much pain I feel today.
OK that's was silly thing to say. I'm just trying to sleep through it yesterday and today.
I don't go into details anymore unless I'm with my DX. I GUESS is why I pushed so hard while I was feeling up to it. I feel like a rabbit in hole. Just going to work and sleeping.

Yes. I'm big on knowing what the steps are to a goal.

So many times I felt like the more I climbed the mountains of my life the more I got lost on them.

Planning is the the only thing that get me started.
I don't always stick to plan , but it became empowering to discover what I need to do if what I really need is to just get started.

If I don't keep on routine . Years can go by.
I'm so grateful for this site. I know this may seem a little down , but it very good for ,be sure I don't just keep it inside and dwell on it.

CM, WOW!!! IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! THAT IS WONDERFUL! I know what you mean about lists! They are such an important part of moving forward for me. I have many lists for all kinds of things. Every night i have my list of the 3 things to complete the next day regarding improving my place. Having this rental truck is an amazing feeling! Its just me here doing it. It has a great stereo, so i can listen to music while loading it up with junk! No waiting to hopefully hear from some guy with a truck to show up! Each thing i pick up to put in it is like a lightening of part of the burden on my psyche! It is also such a reminder of how much control i really do have in my life!
My kitty that got in the fight clearly feels a lot better. The fight was a week ago today. I know it could still get worse, so im monitoring him closely.
The ex texted me last night but im not responding. Im in a new place now & it seems clear he wont be changing his love for relationship drama .
Tatoulia, i often hear people not regretting things theyve tossed, but i actually have that happen a lot?! Ive tried to do better at foreseeing what i may need later. Ive dug things back out of my trash/junk pile quite a lot!
Last night i an interesting article on...wow...i dont even remember the subject they gave it, but it suggested 'just do the next step'..that really helped me! Often trying to see the end result is too overwhelming, but knowing the next step is easy & obvious! ~♡~Happy Homes to all!~♡~

CM, WOW!!! IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! THAT IS WONDERFUL! I know what you mean about lists! They are such an important part of moving forward for me. I have many lists for all kinds of things. Every night i have my list of the 3 things to complete the next day regarding improving my place. Having this rental truck is an amazing feeling! Its just me here doing it. It has a great stereo, so i can listen to music while loading it up with junk! No waiting to hopefully hear from some guy with a truck to show up! Each thing i pick up to put in it is like a lightening of part of the burden on my psyche! It is also such a reminder of how much control i really do have in my life!
My kitty that got in the fight clearly feels a lot better. The fight was a week ago today. I know it could still get worse, so im monitoring him closely.
The ex texted me last night but im not responding. Im in a new place now & it seems clear he wont be changing his love for relationship drama .
Tatoulia, i often hear people not regretting things theyve tossed, but i actually have that happen a lot?! Ive tried to do better at foreseeing what i may need later. Ive dug things back out of my trash/junk pile quite a lot!
Last night i an interesting article on...wow...i dont even remember the subject they gave it, but it suggested 'just do the next step'..that really helped me! Often trying to see the end result is too overwhelming, but knowing the next step is easy & obvious! ~♡~Happy Homes to all!~♡~

Quick drive by

So much to do that I'm still thinking of - my go-to thing is always "Make a List!". :)

I'll list anything I think of that I've been wanting to get rid of or change. And what are some criteria for decision making.

Yesterday I called the storage place closer to me and they're having a 1/2 off first month special. I'm wondering if I could squeak the money to do it. We'll see.

When this social worker lady and I make our date to get together for our inspection of the storage, I'm also going to see if she would be willing to come see what I have here at my friend's house, and show her what's in the van as well, because it all needs to be taken into account in planning.

Excited, can't wait to get started!

HIP HIP HOORAY!! So very pleased, CM. You deserve this help and this second set of eyes and hands will do you the world of good. Congratulations! I'm so pleased.

Sending out weather-prayers, Tillie.

For the most part, I've learned to live with the regrets of wasted money. For the most part, buying this or that object meant something to me at the time, it allowed me to recapture a moment, let me recall a simpler time such as being a child visiting my grandparents. The stuff that really irked me was the multiple JustinCase stuff I got rid of a few years back--a habit I have totally broken. I don't Justin Case and I don't stockpile when something is a good price. I buy the one I need and leave the rest right where they are.

I received a Tiffsny silver pen for grad school graduation some 25 years ago. Think I'll polish it up and consign it. Still have the Tiffany box and everything. Never used it and the person who gave it to me is neither here nor there in my life.

****BREAKING NEWS - THIS IS BIG!!!****

I went to my clutter meeting today. The person who runs it is a social worker who is with the same place where I see my psych doc for anxiety & ADD meds. Really nice lady. She knows my situation, and she has helped other people with practical matters re hoarding situations. I got the sense before that she would've liked to help but wasn't sure how.

Today, I don't know if I looked more pitiful or something just clicked in her mind (besides that, I know people have been praying for me, many without even knowing the private details of all this - so I attribute some of this to the Holy Spirit's inspiration). She came to me after the meeting and asked me what specifics I needed. We talked awhile and long story short, she is going to meet me at my storage unit when we can set a time. That will give her a chance to assess what is needed, and from there we can make a plan to get me transferred over to one closer to where I live, where it will be so much easier to deal with my decluttering.

That is the basic plan. I know there'll be lots more details and practicalities - and money remains an unknown - but I think this is the beginning of something great. I am soooooo jazzed! It would mean the world to me if I had a shot at rebooting my life from the hoarding. I think I could solve other issues with the freed up energy.

One step at a time, I know. But to have someone reach out, someone who may have some honest to goodness resources and connections - wow. Just wow.

Hi Everybody :)

Hi Tatoulia :)
YEA!!! for a pretty new outfit! :D
I read a long time ago that ice cream sales are always highest in the Winter months.
I have to admit that I also have splurged way too much on it this Winter.
I sell/sold a lot of items to the pawn shop here.
They buy all sorts of things.
DVDs, antique glassware, silver plated stuff, tools, rifles/guns, just about everything I ever wanted to get rid of.
The pawn shop here is a clean family run business and we all know the people who work there.
So not at all spooky or seedy.
When you look back at the items you bought, don't just think "what a waste".
Think about how much you have grown and changed and the things you once fancied no longer interest you because you have moved on to better desires. (((HUGS)))


Another big storm is blowing in this afternoon.
Supposed to really test the already water soaked rivers and dams.
Fingers crossed there is no loss of life.
I don't live in a danger area but these are beautiful places I have always enjoyed visiting.

TTYS :)

Working from home today but under a lot of pressure. Not sure I'll be able to do more than run dishwasher and do a little laundry. Need to leave here at 5 and then tomorrow have a big day. Luckily my valentine gave me gift card & I got a new suit and blouse and new costume jewelry for tomorrow. At least I'll feel good about myself.

Tillie ice cream has been a real problem for me. I don't seem to know any limits. I cannot buy it anymore.

Not able to find anytime til the weekend. Luckily Monday is president's day. If consignment is open I'll bring st least one thing with me. They don't seem to do a good job of selling silver and glassware so I won't bother with that. I'll just donate. I'm trying to bring stuff that should sell rather than might sell. Like my antique chocolate bunny mold. I have some antique salt & pepper shakers that might catch someone's eye. Even though low value, they are very cute. Like watermelon slices and penguins/stuff I couldn't resist so very long ago. What a big waste of money for only slight joy. Learning process.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! :)

Hi Anonymoniker :)
Peroxide and honey is good advice :D
GOOD LUCK with your truck project.
Stay positive (((HUGS)))

Hi Pain :)
As always, GREAT plans you have!
Happy that you all went out and had a good time together (((HUGS)))
So nice that you have favorite photos all together!

Hi Tatoulia :)
Thank you ;)
I got pudgy too stuck inside all Winter and hope to get back on track now that Spring will soon be here.
Scooter's eyes are doing good, so much better but still needing the drops to hopefully get them back to normal.

BEAUTIFUL day here today!
So me and my 5 Valentines were outside all day.
I raked and tidied up my garden area a little.
The 5 cats explored and played and watched birds.
It was so wonderful to be outside! :D

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm home now, pretty exhausted. Had half a sandwich but I'm still hungry. Went clothes shopping and got a real eye opener on my extreme weight gain. I need to immediately get back on track. It's embarrassing.

So I'm doing a little self-loathing right now. We are celebrating Valentine's on Saturday.

Good work, everyone. Pain I can't believe how much you do in a day.

Anony, you seem happy these days! Keep up the good work!

Hey CM! Would love a drive by!

My dear Tillie, thank you for keeping me on track. Much love to you & the kitties. Let me know how scooter's eyes are.

I forgot to mention.
I made a slideshow from the all pictures I've been scanning...
It was nice to only see our wedding photos and dating photos , and dad and daughter dance pictures. As we're were waiting before left for dinner.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Tuesday's are my one and only trash day per week.

So Monday is the day I gather trash, and then spend time in those rooms that I keep trash cans .
Basically the kitchen and the bathrooms.
It's just a way of letting routine keep the trash out.
I've been tweaking my trash day routines.
Here's my recent updated task list.
Fridge
Trash
Microwave
Oven
Floor
** crock pot stews
Toilets
Trash
Sink
floors
Bathtub. Take a bubble bath. To end the cleaning.




After the trash truck comes and goes. I take my can past our cars and clear out all trash from the cars.


We're doing fine today. We went to a pasta place called the spaghetti factory. Even though we have colds.
My car was clean and smells like obsession.
I kept the radio loud enough that we didn't talk in the car. It was busy so we waited in a crowd for 45 minutes. Another glass was bought. Just something else to take to the hoard.

I up to $682 of Sales from the hoard.
So I thought perhaps I could buy a portable dishwasher.

No need to go to storage today to visit our hoard.
Seems only need to keep up on trash and cleaning.
Our moods have been good this week.

Most of the have gone. I've been vigilant about looking for dead ones and keeping bait everywhere.

I started buying new airtight containers from Walmart. They have a vacuum pump in the lid.
I made a law in the house about only having food in the kitchen, and food in the kitchen must be mouse proof. But I I still find bags and dishes where they sleep. And no matter how much I yell and prompt them to stop it . It continues. It annoys me very much. I find myself angry, muttering and disturbed. So I'm putting in these air tight containers. Better than simple shoes boxes or totes. These are mouse and ant proof, and helps keep chips and cookies fresher .

So I go back to the old law.

A little mess is OK. Alot of mess is unacceptable.
Right now only me and mother in law are routinely cleaning the cleared spaces.

Right now I have a friend of my wife come on Friday's. To stay with my wife.
I chose Friday to prompt mother in law to go home.
Hopefully it'll stick. But they are adults and will make they're own decisions.
Mother in law comes on Monday and stays till Friday.
1 she drives me nuts, literally.
2 I don't want her to get burned out for when we need her most.
Trying to get her to just stay Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday . And looking for volunteers to stay with my wife Monday's or Thursday's . As she doesn't need a visiting nurse yet.

I am planning for another dinner this time just for visiting. I think I would be nice to open the doors to friends and family on Saturday's or Sunday's .
But I'm still just thinking g about it.

Maybe I should leave it only Sunday's after church.
So that I can keep the routine of going to the hoard in the storage unit on Saturday's.

Whatever mess I make on Sunday could be cleaned up on Monday's.

I hope you are well.
(( Hugs ))

~♡~Happy Valentine's Day to all!!!~♡~
Tillie, im not sure how worried to be over my kitty's fight wounds. The lady i really trust who ran the vet clinic that fixed my cats suggested peroxide then raw honey. Ive gotten a huge range of advice. Id take him to a vet i trust if i knew of one. Ive had far more bad experiences with vets than good. I will be monitoring him closely! Ill have that rental truck later today so ill be able to drive to the city to an emergency clinic, if it gets bad.
Its been raining for a few days, which will make my projects with this truck so much harder, but there are so many projects, the rain might narrow my choices, which would make it easier...ha ha...hows that for a positive slant on it? ha ha
~♡~Love to all of you on this & every day!~♡~

Good Evening or Late Afternoon :)

Hi Anonymoniker :)
Thank you.
Yeah, it's hard to describe a hoard. LOL :D
Kitty bumps after a fight are most usually abscesses.
Untreated they will often burst open and drain, close up again and refill with puss and the cat would get very sickly with infection throughout it's whole system.
A Veterinarian would open them up and clean them out and give antibiotics.
There is also a new injectable medication that the Vet can administer that takes care of the abscess without any surgery or follow up antibiotics.
But it is expensive.
At least the little bits of trash will be all freshly washed from your rain storm. :D


Hi Tatoulia :)
Thank you :)
When unsure if something is consignable or not
ask the person at the consignment shop if they think it would sell or not.
WAY TO GO!!! for all your bagging donations, consigning, gifting and shredding.
((((HUGS))) I know it's hard.
All the very personal stuff carries a lot of emotions.
Happy to know I am not the only one who schedules vacuuming around the cat's routines. ;D

Bought a birdbath last week for 5 dollars.
It's cast metal and had been painted white.
Desperately needed new paint.
Bought a can of teal blue spray paint and yesterday I painted it.
Looks beautiful now.
Filled it with water this morning and have been watching the birds enjoy it all day today. :D

PS by scanning the diaries I mean skimming them--I am NOT converting them to a digital format.

Hello everyone!

Do get some help, Anony--hope you have a friend or neighbor that can help with heavy lifting.

I've been shoveling for a few days. It's definitely been winter here so cannot imagine your comfortable weather, Anony & Tillie. I'm shredding. I'm shredding I'm shreddingIm shredding. It is very painful and I'm taking a break.

I'm on to another donation bag. Boots that hurt my feet and a pair of sneakers I no longer wear. I'm about to take garbage out. It's dark & icy but I don't want to miss it in the AM. I am unreliable in the mornings.

I'm feeling a lot of stress from different sources. Largely it's scanning the diaries before shredding. I can't tell at this point how many are left. There could be three, there could be 13. I don't feel like checking.

This isn't easy. But I'm doing it.

Spent some time with mom today. Brought her flowers for Valentine's Day and BF sent her some very nice pastries with a cup of coffee. She was thrilled.

Okay I'll take the garbage out and see if I can do anything else tonight. I'd like to vacuum but kitty's asleep. Thank God for her. Otherwise I'd be vacuuming. 😄

Hi all!
Pain, you are as hilarious as you are productive! ha ha I think it is fantastic how youve handle your entire situation! Truly amazing!
Tillie, im soooo glad you & scooter are feeling better now! I tried to visualize that laundryline situation...it sounds like the hoard is so much more extreme than id imagined! Im so sorry you have all that to deal with.
My back has been sore, but only enough as a sort of warning that im gonna need help with some of this stuff. My kitty that got in the fight has some bumps, so i may take him to the vet...im not sure how serious they could be, tho generally i think they tend to their own wounds better that what humans come up with.
We had an unusual storm yesterday & all night with lots of lightening & thunder. That never happens this time of year! Ill have to wait till dries to rake & bag up more of that trash bits in dirt...
~☆~Have a splendid day, everyone!~☆~

Poor Tillie! Poor Scooter. I'm glad you got some time in the sunshine. We've been having a lot of snowstorms here.

I'm finally doing it. I'm shredding and shredding and shredding. It's hard. I'm also making a bag of stuff that's cute but I need to say good bye to. Not sure if any of it is potential consignment stuff. I can think of two pieces maybe that can be consigned. I also have a nice table that I will give to BF. I know he'll want it so no point in consigning. I use it but I think it's time to let go. It's next to my couch and I think I can move a little table in my bedroom to the spot, thius decluttering the bedroom. I really don't have extra furniture here. I have a big piece I want to consign but not til I have its replacement. And I know what I'm looking for, so I'm in no rush. I'm watching the auctions for it.

That's what I'm doing today. Plus working. And shoveling.

Good Monday Morning :)

House has gone to heck since I wrenched my back during the disastrous wind storm.
Finally feeling almost all better now
so today I will start picking up around in here.
Was a beautiful weekend, weather-wise.
Cats and I spent many hours outside enjoying the sunshine. :D
The Walking Dead was a good episode and I got to watch it online on AMC at 7:00pm!
Scooter goes back to the Vet again today for an other evaluation on his eyes.
They are much better now and don't seem to be hurting any more.
He is back to playing with his toys again instead of just laying down with his eyes closed all the time. :D

So, what are you all doing today? :D

Went shopping again.
Everything was great til daughter suggested going to goodwill . That wasn't bad , it was when I said why to goodwill when we get what's in storage cor free. Boy did I step into it. Most of the afternoon was just milling around . The thing is we don't need anything . I just need to keep my mouth shut sometimes.
Mother in law went home. The walking dead is on tonight. And when I said I'm taking over the living , but any fans can stay. She packed up and left.

So quiet right now. Nothing to do.
So I'm thinking about working on another model. I was toying the idea of a compound. But I have a dream about house . Like a calling. I know it's unrealistic, but I draw on it like an inspiration.
Similar to the earthships in New Mexico.

So I'll just keep at it until sailing season opens.

Good Morning Everyone :)

Hi Pain :)
That shopping excursion sounds interesting.
Happy you were able to run and hide in the restroom. :D
Sleep over party is wonderful!
So nice your daughter can now enjoy her home and have friends over!
So very true that kids need that time off from life.
Time to socialize, play and just be kids.

Hi Tatoulia :)
Thank you (((HUGS)))
Hope you are able to get some good rest this weekend.

Almost 10:30am here.
Looks like a lovely day out there.
Think that the cats and I will get outside and enjoy it.

TTYS :)

*clothesline. ❤️

Tillie I'm sorry about the close line and your upset. You don't deserve it. I'm so so sorry.

I'm doing laundry and about to change the sheets. Dishes done. I'm still very tired these days but keeping calm and cool. It's after 10 here. i have to shred papers tomorrow and cat litter. Kitty will be fine one more night.

Pain glad you are trying to get back in the swing of being a family. I'm amazed at your work.

Daughter is doing with with friends and plan are tentative to ha e a sleep over. Daughter asked if mother in law could go home during. So I proved. I guess I'll take this to be the day I get in her businesses as much as she tries to vet into ours. But I'll wait till her usefulness is done for the day of course.

Wife is just watching tv.
So I packed them all up . Kids,moms, and me.
I got my tax check ,but I didn't say I did.

I asked mother in law to stArt doing the shopping with my wife. My wife can't see well and gets very very upset and takes it out on me. So it's mom in law turn. Mother in law just wants a list, BUT NOOOOOOOOO.

Well we're dysfunctional infinite why must I be at the center of frustrations.
It got heated in the store.
I hid in the bathroom , it was like two Titans going at it ,even a security guard followed them.

We all get in the car. And take everyone to the storage. By then no was speaking . Just that awkward silence that makes us want to bang our heads. I thinking. Yep welcome to my life mother in law.
I'm thinking we should start ordering online and I stead of shopping. We could go to nice place and listen to music or a play . Anywhere where we don't speak.

But when we need to. It's not a group castration.
Anyhoo .
My said she was glad to get out and that she got to see her stuff. It's OK for now.

There's really nothing to do. But sit around respecting each other.

So I asked mother in law if she was going home and when she'll be back,?
I don't want to be cold, but I'm not even wanted in the house when daughters friends come over. I know granny wants to be apart of the excitements the kids have. I just have to let them have space.
So got some smores for on-the-porch. It's about 60 degrees. And the kids have until 10pm to be loud.
That's the law , the noise ordnance. So it's the rule. We adults can even go somewhere while they play the instruments.or video games.

During the week is school nights.
But on Friday and Saturday the kids need to do non life lessons. I'm not the only one struggling with mother in law. At least she helps clean stuff. She just needs to Know where the boundaries are.

Good Morning Everyone :)

Hi Pain :)
Wonderful to hear that family life is good!
All your efforts have really been paying off. (((hug)))
Good solid plans for reducing the amount of bins too.

Hi CM :)
Happy that your life can now get back to normal now that you are no longer waiting on the vehicle repair. :)

Hi Anonymoniker :)
Great to hear your spirits are high! :D
Hope the kitties settle their territory disputes without any blood shed.

Hi Tatoulia :)
Poor kitty! Hope the stores can restock soon.

The other day the winds were raging.
Some of his hoarded, heavy and heaped up crap came flying down and destroyed my clothes line.
I tried to rescue my clothes line because without it I can not do any laundry.
Big huge useless unneeded and unused tv antenna broke the lines and pulled the heave metal T posts inward.
I was unable to save it and hurt my back trying.
Been so depressed and in pain. :(
When I am able, I need to reset the T posts, buy new clothes line rope and restring it.
Meanwhile all the laundry will just keep piling up.

Hello everyone! Glad to hear from you Anony! Don't overdo--I know you are excited with your progress and I am sooooo happy for you!

Cm--that must be a relief to have the car fixed and now the vacuum will work again too. Mine is working but you wouldn't know it as I haven't used it in a while. I did wipe one kitchen counter last night and what a pleasure to wake up to it. I need to do this more often.

Pain, I haven't read your post yet. But so, so glad you are here.

More snow tomorrow and Monday. I am out of everything and even the stores were out of kitty litter yesterday. Miss kitty is not happy about that.

Take care everyone--hello Tillie. I hope you & Mr Tillie are okay.

Friday.
Cleaning the common areas.
Places where guests can feel clean and Comfortable.

I got thirsty. So I spent time seeking a perfect tea and coffee station.

I threatened teenager to sweep, vacuum the floors . Or she stays home alone all weekend.
On deaf ears till I said and no Wi-Fi either.
I turned up the radio really loud so she could vacuum to her favorite music. I swept the hardwoods.

Daughter says. The house doesnt have to be perfect.

But she couldnt give me any facts to support her theory.

Instead of picking on Everyone. I chose my daughter today. During commercials. Switched to her tubs photos. And I asked her to slide through each one.

They are all numbered . I already have a printed form with the the same numbers next to check boxes.

So when she says something I can make quick notes.
Text to speech helps make quick work of making g the lists digital. So it's all on my mobile.

As take things from the tubs. I can quickly swap the pictures by number and time stamp.

It's slow. But it's a way of hurdle helping wife and daughter to purge their hoard. One at a time. Aiming to purge 30 tubs each. Daughter is doing well.
Wife still acts like I'm holding her stuff hostage after stealing it. I'm not perfect at this I'm just guessing and making it up as I go.

But my plan was to separate their their stuff and prompt them to purge over a period of months.

My hoard is like a child's closet full of projects and equipment I no longer use.

Daughters hoard is like a plethora of toys mixed with art supplies and comic books.

Wife is like books books and more books . And then 900 purses filled with filth and mouse sheeit.
More shoes than I could find in a thrift store. And boxes and boxes of unorganized papers.
I've brought back all her valuables that are worth more than $20. So she is down to 56 tubs and 25 shoe boxes.

Just keeping in mind. . I need to spend time purging our hoard.

So far so good.
I came home to brownies today. I know being a man I should get teary about things. But when I come home brownies and women being nice to me . I know I'm on the right path not just for myself but for us all. ;)

Hey, all, im so sorry about that multi-post. Hopefully this one wont do that, too?
Yesterday i overdid things trying to be tough & strong & capable, etc., and i injured my back. Its not a bad injury, but it makes me realize i should somehow get help with more of this stuff...

Anony, great to hear from you! Glad you're coping through the challenges and channeling your energy to good use. Getting a lot done, it sounds like. Hope the kitties are able to sort things out without any major injuries.

Pain, glad to hear the new routines are beginning to gel. And how great to be able to sell items and have the cash. That's been one of my problems is that I don't have a lot of things of value. I might be able to sell the occasional book or craft item if I knew how to connect with the person who wanted it at that moment, but in the meantime I still have to store it, so usually I just cut my losses and gift it to a friend or donate it to charity.

Tatoulia, be safe and warm in the storm! That darn old groundhog saw his shadow and now you are reaping the fallout. I can relate to the wanting to sleep. When you think about it, it's natural - animals get to hibernate in the winter, why shouldn't we? ;) Because I'm a night owl, I sleep too late in the mornings - and have crazy and unsettling dreams then too, which wear my mind out. Lately though, I've been getting tired mid-evening and wanting to go to bed with the chickens but there's still too much to do. One of these days I'm going to have a go to bed with the chickens night and see if that helps refresh me.

Today I'll just be wrapping up my week of playing catch-up after all those weeks of trying to plan around connecting with the mechanic and getting the van repairs done. He came and got the vacuum cleaner this morning and we'll get it back tonight with the new hose put on. That should help keep up with the pet hair and dust a lot better. The allergens have caused my roommate a lot of suffering this winter. My allergies are mild by comparison, but it'd surely help me too if we can stay on top of things.

I think I'll not try to do laundry today; I might go out and grocery shop or something. And need to get a birthday card for my aunt. Our warm sunny day is unfortunately a windy one, not unusual for this area. We get every kind of weather in every time of the year, yet mild days without wind are a rarity. Hey, anyone planning to try and watch the lunar eclipse and comet tonight? Hope we can. Last night I took a couple pictures of the moon with the glow around it and some tree branches. I only have an 8 megapixel camera on my tablet so it's grainy but you can tell what it is. I would love to be able to afford a DSLR and good lenses. When my ship comes in!

Need to clean the bunny litterboxes and other miscellaneous around the house. And just continue to get my bearings. Like I said, now that I'm not tied to the "when is the van going to be repaired" guessing game, I'm getting back my focus somewhat and making up for lost time. Guess I'll just play it by ear, it's a Friday, why not.

Everybody have a great weekend!