update: so far this morning I

- cleaned up all the dog poop out of their yard and put it out to the bin
- put in a load of laundry
- fetched the dog a little bit and looked around outside for Teen contraband

I am resting a bit. It was a lot of work out there cleaning up a whole 5 gal bucket full of poo. I will work on my planner and maybe make a couple of calls.

Lila reporting back...

It is just past 3pm and I:

- went and returned some things I bought on impulse
- picked up the shirt order I had (used credit to buy)
- got a free coffee with a coupon
- took the first load out of the dryer and laid them flat on my bed until I can hang them
- put in 2 more loads. One is in the washer, one in the dryer
- carried the big heavy bags of dog food upstairs
- had lunch with my son
- had a phone visit with a friend

Now I am researching car repairs I need done and trying to find the lowest price. I am also researching places online that buy jewelry, so I can hopefully sell my wedding rings.

I hope you all are having a good day.

Lila reporting back...

It is just past 3pm and I:

- went and returned some things I bought on impulse
- picked up the shirt order I had (used credit to buy)
- got a free coffee with a coupon
- took the first load out of the dryer and laid them flat on my bed until I can hang them
- put in 2 more loads. One is in the washer, one in the dryer
- carried the big heavy bags of dog food upstairs
- had lunch with my son
- had a phone visit with a friend

Now I am researching car repairs I need done and trying to find the lowest price. I am also researching places online that buy jewelry, so I can hopefully sell my wedding rings.

I hope you all are having a good day.

Good morning!

Mostly hanging out with my friend, and yesterday with Bean. My friend sleeps later than I do, and has to work virtually from 11-2, so there is some down time.

Yesterday during Bean's nap we chatted while she knitted and I sorted through the markers. I have a dead/recycle bag and a donate box for Saturday and am getting rid of almost twice what I am keeping.

Also Bean and I got out the bubbles that I have been saving since my kids were small and used them in the yard. We used up two little birthday favor jars. The bubbles didn't work well at first - being old, but I added one squirt of dish soap and they were great.

I fixed another overloved toy for Bean yesterday too.

Good morning!

Lila, sometimes we just get worn out. It is ok to be tired and rest.

Have you tried finding some podcasts with voices you like and really boring topics? You could just listen to the same one every night. It would be like talk radio, I think.

Good job taking the time to put the toys back in order!

CM, I have not heard of "August Anxiety" I am familiar with the feeling of "where did the summer go? That kicks in around now however. I think that is pretty normal. And yes, I noticed last night that the days are getting shorter. Tomorrow is Lughnasadh, which is a time of reflection, marking the halfway point between summer and fall. So I'd say these feelings aren't exactly new to our times, we just like to label everything so that it sounds like pathology.

I always have a mix of regret for the waning summer and the things I didn't do and excitement about the new school year in August. The regrets aren't as bad this year because I set very conservative goals. I knew I needed to rest.

It's good that you are making/remaking connections.

Tatoulia, come as you are. We are just happy to have you here. I have had students who have gone through times when success was showing up and sitting in the classroom. This might be one of those times for you. And that is ok.

My friend stayed up late last night working, so I don't know how late she will sleep. I pick Bean up early this morning And we will stop for donuts.

I made more progress in the studio yesterday. I think I will invite some newish friends over to make stuff next week. (They are mom/daughter, both younger than I - I used to teach the daughter and will still have her brother in class this year) they are very non-judgy so as long as there is space for us all to work it should be ok. We'll see how brave I feel after the current friend visit is over.

Good morning!

Lila, sometimes we just get worn out. It is ok to be tired and rest.

Have you tried finding some podcasts with voices you like and really boring topics? You could just listen to the same one every night. It would be like talk radio, I think.

Good job taking the time to put the toys back in order!

CM, I have not heard of "August Anxiety" I am familiar with the feeling of "where did the summer go? That kicks in around now however. I think that is pretty normal. And yes, I noticed last night that the days are getting shorter. Tomorrow is Lughnasadh, which is a time of reflection, marking the halfway point between summer and fall. So I'd say these feelings aren't exactly new to our times, we just like to label everything so that it sounds like pathology.

I always have a mix of regret for the waning summer and the things I didn't do and excitement about the new school year in August. The regrets aren't as bad this year because I set very conservative goals. I knew I needed to rest.

It's good that you are making/remaking connections.

Tatoulia, come as you are. We are just happy to have you here. I have had students who have gone through times when success was showing up and sitting in the classroom. This might be one of those times for you. And that is ok.

My friend stayed up late last night working, so I don't know how late she will sleep. I pick Bean up early this morning And we will stop for donuts.

I made more progress in the studio yesterday. I think I will invite some newish friends over to make stuff next week. (They are mom/daughter, both younger than I - I used to teach the daughter and will still have her brother in class this year) they are very non-judgy so as long as there is space for us all to work it should be ok. We'll see how brave I feel after the current friend visit is over.

I apologize for not reading your posts and congratulating you all for your many accomplishments. I am not keeping up. Thank you for letting me be here anyway.

hugs Tatoulia, we are glad you're here! SubC, I might like a tbalecloth on my table. I know I have one or two. I stopped using them because kids spill all over the place and I would have to wash it all the time. I used plastic ones for many years, easy to wipe when kids spill or color or get playdough on it, but can be cheap looking. I probably have one of those around here, too. I won't buy anything new though, not for a long time.

I went to work and it was good but long. I'm home feeling so tired.

When Tot and family came last night, I was proud of how clean it was. The kids took out just about every toy and had fun. Their mom always helps pick up before they leave, so that's nice. Some of the things got mixed up, so after they left I re-sorted and put things in their place. That only took 5 minutes and it worth it to me to keep it nice.

The kitchen is a wreck though, as Teen went in and cooked and left a huge mess. I need to take the trash out and do something with the kitchen. I just hate cleaning it because within a few hours, Teen will have it all messy again. It feels like a losing battle. I need an attitude adjustment.

hugs Tatoulia, we are glad you're here! SubC, I might like a tbalecloth on my table. I know I have one or two. I stopped using them because kids spill all over the place and I would have to wash it all the time. I used plastic ones for many years, easy to wipe when kids spill or color or get playdough on it, but can be cheap looking. I probably have one of those around here, too. I won't buy anything new though, not for a long time.

I went to work and it was good but long. I'm home feeling so tired.

When Tot and family came last night, I was proud of how clean it was. The kids took out just about every toy and had fun. Their mom always helps pick up before they leave, so that's nice. Some of the things got mixed up, so after they left I re-sorted and put things in their place. That only took 5 minutes and it worth it to me to keep it nice.

The kitchen is a wreck though, as Teen went in and cooked and left a huge mess. I need to take the trash out and do something with the kitchen. I just hate cleaning it because within a few hours, Teen will have it all messy again. It feels like a losing battle. I need an attitude adjustment.

Hang in there, Tatoulia. Your posts are fine, we want to know how you are.

Lila, you're doing A-OK. Regarding the final push and why it feels harder, well, I remember the times I was moving and how emptying a residence just seems like it takes forever, and I think there are similarities even with ordinary decluttering. I think some of it is we get used to some of the things that we don't consciously notice - simple examples might be a wastebasket, a mop, a box of tissues - they almost exist in the realm of abstraction in their category as "supplies," then all of a sudden we must recognize that each separate one is a physical entity that takes up X amount of space and requires a decision from us. Other stuff might get lumped into categories by location ("the stuff on the kitchen counter") or use ("toys," "art supplies") or owner ("So and So's stuff"). Going from the abstract to the concrete can be a shock.

Went to the grocery store Friday and ran into a gal from my old local decluttering club, from pre Covid days. She said it is meeting monthly in person and Zoom. I might go - sometimes I've felt a bit of nostalgia for it even if some things annoyed me (they were minor things, really). Next time is mid August. Just might be good to connect with some people - seems like the pattern recently, people I've known or new people, and I feel like it's a blessing.

This coming week will be busy but hopefully not have so many people I know's deaths happening close together. That got a little surreal, and I don't mean that in a flippant way; it was just strange and disconcerting. My roommate returned from her trip yesterday. She is still having a lot of pain. Has MRI Tuesday. Hope there will be help for her. Want to see her happy and enjoying retirement.

It is 101 degrees here, heat index 105. Nasty. And supposed to go even higher in the next few days. But supposedly a change to come around Saturday with storms and about 10 or more degrees "cooler" thereafter. It will be the final week that the water parks will be open on weekdays. And in August weekends only through September 4th; I don't know how busy they will be on weekends. It's a toss up when it gets this hot - because it's a potential driving anxiety and migraine risk, yet all the sweeter to get in the water once there. Hoping I can be the brave version of myself.

Just a strange question - has anyone heard of this new term "August anxiety"? It's been written about online and our senior center newsletter mentioned it. Roommate immediately thought of me and how I get a little sad once solstice is past, and tend to dread winter way before it even hits. Mainly what I hate are the shortened daylight hours (don't like night driving) and the cold especially when it's confining. And wearing heavy clothes. I've learned to take vitamin D and such, and get sunlight when possible, which help the biological component. But it's just the practical realities that tax my patience to the max. The articles on August anxiety talk about feeling disappointed at not having enjoyed the summer enough - that is also relatable. Anyone else notice this pattern?

I know - Poco a Poco is how one survives the difficult times. And being proactive, like trying to put in things to look forward to. So maybe fall and winter won't seem so bad anyway. Hope all that wasn't too Debbie Downer, but I was just curious.

Hang in there, Tatoulia. Your posts are fine, we want to know how you are.

Lila, you're doing A-OK. Regarding the final push and why it feels harder, well, I remember the times I was moving and how emptying a residence just seems like it takes forever, and I think there are similarities even with ordinary decluttering. I think some of it is we get used to some of the things that we don't consciously notice - simple examples might be a wastebasket, a mop, a box of tissues - they almost exist in the realm of abstraction in their category as "supplies," then all of a sudden we must recognize that each separate one is a physical entity that takes up X amount of space and requires a decision from us. Other stuff might get lumped into categories by location ("the stuff on the kitchen counter") or use ("toys," "art supplies") or owner ("So and So's stuff"). Going from the abstract to the concrete can be a shock.

Went to the grocery store Friday and ran into a gal from my old local decluttering club, from pre Covid days. She said it is meeting monthly in person and Zoom. I might go - sometimes I've felt a bit of nostalgia for it even if some things annoyed me (they were minor things, really). Next time is mid August. Just might be good to connect with some people - seems like the pattern recently, people I've known or new people, and I feel like it's a blessing.

This coming week will be busy but hopefully not have so many people I know's deaths happening close together. That got a little surreal, and I don't mean that in a flippant way; it was just strange and disconcerting. My roommate returned from her trip yesterday. She is still having a lot of pain. Has MRI Tuesday. Hope there will be help for her. Want to see her happy and enjoying retirement.

It is 101 degrees here, heat index 105. Nasty. And supposed to go even higher in the next few days. But supposedly a change to come around Saturday with storms and about 10 or more degrees "cooler" thereafter. It will be the final week that the water parks will be open on weekdays. And in August weekends only through September 4th; I don't know how busy they will be on weekends. It's a toss up when it gets this hot - because it's a potential driving anxiety and migraine risk, yet all the sweeter to get in the water once there. Hoping I can be the brave version of myself.

Just a strange question - has anyone heard of this new term "August anxiety"? It's been written about online and our senior center newsletter mentioned it. Roommate immediately thought of me and how I get a little sad once solstice is past, and tend to dread winter way before it even hits. Mainly what I hate are the shortened daylight hours (don't like night driving) and the cold especially when it's confining. And wearing heavy clothes. I've learned to take vitamin D and such, and get sunlight when possible, which help the biological component. But it's just the practical realities that tax my patience to the max. The articles on August anxiety talk about feeling disappointed at not having enjoyed the summer enough - that is also relatable. Anyone else notice this pattern?

I know - Poco a Poco is how one survives the difficult times. And being proactive, like trying to put in things to look forward to. So maybe fall and winter won't seem so bad anyway. Hope all that wasn't too Debbie Downer, but I was just curious.

hi CM. I have not heard of August anxiety, myself. I know fall is my busiest time of year with many more demands, so I try to take it easy in August. It has not worked out, though, to take it easy over the rest of the summer.

I was home all afternoon and evening and could have gotten so much done but I was slogging around exhausted. I wish this could be fixed. I have to really push myself to do any little thing, and it makes me feel so lazy.

But at least my living room is clean.

Sometimes I wish I had another adult living with me. Maybe a husband, maybe a friend of either gender who I could talk with and do fun things with, cook and eat with, and to motivate each other to do things. But really if I had someone living with me, I would want them to clean the house and do the yard work. So I guess I really want a maid/gardener!

hi CM. I have not heard of August anxiety, myself. I know fall is my busiest time of year with many more demands, so I try to take it easy in August. It has not worked out, though, to take it easy over the rest of the summer.

I was home all afternoon and evening and could have gotten so much done but I was slogging around exhausted. I wish this could be fixed. I have to really push myself to do any little thing, and it makes me feel so lazy.

But at least my living room is clean.

Sometimes I wish I had another adult living with me. Maybe a husband, maybe a friend of either gender who I could talk with and do fun things with, cook and eat with, and to motivate each other to do things. But really if I had someone living with me, I would want them to clean the house and do the yard work. So I guess I really want a maid/gardener!

oh I am draggging tonight. But I forced myself.

- loaded the dishwasher
- washed off counters and stove
- used a razor to scrape baked-on food off the glass stovetop
- took out the very full kitchen trash
- opened some boxes that came this week (food and supplements)

I am sleeping very poorly which could be why I am always so tired. I usually lie in bed for 2 hours or so unable to fall asleep. I cannot fall asleep in silence, at all. Music is slightly better. Audiobooks make me toss and turn. Talk radio makes me fall asleep the quickest. So I always put that on at bedtime. However, I notice I wake up if they talk about anything creepy, or anything I am very interested in, or if I set a sleep timer and it turns off. Last night I remember waking up like 6 times and "rewinding" the topic so I could hear it, and then falling asleep again... repeat. Very unrestful. Not sure how to solve this issue.

oh I am draggging tonight. But I forced myself.

- loaded the dishwasher
- washed off counters and stove
- used a razor to scrape baked-on food off the glass stovetop
- took out the very full kitchen trash
- opened some boxes that came this week (food and supplements)

I am sleeping very poorly which could be why I am always so tired. I usually lie in bed for 2 hours or so unable to fall asleep. I cannot fall asleep in silence, at all. Music is slightly better. Audiobooks make me toss and turn. Talk radio makes me fall asleep the quickest. So I always put that on at bedtime. However, I notice I wake up if they talk about anything creepy, or anything I am very interested in, or if I set a sleep timer and it turns off. Last night I remember waking up like 6 times and "rewinding" the topic so I could hear it, and then falling asleep again... repeat. Very unrestful. Not sure how to solve this issue.

Tatoulia, it was probably better than having a big, emotional parting. You will see him again, you will just need to focus on something else for a while.

My friend is coming in late this afternoon. I am really looking forward to seeing her.

I talked to my mom last night and she told me their county is discontinuing the recycling program because people were using the drops as a free dump. You can still recycle, but you have to drive everything to the county dump and have it inspected. It isn't safe for my dad to drive to the dump, so he has ordered garbage service and now they will just throw everything in that. I am sad about it.

Yet another reminder to me to lean out and get the stuff that can be recycled to the recycling NOW.

Tatoulia, it was probably better than having a big, emotional parting. You will see him again, you will just need to focus on something else for a while.

My friend is coming in late this afternoon. I am really looking forward to seeing her.

I talked to my mom last night and she told me their county is discontinuing the recycling program because people were using the drops as a free dump. You can still recycle, but you have to drive everything to the county dump and have it inspected. It isn't safe for my dad to drive to the dump, so he has ordered garbage service and now they will just throw everything in that. I am sad about it.

Yet another reminder to me to lean out and get the stuff that can be recycled to the recycling NOW.

It really was so much better I've cried only twice today. It is a beautiful day. Cool breeze and no humidity. I've done some work. Going to go see mom now. Awaiting a call from BF.

Have fun with your friend! I'm sorry about the recycling.

It really was so much better I've cried only twice today. It is a beautiful day. Cool breeze and no humidity. I've done some work. Going to go see mom now. Awaiting a call from BF.

Have fun with your friend! I'm sorry about the recycling.

I apologize for not reading your posts and congratulating you all for your many accomplishments. I am not keeping up. Thank you for letting me be here anyway.

Yay Lila!

I am proud of you too!

Like your dog, i always feel a bit unsettled when there is too much change in my environment. Even if it is good change. You might be feeling that too.

Now you have to defend your living room! Take a few minutes every day to return (or send) misplaced items to their true homes and vacuum as needed.

Our everyday table has a tablecloth and a coiled grass tray with a plant, some shells, and the salt and pepper on it. I have been removing everything else at least once a day. It's a small victory, but I'm enjoying it.

The tray was $2 at goodwill, the shells were collected by me and my mom,, and the plant was a gift from a student, so very inexpensive, but it feels fancy to me.

Dh and I went swimming this afternoon. I think I have found another spot to shift things in the pottery studio. And a few small things to let go.

Poco a poco.

Yay Lila!

I am proud of you too!

Like your dog, i always feel a bit unsettled when there is too much change in my environment. Even if it is good change. You might be feeling that too.

Now you have to defend your living room! Take a few minutes every day to return (or send) misplaced items to their true homes and vacuum as needed.

Our everyday table has a tablecloth and a coiled grass tray with a plant, some shells, and the salt and pepper on it. I have been removing everything else at least once a day. It's a small victory, but I'm enjoying it.

The tray was $2 at goodwill, the shells were collected by me and my mom,, and the plant was a gift from a student, so very inexpensive, but it feels fancy to me.

Dh and I went swimming this afternoon. I think I have found another spot to shift things in the pottery studio. And a few small things to let go.

Poco a poco.

We inadvertently said our goodbyes without realizing it. He came here in the afternoon and said goodbye to kitty. We then went to his house and while there, I decided to take my car home since he would be coming in with his car later tonight to give to the person he's giving it to nd we'd be together then. Then there was torrential rain and I called him and said, I'll take her up to your house tmr to pick up the car, don't come here tonight. So it turns out we've seen each other for the last time for a while. He leaves early in the AM. we've decided this is for the best. It will be a terrible burden to come here in the early AM just to cry a lot. No one needs that.

We inadvertently said our goodbyes without realizing it. He came here in the afternoon and said goodbye to kitty. We then went to his house and while there, I decided to take my car home since he would be coming in with his car later tonight to give to the person he's giving it to nd we'd be together then. Then there was torrential rain and I called him and said, I'll take her up to your house tmr to pick up the car, don't come here tonight. So it turns out we've seen each other for the last time for a while. He leaves early in the AM. we've decided this is for the best. It will be a terrible burden to come here in the early AM just to cry a lot. No one needs that.

Good morning. Tatoulia, I hope opportunities abound for you! SubC, hopefully it will be a good day.

I am off to a slow start too. But I made myself breakfast, and I picked up two items to throw away: an old lanyard that is no good, and the center of a lantern that Teen broke a long time ago. I saved the middle. Who knows why. So added two more items to the Daily Tally.

Tot and Acorn and fam are coming for dinner, so I am going to finish cleaning up the living room today and clear off the kitchen table, which is piled with stuff again. Will vacuum, maybe brush the dogs.

update 1 -

- Dusted the entertainment center and one end table.
- put some DVDs in the cabinet and the rest in the staging area room
- put a few things from the living room away, spot vacuumed

bahhhhh why does it get harder the cleaner it gets? There is not a whole lot left scattered around the living room but I find myself so emotionally resistant to finishing it! Why? I guess it doesn't matter why...

If I just pushed into it and did everything in here in one push, I could have the room done in under a half hour, I think. Including vacuuming. Why am I feeling so trapped by this?

If I had cookies, I would be binge eating them right now. Well, eating too many, anyway. This is a sign of trying to shove down my emotions.

So I came to post here. I am resting a little and then will try to just DO IT.

update 1 -

- Dusted the entertainment center and one end table.
- put some DVDs in the cabinet and the rest in the staging area room
- put a few things from the living room away, spot vacuumed

bahhhhh why does it get harder the cleaner it gets? There is not a whole lot left scattered around the living room but I find myself so emotionally resistant to finishing it! Why? I guess it doesn't matter why...

If I just pushed into it and did everything in here in one push, I could have the room done in under a half hour, I think. Including vacuuming. Why am I feeling so trapped by this?

If I had cookies, I would be binge eating them right now. Well, eating too many, anyway. This is a sign of trying to shove down my emotions.

So I came to post here. I am resting a little and then will try to just DO IT.

Good afternoon!

Lila,mit gets harder b3cause we tend to start with the easiest stuff and because we get tired, and b3cause we feel like we've done a lot, so it doesn't look so bad.

I am finding that my basement gets harder and harder and slower and slower.

I did walk down to the craft show. Not too bad, a lot of bits and bobs and jewelry, and of course the ever present Tupperware and pampered chef.

Only one booth I'd call art (I'm snobby, there were also some nice crafts - well done crochet, bird houses, sewn items..) but the artist was a newly retired guy who described himself as a "hobbyist" and made turned wood items - candle holders and bottles and accent pieces - out of various bits of "found" wood that strike his fancy. He had a really good eye for bringing out the form and character. I bought a piece from him. It used to be a fence post, and he left the base washed and lightly brushed with a piece of barbed wire wrapped around and staple on. The top 3/4 was turned to a bottle shape and then the whole thing was stained to show the grain, the bottle was lightly burned to darken it and it was waxed, capped with a bit of cork, and accented with twine.

I found a good spot for it when I got home, and Dh saw it immediately when he got home and said "I like this."

I decided I could part with 8 styrofoam snowmen my students made me to balance my wooden bottle. That is not all of the snowmen, it's just 8 of the 13 that were in that particular box.

I'm sure there will be a further reconning eventually.

Good afternoon!

Lila,mit gets harder b3cause we tend to start with the easiest stuff and because we get tired, and b3cause we feel like we've done a lot, so it doesn't look so bad.

I am finding that my basement gets harder and harder and slower and slower.

I did walk down to the craft show. Not too bad, a lot of bits and bobs and jewelry, and of course the ever present Tupperware and pampered chef.

Only one booth I'd call art (I'm snobby, there were also some nice crafts - well done crochet, bird houses, sewn items..) but the artist was a newly retired guy who described himself as a "hobbyist" and made turned wood items - candle holders and bottles and accent pieces - out of various bits of "found" wood that strike his fancy. He had a really good eye for bringing out the form and character. I bought a piece from him. It used to be a fence post, and he left the base washed and lightly brushed with a piece of barbed wire wrapped around and staple on. The top 3/4 was turned to a bottle shape and then the whole thing was stained to show the grain, the bottle was lightly burned to darken it and it was waxed, capped with a bit of cork, and accented with twine.

I found a good spot for it when I got home, and Dh saw it immediately when he got home and said "I like this."

I decided I could part with 8 styrofoam snowmen my students made me to balance my wooden bottle. That is not all of the snowmen, it's just 8 of the 13 that were in that particular box.

I'm sure there will be a further reconning eventually.

That piece of art sounds really cool and unique, SubC. A nice find!

I put on some loud 80s music and got up and forced myself to work. I got just about to the point of vacuuming when Teen came and asked me (nicely) if I could pick up some soup for them, as they had a gift card. So I stopped working and went and got the soup, got us each a drink, came home and made myself a grilled cheese sandwich.

I spent about 20 minutes working. I think, as I look around, I feel slightly lost for some reason, not enough piles??? but I think in 5 minutes, I can straighten the one last end table, so a quick dusting of what's left, and be ready to vacuum. So let me go get that taken care of, and vacuum.

I also brushed both dogs so that there is more hair in the trash and not as much falling off them.