hi CM! I think we posted at the same time. Oh Teen loved Barbies as a child, and I saved them for my grandchildren. They are in a bin for Tot, probably soon. Acorn would eat the shoes so we have not gotten Barbies out yet. I hope Tot loves them too! I didn't realize you make doll clothes! That is very cool.

Well, I did it. I dove right in and did the hard thing. I emptied the 2 dresser drawers, the storage bin drawers (3), the bon of dog items in my room, and the bin of dog treats and chews in my room. Spread it all out. It was so hard, I miss my dog.

The friend I texted said she would like to have the things I want to donate and will share anything she does not use, with our mutual friends. That made it exponentially easier to bag up things to give. Not only because they are emotional items, but because they are worth $$ but would be a pain for me to sell. I donated 17 items - nail clippers, collars, leashes, nice toys, etc etc. I will drop the bag off for her tomorrow. I put it in the Daily Tally and it put me over 500 items this year (goal is 1000 in a year).

I also put like things together. Bagged dog pain meds together and dog digestive upset meds together, flea/tick/heartworm meds together.

I managed to get everything back into the bins with room to spare in a more organized way. My hope is to use one of the dresser drawers for non-dog items. So I am just about done getting things put back away. Still trying to figure out the dog brushes/combs which I do use and were not cheap so am probably keeping most. I wonder if they could go in a bin in the hall closet, which is neat and clean? There could be space. I'll check.

What are the rest of you doing?

hi CM! I think we posted at the same time. Oh Teen loved Barbies as a child, and I saved them for my grandchildren. They are in a bin for Tot, probably soon. Acorn would eat the shoes so we have not gotten Barbies out yet. I hope Tot loves them too! I didn't realize you make doll clothes! That is very cool.

Well, I did it. I dove right in and did the hard thing. I emptied the 2 dresser drawers, the storage bin drawers (3), the bon of dog items in my room, and the bin of dog treats and chews in my room. Spread it all out. It was so hard, I miss my dog.

The friend I texted said she would like to have the things I want to donate and will share anything she does not use, with our mutual friends. That made it exponentially easier to bag up things to give. Not only because they are emotional items, but because they are worth $$ but would be a pain for me to sell. I donated 17 items - nail clippers, collars, leashes, nice toys, etc etc. I will drop the bag off for her tomorrow. I put it in the Daily Tally and it put me over 500 items this year (goal is 1000 in a year).

I also put like things together. Bagged dog pain meds together and dog digestive upset meds together, flea/tick/heartworm meds together.

I managed to get everything back into the bins with room to spare in a more organized way. My hope is to use one of the dresser drawers for non-dog items. So I am just about done getting things put back away. Still trying to figure out the dog brushes/combs which I do use and were not cheap so am probably keeping most. I wonder if they could go in a bin in the hall closet, which is neat and clean? There could be space. I'll check.

What are the rest of you doing?

Tatoulia, we are just happy to see you.

Don't feel bad about mom's mattress, why would you take her sheets off and check? I'm glad you were able to upgrade her bed. If the chair looks ok and she is able to use it, I would wait. Maybe keep an eye out for a bargain.

Bean's other grandmother got him a bike! It is very cool. It was a hand me down from her neighbor. She also got him a light saber. He had a very fun birthday! They borrowed an inflatable pool with a slide from a neighbor.

CM, I am so glad you are writing again!

When my kids were elementary school age, we had a second (third?) run movie theatre less than ten minutes from us. They showed g movies in the afternoons on weekdays sometimes they had "classics" from my childhood and they had air conditioning. We did not. Almost every week in the summer I would take the kids to a movie on the hottest day. It was seventy five cents each for them and $1.25 for me.

Lila, I am super proud of you for doing the hard work. You are inspiring. We can do this! I came to get another boost because I am stuck. I am stuck on Christmas bows of all things. They are so pretty and shiny and I have about four gallons of them and I almost never use them.

I did take the bag of hard and sad trash and put it in a public garbage can. I also took a big cardboard box of books to half price. We stopped at the offsite craft storage store and I gave them one craft foam item that I want to find out if they will accept and my email address. I looked around and I thought about buying a few things that looked interesting, but then I thought about all my unfinished projects and all the things in my basement and I did not buy anything.

Dd just sent a note asking to bring Bean to pick berries this evening. So I guess I will get off my butt and straighten up and hopefully get inspired to make some progress.

Tatoulia, we are just happy to see you.

Don't feel bad about mom's mattress, why would you take her sheets off and check? I'm glad you were able to upgrade her bed. If the chair looks ok and she is able to use it, I would wait. Maybe keep an eye out for a bargain.

Bean's other grandmother got him a bike! It is very cool. It was a hand me down from her neighbor. She also got him a light saber. He had a very fun birthday! They borrowed an inflatable pool with a slide from a neighbor.

CM, I am so glad you are writing again!

When my kids were elementary school age, we had a second (third?) run movie theatre less than ten minutes from us. They showed g movies in the afternoons on weekdays sometimes they had "classics" from my childhood and they had air conditioning. We did not. Almost every week in the summer I would take the kids to a movie on the hottest day. It was seventy five cents each for them and $1.25 for me.

Lila, I am super proud of you for doing the hard work. You are inspiring. We can do this! I came to get another boost because I am stuck. I am stuck on Christmas bows of all things. They are so pretty and shiny and I have about four gallons of them and I almost never use them.

I did take the bag of hard and sad trash and put it in a public garbage can. I also took a big cardboard box of books to half price. We stopped at the offsite craft storage store and I gave them one craft foam item that I want to find out if they will accept and my email address. I looked around and I thought about buying a few things that looked interesting, but then I thought about all my unfinished projects and all the things in my basement and I did not buy anything.

Dd just sent a note asking to bring Bean to pick berries this evening. So I guess I will get off my butt and straighten up and hopefully get inspired to make some progress.

I am here trying to get off my butt and do a couple more things. The dog stuff drained me. But I have time to do a bit more.

Oh! I'm glad I read your post SubC, because Tot and family are coming for dinner tonight. I forgot and have nothing thawed or ready. I will go look in the freezer and see what's there.

About the bows, you could see about donating them. Even though it is summer, some places collect them for gift giving. I know because I have worked with places that do. Like Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, or Domestic Violence shelters. All of those need wrapping paper and bows because they give gifts to children in need.

Okay, off to figure out dinner. If I can't find anything I am likely to order pizza.

I am here trying to get off my butt and do a couple more things. The dog stuff drained me. But I have time to do a bit more.

Oh! I'm glad I read your post SubC, because Tot and family are coming for dinner tonight. I forgot and have nothing thawed or ready. I will go look in the freezer and see what's there.

About the bows, you could see about donating them. Even though it is summer, some places collect them for gift giving. I know because I have worked with places that do. Like Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, or Domestic Violence shelters. All of those need wrapping paper and bows because they give gifts to children in need.

Okay, off to figure out dinner. If I can't find anything I am likely to order pizza.

Dd rescheduled for tomorrow because she decided that actually they were too tired from the party.

My Christmas stuff is sorted out and put away. It fits in the space allotted although it would probably fit more easily and attractively if there were 10% less. I pulled about 1/4 of the bows out and put them in a clear plastic bag. They will probably just go to the thrift store because I am not making a special trip anywhere to donate one bag of bows.

My carpet area is clear and vacuumed again.

This happened:

I cleared and vacuumed the carpet.
I got out a project and spread it out all over the carpet.
I finished the project, put it away, and vacuumed the carpet again.

All in the same month.

Next trick - next project in two weeks or less. (Ideally craft stuff because of my drop off appointment in two weeks.)

Dd rescheduled for tomorrow because she decided that actually they were too tired from the party.

My Christmas stuff is sorted out and put away. It fits in the space allotted although it would probably fit more easily and attractively if there were 10% less. I pulled about 1/4 of the bows out and put them in a clear plastic bag. They will probably just go to the thrift store because I am not making a special trip anywhere to donate one bag of bows.

My carpet area is clear and vacuumed again.

This happened:

I cleared and vacuumed the carpet.
I got out a project and spread it out all over the carpet.
I finished the project, put it away, and vacuumed the carpet again.

All in the same month.

Next trick - next project in two weeks or less. (Ideally craft stuff because of my drop off appointment in two weeks.)

Nice work SubC! I am about to vacuum myself, because I don't want the baby to get covered in dog hair.

I found a ham in the freezer and am going to cube it up for a casserole for the family. Teen is being, shall we say, unhelpful. It makes me upset when I clean the kitchen and they go in and leave a mess. But it seems nothing motivates them to clean it up. Which is partly why most of the kitchen things are locked in my bedroom - less things to mess up, break, leave dirty all over the place.

- I cleared off the kitchen table so we can eat there and it only took a few minutes. I washed it off and it is ready.
- I got the vacuum out and plugged it in, picked up stuff off the floor.

They will be here in an hour, so I need to vacuum and then cube the ham. I supposed I need to wash off the counters and stove since Teen left a big mess.

Nice work SubC! I am about to vacuum myself, because I don't want the baby to get covered in dog hair.

I found a ham in the freezer and am going to cube it up for a casserole for the family. Teen is being, shall we say, unhelpful. It makes me upset when I clean the kitchen and they go in and leave a mess. But it seems nothing motivates them to clean it up. Which is partly why most of the kitchen things are locked in my bedroom - less things to mess up, break, leave dirty all over the place.

- I cleared off the kitchen table so we can eat there and it only took a few minutes. I washed it off and it is ready.
- I got the vacuum out and plugged it in, picked up stuff off the floor.

They will be here in an hour, so I need to vacuum and then cube the ham. I supposed I need to wash off the counters and stove since Teen left a big mess.

Good morning.

Dh has gone to play golf.

The candle making supplies are piled at one side of the carpet zone.

The scullery cabinets are empty. - Counter is a piled up disaster, but the cabinets are empty. A few months ago the counter was a piled up disaster and the cabinets were full. So this is progress.

I am realizing that the stuffing and stashing behavior is really unhealthy. It's the hoarder equivalent of stuffing your feelings and emotions down instead of dealing with them or making changes in your life and relationships.. Because basically that's what this stuff is. Bad feelings, delayed decisions, poor coping skills, disfunctional relationships, unrealistic expectations...

It's better to be messy on the surface and keep working on it than to stuff it away for later and let the stress keep building up until eventually later can't be put off anymore and it all hits you like a (possibly literal) avalanche.

At this moment, I kind of want to go through every room in my house, take everything out and pile it in the middle of the floor, deep clean the closets and cupboards and shelves and drawers and then put back neatly only the things I actually use and need and love. I can't actually do that yet, but it's a pretty cool fantasy.

It has been sunny lately. I have been outside a lot. Sometimes the boarder-line mania is harder to handle than the low grade depression. You can't just sleep and watch videos until it goes away.

Yeah, Tatoulia, I'm debating on whether to go see the Barbie movie right away. From reviews it sounds like some of the content wouldn't really be to my taste, but I'm sure there are some parts that are a fun playful romp. It's just that first run movies are pricey these days even if you don't buy from the concession stand, the theater is in kind of a trafficky area though not bad on weekdays, and finally I don't feel comfortable going to movies alone - just lifelong habit there, just feels too strange in some way.

Roommate likes making the doll clothes with me for our possible selling venture, and she enjoys watching me do photoshoots of my Barbies, but she's not a huge Barbie fan like me. And with her flare up of pain right now, sitting in a theater seat for an extended time would not be advisable. Other girlfriends or my cousin are likely busy during the times I would want to go and I'm not sure if Barbie appeals to them enough. It has been fun watching people post on social media their costumes and some even take a doll with them to the movie. The fandom fun would be a blast if I had someone to share it with - although I also recall in 2015 when I was so excited to see the first Star Wars sequel trilogy installment, and it turned out to be a dud. Major disappointment! So I don't want to get my hopes sky high for the Barbie one.

At any rate, it's not a life or death decision. I miss, though, how there used to be second run movie theaters here where you could go for half price. That's ancient history now. I made a hybrid Barbie doll the other day - I'd bought these months ago - a lavender haired mermaid doll's head on a regular body (because the mermaid ones are more like molded and painted figurines whose clothing can't be changed). She turned out really cute and I took her out in the garden and photographed her among the flowers. The regular Barbie head went on the mermaid body and will get donated to delight some kid.

Have been accomplishing some goals - right at the moment not as much decluttering as other stuff but it all still helps me feel energized and more sure of my purpose. For instance, when I was at the library the other day I worked on my writing, and yesterday I did even more writing. I did it while roommate took a nap, which was reassuring - I've been so adamant about always wanting to be either home alone or away someplace so she wouldn't inadvertently interrupt my train of thought. Yes, she was asleep - but she could've awakened - and I went ahead and wrote anyway and was able to concentrate. So maybe I will get more writing done now around here if I'm alert for opportunities. Really this laptop is so great because I can just open it up and it's ready to go - no lag, no complications.

There are also organization and decluttering things in my mental docket, and those will get going again soon. And artwork. Starting to write makes me think of my other big creative love, e.g. visual art (which might actually be #1 with writing #2 but right now I want to move the writing ball down the field a bit, got excited after reconnecting with my college writing buddy). Sewing is third, and other crafts behind it. SubC, I would probably be very intrigued by that craft place you mentioned. But I've been good lately about not buying stuff at garage sales or thrift stores that I know I don't really need, or even accepting free stuff. Really much more in the mode of wanting to downsize and be able to know what I have and be using it or else not have it in my life.

I did it! I went down to the basement and I filled the trash bag* with hard things and sad things.

* by "trash bag" I mean plastic grocery store bag. And by "filled" I mean it still ties shut.

The offsite craft storage store reopened for shopping hours after Covid, but still requires somewhat inconvenient appointments for drop off.

However, I have made myself a fairly early in the morning drop appointment in two weeks. On the way home I can stop at the satellite drop for the recycling hub, so any plastic craft items that are not accepted will be left there.

Dh says we can stop at half price books when we go to Bean's party because I have a large box of books to "sell" (they give you very little money, but it's an efficient way to keep books moving)

It's Saturday Lila. I probably won't check in again until some time in the afternoon - but I hope you will have posted.

The offsite craft storage store reopened for shopping hours after Covid, but still requires somewhat inconvenient appointments for drop off.

However, I have made myself a fairly early in the morning drop appointment in two weeks. On the way home I can stop at the satellite drop for the recycling hub, so any plastic craft items that are not accepted will be left there.

Dh says we can stop at half price books when we go to Bean's party because I have a large box of books to "sell" (they give you very little money, but it's an efficient way to keep books moving)

It's Saturday Lila. I probably won't check in again until some time in the afternoon - but I hope you will have posted.

Happy birthday to Bean!

We went to the museum last night. First we stopped by mom's and I changed the cat litter.

During her medical team meeting on July 11 someone mentioned that mom's mattress is stained and soiled. So I ordered a new mattress and box spring and they were delivered on Wednesday (together with a protective cover). It was also the day my cleaners were there so she had clean sheets, etc. mom has said she is having the best sleep of her life. I'm so embarrassed that I didn't realize her mattress was gross. The caseworker was thrilled when I told her I'd gotten the new mattress. I'm still struggling with whether to get her a new recliner. They are so expensive. I did buy her quality Simmons mattress but the power recliners are very expensive. I have to think about this.

We are going to friends' house for dinner tonight. I'll try not to cry in front of the kids. I am also trying not to be tearful in front of BF because it is adding to his stress; in the other hand, he knows I have to get it out.

I have a lot to do today. But I'll just try to do anything.

I'm lying on the couch with a very dear senior cat on top of me.

Lila, throw out the other grinder. You don't need two and teen has one. Definitely pick your battles. I don't even drink let alone partake in weed but I did when I was in high school. Both if my siblings are big pot smokers and I don't get it. Brother does the edibles now I think. Who knows. I hate that everywhere I go it smells like weed.

I cannot find comfortable sneakers. I am applying the hard-won lessons I learned here, which is, I can't keep something that doesn't fit. I have gotten rid of more things that I've bought that didn't fit but were cute so I'll have to do some returns. Learning that I cannot keep wasting money that way has been a good lesson.

Remember, the goal today is to do anything. I'll try to report back.

I'm sorry I'm not commenting on your posts. I am reading them and so pleased with all you are doing.

Cm I've been thinking of you with the Barbie mania going on!

Happy birthday to Bean!

We went to the museum last night. First we stopped by mom's and I changed the cat litter.

During her medical team meeting on July 11 someone mentioned that mom's mattress is stained and soiled. So I ordered a new mattress and box spring and they were delivered on Wednesday (together with a protective cover). It was also the day my cleaners were there so she had clean sheets, etc. mom has said she is having the best sleep of her life. I'm so embarrassed that I didn't realize her mattress was gross. The caseworker was thrilled when I told her I'd gotten the new mattress. I'm still struggling with whether to get her a new recliner. They are so expensive. I did buy her quality Simmons mattress but the power recliners are very expensive. I have to think about this.

We are going to friends' house for dinner tonight. I'll try not to cry in front of the kids. I am also trying not to be tearful in front of BF because it is adding to his stress; in the other hand, he knows I have to get it out.

I have a lot to do today. But I'll just try to do anything.

I'm lying on the couch with a very dear senior cat on top of me.

Lila, throw out the other grinder. You don't need two and teen has one. Definitely pick your battles. I don't even drink let alone partake in weed but I did when I was in high school. Both if my siblings are big pot smokers and I don't get it. Brother does the edibles now I think. Who knows. I hate that everywhere I go it smells like weed.

I cannot find comfortable sneakers. I am applying the hard-won lessons I learned here, which is, I can't keep something that doesn't fit. I have gotten rid of more things that I've bought that didn't fit but were cute so I'll have to do some returns. Learning that I cannot keep wasting money that way has been a good lesson.

Remember, the goal today is to do anything. I'll try to report back.

I'm sorry I'm not commenting on your posts. I am reading them and so pleased with all you are doing.

Cm I've been thinking of you with the Barbie mania going on!

Good morning!

Tatoulia, yay on the new mattress! Be sure it has a waterproof cover in it, if there is a possibility of accidents or spills. I had that on all my kids' beds when they were younger. I hope your visit went well and the kids got to see a smile here and there.

I feel like I need toast, but there is no bread. Maybe in the freezer. I will check.

SubC, good work moving that bag of hard things out! You are moving right along too.

I think edibles/gummies would be better, too, but yes, harder to get underage. And I am not willing to go buy them unless Teen's doctor says it is a good idea. So far their doctor has said they cannot even prescribe the right meds anymore because of substance use interactions, and the evaluation said Teen has a severe substance use issue. But they are 18 now and all the things I tried to get them help have failed. So now it is a wait and see thing, and mainly I wait for Teen to realize their life is in the toilet and they need help. I can't throw out the grinder because I promised I would give it back. I think I will just give it back today and be done with it, since they already have another one and I am tired of holding on to it.

I have done very little this morning because I am angry that there is a ton of smoke in the air and I could not sit outside on the deck this morning to read and drink coffee. And all the windows have to be shut. Such is life in the PNW in summer. Anyway, I:

- unloaded the dishwasher
- folded the rest of the towels and put them away

Good morning!

Tatoulia, yay on the new mattress! Be sure it has a waterproof cover in it, if there is a possibility of accidents or spills. I had that on all my kids' beds when they were younger. I hope your visit went well and the kids got to see a smile here and there.

I feel like I need toast, but there is no bread. Maybe in the freezer. I will check.

SubC, good work moving that bag of hard things out! You are moving right along too.

I think edibles/gummies would be better, too, but yes, harder to get underage. And I am not willing to go buy them unless Teen's doctor says it is a good idea. So far their doctor has said they cannot even prescribe the right meds anymore because of substance use interactions, and the evaluation said Teen has a severe substance use issue. But they are 18 now and all the things I tried to get them help have failed. So now it is a wait and see thing, and mainly I wait for Teen to realize their life is in the toilet and they need help. I can't throw out the grinder because I promised I would give it back. I think I will just give it back today and be done with it, since they already have another one and I am tired of holding on to it.

I have done very little this morning because I am angry that there is a ton of smoke in the air and I could not sit outside on the deck this morning to read and drink coffee. And all the windows have to be shut. Such is life in the PNW in summer. Anyway, I:

- unloaded the dishwasher
- folded the rest of the towels and put them away

post 2 -

I got everything out of those 2 drawers. It was hard, it is hard. A lot of reminders of my dog I had before and all the fun things we did and how much I miss her. Anyway, I can hardly bear thinking of getting rid of any of it, but it is a lot. And then as I think about storing them, there is a whole 'nother storage drawer set in the corner of my bedroom FULL of dog stuff, plus a small bin in my bedroom. Not to mention the bins downstairs and in the garage.

As I thought about consolidating this stuff into the storage drawer set, I know it is full. I start thinking of the things I know I will never use but are nice items. So, I stopped and sent a text to a friend I used to do dog things with. She has several dogs plus mutual friends with dogs and who foster. I asked if she would like a bag of nice dog things. If she says yes, I can bag up some things and take to her. If not, I will try another friend. But giving these special things to a friend who will use them or a fostering place, feels a lot more doable than throwing them into goodwill.

Will continue on... but I have tears in my eyes.

post 2 -

I got everything out of those 2 drawers. It was hard, it is hard. A lot of reminders of my dog I had before and all the fun things we did and how much I miss her. Anyway, I can hardly bear thinking of getting rid of any of it, but it is a lot. And then as I think about storing them, there is a whole 'nother storage drawer set in the corner of my bedroom FULL of dog stuff, plus a small bin in my bedroom. Not to mention the bins downstairs and in the garage.

As I thought about consolidating this stuff into the storage drawer set, I know it is full. I start thinking of the things I know I will never use but are nice items. So, I stopped and sent a text to a friend I used to do dog things with. She has several dogs plus mutual friends with dogs and who foster. I asked if she would like a bag of nice dog things. If she says yes, I can bag up some things and take to her. If not, I will try another friend. But giving these special things to a friend who will use them or a fostering place, feels a lot more doable than throwing them into goodwill.

Will continue on... but I have tears in my eyes.

Yeah, Tatoulia, I'm debating on whether to go see the Barbie movie right away. From reviews it sounds like some of the content wouldn't really be to my taste, but I'm sure there are some parts that are a fun playful romp. It's just that first run movies are pricey these days even if you don't buy from the concession stand, the theater is in kind of a trafficky area though not bad on weekdays, and finally I don't feel comfortable going to movies alone - just lifelong habit there, just feels too strange in some way.

Roommate likes making the doll clothes with me for our possible selling venture, and she enjoys watching me do photoshoots of my Barbies, but she's not a huge Barbie fan like me. And with her flare up of pain right now, sitting in a theater seat for an extended time would not be advisable. Other girlfriends or my cousin are likely busy during the times I would want to go and I'm not sure if Barbie appeals to them enough. It has been fun watching people post on social media their costumes and some even take a doll with them to the movie. The fandom fun would be a blast if I had someone to share it with - although I also recall in 2015 when I was so excited to see the first Star Wars sequel trilogy installment, and it turned out to be a dud. Major disappointment! So I don't want to get my hopes sky high for the Barbie one.

At any rate, it's not a life or death decision. I miss, though, how there used to be second run movie theaters here where you could go for half price. That's ancient history now. I made a hybrid Barbie doll the other day - I'd bought these months ago - a lavender haired mermaid doll's head on a regular body (because the mermaid ones are more like molded and painted figurines whose clothing can't be changed). She turned out really cute and I took her out in the garden and photographed her among the flowers. The regular Barbie head went on the mermaid body and will get donated to delight some kid.

Have been accomplishing some goals - right at the moment not as much decluttering as other stuff but it all still helps me feel energized and more sure of my purpose. For instance, when I was at the library the other day I worked on my writing, and yesterday I did even more writing. I did it while roommate took a nap, which was reassuring - I've been so adamant about always wanting to be either home alone or away someplace so she wouldn't inadvertently interrupt my train of thought. Yes, she was asleep - but she could've awakened - and I went ahead and wrote anyway and was able to concentrate. So maybe I will get more writing done now around here if I'm alert for opportunities. Really this laptop is so great because I can just open it up and it's ready to go - no lag, no complications.

There are also organization and decluttering things in my mental docket, and those will get going again soon. And artwork. Starting to write makes me think of my other big creative love, e.g. visual art (which might actually be #1 with writing #2 but right now I want to move the writing ball down the field a bit, got excited after reconnecting with my college writing buddy). Sewing is third, and other crafts behind it. SubC, I would probably be very intrigued by that craft place you mentioned. But I've been good lately about not buying stuff at garage sales or thrift stores that I know I don't really need, or even accepting free stuff. Really much more in the mode of wanting to downsize and be able to know what I have and be using it or else not have it in my life.

hi Tatoulia! I'm glad you stopped in. We care about you! We want to hear from you.

SubC, I wish I lived near you because I would beg for a jar of that jam and come get it! I have made jam before. In fact this year someone gave me rhubarb so I made strawberry rhubarb jam. But when my neighbors or friends make batches, they sometimes offer me a jar and that is great! I have had peach, strawberry, and apricot this year. Very small jars but so tasty.

I am doing very well although not much on the Daily Tally yet.

- washed a few dishes by hand
- got the sheets out of the dryer and put them (in a pile) on my bed
- tried on some shirts I ordered (ugh it is a struggle but I had credit in these stores so got a few shirts) and only one is getting returned.
- washed my blanket. It is in the dryer.
- put in a load of clothes to wash.
- brought up the clean white towels to fold, but haven't folded them yet

I have motivation to clean out a specific little dresser. It is actually a bedside table but has 2 drawers packed FULL of stuff. Mostly dog stuff - brushes, medications, etc. I probably will continue to use them for this, but it is too much and I don't even know what else is in there. Also, last year Teen had some items in their room that they were not supposed to have. They begged me not to throw them out (pretty/expensive and given by a friend) so I put them in a bag and said they could have them back when they are older. This sounds cryptic - so it was pocket knives and a spice (weed) grinder. Anyway last night I went in their room and saw an identical grinder. They had been bugging me since they are now 18. I have to know if they came in my room and dug through my drawers and took things. So, if I remember right, the bag was in those drawers. I'll pull everything out and search. And declutter. (And yes I prob should have just throw it all out but their plaintive cries made me think, well, when they are older maybe they will not be sneaking around smoking weed and they could actually use this as a spice grinder... ugh).

I'll be back with a report!

update:

- made my bed
- folded about half the towels and put them away
- put away a couple dishes
- found heartworm prevention med in the drawer and gave to dogs

Hi Lila,

How are the drawers? Did teen take the things out? I'm guessing pot is not legal where you live. I know a lot of people who self-medicate. It works for some of them. Smoking anything is really bad for your lungs though.

If I gave you jam I would have to make another batch! Tell you what, you bring babaganoush for lunch and we'll go pick and make some together.

My most recent accomplishment is making the scullery look worse. I cleaned off part of the counter - really cleaned it off, not just moved stuff - so I could use the thing that takes the seeds out for my jam. Under the counter are three base cabinets from when it was a kitchen. One was empty. Two were full of bins that I stuffed in there god knows when to make the surfaces look better for something. I took everything out of one of those cupboards and put it on the counter. Continuing progress in tally.

hi SubC! We are doing good. Sometimes progress looks messy! I did not even know there was a seed-removing gadget for jam berries! That is cool. I will google it but not buy one. LOL. Maybe when my kitchen has room and I have time to make jam more often!

I did not get through the drawers but I did find the spice grinder in there. So I guess they bought or were given another one, or the one in their room belongs to a friend. It is legal here but not until age 21. I am not happy about it and we have had some major drama over it. I do not partake of any kind of substance, myself. If I had to guess, I would say at least 50% or maybe more of the 16-20 crowd in out area smoke it. I hate that so much. It is not good for developing brains, or lungs. But I am at the 'pick my battles' point. Although they know if I see it or smell it I flip out and take everything. So they go to other friends' homes where the parents are more 'cool' than I am. Which makes me mad as well, but, they are 18 and I am, as I said, picking my battles. They say it helps their anxiety.

So I found that and I found the heartworm med for the dogs. Then walked away from the drawers.

But I did do more laundry, put away most of my clothing load 1 and 2. A load is in the wash now (last load). I also got my blanket out of the dryer and put it on my bed.

Funny thing how I really want to just throw the clean shirts onto that rocking chair in my room... but I will hang them up. At least most of them.

I have so much to do. Okay, I will sort the drawers and try to have at least 2 things to put in the Daily Tally. I did throw away a pair of old worn out underwear from the laundry, so that's a start.

Good morning!

Lila, did you hang the shirts up? It's hard to create new pathways in our brains.

Any news on the drawers?

I would try to steer teen toward gummies - they may actually help with anxiety, they are a more controlled dose, and there is no lung damage. I've had this conversation with a young friend not too long ago. But, they might be harder to get when you are below legal age. Also, Brownies. But I understand if you are not ok with any of it. I would also encourage teen to discuss what effects and interactions might occur with other meds they are taking with their health care provider. This is important, but it will only be helpfully you can do it in a calm and nonjudgmental way, so if you can't, maybe someone else could?

I was really tired last night from the trash, so I watched a movie and stayed up late. This morning I'm really proud of myself though - I went down to the shambling mound that is my "desk" and it's surrounding area and found some trash I saved because it might be useful for a project, and I added it to the trash bag.

Bean is having a birthday party today at lunch time (he's nearly three!) and Dh and I are invited to stop by. I want to get rid of this trash bag while we are out, so maybe I will try to put more things in it.

Crossed with Tatoulia.

Tatoulia, it is good to see you. You are understandably engaged elsewhere. We will nag you to post when we start worrying that you are lonely.

hi SubC and CM! I'm happy there were posts to read when I got here tonight. You are both making progress and putting in effort. Nice work. SibC, it seems like you and I have opposite 'declutter and post' day schedules! It is often the SubC show or the Lila show. Imagine how many posts we could make in one day if we were both here at once!

My usual days off are Fri/Sat. And I sometimes can do some decluttering Thurs late in the day, or Monday.

Today work work work, do a bunch of stuff, paperwork, errands etc etc. So tonight around 8pm I decided to get a head start on my day off tomorrow. Tonight I:

- took out trash and put the bins on the curb
- loaded the dishwasher, washed out the kitchen sink
- went through the fridge and threw out anything old and going bad
- put in one load of white towels. Or, they should be white but are dingy, so they got bleach. They are washing now.
- Brought the empty hamper back upstairs

So that is a good start. I'll put the dog bowls in the dishwasher after I feed them tonight and turn it on so I have clean dishes in the morning.

Good morning!

Yes Lila, it's funny how we seem to tag team. Mondays are almost always my Bean days.

Maybe today we will both check in.

I have a question - I notice that you are often cleaning stuff going bad out of the fridge. Where is all of this food coming from? Are you buying it? Given it? Iirc you don't grow it. Can you get more control of the inflow so that you have less to manage?

Speaking of inflow, I had 15 items of inflow yesterday. (Not counting the glaze which is technically consumable - although those cool little jars are likely to be a problem later..)

I worked on my Christmas stuff for 15 minutes this morning and did some more thinking about my house and my approach. (I was actually semi-watching "a hoarders heart" on YouTube which contributed to my thought process. She has struggled with my trash issues.) anyway, I am going to reapproach the tally thread again.

For now I have some barn work while it is cool, so I will check in later.