| Tillie | Posted: 17 February 2016 - 08:35 AM |
Hi π Lets continue here where we left off. π | |
Replies (626)
| Tess | Posted: 19 July 2016 - 09:22 PM |
Hi everyone! The delivery my cats get is called meow box. They love it. I wouldn't mind getting the human version for myself! Anony - "hoarder homies" lol! That cracked me up. I agree....from our posts, you would never guess any of us had an issue. That's the power of a good support system π I wish we could post pictures here. Some of the tops I can't bring myself to toss are ridiculous. Lol! One isn't much more than a bedazzled bra. I didn't have the guts to wear it back in the day when I had the body for it. But I just can't toss it. I'm going to allow myself to hang on to a couple items like that. And force myself to donate the rest. Slowly. Tat- yay for building a habit!!!! I'm not sure dishes will ever become second nature to me. I'll have to keep my fingers crossed on that one. But I did learn how to use hand washing dishes as a meditative practice. Maybe I'll eventually start to enjoy that?!?!? I had plans after work tonight, but I took care of a few things when I got home: Now I'm sitting back with a face mask, a bottle of nail polish, a glass of wine and a chick flick. Ahhhhh | |
| Tillie | Posted: 19 July 2016 - 07:28 PM |
Hi Everybody π So wonderful to see all your posts! π Hi Tatoulia π Hi Joan π Hi Anonymoniker π Hi CriticalMass π Hi Diane π Hi Tess π Cats & I went outside early this morning and watered trees and bushes and I lit the burn barrel. | |
| Anonymoniker | Posted: 19 July 2016 - 05:00 PM |
Hey, hoarder-homies? ha ha ;D | |
| Tatoulia | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 09:23 PM |
Hello everyone!! Tess I also had a blah weekend in terms of progress. (BUT your list is so impressive!!!). Diane, take good care. Tillie, CM(2 months--missed you!), Anony--I too feel so good to log on and see you all here! Sorry for all the losses, CM, and glad you feel up to posting. For me, posting is key! Indoor Challenge That's it. Not as strenuous as vacuuming or dusting, but my goodness so hot and humid today Talk to you all tomorrow. | |
| Tess | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 08:09 PM |
Hi friends! This weekend wasn't productive for me at all! I thought I was going to have to reach out for some motivation, but I finally did some work. | |
| Diane | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 06:05 PM |
Thanks for saying no one expects me to accomplish anything. I have been just existing. Dentist will see me tomorrow, no openings until Aug. 1st, I said I just need diagnosis to see if it is tooth or something else, so will fit me in tomorrow. I think just knowing what is causing the pain will help. Swelling is less today, so easier to deal with. I vacuumed this morning, washed 1/2 dishes, and have been sitting since. Nice to read your posts, thank you for writing daily. | |
| CriticalMass | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 05:47 PM |
Whoa, has it really been 2-1/2 months since I posted here? I knew it had been awhile, but wow. Took a few minutes to skim through a few pages of you all's posts to try and get up to speed. I can certainly relate to the heartache of a relationship breakup as a trigger for hoarding. My own story of that happened many years ago. In more recent years deaths and moves have fueled it. But I just want to give an update and a bit of explanation why I went missing. On May 31st, I'd thought I was closing in on being done with van repairs. Then I noticed my tire was down to the steel belt. So my mechanic put the spare on. He checked the other tires too. I can wait a while and get 2 used ones. Okay, not so bad. Then in June there ended up being more work on the fuel pump; thought it might need replacement but it didn't. Still, ka-ching ka-ching goes the money. THEN at the beginning of July, come to find out the power steering gear box has issues. *screams and sounds of hair being ripped from scalp* Paying for the June repairs had me behind already and I've decided to nurse this power steering thing along till I figure out what money tree THAT will come from. I'm too broke to drive except to church. July has been a strange month of sadness and just hanging in there. Our deacon at church, beloved by many, died. His funeral was July 9th. That same day, one of the seminarians from our diocese drowned in the river near where I live. And then on Sunday I learned the priest who did my dad's funeral died. I'm also grieved by the terrorism in the world and the violence in the US. The mundane everyday stuff and the big stuff just all jumbles up in my mind. Yet I am not really what I would call depressed over it all the way I can sometimes get depressed which is pretty bleak. More just in a holding pattern. Been doing a lot of praying and holding onto hope that things will turn around both in the world and in my little corner of it. The heat and storms and more heat, plus lack of transportation, are the things that have once again put my storage unit project on the back burner. My room here where I'm staying is cluttered badly right now. I had planned to return some stuff to storage because I realized I brought too many projects over here - I tend to overestimate what I can get done. I'd been waiting for the storage unit to be less crowded, though, so that taking stuff over there wouldn't make a bigger mess of it. I have food and a roof over my head, friends, my pets, my faith, good people like you all (and I'll try to not be a stranger so much). So despite what I'd love to have if I won the lottery (Hellooo, house of my own, or at least enough money for a crew of helpers and cool weather to whip that storage unit into shape!) - despite all of that - I. Am. Blessed. May all of you be blessed today as well. | |
| Anonymoniker | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 02:38 PM |
Hi all! I had a long post id typed out last night that wouldnt take, so im gonna try again. | |
| Joan | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 01:42 PM |
Thanks, Tillie and Tat, for responding to my post about allergies a while back. My most immediate problem has been coughing and anaphylaxis, both of which destroy my sleep at night. As a follow-up, I have found some relief from a prescription medication. However, the issue is not resolved. I love chocolate, and often eat it - illogically I believed - at night, and when I wake up in the middle of the night. Last night I realized that my body might be trying to tell me something. I did some surfing online, and sure enough: Latest research demonstrates that the theobromine in CHOCOLATE is better for suppressing nighttime cough than codeineβοΈβοΈβοΈ ! ! ! I see a chocolate-filled future for myself. . . | |
| Tatoulia | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 10:19 AM |
Good morning everyone! Diane, ditto what Tillie said. You are the number one priority. You need to get out of pain and heal. Sending warm thoughts and much love your way. Tillie, please don't overdo s d be sure to take all the breaks you need and even a few you don't! I'm sure Scooter and Marty will trap any giant spiders that date to enter your home! Tess and Anony--keep up the good work! I didn't do any Indoor Challenge yesterday. However, when I went to empty the clean dishwasher, I had already emptied it....which means it's become second nature to me!!!! Yay! Working from home. Will write with my Indoor Challenge updates--I really need this. | |
| Tillie | Posted: 18 July 2016 - 10:14 AM |
Good Morning Everybody π Hi Diane π Well today I am getting ready to do the general house cleaning. TTYS π | |
| Diane | Posted: 17 July 2016 - 08:14 PM |
Triple T, Tillie, Tat, Tess and Anon, hello. Hello to others who stop by. | |
| Tillie | Posted: 17 July 2016 - 10:46 AM |
Good Morning Everybody π Hi Diane π Hi Tess π Hi Tatoulia π WAY TO GO!!! for all you do to help others. (((HUGS))) Quiet and cool morning, will heat up again later. Have a great day everybody π | |
| Tatoulia | Posted: 17 July 2016 - 09:50 AM |
Good morning! Oh Diane, I am so sorry about your tooth/mouth. How awful. I hope you did get some sleep last night. I was so worried about you yesterday (read bit didn't post) and now I learn you had a trip to urgent care. Sending you much love. Tillie, glad you got your big trip in and got the groceries put away. I've been working hard to put away groceries instead of letting them just pile up. Tess, glad you bought something that will bring you peace. If you can, try to get rid of two things. I find making myself get rid of two for every one coming in helps me to make good decisions. Yesterday I spent the day making sure assorted people had what they needed--took mom for haircut (cute!), then helped someone grocery shop, spent time with BF and then just did a few things around the house. Yesterday's challenge: Ttyl. Please take care of yourselves today--Diane--sending you much love. | |
| Tess | Posted: 16 July 2016 - 09:40 PM |
Hi everybody - Tillie - your shopping trip sounds kind of amazing. I rarely do a big shopping trip, but I love looking at a full pantry. Yay for organic! I'm sure the cats will appreciate it too! I bought my cats a subscription box for Christmas. They get healthy treats and toys in the mail every month. They've become quite spoiled! Lol! Diane - hope your tooth feels better soon. I'm glad you went to urgent care! Dealing with dental pain (especially over a weekend) is horrible! At least you will get some sleep. There isn't much going on here. I did go book shopping, but for a good reason. Every morning I try to spend time with God. That is usually done in the morning (in bed) as soon as I wake up. I start with the Lord's Prayer....and I fall asleep before I get to the end. This has been going on since new year day! I have religious books, but I need something interactive to keep me awake. How sad is that???? Anyway, I found a bible study book that requires reading through verses to find answers to questions. Let's hope this works. And because I bought myself a new book, I'm going to donate one or two of my other religious books to ease my conscious. On a cleaning front, I didn't do anything today. But I also didn't mess up anything today. So I'm calling it a draw! lol! I'll get back to it tomorrow. | |
| Tillie | Posted: 16 July 2016 - 08:30 PM |
(((HUGS))) Diane | |
| Diane | Posted: 16 July 2016 - 07:04 PM |
Hello all. Tillie, happy to hear your trip was good and you had the energy to put everything away. | |
| Tillie | Posted: 16 July 2016 - 06:08 PM |
Hi Peoples π | |
| Tillie | Posted: 15 July 2016 - 11:31 PM |
Hi Everybody π Hi Tatoulia π Hi Anonymoniker π Hi Diane π Have no idea when I will get back home or what kind of condition I will be in when I return. | |
| Anonymoniker | Posted: 15 July 2016 - 10:22 PM |
Diane, i am sooo sorry to hear about that awful tooth pain! That sounds horrible! Ive also thrown out stuff i needed later! How is it doing now? I think its great youre taking time away from your hoard to play with the rocks! And how wonderful youve got such a patient & helpful worker waiting for you! | |
| Diane | Posted: 15 July 2016 - 05:52 PM |
.,Hello everybody, nice to hear from you all and what great things you are thinking and doing. I went for my first overnight in pickup, had to come home because of tooth pain. I got home and realized I had thrown all advil, Tylenol etc. away when I cleaned bedroom,all were expired, since I "never" have pain, finally found some aspirin. I woke up with incredible pain, kept thinking it would go away, then went to store and bought ibuprofen and Tylenol. All dentists I called are closed on Friday, today. Fortuneately helper called to see how long I was going to keep pushing her help away. She just went similar tooth problem and gave me the formula of what doctor told her. Last night when I went to bed it was un bearable, then remembered she said to ice mouth in bed, sounded terrible, but I did, and fell asleep, thank goodness. Have stayed on ibuprofen/Tylenol as she suggested,d way more than I wouold normally. Have laid low today, then decided to try cutting rocks with tile saw, makes lots of noise and vibration so distracts me from mouth. I have made quite a mess out side, but so much fun, and am getting much better figuring it out, rounding off edges for tumblers. The garage hoard is being kind to me, peaking out asking when I will be ready to clean it out. I washed dishes, started putting clothes in washer, want to work outside a little more, then put these clothes in washer, that are filthy, and first take a way overdue shower. Love reading your posts about managing hoard. I said helper could come next week, so really need to keep up on maintenance this week so she doesn't give me the disappointed look I got from her when she came last time, many weeks ago. My ittie bittie feelings got hurt so have kept her away. I still know, to finish the craft room I need her help. I am so grateful she has not given up on me, what a great personal coach. I did clarify, good enough for me is very different than what is good enough for her. This is silly but I had a clean cleaning cloth out yesterday, then decided to wipe my legs and feet off with it, was going to wash it to clean counters, and for the practice I called amnesty and tossed it. I want you each to know, how important you are to me, being able to say amnesty and know you understand the challenges that go with it. | |
| Anonymoniker | Posted: 15 July 2016 - 04:12 PM |
Yes, Tillie & Tatoulia, that thing about 'good enough' just hit home! When i look at my place, i cant imagine it being nice enough, but when i really do clear, clean & add color(my new motto!), i realize it will look cute...not fancy...kind of funky, but quaint...enough to make a HUGE difference in my life!!! π so far today, ive completed today's list of dishes washed, jewelry & hair stuff washed, so i can go swim laps at the pool, guilt free!!! π | |
| Tatoulia | Posted: 15 July 2016 - 02:04 PM |
Glad your health is headed in the right direction, Tillie. I am not a perfectionist so I think I'll be okay. I just finally realized that there's a reason they say, put the oxygen mask on yourself before assisting the other plane passengers. Unless I am happy and comfortable in my home, taking care of everyone else will suffocate me. So it is going better now, for everyone. (Especially me!). Did dishes before leaving for office this AM. What a good feeling. Was too tired to do last night. So I emptied the dishwasher and refilled it. Stay cool everyone! | |
| Tillie | Posted: 15 July 2016 - 12:31 PM |
Good Morning Everyone π Hi Tatoulia π Hi Anonymoniker π Hi Tess π Just putzing around here today. TTYS π | |
| Anonymoniker | Posted: 14 July 2016 - 11:04 PM |
Tatoulia, wow, you have a lot going on to keep up with! It sounds like your priorities are pretty good, tho?! Family & career are certainly more important than cleaning! | |
| Tatoulia | Posted: 14 July 2016 - 10:27 PM |
WTG Tess!!! Indoor challenge part two: Vacuumed bedroom One tip: everytime I take my garbage out (pickup is twice a week), I do a quick scan of fridge to see what's in there that needs to go. Generally just a lot of half eaten, rejected cat food cans. This way, there's never anything old and gross in fridge. Too tired to empty dishwasher and put away dinner dishes. Will do tomorrow. | |
| Tess | Posted: 14 July 2016 - 09:46 PM |
Posting and running again today. -put away clean clothes and washed a new load. This is turning into a nightly routine. Feels like I did more. Going through purses and books was hard for me. I also tossed a bunch of old body products that were gifts. That was also hard, but it feels good to look at that space and see a bit less clutter. Keep up the good work, guys! I hope to be able to catch up tomorrow. *hugs* | |
| Tatoulia | Posted: 14 July 2016 - 08:15 PM |
You are so sweet, Anony. Trust me, the accomplishments here are a group effort and thus a group success. I got rid of a lot of stuff two years ago. I had a hard time letting go but all of a sudden realized I have too much. I still have too much, but I'm grateful to being back in my cleaning and clearing mode. I'm not sure how I ended up with a filthy house with stuff everywhere. I can remember back when I had a weekly cleaning lady! weekly. Yup--what a treat that was. For me, taking care of elderly mother, mentally ill family member and other assorted shut-ins, while juggling a hectic career, just meant the house came last. My BF and I do not live together, despite a decade of being together, and our work schedules are crazy, so I let the house go to pot. I would get it acceptable in time for the holidays and have it decorated and good china and crystal, etc. but it would take its toll and i would have to stuff all the extra stuff into bedroom and closets. When I decided to clean out my 12 x 10 storage spot (over 350 a month), I found this site and got to work. I realized my hoarding, the forms it was taking, and my extreme need to let go of so much and the tension of wanting to keep everything--good memories, bad memories, value I assigned to the object, sentiment, guilt, melancholy, you name it. Every success here by any of us is hard-fought and is absolutely because we have each other. You are doing a great job of balancing your health with your hoard and your heart. Keep up the good work. And thank you for all of your help and support. | |
| Anonymoniker | Posted: 14 July 2016 - 04:17 PM |
Wow, Tatoulia, i guess shredders have come a long way since the 90s?! I love the used kitty litter improvement idea! ha ha | |
| Tatoulia | Posted: 14 July 2016 - 03:16 PM |
Hope you are feeling better, Anony. I shred everything with my name on it, every piece of mail, and I have a good shredder that cross-cuts, so I think it's fairly secure. Then I add a layer of cat litter (used of course) so at that point, I've done it all. I think if I only had a few papers your idea would make sense. But I do everything with my name or adrdress, even if just a postcard from the realtor down the street and addressed to "occupant"! Take good care of yourself and let me know your progress! Making space is wonderful!!! | |