Yes Diane, start living as at least your main priority, over organizing! 😀

Thanks for updates, feel like I am spending the holiday with you!!!
Tillie, thanks for describing how to clean dresser.
Last week or week before I had a hopeless feeling that I have been working with a helper for over 6 months and still have a mess in craft room, deck, and garage. In despair I started rereading the book on Tidying up, I opened to the part where she says you should do this quickly, that is where I gave up, since it isn't quick, then read, her say it takes at least 6 months of discarding to get order, that inspired me the past few days. She says you won't spend the rest of your life tidying if you first get rid of everything that does not spark joy, only keep stuff you love, then find a home for it. Without excess, and habitually putting things where they belong, work is done, then just maintenance. That motivated me to do maintenance. Now I have hope again. I have spent years focusing on organizing, and not living. It is clear, that I have to be willing to let go of more stuff in craft room/garage/deck or I will spend the rest of my life trying to organize, and feeling hopeless.

Tillie--I didn't see your post earlier! Congrats on the nice neat dresser.

Beautiful day here--a little hotter but nowhere near the coolness of your 98F! Wow!

Since my last post I cleaned and cleared one kitchen counter, put all the silver needing polishing in one spot, washed by hand one of the cat bowls (vintage Bunnykins--so cute!), started the dishwasher and am doing another quick load of gentle cycle things. I shredded last week's mail and gathered up all the garbage.

I think I'll go dust the dining room table before figuring out what to wear to the fireworks. I think they start at 10:30 so I'll need to leave here by 10:10.

Goodnight dear friends! Anony, try not to fret. We don't know what the future holds for any of us. But I bet it's great.

Getting my place nice is of HUGE importance, but it was almost as though i was paying lip service to that by spending more time here dedicated to it, but not really doing much towards it...now, to ever let anybody here, much less a guy id want to date, my place has a long way to go....i know that it bothered him....i wish id done the cleaning i got done lately, back when we were together....im horrified to think how that effected how he saw me...

I think you can tell by my posting that I was a little rude during the cookout. Glanced at the phone a few times, just to check in! I actually left a little early because smoke was getting in my eyes. It was a small cookout this year (sometimes it's huge). I would guess maybe 40 people but they came and went, came and went. All ages. Very nice. I tried twice to call my brother to offer to bring him by but maybe asleep. Also was going to bring mom a burger or two but couldn't get in touch with her.

Diane--catnip--love it. I used to have periods like that, when I'd refer to myself as "magically attractive". So there you have it--you are irresistible! Enjoy the fireworks tonight! We will go later tonight to them.

Amnesty. This is a great concept. You have found a great way to let go. And I love it!!

Happy 4th of July to all!!!!! I will go see what I can accomplish in the next two hours before we go to fireworks. Even something small would give me great happiness.

Indoor challenge"
Picked up all the dog stuff, washed dishes, towels out, laundry done, hung, he is gone now, such a relief.
I was a bit jealous reading or your haircuts, since I never take care of myself, so today I dyed my hair, cut it, took shower. While dye was on I cleaned bathroom counter, toilet and tub. I freaked a bit when I saw black mold under anti skid mat in bathtub. Amnesty, threw it away, even though it is a good one. Scrubbed tub, bleached it. Then finally changed shower curtain liner that had mold on it, bought a new one months ago, and weekly have it on to do list. Then I changed sheets on my bed. Still have to vacuum dog hair from carpet.
It was so heart warming reading your posts today. I felt so loved and supported reading posts from Dear Abby and Dr. Phil.
Thanks ladies. I appreciated reading Anony and how you also have destroyed relationships with hoard. I had so many failures in relationships that I started addictive shopping to fill the void, until there was no room for a relationship, so nice not having ups and downs of relationships. And I am a loaner, but when in a new relationship have been obsessed and forget I am a separate person, so just easier being alone. No dating for a long time, used to be main focus, exercise, men. Being a balanced person has never been part of my life.
It was fun thinking a man was maybe interested in me, and hearing your advice, but old behaviors bordered on stalking!!!! Then I was working in yard this morning and another male single neighbor came over and asked me to help him move some railroad ties. I was happy to help, then---he asked me to watch fireworks with him tonight. I stammered, made excuses, then agreed. What am I catnip this week? Good chance to practice being myself and not trying to be better, funnier etc. than I am.
, I would like tell you how much I appreciate our indoor challenge posts, the only reason I did so much today. Looking forward to rock outing tomorrow with a gal from rock club, yippee, no dog

Yes, Tatoulia, that is exactly how ive always been. I did get panicked over the thought of him living here after he retired and literally NEVER having the place to myself unless he went for a bike ride?!!!! But id wanted to try being a couple....i was here during his work week. I couldve stayed with him every other night and gotten enough stupid slow progress on this nighmare mess to justify living in bliss for more time....i dont know what i was thinking or why....he wasnt being demanding....he wanted to see me more...i can see how he felt...

I only spent a couple days a week with him. My main focus was this mess....i should have made my mess very secondary to him....

.....im sorry....i know this isnt a relationship advice website...i just see my priorities were messed up....i shouldve focused on love & joy & the good things that were right there instead of my mess...or at least let love take the lead...

Anony, I have a different view of it. I need a lot of alone time. I can't enjoy my together time without getting a solid dose of alone time. This is why I've not gotten married despite a few chances over the years. It's also why I've never do much as had a platonic roommate, let alone live with a boyfriend. I enjoy my me time and always have. Even on vacation I generally take one evening Irvine morning to myself. It has nothing to do with love or being in love for me. I'm still going to need some time by myself. Even when it's new love and in the honeymoon stage. And I am unapologetic about it.

What makes you think of this today--are you doing okay? I know holidays can be a little rough.

I have always been an independent loner type, but isnt it natural if a couple is in love that they WANT to be together most of the time?

My indoor challenge contribution...
I removed the items from my dresser tops.
Dusted and polished the dressers.
Dusted and arranged the things back on top.
Looks very pretty. 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
WTG! on the challenge! 😀
Have a wonderful time at the cookout. 🙂

Anonymoniker
You really do not want to hear what I think of any man who demands a woman's attention 24/7.

Today it is only up to 98 degrees. YEA!
This morning stayed cool. Didn't need the cooler until noon.
Been watching videos and eating watermelon. 🙂

Well, this may not be what were suppose to write on here, or maybe even think, but, looking back at my failed relationship, i now realize if i hadnt been so slow moving & obsessed with 'even getting a little progress'on my place, and instead spent more time with him, we would likely be going strong now...i sacrificed the love of my life to deal with this mess more than i should have. If i had been more effectice with plans, i couldve spent twice as much time with him. That is why he went back to his old girlfriend, because she was there and i wasnt. ~Happy Independence Day~ ....i am totally 'independent' again now....sorry to be a bummer on this festive holiday....

Indoor challenge:

Vacuumed living room and "library". Vacuumed small couch. Changed out cat's placemat and swept around her eating area. Changed litter box.

I have showered and will leave for cookout as soon as the laundry is done--doing a gentle cycle of things I can hang to dry (sadly in bathroom and not outside--)

Good to get some rest in, Tess. You've made fantastic progress! I am going to shower now and head to cookout. I've done precious little all day. Had hoped to get more done over the weekend but such is life. Was glad to get some fun times in.

Hi everybody! Happy 4th of July!!

I'll be out of commission for a couple days. Doctor's orders. But I will be keeping up with you all. I might do a bit of digital cleanup while I'm sitting around. Don't want to lose my motivation.

Tatoulia - good luck with the appointment tomorrow. Don't work too hard today. It's a holiday!

Diane - I can't wait to hear what you decide to do a out the guy. Keep us updated.

Tillie - cats can express "unimpressed" like no one else. But they are always so darn cute. You can't not love them. After all your watermelon talk, I Finally got a slice of my own. Can't wait to bite into it.

Enjoy the fireworks tonight and be careful. We're expecting rain, so I'll watch on tv.

Thanks, Tillie, for everything. Always.

Last weekend my brother was particularly nasty and abusive and was threatening me and refusing to get out of my car. I do know what it's like. We don't live together but he is my responsibility. He has been mentally and physically ill for many many years. The only thing to do is pray for the particular bout of nastiness to pass. Luckily yesterday went well with no tension. I try to enjoy those times.

Tomorrow is an ultrasound in follow up to last week's mammogram. I'm not worried in the least and have kept mum about it. My mother and BF would worry themselves to death. I am honestly not worried or concerned--the biggest worry is getting to hospital for the 8:30 AM appt. I'll get the results right then and there. My dear sweet wonderful mother automatically goes to the worst scenario possible so I've pretty much kept calm and kept quiet about my health over the years. Usually BF knows what's going on but I've decided not to get him riled up for what is likely nothing.

I'm actually doing a little work right now. I launched a big project at work (not part of my actual job duties) and I'm working on it during my own time. So I'm taking a little time now to work on.

Wishing you all a wonderful 4th!

Happy 4th. of July 🙂

Hi Diane 🙂
I say go ahead and let the neighbor guy come over.
Keeping people away keeps you stuck.
Get out there, hear what others think and are up to in their own lives. (((HUGS)))
I think the poor old puppy is so poorly because of a combination of things.
His people being away, the heat and his health concerns.
All of which you are making better for him by your wonderful attention to his needs.
WTG! For all you have done and all your good thought processes! 😀
WONDERFUL that you found those nicer summer clothes.
Keep the best and toss the other, not so cute things. (((hugs)))

Hi Tess 🙂
WAY TO GO! for finishing your list! 😀
A donation box or bag is always a work in progress.
Sometimes they fill up fast and other times it takes a while to fill them.
Hope you had a GREAT lazy day Sunday. (((hugs)))

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Totally agree with your approach about Diane's neighbor guy. 😉
WTG! for dropping off those donations and doing some laundry. But most of all for getting out with brother then boyfriend. (((HUGS)))
Have a wonderful day today and good luck with the Dr. appointment tomorrow. 🙂

Nothing happening here.
Last evening I went outside with the 3 litter boxes, emptied them and then scrubbed them with detergent and bleach, rinsed and air dried them.
Brought them back in, refilled them.
The cats were not impressed with all my hard work but I feel very satisfied with what I did. ;P
Still have watermelon to eat today. 😀
Looking forward to tomorrow when he goes back to work and isn't under foot all day.
He's been extra nasty and mean this whole week.

Everybody stay safe and cool. 🙂

Happy 4th, everyone!

I am doing dishes and laundry. Hope to do something more meaningful today. (In re cleaning house). BF will have a cookout today for the neighbors and then late tonight we will go see the fireworks.

I'm tired. I slept well but I'm tired. I have dr appt tomorrow at 8:30 AM.

Ps to Diane!!! Congratulations on your hard work in the kitchen!!! You are really something! Sorry I didn't mentioned this sooner--I was dazzled by the prospect of a romantic interest!!!!

Whatever you decide, I support you. 100% and even 110% should you need it. 🙂

Tatoulia, I love the advice regarding the guy. Lighthearted is perfect!

I finally started a donation box. I forgot about that. It has four whole items in it. Lol! It's a work in progress. Glad things worked out with your brother.

Congratulations, Tess, on getting that list worked through! Hello Tillie--a lazy day sounds terrific. Hope it was relaxing. Diane, YES accept the offer to help. Make a light-hearted joke, are you sure you can handle the mess of my backyard? And let it happen from there. working on a project together is a great way to see if you are compatible. Tell him, I'll apologize once in the beginning for the mess, and once at the end of the day, because it's a terrible mess and I'd love to have some help.

How's that? I accomplished no indoor work today but day with brother was very successful and I "got out" in time to spend some time with boyfriend. Now it's 9:30 and I'm doing load of laundry. I did drop off two bags at goodwill but they don't count toward the challenge because they've been in the trunk of my car forever.

Happy 4th, dear friends.

Hi everybody! Hope you all had a good day.
I accomplished everything on my list yesterday. Today I had a bit of a lazy day. I do plan to spend a half an hour or so working in my bedroom. But that's it. Happy Sunday to me!

Watermelon and ceiling fans. Ahhh sounds like summer 🙂 Congrats on finding the summer clothes, Diane. As for the guy, tough decision. I want to say just go for it. But I've let my mess keep me from dating for years. So, I know it's easier said than done. Would you feel more comfortable if you tell him what to expect before he sees it?

Hi my friends. This morning I finally cleaned the kitchen, scoured sinks, counters, cleaned stove, under burners, etc. inside of microwave, it took longer because I let it go, reminder why cleaning up immediately is important, and maintenance. Felt good to keep going and not stop 1/2 way like I wanted to. I put a curtain up on craft room door area, no door, looks better and keeps warm air in there better, less work for my window AC. This morning I carried dog out to yard, he was able to take a few steps and then walked up steps, just as I was celebrating, he collapsed, I carried him in and he is sleeping. Usually he guzzles his food, only ate a little yesterday and today, hope it is just because he is not burning calories, fear it is due to pain. So grateful he goes home tomorrow. This morning I brushed him, he shed so much hair, maybe from heat? Anyway I had all the hair and made it in the shape of him to make a card for his owners, so cute, then realized they would think it was dumb, so the hoarder called amnesty and tossed it. This morning I invoked amnesty as I bagged up some stuff to toss. Worked in craft room about an hour, realized my interests have changed and I have to be more realistic on things to let go of, no matter how much it cost, and how much potential it has. I took some wood things into rock room, to organize some tools, well guess what was in the back of the closet? Clothes from RV that I stashed in there so helper would not see them before I sorted. It was week before helper and I cleaned RV to prepare it for sale, so was a couple months ago. Good thing, cute summer clothes, bad thing, now have too many clothes, for my little bedroom closet and have to make decisions.
At least now I know why the clothes I have been wearing are not that cute, best stuff was in RV.
A neighbor guy seems to be interested in me and called yesterday. He has seem me working on my big yard and wants to help. I was happy then realized there is so much junk still that I don't want anyone to see. I am torn, should I let him see my warts, and lose the chance he would be interested in me, at least would have help getting rid of stuff and repairing some stuff. Or should I keep powering on and keep him away? My upset stomach tells me the shame wins.

Good Morning Everybody 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
What a beautiful day you had there! 😀
Good luck getting your new fan up. They really help move the air don't they.
I use mine Summer and Winter which is why I never understand how the tops of the blades can get so dusty so fast. LOL
Yes, Kitties. They all have such different personalities. (((hugs)))

Another lazy day here.
No thunderstorm last evening so no nearby brush fires.
The air is clear of smoke. 🙂
Still have half of that watermelon to eat! 😀

Everybody stay safe and cool. (((hugs)))

Oh Marty and Scooter--they know something good when they see it!

I spent day out--first with mom then with BF. Beautiful day--sunny, beautiful cotton clouds, no humidity, cool with a breeze. BF and I went to a historic spot and walked around--what a treat. Got home just before 9. We also stopped to get a new ceiling fan. The one in my living room has drawn its last breath. I think I can get the new one installed on Tuesday. I decided to take Tuesday off--I'm always too tired after the fireworks to head into the office.

Only other indoor work was one more load of laundry and starting the dishwasher. Can have just ceiling fan in bedroom on tonight--no AC!!

Tillie, we also had lightening last night. The thunder really scares my cat, which only serves to scare me more! Growing up we had a cat, and he was cool as a cucumber in thunderstorms. Not the scaredy cat I have now! But I take her as she comes.

Diane, I used to try to do everything for everybody and it is nice to decide to put myself first. I'm glad you decided that a clear house and the peace of mind it brings with it is important. I still struggle with that but have made great strides.

Hi Diane 🙂
Big, Big WAY TO GO!!!
For tossing flowerpots!
That's taking care of YOU. (((hugs)))
Trying to help others or recycling things properly just slows down the whole process.
Right now YOU are the number one priority. 🙂

My watermelon is perfect.
Sweet and juicy from center to rind, perfect texture/consistency.
Only problem I have with it is that both Marty and Scooter love watermelon too.
I give them their fair share but they still keep trying to lick mine. ;P

So happy I read your posts this morning, sh@t made me smile inside and out, thanks. This morning I set the dog up outside in a special area on the grass with shade, water and food, he loves this spot and now will not need to worry about stairs until it is too hot to be out there, he is happily sleeping now, I feel relieved. I am doing the best I can, and feel so supported by you.
The indoor challenge to make at least one thing better got off to a rocky start for me, and will get better, just looking for ways to make living space more appealing is a start. Today will get dishes caught up and actually clean counters thoroughly, wash interior of microwave, a yam blew up in it yesterday. Yam was a piece of art, funny how it looked, ate it anyway. banana split sounds perfect. I cancelled short outing with a friend this morning, changed to Tuesday am, when I am dogless. I am ready for a break from dogs for awhile.
I am going to throw away some plastic flower planters today. noticed I was saving them to give plant starts to others. Right now, I am trying to catch myself from focusing on others needs, and clean up my own life. Will post my accomplishments later today, just know there will be some to post, just have to focus on how to make living area better for me to enjoy. Thanks for all that you do

Good Moring Everyone 🙂

Hi Tatoulia 🙂
Thanks for the laughter! 😀
Don't worry about me. (((hugs)))
After 62 years, I know how to survive. 🙂
WTG! for the hair cut and all the other stuff you got done! 😀

Hi Tess 🙂
Good luck with all your plans! 😀
Remember that getting any of them done is a great accomplishment. 🙂

Hi Diane 🙂
WAY TO GO!!! for getting that trash can filled! 😀
Doing that always gives me a good feeling. Done, over and out.
Hard work tending an aged pet. I had no worries about the poor dear because I know you would do everything you can for him.
(((((HUGS)))))
Lets find some fun things you can do when it's just too friggin hot.
Sit in the shade.
Play with the hose.
Drink icy cold frosty drinks.
Eat watermelon.
Enjoy lots of popsicles and freezer pops.
Get a bag of ice and make yourself shiver.
Have a banana split for dinner.
;D

This morning was supposed to be relaxing and laid back but someone (Scooter The Cat) vomited up a hair ball sometime in the bed last night.
So, I have been washing the blanket and the mattress pad (all of which were washed just last week) and the sheets that were freshly washed only two days ago.

The extreme heat generated an early evening thunder storm.
Problem with that is there are LOTS of lightning strikes, strong winds and only a few drops of rain.
This causes a lot of wildfires.
Afterward I could hear the distant sound of the fire engine sirens as they raced to put out the fires.

Time for me to get to all my usual daily stuff.
10:30am here now.
Then back to my plan of a relaxing laid back day.
😀

So WONDERFUL to see all your posts this morning!
(((hugs)))

*do dishes, not FO dishes-hah! Diane, remember the time I typed sh*t in instead of shut in and we started to use that as a phrase--why look at those dishes, having a little sh@t in in the sink!

Yes I'd love to tell me dishes to FO and maybe a few other things, too!!!!