I need to get better. Writing clears my mind and this gratitude thing is good for the soul. When I get busy, it is just the last thing I think about. Like the dishes or laundry.
I need to focus on something positive right now since I made the mistake at reading simple minded people's response to a news article. Are people really that ignorant?
Wait, that is the wrong attitude for this post, and the wrong blog. I have another blog to write out peoples idiotic behavior and thoughts.
This is about me, and my thoughts and my being grateful. So today, what am I grateful for?
Looking out the window and seeing the sun in my backyard with the trees and leaves playing their light dances on the grass. I know that sound cheesy, but sitting her looking out the window and hearing the birds is really peaceful. And that is my little chunk of the world. And I love it. I know I was already grateful for my deck, which is part of the backyard, but sitting inside at the table, I can look out the windows and enjoy it in air-conditioned comfort and it gives another thing to be grateful for.
I am grateful for church camp. It is where I dropped my daughter off yesterday. It is where she was baptized a few years ago. It is where she meets up with good friends every summer and lives five and a half days with no cell phone, growing closer to God and learning more about Jesus, and having the time of her life. I wish I had had a church camp experience like that. I had a few church trips, and they rank right up there, but to have a place that is on the lake and only about four miles from home but feels a million miles away - where she can go back as an adult and send her own kids to in future years. That is something special. I am truly grateful for her church camp.
Aldi's grocery store. Yep, maybe another weird thing to be grateful for but I appreciate it so much. It offers so many good things. You can get in and out of there quickly because it is about a quarter of the size of a regular grocery store. And their food...yum. Many people have a bit of a snobbish idea that they prefer to spend more and get better quality food. I think in the last twenty years the food quality and variety has really increased. But really, if you can tell the difference in Aldi's cream cheese and your favorite then you're better than me. Sure, some thing may be different. Take cereal for example. If you are hooked on a national brand, then then store brand may not do it for you. But we are not big cereal eaters so for us it makes no difference. I can usually get 90-95% of my grocery list done at Aldi's and the last few specialty items (last week it was fresh basil and fresh ginger) at the larger, more expensive grocery store. I do buy national brand spaghetti sauce and mac n cheese - and if I think hard, a few other things but I love the convenience and the prices (and no coupons) at Aldi's and am grateful we have one close to home.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Missed a day...or is it two?
Life get to busy I guess, but it is evening and I am carving out time to write extra items in my gratitude journal since I missed.
I've been taking notes of things to be grateful for, and in that end, this project has already accomplished its purpose. When you know you're going to write about it, you look for items your grateful for.
The first is my neighbors. A week or so ago, I mowed my elderly neighbors front and back yard. Did I enjoy doing it? Not at all. I'm not one of those people who like to mow, but I derive some satisfaction when the job is done. His normal lawn maintenance guy was out due to surgery and his lawn was very tall - making the mow job even more grueling. Two nights ago, I drive up the street and thought to myself "I should probably break out the lawn mower again, but it is sooooo hot". Yes,, I said the extra o's in my mind. When I pull up I see my lawn completely done! My neighbor paid me back by sending his lawn guy to do my yard. By the way, he does a much better job than I do so it is looking fabulous. It was such a welcome thing to find when I came home and we've had a couple days of high temps and humidity, so mowing was not going to be much fun. So, I am thankful I have such wonderful neighbors.
My second is understanding people. Yesterday, when leaving work I pulled right out in front of a car! Scared me and the lady I about hit to death. It was totally my fault....I have no idea why I didn't see her. We pulled up to the stop and I expected whoever was in the car to cuss me out. I rolled down my window and she rolled down hers and I began apologizing profusely. She was shook up, but understood that is why they are called "accidents" and I left in near tears but grateful that she was so kind. I was beating myself up for doing it enough and she didn't need to add to it.
Air conditioning - God how I love my air conditioning. It has been hot and humid the last couple days. I remember the days when I was young, newly married, and had no air conditioning. It was so miserable. Because I remember that, I literally thank God several times every summer that I have central air. I also thank God that I live the era of air conditioning....those poor people who didn't have such things.
A strong man! I am refinishing my cabinets. I wanted to paint the hinges silver and have the vision in my head as soon as I bought my place and thought about refinishing the kitchen. The problem is, I couldn't get the hinges off. They had been painted over and I couldn't get the screwdriver in the screw head well enough to take it off without stripping the head. I had resigned myself the painting them black and though it wouldn't look as good, I thought I had no choice. Enter my boyfriend - afterwhining telling him my dilemma, he gave it a try and low and behold, his added strength was enough to get them off. He is my hero today :)
I've been taking notes of things to be grateful for, and in that end, this project has already accomplished its purpose. When you know you're going to write about it, you look for items your grateful for.
The first is my neighbors. A week or so ago, I mowed my elderly neighbors front and back yard. Did I enjoy doing it? Not at all. I'm not one of those people who like to mow, but I derive some satisfaction when the job is done. His normal lawn maintenance guy was out due to surgery and his lawn was very tall - making the mow job even more grueling. Two nights ago, I drive up the street and thought to myself "I should probably break out the lawn mower again, but it is sooooo hot". Yes,, I said the extra o's in my mind. When I pull up I see my lawn completely done! My neighbor paid me back by sending his lawn guy to do my yard. By the way, he does a much better job than I do so it is looking fabulous. It was such a welcome thing to find when I came home and we've had a couple days of high temps and humidity, so mowing was not going to be much fun. So, I am thankful I have such wonderful neighbors.
My second is understanding people. Yesterday, when leaving work I pulled right out in front of a car! Scared me and the lady I about hit to death. It was totally my fault....I have no idea why I didn't see her. We pulled up to the stop and I expected whoever was in the car to cuss me out. I rolled down my window and she rolled down hers and I began apologizing profusely. She was shook up, but understood that is why they are called "accidents" and I left in near tears but grateful that she was so kind. I was beating myself up for doing it enough and she didn't need to add to it.
Air conditioning - God how I love my air conditioning. It has been hot and humid the last couple days. I remember the days when I was young, newly married, and had no air conditioning. It was so miserable. Because I remember that, I literally thank God several times every summer that I have central air. I also thank God that I live the era of air conditioning....those poor people who didn't have such things.
A strong man! I am refinishing my cabinets. I wanted to paint the hinges silver and have the vision in my head as soon as I bought my place and thought about refinishing the kitchen. The problem is, I couldn't get the hinges off. They had been painted over and I couldn't get the screwdriver in the screw head well enough to take it off without stripping the head. I had resigned myself the painting them black and though it wouldn't look as good, I thought I had no choice. Enter my boyfriend - after
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Gratitute journal
Thought I would start this last night - seems I am better at doing thing in the morning. Always have been, probably always will be. Within a half hour of getting up I can get the bed made, a load of laundry done, vacuum the living room and water the plants. In the evening in a half hour I can get done - well, nothing usually. Which is why I usually wake up and have a messy kitchen because I am too tired to clean it at night. However, I love waking up to a clean kitchen so it is a constant inner struggle. Today, it was not clean.
What I am grateful for today. (I will try to do a few a day - no set number)
My washing machine. Yes, I know that is silly, but not that long ago woman had to do laundry by hand and it took all day. I will get mine done in about three hours this morning and it isn't a constant three hours. I just load this miracle machine and push a button. 30 minutes later my clothes are clean. Additionally, I am grateful for MY washing machine. A few years ago my washer went out. I shopped around and found a new machine at Best Buy that was the front loader I wanted, but was hugely marked down as it had been a display (and had some sticky stuff on the side - which came off with a bit of goo gone). I was able to get a front loader machine for the price of a traditional low end top loader. It uses so little water, which now that I bought a home on a septic system has to be better as it isn't dumping as much water into the septic. I feel like the clothes come out cleaner in my washer, and they also come out dryer so that when I use my dryer less. Which saves money. Less water bill, less electricity, less waste in my septic. I say it is something to be grateful for.
My back deck. I lived in a duplex that had this tiny deck with no stairs leading down to it for the last four summers. It had no cover, no trees nearby, and overlooked a corn field with a freeway in the distance. It was blazing hot and the neighbors were so close that you had no privacy at all. I sat out that about three times in four years. My new deck (which I just painted and is looking even more fabulous) is a "normal" size deck. I can put several sitting areas and best of all it is covered and I have tons and tons of trees in the backyard. My neighbors are appropriate distances away and I can sit on my deck every day now and enjoy the backyard. It has steps and isn't like an apartment deck! The trees keep my yard cool and I can watch the horses in the pasture behind me. It is paradise.
What I am grateful for today. (I will try to do a few a day - no set number)
My washing machine. Yes, I know that is silly, but not that long ago woman had to do laundry by hand and it took all day. I will get mine done in about three hours this morning and it isn't a constant three hours. I just load this miracle machine and push a button. 30 minutes later my clothes are clean. Additionally, I am grateful for MY washing machine. A few years ago my washer went out. I shopped around and found a new machine at Best Buy that was the front loader I wanted, but was hugely marked down as it had been a display (and had some sticky stuff on the side - which came off with a bit of goo gone). I was able to get a front loader machine for the price of a traditional low end top loader. It uses so little water, which now that I bought a home on a septic system has to be better as it isn't dumping as much water into the septic. I feel like the clothes come out cleaner in my washer, and they also come out dryer so that when I use my dryer less. Which saves money. Less water bill, less electricity, less waste in my septic. I say it is something to be grateful for.
My back deck. I lived in a duplex that had this tiny deck with no stairs leading down to it for the last four summers. It had no cover, no trees nearby, and overlooked a corn field with a freeway in the distance. It was blazing hot and the neighbors were so close that you had no privacy at all. I sat out that about three times in four years. My new deck (which I just painted and is looking even more fabulous) is a "normal" size deck. I can put several sitting areas and best of all it is covered and I have tons and tons of trees in the backyard. My neighbors are appropriate distances away and I can sit on my deck every day now and enjoy the backyard. It has steps and isn't like an apartment deck! The trees keep my yard cool and I can watch the horses in the pasture behind me. It is paradise.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Onto my next challenge
I am sitting here thinking I must do another challenge. Literally, thinking this as I am typing this.
I feel like I can't do anything TOO challenging, as it is summer and I am having guest come so being a vegetarian for a month doesn't work.
And I am working a lot in the next week, so something like working out 5 days a week doesn't work right now either. But isn't that the point of a challenge...to do something that is challenging?
But, then again, I don't want to set myself up for failure.
I could do 30 new recipes as I'm kind of enjoying cooking right now. Or 30 days of drinking 8 glasses of water a day (no soda, would be an added challenge). 30 days of gratitude journaling (right here on the blog I suppose).
Okay, let's do that one. I just decided. I've heard this is life changing. I want to give each day some actual thought and reflection. So later this evening I will set some time aside and do a thirty day gratitude journal. Maybe with a glass of wine in my hands..
My new adventure awaits...
I feel like I can't do anything TOO challenging, as it is summer and I am having guest come so being a vegetarian for a month doesn't work.
And I am working a lot in the next week, so something like working out 5 days a week doesn't work right now either. But isn't that the point of a challenge...to do something that is challenging?
But, then again, I don't want to set myself up for failure.
I could do 30 new recipes as I'm kind of enjoying cooking right now. Or 30 days of drinking 8 glasses of water a day (no soda, would be an added challenge). 30 days of gratitude journaling (right here on the blog I suppose).
Okay, let's do that one. I just decided. I've heard this is life changing. I want to give each day some actual thought and reflection. So later this evening I will set some time aside and do a thirty day gratitude journal. Maybe with a glass of wine in my hands..
My new adventure awaits...
Sunday, June 7, 2015
So I suck....
Honestly, got so busy with my move that I didn't take to time reflect and post about my move. All I can say is thank God that is over! I dread moving and hope to not have to do it again unless I meet the man of my dreams who lives in a palace, or at least a small mansion, and sweeps me off my feet. Therefore, he will defiantly have enough money to send a small crew in and move my possessions and clean my house for me and I won't have to do any of the work. In fact, we will be sailing on a month long trip on his yacht during that time and come home all suntanned and carefree to my house magically being moved having been done by professions and paid for by him :)
Well, I can dream...
Actually, I am so loving my new house that short of that mansion with a full time maid, butler and cook (well, maybe not cook cause I like to do that) I can't imagine moving to someone else's home as this just already feels like home to me.
My neighbors, so far, have been awesome and friendly. My dog loves his backyard and the ability to get out and run across the street to swim in the pond a couple times and week with his dog friends in the neighborhood. My yard is full of surprises with new plants coming up. (I recommend buying a house in the middle of the winter if you like plants and surprises). Hyacinth, daffodils, ivy, clematis, bleeding hearts, columbine, peonies, and many more I've yet to identify or am forgetting at the moment. This is just a couple of the things I love about my house.
So...back to the move and that stress. Despite trying to make it stress free, I think moving always will be (barring the scenario above). My movers I hired were four hours late and it was freezing cold out. I specifically said I hired them to move just the big things, yet they came in and started moving small boxes. We could handle the small boxes ourselves. What I needed, was the heavy lifting and they didn't seem to be able to wrap their heads around the fact that they could ignore all those small boxes and sat around and plotted how to best load the moving truck to make use of the space. To me, it should have been simple as I had a list of a couple dozen things that MUST be moved by them. Then throw in whatever small items you can fit around those things and go. When they were picking up dining room chains and taking them out I was aggravated. I can lift a dining room chain. I have an SUV and all six can fit in it, plus some boxes and I can take those over later. I didn't need them to carry those items out but they couldn't seem to understand this. On top of this, we were unloading in the dark since they were so late
But I managed to do it without a nervous breakdown. In hindsight, I should have had some good meds in my system to combat the stress. Next time. Wait, I don't want a next time :) But, if for some unforeseen reason there is, I think a trip to my doctor and some Xanax will be in order.
So I am settled in. Well mostly,- a few loose ends to tie up (like I have no living room furniture, though I do have a family room so no big deal and it will be coming in a couple more months) and I am now in the process of making the home my own. Currently I am painting the deck which was in dire need of some attention. I have also started my kitchen painting and really want to get more done on that soon.
So moving challenge is over, lol Really? It has only been, what, four months? On to the next challenge.
Well, I can dream...
Actually, I am so loving my new house that short of that mansion with a full time maid, butler and cook (well, maybe not cook cause I like to do that) I can't imagine moving to someone else's home as this just already feels like home to me.
My neighbors, so far, have been awesome and friendly. My dog loves his backyard and the ability to get out and run across the street to swim in the pond a couple times and week with his dog friends in the neighborhood. My yard is full of surprises with new plants coming up. (I recommend buying a house in the middle of the winter if you like plants and surprises). Hyacinth, daffodils, ivy, clematis, bleeding hearts, columbine, peonies, and many more I've yet to identify or am forgetting at the moment. This is just a couple of the things I love about my house.
So...back to the move and that stress. Despite trying to make it stress free, I think moving always will be (barring the scenario above). My movers I hired were four hours late and it was freezing cold out. I specifically said I hired them to move just the big things, yet they came in and started moving small boxes. We could handle the small boxes ourselves. What I needed, was the heavy lifting and they didn't seem to be able to wrap their heads around the fact that they could ignore all those small boxes and sat around and plotted how to best load the moving truck to make use of the space. To me, it should have been simple as I had a list of a couple dozen things that MUST be moved by them. Then throw in whatever small items you can fit around those things and go. When they were picking up dining room chains and taking them out I was aggravated. I can lift a dining room chain. I have an SUV and all six can fit in it, plus some boxes and I can take those over later. I didn't need them to carry those items out but they couldn't seem to understand this. On top of this, we were unloading in the dark since they were so late
But I managed to do it without a nervous breakdown. In hindsight, I should have had some good meds in my system to combat the stress. Next time. Wait, I don't want a next time :) But, if for some unforeseen reason there is, I think a trip to my doctor and some Xanax will be in order.
So I am settled in. Well mostly,- a few loose ends to tie up (like I have no living room furniture, though I do have a family room so no big deal and it will be coming in a couple more months) and I am now in the process of making the home my own. Currently I am painting the deck which was in dire need of some attention. I have also started my kitchen painting and really want to get more done on that soon.
So moving challenge is over, lol Really? It has only been, what, four months? On to the next challenge.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Where does time go?
I should be into the 2nd 30 day challenge. Instead, I'm in the throws of moving still. Boy, does it take a long time! But, I see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel as I completely finished closing out the old house today and turned in the keys. That is a big relief.
Moving totally stresses me out but I managed to stay out of the hospital (barely) since my over 200 lb boyfriend fell on me trying to take a stupid transponder off the satellite dish on the old house yesterday (as they told me it was $150 if I didn't return the transponder, of which I really had no clue what it was). So my gracious boyfriend climbed a ladder and attempted to be 30 years younger than he really is and take down this so-called transponder. It didn't start well the day before when they told me I needed to send it in and I asked them what a transponder was. Honestly, the lady acted like I asked what water was and that EVERYONE should know exactly what a transponder is...I, however, had no idea. They told me (kind of rudely) that this so-called transponder could be removed with a standard Phillips screwdriver (they lied). When he was coming down off the ladder in freezing temperatures, he slipped and fell right on top of me from about 6 feet up. If I was a mathematician, I could figure the actual impact given his weight and distance falling, but like knowing what a transponder is, this is beyond my brain capacity. So, this move almost ended up in a hospital visit, but we both survived with just some soreness and bruising. After I called the satellite company in tears, they agreed to come and remove it at no charge.
My previous landlord (boy, that sounds wonderful) did a walk through in my old house today and I turned over the keys. He said the house looked wonderful and was extremely pleased with condition and thanked me for being such a wonderful tenant. You have no idea how much I needed those words of affirmation after the last couple weeks.
Did I mention how stressful moving is....I bet I did. However, I have no words to express the stress it puts me under. Enough that I didn't even write in this blog. I felt I was prepared and started early enough but in the end I didn't feel prepared enough.
My new garage looks like I am a hoarder and we are having super cold temps right now so I really want to park in it but I can't. It is almost too cold to go out there and even bring all the boxes in. Wind chills of -15 tomorrow morning. Brrrr...
On the bright side, I am in love with my new home. I cannot wait to get it all put together and decorated and begin some customizations for my needs and taste. And don't get me started on how excited I am for spring to come so I can find out what blooms and get some of my own plants in the ground. Did I mention it is -15 wind chill tomorrow morning? Spring seems really far off.
Moving totally stresses me out but I managed to stay out of the hospital (barely) since my over 200 lb boyfriend fell on me trying to take a stupid transponder off the satellite dish on the old house yesterday (as they told me it was $150 if I didn't return the transponder, of which I really had no clue what it was). So my gracious boyfriend climbed a ladder and attempted to be 30 years younger than he really is and take down this so-called transponder. It didn't start well the day before when they told me I needed to send it in and I asked them what a transponder was. Honestly, the lady acted like I asked what water was and that EVERYONE should know exactly what a transponder is...I, however, had no idea. They told me (kind of rudely) that this so-called transponder could be removed with a standard Phillips screwdriver (they lied). When he was coming down off the ladder in freezing temperatures, he slipped and fell right on top of me from about 6 feet up. If I was a mathematician, I could figure the actual impact given his weight and distance falling, but like knowing what a transponder is, this is beyond my brain capacity. So, this move almost ended up in a hospital visit, but we both survived with just some soreness and bruising. After I called the satellite company in tears, they agreed to come and remove it at no charge.
My previous landlord (boy, that sounds wonderful) did a walk through in my old house today and I turned over the keys. He said the house looked wonderful and was extremely pleased with condition and thanked me for being such a wonderful tenant. You have no idea how much I needed those words of affirmation after the last couple weeks.
Did I mention how stressful moving is....I bet I did. However, I have no words to express the stress it puts me under. Enough that I didn't even write in this blog. I felt I was prepared and started early enough but in the end I didn't feel prepared enough.
My new garage looks like I am a hoarder and we are having super cold temps right now so I really want to park in it but I can't. It is almost too cold to go out there and even bring all the boxes in. Wind chills of -15 tomorrow morning. Brrrr...
On the bright side, I am in love with my new home. I cannot wait to get it all put together and decorated and begin some customizations for my needs and taste. And don't get me started on how excited I am for spring to come so I can find out what blooms and get some of my own plants in the ground. Did I mention it is -15 wind chill tomorrow morning? Spring seems really far off.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
I hurt...
I don't feel like I packed too much, but my back is killing me. Okay, it isn't literately killing me...but it hurts :(
Work this morning and then back to packing.
Work this morning and then back to packing.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
I am now in full blown moving mode
I was going to use another word instead of mode in title, which would more closely relate my feeling right now, however, I make it a policy not to use profanity. But I am thinking it.
It has been 8 days since I last blogged. Seriously, the purging isn't going so well anymore. After tackling the shed some, I gave up and don't know what to do anymore. I know there are more things to get rid of, but until I decorate at my new house I keep thinking I may need some of these items. So I am at a standstill. Still, I did fairly well, and I can always get rid of more when I finish decorating the new place and don't need items. It is cheaper than buying new.
So, what have I done this last week beside start a new job, run a PTO meeting, attend a funeral and be an overall wonderful mom....pack. And plenty of it.
Dining room - complete except three things (glass) so just a couple more boxes. Kitchen, all packed except pots and pans and food, of course. Family room over 1/2 done. Office 1/2 done. Daughters in charge of her own room and making good progress. Bathrooms are scaled down, but items will go in one box on day of move. Walls are almost all bare of photos. But still it seems like so much.
I am using the color coded duct tape on the boxes. I like the idea. Ordered a rental truck to day and also touched base with moving help which I am going to book. Why, why, why didn't I hire help last time? Seriously, if they help as much as I am thinking they will, I will never move again without their help. Wait, I am not likely to move again anyhow....
So back to packing a few more boxes for the evening. I work tomorrow morning but will really hit it hard on Wed. and Thurs. and then if all goes well (crossing my fingers and toes and more importantly, paying) house will be closed and mine at 10 am Friday morning :)
Super excited.
It has been 8 days since I last blogged. Seriously, the purging isn't going so well anymore. After tackling the shed some, I gave up and don't know what to do anymore. I know there are more things to get rid of, but until I decorate at my new house I keep thinking I may need some of these items. So I am at a standstill. Still, I did fairly well, and I can always get rid of more when I finish decorating the new place and don't need items. It is cheaper than buying new.
So, what have I done this last week beside start a new job, run a PTO meeting, attend a funeral and be an overall wonderful mom....pack. And plenty of it.
Dining room - complete except three things (glass) so just a couple more boxes. Kitchen, all packed except pots and pans and food, of course. Family room over 1/2 done. Office 1/2 done. Daughters in charge of her own room and making good progress. Bathrooms are scaled down, but items will go in one box on day of move. Walls are almost all bare of photos. But still it seems like so much.
I am using the color coded duct tape on the boxes. I like the idea. Ordered a rental truck to day and also touched base with moving help which I am going to book. Why, why, why didn't I hire help last time? Seriously, if they help as much as I am thinking they will, I will never move again without their help. Wait, I am not likely to move again anyhow....
So back to packing a few more boxes for the evening. I work tomorrow morning but will really hit it hard on Wed. and Thurs. and then if all goes well (crossing my fingers and toes and more importantly, paying) house will be closed and mine at 10 am Friday morning :)
Super excited.
Monday, February 2, 2015
China Hutch complete!
That was quite a job yesterday. After getting a load of boxes I was able to dig into the meat a bit with moving. I've been doing small things all along, such as vaccuming out drawers of little bits of dust and such that accumulates over the years. This helps me feel clean and ready to move. But I hadn't really dug into the packing boxes until yesterday.
I knew the china hutch was a big job. Top and bottom are completely filled, along with two drawers (that had thankfully been purged a week ago). And over 90 percent of the items are breakable and need to be wrapped. I did the packing method that I found on the internet last time and used foam plates to separate my items as this is much cheaper than bubble wrap or plate packs you buy for moving. Then I wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap. Speaking of bubble wrap, do NOT buy anywhere except a large club store. The difference in price will blow you away! 240 feet will cost you about the same as 25 feet anywhere else. Take my word on this, as I used to use it by the bucket load at work. If you don't have a membership, find someone who does.
I just realized this is my own thoughts, but I write like I am writing to someone, though nobody is reading. Kind of funny, but totally keeps me on track. I think I am having to report in and it totally makes me work a little every day towards my goal. I really hope this works when I try some of my other challenges. I think the next one will be a diet or fitness goal. I have that dr. appt. coming up and I really want to make a weight loss goal. It is only twelve lbs...but still a goal.
Again, I wrote this a couple days ago, and didn't post. What is up with me? So now it is Monday morning, and it is 11 days till closing. OMG...11 days!
I knew the china hutch was a big job. Top and bottom are completely filled, along with two drawers (that had thankfully been purged a week ago). And over 90 percent of the items are breakable and need to be wrapped. I did the packing method that I found on the internet last time and used foam plates to separate my items as this is much cheaper than bubble wrap or plate packs you buy for moving. Then I wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap. Speaking of bubble wrap, do NOT buy anywhere except a large club store. The difference in price will blow you away! 240 feet will cost you about the same as 25 feet anywhere else. Take my word on this, as I used to use it by the bucket load at work. If you don't have a membership, find someone who does.
I just realized this is my own thoughts, but I write like I am writing to someone, though nobody is reading. Kind of funny, but totally keeps me on track. I think I am having to report in and it totally makes me work a little every day towards my goal. I really hope this works when I try some of my other challenges. I think the next one will be a diet or fitness goal. I have that dr. appt. coming up and I really want to make a weight loss goal. It is only twelve lbs...but still a goal.
Again, I wrote this a couple days ago, and didn't post. What is up with me? So now it is Monday morning, and it is 11 days till closing. OMG...11 days!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
It is official
I did something scary. I gave my notice to my landlord. It was exhilarating and scary wrapped up into one. Telling him wasn't that hard as I took the easy way out and text him. Yep, I am weird like that, but we often communicate via text, so it really wasn't that weird. I didn't figure he'd love the idea of me moving since I've only been here six months, but he is the one that offered a lease with the option to get out at any time with a 30 day notice. He said he was sorry to see me and my daughter go, as we were great tenants. :)
It was exhilarating because it means this is really happening. The sellers signed the addendum to agree to all repairs required from the home inspection and everything seems good to go.
It was scary because now, if something happens we are homeless :(
Well, not really. I am sure someone will take us in. But this isn't a good feeling. It was a good feeling not paying my rent today as my lease terms were deposit plus "last month rent" so I didn't have to pay it today. Good thing, as scraping that money up with be harder right now than usual. I am not sure why. Oh yeah, I bought a new car a couple weeks ago. Scared myself for a moment, wondering why my mental accounting made rent difficult this month. Yep, now I am just writing (instead of thinking) out loud.
So...onto the challenge. Yesterday I didn't get too much done, though in my defense (yes, I seem to have to defend myself a lot) I did work all afternoon and evening so I only had the morning. I did get a couple large boxes of stuff from my bedroom packed and a couple small boxes. Not much, but it did work towards my goal.
I didn't want to buy too many groceries before moving, but I did break down and buy a few items today but they should all be gone and not have to be moved. From now on, besides milk or bread, I am not buying anything so we can use up what we have. Maybe some creative dinners are in order.
I am determined to get some more packing done today so I best get to it. I have half hour to spare before picking up my daughter and running a few errands and then back home to do some more packing.
Umm, so I wrote this yesterday and apparently never posted. Too busy organizing I guess :)
It was exhilarating because it means this is really happening. The sellers signed the addendum to agree to all repairs required from the home inspection and everything seems good to go.
It was scary because now, if something happens we are homeless :(
Well, not really. I am sure someone will take us in. But this isn't a good feeling. It was a good feeling not paying my rent today as my lease terms were deposit plus "last month rent" so I didn't have to pay it today. Good thing, as scraping that money up with be harder right now than usual. I am not sure why. Oh yeah, I bought a new car a couple weeks ago. Scared myself for a moment, wondering why my mental accounting made rent difficult this month. Yep, now I am just writing (instead of thinking) out loud.
So...onto the challenge. Yesterday I didn't get too much done, though in my defense (yes, I seem to have to defend myself a lot) I did work all afternoon and evening so I only had the morning. I did get a couple large boxes of stuff from my bedroom packed and a couple small boxes. Not much, but it did work towards my goal.
I didn't want to buy too many groceries before moving, but I did break down and buy a few items today but they should all be gone and not have to be moved. From now on, besides milk or bread, I am not buying anything so we can use up what we have. Maybe some creative dinners are in order.
I am determined to get some more packing done today so I best get to it. I have half hour to spare before picking up my daughter and running a few errands and then back home to do some more packing.
Umm, so I wrote this yesterday and apparently never posted. Too busy organizing I guess :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
I am into this one week...today is day 8
So, what have I accomplished in the first 7 days...with two of them being completely gone and not at home.
Quite a bit, though when my boyfriend walked in last night he said it has that "look". You know, the one that says "I am moving". Bummer. I don't like that look, but I like what it leads up to. Half of the trick is to stay organized during all of this and not get that look too bad. He said it "just" has that look, but we are 17 days out so I don't want it to get worse until about 5 days before.
So what has been done? The (ugh!) shed has been started - about 7% done. That deserves a second Ugh! China cabinet, bathrooms, closets, kitchen pantry items, bedroom dresser drawers, entertainment center and freezer has been purged. Two full loads of items from house and shed have been donated to Goodwill.
And yesterday, I thought I would start on packing the china cabinet. Well, that didn't happen. What I did do was purge and clean the refrigerator. I do this about every 4-6 weeks anyhow, but it had not been done since the holidays and was really full of stuff that needed to be tossed. Also, I cleaned the shelves really well and basically got it ready to move the items and be done with it. I am sure I will have to wipe it down one more time upon moving, but the scubbing is done and baring a mishap, it will be a easy and quick thing to do.
Also, I did one of my first things I got off the internet (I think this was on Pinterest). I bought duct tape in different colors and started a board so I can put a piece of bright duct tape (I keep wanting to call it duck) on the side (not tops, so we can see them when stacked) of each box that color coordinates to what room it goes in. It is supposed to be easier to identify than finding writing on boxes that are usually full of writing since I generally use recycled boxes. I will not know the success or failure of this till the actual move is completed. I started my poster board to be displayed which tells the corresponding duct tape to room. I can say now though, that do NOT use the glitter duct tape. It is really pretty, however, you will have bits of glitter everywhere. I will change out the dining room and keep the duct tape for some other project as I don't want glitter on everything as I move.
Quite a bit, though when my boyfriend walked in last night he said it has that "look". You know, the one that says "I am moving". Bummer. I don't like that look, but I like what it leads up to. Half of the trick is to stay organized during all of this and not get that look too bad. He said it "just" has that look, but we are 17 days out so I don't want it to get worse until about 5 days before.
So what has been done? The (ugh!) shed has been started - about 7% done. That deserves a second Ugh! China cabinet, bathrooms, closets, kitchen pantry items, bedroom dresser drawers, entertainment center and freezer has been purged. Two full loads of items from house and shed have been donated to Goodwill.
And yesterday, I thought I would start on packing the china cabinet. Well, that didn't happen. What I did do was purge and clean the refrigerator. I do this about every 4-6 weeks anyhow, but it had not been done since the holidays and was really full of stuff that needed to be tossed. Also, I cleaned the shelves really well and basically got it ready to move the items and be done with it. I am sure I will have to wipe it down one more time upon moving, but the scubbing is done and baring a mishap, it will be a easy and quick thing to do.
Monday, January 26, 2015
What day challenge is this?
I've lost count! And I haven't wrote down anything for a couple days as I decided I had to be home to actually do this challenge since it centers around the house and I have not been here since Friday.
It is now Monday morning. Friday morning I did manage to get to (that) shed and work on sorting items for a bit. Just a bit :( I was cold and couldn't stay out there long. Saturday the weather was a nice 51 degrees and would have been perfect to spend a couple hours out there, but I was not home at all. Like not even to sleep, so there was no chance of doing any work.
Cold weather today will not let me be out there long (if at all) today and it should get at least a few degrees warmer in the next few days so I think I will try to get out there more then. I do have some boxes stored out there and will start packing. Where to start? China hutch. It takes a while, as everything is breakable, and I am very unlikely to need anything from there before I move.
So that is my challenge to myself for the day. Wait, I probably need smaller boxes as that stuff is heavy and I think my boxes are larger sized. Oh no. And it rained yesterday, so any boxes outside will be wet (I can get nice boxes from the local store that put them in the storage area for recycling - but not good when it is wet).
I just set up countdown for noon (not sure of exact time) on Feb. 13 for closing. 18 days 4 hour 32 minutes till closing. Yep, I am excited. Please God, don't let it get delayed.
Well, I will get done what I can.
It is now Monday morning. Friday morning I did manage to get to (that) shed and work on sorting items for a bit. Just a bit :( I was cold and couldn't stay out there long. Saturday the weather was a nice 51 degrees and would have been perfect to spend a couple hours out there, but I was not home at all. Like not even to sleep, so there was no chance of doing any work.
Cold weather today will not let me be out there long (if at all) today and it should get at least a few degrees warmer in the next few days so I think I will try to get out there more then. I do have some boxes stored out there and will start packing. Where to start? China hutch. It takes a while, as everything is breakable, and I am very unlikely to need anything from there before I move.
So that is my challenge to myself for the day. Wait, I probably need smaller boxes as that stuff is heavy and I think my boxes are larger sized. Oh no. And it rained yesterday, so any boxes outside will be wet (I can get nice boxes from the local store that put them in the storage area for recycling - but not good when it is wet).
I just set up countdown for noon (not sure of exact time) on Feb. 13 for closing. 18 days 4 hour 32 minutes till closing. Yep, I am excited. Please God, don't let it get delayed.
Well, I will get done what I can.
Friday, January 23, 2015
It is working...
As I hoped it would. Had it not been for writing things down and making myself accountable, I would have not got any work done toward this 30 day challenge.
My day started with a haircut and color, which takes all morning. My daughter had half day at school so she was done for over an hour before I got done. Then we went to Chinese food for lunch. Yum. I wasn't in a hurry and was enjoying my time spent with her. We then drove into town as I had an idea to go to the one place that sells Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for a project on her dressing table that I was itching to start.
By the time we got home later in the afternoon, I just couldn't wait and just had to start painting on her chair at least that she uses with the vanity. I have been waiting to try out this paint. The vanity has been with me for many years now, so starting on it was a bit scary. The chair I picked up at Goodwill a couple weeks about for about $10.00, so if I hated it I was only out that...well, and the paint which was considerably more than the $10.00.
This is the inspiration piece for her vanity, though we are using a light color teal and maybe not distressing quite as much.
It took longer than expected, but I think I was being too cautious applying the paint. In order to "make" myself wait till it dried fully I thought about how I had NOT got anything done for the move (painting the chair didn't count in this thirty day challenge) so I grabbed my daughter, loaded the Jeep with items I had gathered from the house and the smaller pile I had made in the (ugh!) shed and headed to drop them off at Goodwill.
The challenge is working because I actually thought I would have to sit down this morning as write out the words that I got nothing down towards this goal. Now, that might happen in these thirty days, but not yet. The thought of having to write that made me get up and just do it.
It wasn't a full load, but you know what? It isn't at my house/shed anymore! And I consider that progress. After we dropped items off, I decided to go through the car wash, even though it had just turned dark. I just bought my new (used) Jeep last week and the dark color was looking pretty dirty. Let's just say I didn't realize the sunroof wasn't fully closed when I went though. What a nightmare! We gotkind of pretty wet and I just pray I didn't mess up anything in the electrical system. I am not too pleased with myself about that little fiasco.
Today I will move on to painting her dressing table, and I plan to tackle at bit more in that (ugh!) shed. Trash pick up is today and I have more than usual at the curb due to the purging. I hope they take it. :)
My day started with a haircut and color, which takes all morning. My daughter had half day at school so she was done for over an hour before I got done. Then we went to Chinese food for lunch. Yum. I wasn't in a hurry and was enjoying my time spent with her. We then drove into town as I had an idea to go to the one place that sells Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for a project on her dressing table that I was itching to start.
By the time we got home later in the afternoon, I just couldn't wait and just had to start painting on her chair at least that she uses with the vanity. I have been waiting to try out this paint. The vanity has been with me for many years now, so starting on it was a bit scary. The chair I picked up at Goodwill a couple weeks about for about $10.00, so if I hated it I was only out that...well, and the paint which was considerably more than the $10.00.
It took longer than expected, but I think I was being too cautious applying the paint. In order to "make" myself wait till it dried fully I thought about how I had NOT got anything done for the move (painting the chair didn't count in this thirty day challenge) so I grabbed my daughter, loaded the Jeep with items I had gathered from the house and the smaller pile I had made in the (ugh!) shed and headed to drop them off at Goodwill.
The challenge is working because I actually thought I would have to sit down this morning as write out the words that I got nothing down towards this goal. Now, that might happen in these thirty days, but not yet. The thought of having to write that made me get up and just do it.
It wasn't a full load, but you know what? It isn't at my house/shed anymore! And I consider that progress. After we dropped items off, I decided to go through the car wash, even though it had just turned dark. I just bought my new (used) Jeep last week and the dark color was looking pretty dirty. Let's just say I didn't realize the sunroof wasn't fully closed when I went though. What a nightmare! We got
Today I will move on to painting her dressing table, and I plan to tackle at bit more in that (ugh!) shed. Trash pick up is today and I have more than usual at the curb due to the purging. I hope they take it. :)
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Ugh, The Shed
I was moving right along feeling pretty proud of myself for getting so much accomplished in the house and yesterday I went to the shed.
My euphoria over getting so much accomplished in the house vanished instantly. The "shed" is not just a typical shed full of stuff. It is the bane of my existence... And about 1200 sq. feet.
Mind you, I have only been at this house for six months, so it isn't completely full. Give me a few years here and it would be stuffed I am sure. The shed is what sent me over the edge on the last move.
See it started as a one car garage. A one car garage that I at one time happily parked in. Then it happened. I found a really cool fooze ball (no idea how to even spell that or if that is what is pronounced) and I thought what fun it would be to have that in the garage to play. And it would just barely fit and I could still fit my car. Then "it" happened. Getting the car in and out wasn't very easy so it was summer and I parked outside most of the time. Which left a big hole...for a very short time.
My son decided to get married and join the army. So they were getting a house together, without actually moving into it for a few months. As every good mom does, I said "sure, you can store stuff here". So an entertainment center moved in, and a weight bench, some mattresses, a large couch and a slew of wedding presents. Then he was stationed several states away and his wife couldn't wait to get out to him so she left without taking any of it. I waited, thinking they would be back in a couple months to pick it up. Nope, they bought new only coming back for the smaller wedding present variety items. Really?
So then I had all these extra things in a garage that I couldn't park in, so what did I do? Fill it up with more "stuff". When it came time to move, I had the thing so full I couldn't even walk through it. And I didn't sort a thing because of that. Which means it all came here. While I did purge the house a bit (I do not have to get rid of any shoes since we'd not brought over any extras) the garage was not touched.
I moved in the fall, and by the time I got the house together it was too cold so all that stuff is still sitting there! At least I can walk around it now since it is such a big shed.
So yesterday, I went to the shed. I didn't spend long as it was overwhelming. Now, I have to do this in the middle of winter...how I am longing for fall temperatures when I "thought" it was too cold then. Now I have no choice. I managed to sort through several things and make a Goodwill pile, and three large boxes of trash so I am counting that as a little success at least for the day. And that fooze ball table? It is going to be sold on Craigslist as soon as I clear all the boxes off it :)
My euphoria over getting so much accomplished in the house vanished instantly. The "shed" is not just a typical shed full of stuff. It is the bane of my existence... And about 1200 sq. feet.
Mind you, I have only been at this house for six months, so it isn't completely full. Give me a few years here and it would be stuffed I am sure. The shed is what sent me over the edge on the last move.
See it started as a one car garage. A one car garage that I at one time happily parked in. Then it happened. I found a really cool fooze ball (no idea how to even spell that or if that is what is pronounced) and I thought what fun it would be to have that in the garage to play. And it would just barely fit and I could still fit my car. Then "it" happened. Getting the car in and out wasn't very easy so it was summer and I parked outside most of the time. Which left a big hole...for a very short time.
My son decided to get married and join the army. So they were getting a house together, without actually moving into it for a few months. As every good mom does, I said "sure, you can store stuff here". So an entertainment center moved in, and a weight bench, some mattresses, a large couch and a slew of wedding presents. Then he was stationed several states away and his wife couldn't wait to get out to him so she left without taking any of it. I waited, thinking they would be back in a couple months to pick it up. Nope, they bought new only coming back for the smaller wedding present variety items. Really?
So then I had all these extra things in a garage that I couldn't park in, so what did I do? Fill it up with more "stuff". When it came time to move, I had the thing so full I couldn't even walk through it. And I didn't sort a thing because of that. Which means it all came here. While I did purge the house a bit (I do not have to get rid of any shoes since we'd not brought over any extras) the garage was not touched.
I moved in the fall, and by the time I got the house together it was too cold so all that stuff is still sitting there! At least I can walk around it now since it is such a big shed.
So yesterday, I went to the shed. I didn't spend long as it was overwhelming. Now, I have to do this in the middle of winter...how I am longing for fall temperatures when I "thought" it was too cold then. Now I have no choice. I managed to sort through several things and make a Goodwill pile, and three large boxes of trash so I am counting that as a little success at least for the day. And that fooze ball table? It is going to be sold on Craigslist as soon as I clear all the boxes off it :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
This feels good...
Taking unwanted or unnecessary things out of my house and my life. Yesterday morning I made myself of list of fifteen places I wanted to organize and purge out of my life before the move. I got 14 or those 15 done, so I count that as a success. I have a pile to go to Goodwill and another extra large trash bag full of stuff.
I started with the bathrooms and threw out old medicines and make-up and such. When I was done with that I was on such a roll I made my list and breezed through it. It is easier to get rid of things when you think you may have to box it up and move it and then unbox it and then find a place for it in your new home.
Some items were easy to donate/throw away, like that old belt I don't think I ever wore and am likely never to wear again. Other were harder, like the dress that still fits and I wore it on a cruise with my kids and a wedding of a dear friend. It held some memories. Truth is though, I have very few occasions to wear it, and I have several others waiting to wear and make memories in so why hang on to it. I have pictures to remember it by. I couldn't give up the little jacket I am saving that was my daughters and she wore in front of the Christmas tree the year both her front teeth were missing. I am hoping to put it on her daughter some day and take a photo in front of a Christmas tree. Some things are a bit too precious. Besides, it is small and doesn't take up much room :)
So where to start today? I am a little lost. Since I was so successful yesterday, I want to build off the momentum. Maybe it is time to start actual packing? Online guides say four weeks before is when you should start, but I am afraid of "jinxing" it. Like I will be all packed up and ready to go and then, blam, something will happen to delay or it will fall through completely.
Maybe I will talk to my realtor today, and get comfortable that everything is going well on seller's end and then start packing.
Speaking of guidelines, I read through a couple dozen "moving tips and tricks" on internet and pinterest. (while listening in on The State of the Union address). Nothing new and exciting there really...so bummer about that. I guess I was looking for a miracle. Like blink once, spin eight times and say this particular prayer five days in a row at 1:31p.m. exactly, and God will send his angels down and magically move you (hey, if He can part the Red Sea, moving should be a breeze). However, since I don't think my moving is part of humanity's greater plan, I think I am going to have to do the work myself. And it is hard. And it is stressful. And that is life.
I started with the bathrooms and threw out old medicines and make-up and such. When I was done with that I was on such a roll I made my list and breezed through it. It is easier to get rid of things when you think you may have to box it up and move it and then unbox it and then find a place for it in your new home.
Some items were easy to donate/throw away, like that old belt I don't think I ever wore and am likely never to wear again. Other were harder, like the dress that still fits and I wore it on a cruise with my kids and a wedding of a dear friend. It held some memories. Truth is though, I have very few occasions to wear it, and I have several others waiting to wear and make memories in so why hang on to it. I have pictures to remember it by. I couldn't give up the little jacket I am saving that was my daughters and she wore in front of the Christmas tree the year both her front teeth were missing. I am hoping to put it on her daughter some day and take a photo in front of a Christmas tree. Some things are a bit too precious. Besides, it is small and doesn't take up much room :)
So where to start today? I am a little lost. Since I was so successful yesterday, I want to build off the momentum. Maybe it is time to start actual packing? Online guides say four weeks before is when you should start, but I am afraid of "jinxing" it. Like I will be all packed up and ready to go and then, blam, something will happen to delay or it will fall through completely.
Maybe I will talk to my realtor today, and get comfortable that everything is going well on seller's end and then start packing.
Speaking of guidelines, I read through a couple dozen "moving tips and tricks" on internet and pinterest. (while listening in on The State of the Union address). Nothing new and exciting there really...so bummer about that. I guess I was looking for a miracle. Like blink once, spin eight times and say this particular prayer five days in a row at 1:31p.m. exactly, and God will send his angels down and magically move you (hey, if He can part the Red Sea, moving should be a breeze). However, since I don't think my moving is part of humanity's greater plan, I think I am going to have to do the work myself. And it is hard. And it is stressful. And that is life.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Day One Complete!
I feel empowered.
So where did I start on this journey of organizing and purging and moving (and generally getting my life in order). Food. Yes, that is right. Food.
You see, I am a bit of a food hoarder. I have come to realize this in the past few months and have serviously changed how I buy food and have been cutting back. For some reason, I always feel like I need thirty or more days of food readily available at all times. Sure, the preppers will say that isn't nearly enough, but honestly, I am not sure I want to go there yet. Especially with a move coming.
Why start at food, other than the fact that I realized I am a bit of a hoarder? Two things last week prompted the food to go first. One was I was making supper for a family in church that recently had surgery. I went to make my (famous) cherry cobbler and realized I was out of milk. No problem, I would just use a can of evaporated milk as substitute. I opened the can and, wow, it just didn't look like evaparated milk. It looked more like sweetened condensed milk that smelled funny. I check the can to make sure I picked up the right one and it was, so then I checked the can again. It expired in 2009! That means I have drug that can from my apartment to my house and then to this house. Seriously, what is wrong with me. So no cherry cobbler :(
Then, over the weekend, I was having a couple people for dinner and since it was a last minute thing had not really plannned for it. No problem, and I went to pulled some chicken from freezer. The date - 2011. Icky. Now, I am not one who pours out the milk the date after it expires and I view "best by" dates as just that - "best" and as only suggestions. But 4 year old meat and 8 year old milk. No thank you!
So I went thorough the cabinets and the small freezer (leaving the deep freezer for another day) and took out quite a haul. It half filled up my large trash container and I am wishing trash pick up was today. Luckily, it is cold enough outside that it won't be rotted by the time they come on Friday.
While I feel guilty for throwing food away, and hating that I wasted money on it, I feel liberated that I will not be taking approximately two large box loads of food to my new house that we will never eat.
Now, to eat what we do have over the next 24 days so there is even less to move :)
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These pictures don't really show well just how much there was. The jello box had got kind of gross so I threw it in even though it wasn't expired and the loaf of bread is pretty typical of normal food waste, but the other things were all pretty much stored in my cabinets and freezer.
Today, I plan to tackle the bathrooms. I noticed some face cream that I know I got in a gift basket when my daughter was in 2nd grade. She is in 10th grade now. Surely it too is expired, and even it not, obviously, I am not using it. So...onto the bathroom and another successful purging day I hope.
So where did I start on this journey of organizing and purging and moving (and generally getting my life in order). Food. Yes, that is right. Food.
You see, I am a bit of a food hoarder. I have come to realize this in the past few months and have serviously changed how I buy food and have been cutting back. For some reason, I always feel like I need thirty or more days of food readily available at all times. Sure, the preppers will say that isn't nearly enough, but honestly, I am not sure I want to go there yet. Especially with a move coming.
Why start at food, other than the fact that I realized I am a bit of a hoarder? Two things last week prompted the food to go first. One was I was making supper for a family in church that recently had surgery. I went to make my (famous) cherry cobbler and realized I was out of milk. No problem, I would just use a can of evaporated milk as substitute. I opened the can and, wow, it just didn't look like evaparated milk. It looked more like sweetened condensed milk that smelled funny. I check the can to make sure I picked up the right one and it was, so then I checked the can again. It expired in 2009! That means I have drug that can from my apartment to my house and then to this house. Seriously, what is wrong with me. So no cherry cobbler :(
Then, over the weekend, I was having a couple people for dinner and since it was a last minute thing had not really plannned for it. No problem, and I went to pulled some chicken from freezer. The date - 2011. Icky. Now, I am not one who pours out the milk the date after it expires and I view "best by" dates as just that - "best" and as only suggestions. But 4 year old meat and 8 year old milk. No thank you!
So I went thorough the cabinets and the small freezer (leaving the deep freezer for another day) and took out quite a haul. It half filled up my large trash container and I am wishing trash pick up was today. Luckily, it is cold enough outside that it won't be rotted by the time they come on Friday.
While I feel guilty for throwing food away, and hating that I wasted money on it, I feel liberated that I will not be taking approximately two large box loads of food to my new house that we will never eat.
Now, to eat what we do have over the next 24 days so there is even less to move :)
Today, I plan to tackle the bathrooms. I noticed some face cream that I know I got in a gift basket when my daughter was in 2nd grade. She is in 10th grade now. Surely it too is expired, and even it not, obviously, I am not using it. So...onto the bathroom and another successful purging day I hope.
A New Challenge to Myself
(I am rewriting this on old blog id...its a long story, not worth repeating so this is my actual thoughts from yesterday Jan 19, 2015)
So, I have been mulling this idea around for a month, thinking instead of having some New Year's resolutions that I know I will never keep but also knowing that resolutions are a good thing because they mean you are working on bettering yourself....but making some grand list of things you want to change for your entire life, or even for a whole year is unrealistic. At least to me...
So I had a different idea. What is this you might ask? I thought about changing things for thirty days. A thirty day challenge of sorts. And blogging about it is a way to reflect on what I am doing and not simply just "doing" it for the sake of saying I did.
To be quite honest, I have been fascinated with the idea of doing a challenge and reflecting about it in a blog since watching the movie Julie and Julia several years ago. I love to cook as much as the next person, but honestly cannot see myself cooking my way through an entire cookbook - especially that one!
I thought I would do twelve 30 day challenges for the year 2015, however, as you can see I didn't get started on it like I would have like to on January 1st. Really, who has the gumption to do much on the 1st? With out of town guest and general craziness of the holidays still in full swing, it seemed like a way to just set myself up for failure. So this morning, I expanded it to thirty 30 day challenges which would allow me some easier and fun challenges in between the hard stuff.
I am sure this has been done before, and I do not have some new and cleaver idea. In fact, wasn't there a show like that at some point by that guy who only ate McDonalds for a month? Point is, I am not blessed with some wonderful idea that nobody has attempted before. I know this, and I am okay with this. In my two minutes of research, I even cam upon some list that give you 0 day challenges. I have several in mind already, but may pull from the list too (though honestly, some seem a little lame)
So where to start today on Day 1: Drumroll please...organization/packing/moving. Where should I be starting? With some kind of diet thing since I have a weight goal before going to the doctor for a check up in March, but seriously, how boring is that? I know I would be setting myself up for failure if I started blogging about my food and weight for 30 days. Blah
So why organization/moving ect...(Let's throw in purging as that is a big part)? Because I found a new home to buy and will be moving in about 25 days (or less) and the last time I moved it was so stressful, I ended up in the hospital! Seriously...
I hate moving. But this time I resolve to be completely organized and efficient! Ha!! At least I can try. So this this my first 30 day challenge. Since I just moved 6 months ago (I am sure I will expand on this topic later) some things are still in boxes (see I told you I was unorganized) which maybe means I should get rid of the items since I have not used them. Maybe...
To motivate myself, I tell myself that this time is different. When I moved six months ago (after being in a house for 3 plus years) I knew it would not be permanent. That, ultimately, renting this house was a temporary solution and the whole process was stressful. But now I am buying a house that I can imagine living in for many years - it is not too small, not too large, and is the perfect location.
T-25 days and I best get with it if I want a stress free (or less stressful) move. I am going to look up tips and tricks and try them all (that seem reasonable) and give reviews. I am going to sell items I no longer need, and donate what I cannot sell. I am NOT moving anything I do not need this time.
So, I have been mulling this idea around for a month, thinking instead of having some New Year's resolutions that I know I will never keep but also knowing that resolutions are a good thing because they mean you are working on bettering yourself....but making some grand list of things you want to change for your entire life, or even for a whole year is unrealistic. At least to me...
So I had a different idea. What is this you might ask? I thought about changing things for thirty days. A thirty day challenge of sorts. And blogging about it is a way to reflect on what I am doing and not simply just "doing" it for the sake of saying I did.
To be quite honest, I have been fascinated with the idea of doing a challenge and reflecting about it in a blog since watching the movie Julie and Julia several years ago. I love to cook as much as the next person, but honestly cannot see myself cooking my way through an entire cookbook - especially that one!
I thought I would do twelve 30 day challenges for the year 2015, however, as you can see I didn't get started on it like I would have like to on January 1st. Really, who has the gumption to do much on the 1st? With out of town guest and general craziness of the holidays still in full swing, it seemed like a way to just set myself up for failure. So this morning, I expanded it to thirty 30 day challenges which would allow me some easier and fun challenges in between the hard stuff.
I am sure this has been done before, and I do not have some new and cleaver idea. In fact, wasn't there a show like that at some point by that guy who only ate McDonalds for a month? Point is, I am not blessed with some wonderful idea that nobody has attempted before. I know this, and I am okay with this. In my two minutes of research, I even cam upon some list that give you 0 day challenges. I have several in mind already, but may pull from the list too (though honestly, some seem a little lame)
So where to start today on Day 1: Drumroll please...organization/packing/moving. Where should I be starting? With some kind of diet thing since I have a weight goal before going to the doctor for a check up in March, but seriously, how boring is that? I know I would be setting myself up for failure if I started blogging about my food and weight for 30 days. Blah
So why organization/moving ect...(Let's throw in purging as that is a big part)? Because I found a new home to buy and will be moving in about 25 days (or less) and the last time I moved it was so stressful, I ended up in the hospital! Seriously...
I hate moving. But this time I resolve to be completely organized and efficient! Ha!! At least I can try. So this this my first 30 day challenge. Since I just moved 6 months ago (I am sure I will expand on this topic later) some things are still in boxes (see I told you I was unorganized) which maybe means I should get rid of the items since I have not used them. Maybe...
To motivate myself, I tell myself that this time is different. When I moved six months ago (after being in a house for 3 plus years) I knew it would not be permanent. That, ultimately, renting this house was a temporary solution and the whole process was stressful. But now I am buying a house that I can imagine living in for many years - it is not too small, not too large, and is the perfect location.
T-25 days and I best get with it if I want a stress free (or less stressful) move. I am going to look up tips and tricks and try them all (that seem reasonable) and give reviews. I am going to sell items I no longer need, and donate what I cannot sell. I am NOT moving anything I do not need this time.
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