BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 04:09 PM

DP, if large doses of B5 (pantothenic acid) are not in the supp list, we need to talk. How large? More than B-complex for stress gives, and more than can be gotten in food.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 06:32 PM

I'm still looking for the owner's manual that I know is around here somewhere. I've seen it, but I can't find the file it might be in. Or the shelf. I've found a lot of other stuff, things that needed sorting or filing or shredding. So while I'm still aiming at boxing the copier today, I have not assembled everything I know can go with it. The more stuff, the better, especially when it includes instructions. The box is history, but I've found one that will work.

I came across a ton of papers that were carefully gathered while I was working on my master's thesis, and I always thought I might do more with them later. But as an independent scholar (occasionally now) I find I'm not interested in keeping up or following through with that material. I specialized in American Indian literature in English, as a way to get a look at environmental attitudes from outside the dominant culture. And I did that. But I find that the infighting in the field of AI lit is so fraught with politics and bad feelings that I have lost interest. I do like the environmental direction, so I am going to go through and sort the items I might use and make a huge stack of those I won't. I suppose I could donate them to the English Dept, but in these day and age many of these things are available in a PDF version. (I helped in the conversion of putting some scarce essays from an early American Indian lit journal online- it was a useful thing to do and I don't regret it.)

I suppose we all hit these points where we realize that something we spent a lot of time on was useful at the time, taught us lessons we use now, but the bulk of the material is no longer useful.

I'm still looking for that copier brochure, but it was in the same closet with a lot of grad school stuff. That's how I ended up on this detour. Another thing I did this afternoon is set up a conspicuous file in my computer documents for collecting information that is on pieces of paper that I'd like to discard. I can either scan the papers or write down the address or phone number in question.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 07:20 PM

My daughter says my scales don't read properly because I am using them on a carpeted floor.... that means getting naked in either the hallway or the kitchen!
I'll give a harder floor a try. I didn't go out and get new ones today because I got stuck into making a rag jacket for my morris kit. The living room is now buried under strips of cloth. Should be clear in a couple of days, if I crack on with the jacket.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 09:39 PM

I have a paper grocery sack to collect all of the papers I'm not using. Most of them aren't worth donating anywhere, they're printed emails, etc. I'll clear out a couple of square feet of paper and feel good about it. I'm reminded of a couple of friends I haven't heard from for a while, so I might drop them a line this evening. Another good thing for decluttering, the reconnection with friends.

Andrea, I think your daughter is right about the scale.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 10:05 PM

Well. Where did this day begin? Jeremiah was up from 2:30ish until about 4:00am. Then the power went out. I had not yet gone to bed when Jeremiah woke up so I didn't get to bed until 5:30 this morning. Did all the dishes from yesterday (man...it's amazing how many dishes I can dirty up when I'm cooking!) and spent the day with my honey. We got about 12 inches of snow so he stayed home due to the weather. That was nice! :) He plowed our very long driveway so we can both get out tomorrow! I had 2 nice phone calls from friends and basically hung out all day. Jeremiah's sleep schedule is messed up so I'm working to get that back in order. He's still up at the moment, hopping and singing away. :) And oh yes...Pete fixed the vaccuum cleaner today so I had fun with that for awhile....I have been wanting to use it for about a week now! A little more rearranging was done today in the living room.

Tomorrow I get my car fixed. They are going to give me a loaner car at the garage so I don't have to entertain my cutie patootie for hours on end in the waiting room. Nice!!!

Just had a Chobani yogurt for a snack...loaded with protein and tasty!

Night Everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 09:52 AM

Adrien will be here shortly. The plan for today is to build the first of two massive storage shelves-- think plywood cabinet boxes, with 2x4 supports for the shelves. This one will house the compact fridge and leave lots of storage space on shelves above and below. The second one (for later) will house the matching freezer and provide storage above that. The goal is two movable, matching cases that can become closets or storage lockers. Disassemble-able. In use in another home they can be painted and trimmed out with molding on the exposed edges of the plywood.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 11:34 AM

I managed to get it together enough to finish paying all of the mid-month bills, so my concentration is getting better and paper has been decluttered. Also had another good night of sleep. Doing some laundry as I did yesterday, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 11:55 AM

Ah yes. The Wee One slept all night (which means I did too!) and is currently napping, right on schedule! The sky is bright blue today, the wind is calm and the snow is absolutely gorgeous! I bundled up the baby in several layers and took him for a walk....a sled ride really! I walked and pulled him along behind me. Since he needs a little stablity sitting in a sled, I sat a box at the back of the sled and put him in it! PERFECT! He was supported, warm and best of all, he loved it!!! At the end of our walk, we played in the snow for maybe a minute...he didn't like that as much. His one little mitten wouldn't stay on so I'm sure he was cold and uncomfortable. We came back in, peeled off our wet clothes and sat in front of the fire to warm up a bit. It's been a glorious morning!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 02:00 PM

That sounds like a great ride, Michelle! We don't have sled materials here, in Texas, but the next best thing is the Radio Flyer wagon. I pulled the kids around a lot in that!

I photographed the next batch of stuff to be boxed and taken to Goodwill. This will clear the doorway of a few tripping hazards. More paper out of the way, some repackaged for the time being. I just opened a heavy plastic box and found a bunch of packages of photos from when the kids were young. Including one with them playing with a box at christmas-time. The classic scenario - the boxes are more fun than the gifts. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Genie
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 07:54 PM

Does shedding 10-20 surplus lb. count as "decluttering?"

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 08:30 PM

It works for us! Congratulations!

The first tray of seeds has been planted and watered and is in the windowsill. These are destined to be planted in mid-to-late April. I'll also do some planting from seed before that.

Just had a call from the next door neighbor, and I realized that that cell phone no longer has all of my contacts. I took the extras out when I mailed it to my son last month. Now that it's back, I linked it up to my pocket cell phone and used the blutooth feature to send all of my contacts to that phone. Technology does make some things MUCH easier!

Off to drop off stuff at Goodwill and check the mail. I've done some puttering around the house and cleaned the kitchen. The dogs and I took a walk and even went over into the woods and I let them root around in the underbrush (their absolute favorite thing when we go walking!). I have one last thing to finish on my list, and then I'm finished.

Daffodils are blooming in my front yard today.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 08:55 PM

Genie: Abso -bluminlutely!!!!

One thing I do have organized is owner's manuals - in one file in top drawer of old wooden filing cabinet. Of course, I do not have many. Computer stuff, not much either - is in the top right hand drawer of desk. It was so nice to find it there after moving the stuff here - the desk comes apart in 5 pieces but all was well when I put it together. Everything stayed in the drawers throughout the storage and move.

Yesterday, I spent a couple hours making three computer files into one - quotes and bits from books "ideas". Somehow it got copied twice and I had to ensure all was well and delete the repeats. I moved it to "write this" folder.

Then found "chronology" of my life that I would like to enlarge. Have a pile of about ten years of day books sitting here to be gone through, pertinent dates entered, paper going to recycling - nothing identifiable except to me.

Today, I spent almost the entire day on line trying to find the supplements I wanted. Finally phoned the herb supplier in Oregon and found out the one Canadian source and phoned them. They do not mail order so, on their web site, I found a Montreal store, where I sometimes shop, which carries their products. I phoned and (YaY!) the man understood English very well and offered to see if he could obtain what I want and will phone me back "early next week".

Also realized this Canadian vitamin company has good products that I can purchase at said store as well as the other one I frequent. (double YAY!) I wrote down the ones I want and will call to see if they have them in stock. It is such a relief to have this in hand after months of trying to figure it out. Well worth the time spent. It feels like a giant step forward - a success! Both these shops are on my "new" shopping route.

This particular herb company, Eclectic, offers tinctures in 4 oz bottles, as well as the small ones. I prefer to purchase one larger one than four small ones. Wish I could get larger ones! I hate the proliferation of small bottles and eyedroppers.

Also ordered some supplements by mail from a Canadian source. Thought I had to use PayPal and had trouble with it. Phoned the vitamin company and a nice woman placed my order directly. Then got a call from another nice woman at said company that PayPal had also put it through in spite of the fact that I did not complete my registration. She canceled that one for me. I do not wish to see or hear the word P-P ever again.

Made a long overdue dentist appointment- for a month from now, with Rob's good dentist - environmentally safe environment and safe materials.         

I'm a bit pie-eyed but more content. Maybe tomorrow I can actually write something interesting.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Genie
Date: 22 Feb 11 - 11:32 PM

Sad to say, Stilly, I can't say I've done it yet. (OK, I've done it several times before but need to do it yet again.) Just wanta know if it counts if/when I do it again.

: )

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 12:08 AM

Genie, same here, alas.

Have to get dressed up some tomorrow. I have some clothes in mind that I'll hang out his evening. I'll wear comfortable shoes and walk from the parking area and get extra exercise (beyond my dog walking). I can see me as my old thin self for most of my life, now I just have to get back there.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 02:41 AM

I have a full length mirror in my bedroom, and it's getting scary! I have got to get very stricy with myself...eventually!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 11:33 AM

TIP

Here's a question some of you may enjoy pondering (or YMMV)-- are you decluttering a ROOM or are you decluttering your LIFE? What would the implications be if you exchanged one approach for the other?

===

I was doing the former but for a long time now have been doing the latter.

Pursuant to that goal the new smaller fridge is in its cabinet and its first bin for veggies is in place waiting to be filled. I've just about tried every mysterious veg at the stores to know what we like and how to fix it so we like it.

A shelf in that cabinet awaits our easy installation now that the box is built, and I know what to put there-- the fabric shopping bags that pile up in my van! And the empty laundry baskets (it's on the way to the machines). A huge shelf below the fridge awaits Hardi's stuff. Or water jugs. Not winter wear-- mice may nest there.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 11:53 AM

The answer to that question is BOTH! I work on my house daily and their are relationships that have been let go because I just don't have room in my life for all the BS anymore. If they were relationships on the mend, that has moved forward but if not, buh bye. I'm just not interested. For me, decluttering is about both. Life is short. I want to enjoy every possible second.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 10:39 PM

There were personal relationships that were (in hindsight) quite toxic a decade or two ago. Those should have been decluttered, but finally just drifted off (or died). The declutter now is a result of clinging to family, some of them I barely knew, or only knew of, because of parents who squabbled with their parents. As a result, I met very few of my relatives growing up. Knowing stories about them now is sometimes associated with a thing that I know to have been theirs. It has been a process to cull the things that are no longer required in order to make the family stories mine.

I went to a lecture this evening. Actually, I went to two of them today, one at noon by the professor who was chair of my master's committee, to do with collecting tables of contents of literature anthologies going back as far as they have been produced to see what was really "canonical," and then later, the guy who established the "howstuffworks" website, programs, etc. Interesting, and in a way, he was giving people permission to do things they had been thinking about for a long time. More on that later, I'm bushed and heading for bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 12:11 AM

*standing*
(ahem)

Hi. My name is Lily and I'm addicted to shiny sinks. It is after midnight and I have just finished doing the dishes because I can't stand them in the sink. My mother used to be this way, perhaps it's genetic.

I'm tired and should be in bed but no, I'm up puttering away. I rearranged two 5 foot cupboards, relocated all my baking dishes, moved soup from the mudroom/pantry into the space where the baking dishes were, scrubbed the toaster oven and microwave, moved both and cleaned behind them (which apparently I haven't done in some time...EW). Coffee is all set to go for the morning, all the toys are picked up, the table is cleared, my side table is cleared and laundry is ready to go for tomorrow provided Pete can get the drain unthawed (minus 9 here last night),

I unloaded my camera today and spent some time fussing with the pictures of Jeremiah, of course!!! I have lots of new video too....he sure is a lot of fun!!!

I should head to bed.

Night Everybody!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 10:05 AM

You're a tough nut to crack, Michelle! I've done that also, and I suspect it is a mix of wanting to please yourself with how nice it looks tomorrow morning and feeling like you need to do more.

I'm here to tell you you're doing way more than enough. And getting enough sleep at night should be your work also - it will be what helps you get over the chemicals that are gradually cycling out of your system.

It's one of those heavily overcast days. The street lights aren't on, but another notch or two down the darkness scale and they will be. We can use the rain - gardeners can, anyway, it's helpful in softening the soil as we prepare beds for crops this year.

I'll be decluttering the camera of photos today also, and filling it up again tomorrow. This will be three photo shoots in 8 days, so I have a lot of photo processing to do. I'll do a lot of it this afternoon and tomorrow, and will, unlike last weekend, keep my days off for myself and work around here. I'm really glad I made the push last weekend to send out two newsletters - I received a copy of my evaluation yesterday and this morning I sit down to discuss it. These newsletters are new creations, completely generated by me, and I hear from people that they appreciate them. I hope my employers hear that also.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 10:53 AM

Doing a little more each day...laundry, picking up, etc. Had enough energy to have Morgan over for about an hour after school. He was so cute. Had his jacket zipped when he got here and told me to close my eyes, then said TaDa! and told me open my eyes. He had earned a t-shirt and medal for being a Shining Star at school. Star stands for Self-responsibility, Teamwork, Attitude, Respect, and Safety. They had an assembly with parents and all and, of course, he was given it in front of everyone, as well as a book and a couple of other things. I am so prooud of him. He was just beaming. Take a <LOOK.

While he was here, he helped out by taking out some trash and he is hot to make a "book box" something they apparently do at school, sorting their books by level. We couldn't find anything which would work, but we will get him some Magazine box. That will declutter his very messy bookshelf set he had over here,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 01:47 PM

Kat....he is ADORABLE and obviously proud of himself...YAY!!!! Remind me again how old he is please!

SRS....a tough nut to crack, eh? LOL I've been called far worse! ;) I DO like to wake up to a clean kitchen. I can't cook there if the sink is full or the counter is messy. A bit OC if you ask me but it doesn't extend to the rest of the house (too bad, really)...just the kitchen!!!

I had to make an out of town trip to check on a friend this morning, then to the store for water and catfood. I ended up getting those but also eggs, BirdsEye Asian Veggies and BirdsEye Teryaki veggies....love those mixes!!! I can us 2 solid dinners out of each bag and then a day of it for lunches. YUM. Just add rice or noodles and meat if you wish. I like to put chunky peanut butter in the Asian veggie mix. Sounds weird, I know, but try it!!

So...now I'm home for the rest of the day. I have a friend coming over later (we have a little book club) today during Jeremiah's nap time and then it's time to make dinner (tonights menu: Roasted Chicked, Carrots and a Baked Potato).

I'm draggy today but a cup of coffee should help with that. My washing machine still isn't working (drain froze) and it's piling up. That makes me kinda twitchy!!!!

Feels like rain.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 01:49 PM

Thanks, Michelle, he's seven, in the first grade.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 07:18 PM

I'm glad to see someone confirm that drains can freeze! I think that is what happened to cause my washer drain line to backup during that cold cold weather we had here.

Those are great photos, Kat. Morgan has had a lot of opportunity to learn how to be responsible and helpful with the work he has done with you, so take a bow yourself.

I poked back through a few more of your photos - is that piano at your house? It's lovely. I have an old one that has some similar characteristics. I need to have it rebuilt one of these days, if I ever save up the cash or win the lottery.

Evaluation went well, could have been sad - my boss is going back to teaching in the next academic year so he's saying good-bye in a way- but there is no way it is good bye for me to a friend for the last 15 years!

Running errands this evening, looking forward to the weekend to get moving on the garden. I'm working at using supplies I have here, not spending a lot. Fresh fruit, veggies, yogurt, healthy stuff is on my list.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Hawker
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 08:12 PM

Two Stones... that's 28 pounds......that's 14 bags of sugar.......or........56 blocks of butter or lard!!!!!
Heres to another 2! :0)
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Feb 11 - 10:53 PM

Thanks, SRS. They say a child needs three major people in his life from birth on. He started out with his mom and us in the same house, then just down the street. We have all always been there for him, plus his step-dad then came in and has done a lot. I do see it as a collaborative affair. Of course we've had outstanding material to work with, said the bragging grandma.:-)

Load of laundry, more cleaning off my desk, nap, lunch, rest, rest and a bit more of picking up. My eating has completely changed to what I've always known I needed to do. Being on clear liquid for three days at the hospital with no salt, even though I don't put any on and I don't cook with it, there is always some, changed my palate, I think.

I still have a smoothie and toast for breakfast, but lunch is only one slice of oat and bran bread with tuna in water with lite mayo and half of it goes for tithes to the cats.:-) They use the Silent Miaow method.

Supper is usually a very small grilled chicken breast with Mrs. Dash for flavouring with a very small salad and some mixed veggies with a small amt. of oleo. At least a third of the chicken goes to the cats. They are trying to make up for the dog not being to clean up.**bg**

I don't eat or drink anything after about 7pm and am restricted to 2 liters of liquids per day anyway, so I really make those count. I am really enjoying orange juice with ice cubes and the same with Crystal Lite in water. We will be doing something with a no salt vegetable broth and chicken broth Rog found at the store, soon, and I am craving barley.

All good food I used to eat, but in a different way. Now, I also eat slowly, not taking a bite unless my O2 sat rate is up where it is supposed to be. The nurses and docs explained to me, the reason some people stuff so quickly and so much can be because they have breathing problems and are panicky about getting food without losing their breath. I hadn't thought of that, but if you are a mouth breather or shallow breather it makes sense. Anyway, my meals taste better and are more satisfying.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 01:20 AM

These new ads at the bottom of the page are HORRIBLE.

Tomorrow is Friday, and I have a short list of things I made this evening, and I set it up so they're ready to work on. I think that will make my effort to continue the non-procrastination exercises. I backslide some, or I realize after a while that if I'd remembered to make a list I'd be further along. A visual reminder helps to keep me on task.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 09:26 AM

Well, winter seems to be going on forever here the UK. It's probably to do with the fact that we had - by British standards - dreadful, record-breaking, bad weather in December.
I'm on a health kick at the moment and I joined a health club three week's ago. Btw, I believe membership of health clubs is very reasonably priced here in the UK. I pay - with senior citizen discount - about £21 a month and that entitles me to use the very well equiped gym, swimming-pool, and a variety of aerobic style classes.
Anyway, I'm not only thinking of getting physically fit, but trying to eat really well.
I've a feeling lots of "keep-fit" followers forget the healthy eating part.
Of course, it's the Olympics here next year and I've heard a rumour that they are going to have the "egg and spoon race" as a "guest" sport.
I was pretty good at that event back in my 1950s primary school days.
I wonder if I could make the team?

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 10:33 AM

Been thinkin' about (reflecting while doing tasks) that declutter life/declutter space thing. My insight (YMMV) of this AM is that if I declutter my own unhealthy habits, I don't need to think about "toxic people" as an item to declutter-- because if I am busy with my own goals I am not open to interference, but only support. So when I think about decluttering my life, I am actually thinking of the positives I want to bring in, much more than the negatives I want to exclude. To reach for one you can't have your hands full of the other.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 11:19 AM

I try not to think of my fellow human beings as "toxic". Anybody who can do that is just a little evil. Relationships are toxic; people are flawed. They might have a problem with me, but I might have a problem with them, but the demonization of individuals is what BAD people do. Nazis, murderers, bullies, the person who sticks a cherry bomb in your mailbox. It's an excuse to be as mean as you like to that person. It greatly bothers me to see people called "toxic" here.

Rant over.

It has dawned on me that the primary reason I have clutter is that cleaning/sorting/disposing of things is not part of my daily routine. I work around things instead of trying to make choices, and that's true of more than just my things.

I was looking forward to the gym today, but there's weather out there. Today, there will be shoveling of snow and tomorrow, the gym. Hopefully, my power will remain on.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 11:25 AM

Kat, my mom used to make lemon/lime chicken. She made a bunch of boneless/skinless breasts and froze some. The "sour" makes it taste saltier than it is, and I like it even if I'm not on a low-salt diet.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 05:47 PM

Jeri, "toxic people" is a term that hit the popular culture some time ago (just try a Google search). I don't think anyone who has used it here means to be creating a new way of looking at people; we're all more or less influenced by the culture. But yes I agree that staying in that kind of paradigm is, itself, not-positive in and of itself.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 08:24 PM

Thanks, Jeri, I'll try it. There is an interesting book out called Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships which addresses people, relationships, etc. with some scientific cites. It's written by Daniel Goleman who wrote Emotional Intelligence, too. If you are interested I'll send you the copies I have. Toxic, to me, is interchangeable with emotional vampire. It is a good thing to set boundaries and that is no more negative than the man in the moon.

I did more today than yesterday. Rog had the day off, so we did a follow up with my reg doc., went to the coumadin clinic, then the orthopaedic doc who said I can go without the boot now. Yippee!

Rog bought me a webcam and installed it, plus he got really ambitious and got a new radiator for the car which has been slowly leaking. We also got some of those magazine holder boxes for Morgan to declutter his books.

Tomorrow, I hope we get the living room rearranged a bit. His recliner is buried and we need to set up the music keyboard nearer the PC as he just bought an adaptor for it, so my brother can play his classical piano music into it and we can get busy marketing.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Feb 11 - 11:09 PM

Today I did laundry, laundry, laundry. My drain is finally unfrozen! YAY. I didn't do much else today as I woke up feeling like someone kicked the heck out of my right kidney. Every step with the right foot sent shooting pains up my back. Thankfully Pete was home today to help with the baby, especially in the morning as things eased a bit later in the day. I also read 4 chapters of my homework.....4 more to go and some paperwork to dig into. I'm learning quite a bit and it feels good!

An old friend from high school is coming over next week with her infant daughter. We normally meet at a restaurant but both Jeremiah and Audrey are getting to the stage where they want to be able to move about and talk...so we'll meet here instead. I'm not sure what I'll make for lunch. For medical reasons, she has to follow a low carb diet. I'm sure I'll come up with something. Anyway, it will be her first time here and I want the place to be in tip top shape...so it's a good motivator for me to get busy.

Also, I found a guy who can come finish a few odd jobs that Pete started and never seems have time to finish. I'm excited about this. I'm not going to tell Pete, I'd much rather it be a surprise!!! YAY!

Goodnight Friends,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Feb 11 - 04:54 PM

Michelle, in the first couple of years you'll see more "side by side" play with the little ones, instead of both playing at the same game together, so don't be surprised. They'll be glad to see each other, then proceed to play individually with the various toys.

My austerity measures are in play, and are remarkably useful as I work on the procrastination reform. If I don't put off doing some things like shopping or cooking, I'm less likely to use a more expensive shortcut. Decluttering myself of habits of spending money has been an important goal. All incoming cash during the month that isn't paycheck goes strictly to paying down cards. I hope that along with paying off bills and using time better, my work will lead to weight loss. The big three, time, money, weight!

In the procrastination reform, I find that keeping a running steno pad of notes at the computer, and drawing a box around a short 3-item list of things to do each day is the best way to stay on task. Rather than letting myself be distracted by having to get up to check something now as it occurs to me, I make a note and do it at a better time.

As far as the discussion of "toxic people," I agree with Kat. It's shorthand for the individuals that we personally are unable to influence as far as their behavior toward us (and frequently, but not always, with others). They generally only do us harm when they are in our presence, and rather than keep pounding our heads against the wall in trying to deal rationally with irrational people, one finally has to take the self-protective measure of simply cutting off all contact with that person. They may still get along with others for various reasons, and there is no reason they should be exterminated, Nazi (!) or any other style. In my instance, the one person with that designation has an un-diagnosed but very recognizable mental health problem. That individual has manufactured a button that he pushes himself when he's in my presence. There's simply no way to defend yourself against something like that.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Feb 11 - 06:05 PM

I don't "see" ads - not on the computer or the newspaper or magazines! I have to make an effort to look at them. Talk about wearing blinders!! But it works for me - less clutter on the page.

"To reach for one you can't have your hands full of the other." Good thought, Susan. I will ponder that. In the meantime.... Sometimes those people get in the way of my picking up that which I feel I want/need/ ?? Not because I allow it but because I am not alone in making decisions - reaching for.... Hmmm, because my S.O. has not learned the strategies he needs to go forward without this impedance....?? Sometimes togetherness....
working on it.

I think the term "toxic" may stem from that book about toxic parents. Although I recognize that these people are not "bad people" they do counter-productive and hurtful things and are very capable of getting very much in the way if one has no strategies for avoiding them. If one has been trained from birth to accept their behaviour, it is hard to even see new ways of coping, even when one knows it is harmful to oneself and one's other relationships.

But Jeri, I am not "evil" and I hope I am not toxic to anyone. I realize I also use the word toxic because of environmental toxins - to which I am highly susceptible. A part of the reason I have so much trouble with this toxic person is that I am hyper-sensitive to loud noise to the point that it is physically painful as well as creating a brain dysfunction. Driving a vehicle with this person screaming in the back seat, after having been asked repeatedly to be quiet, reduces me to a quivering mass of protoplasm just as surely as a strong perfume puts my brain into anger mode in seconds. Noise is toxic. So is perfume. So is the person who screams and yells after many explanations of the effect this has. Strategy: He does NOT ride in my vehicle - unless there were an emergency.

A rather large part of my life has to be dedicated to avoiding toxins and de-toxing my body, which absorbs toxins like a sponge. Keeping a home that is as toxin free as possible means the air cleaners working, not bringing in toxic materials, insisting S.O. leave outer clothes outside of BR - because he works with dusts and other products of a toxic nature almost daily. It gets in his hair and beard so he often has to wash them before bedtime. He is so used to the dirt, he doesn't notice it. One might say that I clutter his life with my needs for a clean environment.

I tend to meet each day with queries: What must be done today?
    What is the best thing I can do today to make things better? or What do I FEEL like doing today that will improve things?

Since brekkie, I have laundered ALL the bedding, including two quilts - one is drying over the ladder back chairs in the K to avoid more dryer use. Come warm weather I want a clothes line or outdoor drying rack. I sorted out a double batch of chili, made yesterday, into potluck and storage - in yogurt containers (5 large) in freezer.

I made about three dozen turkeyballs - mixed the 3 lbs ground turkey with onion.garlic, sage, parsley and cayenne and two eggs, flatted the lot on the cookie sheet. cut it into small pieces, rounded them up a bit and broiled them, turning once. When cool, they will go in frig and then freezer to be used a half dozen at a time.

Thurs, at the Maxi, I found a treasure trove of organic cornmeal muffin mix at 50% and bought all ten. Would you believe, SRS, There is NO cornmeal in Quebec stores! At least not any of the big ones. I really wanted corn bread to go with my chili so...

But yesterday, the bottom element in the oven broke, literally! I did not even touch it. Rob may or may not bring home another one. He took the old one with him. Nope, I phoned him and the element store was closed; no cornbread tomorrow unless I can make it in the microwave? Hmmm...

OK, I joined a raccoon rescue group on line and that sent me to something called Goodreads which I also joined. Then I sat here wondering if I have time for this. Well, I will only give it as much as I feel able. I now need to complete my own raccoon story to send to the reporter and a couple other interested people. That is priority one - the next "most important thing" but I have to FEEL ready for it, hopefully today or tomorrow. I still have not heard from the Montreal rescue group which is bothersome as I would like its input for the newspaper.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Feb 11 - 07:14 PM

Still losing water weight - 28 pounds since a January visit to the doc. Feels better with each pound.

Puttered with Rog and Morgan this morning. Had lunch, then thought I was ready for rest. Couldn't get to sleep even with the cpap and two cats.:-) Guess I got enough sleep, again, last night!

Anyway, I knew we had to straighten out our bedroom. It was chaotic as Rog tossed the closet looking for a bag when I was in hospital. It's been really bugging me. So, I got up, unburied a chair, tossed some stuff back in the closet, had Rog come in and arrange my three clothing canvas crates and clean clothes baskets within my reach on the floor and small table. I also had a trash bag half full of give-aways. I went through ALL of my clothes, except those hanging in the closet, folded them and put them in the crates, over-filled the charity bag and now have a very neat, more orderly bedroom which I know will help me sleep even better. I even sat in the chair and had a good phone visit with a friend. There's more, little things like knick-knacks, etc. which I will get to, but now we can walk in there without tripping over anything. Yea!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Feb 11 - 01:19 AM

I had the Goodwill stuff in the truck for several days, after escorting it out of the house, and today I not only dropped it off, I didn't leave with anything after a quick tour of the store. Most important thing to do here is to not procrastinate in keeping the documentation up to date. I printed out a brief list of the items, added a photo (I always take a photo) into that Word document, printed and stapled it to the receipt. If I do this as I take stuff over, it is much easier at tax time.

Laundry, dishes, finished.

Kat, when my cats were healthy, they were good company on the bed. One always slept down near my feet, one slept up near my pillow (but not on it.) Every so often after they were gone I'd still feel the phantom delicate "thump" of a cat jumping onto the bed. No way I can let the dogs sleep up there - 100 pounds of jealous heat producing pooches, they pin me down by the covers and bake me between them!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Feb 11 - 12:09 PM

I've been reading more about microwave cooking this morning. This article goes a long way to convince me that the switch to a double boiler for reheating would be a good idea. I've found a couple to look at in department stores, and there is an Asian market I go to every so often that has some great pans for very reasonable prices. I can use my convection oven for larger items and for defrosting.

Gardening for a while today. Pruning to start, so it's at the curb for trash tomorrow. Some of these limbs don't break down well in the compost. I wish I could afford to get a chipper, I'd use it all year round.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Feb 11 - 06:41 PM

Looks like I'm making up for lost time during the week, wandering in here during the day.

I gave myself the assignment to completely fill the large Rubbermaid trash can with the trimmed branches on a couple of shrubs in the front yard, and that has been accomplished. I've offloaded my topsoil and amendments in the garage and garden, so the staging of my spring gardening is about complete. Next comes the hardest part - digging up weeds in the established area (not too bad) and digging up the turf for the extension of the garden (the big work). And while I'm out there, I need to think about where to plant my bay tree.

I've rearranged the kitchen counters (again!) now that the microwave oven is off of the counter. I picked up a 2 quart saucepan/double boiler for reheating food, and for now I'll use the conventional oven that I already own rather than pick up a toaster oven. Toaster ovens look cute but they're usually a pain to clean and they always get really hot. I don't know that it costs that much more to heat my oven in my stove, but I do know that is much better insulated and I'm not likely to burn myself on it. Back to basics, the stove top and oven, and we'll see what happens.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 27 Feb 11 - 07:51 PM

I find a good toaster over is very easy to clean. It is smaller, uses less electric and is quick and easy to use. In PA, in the warm weather, I kept it on the back porch so it did not heat up the house, along with the distiller and the slow cooker.

The articles about microwaving are downright scary. I will look out for a couple more opinions/research but I keep wondering,,, I guess my bottom line, right now, is still that my health consultant, the woman who gave me my health back, still thinks it is Ok. But NEVER with plastic.

Chili went over very well at potluck today. One woman asked for recipe. No corn bread. Maybe next time. My previous toaster oven was large enough for an 8x8 pan. This one is not.

The frig situation has become critical. Things that are frozen one day are thawed the next. Not healthy. This is a must-deal-with situation.

The conversation after potluck today was so exhausting for me that I came home only prepared to recover, totally drained by the effort involved in trying to comprehend the words people said. The person doing most of the talking, talks too fast and enunciates not at all, It is hard to participate when I do not know most of what has been said; I do not want to repeat what was just said. However, I did manage to make a couple useful suggestions and held my frustration in check - close to tears is better than angry. Auditory processing disorder (APD) may be worse than being hard of hearing as it does not matter how loud people talk, if they do not enunciate they might as well be talking Swahili.

So a do-nothing afternoon and eve. Hopefully I can write tomorrow.

Congratulations to SRS for not bringing anything home... And Kat for losing water/weight and all of us for keeping on....

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Feb 11 - 10:36 PM

We performed the MOST supremely satisfying household chore Friday: totally emptying the fridge we thought was almost empty (3 boxes and a cooler) to WASH the whole interior. (The freezer section was relatively clean so I only sorted and rearranged that.) Since the shelves are glass, it looks especially sparkly now that it's clean.

Hardi helped, bless him, and on his day "off" too. I usually do it in the shower when MIL comes to visit-- she missed the October 2010 visit so I issed the cleaning jobs that go along with it! :~)

I am proud to say we only threw away about 3 items, and re-containerized a few to put them into smaller bottles, consolidate maple syrup, etc. All in time for a major fridge-filling grocery trip Tuesday. We (I) also set up the produce department in fridge II so it's also ready for fresh cargo.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: GUEST,lilyfestre
Date: 27 Feb 11 - 10:52 PM

I'm working on a giant master plan to get things in a smooth working fashion around here, an all encompassing plan. Today I spent a good part of the day learning about financing and financial issues....how we could make better use of our income. Dishes and laundry were done. I spent time visualizing some things that need to be rearranged. Sorting of items for the upcoming yard sale (oh I can't wait for that).....yep....decluttering is taking place. Some in my brain but mostly physically. Part of our fridge got decluttered today as well. We are striving to eat at home most of the time...dinner out maybe once or twice a month. So...we have all this food, let's make use of it! Jeremiah helped us to these ends as he finished up the last 2 cups of peach applesauce. He also ate one of the yogurts. And today he had the leftover Teryaki Chicken and Veggies (run through the Ninja of course). I have 2 roasting chickens in the fridge...I'll make one tomorrow night and freeze the others. All chicken breasts in the fridge will be grilled tomorrow afternoon (or morning) and tucked away for lunches for the rest of the week. At that point, the fridge should be just about empty. This is good. Jeremiah is just about old enough to start drinking milk. Since I drive 30 miles to go to a Sam's CLub, I'll be buying 4 or 5 gallons of milk at a time to keep him supplied (yes...will be checking expiration date). It's so much cheaper there. I think Walmart is charging 3,28ish for a gallon of milk and Sam's has Bryne Dairy (local milk, no hormones) for half that price so it's worth the trip....besides, I'll get other stuff there too.

Anyway, this, my rambling Ambien post is just to say that a plan is formulating and life is going to get interesting around here. Declutter stuff wise. Declutter Money wise. Declutter Household paperwork. Declutter my brain with yoga or long walks. Etc.

Night Everybody

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 01:07 AM

The kitchen is clean and I have 7 calzones in the freezer. I had some Italian sausage and added onion, frozen banana pepper (from my garden) and garlic (from my garden). Cooked it down some, then added a bag of cut up tomatoes (from my garden) and thickened the sauce a little, then spooned onto my homemade dough (usually for pizza crust), topped with some soy provolone cheese I want to use up, and made calzone. No matter how small I try to make them, they always come out big. I'll probably cut them in 1/2 and wrap in foil tomorrow. They're freezing on cookie sheets right now.

Trash out to the curb, then to bed.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 11:07 AM

Someone informed me this was a good program so I am simply passing it along:
The Life Laundry was a BBC reality TV show that ran for three series from 2002 to 2004. It was first broadcast on BBC Two on 30 January 2002.[1] The show was billed by the BBC as an "interiors programme with a difference", dealing with the transformation of people's homes that had been subject to long-term clutter, and in most case hoarding.

I have informed Rob of the critical nature of the frig. To underline this, his morning ration of canned baked beans was beyond eating this morning - after only 3 days in frig. I am giving this 24 hours and then going down the street for a second hand one. He has some old ones in storage somewhere but this problem has gotten OLD!

I overwhelmed myself by joining two new groups. I will ignore one and check into raccoon site for more info. But priority today is detox and finish article about raccoons. And a small comment to an author about the current book. Joined his forum but that is negligible, like goodreads.

Laundry is done, dishes washed and everything else as good as it gets right now. Worms are working well on composting job! So it is, "Focus, Dorothy, Focus!"

Found a good article on Computer Vision Syndrome! I was getting concerned but this is very helpful.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 11:33 AM

Good job, everyone. Thanks, Dorothy.

Had more energy this morning. My breathing is getting better to the point I have had to turn down the O2. As a consequence, I actually felt like doing a bit of housekeeping. Picked up stuff in the LR and put it all away. Scrubbed the bathroom sink, polished the mirror, cleaned off and washed the kitchen table, got the sink and dishes ready for washing them.

Still loving the less chaotic bedroom and plans to make it look even better.

Twenty-one pounds and still going.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 05:52 PM

Kat, all of that water must have felt awful. You're talking gallons that you're offloading there. Almost three, in fact.

I did some shopping today, but I'll try to refrain from any more for a while: I need to continually remind myself to check the pantry before I go to the store. All too often I already had what I thought I needed.

Dorothy, a properly operating refrigerator is an important health safety issue. I have thermometers in my fridge and both freezers to keep track that they're doing what they're supposed to. (My fridge has a computer that was malfunctioning for quite a while - it was making the freezer so cold that the gasket was failing and it was sucking in moisture from the house and condensing as ice in the bottom of the freezer. The repairman said a good test is to see the consistency of ice cream. If the ice cream is too hard to scoop out with a regular scoop, then your freezer is too cold.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 07:56 PM

Well, hard ice cream has never been a problem. I am totally aware of the health issue and it has been a struggle for months. It was the bad beans this am that may have turned the corner - that convinced Robin. Thermometer not withstanding, the temp has secretly gone up and down and I did not realize how bad it had gotten. Part of our problem is that a certain person designed his kitchen with the frig in a niche. Hard to get out - and in. But I have HAD it. I will live with a frig in the LR if necessary - and it probably will be!! AND happily take an axe to the old one - but of course WE NEVER THROW ANYTHING OUT. OH YEAH???? Stay tuned!

I just phoned: No time today! Maybe I will get him up at the crack of dawn tomorrow! If he gets home before midnight. If you think we live a strange life.....

So, I hemmed two pairs of pants, kept the dishes caught up, researched raccoon rescue and sent some emails in attempts to get more info specific to Montreal.   A couple phone calls; left messages.   My article is on screen in Word and looking hopeful. I just keep thinking of more things to add in. Rob can look at it tonight and, with any luck, tomorrow I will finish. Also posted on mudcat and FB. And took a de-tox bath, a very good thing to do.

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 09:00 PM

Dorothy, I don't want to make you blush, but certain sex acts have been known to motivate the male of the species to take action when requested. Just a thought . . . ;-D (And I don't want any flack that this has never occurred to anyone else!) We won't make any assumptions if the fridge does get moved out, but I'm just sayin'.

Warm one day, windy and cold the next. Wintery-spring in Texas. Maybe I'll get in the yard a little tomorrow. The wind makes my eyes water a lot, and it's uncomfortable having to stop and blow my nose frequently.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Declutter, Exercise, Diet, February 2011
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 28 Feb 11 - 09:19 PM

Oh SRS, I wish. This is not a motivating factor. I wish! I have to find other ways - like just plain insisting, gently but firmly. The health issue is paramount .