BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:58 AM

Here's the new thread and I see I left out "exercise" again. But I did manage to get a smiley face on the title!

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:50 AM

I'll say it again, you need to clone that child, Kat!

Laundry is dry from first load, need to put in second and let it dry now while the power usage is a little cheaper. They're supposed to be putting in smart meters soon. No contact from the Covad folks yet.

There are a few dishes in the sink, not enough to fool with now.

Everyone ready for July? We're at the half-way point in this year!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 11:30 PM

Still taking Morgan to swim classes in the morning, then watching him until his dad gets off work. The past two days, it's been so hot, that has been around 1p-2p, so it makes the day just right, leaving me some time to get a few other things done. But, since it is so hot by then, I have to move slowly or not much at all, so I spent the afternoon on the PC, using moviemaker to gussy up some old concert footage of my brother playing some of his piano pieces from 1988 in Providence, RI. Got two of them put up on youtube; one more to go. It's something I've been wanting to do forever, but was complicated; new technology has made it a lot easier. Not really decluttering, but it did get it off my mind, so I guess that counts.:-)

Happy Birthday, Maryanne!

SRS, glad your son is back safe and sound.

Oh, forgot, Morgan insisted on doing some dishes today. Loves playing in the water and does a passable job on silverware, plates, and bowls. And, he didn't get himself or me too wet.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 11:15 PM

I spent the day grocery shopping and I also hit two children's consignment shops! All the clothes are $3.00!!! Now, I know I can get things cheaper at yard sales but I found clothes for Jeremiah from Gymboree, The Children's Place and someplace else I've forgotten...anyway, I'm not all about labels at all....but I DO know what clothes at those stores cost and it isn't $3.00! He got 5 new outfits today! YAY! Mommy and baby had FUN! I did a LOT of walking and hauling his carrier around....good exercise for me!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 09:50 PM

Today I had time to kill because the plane was late, dodging North Texas summer thunderstorms. I spotted a Salvation Army when I was about a mile from the airport, so I pulled in and was surprised that the parking lot was completely full. I had to go around the side and park near the back of the store, and wondered if people were parking at the Salvation Army and heading someplace else in the area. I never see these stores full.

Turns out this is the #1 Salvation Army store, profit-wise, in the nation. It was busy, and they had a lot of big and expensive stuff in there. Furniture selling for several hundred dollars, a little boutique area for antiques, etc. I spent a couple of hours poking around and reading through the book titles. I got out for about $10. I might have spent a little less for parking at the airport, but this way I didn't have to fool with shuttles and such. When my son was ready with his bag he went to the front and texted, and I got him within five minutes.

The drive home was hellish. An hour of dodging in and out of wind and rain. We're here now, and I hear the microwave has finished defrosting a couple of chicken breasts. I'm ready to start a late dinner. Some laundry is drying now, and the next load is put in by my son, who filled the basket with stuff from his trip.

Time to kick back and dry out.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 04:19 PM

Celebrated my birthday by cutting the back grass. Also took a old (analog) TV & 2 broken phones to the recycling center. Last week I took pictures all around the upstairs rooms, and I've been working on them ever since. I made space in the linen closet for the vacuum cleaner and got 2 boxes of books ready to go to the library. Parts of the area are looking much better.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 12:33 PM

Susan, I'm sorry the Freecycle folks were a wash. Is there a way to post negative feedback to indicate that they aren't living up to the standards you've come to expect?


Oh, we took good care of her. I copied the mod on the emailed "learning opportunity" I sent her when we got home. I slept on it.... but really, it was beyond rude-- icky on class issues-- and I hope she can learn not to inflict that on other people who come to her home to help her remove her crap. I "pulled rank" to put a stop to it while we were there (good cop/bad cop with Hardi), but it left me so aware of how people without rank might have felt, and that is WRONG. We were there as representatives of our church-- that adds a layer of responsibility to the interaction. But really, she doesn't have to treat people differently because they have "holy hands!"

We know the mod well, and he will do as he thinks best. My only role in it was to be clear about what had happened and then wish her the best, which we do, but she'll be a lot lighter when she loses that class shite sticking to her shoes-- if she cares to lose it! :~)

But one bad FC experience is not a bad average.... it's actually been a better rate of respect than Mudcat. :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 11:45 AM

I think I cross posted (sometimes it takes a while to hit "send" if I distract myself) - I missed the remark about seeing MMario. Lucky you - he was a Secret Santee one year and we sent a homemade heavy duty lap rug (fabric and quilted). Over the years that I have realized that the laprug was kind of the "carting coals to Newcastle" gift - he has plenty of various coverings!

Wind and rain took down my tallest sunflower overnight. It was almost 12' tall, at a guess. I propped it up to see if it could reestablish (and mostly because I really like how beneficial it is out in the garden). I'll go plant some more sunflower seeds this weekend. It might be that I can simply cut off the top half and let the bottom stay and be useful, if a little odd-looking. Kind of like taking in some of the sail in a high wind.

Susan, I'm sorry the Freecycle folks were a wash. Is there a way to post negative feedback to indicate that they aren't living up to the standards you've come to expect?

I pick up my son this evening. I'll finish a few things before I go get him.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 10:52 AM

AniAlli--

Yes, he was one of two Mudcatters we included in a long (local) invite list, and he actually made the trip. It just "happened" to work our perfectly-- some of the other participants had a big RenFaire itch they mutually scratched all evening.

We forget how "nearby" Mmario and Dharmabum actually are/can be. We hope to snag Dharmabum on the next round! :~) Maybe with Shalisa in tow for a no-stress fire-sit.

Another nice thing that "happened" was that our founding band member (Ed) finally met a fellow widower we ALSO adore from a neighboring church, and they hit it off great just as we had expected.

The property proved to be the great outdoor hosting space I had hoped, so we will expand this activity very soon and set up the camper as the party-hosting station it could so easily be. It's already up-- I just need to add the electric cooler for the ice stash. :~) Which is in the sleeping attic, waiting to be loaded for the vacay later this month.

On vacay we plan to continue this approach. Our destinations include fam and friends as well as communities we would like to know better for the future. Camper = mobile home base. We did that on one of our first vacays as a couple and it's time to pick it up again. The camper is my ideal hostessing scale!

We'll do one out of the camper, too, at a state park here-- when we get back from vacay, I imagine.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 08:03 AM

WYS- you saw MMario!!! How wonderful! I haven't seen him in years and years! Did you know his knitting patterns are a sensation on Ravelry.com??

I put a dent in the piles of to-be-filed music in the office; we have company staying on the futon in 2 weeks, so it's good to have a deadline to get that room organized!

Other than that, went on a long lunchtime motorcycle ride with Hunt, where we determined that yes, the Motoguzzi is too small for 2. At least, for 2 with the nether girth that we provide! That's fine with me, I wasn't cut out to be a motorcycle mama.

And I also "de-cluttered" a small niggling situation with a member of the Animaterra board. One-on-one-face-to-face is sometimes so much better than email, especially when chai iced tea and cookies at a local cafe get involved!

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 11:31 PM

It's pouring again tonight. My tomatoes are going to split.

I have done a few little things. The usual hand-washables are soaking in the bathroom sink, and I'll throw in a load of stuff in the washer. Looks like the dryer gets more use, no clothesline for a day or two.

Tomorrow I have to go to Dallas to pick up my son at the airport, and I'll run some other errands on the way. I haven't stayed ahead of the stuff, I moved papers out of the way on the table and counter at dinner time tonight. But I'll try to not let it get any worse until I have more time, probably on the weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 11:17 PM

Had our first BAD FreeCycle experience today-- so rude!!!-- but it was soon soothed with a chance encounter at the ice cream place we feared would be auctioned out from under the ice cream crew-- to find..... NO, they bought the property they have been leasing!

And a nice lady pulled in next to us and un-did all the rudeness the FCer had done. Other lady was in New Yawk, NOT nice!

BTW our campfire the other night was grand. Hadn't seen Mmario in years but-- he was JUST the same (or nicer).

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 06:11 PM

Two days of rain have certainly been a big help here, but after several days of not feeling good, that means come the weekend chores will have piled up and I'll have to prioritize and get started. I may have missed my wild grapes this year, across the road. I make mustang grape jelly.

I just donated to Michelle's cancer walk, and my donation put her over the top of her $500 goal. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 11:22 AM

Fitting in running around applying for jobs...it's time for me to go back to work! I'm enjoying the applying. Got an interview with an agency who saw my CV on the internet and liked it and have asked me to go in for an interview with a view to being put forward for a couple of jobs they have in the city. Bought myself a nice new suit this morning.

Paul had a fitting for his coat for the wedding and he looks very dapper in it. Should have the final fitting mid August time.

I cut the boys hair over the weekend so they now look a lot tidier. Paul's was done at the hairdressers so I didn't have to worry about cutting his ponytail off...it was long overdue!

Going to a body pump class tonight, will power walk the 2 miles there and jog the 2 miles home after. I'm doing the Race for Life in Hyde Park on the 18th July, want to complete it in 19 mintues but ran 5km last night in 23 minutes but think it was too hot so I was slower than normal.

Baked bread again this morning and as usual the kids have eaten most of it! Looking forward to dinner with friends on Saturday night and hopefully camping in our forest in the next few weeks.

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 10:38 AM

Morning dishes done, laundry washed, dried and folded (to be put away later while Jeremiah naps) and several thank you notes written. My hands are still very buzzy from the chemo so it's slow going when doing fine motor things but I think I did 7 or 8 notes! Grocery list made for tomorrow....working hard to find ways to save money and eat healthy. We went to Sam's Club over the weekend and picked up a case of diapers (264 of them) for $37.00. WHOA. Formula, as you all know, is pricey too. I'll be going back there tomorrow for the giant cans of formula now that we have found something that Jeremiah seems to tolerate well. I'm also planning a day of hitting various thrift shops both here and in a few towns about an hour away....can't wait! On Saturday I got a 13 gallon bag FULL of mostly baby clothes (but a skirt for me, 3 children's CDs, scarves for my head in this too hot for hat weather but need coverage from the sun, and 2 books) for $5.00!!!! I had such fun!!! Bonus...when Jeremiah outgrows the clothes, I can take them to a baby consignment shop and they will give me credit for them to use on newer, bigger clothes! YAY!
    It's time to start collecting and pricing things for the annual yard sale which is 2 weeks away. I'm not sure how far I'll get but I'll do what I can (last few days of heavy duty cleaning have me pretty tuckered).

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 09:16 AM

I knew this day would come-- cleaning the home office. TBTG the vision came to me in my sleep where the last-acquired organizing-cubby should go, because it provided the last piece of info I needed for motivation: the finishing touches on keeping my desk's top organized.

The desk is an old table with leaves for 8, and it's deep enough that from sitting at one side, I can't reach across to the other. So I use both sides-- one as my desk area and the opposite is loaded with the study for morning Scripture time and seasonal study reading. A rocking chair on that side is handily places next to a radiator and cat-shelf.

There is room between these desktop areas for a divider, and that's what I have-- it's a white, hollow, wooden structure with a bulletin board and picture-slots on one side (and blank on the other). A nice backdrop from either side. It's about 12" x 20" and the inside will hold a sheaf of misc. study materials.

Why this is the last, "missing" item is because one of the summer FreeCycles included two rather large white baskets. They're rectangular and woven out of 1" flat whatchamacallits. The large one is the IN basket of raw materials (can hold binders),and the smaller one is the OUT basket of electronics and data CDs that have become my work product.

Under the desktable has been a large plastic bin of anti-racism training materials. I acquired these via a commission on which I served. When I had a chance to volunteer as secretary I took it, and later became to only remaining member when the rest of the group decided they were too discouraged to continue-- longstanding diocesan history tangles in the south end of the diocese.

Hardi and I were recently appointed to re-energize the effort, so now it's timely for the bin to come out for HIS study-- making plenty of room to run the vacuum cleaner around the tight spaces under and around the desk.

And the humidity broke this AM-- so it's cool, dry, and sunny here in my atelier!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 09:55 PM

Home study went well!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 05:54 PM

Much better today, Allison, thanks!

I've read some more, done a few dishes. Work on the computer for work, but I haven't pushed much else off of my list of things to do. I haven't heard from my son yet today, so I think things must be going well out there. I asked his dad to check to be sure he made a shuttle reservation for the airport trip for his return flight. I figure he's pretty tired of hearing from me.

I heard from the author of the book I reviewed. He's very happy with that review. Good! I rarely write bad reviews, in that, I simply won't review books I don't like.

I think I might be able to get a little something done around here this evening. But I'm not racing back to the work yet.

Michelle, I hope you'll let us know how your day went. You were up so early, and you've been pushing yourself so hard. I hope you're not writing now because you're taking a well-deserved nap!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 08:25 AM

Love and blessings today, Michelle- I'm sure it will go well!

I had a lovely time at Old Songs, saw lots of Mudcatters and other friends, heard incredible music. Now I'm de-cluttering from it all- there's still lots of camping equipment in the car, the kitchen table is loaded with instruments, fliers, cds, and other stuff, I'm on my second load of laundry, and it's supposed to rain and thunder all afternoon so I can't hang anything outside. Bummer. And it's the muggiest yet this summer, so hanging inside has its limits.

But this was the first camping trip since consolidating all our possessions, and I made some useful discoveries about how to work the "stuff". We've got weekend tenting down to a science, but I'm at the stage where I wish we could have a camper van...

SRS, I hope you feel better! Kat, you are truly inspiring! LTS, I'm impressed with your quilting! Pix? WYS, let us know how the gathering went!

Back to the laundry...

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 06:56 AM

Homestudy today. The house is looking good!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 01:31 AM

Weekend away decluttering someone else's wine store, very hot here in the UK, so nothing much happening during the day. In fact, I may just go get the fan and go back to bed now... (it's 6.30am and I've been up since 5).

Did manage to declutter a friend's garden and pass on another finished quilt. Must sort out the next one.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 12:19 AM

I just reread the sheet of information that came with Rx. Not only careful in sun, I need to watch activity, I could mess up tendons. Great, except the alternative was horrid. It'll be a real slow and steady pace for anything I do for a little while.

Kat, we're travelling in opposite decor directions these days. I finally can put up and get out things I couldn't have around when the cats were here. Houseplants. Curtains. Rugs. I do miss the kitties - I got a really nice leaning cuddle from a cat at the vet's office last week. He was ready to climb into my handbag and go home with me, but I'll keep it at visitation only for now. :)

Only a few dishes, all neat in the dish pan in the sink, most are clean. Some laundry needs folding. Fridge is getting better, drawing down containers before cooking new stuff to fill it with, so I throw out less. Dinner wasn't bad - rice and beans, small pork chop on side, plus asparagus. This is kind of an experiment, since I can always tell that I've eaten asparagus next time I pee after I eat it. I wonder what will happen this time? I'm still a bit tender, but I have been very careful. They didn't say "no asparagus."

Boring.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 11:29 PM

We did a lot today, for us, at least it was a lot. All of the laundry is done and even put away, including our clothes which we've been digging out of baskets for 2-3 weeks. Rog trimmed some small tree branches and swept. I scrubbed the bathroom, soaked the dishes, and we moved some Morgan stuff from the living room to the office to his own bookshelf. The LR looks a lot less cluttered. Various other things including Rog moving the hanger for my necklaces to our bedroom wall. They've been in the office from when it used to be our bedroom years ago! Also took down some cafe curtains and rods. All they do is collect dust and cat hair, so they are washed and put away.

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 07:23 PM

After months of putting it off, I finally wrote a review of a great little consumer protection book put out by a columnist in my local paper. Dave Lieber's Watchdog Nation. It doesn't work just in Texas, it's a good all-around advice text from someone who has been doing this for a long time now. He's also a popular and very entertaining speaker (I have to laugh every time I remember his description of how his co-workers and boss took him out for drinks when he was brand new here. He names the road and the room roars - about how they took the neophyte to the really bad side of town.)

Not much else. Got a good nap. Sent a lot of texts back and forth because my son hadn't found or read the itinerary (he writes the next one and gives me a copy - that's the only way he'll know what's on it) and when he reached the building he had no way to get in. I finally found a number on facebook and from there got the campus police number. She kindly called that dorm and relayed back that they were opening for arrivals at 1pm (about 30 minutes from when we spoke). The dispatcher offered to give him a call or have someone go get him. I visualized my son NEVER SPEAKING TO ME AGAIN if I sent the campus police to pick him up. I thanked her, chatted a minute more, then texted the basic information to my son. I told his dad about this and he roared with laughter - the kid would not have been happy about that kind of solicitous attention!

He's there now, and since they're not actually booking rooms till 5pm, I guess he's napping or watching TV in the lobby. He was fine with that, didn't feel like wandering around. Evenings in Tucson are so nice because it does cool after the sun goes down. I hope he goes out for a while then.

Despite not feeling like he has a lot of control right now, he does. He'll be learning a lot and he'll be going through advisement and making choices about classes and food service and dorm roommates and such. It really is very exciting!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 04:28 PM

We're hosting our first campfire at our place tonight. The low-maintenance way!

!HOORAY!

Hope to make it a new summertime habit, once or twice a month.

The idea is, people who are not doing their usual profession while they are here. We know a lot of various professions' practitioners, but here-- nope. Just chilling.

Hardi will have to set the tone (as he does when we host a MudGather), otherwise he'll end up being everybody's priest and I'll end up everybody's big or little sister! :~)

I'm putting Faulkner in complete charge.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 07:35 AM

They're out the door and probably 3/4 of the way to the airport now. I ate breakfast with my son so I'll have a couple of hours between the meal and the next antibiotic pill. This infection was so bad that I am inspired to try to follow the instructions precisely to get the most bang for the buck, so to speak. I'm still feeling spasms of pain two and a half days out from beginning the pills.

Freda, I meant to ask earlier and I'll ask now and hope you come back to the thread before we roll into a July one: how did the hypnosis go, and can you tell us a little more about how you use it? Is it in a therapy setting, or a personal improvement setting, or for a medical purpose? I've watched bits of a program here on PBS where the guy talks about using hypnotherapy in helping people choose to eat healthier. (This is an MD who is particularly interested in brain health).

Maybe I'll get something done today later on. I'm going back to bed, I'll set the alarm to get up again, and to take the pill.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 10:55 PM

I've been urging my son to get his packing done tonight, and his shower tonight, because I don't think he wants to get up at 4:30 to get his long shower. Dad will pick him up at 5:45. I'll fix him some breakfast (I saved a peach for him, and some vanilla yogurt to go over it - mmmmm!)

Lots of naps today, though I did finish the itinerary for my son and printed out the boarding pass. I can't convince this stubborn kid to take his hat and a water bottle, so I'll put them in his luggage in the morning. And threaten him with bodily harm if he decides 1) to not use or 2) to leave them behind when he comes back home (I bought this bottle because it has that plastic without BHA or whatever the nasty lining is called).

I'm headed to bed. This infection is still painful, even after 24 hours of antibiotic.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 07:49 PM

Awww SRS, feel better!!!!

I have decluttered my living room, dusted, cleaned my kitchen (still have to do dishes), wiped down all the cupboards, hung all the baby cards up (I love to hang up my cards) and chucked some stuff that has needed to go for some time. I swept the hallway upstairs and did the stairs too. I also have laundry going.

Pete finished the railing for the catwalk and steps and also got the baseboard heater installed in the nursery. Tomorrow the trim goes up and we will finish cleaning up the front porch. The house is looking GOOD!

Jeremiah is sleeping after a very, VERY fussy afternoon.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 07:00 PM

Feel better, SRS.

Yesterday: qi gong 30 minutes

Today, we bought a neat paper shade for our backdoor and a mini-blind for the window over the sink. They both get full-on afternoon sun and we need to block out that heat. Rog put them up this afternoon and I really like the way they look. It really is true: new window treatments can make a whole room look better.:-)

We're going to try to get a lot done tomorrow morning; it's just too hot to do much in the afternoon/early evening. We stripped our bed and washed all of the linen, so will make it up after it cools off. That will be good. We also did the grocery shopping.

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 01:40 PM

It just feels like the flu today, and hurts to cough, but I'm on motrin and staying out of the sun. I guess this is a good time to get some work done around the house, and list a few eBay things.

My son goes to Tucson tomorrow, and his dad will drive him to the airport since this Cipro can cause dizziness and is giving all indications that it will indeed continue to do so--I'm feeling kind of sluggish. So I'll finish that itinerary, and my son, who is at his dad's now, will come over and get what he needs for packing. I think he'll enjoy the trip on his own.

I'm going to be cooking way smaller portions of food soon. I have a loaf of bread going in the machine right now, that I'll put in a regular-sized bread pan to rise and bake later. I'll have to switch to a smaller recipe and bake in a smaller pan - for you in the U.S., I'll be baking myself Pepperidge Farm sized loaves!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 08:56 PM

Good thing I was doing that itinerary in Word, because when I left for the doctor's appointment this afternoon I left the computer on and we had a power outage. It just came back with all of my work saved.

Bladder infection accelerated really fast, and by the time I was waiting in the pharmacy to get the Rx cipro I was experiencing rolling waves of pain. I didn't hesitate to dig into my old narcotic pain med stash when I got home and I went straight for the hydrocodone, it was that bad.

I'm moving in slow motion now. Lucky me, I'd simmered a couple of roast chicken carcasses this week, because the only thing that really appeals to me now is some chicken soup. I'll cook up a pot this evening.

It's funny, I noticed on Tuesday or Wednesday that my "crotch" dog Poppy gave me a real push and a snort. I can tell now that I smell different with the infection, but she was trying to tell me something was wrong earlier in the week. She isn't a Labrador, but her diagnosis was correct! (Lab work, of course. . . )

Okay. I'll wash dishes now, and fold the laundry this evening while I watch my favorite program at 9pm, then chances are I'm headed to bed again. Not much else will get done.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 10:27 AM

Your yard looks wonderful, Maryanne!

I woke up at 3pm last night with a fever and discomfort, and after deciding I didn't need to go to the hospital but I'd better at least go to my doctor, I've made an appointment for this afternoon. I think this is still the bladder thing, but who knows, I could have pulled some odd muscle when I was mowing. If they had a blood test or a pee in a cup test I hope we can sort this out. They are going to say "You gained weight since your last visit." Sigh.

It's overcast but hot today, like it was last night. Someone got rain in the county, I could see it to the east when I came home from the post office. But not a drop here.

I'm taking my son to the airport on Sunday morning for his trip to Tucson, so today I need to work up his itinerary and print it out. I'll also email it to him so if he has to refer to it and has lost his printout, it'll be handy in cyberspace.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 07:59 AM

I posted these pictures on the garden thread, but here it is again in case you don't follow that thread: garden pics at FB

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:42 AM

You are all so inspiring.

Michelle, add my affirmation to the pile!

This week has been far from de-cluttery, but progress has been made. On Tuesday the diggers came and set piers for the new porch that will slowly get built over the rest of this summer and into next. I drove to Boston Weds for a one-off voice lesson with an amazing Bulgarian singer. Wish I could afford the $90/pop for regular lessons with her! Yesterday we hustled around, finding our camping equipment and figuring out how to cram it in to our Subaru- we're off to the Old Songs Festival where I will see many Mudcatters, hear wonderful music, and enjoy a fun time, even if the threatened thunderstorms come tomorrow night (they don't call it "Old Sogs" for nuthin!)

Have a great weekend, dears!

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:07 AM

DEcluttered the phone corner... never realised cats could spray so high up the wall! It looks and smells so much better without all the crud!

I have acheived one bit of order.... now the rest of the house!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 12:08 AM

What maeve said. Most of us have been there, and all of us were probably too hard on ourselves at first. But as we have learned (and researchers have learned) what is good for babies, we breathe a sigh of relief that we ignored the "let them cry" advice when they were just too little for it to be a meaningful exercise.

I'm exhausted. I reworked a document, saved, sent a PDF to the boss, and now I'm off to bed. My son fixed himself French toast for a very late breakfast today, and somehow managed to leave the burner on high and carbonize the bottom side of his meal. I was out of bread after those slices, so he couldn't redo it. He cut off the worst of it, and probably filled up on something else later when I took him over to his Dad's house. My house still smells smoky (I guess we're lucky he didn't set off the smoke alarm. I was out in the garden for a few minutes and so I don't know what he was doing that he didn't notice his meal burning).

Catch you all tomorrow!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 08:52 PM

Michelle- You sound like a mommy. You're doing fine. Enjoy.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 08:23 PM

I sure hope I'm not coming across as complaining!!! I just was trying to say that I'm not getting much done because I'm busy loving Jeremiah!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 08:07 PM

It's next to impossible to get stuff done as Jeremiah wants to be with mommy almost all the time. I know that's not healthy to do but for now, while he adjusts to being in our home, I don't mind.

I have to join the chorus on this one, LF.

The BEST mom I have ever known had two cute daughters. Both of them, in their turn, came to work with mommy nearly every day. (I was lucky enough to be an employer who could allow this, having had that privilege myself earlier, as a young mom. Anyway, even the auditor from, National that was invited in to see "how we did bidness" loved the kids being there-- big relief!)

The older girl was Miss Independent, always had been, and grew up great.

The younger girl HAD to be WITH MOMMY from the moment she was born. She could be fast asleep, and sense mommy moving out of her own office next door into mine-- 3 whole steps!-- and she would howl in her sleep: "Noooooo" You forgot me!" (in babytalk).

This need to cling was ALWAYS met (thank God, said our ears), and she grew up just as great as Miss Independent. When she was ready to be without mommy, she let her know. (I think that was when she was about 7.)

They just have different needs. We try our best to meet them all, and not mess 'em up TOO much. But what we mess up, they iron out in their teen years. You just love 'em and do what you can, and it all works out.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 05:56 PM

I've just been doing little bits here, in between Morgan's swimming classes and piano lessons (from "Mama" and his first book) and too hot weather to do much. I have a bunch more boxes for book sorting.

SRS, I admire your commitment to getting things done, esp. on ebay. I know I need to, but I figure this is the last summer I may have Morgan so much of the time, so we are just doing a lot together. He does want to help and has earned about $10 since last week for watering everyday for me and for some cleanup he's done, but we've also been playing a lot and my house looks like a mess, BUT, right now, I don't much care.:-)

I've added a few new photos to my Flora and Fauna album at MyOpera. The first to come up shows how tall my yarrow and Morgan are this year; then the next two show a beautiful moth which seems to have just given up in the heat today. It's just hanging from a bit of rope on our gatepost; didn't even mind my picking up the rope to get a good shot, puir thing. It is awful out there; truly "high desert."

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 05:15 PM

Around here when it feels so muggy in the heat you know it's a fools wish - because after the rain it's still hot and twice as muggy!

I mowed this morning, and this afternoon I've been feeling achy and kind of bloated. I'll keep drinking the water. My son has turned into a nocturnal creature, but when he's around I'll have him do a couple of loads of laundry and I'll have him cook something just for practice.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 11:01 AM

I think the same thing you do SRS and you too Liz.....I'm getting the basics covered and the rest of the time I am with Jeremiah. Pete came home last night to dinner half made. I had started pasta salad but my little one was fussing and that needed tending too far more! :) I am beginning to have a good understanding of his different cries and he is well on his way to understanding that mommy is going to take care of him! It's incredible how fast you can fall in love! Our morning routine is generally that Pete is up first and will take care of Jeremiah and let me sleep a bit. This morning he came in and put Jeremiah right in bed with me (I was awake) and Jeremiah smiled and cooed and I swear that our (Pete and mine) hearts melted into a puddle. Completely melted.

*big contented sigh*

So, let's see...during Jeremiah's morning nap I cleaned out the microwave inside (EW) and out. Then it was the toaster oven, next everything came off the outside of the fridge and I scrubbed that...I threw away plenty of things that had been hanging on the front and replaced it with photos of family and friends. Right now the grates from my gas stove are soaking and I have scrubbed the stove top and now the stained stuff (how does one get burned on tomato soup OFF?!?!?) is soaking in cleaner. I did a load of dishes and a load of laundry. My goal is to get the kitchen done today. I had planned the other rooms but changed my mind. Oh and there were piles of empty boxes sitting in a corner that are now sitting on the porch and Pete will take care of those this weekend. He got called into work so he'll take care of the carpentry jobs around the house tomorrow.

It's amazing how much clutter has accumulated during the last 6 months. I've tried my best to keep up with basic chores but sometimes I just couldn't. I even found 2 bags of groceries tucked in a corner...Lord knows how long they were sitting there (4 cans of soup and salad dressing).

I also cleaned a large fan that had been in storage and it is now in the kitchen helping to circulate air. It is SO humid today and FINALLY it is raining...hope it cools things down instead of adding to the humidity!

I figure I have about another 30 minutes before my sweet little one is up and all bright eyed.....wonder what else I can get done!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 10:26 AM

I remember with my first baby it seemed impossible to find time to take a shower or even trim my toenails - I was at beck and call and otherwise doing diapers, etc. You get a routine going for yourself and one of the most important lessons is the nap when the baby takes a nap, if you need one. And coming out of chemo, I don't think naps are a luxury at this point.

It's next to impossible to get stuff done as Jeremiah wants to be with mommy almost all the time. I know that's not healthy to do but for now, while he adjusts to being in our home, I don't mind. He will sit in his kicky/bouncy seat for 10 to 15 minutes at a shot which lets me get some little things done or put away.

Are you kidding? At this point in his life it is most important that a child feel that when he communicates something he needs, that he get a response. When a child that age has basic needs that are only expressed through crying, you need to respond. As they get older and as you recognize that the nature of the crying shifts, then you teach the child to comfort himself. When my kids got to be a few months old sometimes after nursing at bedtime they didn't really want to stay in bed or want to stay asleep, they wanted to be held more, so I would put them in the bed and then take out one of the nursing pads from my bra and leave it near their noses in the bed. (This was when babies slept tummy down.) It worked like a charm. For you, maybe putting a garment on the bed with him, a headband or a blouse, or keeping a washcloth against your skin under your clothes for a while then putting it in the crib, and you'll see, once he really knows your smell, that this is comforting.

As they learn to suck their thumb or a pacifier or do some other comforting thing for themselves, you're helping build what will in the future be a child then a teen and then a grownup who doesn't always have to look to others for their comfort or validation. The cuddling and response they get now is that important.

AS he grows he needs time to spend by himself, he will need to explore, he will do all of those things, based upon knowing that he is valued. I suspect each of us who has kids will remember those charming times when after waking in the morning or after a nap, you peek into the room and hear the baby cooing and laughing in bed. Just enjoying the view, the light, a toy overhead, whatever. That comfort in being alone comes from knowing they can get attention when they need it. You can tell the difference in the requests for attention as they get older, and respond accordingly. But at this age, a baby is as basic as they come and you're shaping a balanced future adult by meeting his needs today when he asks. Give him a cuddle for us. (He does need to occasionally have his feet on the ground so he can learn to crawl, then walk.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 07:34 AM

Oh Michelle - blow the chores - you bond with that lovely little bundle! He needs you much more than a pristine home at the moment! All new mothers of any variety need more than a few months to adjust - you simply CANNOT live as you did before with a new baby, it just does not happen. You can certainly try but you'll end up ragged and frazzled and Jeremiah (fabulous name by the way) won't settle. Do what is necessary, not cosmetic. Once he feels safe and secure, he will be happy with you in sight, if not touch. Then he'll be able to stand you out of the room for whole minutes at a time (the trick is to become deaf to the cries a little longer each time) and you can resume a near normal life!

I've been pootling.. nearly finished the purple quilt which is good because I see its new owner on Saturday... then it's the green ones to finish and start on the yellow one. That should declutter that corner of the sitting room... Did manage to declutter some paperwork and the child scoured her room so I can reach the window without something going crunch. I can't tell you how many plastic drink bottles we found there... it was a whole recycling bag full unsquashed I know that much!

Garden is pretty much self policing, just need to water the tubs occasionally. House is a mess but tomorrow should see some of that cleared up. At least now the bike has gone from the hallway so I can sort the phone corner out again. I WILL sort out the computer room one day.... whaddaya mean, there goes the Porcine Air Division?!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 10:41 PM

Homestudy follow up #1 is on Monday. Needless to say we are working hard to get things in good shape. There are things that Pete has to do in the nursery and he has to finish putting up the railing on the catwalk. Jeremiah was kind of a surprise otherwise that kind of stuff would have been finished already. I'm cleaning like a mad woman even though last time she just walked through...no major searching about the house or anything.

I finished cleaning the nursery today. I had clothes everywhere and a few baby gifts that needed to be put away, some other things still all in the packaging...it's just been crazy busy here so I hadn't finished things up like I had wanted to. So anyway, the nursery is absolutely ready for the homestudy. I'll do the kitchen and bathroom tomorrow. Saving the dusting and mopping until Sunday afternoon....just picking up and moving things about, rearranging some stuff on shelves and still working on the front porch. We WILL have it done!

My body is adjusting to doing chores more at night when Pete is home. He keeps an eye on the baby (who is sleeping in his swing) and I can get things done. It's next to impossible to get stuff done as Jeremiah wants to be with mommy almost all the time. I know that's not healthy to do but for now, while he adjusts to being in our home, I don't mind. He will sit in his kicky/bouncy seat for 10 to 15 minutes at a shot which lets me get some little things done or put away.

*yawn*

Night all.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 08:40 PM

OMG! Of course! You have to have a baby-safe environment all of a sudden. The true (but looks kind of silly) test is to get down on your tummy and really look around from that level. Amazing what you'll see under things that you'd never see from up on two feet.

Feeling better, but I think that was a close one. It's kind of piling up around here again. The heat makes me slow down. I have to get more focused and just be better at finishing things and picking up after myself. Easy, right?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 06:12 PM

Spent some time working on the front porch which seems to be a catch all during the colder months. It's high time that it gets completely cleaned off!!! I have 3 boxes that have been sitting out there for MONTHS....stuff I need to find a spot for or TOSS. I did 2 and a half boxes today and tossed 90% of the stuff. Why am I such a freaking packrat? I do NOT need all of this!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:09 PM

I think I worked some of it out - I had been dehydrated from working in the yard and was on the verge of a bladder infection. I spoke to a couple of folks who have more experience with them, and after a glass of cranberry juice, have drunk a lot of water today, and nothing else. I'm feeling much better already. I do have yard work to do, and I'll go back to using the big slurpy cup that I've used for years with a big fat straw. I get more water faster than from the fancy new bottle I started using.

Work for work today, and this evening I think I'll work on describing those books, and get them listed, somewhere probably like Amazon, where there isn't a time limit on the listing (not like there used to be). And wash the dishes. They've kind of piled up.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 10:32 AM

Aches and pains today. I wonder if I'm catching a summer bug of some sort? Bummer. Off to town for some errands, and finish a project for work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: June'10 Declutter & Exercise Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 10:27 AM

Yep. It IS getting to be hot and humid for today with predictions in the 90s. UGH. I have fans blowing in all kinds of cool morning air and am soon going to close the windows and draw the curtains to help keep it cool. Ceiling fans all on high, standing fans to be moved from windows and doors and left on all day. AC in the bedroom is on for the day too. I need a cool space to be with Jeremiah later on. :)

So....morning chores done (dishes, floors swept, breakfast made, lunch packed for Pete, fruit washed for later and chilling, table found and I cleaned out the fridge). Jeremiah is having his morning nap and soon I'll get him up for a bath and then lunch with some friends.

I've been slacking about what I've been eating due to the chemo and what my body craves. Trouble is, I crave crap. Today makes a week and a day since my last chemo. My energy is soaring, my bones feel much stronger and I know it's only going to get better from here! I decided that it's time to get back to my (MORE) healthy eating plan (for both weight loss and health reasons). I can't do a ton of exercise just yet but I get in little walks here and there and that all adds up. I'm not going to focus on that for now. I AM going to focus on what I'm eating. So....right here, right now, I commit to that for the next week. :) YAY!

We grilled up a large pack of chicken last night so there's plenty of cold chicken to go with whatever I decide to make later....most likely a fruit salad and I don't know what....maybe some curried couscous.

Anyway, expect more posts from me on this thread. It's time to get back to my life!!!!!!!   ***HAPPY DANCE*****

Michelle