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Post by bluefrog on Jun 25, 2009 10:01:32 GMT -5
I'm sorry that your sometime boyfriend doesn't understand about hoarding, but YOU ARE NOT HELPLESS. All those bags of garbage demonstrate that you ARE doing something about your problem. You're doing things more slowly than you like, and you're doing them under awful conditions, but you ARE DOING THINGS.
Good for you! Don't sell yourself short.
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Jun 25, 2009 10:06:46 GMT -5
Sounds like you're taking very sensible steps to remedy your situation.
Good for you for mustering your courage to ask your friend, even though it didn't turn out well.
I don't know whether you have a TV that gets any of the cleaning shows (see the "TV therapy" thread), but I often clean while those shows are on. It's sort of like having "virtual help."
You might also check out the "list your location, to help others clean squalor" thread. Maybe you'll find some real help, and at least you'll know that the whole world is rooting for you.
I'd love to help clean someone else's squalor. It's easier when it's not mine, and perhaps I could bring some new skills back home.
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Post by valor on Jun 25, 2009 10:09:58 GMT -5
It is a darn shame that your carpenter friend yelled at you about this and called you **** Definitely not what you need right now. I give you a lot of credit for realizing that that's just the way he is, and he also had had a bad day. A lot of people just don't understand why we have these situations. I try to tell myself that their lack of understanding is no reflection on me. I hope you will do the same. Your friend is helping with letting you stay at his shop etc. His attitude isn't helping, but at least he is willing to help in some other way. We here do understand. Perhaps at some time in the future when you're past this crisis you can attempt to educate your friend about these matters and he may open his mind. In the meantime, try to think of his lack of understanding as *his problem*, not yours.  You are doing a super job, wishing you cool breezes, cool refreshing water |
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Post by AnnieOkie on Jun 25, 2009 10:55:26 GMT -5
I'm sorry this has happened to you, but you are doing a great job getting done what you can. I read on a thread somewhere on the board where someone put a big bowl filled with ice in front of their fan and it blows to cooled air into the room. It might melt pretty quickly, but it might be worth a try. Hang in there and hydrate you and your puppy.
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Post by gifted on Jun 25, 2009 11:09:31 GMT -5
Six bags is A LOT! I am very impressed with myself if I fill up my trash can (35 gallons) once a week. You are learning new skills, and it takes time and effort to learn new skills. I do know that there was a pile of broken bricks in my backyard when I moved into this house. I threw out one or two bricks each week, whatever amount I could fit in the trash without going over the weight limit. And the pile DID disappear.
I am very impressed that you have taken the difficult circumstance of a heat wave, and turned it to your advantage.
KUDOS!
SG
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Post by slothzilla on Jun 25, 2009 13:26:19 GMT -5
I have the same problem with my AC, it blows air, but not very cold. It started doing this last summer, so I just keep the windows open with a lot of fans on while I'm home. I keep a large oscillating fan next the bed, which is mostly aimed at where my dog lies, and another smaller fan on a bedside shelf aimed at my pillow. If your dog doesn't mind fans (some are scared by them), a bedside fan is a big help. Box fans in front of open windows are very effective too.
Also, frequent water for your dog is good! (But I know right before bed is not the best time for your dog to drink a lot of water). My dog LOVES drinking water more than any dog I've ever known - he often drinks it so fast that he spits it up 5 minutes later. I've gotten to where I only give him a little at a time, to prevent this...but I have to give him water every half hour or so.
I've been putting off having my AC unit fixed due to my reluctance to have any maintenance guys in. As I explained today in the "Whew!" thread, I've finally got my place clean, and will have the AC unit seen to soon.
Good luck, keep making progress cleaning, and try to stay cool. Hope your carpenter bf is more understanding.
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Jun 25, 2009 13:47:25 GMT -5
This might sound wacky, but keep in mind what you would do if someone offered to help. Then if unexpected help arrives, you'll recognize it and be prepared to delegate.
No one could help my Grandma pack her car after the flea market because "I have my own system."
Make it easy for others to help.
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Post by Cince on Jun 26, 2009 3:52:35 GMT -5
:-*Hello and welcome, I just want to say that I think you're doing great so far. Take a lot of breaks, and drink enough water, like others have said. Sometimes I just go for 5 minutes at a time. Wishing you the best.  |
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Post by theroyaldump on Jun 30, 2009 15:32:27 GMT -5
I have been piddling all week. Discouraged because I don't seem to be making any progress although I know I am by the number of bags going out and the size of the hole gets larger each day. But I somehow thought I would be much farther along than I am. And the BF is saying "Aren't you done yet? Surely by Thursday you will be" ... but I wonder. That is the most current goal but I look at this mountain of junk and trash and I just don't see how.
My motivation is slipping. I am slowing down and I just simply want to be done.
Oh ... I do have an up note. The heat wave broke and the condo is bearable without the A/C. No higher than 88 for the rest of the week. Relief ...
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Post by theroyaldump on Jul 2, 2009 7:54:05 GMT -5
Today I have two nasty jobs to do. I have been ignoring them since I began to clean up this mess.
First is to clean the entry hallway floor so I can get in and out easily. It conitually creeps towards the front door as if trying to get out. I know it won't escape but is just trying to invite more of itself inside. *shudder*
Second is to clean the bathroom and adjoining dresssing room. These are the worst of all so I decided to tackle them instead of having them loom over me from behind like some giant monster with arms outsretched, claws extended, mouth open teeth gleaming saliva dripping people eating ... well you get the idea. That is exactly how these two areas feel to me.
Both MUST be done today. I will post my progresss ....
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Post by christmasshopper on Jul 2, 2009 8:13:55 GMT -5
Come into chat with us. Just click the word chat at the top of this page and you will find us. We do 15 minute challenges together, and because there are chatters from every corner of the world you will usually find someone is doing a challenge nomatter what time of day or night you login. We get loads done together. You will probably find your motivation levels stay high while you are cleaning in real-time with others who are doing the same.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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Post by sunshineshouse on Jul 2, 2009 15:30:01 GMT -5
You are doing a great job! I'm glad the heat broke for you. When I had to work in the heat, I would fill a basin with cool water (or the sink if it was empty!... not that often) and use a cloth to wash myself down, even just my arms and bottom of my legs. Very refreshing. Also, if you can sit and bag stuff up rather than stand, it's not as tiring. As long as stuff is leaving your home, you are making progress!
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Post by SueDonym on Jul 2, 2009 19:18:59 GMT -5
I had to clean up enough to let the plumber in because I had a leak that would start rotting the floor if I didn't let him in. All I did was clear out the biggest clutter. Once I got the easy stuff done (trash that didn't need sorting), I moved on to another area. I also didn't bother with areas he wouldn't see. People told me that repairmen have seen it all, and it's likely they have seen your state or worse. Just get what needs to be done for him to access what he needs to access, and maybe continue on to the easiest stuff. Don't feel like you have top get to a totally "normal" state before you let someone in. Believe me.... he has seen a lot. And unless you choose to call him back, you probably will never have to see him again.
Then you can continue cleaning at a less strenuous pace with cooler air.
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