|
|
Post by mellowyellow on Jul 15, 2008 17:31:24 GMT -5
I have been on holidays for the last few weeks. I feel guilty, because I realize that many people would love to have that much time available to declutter or clean. I don't have HUGE mountains of stuff or grungy sinks/floors, etc... But I still have way too much hidden clutter, and am always combatting piles in my bedroom. Plus, my tables always tend to become hotspots for clutter.
I have found it REALLY hard to be motivated, since I don't HAVE to be anywhere or do something specific. So I haven't done much. I have been doing a lot of reading and sitting around on the deck or in front of the tv. I started volunteering at church on Mondays, (sewing baby clothes for infants), to force myself to be out of the house at least once a week. It has been very good.
(The other problem is that I am just not taking my thyroid medicine regularly enough, so I am still feeling sluggish... but that's just an aside.)
SOoooo... I decided to try doing something backwards. I haven't seen a girlfriend for a few months, and we always meet at her place (because I like to see her family too). I decided to invite her over to hang out and have a late lunch. I was hoping that it would force me to do some decluttering and cleaning.
The funny thing was that it made me clean my furnace room, which is an area that my friend will obviously NOT see. Typical, typical... I removed the final piece of stained/gross carpet that was still on the floor, and hauled it upstairs to the breezeway. I will cut it into pieces this week to throw out. I mopped and cleaned under tables and storage cabinets.
I also decluttered my dining room table and kitchen table, plus the little bit of clutter at the foot of the stairs. It sounds like nothing, but it was a long time problem. Some of it I put in boxes and took it to my bedroom for later sorting. Right now, the bedroom is the only part of the house that I would be embarrassed for someone to see. The rest is not perfect, but very decent.
Now I need to give the bathroom a special polish, and pull out all my pretty dishes and tablecloths. Plus I have to get something for our lunch tomorrow. I am always a bit anxious to have people over, but when they come, I love having the company. Weird eh? Wish me well!
|
|
|
|
Post by heylady1 on Jul 15, 2008 17:59:36 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Ms.Choc-o-lot on Jul 15, 2008 18:04:29 GMT -5
You got a LOT done - THREE CHEERS FOR YOU!
|
|
|
|
Post by packusratus on Jul 15, 2008 20:18:51 GMT -5
It sounds great!
I have a thyroid problem too - Graves' Disease and when that wasn't managed well, you could forget cleaning of any type.
Now that it's managed well and my blood tests are showing decent hormone levels, I'm getting my motivation back...slowly. It still means I've got to learn how to maintain an orderly home. I've never been able to do it. When my thyroid blew up and started spewing excess hormones, well, the little maintenance I could handle disappeared.
I say whatever you need to do to get yourself going do it. I play mental games with myself too. I also try to retrain myself in how I think (just look at some of my threads...I'm really hard on myself and I'm learning to not be so hard on myself.)
In fact, what you're doing is the exact reason I'm getting my place together. I realized I let depression and being down get the best of me. I realized I was lonely. I'm actually very social, but it's always me meeting people here or there. I'm back to a point where I want to feel free to invite people over. I can't do that like other people I know. Something comes up and they'll offer up their places in a heartbeat. I'm always very quiet and crossing my fingers that no one notices that I'm not offering up my place. I'm sick of that feeling. Plus, I do really like my space and I'd like to share that.
I don't think it's weird at all that you like having company. I've got a stock of nice wines and meal ideas waiting for the day I can invite people over.
You'll have a great lunch tomorrow!
|
|
|
|
Post by Carrie on Jul 15, 2008 21:57:04 GMT -5
Hooray for you mellowyellow! You've done a fantastic job! I know you'll have a wonderful time with your friend. ENJOY!!!
Carrie
|
|
|
|
Post by moggyfan on Jul 15, 2008 22:44:07 GMT -5
Hi Mellow Yellow  I worked summer school so I just started vacation yesterday--I so know how you're feeling! On Sunday, I decided to start a big painting project, AND I invited some people for dinner on Saturday--maybe not the best decision in the world,  . As soon as I got home from a few hours at work Monday, I found I lost motivation for the project :-( I just wanted to sit and stare at the TV or the computer. Some lovely folks here cheered me on, though, so I have made some progress but not enough, and I have the feeling my dinner guests are going to have to dodge ladders and paint cans. Oh well, at least they'll get a meal out of it--if I can get to the kitchen, that is. Good luck with your plans--you sound like you're doing great :-) |
|
|
|
Post by mellowyellow on Jul 16, 2008 9:31:38 GMT -5
Thanks for all the encouragement, you all.
Funny thing... Last night I was intending to buy the groceries for today's little luncheon, but BF phoned and I went there instead. He sounded kind of forlorn and frustrated about his boss, and I decided he needed some TLC and a good listening ear.
So I didn't buy the groceries and planned it for today instead. Well, it turns out to have been a good thing. We lost our power for several hours this morning due to a lightning strike. Boy was I glad I hadn't bought the ice cream and cheesecake and all that. I know the food probably would have been okay in the fridge and freezer, but it would have worried me needlessly.
Plus, I am really glad that I did the vacuuming yesterday, while I still had power.
So now I am off to buy delicious things, and do the last minute straightening up. I'm feeling really relaxed and not stressed at all.
|
|
|
|
Post by mellowyellow on Jul 16, 2008 18:50:41 GMT -5
The visit went well. Even though it was SUPER hot outside, with no breeze... We were able to sit on the deck because it's shady. I had a little buffet bench set up with lots of salad and sandwich ingredients. After, we came indoors for a/c and dessert.
Things I learned:
1. Next time, I will set up the food inside (to avoid flies) and each of us bring a plate to eat outdoors.
2. Also, I need to set up a larger table outdoors rather than rely on two small side tables for us to set our plates, salad bowls and cups.
3. I need to consider how to adjust the bathroom door. It visually appears to close properly but doesn't click. So the person inside thinks it is locked, but in fact it is not. It can be pushed open. Not a big deal, but important for guests and their sense of privacy. On the other hand, it's practical for someone considering to adopt toddlers....This way they can't lock themselves in by accident. I'm not sure if I should fix it yet.
The journey of self discovery continues. I have already invited the next friend to visit.
ETA Oh yeah... and I also took my thyroid meds today...
Oh my goodness... how could I forget. I washed all the dishes and put away all the food!!! The kitchen looks totally clean again! Yippy! (Well, except for a bit of clutter on one chair *sigh* but baby steps)
|
|
|
|
Post by glowworm on Jul 16, 2008 21:26:00 GMT -5
It sounds like you had a great time!  |
|
|
|
Post by skitter on Jul 17, 2008 8:29:50 GMT -5
Hi Mellowyellow,
Congratulations on your wonderful luncheon!
You can go ahead and get your bathroom door fixed. Most bathroom door knobs have a small hole on the outside through which a thin object, such as a hex key or knitting needle can be inserted to release the lock from outside in the event of an emergency. Then your home will appear to be well maintained and you won't have to make apologies or explanations to guests.
Cheers for all your good work! skitter
|
|
|
|
Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Jul 17, 2008 8:57:28 GMT -5
- I need to consider how to adjust the bathroom door. It visually appears to close properly but doesn't click. So the person inside thinks it is locked, but in fact it is not. It can be pushed open. Not a big deal, but important for guests and their sense of privacy. On the other hand, it's practical for someone considering to adopt toddlers....This way they can't lock themselves in by accident. I'm not sure if I should fix it yet. A simple solution would be to install a "hook and eye" closure inside the door at a height that adults can reach, but children cannot reach. If for some reason, a child climbs up on top of something to lock it ........ you could push/pull the door open a tiny bit and slide a credit card in -- to raise the hook out of the eye to unlock it. The door doesn't have to actually lock securely, just simply be fastened in a way that adults can have some measure of privacy. A hook and eye is simple and inexpensive. - You can go ahead and get your bathroom door fixed. Most bathroom door knobs have a small hole on the outside through which a thin object, such as a hex key or knitting needle can be inserted to release the lock from outside in the event of an emergency. Then your home will appear to be well maintained and you won't have to make apologies or explanations to guests. Oooh, yes, skitter is right. I've opened those types of locks with an unfolded paperclip ! - |
|
|
|
Post by packusratus on Jul 17, 2008 9:27:02 GMT -5
The visit went well. Even though it was SUPER hot outside, with no breeze... We were able to sit on the deck because it's shady. I had a little buffet bench set up with lots of salad and sandwich ingredients. After, we came indoors for a/c and dessert. Things I learned: 1. Next time, I will set up the food inside (to avoid flies) and each of us bring a plate to eat outdoors. 2. Also, I need to set up a larger table outdoors rather than rely on two small side tables for us to set our plates, salad bowls and cups. 3. I need to consider how to adjust the bathroom door. It visually appears to close properly but doesn't click. So the person inside thinks it is locked, but in fact it is not. It can be pushed open. Not a big deal, but important for guests and their sense of privacy. On the other hand, it's practical for someone considering to adopt toddlers....This way they can't lock themselves in by accident. I'm not sure if I should fix it yet. The journey of self discovery continues. I have already invited the next friend to visit.
ETA Oh yeah... and I also took my thyroid meds today...Oh my goodness... how could I forget. I washed all the dishes and put away all the food!!! The kitchen looks totally clean again! Yippy! (Well, except for a bit of clutter on one chair *sigh* but baby steps) How awesome! You had your guest! Definitely take your thyroid medication. I do it without fail because my moods really influence how I go through my day. When my meds had me hypothyroid, I was a mess. But also when I don't take my vitamins I can feel moody and that's never good. I put it next to my computer because my computer is pretty much the first thing I check in the morning. So my meds are right there and most nights I even put something to drink next to it, so I can just take my medication right away and not worry about it. Really, I'm so proud of your success as a host because that's a goal of mine. Reading about you being a host to someone gives me hope that I can do it soon too! It's really great and, wow, you're even making plans for your next guest...way to go! BTW, that bit of clutter is okay. Strive for well-managed. Striving for perfect will drive you mad. |
|
|
|
Post by onwardandupward on Jul 17, 2008 9:34:56 GMT -5
You are inspirational!
|
|
