Day 41 (Month 2-10)

Posted on February 10, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

Late start all around today. Off to pay bills, then home to make lunch and finally settle down to cleaning for today. Put off consolidating the TPV stuff yesterday, but it has to go out tonight, so no more procrastinating!

UPDATE ONE: Ran some errands, made Newell lunch (he’s not feeling well today, so he stayed home), washed some dishes…but still can’t find my motivation. I don’t remember where I left it!

Maybe the dice can help. Downstairs in the living room for an hour and a half. Tried to re-roll the duration, because I didn’t think there was that much to do, but the dice insisted. I suppose this means I should try that spot remover a friend gave me all over the carpet. It’s intended for occasional spots, but I think it does work, so I will see what it can do to my horribly spotted carpet. At least that is kind of restful and non-ambulatory…

UPDATE TWO: Didn’t get very far with the carpet, as I ran out of clean rags and had to stop to wash them. Instead I went through the Toy Box and separated out several puzzles and games to add to the TPV pile. I’m up to two bags of clothes and four boxes of other stuff.

I also found a few collectible items like Hook and Beetlejuice Colorform sets that I thought I might put up on eBay. Maybe I’ll at least get back what I spent on them.

No pictures today…and no ambition to finish three hours. I blame Newell. When he is home, I don’t want to spend all my time cleaning…even if he is taking a nap.

But I did pay bills, and make him lunch, so I feel I have had a nice wifely day. I am not going to stress over not doing three hours.

DAILY WRAP UP: 1 hour 30 minutes in Living Room.

STEALTH UPDATE: Okay, one picture. Just can’t believe I had this much stuff to give away!

 

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Day 40 (Month 2-9)

Posted on February 9, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

The plan is to do several small loads of laundry today and see if the washer behaves itself. I had been stuffing it pretty full, so the theory is that it was only overflowing the top instead of actually leaking. We’ll see. If the dryer is fixed, I can live with doing many smaller loads…but I do wonder if I can wait until I have two ready to dry before running the dryer. Anybody know?

Another important thing to do today is get all of the boxes I’ve been filling ready for the Texas Paralyzed Veterans pickup on Saturday. That will clear out a lot of stuff. Clothes, pots, books…never offered this much stuff at once before. Hope they can use it all.

Let’s get back on track here. 15 minutes in the Kitchen is the first roll of the day. That should be enough time to wash last night’s dishes.

UPDATE ONE: Dishes done, first load in the washer. Washing a “small” load according to the washer settings, and so far, no water on the floor. Hooray! Second roll, 30 minutes in the Pantry. I was thinking yesterday when we were working on the washer and dryer that it was time to put in some more quality time out there. Still some sorting to do — like the tools. It was a real PITA to find anything yesterday. Need to streamline the places to look for tools out there.

The day commences!

UPDATE TWO:  Here is the coin pile from yesterday. I decided to try that old science experiment of soaking them in cola to see if it would clean them up a bit. I didn’t have any real Coca-Cola, so I used one of my precious Diet Cola with Lime from HEB. I hope it works…

Didn’t get terribly far in the tool sorting. But it was a little progress at least.

       Before I started sorting…                                     …after time was up.

At least I got that box emptied and tossed.

Sitting for a few and having a bite to eat. I had some Lay’s Smooth Ranch Dip (only one jar, since I got mine at HEB) and the chips I was using were down to little crumbs when I remembered I had some Green Giant Carrot Crisps. They go splendidly with the dip. And are probably way healthier, even if I was using baked potato chips.

Two loads of laundry currently in the dryer. I think that might have been the problem with the washer — overfilling. No leaks that I could see. The dice think I need to go back to work on my tool sorting. Got another hour and a half in the pantry.

I actually welcome that. I think it will be good to get more of that stuff sorted out. I think I need to commandeer one of my little banks of drawers from the Office to use in the pantry until I can get another one to replace it.

UPDATE THREE: Well, I tried going up to a medium load on the water level, and the floor got a little damp. I will just stick to small, and maybe no more than two loads a day. I still have a bit to catch up on the non-clothing items — sheets, towels, blankets, etc. — but that schedule should get them in hand fairly quickly.

The sorting saw a big step forward with the drawers — though it is almost full, and there are still a lot of screws and bolts and tidbits to sort. Still, every little bit helps:

Main problem with it is that the pantry shelves are too close together for it to go anywhere but on the top shelf where it will be hard to reach. But that is a problem to figure out later.

Sitting at 2 hours and 15 minutes so far today.

Next task, 45 minutes in the Studio, and that will finish the day quite nicely.

 

UPDATE FOUR: Cola bath didn’t work. Guess it had to be “the real thing.”

    

Maybe I’ll try vinegar next, because I can’t even Coinstar them at the moment.

On the plus side, I found a Euro for my collection…

Must have been under there since Newell went to Dresden on business.

 

As for the Study time, went back to work on my shelves:

       

Before…                                                 After…

 

At least they are looking better, but I do admit to a winding down of energy…glad that makes three hours today!

 

DAILY WRAP UP: 15 minutes Kitchen + 2hours Pantry + 45 minutes Studio = 3 hours.

Now to go play with the vinegar and see if it works…

See you tomorrow!

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Day 39 (Month 2-8)

Posted on February 8, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

Hopefully today we will at least know if the various broken machines around the place are fixable or must be replaced. I have absolute faith that my dad can limp them along a bit further if it is at all possible. While I have enjoyed washing dishes by hand, I don’t really want to have to do it forever. And going off to the laundromat is such a waste of potential cleaning time! 😉

First tasks of today, therefore, are emptying the dishwasher of the clean things that were drying in it and clearing space in front of the washer and dryer so that they can be pulled out enough to see behind.

 

UPDATE ONE: Ewwwww! The space behind the dryer was gross!

REALLY nasty…on the other hand, I think there is at least $2 in change mixed in…

I swept it all up (still haven’t figured out the logistics of picking through for the change…

And it looks somewhat better…

But since the dryer sits on top of it, I’m not worrying too much.

Found that the hose and exhaust vent were FULL of lint. I’m fanatic about cleaning the lint screen, but doubt I had ever touched this part. At first we hoped that cleaning that out might be all that was needed, but no such luck. Although the heating element LOOKED intact, when we took it into Harrell’s looking for a replacement, their meter showed it was definitely dead. [On a completely unrelated note, I fell in LOVE with this store. Great service, and all sorts of doodads to look through. I hope to go back soon when I can spend more time “playing.”] So we got a replacement, hooked it up, and viola! Heat. At least that part is working. Strong outflow of air. I have high hopes.

As for the washing machine, it wouldn’t leak when we just ran water through it, so I am going to try smaller loads to see if I was overflowing it.

And the dish washer?

Well, Papa tried…

but the pump looks like it was warped out of shape. The housing isn’t fitting correctly, and that’s definitely leaking. Not a job for a shadetree handyman, so we are going to have to get someone in to look at that, I think.

Still, if two out of three are usable after today, that’s a big step forward to me.

For now, it’s back to this:

But I don’t really mind.

I’m calling this good for today. It was at least three hours of work, especially counting the dishes I washed and the sweeping up. 😉

 

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Day 38 (Month 2-7)

Posted on February 7, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

Well, Newell still hasn’t left yet, seeing if another hour of sleep will let him drive himself today. If not, may be another day little gets done. Going to duck into the Office and see if I can get something done quickly just in case.

I won’t say I didn’t enjoy my book I was reading on the Kindle yesterday, but for the first time, I felt bored and antsie sitting around the parking garage — which used to be my favorite place to spend a day doing nothing. I think doing nothing really bothers me these days, even if I am reading!

UPDATE ONE: Did about an hour and a half in the Office this morning before Newell was ready to leave, then went in with him to make sure he got there safely. I’ll admit it, I played hooky this afternoon. Had a nice bar-b-que lunch, got my hair cut, and went to see One for the Money, which I had been looking forward to since it came out. I think they did a really nice job. Still don’t know about Jason O’Mara for Morelli, but I loved the film.

I didn’t totally waste my time this morning though. Look at the major piece of progress I made in the Office:

      

Though Psycho Kitty was not amused…            …the Raven is at last on the Writing Desk

…and the laptop is in a functional space where I can work and not bother Newell again. So, though the rest of the Office may still be in disarray, it is possible I can write in there again before it is done, and that is a BIG step forward.

Now, I am home and need to get back to work. My dad is coming tomorrow to look at those leaking appliances for me.

 

UPDATE TWO: Cleared a few square inches more of space in the Office, but I admit to being rather derailed by The River. Rather “meh” to me. Anyone else see it? Only cool thing about it was Paul Blackthorne having a part again. The Dresden Files was not on long enough! (Though I see he’s done a lot since then, he’ll probably always be Harry Dresden to me.) Sorted more stuff, threw stuff away, and took care of some writing-related business items, so that was good.

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Day 37 (Month 2-6)

Posted on February 6, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

Need to drive Newell to work this morning, so I will be posting this evening. Just wanted to give you a head’s up. 🙂

 

UPDATE ONE: Literally just walked in the door. Today was one of the days when he needed to work later than usual. Still not giving up on getting anything done, but I don’t know if it will be three hours after grabbing some supper. whatever it is will probably be spent in the Office, as that is usually my fall-back position… 😉

 

UPDATE TWO: Another disappointing day. About an hour in the Office, and not a lot of visible results. It’s going to take a lot more until you can really see much difference. Still, I got something done. Not missing Castle, even though my Office TV is now operational again… I wanted to share it with Newell.

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Once a day, don’t you wanna throw the towel in?

Posted on February 5, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

So, that line from “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” seemed appropriate for today. Sometimes, keeping it going is devilishly hard. Especially on the weekends. But I will try to get something done today. As I said, I’m gonna start downshifting on the weekends — probably to an hour and a half a day instead of three, but I don’t want to completely skip them if I am in town. Far too much damage on that course.

At the moment, I need a nap…

 

UPDATE ONE: The nap was lovely. But longer than I expected. But, I did get a little done today. For one thing, as I think I mentioned a couple of days ago, tomorrow is bulk collection. So we took a pile of things to the street:

This is actually after a guy had already come by and scooped up the broken office chair and trashed window screen. A bit later I looked out and all that was left were the futons. Hey, I don’t care who takes it away, as long as it goes!

Also did some dishes while I was watching the first half of the Superbowl. Not a terribly exciting game, but that was a nice drive to end the half. What is with the Dorito commercial with the dog though? Yikes!

Going back down to watch Madonna now. See y’all tomorrow.

 

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Day 35 (Month 2-4)

Posted on February 4, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

Hard to get started this morning when Newell is going through all the SMBC Theater episodes. (Warning: Many episodes contain language and actions not suitable for the young or weak stomached…) They are hilarious though.

Today my best friend Jim is having a birthday party, so I had better get moving. I have a project in mind for today, so I am going to start there without rolling.

 

UPDATE ONE: Not sure exactly how long I spent on my project, because I forgot to set the alarm. Looks like about an hour and a half.

I wanted to sort and tidy this shelf unit in the Studio:

What a mess.

I didn’t get all the way to the floor, but I got a bit bored and feeling like I was neglecting my husband, so I quit for now. I think that is why he doesn’t want me cleaning on the weekends, because that is when he is home and wants to spend time together. I can see his point. (But I am still going to try and sneak in a little here and there…)

Anyway, this is where we are now:

Much more organized, even if it isn’t finished. It’ll make finding things for projects much easier. And I do want to get back to where I can do some artwork and crafting again.

 

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Day 34 (Month 2-3)

Posted on February 3, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

As I warned, doctor today, so late posting, but I wanted to pop in and praise Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy. This is my favorite: Warm Milk & Honey Sleep Pillow Mist. Used it yesterday, and the scent is heavenly. It really was nice sleeping with it on the pillow.

Back later with a real post.

UPDATE ONE: Eek. It is now 8 PM, and I just got home after running errands. Sad to say…I don’t think that anything more is happening today. I really intended to get home and get to work, but I am wiped out. And terribly depressed to break my streak.

Newell wants me to start taking weekends off completely, but I’m not ready for that. Tomorrow I will make up for today, and I will do at least some on Sunday if it is nothing more than moving out the bulk items to the curb for trash pickup. It’s a big item removal day Monday, and I have furniture to get rid of.

For tonight, I am probably going to go lie down with my Kindle and read a book.

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Day 33 (Month 2-2)

Posted on February 2, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

Some days, looking around at the good enough for company downstairs, it is easy to forget what is behind all the doors that are closed to deny cat access to rooms they don’t need to visit. Easy to say “we can skip today and goof off.” But that won’t help in the long run! Must NOT give into temptation. Instead, must go and do an hour and fifteen minutes in the Office, which was the first roll of the day.

I think I must break down and pull all the “reference” books that aren’t directly writing or project related and send them down to the library. It isn’t that hard to go downstairs and get something, but my space for books is way too limited to keep everything I might possibly EVER need in the Office. At least for now.

I’ll see you in a bit.

UPDATE ONE: As usual…progress in the Office is minuscule. I’ll post a picture, but I don’t know if you will be able to see the difference. There were a few other tiny things done, but they aren’t visible either. *Le sigh*

       

Before…                                                 After…

Psycho Kitty tries to help, but she gets bored quickly, and claustrophobic if the door is shut. Of course, she gets needy/dependent if she is shut outside… This is where she gets her nickname…

30 minutes in the Kitchen. Here we go next.

UPDATE TWO: Once I decided what I wanted to do, I upped the time to an hour. Still didn’t quite finish the area I was concentrating on, but got three quarters of it taken care of. Winnowed out more stuff for TPV (I hope they will have a BIG truck this month…) and also tossed all the expired medications in the cat drawer.

Here is the before and after of the part I was working on:

      

Before…                                                …after

Got the top cabinet straightened and organized, sorted through both drawers, and got the counter-top tamed. Still need to do that bottom cabinet, but at least I pulled down that nasty fly paper strip…

So, we are sitting at 2 hours and 15 minutes. Think I’m going to take a snack break. Then we’ll see how to finish up the day.

 

UPDATE THREE: Last roll of the day was 45 minutes in the Dining room. This is the Dining Room:

Not a lot more to do in there. Yeah, I do have to hem those curtains, but it would be better to get the other set hung before I do that, so that they will all match. So, instead, I mopped up a bit more and then finished that Kitchen unit that I started earlier.

So…

DAILY WRAP UP: 1 hour 15 minutes Office + 1 hour Kitchen +45 minutes Dining Room/Kitchen = 3 hours.

Tomorrow is another doctor’s appointment, so that means going in with Newell. Will try to get my three hours in in the evening.

Have a great night.

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Day 32 (Month 2-1)

Posted on February 1, 2012 by RieSheridanRose

Another laundry day. Washing all the outstanding clothes. Will take most of the day, but it still helps clean my bedroom!

UPDATE ONE: Days like today feel, in some ways, like a waste of cleaning time. Even though I filled two 6 load and one 4 load machine at the laundromat. It took me two and a half hours to sort and fold all the clothes out of the dryer, but taking inspiration from Russell’s daily purging and Liz’s closet clean-out, I sorted three boxes worth of t-shirts and such into the Texas Paralyzed Vets’ pile. I even got to junk one of my cardboard “to” boxes coming “from”.

I didn’t think to take a picture of the full mountain before we started loading the car this morning, but this will give you some idea:

AFTER several boxes of clothes were taken to the car:

        

In total, 4 cardboard boxes, 4 plastic boxes, a milk crate, and a laundry basket to get all the laundry and paraphernalia into the car. Back seat packed, and the trunk stuffed to the gills.

On the return trip:

      

See how full the trunk is? And most of what is under those hanging clothes is what is going to the TPV.  The back seat is still full, but at least things are neatly folded, hung, or paired where possible.

Considering the wear and tear of lifting, toting and sorting all that, I am counting it as three hours on the bedroom. See y’all tomorrow.

UPDATE TWO: I know, I said I was done…but I had been promising Sunshine to wash the water fountain (Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain) for days, so I washed a few dishes while I watched Top Chef. I am highly disappointed Grayson got sent home, because at least two of the remaining chefs have been ugly to their fellows all along. Paul is from Austin, so I guess it would be okay if he won…but I was really rooting for Grayson, who has been one of the few completely supportive of the other contestants.

Anyway, I am finding that I can’t sit still when there is something that needs to be done, and I don’t want to lose that momentum, so I will continue to find little side projects when I am done for the day. I’ll add thirty minutes kitchen time to today — but I’m done for now.

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