I'm off to spend the day at the Student Activities Fair: a showcase for student-led organizations..then to class: "Family Financial Management" at 5:20.
Lenora, there's no way you'll be kicked out of any learning institution. You are their prize student . Good find on the new duds. I'm badly in need of a clothes shopping trip if I want to make it through this fall and winter in a state of dress. I figure I'll spend most of those months in painting clothes, but it's nice to be able to find something to wear if one has to get out in the world looking presentable.
My accomplishments yesterday were not at all what I'd planned. I spent whatever feelgood time I had catching up on some neglected household chores, and on making my starving DH a decent supper. He had to fend for himself for a couple of days when I was down and out so some meat and potatoes were in order.
Today I have some laundry catch-up to take care of, and will do some of that cupboard emptying I'd planned on yesterday. So far I seem to be feeling OK. I also need to sit with my flyers and work on some grocery lists. I have about four different stores I grocery shop at so have to make a seperate list for each one.
I need to buy a couple of light fixtures for my bedroom. When we remodelled it last winter I got rid of the old ones. Since then we made the decision to move so now I'm not so fussy about what goes back up in there. If I were staying here I'd have to hunt all over the city for something to love, but now I feel like I can just go with fixtures that will look good but that I won't have to live with. I might wait a couple of weeks on that until the new Rona store opens, maybe I can get a grand opening event price on them.
Suddenly I feel energized to get moving on things around here. The first signs of the new house happened yesterday when the lot of dirt got surveyed, and now the move is beginning to feel *real*. I know it's all in my head, but now I see time slipping away. The move is on!!
I gave my Christmas tree to the kids. That means there will be no Christmas decorating here at my house this year. I feel kind of sad about it, but a little relieved as well. Now I'll be able to concentrate on painting and fixing this place up to sell and not feel interupted for 6-8 weeks. The kids were going to have to buy a tree this year, which they could not really afford to do with the new baby coming, and I want a new tree in the new house next year anyway. It's going to be a strange Christmas season, without some of our usual traditions.
Alrighty then, time to get this alter ego of mine(the energetic one) up and at it(where's that eye rolling guy when you need him).
Later gals . Do something with your living space today that brings a sense of peace, even if it's as simple as cleaning off the kitchen cupboards, or picking the laundry up off the floor .
I posted yesterday... quite a long post too. Oh darn it.
Doing rather than talking - lots of things getting cleared out, including old IKEA catalogues and most of my tiny stash of old magazines (when I say tiny I mean I've got about 4 and half of them have gone so far!). I had IKEA catalogues dating back to 1999, so I got rid of 3yrs, and when my new one arrives in the next few days I shall get rid of another!
Another load of charity bags left on Wednesday, including books and expensive clothing mistakes - kudos to me for both of those because neither are easy to let go of. I've even found a few cookbooks I can let go of, though not many.
A little more furniture moving last night as I figured out a way to create a little sanctuary for myself. What it really required was for me to empty the entire contents of a medium sized cupboard, so I was clearing stuff out of about 3 other cupboards to find the space. Fortunately I'd already dumped a load of things out of my sanctuary cupboard including all the wretched play-doh - only to have 2 free gifts of it come straight back to me in the same damn day! And I was only entitled to one, but the lady was being 'nice' to me because I have two kids! I have to break some noses or something to stop them being so darn cute. People keep on giving us extra clutter.
Hope, depending on when you're moving, you'll probably need the Christmas celebrations to get you through the long winter. I know that for me the next 3 or 4 months are stretching ahead endlessly, though I have a couple of visitors to look forward to in January and March, plus both Chrstmas and Chinese New Year, and then DOOMSDAY when we tell the family we're going to the UK! But the next 3mths are looking long till then, and all I can do really is declutter like a maniac!
For those of us who are moving, or anyone else trying to declutter, may I direct you back to Flyalady's clutter-free gift list. I went looking for it a while back and couldn't find it anywhere, but Honey rescued me with the link, so I'd like to share it with all of you...
Kerri, you are doing such a great job readying yourself for this big move. I wish I was as far along with it as you. You've been mighty entrenched with family there in Singapore, are you expecting a major negative reaction when they learn of your moving plans? Probably eh?
I had a huge grocery shopping day yesterday, hitting three different stores with bargain lists in hand. It was threatening rain here so I took a real chance leaving home to do it. I had visions of getting stuck in mud three blocks from home with a car load of groceries. Luckily the weather held.
I have a list of to do's for today, thank goodness I'm feeling well enough now to seriously tackle it. DH woke up sick this morning though, so I have him laid out in bed. I'm just working around him .
Already:
-cleaned the kitchen and am running a load of dishes
-made my bed and cleared laundry out of the bedroom
-organized empty pop bottles to get rid of
-garbage detail done
I'll just get off here and keep on keeping on . Later gals.
I am doing a great job aren't I!!! Still a long way to go, but there's also a long time yet, but there will be a lot less hassle when the time comes because I've been working at it so well.
I'm expecting several negative reactions - I'm expecting a major mess. First off there's my SIL who lives with us. We're retaining the flat for now, so technically there's not much change for her, but I don't think after the attack that she'll be keen to stay here alone for long, and I don't think she'll be keen to share with strangers either. It's not easy or cheap for her as a single to find a home of her own in Singapore either. She's over 35 so it's okay for her to have a government flat, but her income is too high to allow her something small so she'd probably get something privately, and the locations of those flats would be limited because not that many people want such small places. So there's one problem - gonna be huge resentment.
Then there's the stuff surrounding my PILs. We're taking away the favourite baby and the favourite grandchildren. We're the ones who actually do anything that needs to be done, with my SIL usually, but on her own she's not much use. We're also taking away two of the family drivers, leaving only my aging FIL (he's 75). We're leaving behind my single SIL and my 2nd BIL (whose wife is totally weird and despised by everyone, and whose children have inherited the worst possible genes! The other beloved son, my eldest BIL and his family live in China, though they have a house here. He's likely to be the problem, because without us around to do the looking after of the aged Ps he gets to feel guilty. Normally he relies on us to DO and he sees they have enough money.
Yes, I feel bad about leaving them, but I can't have my entire family living their lives around everyone else's inadequacies. Why should the youngest son be picking up the pieces for his incompetent siblings?? They have to get their act together. Tough. So yes, I'm expecting a hell of a mess, which is why I can be sure now that my SIL hasn't guessed - she isn't subtle enough to keep her mouth shut for long.
Just to let you all know, my PC seems to have finally died
I'm posting from my friend's house. I don't know how long it will be before I'm back online again but I expect I'll get back here from time to time in the meantime, even if it's from my friend's or the library.
So long for now!
Honey
ps Thanks Kerri for the printer driver (and cool stickers )
Our morning paper had a horrifying picture on the front page. While I normally aviod graphic depictions of violence...and one picture in particular (of children) is certain to cause an uproar...I think they were right in printing them. It IS violent. Horribly violent. Those of us (like me) who prefer our "reality" a little more removed, occasionally need slapped in the face with it.
I'm not sure how to process what I'm feeling into something meaningful...right now it's a tearing grief; desolate sadness; anger that borders on rage; and an inability to find any glimmer of reason or purpose in such an event.
I have always faced tragedy with the expectation that good will be found on the other side....I can't find that hope today.
even Putin's first tragedy... remember the submarine?? People don't seem to come well out of crises on his watch.
Glad everything arrived Honey - it must be the only time I've ever sent you anything airmail since it was so light. Shame about the dead computer though, but it was only a matter of time. At least when you get some kind of working computer you'll have a lovely new (ish!) printer to go with it. And in the meantime you're saving all your computer time and putting it in to sorting out those boxes. Or maybe colouring geometric designs perhaps! I figured that just sending printer stuff was too boring altogether so I had to dig through my supplies to find stickers that were fit to share!
my little sanctuary area is still welcoming me back into it. It's encouraging me to fold laundry too, because it wouldn't be very welcoming covered in heaps of laundry! And I wrote a notecard to a friend last night because it was just where I wanted it to be, and with a photo of the friend above it to remind me when I found a free moment. A little creative rethinking is often in order with the furniture we have, as well as the things we store in certain places. Our lives change over the years, so it makes sense for us to change the way we do things as our lives change, otherwise we end up with nothing fitting. I'm not a big fan of built-ins because I hate the limitations of not being able to change my rooms around regularly!
Well Lenora, with Honey out of Computerland, and Hope busy with her new house it looks like it's going to be just you and me rallying the troops around here. You only have to look at most of our threads and it's just the four of us most of the time. No wonder New You dropped off the homepage with those two gone and me not particularly in the mood. Better go resurrect it...
It's a long weekend here so I have DH home with me on this gloomy Monday. Need I say more !!!! Just kidding...he's busy painting.
I've been packing things up out of my cupboards, what I can at least. Tomorrow I need to go to our newspaper printer and buy a roll of paper. I hate packing things in newsprint that has ink on it. Once I have that roll I'll really be able to pack things up.
We were supposed to golf today but cancelled due to the weather. Needless to say the weather is not the only thing with a gloomy face around here. Oh well....I just won't look at him .
I have to make a trip into the city tomorrow morning for that roll of paper and a coffee date. Also want to drive by the site of the new house as they're digging the basement tomorrow. I'm taking pictures of the progress from start to finish stages.
Interesting you mention our lives taking a change of direction Kerri. I often thnk of life as a "book" with all it's different chapters. I certainly feel like all my upcoming changes are going to result in a new chapter in my book. Or a new book in a saga....whatever.
Must get going on this supper I'm cooking. I hope you're all having a wonderful Monday. It feels like Sunday here.
...that we don't live near you. We need a good sized truckload of dirt to fill a low spot in the backyard. We haven't done anything about it because buying even "dirt" (as opposed to topsoil") is just not in the budget. Sounds like you're going to have dirt to spare when they start digging! Many blessings as you "break ground!"
Kerri! I'm with you, babe! You keep your half the world going and I'll handle this half!
All right, Ye Lurkers! Speak up, so Kerri and I don't feel all alone!!!
One DD is off to school (wearing new contact lenses, I might add, and looking too grown-up for my comfort ) and the other is rolling into her clothes.
DH left early for the airport...he's in Kansas this week, MA next week and then in Chicago the last week of the month. On the bright side, that translates into MUCH less cooking for me (we tend to "scrounge" when he's gone) and I'm going back to counting my "points" (WW-style) in hopes of dropping about 10 pounds before Halloween.
It's "Question Week" in the Holiday Grand Plan with not much to do but "think" about the holidays....I can do that!
I have a couple of events to get rolling at the University this week, so I'm going to work on decluttering those.
I'm the only one left in my half - I think Sue deserted us permanently, and I haven't heard from Kirsten in AGES!
I'd take the UK, but since there's only Honey, whose computer has died, Zillah who's too busy with baby Sadie, and a small handful of others... Still, I know you're more than up to the task of getting your continents up and at 'em!
Maybe Cari will pop in for a drive-by hi if we're lucky...
I'm actually packing for a VERY brief holiday in Malaysia. The thing about Malaysia is that they just aren't as hot on hospitality as the Thais, so since we're driving up I'm taking milk, paper cups and plates, all kinds of snack foods, towels... Hopefully I'm clearing as I go (yeah right!).
So not much time for actual decluttering right at the minute, or even rearranging much. Maybe somebody else has a little nugget of something pertinent to offer... Anybody??
Well, all the beds are made..except mine. All the dirty clothes are in the hamper...except mine. The breakfast dishes are in the dishwasher...except mine. Hmmmmmmmmmmm...See a pattern?
I'm going to rectify all that and take a shower, then plop myself back at the desk for a day of writing/organizing a major project.
We're expecting a nasty 24+ hours of rain (courtsey of Frances) so I might as well be at my desk. I have class at 5:20, too.
We heard from DH's father last night...his home was damaged by the hurricane, but at least it is livable. He still did not have power, but was doing fine, otherwise.
Have a lovely vacation, Kerri! DH and I were kicking around the idea of taking the girls to Niagra Falls in October, when the DDs have a Friday off from school.....we forgot that there is still a football game that night. DH has about 56 hours of vacation to take before the end of the year (that he will lose, otherwise) so I'm also thinking of convincing him to take MIL and the girls to visit his sister and brother in South Carolina in November.
I'm off to update on New You, finish my morning chores....then to the shower!
It's surprising I get anything done at all. Today I'm busy tracking Ivan.
Hi Andrea, it's fun to have a lurker pop in once in awhile.
Have a fun trip Kerri .
Yes Lenora, why is it our own needs seem to get put off while we take care of everyone elses first. I suppose we just don't consider ours all that urgent.
Progress and progress stalled: I am packing up a storm. Yesterday I got all the fine crystal packed, as well as some other items I would not be using this holiday season. I'm amazed at how little gets left in the cupboards when you pare it down to what you actually *need* for day to day use. I ran out of boxes, but was able to get a couple of smaller ones from the store last night so will pack them with Christmas red glasware this morning.
Progress stalled??? Where are the guys who are supposed to have dug my basement 2 days ago? Still no hole!! I'm sure it's as simple as them getting a couple of days behind with the recent rain, so I won't throw myself on the floor and kick and scream just yet.
This aft I'll go into the city and do some granny duty while DIL goes to the doc.
The guys who are working on paving the road out front have created a one foot drop off the end of my driveway..arrghhh!!! I moved my car to the back this morning, but had to drive over my grass to do it. I will be soooo glad to see the last of this sewer project.
Next on my list of move preparedness? Pack up my fav knick knacks, and take a good long look at whats hanging on my walls. Will I want it hanging in the new house? If not....deal with it.
...but the deficiencies noted above are not actually the result of my doing everyone else's work at home; but more from the fact that my DDs are really very good about pulling thier "fair share" of the load and I'm a loafer!
I got my project rolling yesterday, with the exception of several pieces of formal snail-mail communication which went out today.
Today I got my assignment for 30 hours of classroom time....I'm placed at the high school that was my first choice! Yippee! Tommorrow I need to contact the principal and set an appointment to meet with my supervising teacher. I've decided to take the first of my two licensing exams this fall/winter. That puts me almost a semester early, as I don't student teach until next fall, but I'd rather have them finished. The content exam I don't really think I'll have a problem passing...the "Principles of Teaching and Learning" exam will probably be more of a challenge....
Anyways, DD9's Girl Scout Troop has the first meeting tomorrow after school. I have to get that together. I'm also acting as a band chaperone for the football game tomorrow evening. DH will get home sometime after dinner, too...must reserve a bit of energy for that, too!
I'm off to bed early, tonight, ladies...well, hopefully before midnight, at least!
You are not a loafer Lenora(anything but!), your priorities are just different. Perhaps cleaning up after yourself is just not as urgent to you as other things. That's OK. How did you get the girls trained though? Were you a good example before you started back to school? Do they get on your case? Hee Hee .
I got myself some more boxes today and plan to pack them up and create a zone in the basement for all these packed boxes. Today I'll be packing up knick knacks so things are going to start looking pretty sparse around here.
I really don't have much to report, other than I'm managing to let go of some "stuff" as I pack up these cupboards. Feels real good.
Have a great day! It's Friday....date night . Perhaps we should all use up some beauty products in the spirit of the day. Maybe de-junk the fuzz off our legs!
I don't know how I ended up with such great kiddos! They certainly make life better around here!!! (And NOT just because they make their own beds! ) ...oh...cleaning up after myself is never urgent for me, Hope...necessary, (and usually done) but never a real priority.
The weekend went by way too fast. DH left again yesterday...headed east to Massachusetts this week
I picked up the main floor and started the second load of laundry already. Monday is "sweep and swipe" day, here, so I still need to "swipe" my bathroom. The DDs will dust, vacuum, and handle their bathroom later. I will make my bed after I wash the sheets in a bit.
We have DD14's first GS meeting after school, and DD9 starts swimming lessons today, too.
I'd like to get my "Autumn" decor up this week. (Not Halloween...just the "fall" stuff) It's my favorite season, and I've collected some really pretty pieces.
The HGP tasks for this week are baking/making/freezing one batch of goodies and one meal; purchasing ALL supplies for homemade gifts; and buying film/videotapes/camera batteries (I'd add photo paper, printer ink and/or a gift card at the location where you have pictures developed!)
I've started buying gift cards at the stores in which I KNOW I'll shop for holiday gifts. I did that last year and it really helped with budgeting. It will spread the $$$ out, even if you can't bring yourself to buy the actual gifts until later!
My other task this week is to layout all my major (school) assignments and decide if I'm volunteering to cook Thanksgiving Dinner or not!
Well, I'm hopping in the shower, between loads of laundry, then I need to finish one assignment,(due tomorrow).
I think my relaxing Monday will have to wait until Tuesday. Same goes for my chores. I'm waiting for a phone call, but I'm pretty sure I'll be going into the city to help DIL today(see New You thread for detail).
Besides doing some golfing and family visiting this past weekend I got about 5 or 6 boxes of knick knacks and whatnots packed up and out of the way.
Also made a couple of phone calls and gave away 2 matresses and 2 fake fig trees.
Remember that broken console tv I had sitting in my way in the basement? The one that has not worked since we were hit with a power surge over 10 years ago? The one they told me would cost more to fix than to replace? The one DH could not bear to part with even after I rolled it in front of his puter desk area so it would be in *his* way? Well, he's finally going to give it the heave-ho, along with a couple of ancient puter monitors that are sitting on the floor by his desk.
I think the only reason he's parting with them is because the village is doing the yearly dump bin collection for items the garbage fellows won't take. He'll only have to haul them to the village office and not all the way to the dump, which is about a 10 mile drive. The dump bins are going to be here for a couple of weeks I think so I may be able to get rid of alot of junk.
We heard from the basement digging guys and they won't be digging ours for another couple of weeks. We are not a priority at this minute as they have others to dig that have earlier possesion dates. At least I know so I won't be driving over there every other day to check.
I feel like the new kid in school - I've never been a housewife before, and I just can't seem to get started...
We've recently gone through a total remodel of our house & I have no idea where to begin putting it back together. I've been single & a career oriented person for the last 15 years - I was married 4 years ago and decided to take this opportunity to try homemaking, but so far, I'm TERRIBLE at it! After reading some of your correspondence back & forth, I realize I have no idea what I'm doing. I have never even posted a message on the internet before, so please forgive me if my etiquette isn't correct. Anyway, I'm so impressed with all of you and your self motivation. I really hope I can glean something from you and that I'm not totally hopeless. Thanks & have a great week!
if you're impressed by us Tatum, you must be easily impressed. Just don't go over to the Flybabies thread or you'll scare yourself. We're mostly the bums over here, the ones who start and stop rather than sticking to a regular plan - I say mostly because Lenora's a brilliant role model of how to keep it all together and still be nice too!
This thread's been a little slow lately so it's good to have new blood. Maybe that'll encourage me to put away this dirty bowl from lunch and maybe get on with ironing instead of sitting at the computer all day.
Actually to be fair, I was looking at houses. Trying to get an idea on what most of the homes look like in the area we're planning to rent in. For rental we'll probably keep it simple with 3 bedrooms unless a bargain comes along, but for buying I really think we'll have to get 4 bedrooms - the last bedroom (certainly in British houses) are SOOO tiny, and I can hardly have DD in a room the same size as ours and DS in a cupboard with a window! I don't mind tiny as an office, but it's going to be hard enough for those two anyway since they have always shared their bedroom. And they aren't in any rush for that to change, from what I heard the other day, but DD is now 8 and will be nearly 9 by the time we actually shift, so it's time she wasn't sharing a bedroom with her younger brother. Of course if I said it like that I'd be asked why by both children. When asked about her dream home the other day and I asked about the bedroom in particular, DD said of course she'd share it with her brother in horrified tones. I can see that hurdle's going to be fun to deal with!
What thread am I on?? Ah yes... I'm decluttering some toffees at the moment. I really hven't done anything useful since we came back from Malacca on Saturday. Honestly... fancy getting thrown by a 2 1/2 day holiday!
Tatum, come and motivate with us please. We really need a little fresh enthusiasm, although I sense Lenora's gearing up for Autumn and her Holiday Grand Plan. Have you ever seen that?? It's on www.organizedchristmas.com along with the slightly more manageable version which starts in October. HGP is somewhat intimidating I've found, but it takes you through the cleaning step by step for each room in preparation, theoretically, for the holiday season. There's a non holiday version too I think, without the gift and decoration stuff. If you're new to the internet you'll probably be fascinated by the sister site, organizedhome. Like many other sites the lifeblood is mostly in the forums, so the articles aren't updated as often as they were a few years back, but if it's new to you there's plenty to keep you going for now.
This rain is really horrible today so I'm going to spread some misery over on New You...
...if you and your DH (Darling Husband...or any "D" adjective that fits ) can eat, sleep, and move within walls...then you're a fine homemaker!!!!! Everything else is just "fluff!"
All went well yesterday....it's good to be back in scouting! I love the girls (and most of the grown-ups) in both troops! Our big girls are going to wrap up their "Silver Award" this fall. They're organizing a "mom-and-baby shower" donation drive for a pregnancy care organization, and then, for additional service hours, will provide child care during parenting classes for the families already involved. This particular program is not affiliated with any religious and/or political position....it's just about helping. I like that. Since our girls are 13 and 14-year-olds....it also gives us a great opportunity to discuss and answer questions on issues pertaining to sex, std's, pregnancy, etc......("sensitive issues permission slips" all signed!)
I finished the assignment for "Technology in FCS" class that is due this evening. I still have to write a 2 page research article review for "Middle Childhood and Adolescence in the Family Context" class for Thursday. I'm up to date on my textbook reading, too. (I actually have a couple of good ones this semester!)
I set an appointment to meet with the teacher whose class I'll be spending 30 hours in this fall. That's on Thursday.
I have a 1 credit, senior seminar this weekend...Friday evening and all day on Saturday. I'll probably have some type of paper to turn in later for that....it's "Professional Issues in Family and Consumer Sciences."....yadda, yadda, yadda
It's 9:00 am...beds are made, laundry is folded (fron yesterday ) and the dining room table is clutter-free with tablecloth in place! Pretty good for a Tuesday!
I'm going to e-mail DH (in MA this week) "something mushy," then I'm off to the shower...then an hour-or-so working on the paper for Thursday...then to school!
My Internet has been down for a little over a week.
I missed being able to be online...
But I have service back ~ so I wanted to post a bit here.
Honey ~ I have tried to send you photos and they keep coming back. I will keep trying. I hope that you are back online, soon... I have sent along an email update ~ but the note was attached to the pictures ~ so, well... I will keep trying.
You have been such a great friend and your support and kindness means the world to me. Thank-You. *BIG HUGS* :D
Kerri ~ You are an awesome friend and I thank-you from the bottom of my heart. You have helped me so much in ways unimaginable. A true friend and an awesome cheerleader ~ who could ask for anything more? Thank-You again... and I am working on your email update. You know me with email...
*Hi Tatum* Welcome to this great bunch of people ~ jump right in... we don't bite, too hard.
*Waves* Hi Hope, Lenora, LoisD and anyone else who might be lurking.
Well I've decluttered all the "must-do" things on my activity list....but as it was a pretty darn full week...that translates into a bedroom that is trashed!
I'm going to do a bit of exercise, then shower, then start laundry with my sheets and just keep going! DH comes home this evening so I plan on the bedroom (at least) being conducive to a "welcome home" party!
Cari! Good to "see" you! I'm missing Honey, too. I hope you'll both be back regularly, soon!
Morning all . It's very good to see your pecking Cari. I'm missing that Honey of a woman too.
Hiya Tatum! It's my experience that if you've survived a reno and are still married you have already *really* accomplished something . My tip for putting it back together? Only put back into the space what you need and love....the rest of it toss into a garage sale, you won't miss it.
I had a brief "brain fart" the other day, when I decided to take in the Grand Opening of the new Rona Home & Garden Centre. I've never in my life been to a Grand Opening so that's my excuse. Who knew everyone in the city and surrounding countryside would be there(I figured folk worked on a Wed morning). I went 1/2 an hour early so I could be one of the first 1,000 in the door and get the free tape measurer...HA!!!!!!! Right!!!!! Without taking up more space explaining the rest of my errors in thinking, let's just jump to my deserting the scene without ever seeing the inside of the place and going for groceries instead. I've now learnt my lesson about attending Grand Openings...DON'T. What a wasted morning that was.
I'm just busy packing up things I don't need in the next few months, and DH continues to work at painting the kitchen cupboards.
After telling us it would be a couple or three weeks before our basement got dug, what do you suppose? Within 2 days my girlfriend calls me to say it's done. I go and check and sure enough the hole is there and the footings are in.
I have laundry and more packing to do today. I think I'll sit Aunt Flo down this afternoon and make her eat butter tarts and watch some golf on TV . I'm sure she'd hate to miss the Ryder Cup.
It is good to *see* you guys, too...
I have missed pecking at you guys.
This week is going to be a flurry of activity.
I have a bit of an announcement to make.
We are readying for a large move ~
which we will find out for certain about the dates on Thursday.
It is anticipated that we will be moving on Friday, next.
I have not mentioned it overly because there is a lot of red-tape involvement that I have no say so over ~
but it looks good this time around...
so instead of dropping a major bombshell on you guys next week ~
I will make mention of it here, now.
If you want to find out where we are moving to...
please click on the link, below ~
and then scroll down to the weather pixies.
anyone else missed out on the information - Honey's computer died. She's trying to get it fixed, but it could be terminal this time, which would really be a big problem because I haven't a clue where the replacement could come from. Fingers crossed for the person fixing it being able to work miracles so she can have longer to make her backup plan!
Cari, you're very brave but I think you're already beginning to realise and appreciate your own strengths - good for you!
I decluttered some foam stick-on flowers out of a box and onto my kitchen wall - I'd actually gotten so frustrated with my kitchen (and life) that I moved the microwave for the first time since we moved in.
As I said that a great big wall map just fell off the wall in front of me. I give up on today!
And a big "Hi" to all of the silent lurkers and the busy, busy "regulars"
Information regarding England is pretty basic.
I have always been very interested in England ~ I often think of myself as an Ex-Pat who never left her country of origin. (I have since been to England... but for the last 20 years I have thought of myself in that way.) I closely align myself with the English perspective and tend to be rather formal (for an American...) Oftentimes (until I speak) I am taken for English. People have mentioned that this is because of my mannerisms and pale skin-tone.
I have been working on a book for the last seven years and I sent off the manuscript this past summer and the option was picked up. I went to New York to attend to some of the details with the publisher. When the contracts are completed I will give book info and the title of the book. The book will be published next summer... but I must head over to England to take the pictures. (This is a non-fiction book.) Since I adore England and since I always wanted to live there ~ The boys and I will be living there when the photos are completed. Book two (which will be published next Christmas) will feature photos in the USA ~ but the publishers will be hiring photographers for that book ~ since I have zero interest in photographing the USA.
This has been a large year for positive change for me... I think that my 38th birthday combined with the heart attack that I had 4 years ago combined in my head with the idea that life was to be lived now... with as little regret as possible. I determined that if my life were to be over tomorrow ~ I would have regretted not finishing my book or moving to England. I had also determined that certain life issues were not working for me ~ so I made some hard decisions regarding my marriage... and since I have now been true to myself (for the first time in my life) I find things have begun to work out beautifully... and that there have been a few wonderful surprises along the way.
There will be more updates as time goes on...
but this is the general gist of the big move.
I have to attend a class today ~
and the boys and I will be going for Visa photos today...
then I must come back and pack, pack, PACK!!
*Hugs*
CariAnne
p.s. I now return you to the regularly established thread ~ sorry for the hijack.
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
Having been offline for over a week, I picked up the computer and shook it (I kid you not!) and guess what? It came on Not sure how long this will last, but here I am
I'm glad to see I'm being missed, btw
Great news Cari! I can't wait to get together, what fun! Please try sending those photos again, I'd love to see them. I'll declutter my inbox and hopefully they'll be accepted this time!
Hope, did you sort out your new glasses yet?
Kerri, thank you for your emails. I'll get back to you shortly, if the PC doesn't die on me again. The screen is very fuzzy and wiggly so I think I might be on the way out again!
Honey, you always leave a smile with your posts. I can just see you shaking that computer. . reminds one of kids slapping the pop vending machine when it takes their quarters and gives nothing in return.
Glad to see posts from other forum members. . . new blood might liven things up a bit. I certainly have fell by the wayside on decluttering and posting for that matter. Glad to see some are still hard at it.
I think the moving bug must have gotten hold of about everyone. I'm still working on those confounded floors on our new house. I keep thinking we'll be in it in two weeks, but I've been thinking that for two months now.
I'm curious about having a basement in places that have lots of rain, Hope. Do lots of folks there have basements in their homes? Not many do here. Leaking seems to be a problem for basements in my area.
I've still not got much packed. I don't know what I'm going to do when its time to actually move. I'm still keeping up with my Dad's caregiving & business stuff, plus chasing after my kids and their extra cirricular activities and other doings, and helping work on the new house while the old house is going to you know where in a handbasket. Also have a couple of writing assignments to complete within the next couple weeks so my dejunking mode is pretty much stalled out at present.
Anyway, I keep reading along here, for inspiration, you know. Its nice to keep up with what everyone has going anyway. . .makes one feel less alone in their journey of finding some semblance of order in ones household.
...except me! I so excited for all of you! We need to have a "Moving" or "Major Changes" thread! In the meantime, you all keep sending the details right here.
Speaking of moving... we just found out mid-week last week that MIL has been approved for government subsidized disability housing. There is a lovely building in the next town "south" of us with excellent proximity to her primary care doctor, shopping, and all sorts of other "stuff." It's only about a 15 min. drive from here. They also have a full range of social activities, including day and overnight trips. The residents are all independent seniors/individuals with disabilities, and I'm hoping that MIL will make some social connections. Her apartment is on the top (6th) floor which pleases her, since she will not have anyone "walking" above her. The apartments all have nice sized balconies, too, which she will enjoy. It is the only building/location she has really liked, out of those we've seen...and she didn't want to go "back" into one of the more urban areas to live. DH is pleased that we should be able to get her moved before the weather gets too bad...we moved her into our home through a Februrary ice storm! I have to admit that I'm looking forward to her being more independent. The last several months have been ....difficult.
Well, it's Monday. I didn't get my "planning time" yesterday, so that's on the top of the list for today. I have several chapters I need to read for classes this week, which I'd like to finish today. I also want to do some cyber-investigation for a couple of the projects I have coming up....including resources for the classes at the high school where I'm "participating" this semester.
I've got the laundry going and my bed made. DD14 and I have Scouts this afternoon...(we're going hiking)....and DD9 has swimming lessons after that.
Tacos, salsa-rice, and refried beans for dinner...meat is thawing already. I need to plan for dinner tomorrow: MIL will cook (or DD14) since I have class. I'm thinking about roast chicken...then they can eat leftovers on Wednesday.
I'm a busy gal. Right now the effort is on to get these kitchen cupboards painted. It's very hard to do when you're trying to live in a kitchen at the same time. So we keep moving items around and paint as we go. I've never thought of this kitchen as being big, but I'm realizing I do have alot of cupboards in here. I'm also realizing I will miss this kitchen. Years ago when we reno'd it I planned the kitchen with function in mind...it really does function well. I have what I call the "two step" kitchen. I can pivot and take two steps in any direction and have access to what I need, and between all the major appliances(all built in) and sink. My new kitchen will be much different, obviously designed by a man(not knocking men here but hey, we're talking kitchens right?). Whoever gets this kitchen will be a happy woman. We are tackling the cupboards first as they're labor intensive. Next we'll paint the rest of the kitchen...I'm still deciding between three color choices, all of which will go with the white cupboards and the green in the rest of the living/dingroom areas.
I spent today moving clearing out and moving more of the cupboards, and tomorrow will be painting the insides of the ones I've cleared. I also got my laundry caught up today.
Have I told you all how much I appreciate you're being here? Hang tough Fern, you'll be moved and settled eventually(how did the concrete floors turn out?). The upcoming moves of the two Kerri/Cari's scares and titilates(sp?) me, those are major moves, not across town. Lenora, you simply leave me amazed. Andrea, thanx so much for lurking...that's fun to have a pop-in . Tatum???You still with us?
and more especially since I've dug some things out of DH's hed that I didn't realise were lurking there. He really needs someone to talk to, and his own family is out, as are most of his friends since most of his friends are currently the people he works with, which is a BIG no-no! Interestingly enough though... we were talking about oe of his school friends for the first time in ages - he hasn't seen him in years now I think - and this morning he bumped into him! I've told you before I don't believe in coincidences. So I'm encouraging him to meet up with him and chat.
so things are heading a bit pear-shaped in that direction. At least it's now, not another 6mths down the road.
Prayers for Cari today (Wednesday) because she has something big on to do with her move and she needs it to work out. Prayers to give her strength *in case* it doesn't might be handy too. I am so looking forward to the next meeting in the UK with Honey and Cari and Zillah... Sooo exciting!!!
my own activities are going a bit sideways at the moment, concentrating on finding a safety net job for DH, and working towards thinking about Christmas, since I've had it shoved in my face several times this last week or so. Singapore isn't really the country where Christmas is a big deal (all the shops are still open!) so whilst it may be normal wherever you guys live to get Christmas in your face in September, it's not normal here (some of it came from other countries in my post even!) so I shall assume I'm meant to sit up and take notice.
bad news for me on that front actually... it would appear that when we transferred files from the old computer Christmas wasn't a priority. Since the old computer has since declined to work I seem to have no lost all my old Christmas information, other than some things I had in a file. That especially means I've lost old gift lists and my card list. That last one sounds really scary, but it's mostly family with a few extras, so it isn't too hard to replace I guess. And I'm after the clutter-free approach to Christmas anyway, so I probably wouldn't have needed much from those gift lists right?? I think I still have old menus in the file, and my list of bookmarks has survived. I guess this ensures that there will be a fresh new approach to Christmas this year.
I also have DD's exams to prepare for, and she's decided to take this time to get nasty and rebellious about her teachers, so that's all good fun.
I have to spend some time majorly decluttering my laundry and irning heaps, because they're threatening to take over the world. I'm wondering whether I can train my laundry hamper to take itself off to the washing machine...
That's what I call them Kerri . Sounds like you have lots of hiccups at your place right now.
Morning gal's . I spent yesterday morning with a headache. Not too sure if it's a bug or the effects of the painting we're doing, as the misery felt like it could have been either. I'm leaning towards suspecting a bug of some kind as I did feel a little feverish with it. I felt much better after a mid day nap.
Spent the afternoon prepping and painting a couple more cupboards. They sure are looking a whole lot better. It never fails....every time I move our house looks better for someone else than it ever did when we lived in it. By the time I get it fixed up to show to prospective buyers I'm in love with it and wondering why I'm moving. Oh well.
I'm getting out of this fumey house today and shopping with my SIL. See New You thread for more on that. I'll check in later, but it's unlikely I'll have much to report on this thread.
Have a great day...see if you can find something to de-junk. It's a challenge! One item, and you can post it later.
I really think my DH needs some "buddies," too. I haven't been successful in facilitating it, though. ...my dh "lost" my Christmas card lists THREE years in a row (in computer upgrades, and such) I finally began burning a cd immediately after updating the list and packing it in my "fall" boxes. Since I've done that (two years, now) he hasn't lost it...of course!
Today I'm off one one of those endless hunts for the impossible....a bathing suit in the off season.....for DD9. I had hoped she'd get through swimming lessons wearing the two leftover from summer...but the elastic on one snapped completely on Monday night...and the other is just worn out. All of the girls in the "swim team" group (of which she is not a part...just taking regular lessons....) wear "real" suits (this in DD9's words) "like the swimmers in the Olympics." Now I'm rarely one for buying anything because "everyone else" has it...but I bet I end up with a speedo suit for her because it will be the only thing I can find! Oh well, hopefully, I can buy one "good" suit and she can wear it until they come out again in the spring.
After the great-swimsuit-hunt, I need to file some research, read a bit, write some note cards for my first exam next week, take DD9 to my mom's (who will take her to swimming lessons tonight) and then go to class. If I manage not to snap at MIL and/or burst into tears in the meantime, that will be good. UGH.
Oh! The phone just rang with a reminder about blood donation this afternoon. I need to put that on the list, too. I "bleed" easily and never seem to suffer any ill effects, so I try to do it regularly. I'm a month-or-so-behind, though.
I must also come up with a thoughtful gift for my sister, who turns 40 on Saturday....we haven't exchanged gifts in years...but this is a "special" birthday. I want DH and the girls to give her a gift...but I want to have my "own" gift for her, too....any thoughts?
DD9's bathing suit--check!
Blood donation--check!
File research--check!
Note cards--check!
Hold temper and tongue w/MIL--check!
Gift for sister--not
Not too bad for a Wednesday!
also:
Don't fall asleep in unbelievably boring "Family Financial Management" class--check!
I plan to spend my entire evening tonight pampering and petting on DH, who is sick...he went to work today but probably should have stayed at home. I need to get him well (or at least better) before his trip next week. Tomorrow I'm baking cookies for my sister's party...I think I'm going to freeze some for the holidays, too.
I started holiday gift lists and purchases this week....Star Wars DVD's for DH and earrings to go in both DDS' stockings. I have a fairly predictable list of "duh" gifts....things I do every year: silly socks, a "Farmers Almanac" for my dad, new toothbrushes (wierd, I know, but I always put them in the Christmas stockings and Easter Baskets )...that kind of stuff...
I need to find/buy my sister's gift this afternoon...then hit the grocery store on the way home.
I do the toothbrush in the stocking thing too! And underwear. Probably not terribly hygienic to have them together, but I do usually wrap, even the stocking fillers. Am I insane?? Probably, but I remember how much I loved my stocking, and unwrapping is a good part of the fun, as is the mess. Funny, but I remember the mess being more fun when I was the one making it!
The Christmas card list isn't really a big disaster since we've lost touch with almost everyone. It's just family and a handful of friends really, so if I can't remember that I may as well shoot myself! Lost all my Christmas pictures too - for colouring and backgrounds. Annoying, but again, not the end of the world. As you said Hope - just hiccups. Quite a few of them but shouldn't be fatal.
Well done Lenora with all the stuff you managed to get done. I got off a couple of important emails I've been dragging on and did a bit of laundry, but I really don't remember doing anything else that was productive in the last few days.
We got up horribly late this morning (my alarm was set, but the handphone it was set on was in my shorts' pocket on the bathroom floor!) - the kids were already up and playing for some reason, without having any awareness that it was daylight and DD usually leaves for school slightly before dawn (remembering that our daylight goes 7am to 7pm all year round).
I have a beautiful post-it next to me (courtesy of Honey) which says "I have one nerve left, and everyone is getting on it". I've had just the one stuck up next to me on my printer for a few days!
DS is such a little darling.. he came to sit on my lap (with just his little boxers on that he sleeps in) and when I closed my eyes and cuddled him he gently kissed my nose and then each of my eyelids in turn. My future daughter-in-law is a lucky woman. Actually she's probably a lucky toddler at the moment!
Better see if I can get some laundry folded today. I have a dreadful stack of ironing because most of it has been there for nearly 3wks. Even DH hasn't bothered with it recently.
Decluttering and throwing stuff away is usually not a problem for me... Stopping before it gets evil is the bigger problem!
The computer went kaput again just after my last post five days ago. Daily attempts to get it to work were fruitless......today I got really cross and walloped it and voila! Here I am. I think I may hire myself out as a computer mechanic
I am in a funk at the moment, doing very little and feeling like doing even less. I have, however, started my tap and line dancing classes (that's two separate classes, not cowboy boots and a leotard) so I have made a little New You step in the right direction. Yeah I know this is the wrong thread, but it's more or less the same people and the computer will probably blow up before I get over there.
See ya sometime......
H
ps I read The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown this week. Has anyone else read it? Fascinating and intriguing book!
That we have arrived safely to our new home.
Thank-You Kerri and Honey for all of the exceptional cheerleading when I was so upset. You guys are fantastic friends and I so look forward to meeting you both, SOON.
Hope and Andrea also thank-you for the thoughts and well wishes ~ and to any of the lurkers who sent kind thoughts our way on Wednesday and Thursday ~ they did the trick... Our British Consulate interview went off well... and I was very calm through the immigration process.
And now we are home.
Whee!!!!!!!!!
(And now the organizing begins!!) :D
*Hugs*
Cari
p.s. I hope you received your email from me Kerri?
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
Kerri,
You saved the day or Christmas! We are really struggling on how to de-clutter and de-emphasis "ME" on Christmas. Due to not having kids for 14 years, then getting 4 within 2 years, we and our family, friends, and dang it strangers have overwhelmed the kids. They have a playroom that is very organized, but looks like a day care or Walmart toy section. Dh and I have been pondering this for a few months. I found some incrediable ideas, and it help get my brain thinking abit more "altusic?". As the time gets closer, I'll have to start a thread regarding this for more ideas.
Comments
Another day..another to-do list
Morning all
.
Lenora, there's no way you'll be kicked out of any learning institution. You are their prize student
. Good find on the new duds. I'm badly in need of a clothes shopping trip if I want to make it through this fall and winter in a state of dress. I figure I'll spend most of those months in painting clothes, but it's nice to be able to find something to wear if one has to get out in the world looking presentable.
My accomplishments yesterday were not at all what I'd planned. I spent whatever feelgood time I had catching up on some neglected household chores, and on making my starving DH a decent supper. He had to fend for himself for a couple of days when I was down and out so some meat and potatoes were in order.
Today I have some laundry catch-up to take care of, and will do some of that cupboard emptying I'd planned on yesterday. So far I seem to be feeling OK. I also need to sit with my flyers and work on some grocery lists. I have about four different stores I grocery shop at so have to make a seperate list for each one.
I need to buy a couple of light fixtures for my bedroom. When we remodelled it last winter I got rid of the old ones. Since then we made the decision to move so now I'm not so fussy about what goes back up in there. If I were staying here I'd have to hunt all over the city for something to love, but now I feel like I can just go with fixtures that will look good but that I won't have to live with. I might wait a couple of weeks on that until the new Rona store opens, maybe I can get a grand opening event price on them.
Suddenly I feel energized to get moving on things around here. The first signs of the new house happened yesterday when the lot of dirt got surveyed, and now the move is beginning to feel *real*. I know it's all in my head, but now I see time slipping away. The move is on!!
I gave my Christmas tree to the kids. That means there will be no Christmas decorating here at my house this year. I feel kind of sad about it, but a little relieved as well. Now I'll be able to concentrate on painting and fixing this place up to sell and not feel interupted for 6-8 weeks. The kids were going to have to buy a tree this year, which they could not really afford to do with the new baby coming, and I want a new tree in the new house next year anyway. It's going to be a strange Christmas season, without some of our usual traditions.
Alrighty then, time to get this alter ego of mine(the energetic one) up and at it(where's that eye rolling guy when you need him).
Later gals
. Do something with your living space today that brings a sense of peace, even if it's as simple as cleaning off the kitchen cupboards, or picking the laundry up off the floor 
.
I'm sure
I posted yesterday... quite a long post too. Oh darn it.
Doing rather than talking - lots of things getting cleared out, including old IKEA catalogues and most of my tiny stash of old magazines (when I say tiny I mean I've got about 4 and half of them have gone so far!). I had IKEA catalogues dating back to 1999, so I got rid of 3yrs, and when my new one arrives in the next few days I shall get rid of another!
Another load of charity bags left on Wednesday, including books and expensive clothing mistakes - kudos to me for both of those because neither are easy to let go of. I've even found a few cookbooks I can let go of, though not many.
A little more furniture moving last night as I figured out a way to create a little sanctuary for myself. What it really required was for me to empty the entire contents of a medium sized cupboard, so I was clearing stuff out of about 3 other cupboards to find the space. Fortunately I'd already dumped a load of things out of my sanctuary cupboard including all the wretched play-doh - only to have 2 free gifts of it come straight back to me in the same damn day! And I was only entitled to one, but the lady was being 'nice' to me because I have two kids! I have to break some noses or something to stop them being so darn cute. People keep on giving us extra clutter.
Hope, depending on when you're moving, you'll probably need the Christmas celebrations to get you through the long winter. I know that for me the next 3 or 4 months are stretching ahead endlessly, though I have a couple of visitors to look forward to in January and March, plus both Chrstmas and Chinese New Year, and then DOOMSDAY when we tell the family we're going to the UK! But the next 3mths are looking long till then, and all I can do really is declutter like a maniac!
For those of us who are moving, or anyone else trying to declutter, may I direct you back to Flyalady's clutter-free gift list. I went looking for it a while back and couldn't find it anywhere, but Honey rescued me with the link, so I'd like to share it with all of you...
http://www.flylady.net/pages/ClutterFreeGiftsC.asp
drat it... my wireless mouse batteries are going AGAIN! These things are a major pain to be honest, though I love the freedom.
Kerri.
Good morning Kerri, morning all
Kerri, you are doing such a great job readying yourself for this big move. I wish I was as far along with it as you. You've been mighty entrenched with family there in Singapore, are you expecting a major negative reaction when they learn of your moving plans? Probably eh?
I had a huge grocery shopping day yesterday, hitting three different stores with bargain lists in hand. It was threatening rain here so I took a real chance leaving home to do it. I had visions of getting stuck in mud three blocks from home with a car load of groceries. Luckily the weather held.
I have a list of to do's for today, thank goodness I'm feeling well enough now to seriously tackle it. DH woke up sick this morning though, so I have him laid out in bed. I'm just working around him
.
Already:
-cleaned the kitchen and am running a load of dishes
-made my bed and cleared laundry out of the bedroom
-organized empty pop bottles to get rid of
-garbage detail done
I'll just get off here and keep on keeping on
. Later gals.
Did I mention Russia?
That I'm sickened and saddened by the horror of what's happened in Russia? The entire past week has been tragic indeed for them.
If we have any Russian members lurking here, know that news of your troubles fill our airwaves and that you are not alone in your grief.
I am!
I am doing a great job aren't I!!! Still a long way to go, but there's also a long time yet, but there will be a lot less hassle when the time comes because I've been working at it so well.
I'm expecting several negative reactions - I'm expecting a major mess. First off there's my SIL who lives with us. We're retaining the flat for now, so technically there's not much change for her, but I don't think after the attack that she'll be keen to stay here alone for long, and I don't think she'll be keen to share with strangers either. It's not easy or cheap for her as a single to find a home of her own in Singapore either. She's over 35 so it's okay for her to have a government flat, but her income is too high to allow her something small so she'd probably get something privately, and the locations of those flats would be limited because not that many people want such small places. So there's one problem - gonna be huge resentment.
Then there's the stuff surrounding my PILs. We're taking away the favourite baby and the favourite grandchildren. We're the ones who actually do anything that needs to be done, with my SIL usually, but on her own she's not much use. We're also taking away two of the family drivers, leaving only my aging FIL (he's 75). We're leaving behind my single SIL and my 2nd BIL (whose wife is totally weird and despised by everyone, and whose children have inherited the worst possible genes! The other beloved son, my eldest BIL and his family live in China, though they have a house here. He's likely to be the problem, because without us around to do the looking after of the aged Ps he gets to feel guilty. Normally he relies on us to DO and he sees they have enough money.
Yes, I feel bad about leaving them, but I can't have my entire family living their lives around everyone else's inadequacies. Why should the youngest son be picking up the pieces for his incompetent siblings?? They have to get their act together. Tough. So yes, I'm expecting a hell of a mess, which is why I can be sure now that my SIL hasn't guessed - she isn't subtle enough to keep her mouth shut for long.
gotta go... spies in camp!
Kerri.
Hi all
Just to let you all know, my PC seems to have finally died
but I expect I'll get back here from time to time in the meantime, even if it's from my friend's or the library.
I'm posting from my friend's house. I don't know how long it will be before I'm back online again
So long for now!
Honey
ps Thanks Kerri for the printer driver (and cool stickers
)
Tears for Russia, here, too.
Our morning paper had a horrifying picture on the front page. While I normally aviod graphic depictions of violence...and one picture in particular (of children) is certain to cause an uproar...I think they were right in printing them. It IS violent. Horribly violent. Those of us (like me) who prefer our "reality" a little more removed, occasionally need slapped in the face with it.
I'm not sure how to process what I'm feeling into something meaningful...right now it's a tearing grief; desolate sadness; anger that borders on rage; and an inability to find any glimmer of reason or purpose in such an event.
I have always faced tragedy with the expectation that good will be found on the other side....I can't find that hope today.
I'm tired.
Lenora
Russia
My thoughts are also with the people of Beslan today. What a senseless, terrible tragedy.
Honey
How often...
...does the ignorance and/or arrogance of men translate into the destruction and desolation of women and children?
Too often.
And this isn't
even Putin's first tragedy... remember the submarine?? People don't seem to come well out of crises on his watch.
Glad everything arrived Honey - it must be the only time I've ever sent you anything airmail since it was so light. Shame about the dead computer though, but it was only a matter of time. At least when you get some kind of working computer you'll have a lovely new (ish!) printer to go with it. And in the meantime you're saving all your computer time and putting it in to sorting out those boxes. Or maybe colouring geometric designs perhaps!
I figured that just sending printer stuff was too boring altogether so I had to dig through my supplies to find stickers that were fit to share!
my little sanctuary area is still welcoming me back into it. It's encouraging me to fold laundry too, because it wouldn't be very welcoming covered in heaps of laundry! And I wrote a notecard to a friend last night because it was just where I wanted it to be, and with a photo of the friend above it to remind me when I found a free moment. A little creative rethinking is often in order with the furniture we have, as well as the things we store in certain places. Our lives change over the years, so it makes sense for us to change the way we do things as our lives change, otherwise we end up with nothing fitting. I'm not a big fan of built-ins because I hate the limitations of not being able to change my rooms around regularly!
Well Lenora, with Honey out of Computerland, and Hope busy with her new house it looks like it's going to be just you and me rallying the troops around here. You only have to look at most of our threads and it's just the four of us most of the time. No wonder New You dropped off the homepage with those two gone and me not particularly in the mood. Better go resurrect it...
Kerri.
Hi all
It's a long weekend here so I have DH home with me on this gloomy Monday. Need I say more
!!!! Just kidding...he's busy painting.
I've been packing things up out of my cupboards, what I can at least. Tomorrow I need to go to our newspaper printer and buy a roll of paper. I hate packing things in newsprint that has ink on it. Once I have that roll I'll really be able to pack things up.
We were supposed to golf today but cancelled due to the weather. Needless to say the weather is not the only thing with a gloomy face around here. Oh well....I just won't look at him
.
I have to make a trip into the city tomorrow morning for that roll of paper and a coffee date. Also want to drive by the site of the new house as they're digging the basement tomorrow. I'm taking pictures of the progress from start to finish stages.
Interesting you mention our lives taking a change of direction Kerri. I often thnk of life as a "book" with all it's different chapters. I certainly feel like all my upcoming changes are going to result in a new chapter in my book. Or a new book in a saga....whatever.
Must get going on this supper I'm cooking. I hope you're all having a wonderful Monday. It feels like Sunday here.
Lurker
Kerri, I am lurking! Where are you moving too? Sounds like a big change for you!
Hope, I know you are building a new house - that's fantastic! Very excited to hear about it.
Lenora, I agree fully about the incident in Russia! Hard to take in - and harder to know what to do with it.
Andrea
Too bad, Hope...
...that we don't live near you. We need a good sized truckload of dirt to fill a low spot in the backyard. We haven't done anything about it because buying even "dirt" (as opposed to topsoil") is just not in the budget. Sounds like you're going to have dirt to spare when they start digging! Many blessings as you "break ground!"
Kerri! I'm with you, babe!
You keep your half the world going and I'll handle this half! 
All right, Ye Lurkers! Speak up, so Kerri and I don't feel all alone!!!
One DD is off to school (wearing new contact lenses, I might add, and looking too grown-up for my comfort
) and the other is rolling into her clothes.
DH left early for the airport...he's in Kansas this week, MA next week and then in Chicago the last week of the month.
On the bright side, that translates into MUCH less cooking for me (we tend to "scrounge" when he's gone) and I'm going back to counting my "points" (WW-style) in hopes of dropping about 10 pounds before Halloween.
It's "Question Week" in the Holiday Grand Plan with not much to do but "think" about the holidays....I can do that!
I have a couple of events to get rolling at the University this week, so I'm going to work on decluttering those.
Must go light a fire under DD9-the-snail!
Blessings,
Lenora
Shouldn't be too tough
I'm the only one left in my half - I think Sue deserted us permanently, and I haven't heard from Kirsten in AGES!
I'd take the UK, but since there's only Honey, whose computer has died, Zillah who's too busy with baby Sadie, and a small handful of others... Still, I know you're more than up to the task of getting your continents up and at 'em!
Maybe Cari will pop in for a drive-by hi if we're lucky...
I'm actually packing for a VERY brief holiday in Malaysia. The thing about Malaysia is that they just aren't as hot on hospitality as the Thais, so since we're driving up I'm taking milk, paper cups and plates, all kinds of snack foods, towels... Hopefully I'm clearing as I go (yeah right!).
So not much time for actual decluttering right at the minute, or even rearranging much. Maybe somebody else has a little nugget of something pertinent to offer... Anybody??
Kerri.
MINE...
Well, all the beds are made..except mine. All the dirty clothes are in the hamper...except mine. The breakfast dishes are in the dishwasher...except mine. Hmmmmmmmmmmm...See a pattern?
I'm going to rectify all that and take a shower, then plop myself back at the desk for a day of writing/organizing a major project.
We're expecting a nasty 24+ hours of rain (courtsey of Frances) so I might as well be at my desk. I have class at 5:20, too.
We heard from DH's father last night...his home was damaged by the hurricane, but at least it is livable. He still did not have power, but was doing fine, otherwise.
Have a lovely vacation, Kerri! DH and I were kicking around the idea of taking the girls to Niagra Falls in October, when the DDs have a Friday off from school.....we forgot that there is still a football game that night.
DH has about 56 hours of vacation to take before the end of the year (that he will lose, otherwise) so I'm also thinking of convincing him to take MIL and the girls to visit his sister and brother in South Carolina in November.
I'm off to update on New You, finish my morning chores....then to the shower!
Blessings,
Lenora
My name is Hope and I'm a news junkie!
It's surprising I get anything done at all. Today I'm busy tracking Ivan.
Hi Andrea, it's fun to have a lurker pop in once in awhile.
Have a fun trip Kerri
.
Yes Lenora, why is it our own needs seem to get put off while we take care of everyone elses first. I suppose we just don't consider ours all that urgent.
Progress and progress stalled: I am packing up a storm. Yesterday I got all the fine crystal packed, as well as some other items I would not be using this holiday season. I'm amazed at how little gets left in the cupboards when you pare it down to what you actually *need* for day to day use. I ran out of boxes, but was able to get a couple of smaller ones from the store last night so will pack them with Christmas red glasware this morning.
Progress stalled??? Where are the guys who are supposed to have dug my basement 2 days ago? Still no hole!! I'm sure it's as simple as them getting a couple of days behind with the recent rain, so I won't throw myself on the floor and kick and scream just yet.
This aft I'll go into the city and do some granny duty while DIL goes to the doc.
The guys who are working on paving the road out front have created a one foot drop off the end of my driveway..arrghhh!!! I moved my car to the back this morning, but had to drive over my grass to do it. I will be soooo glad to see the last of this sewer project.
Next on my list of move preparedness? Pack up my fav knick knacks, and take a good long look at whats hanging on my walls. Will I want it hanging in the new house? If not....deal with it.
That's about it for me...later all
.
Sorry to diffuse your theory, Hope....
...but the deficiencies noted above are not actually the result of my doing everyone else's work at home; but more from the fact that my DDs are really very good about pulling thier "fair share" of the load and I'm a loafer!
I got my project rolling yesterday, with the exception of several pieces of formal snail-mail communication which went out today.
Today I got my assignment for 30 hours of classroom time....I'm placed at the high school that was my first choice! Yippee! Tommorrow I need to contact the principal and set an appointment to meet with my supervising teacher. I've decided to take the first of my two licensing exams this fall/winter. That puts me almost a semester early, as I don't student teach until next fall, but I'd rather have them finished. The content exam I don't really think I'll have a problem passing...the "Principles of Teaching and Learning" exam will probably be more of a challenge....
Anyways, DD9's Girl Scout Troop has the first meeting tomorrow after school. I have to get that together. I'm also acting as a band chaperone for the football game tomorrow evening. DH will get home sometime after dinner, too...must reserve a bit of energy for that, too!
I'm off to bed early, tonight, ladies...well, hopefully before midnight, at least!
Blessings!
Lenora
New theory
You are not a loafer Lenora(anything but!), your priorities are just different. Perhaps cleaning up after yourself is just not as urgent to you as other things. That's OK. How did you get the girls trained though? Were you a good example before you started back to school? Do they get on your case? Hee Hee .
I got myself some more boxes today and plan to pack them up and create a zone in the basement for all these packed boxes. Today I'll be packing up knick knacks so things are going to start looking pretty sparse around here.
I really don't have much to report, other than I'm managing to let go of some "stuff" as I pack up these cupboards. Feels real good.
Have a great day! It's Friday....date night
. Perhaps we should all use up some beauty products in the spirit of the day. Maybe de-junk the fuzz off our legs!
Monday!
I don't know how I ended up with such great kiddos! They certainly make life better around here!!!
(And NOT just because they make their own beds! 
) ...oh...cleaning up after myself is never urgent for me, Hope...necessary, (and usually done) but never a real priority. 
The weekend went by way too fast. DH left again yesterday...headed east to Massachusetts this week
I picked up the main floor and started the second load of laundry already. Monday is "sweep and swipe" day, here, so I still need to "swipe" my bathroom. The DDs will dust, vacuum, and handle their bathroom later. I will make my bed after I wash the sheets in a bit.
We have DD14's first GS meeting after school, and DD9 starts swimming lessons today, too.
I'd like to get my "Autumn" decor up this week. (Not Halloween...just the "fall" stuff) It's my favorite season, and I've collected some really pretty pieces.
The HGP tasks for this week are baking/making/freezing one batch of goodies and one meal; purchasing ALL supplies for homemade gifts; and buying film/videotapes/camera batteries (I'd add photo paper, printer ink and/or a gift card at the location where you have pictures developed!)
I've started buying gift cards at the stores in which I KNOW I'll shop for holiday gifts. I did that last year and it really helped with budgeting. It will spread the $$$ out, even if you can't bring yourself to buy the actual gifts until later!
My other task this week is to layout all my major (school) assignments and decide if I'm volunteering to cook Thanksgiving Dinner or not!
Well, I'm hopping in the shower, between loads of laundry, then I need to finish one assignment,(due tomorrow).
Happy Monday, all!
Lenora
Monday Mayham
Morning gals
.
I think my relaxing Monday will have to wait until Tuesday. Same goes for my chores. I'm waiting for a phone call, but I'm pretty sure I'll be going into the city to help DIL today(see New You thread for detail).
Besides doing some golfing and family visiting this past weekend I got about 5 or 6 boxes of knick knacks and whatnots packed up and out of the way.
Also made a couple of phone calls and gave away 2 matresses and 2 fake fig trees.
Remember that broken console tv I had sitting in my way in the basement? The one that has not worked since we were hit with a power surge over 10 years ago? The one they told me would cost more to fix than to replace? The one DH could not bear to part with even after I rolled it in front of his puter desk area so it would be in *his* way? Well, he's finally going to give it the heave-ho, along with a couple of ancient puter monitors that are sitting on the floor by his desk.
I think the only reason he's parting with them is because the village is doing the yearly dump bin collection for items the garbage fellows won't take. He'll only have to haul them to the village office and not all the way to the dump, which is about a 10 mile drive. The dump bins are going to be here for a couple of weeks I think so I may be able to get rid of alot of junk.
We heard from the basement digging guys and they won't be digging ours for another couple of weeks. We are not a priority at this minute as they have others to dig that have earlier possesion dates. At least I know so I won't be driving over there every other day to check.
I seem to have lists started all over...
Phones ringing...later gals....
Hi, Everyone!
I feel like the new kid in school - I've never been a housewife before, and I just can't seem to get started...
We've recently gone through a total remodel of our house & I have no idea where to begin putting it back together. I've been single & a career oriented person for the last 15 years - I was married 4 years ago and decided to take this opportunity to try homemaking, but so far, I'm TERRIBLE at it! After reading some of your correspondence back & forth, I realize I have no idea what I'm doing. I have never even posted a message on the internet before, so please forgive me if my etiquette isn't correct. Anyway, I'm so impressed with all of you and your self motivation. I really hope I can glean something from you and that I'm not totally hopeless. Thanks & have a great week!
Wow...
if you're impressed by us Tatum, you must be easily impressed. Just don't go over to the Flybabies thread or you'll scare yourself. We're mostly the bums over here, the ones who start and stop rather than sticking to a regular plan - I say mostly because Lenora's a brilliant role model of how to keep it all together and still be nice too!
This thread's been a little slow lately so it's good to have new blood. Maybe that'll encourage me to put away this dirty bowl from lunch and maybe get on with ironing instead of sitting at the computer all day.
Actually to be fair, I was looking at houses. Trying to get an idea on what most of the homes look like in the area we're planning to rent in. For rental we'll probably keep it simple with 3 bedrooms unless a bargain comes along, but for buying I really think we'll have to get 4 bedrooms - the last bedroom (certainly in British houses) are SOOO tiny, and I can hardly have DD in a room the same size as ours and DS in a cupboard with a window! I don't mind tiny as an office, but it's going to be hard enough for those two anyway since they have always shared their bedroom. And they aren't in any rush for that to change, from what I heard the other day, but DD is now 8 and will be nearly 9 by the time we actually shift, so it's time she wasn't sharing a bedroom with her younger brother. Of course if I said it like that I'd be asked why by both children. When asked about her dream home the other day and I asked about the bedroom in particular, DD said of course she'd share it with her brother in horrified tones. I can see that hurdle's going to be fun to deal with!
What thread am I on?? Ah yes... I'm decluttering some toffees at the moment. I really hven't done anything useful since we came back from Malacca on Saturday. Honestly... fancy getting thrown by a 2 1/2 day holiday!
Tatum, come and motivate with us please. We really need a little fresh enthusiasm, although I sense Lenora's gearing up for Autumn and her Holiday Grand Plan. Have you ever seen that?? It's on www.organizedchristmas.com along with the slightly more manageable version which starts in October. HGP is somewhat intimidating I've found, but it takes you through the cleaning step by step for each room in preparation, theoretically, for the holiday season. There's a non holiday version too I think, without the gift and decoration stuff. If you're new to the internet you'll probably be fascinated by the sister site, organizedhome. Like many other sites the lifeblood is mostly in the forums, so the articles aren't updated as often as they were a few years back, but if it's new to you there's plenty to keep you going for now.
This rain is really horrible today so I'm going to spread some misery over on New You...
Kerri.
Hi Tatum!
...if you and your DH (Darling Husband...or any "D" adjective that fits
) can eat, sleep, and move within walls...then you're a fine homemaker!!!!! Everything else is just "fluff!"
All went well yesterday....it's good to be back in scouting! I love the girls (and most of the grown-ups) in both troops! Our big girls are going to wrap up their "Silver Award" this fall. They're organizing a "mom-and-baby shower" donation drive for a pregnancy care organization, and then, for additional service hours, will provide child care during parenting classes for the families already involved. This particular program is not affiliated with any religious and/or political position....it's just about helping. I like that. Since our girls are 13 and 14-year-olds....it also gives us a great opportunity to discuss and answer questions on issues pertaining to sex, std's, pregnancy, etc......("sensitive issues permission slips" all signed!)
I finished the assignment for "Technology in FCS" class that is due this evening. I still have to write a 2 page research article review for "Middle Childhood and Adolescence in the Family Context" class for Thursday. I'm up to date on my textbook reading, too. (I actually have a couple of good ones this semester!)
I set an appointment to meet with the teacher whose class I'll be spending 30 hours in this fall. That's on Thursday.
I have a 1 credit, senior seminar this weekend...Friday evening and all day on Saturday. I'll probably have some type of paper to turn in later for that....it's "Professional Issues in Family and Consumer Sciences."....yadda, yadda, yadda
It's 9:00 am...beds are made, laundry is folded (fron yesterday
) and the dining room table is clutter-free with tablecloth in place! Pretty good for a Tuesday!
I'm going to e-mail DH (in MA this week) "something mushy," then I'm off to the shower...then an hour-or-so working on the paper for Thursday...then to school!
Have a great day, friends!
Blessings,
Lenora
Hi all...
My Internet has been down for a little over a week.
I missed being able to be online...
But I have service back ~ so I wanted to post a bit here.
Honey ~
I have tried to send you photos and they keep coming back. I will keep trying. 
I hope that you are back online, soon... I have sent along an email update ~ but the note was attached to the pictures ~ so, well... I will keep trying. 
Thank-You. *BIG HUGS* 
:D
You have been such a great friend and your support and kindness means the world to me.
Kerri ~
You are an awesome friend and I thank-you from the bottom of my heart. You have helped me so much in ways unimaginable. 
A true friend and an awesome cheerleader ~ who could ask for anything more? 
Thank-You again... and I am working on your email update. 
You know me with email... 
*Hi Tatum* Welcome to this great bunch of people ~ jump right in... we don't bite, too hard.
*Waves* Hi Hope, Lenora, LoisD and anyone else who might be lurking.
*Hugs*
Cari
Friday!
Well I've decluttered all the "must-do" things on my activity list....but as it was a pretty darn full week...that translates into a bedroom that is trashed!
I'm going to do a bit of exercise, then shower, then start laundry with my sheets and just keep going! DH comes home this evening so I plan on the bedroom (at least) being conducive to a "welcome home" party!
Cari! Good to "see" you! I'm missing Honey, too. I hope you'll both be back regularly, soon!
Time to exercise!
Love to all,
Lenora
My Friday, and recent adventures
Morning all
. It's very good to see your pecking Cari. I'm missing that Honey of a woman too.
Hiya Tatum! It's my experience that if you've survived a reno and are still married you have already *really* accomplished something
. My tip for putting it back together? Only put back into the space what you need and love....the rest of it toss into a garage sale, you won't miss it.
I had a brief "brain fart" the other day, when I decided to take in the Grand Opening of the new Rona Home & Garden Centre. I've never in my life been to a Grand Opening so that's my excuse. Who knew everyone in the city and surrounding countryside would be there(I figured folk worked on a Wed morning). I went 1/2 an hour early so I could be one of the first 1,000 in the door and get the free tape measurer...HA!!!!!!! Right!!!!! Without taking up more space explaining the rest of my errors in thinking, let's just jump to my deserting the scene without ever seeing the inside of the place and going for groceries instead. I've now learnt my lesson about attending Grand Openings...DON'T. What a wasted morning that was.
I'm just busy packing up things I don't need in the next few months, and DH continues to work at painting the kitchen cupboards.
After telling us it would be a couple or three weeks before our basement got dug, what do you suppose? Within 2 days my girlfriend calls me to say it's done. I go and check and sure enough the hole is there and the footings are in.
I have laundry and more packing to do today. I think I'll sit Aunt Flo down this afternoon and make her eat butter tarts and watch some golf on TV
. I'm sure she'd hate to miss the Ryder Cup.
Later all, my dryer is buzzing me.
Hi Lenora and Hope!
It is good to *see* you guys, too...
I have missed pecking at you guys.
This week is going to be a flurry of activity.
I have a bit of an announcement to make.
We are readying for a large move ~
which we will find out for certain about the dates on Thursday.
It is anticipated that we will be moving on Friday, next.
I have not mentioned it overly because there is a lot of red-tape involvement that I have no say so over ~
but it looks good this time around...
so instead of dropping a major bombshell on you guys next week ~
I will make mention of it here, now.
If you want to find out where we are moving to...
please click on the link, below ~
and then scroll down to the weather pixies.
http://bookcrossing.com/mybookshelf/CariAnne/referral
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
*HUGS*
Cari
p.s. Please send positive thoughts our way next Thursday.
And boy do I need packing motivation. 
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
Wow
OMG CariAnne - that is so cool!!! Congratulations!! Of course we will need more details now.
Andrea
In case
anyone else missed out on the information - Honey's computer died. She's trying to get it fixed, but it could be terminal this time, which would really be a big problem because I haven't a clue where the replacement could come from. Fingers crossed for the person fixing it being able to work miracles so she can have longer to make her backup plan!
Cari, you're very brave but I think you're already beginning to realise and appreciate your own strengths - good for you!
I decluttered some foam stick-on flowers out of a box and onto my kitchen wall - I'd actually gotten so frustrated with my kitchen (and life) that I moved the microwave for the first time since we moved in.
As I said that a great big wall map just fell off the wall in front of me. I give up on today!
Kerri.
Hi Andrea and Kerri ~
And a big "Hi" to all of the silent lurkers and the busy, busy "regulars"
Information regarding England is pretty basic.
People have mentioned that this is because of my mannerisms and pale skin-tone.
I have always been very interested in England ~ I often think of myself as an Ex-Pat who never left her country of origin. (I have since been to England... but for the last 20 years I have thought of myself in that way.) I closely align myself with the English perspective and tend to be rather formal (for an American...) Oftentimes (until I speak) I am taken for English.
I have been working on a book for the last seven years and I sent off the manuscript this past summer and the option was picked up. I went to New York to attend to some of the details with the publisher. When the contracts are completed I will give book info and the title of the book.
The book will be published next summer... but I must head over to England to take the pictures. (This is a non-fiction book.) Since I adore England and since I always wanted to live there ~ The boys and I will be living there when the photos are completed. Book two (which will be published next Christmas) will feature photos in the USA ~ but the publishers will be hiring photographers for that book ~ since I have zero interest in photographing the USA.
This has been a large year for positive change for me... I think that my 38th birthday combined with the heart attack that I had 4 years ago combined in my head with the idea that life was to be lived now... with as little regret as possible. I determined that if my life were to be over tomorrow ~ I would have regretted not finishing my book or moving to England. I had also determined that certain life issues were not working for me ~ so I made some hard decisions regarding my marriage... and since I have now been true to myself (for the first time in my life) I find things have begun to work out beautifully... and that there have been a few wonderful surprises along the way.
There will be more updates as time goes on...
but this is the general gist of the big move.
I have to attend a class today ~
and the boys and I will be going for Visa photos today...
then I must come back and pack, pack, PACK!!
*Hugs*
CariAnne
p.s. I now return you to the regularly established thread ~ sorry for the hijack.
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
Hi
Hi all
Having been offline for over a week, I picked up the computer and shook it (I kid you not!) and guess what? It came on
Not sure how long this will last, but here I am 
I'm glad to see I'm being missed, btw
Great news Cari! I can't wait to get together, what fun! Please try sending those photos again, I'd love to see them. I'll declutter my inbox and hopefully they'll be accepted this time!
Hope, did you sort out your new glasses yet?
Kerri, thank you for your emails. I'll get back to you shortly, if the PC doesn't die on me again. The screen is very fuzzy and wiggly so I think I might be on the way out again!
Catch up with you all when I can!
That Honey of a woman
Honey, you always leave a smi
Honey, you always leave a smile with your posts. I can just see you shaking that computer. . reminds one of kids slapping the pop vending machine when it takes their quarters and gives nothing in return.
Glad to see posts from other forum members. . . new blood might liven things up a bit. I certainly have fell by the wayside on decluttering and posting for that matter. Glad to see some are still hard at it.
I think the moving bug must have gotten hold of about everyone. I'm still working on those confounded floors on our new house. I keep thinking we'll be in it in two weeks, but I've been thinking that for two months now.
I'm curious about having a basement in places that have lots of rain, Hope. Do lots of folks there have basements in their homes? Not many do here. Leaking seems to be a problem for basements in my area.
I've still not got much packed. I don't know what I'm going to do when its time to actually move. I'm still keeping up with my Dad's caregiving & business stuff, plus chasing after my kids and their extra cirricular activities and other doings, and helping work on the new house while the old house is going to you know where in a handbasket. Also have a couple of writing assignments to complete within the next couple weeks so my dejunking mode is pretty much stalled out at present.
Anyway, I keep reading along here, for inspiration, you know. Its nice to keep up with what everyone has going anyway. . .makes one feel less alone in their journey of finding some semblance of order in ones household.
Everybody's Moving....
...except me! I so excited for all of you! We need to have a "Moving" or "Major Changes" thread! In the meantime, you all keep sending the details right here.
Speaking of moving...
we just found out mid-week last week that MIL has been approved for government subsidized disability housing. There is a lovely building in the next town "south" of us with excellent proximity to her primary care doctor, shopping, and all sorts of other "stuff." It's only about a 15 min. drive from here. They also have a full range of social activities, including day and overnight trips. The residents are all independent seniors/individuals with disabilities, and I'm hoping that MIL will make some social connections. Her apartment is on the top (6th) floor which pleases her, since she will not have anyone "walking" above her. The apartments all have nice sized balconies, too, which she will enjoy. It is the only building/location she has really liked, out of those we've seen...and she didn't want to go "back" into one of the more urban areas to live. DH is pleased that we should be able to get her moved before the weather gets too bad...we moved her into our home through a Februrary ice storm! 
I have to admit that I'm looking forward to her being more independent. The last several months have been ....difficult.
Well, it's Monday. I didn't get my "planning time" yesterday, so that's on the top of the list for today. I have several chapters I need to read for classes this week, which I'd like to finish today. I also want to do some cyber-investigation for a couple of the projects I have coming up....including resources for the classes at the high school where I'm "participating" this semester.
I've got the laundry going and my bed made. DD14 and I have Scouts this afternoon...(we're going hiking)....and DD9 has swimming lessons after that.
Tacos, salsa-rice, and refried beans for dinner...meat is thawing already. I need to plan for dinner tomorrow: MIL will cook (or DD14) since I have class. I'm thinking about roast chicken...then they can eat leftovers on Wednesday.
That's all from me, friends!
Have a great Monday!
Lenora
Hi everyone
Honey, keep shaking that puter....we miss you.
I'm a busy gal. Right now the effort is on to get these kitchen cupboards painted. It's very hard to do when you're trying to live in a kitchen at the same time. So we keep moving items around and paint as we go. I've never thought of this kitchen as being big, but I'm realizing I do have alot of cupboards in here. I'm also realizing I will miss this kitchen. Years ago when we reno'd it I planned the kitchen with function in mind...it really does function well. I have what I call the "two step" kitchen. I can pivot and take two steps in any direction and have access to what I need, and between all the major appliances(all built in) and sink. My new kitchen will be much different, obviously designed by a man(not knocking men here but hey, we're talking kitchens right?). Whoever gets this kitchen will be a happy woman. We are tackling the cupboards first as they're labor intensive. Next we'll paint the rest of the kitchen...I'm still deciding between three color choices, all of which will go with the white cupboards and the green in the rest of the living/dingroom areas.
I spent today moving clearing out and moving more of the cupboards, and tomorrow will be painting the insides of the ones I've cleared. I also got my laundry caught up today.
Have I told you all how much I appreciate you're being here? Hang tough Fern, you'll be moved and settled eventually(how did the concrete floors turn out?). The upcoming moves of the two Kerri/Cari's scares and titilates(sp?) me, those are major moves, not across town. Lenora, you simply leave me amazed. Andrea, thanx so much for lurking...that's fun to have a pop-in
. Tatum???You still with us?
Will chat with you in the morning then...later
.
Scares me too Hope!
and more especially since I've dug some things out of DH's hed that I didn't realise were lurking there. He really needs someone to talk to, and his own family is out, as are most of his friends since most of his friends are currently the people he works with, which is a BIG no-no! Interestingly enough though... we were talking about oe of his school friends for the first time in ages - he hasn't seen him in years now I think - and this morning he bumped into him! I've told you before I don't believe in coincidences. So I'm encouraging him to meet up with him and chat.
so things are heading a bit pear-shaped in that direction. At least it's now, not another 6mths down the road.
Prayers for Cari today (Wednesday) because she has something big on to do with her move and she needs it to work out. Prayers to give her strength *in case* it doesn't might be handy too. I am so looking forward to the next meeting in the UK with Honey and Cari and Zillah... Sooo exciting!!!
my own activities are going a bit sideways at the moment, concentrating on finding a safety net job for DH, and working towards thinking about Christmas, since I've had it shoved in my face several times this last week or so. Singapore isn't really the country where Christmas is a big deal (all the shops are still open!) so whilst it may be normal wherever you guys live to get Christmas in your face in September, it's not normal here (some of it came from other countries in my post even!) so I shall assume I'm meant to sit up and take notice.
bad news for me on that front actually... it would appear that when we transferred files from the old computer Christmas wasn't a priority. Since the old computer has since declined to work I seem to have no lost all my old Christmas information, other than some things I had in a file. That especially means I've lost old gift lists and my card list. That last one sounds really scary, but it's mostly family with a few extras, so it isn't too hard to replace I guess. And I'm after the clutter-free approach to Christmas anyway, so I probably wouldn't have needed much from those gift lists right?? I think I still have old menus in the file, and my list of bookmarks has survived. I guess this ensures that there will be a fresh new approach to Christmas this year.
I also have DD's exams to prepare for, and she's decided to take this time to get nasty and rebellious about her teachers, so that's all good fun.
I have to spend some time majorly decluttering my laundry and irning heaps, because they're threatening to take over the world. I'm wondering whether I can train my laundry hamper to take itself off to the washing machine...
Kerri.
Hiccups!
That's what I call them Kerri
. Sounds like you have lots of hiccups at your place right now.
Morning gal's
. I spent yesterday morning with a headache. Not too sure if it's a bug or the effects of the painting we're doing, as the misery felt like it could have been either. I'm leaning towards suspecting a bug of some kind as I did feel a little feverish with it. I felt much better after a mid day nap.
Spent the afternoon prepping and painting a couple more cupboards. They sure are looking a whole lot better. It never fails....every time I move our house looks better for someone else than it ever did when we lived in it. By the time I get it fixed up to show to prospective buyers I'm in love with it and wondering why I'm moving. Oh well.
I'm getting out of this fumey house today and shopping with my SIL. See New You thread for more on that. I'll check in later, but it's unlikely I'll have much to report on this thread.
Have a great day...see if you can find something to de-junk. It's a challenge! One item, and you can post it later.
Husbands and Friends
I really think my DH needs some "buddies," too. I haven't been successful in facilitating it, though. ...my dh "lost" my Christmas card lists THREE years in a row (in computer upgrades, and such) I finally began burning a cd immediately after updating the list and packing it in my "fall" boxes. Since I've done that (two years, now) he hasn't lost it...of course!
Today I'm off one one of those endless hunts for the impossible....a bathing suit in the off season.....for DD9. I had hoped she'd get through swimming lessons wearing the two leftover from summer...but the elastic on one snapped completely on Monday night...and the other is just worn out. All of the girls in the "swim team" group (of which she is not a part...just taking regular lessons....) wear "real" suits (this in DD9's words) "like the swimmers in the Olympics." Now I'm rarely one for buying anything because "everyone else" has it...but I bet I end up with a speedo suit for her because it will be the only thing I can find! Oh well, hopefully, I can buy one "good" suit and she can wear it until they come out again in the spring.
After the great-swimsuit-hunt, I need to file some research, read a bit, write some note cards for my first exam next week, take DD9 to my mom's (who will take her to swimming lessons tonight) and then go to class. If I manage not to snap at MIL and/or burst into tears in the meantime, that will be good. UGH.
Oh! The phone just rang with a reminder about blood donation this afternoon. I need to put that on the list, too. I "bleed" easily and never seem to suffer any ill effects, so I try to do it regularly. I'm a month-or-so-behind, though.
I must also come up with a thoughtful gift for my sister, who turns 40 on Saturday....we haven't exchanged gifts in years...but this is a "special" birthday. I want DH and the girls to give her a gift...but I want to have my "own" gift for her, too....any thoughts?
O-kay! I'm off!
Have a great day!
Love to all!
Lenora
CHECK!
DD9's bathing suit--check!
Blood donation--check!
File research--check!
Note cards--check!
Hold temper and tongue w/MIL--check!
Gift for sister--not
Not too bad for a Wednesday!
also:
Don't fall asleep in unbelievably boring "Family Financial Management" class--check!
I plan to spend my entire evening tonight pampering and petting on DH, who is sick...he went to work today but probably should have stayed at home. I need to get him well (or at least better) before his trip next week. Tomorrow I'm baking cookies for my sister's party...I think I'm going to freeze some for the holidays, too.
I started holiday gift lists and purchases this week....Star Wars DVD's for DH and earrings to go in both DDS' stockings. I have a fairly predictable list of "duh" gifts....things I do every year: silly socks, a "Farmers Almanac" for my dad, new toothbrushes (wierd, I know, but I always put them in the Christmas stockings and Easter Baskets
)...that kind of stuff...
I need to find/buy my sister's gift this afternoon...then hit the grocery store on the way home.
Have a great afternoon, all!
Blessings!
Lenora
me too...
I do the toothbrush in the stocking thing too!
And underwear. Probably not terribly hygienic to have them together, but I do usually wrap, even the stocking fillers. Am I insane?? Probably, but I remember how much I loved my stocking, and unwrapping is a good part of the fun, as is the mess. Funny, but I remember the mess being more fun when I was the one making it!
The Christmas card list isn't really a big disaster since we've lost touch with almost everyone. It's just family and a handful of friends really, so if I can't remember that I may as well shoot myself! Lost all my Christmas pictures too - for colouring and backgrounds. Annoying, but again, not the end of the world. As you said Hope - just hiccups. Quite a few of them but shouldn't be fatal.
Well done Lenora with all the stuff you managed to get done. I got off a couple of important emails I've been dragging on and did a bit of laundry, but I really don't remember doing anything else that was productive in the last few days.
We got up horribly late this morning (my alarm was set, but the handphone it was set on was in my shorts' pocket on the bathroom floor!) - the kids were already up and playing for some reason, without having any awareness that it was daylight and DD usually leaves for school slightly before dawn (remembering that our daylight goes 7am to 7pm all year round).
I have a beautiful post-it next to me (courtesy of Honey) which says "I have one nerve left, and everyone is getting on it". I've had just the one stuck up next to me on my printer for a few days!
DS is such a little darling.. he came to sit on my lap (with just his little boxers on that he sleeps in) and when I closed my eyes and cuddled him he gently kissed my nose and then each of my eyelids in turn. My future daughter-in-law is a lucky woman. Actually she's probably a lucky toddler at the moment!
Better see if I can get some laundry folded today. I have a dreadful stack of ironing because most of it has been there for nearly 3wks. Even DH hasn't bothered with it recently.
Decluttering and throwing stuff away is usually not a problem for me... Stopping before it gets evil is the bigger problem!
Kerri.
Hello
The computer went kaput again just after my last post five days ago. Daily attempts to get it to work were fruitless......today I got really cross and walloped it and voila! Here I am. I think I may hire myself out as a computer mechanic
I am in a funk at the moment, doing very little and feeling like doing even less. I have, however, started my tap and line dancing classes (that's two separate classes, not cowboy boots and a leotard) so I have made a little New You step in the right direction. Yeah I know this is the wrong thread, but it's more or less the same people and the computer will probably blow up before I get over there.
See ya sometime......
H
ps I read The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown this week. Has anyone else read it? Fascinating and intriguing book!
I am happy to report...
That we have arrived safely to our new home.
Thank-You Kerri and Honey for all of the exceptional cheerleading when I was so upset. You guys are fantastic friends and I so look forward to meeting you both, SOON.
Hope and Andrea also thank-you for the thoughts and well wishes ~ and to any of the lurkers who sent kind thoughts our way on Wednesday and Thursday ~ they did the trick... Our British Consulate interview went off well... and I was very calm through the immigration process.
And now we are home.
:D
Whee!!!!!!!!!
(And now the organizing begins!!)
*Hugs*
Cari
p.s. I hope you received your email from me Kerri?
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
New thread in a minute
It's been a slow posting week here, maybe a new thread will motivate us. See ya there.......
thanks for the link!!
Kerri,
have overwhelmed the kids. They have a playroom that is very organized, but looks like a day care or Walmart toy section. Dh and I have been pondering this for a few months. I found some incrediable ideas, and it help get my brain thinking abit more "altusic?". As the time gets closer, I'll have to start a thread regarding this for more ideas.
You saved the day or Christmas! We are really struggling on how to de-clutter and de-emphasis "ME" on Christmas. Due to not having kids for 14 years, then getting 4 within 2 years, we and our family, friends, and dang it strangers
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