Today starts a new week. According to my schedule, this week is for tackling my room. "My" room is where I have my computer, my sewing machines and fabric, my TV (that I currently can't watch due to wonky remotes), and a lot of general "stuff". I've purged this room off and on over and over; and it's going to be a lot harder this time with the poor vision issue thrown in. However, I have not yet finished the guest room from last week. I've made significant progress at least.
I have a huge file cabinet I'm ready to get rid of; I'm hoping DSS will take it off for scrap metal. That leaves me with 2 large totes full of stuff to be sorted; but that project may well have to wait. I did manage to find a place to put both a table that was in the way and the huge dollhouse.
It's quite tempting to just stop and start on my room; and then catch up both rooms when I get to "Living Room" week. But I don't want to leave anything unfinished, so I'll keep working on the guest room and try to work on my room as well. I hope making clear progress will be my motivation to keep going! LOL!
I'm Way behind on my sewing. I admit, that's partly because I know I'm on my last bobbin again. If I could get someone to help me get a pile of bobbins threaded again, and the machine threaded, I could make better progress there.
I'm not doing as well as I had hoped. But considering all the circumstances, I guess it will have to do!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Week 4, September 2013
I know I'm late posting this. My morning schedule has been changed and I'm now having a hard time getting things done.
I admit, I never finished the bathroom; but I did get the closets and cabinets done. The rest I can add in little at a time. It's big for a bathroom, but still a small room and only one small window.
This week is the Guest Room. It's a disaster, and I can hardly wrap my mind around working on it. But, it must be done. I did make a tiny bit of progress in there over the weekend. A few larger items were passed on to new homes. I hope sometime today to take several boxes of donation stuff to the car. If I can get it that far, I have a better chance of getting it to the proper donation site. Eventually! I still have some large items to deal with. I have a huge doll house that I plan to try to sell (Craig's List). I was so excited when I found it at a flea market - I've always wanted one. But I find my vision is much too poor to be able to enjoy it. I can't even see well enough to use the wallpapers I got for it. And, having said that - if I could find a place I'd still keep it. There's a huge file cabinet in one corner. I'm not even sure what's in it, but I eel like it's things that can be either gotten rid of or at least just stored in boxes. Theres no place to put it where it's actually useful - and it's ugly!! I'd really like to just get rid of it. I *think* if I move that out, and rearrange some storage boxes, I can put a table in that corner (that is currently also in the way). And the doll house could sit on the table.
Before I can get to that, I lot has to be done. There are 2 plastic drawer cabinets that need better homes. There are some out-of-date supply boxes that I need to get rid of; and that would free up mor shelf space.
I have to go in the room and work around the perimeter, deciding what has to go - and where. What a challenge!
I made progress on the sewing project over the weekend; but I fear I'm soon to another stopping point. I'm nearly out of bobbins again.
Since I didn't finish and post on Monday, I'm adding to this on Tuesday morning. I got a bit more done in the guest room. I pulled out all the donation stuff and put by the dining room door - today I will put it in the car. There was some empty space in the top of the closet, so I rearranged some things to make better use of that space. I ended up getting all the junk off the sofa, which was a good accomplishment. I'm pretty much down to having to move bigger things.
I will try to post a progress report later in the week.
I admit, I never finished the bathroom; but I did get the closets and cabinets done. The rest I can add in little at a time. It's big for a bathroom, but still a small room and only one small window.
This week is the Guest Room. It's a disaster, and I can hardly wrap my mind around working on it. But, it must be done. I did make a tiny bit of progress in there over the weekend. A few larger items were passed on to new homes. I hope sometime today to take several boxes of donation stuff to the car. If I can get it that far, I have a better chance of getting it to the proper donation site. Eventually! I still have some large items to deal with. I have a huge doll house that I plan to try to sell (Craig's List). I was so excited when I found it at a flea market - I've always wanted one. But I find my vision is much too poor to be able to enjoy it. I can't even see well enough to use the wallpapers I got for it. And, having said that - if I could find a place I'd still keep it. There's a huge file cabinet in one corner. I'm not even sure what's in it, but I eel like it's things that can be either gotten rid of or at least just stored in boxes. Theres no place to put it where it's actually useful - and it's ugly!! I'd really like to just get rid of it. I *think* if I move that out, and rearrange some storage boxes, I can put a table in that corner (that is currently also in the way). And the doll house could sit on the table.
Before I can get to that, I lot has to be done. There are 2 plastic drawer cabinets that need better homes. There are some out-of-date supply boxes that I need to get rid of; and that would free up mor shelf space.
I have to go in the room and work around the perimeter, deciding what has to go - and where. What a challenge!
I made progress on the sewing project over the weekend; but I fear I'm soon to another stopping point. I'm nearly out of bobbins again.
Since I didn't finish and post on Monday, I'm adding to this on Tuesday morning. I got a bit more done in the guest room. I pulled out all the donation stuff and put by the dining room door - today I will put it in the car. There was some empty space in the top of the closet, so I rearranged some things to make better use of that space. I ended up getting all the junk off the sofa, which was a good accomplishment. I'm pretty much down to having to move bigger things.
I will try to post a progress report later in the week.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Week 3, Midway
There have been a few things going on (as usual) to interfere with my plans. But all things considered, I'm not doing too bad.
This week is the front bathroom. I have cleaned out the linen closet, the shelf in my closet, the under sink cabinets, and a big wall cabinet. I may re-address the bottom of the linen closet; but other than that, it's just down to a good basic deep clean. I have 3 days of the week left to get that done, so hopefully I will.
I'm not doing as well as I hoped with keeping up my routine cleaning. But at least the house is decocrated nicely, and it's not cluttered (except for the trash that always seems to be piled up near the door). I really hope to get vacuuming done today; but I won't be embarrassed if anyone wer to drop in unexpected.
On the sewing, it's going much slower than I hoped. That is mostly because of my vision. It's so hard to do it that I put it off (even though it actually doesn't take very long once I settle down to it!). I have at least continued with pinning when I have a chance. I will probably end up next month rushing to get the sewing projects done. But as long as I finish by the end of November I'll be OK.
This week is the front bathroom. I have cleaned out the linen closet, the shelf in my closet, the under sink cabinets, and a big wall cabinet. I may re-address the bottom of the linen closet; but other than that, it's just down to a good basic deep clean. I have 3 days of the week left to get that done, so hopefully I will.
I'm not doing as well as I hoped with keeping up my routine cleaning. But at least the house is decocrated nicely, and it's not cluttered (except for the trash that always seems to be piled up near the door). I really hope to get vacuuming done today; but I won't be embarrassed if anyone wer to drop in unexpected.
On the sewing, it's going much slower than I hoped. That is mostly because of my vision. It's so hard to do it that I put it off (even though it actually doesn't take very long once I settle down to it!). I have at least continued with pinning when I have a chance. I will probably end up next month rushing to get the sewing projects done. But as long as I finish by the end of November I'll be OK.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Week 3, September 2013
I am pleased to say that as far as my "deep cleaning" rooms, I'm still on track with my Plan. The only thing not yet done for Week 2, front hall, is to vacuum. It's hard to get that done around DH's sleeping, but it will get done with the regular weekly vacuuming anyway.
I only cleaned the top shelf in his closet, and did not go all the way to the top 2 shelves in the linen closet. But the Scentsy warmers are where I can easily change them out, the linens that are actually used are within reach, and the big tub of random linens has been sorted and purged. I may re-address this closet later, but for now it's good.
On my sewing, not so good. I'm disappointed in myself to say I got none done, although I did get a lot of the pinning done. In fact, I ran out of pins! I think the biggest reason is that I can't watch the TV in my room, and I do like to have it on while I'm sewing. It gives my eyes a break from the super close looking down.
This coming week is the front bathroom. That is an exceptionally large room. There are 2 sinks, but one is shut off (always leaks, and can do without it). Both sinks (they are in different locations - pretty sure the bathroom was enlarged at some point) have a cabinet underneath to be cleaned out, and there is a wall-hung cabinet to clean. There is a good sized linen closet, and also my main clothes closet (out of season in guest room closet). The only thing in my closet that needs attention is the top shelf, but the linen closet needs a good overhaul. This room could take longer; but also, I don't have to work around DH's schedule to do it.
My fall decorating is done. I will post pictures of the tree later ... I want to get ones with the lights off (now) and with them on (in the afternoon and again in the evening). It's very tricky to put pretty things out to accomodate spoiled cats!
I will also post separately pictures of other areas with fall decorations.
I only cleaned the top shelf in his closet, and did not go all the way to the top 2 shelves in the linen closet. But the Scentsy warmers are where I can easily change them out, the linens that are actually used are within reach, and the big tub of random linens has been sorted and purged. I may re-address this closet later, but for now it's good.
On my sewing, not so good. I'm disappointed in myself to say I got none done, although I did get a lot of the pinning done. In fact, I ran out of pins! I think the biggest reason is that I can't watch the TV in my room, and I do like to have it on while I'm sewing. It gives my eyes a break from the super close looking down.
This coming week is the front bathroom. That is an exceptionally large room. There are 2 sinks, but one is shut off (always leaks, and can do without it). Both sinks (they are in different locations - pretty sure the bathroom was enlarged at some point) have a cabinet underneath to be cleaned out, and there is a wall-hung cabinet to clean. There is a good sized linen closet, and also my main clothes closet (out of season in guest room closet). The only thing in my closet that needs attention is the top shelf, but the linen closet needs a good overhaul. This room could take longer; but also, I don't have to work around DH's schedule to do it.
My fall decorating is done. I will post pictures of the tree later ... I want to get ones with the lights off (now) and with them on (in the afternoon and again in the evening). It's very tricky to put pretty things out to accomodate spoiled cats!
I will also post separately pictures of other areas with fall decorations.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Week 2, Midway
I'm posting mid week because I'm happy to say that I am on track with the cleaning program. I finished the bedroom, including curtains.
The hall went much quicker than I expected, and I got it done in one afternoon. I will admit, though, I didn't do a complete closet overhaul. In DH's closet, I could only tackle the top shelf, which I was able to nearly empty. In the linen closet, I didn't get the step ladder to check the top shelf. It's built strangely, and each shelf gets extremely deep to the side of the door. I did manage to reorganize a lot of it. I have a blank spot on the shelf to put my Scentsy burners. I hope when I get those down I can come up with a system to keep specific holiday burners and runners together. That way even if I don't get anything else done, I can at least have that little bit (easily accessible) for each holiday. Oh, and I didn't vacuum the hall yet; but everything else is done. The top of the shelving is all nice and cleared off - makes me want to put something decorative up there! LOL!
I am behind on my sewing, although I've gotten a lot of pillow covers pinned and ready to sew. In fact, I've completely run out of pins, so now I Must get sewing done! Although it's tempting to start on next week's room (front bathroom), I will resist and get to the sewing machine.
I'm also a little behind on "regular" cleaning, but I hope I can dredge up a bit of motivation to knock that out today.
The hall went much quicker than I expected, and I got it done in one afternoon. I will admit, though, I didn't do a complete closet overhaul. In DH's closet, I could only tackle the top shelf, which I was able to nearly empty. In the linen closet, I didn't get the step ladder to check the top shelf. It's built strangely, and each shelf gets extremely deep to the side of the door. I did manage to reorganize a lot of it. I have a blank spot on the shelf to put my Scentsy burners. I hope when I get those down I can come up with a system to keep specific holiday burners and runners together. That way even if I don't get anything else done, I can at least have that little bit (easily accessible) for each holiday. Oh, and I didn't vacuum the hall yet; but everything else is done. The top of the shelving is all nice and cleared off - makes me want to put something decorative up there! LOL!
I am behind on my sewing, although I've gotten a lot of pillow covers pinned and ready to sew. In fact, I've completely run out of pins, so now I Must get sewing done! Although it's tempting to start on next week's room (front bathroom), I will resist and get to the sewing machine.
I'm also a little behind on "regular" cleaning, but I hope I can dredge up a bit of motivation to knock that out today.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Fall Table
The tablecloth is a piece of fabric I found in the discount section of an online shop. The dishes and amber glasses were thrift shop finds. The napkin rings are a craft project my friend made (toilet paper tubes, jute string, dollar store flowers!)
2nd Week of September 2013
I did not do as well as I hoped for the first week. In my defense, I have to say that I've only had limited windows of time to work on it. I started with the bedroom; and while it didn't need much in the way of decluttering, I also couldn't get in it as much as I hoped because DH spends the majority of his day in bed.
I did make some progress. I got all the way around the perimeter of the room with dusting, and organizing where it was possible. I was not able to get the windows and cutains done (yet) - I couldn't get the curtains through the laundry because when DH was up and out of the room I also had to do laundry for his bed.
Even though a new week starts today, I urgently need to do some rearranging in the bedroom. My stepson and his girlfriend will be over today to help with that. I'm hoping to get the curtains and windows donetoo, but I'll have to wait and see how that goes.
I did not get as far along with the sewing project as I had hoped. I ran into some problems (had to wind bobbins; and rethread the machine several times. It keeps unthreading, and I don't know why. Very limited vision is making the rethreading extremely difficult and frutrating!). However, I have gotten a lot of the pinning done, so when I do have chances to sit and sew I have a lot ready to go.
I forgot to put fall decorating on my list. That surprises me, as I love fall decorations only 2nd best to Christmas ones. I got a good start done on it, but have one more box I haven't brought downstairs yet. I'm pretty sure I got all the summery things packed up (and my pillows all look naked because the runners and pillow covers are in that last box! LOL!)
I'm having trouble (with myself) fitting room-of-the-week projects and sewing projects in with the everyday things that must be done and the weekly cleaning. It's very hard to work out a schedule, since I have to work around a lot of unpredictability. But, I'm getting there.
I haven't taken pictures of everything yet, but I did take ones of the dining table. I will put them in another post (so it won't slow this one for anyone who doesn't want to bother with pictures).
I did make some progress. I got all the way around the perimeter of the room with dusting, and organizing where it was possible. I was not able to get the windows and cutains done (yet) - I couldn't get the curtains through the laundry because when DH was up and out of the room I also had to do laundry for his bed.
Even though a new week starts today, I urgently need to do some rearranging in the bedroom. My stepson and his girlfriend will be over today to help with that. I'm hoping to get the curtains and windows donetoo, but I'll have to wait and see how that goes.
I did not get as far along with the sewing project as I had hoped. I ran into some problems (had to wind bobbins; and rethread the machine several times. It keeps unthreading, and I don't know why. Very limited vision is making the rethreading extremely difficult and frutrating!). However, I have gotten a lot of the pinning done, so when I do have chances to sit and sew I have a lot ready to go.
I forgot to put fall decorating on my list. That surprises me, as I love fall decorations only 2nd best to Christmas ones. I got a good start done on it, but have one more box I haven't brought downstairs yet. I'm pretty sure I got all the summery things packed up (and my pillows all look naked because the runners and pillow covers are in that last box! LOL!)
I'm having trouble (with myself) fitting room-of-the-week projects and sewing projects in with the everyday things that must be done and the weekly cleaning. It's very hard to work out a schedule, since I have to work around a lot of unpredictability. But, I'm getting there.
I haven't taken pictures of everything yet, but I did take ones of the dining table. I will put them in another post (so it won't slow this one for anyone who doesn't want to bother with pictures).
Sunday, September 1, 2013
First Week of September 2013
The official "Holiday Grand Plan" (see Yahoo groups if interested) starts today. My personal Plan also starts today. Having been on HGP (and GP the rest of the year) for many years, I have learned an enormous amount about organizing and scheduling. While there is always room for improvement, I've come a long way. Even though I no longer belong to the group (my failing vision made keeping up with the emails to hard), I am forever grateful for what I learned; and I do miss the people. (I've kept up on line friendships with a few. I wish there were more, but people all have such busy lives these days - little time for friendships even with those close, much less on liners).
I satrted my plan "unofficially" in August with prep work for my Christmas sewing project. I got behind, but in the end I actually did finish everything I put on the chart I made for myself. The plan was to have all the fabric pieces cut out, ready to be pinned together and then sewn. I did finish cutting. I hope everything fits together properly - with such bad vision, I'm not sure I cut as precisely as I would have wished.
According to my plan, I am to stitch together all pieces for 2 holidays this week. The actual sewing time is minimal I didn't account for the time involving in pinning; but that is something I can easily do while sitting and watching TV. The big roadblock for me is going to be getting a bunch of bobbins wound. The thread has to go through a tiny hold in clear plastic to be wound - and it is near impossible for me to see that. Once I get the bobbins done, the machine won't be quite as hard. It has a threader, but I can't make it work. I can, however, use a regular needle threader - that has worked for me in the past.
The cleaning project for this week is the bedroom. I start there simply because other rooms fit into my schedule, and my anticipated weather, better - leaving the bedroom by default. There's actually little I can do there since that is my husband's domain as well as his "sick room". There is much medical equipment that has to be there. I have over the summer moved as much "extra" stuff as I can out - leaving room for moving around, getting him in and out of his wheelchair, nurse and aides, as well as a place for visitors that come when he isn't up.
So, I plan to tackle one wall at a time (Monday through Thursday, and the floor Friday). I will wipe down woodwork, pictures, wash windows, etc. I want to take down and wash the curtains too. In the process, if I come across more stuff that can be eliminated, it will go; but he doesn't like to let go of anything, so I doubt there will be much removed. I hope to be able to find homes elsewhere in the house for at least a few things.
I may not post daily on my progress, but will try to update during the week. At the very least I will post each Sunday with my progress.
I have tried to invite followers and readers, but haven't been very successful. For those of you who do read - I welcome comments and/or emails (olgramy@hotmail.com ) . I'd love to hear if you're following a plan how you're doing on it too.
In November, I plan to have a drawing. I will draw out one name at random (using a computer program) from all who commented or emailed to receive one set of the holiday pillow covers I'm making.
I satrted my plan "unofficially" in August with prep work for my Christmas sewing project. I got behind, but in the end I actually did finish everything I put on the chart I made for myself. The plan was to have all the fabric pieces cut out, ready to be pinned together and then sewn. I did finish cutting. I hope everything fits together properly - with such bad vision, I'm not sure I cut as precisely as I would have wished.
According to my plan, I am to stitch together all pieces for 2 holidays this week. The actual sewing time is minimal I didn't account for the time involving in pinning; but that is something I can easily do while sitting and watching TV. The big roadblock for me is going to be getting a bunch of bobbins wound. The thread has to go through a tiny hold in clear plastic to be wound - and it is near impossible for me to see that. Once I get the bobbins done, the machine won't be quite as hard. It has a threader, but I can't make it work. I can, however, use a regular needle threader - that has worked for me in the past.
The cleaning project for this week is the bedroom. I start there simply because other rooms fit into my schedule, and my anticipated weather, better - leaving the bedroom by default. There's actually little I can do there since that is my husband's domain as well as his "sick room". There is much medical equipment that has to be there. I have over the summer moved as much "extra" stuff as I can out - leaving room for moving around, getting him in and out of his wheelchair, nurse and aides, as well as a place for visitors that come when he isn't up.
So, I plan to tackle one wall at a time (Monday through Thursday, and the floor Friday). I will wipe down woodwork, pictures, wash windows, etc. I want to take down and wash the curtains too. In the process, if I come across more stuff that can be eliminated, it will go; but he doesn't like to let go of anything, so I doubt there will be much removed. I hope to be able to find homes elsewhere in the house for at least a few things.
I may not post daily on my progress, but will try to update during the week. At the very least I will post each Sunday with my progress.
I have tried to invite followers and readers, but haven't been very successful. For those of you who do read - I welcome comments and/or emails (olgramy@hotmail.com ) . I'd love to hear if you're following a plan how you're doing on it too.
In November, I plan to have a drawing. I will draw out one name at random (using a computer program) from all who commented or emailed to receive one set of the holiday pillow covers I'm making.
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