A whole new world, for now

in_need_of_direction

Cherry, as soon as dd goes, her stuff migrates to her room and the door is closed.  However, dh refers to her as the gift that keeps on giving as her stuff continues to appear in random places for a few weeks. 

Yesterday I met my friend for coffee and we had a catch up. She’s off on holiday on Tuesday.  Then my brother and niece called over in the evening to worship at the feet of the furry one.  

DH and I had thought about going out for dinner as dd was being fed at her father’s (the first time since her return in February) but I picked up a small top up shop so we stayed in and ate from home. 

Today I am grateful for
virtual and real life friends 
finding the very thing for dd to take away
easy conversations 

Cherryfudge

Your daughter sounds like my sister - Mum said that every time she came back (from study, different jobs, going abroad) she would bring more stuff and leave it at their house! At least all your daughter's stuff can be shut in her room, even if it takes a while to find it all.

doingitanyway

I like 'easy conversations' as a gratitude...
The dog is becoming (has become?) a focal point for your home. Lovely.

in_need_of_direction

You are so right about the furry / hairy one DIA.  DD actually asked if I would have been so keen on a dog if I’d known how much more I would see my family.  I’m not fully convinced that she was joking.
first off, the semi positive, my weight is up by about a quarter of a pound but not enough to register as an increase.  And now for the good news, dh is joining me in the one month declutter for July. We aren’t strictly sticking to the one on the first, two on the second but instead are aiming for clearing each number of 1-31 over the course of the month.  Given we have two bank holidays in July, we are starting today but excluding those items previously identified for recycling, chazza, etc. 

while dd was packing, I found some things she intended to buy but that I already had.  I had bought these seven years ago kind of by mistake (as in wrong format as opposed to the wrong items) and they have been kicking around just in case.  Every time I saw them, they annoyed me and they didn’t even take up much space.  It’s time for all the tolerations to go! Not least because I exist more easily where there is order and things that please me.  I struggle to replace affordable things when they still have life left so instead of donating, I make myself miserable by looking at them. 

as for my grand plans once dd had gone, we have slow progress but still progress.  I had completely forgotten to factor in the 4 o’clock start to get her to the airport.  My plans are always optimistic.  Our builder has come back re the list I emailed through.  He is coming one day this week to clear a few small jobs and scope out the larger ones.  He is also a fan of the dog so will give her a bit of variety.  

I inadvertently stuck to my resolution to not chase new work though this was either the universe assisting or by accident rather than design.as I misjudged submission times.  I have listed anticipated income between now and year end and need to get another £20k to be in a comfortable range.  That said, I am waiting for £7.5k of that to be paid. I’m also going to bid for one three year assignment that would be £4K per annum.  It’s a very long shot but is something about which I feel very strongly.  

Right, today will feature a run to the recycling centre, the chazza and the supermarket to offload soft plastics.  It will also hopefully include sorting some plants to free up where they currently are as it is needed.  At least 2 more things are heading to the now floored roofspace freeing up floor space.  

Today I am grateful for
this community to whom I disclose things that I struggle to talk through with others
a Sunday morning breakfast of a bacon and mushroom sandwich 
personal insights

jwil

Loving the decluttering challenge and that DH is on board with it.  Good luck with it!

Also good luck with the bid.

milann

Well done on the decluttering. 👏👏
I emptied Dh room several months ago for him to decide what he would keep and what he wouldn’t, all ready for his retirement. It started very well 😁 He’s been retired 3 months now and there are still boxes of ‘stuff’ he hasn’t used for years in our bedroom. He says he’s not keeping them so not putting them back in the sorted room……watch this space. I’m not nagging as the last thing I want is for them to end up back in his room, which is now looking quite tidy and things are accessible. We’ve got a run of a few weeks now where we’re at home …..they need to go. But it’s got to be his decision 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️Doesn’t use them, not sure what to do with them🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️AAAAGGGGHHHHHH🫣

in_need_of_direction

Well, the challenge has gotten off to a shaky start but there’s an actual reason for it.  First off, I’m determined not to include anything set aside to go previously but it’s slow getting shot of these things.  Yesterday all the soft plastics went while I picked dh up from his office day.
secondly, the builder was free on Monday so came by and got some small jobs cleared and plans for others to get done. One of these was to replace some skirting boards which, on the surface is a wee quick job but in reality is a nightmare trying to match what’s in a 119 year old house. One Monday evening I was out on a dog walk and passed a house with a skip.  Yesterday I went back, asked permission and acquired various bits of skirting. The afternoon was spent removing nails from these.  I also managed to step in the wrong place and a nail pierced my shoe

So, to date, 6 items have been decluttered and various bits of skirting have been obtained.  I also contacted a charity furniture shop and they aren’t allowed to take a fully functioning and little used double futon as one of the wooden slats was repaired.  It may end up in recycling which I have been trying to avoid but I need the space freed up. 

Right, work and non work stuff to get underway so best crack on. Today I am grateful for
the builder addressing two tolerations - I can now make use of my bath
no blood from my stupid stepping on a nail
a small win for each of us from Ernie 

jwil

Nice that more progress is being made on the house, including decluttering!  Great find on the skirting boards.

doingitanyway

A serendipitous find! 

in_need_of_direction

Today mr wii showed a slight upward move but I’m still at previous weight.  Yesterday the sort out continued with items leaving the house.  One item that went on Friday was an aged and unused metal water tank that had been in the small roofspace.  I am happy to report that, with the exception of where the bees are, both roof spaces are now fully insulated.  Door handles are all fully functioning and the prep work on the hearth has started.  Another plus is that the dog and the builder like each other.  The minus is that the toilet is leaking and it’s not the one in the shower room that’s to be redone.  

Yesterday I discovered that our dog is no descendant of Lassie. I managed to get myself trapped in the garage without a phone.  The dog was out the back.  When I eventually got myself out, she was sitting in a shady bit at the back door.  

On other news, my better mood seems to be continuing and so, even small things are getting done.  Yesterday I delivered a friend home from the airport and, on my way home, visited a sparks shop. I emerged £50 poorer despite only paying full price for 4 items. 3 of these I was actively seeking out so we have a meal plan for the next few days and some items are in the freezer.  

I also added one item to the to be vinted pile. It was a lovely short brown suede trench coat that I knew was too big.  I’ve accepted that, although I love it, it will never look good on me because of its size. It was a relic from spendy days and was purchased in the Harrods’ sale.  Still, it has freed up space in the wardrobe.  I sometimes hear the line from star trek about the final frontier playing in my head.  

Next week I am due my b12 jab. I am on site with a client on Monday and then need to produce a report.  I need to send a parcel for ds’s big birthday on Friday but that has to wait until Wednesday to include the portable pot of birthday cake. Apart from that, the babysteps will continue and items to progress the work will be sourced.  

Right, I’m meeting a friend for coffee this afternoon and want to get more things sorted by then.  Today I am grateful for
babysteps, in the right direction 
me realising that it’s ok to pay full price for food that I enjoy
things getting better between dh and I