Thursday, May 31, 2018
Finally a Down Day
Have written this post 3 times, each time it did not save. UGGGGHHH. So this will be short. DH hand surgery yesterday. I got some errands done while he rested. I went to bed early. My better eating has really helped my tummy. I feel great today. Is already Thursday! Have a great day everyone.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
So Much for Down Day Feeling!
So usually golfing qualifies as a down day, at least it was recreation for a change! We have been consumed with moving and caring for 2 houses last couple years (first world whine). But darn was it hot yesterday! We were just melting. Sweat in our eyes, just humid. Made me really fatigued and my game was bad. But, I did enjoy being out. Then humidity eased a bit and I did about half my normal walk. I was listening to a good FBI crime mystery audio book by Med Gardiner "Into the Black Nowhere". So, I forced myself. I wanted to enjoy the book, encourage some grit and assist in the puffiness my bad eating has caused. Then we ate cool summer food - egg salad, fruit and avocado. I do enjoy summer eating!
Back to work today and then yoga tonight. But I am really glad the last 2 weekends of moving are behind us! DH has hand surgery tomorrow, so I will try to schedule my truck oil change late afternoon. Have a great Tuesday! Can't believe May is almost over. The golf course showed some weird signs of heat, burned grass, moss on the ponds and we could even hear the locusts starting up. It really seemed like late July/August out there - I hope this is not a portend for the rest of the summer.
Back to work today and then yoga tonight. But I am really glad the last 2 weekends of moving are behind us! DH has hand surgery tomorrow, so I will try to schedule my truck oil change late afternoon. Have a great Tuesday! Can't believe May is almost over. The golf course showed some weird signs of heat, burned grass, moss on the ponds and we could even hear the locusts starting up. It really seemed like late July/August out there - I hope this is not a portend for the rest of the summer.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Down Day
We got a full SUV load and my small truck loaded with stuff like bar stools, folding tables, bed head boards, ladders, outside chairs, the smoke and the trailer with our bikes Friday. We had 2 items shift and a strap broke, we pulled over twice and traffic was horrible so our progress slow but steady. We also went through quite a storm front but we made it with no major issues. We were tired Sat but DH put together his shop and work bench. I finally raked the yard. Sunday we picked up 2 piles of wood and I put together my office downhome. We had a nice dinner with family.
Since we are golfing today, we decided to go ahead and come back late Sunday and sleep in today. It is going to be a hot day, but I know our soldiers make such sacrifices for us and for that I give thanks today.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Memorial Weekend
11 years ago we went on a trip on Memorial Weekend and ended up renting a moving truck to haul a broken down motorcycle back 4 states away. We ended up with a much larger truck than we needed because evidently a lot of people move on these long weekends. This Memorial Weekend, we are those people moving. From our city home to our country home. Be safe everyone and make some great memories. I will be thinking about those who give us our freedom.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Still Moving
DH brought trailer home from his brother's land yesterday. We will load bikes and put extension ladder on it, fill the SUV and get as much as we can in back of my small truck. This is first but not the last time we will take 2 vehicles. It is a 4 hour drive from city house to retirement house. We brought everything upstairs from storage room in basement last night to load, but we held off loading since it rained last night. So, the CH is a mess. I am so glad it looks like clear weather today to drive with the trailer. DH will drive SUV with trailer. I will drive truck and prob have the dogs ride with me. I am tired already! The weather is warming up fast here! Looks like upper 80's today and then this weekend and all next week 90's. I hope we don't get bad storms.
Have a happy memorial weekend. I heard about Slabinski of Seal Team 6 getting a medal of honor. I think it is sad the media is focusing on the controversy. I wish our country could be more united. Period. I will just say a prayer for it and move on.
Have a happy memorial weekend. I heard about Slabinski of Seal Team 6 getting a medal of honor. I think it is sad the media is focusing on the controversy. I wish our country could be more united. Period. I will just say a prayer for it and move on.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Needs
Yesterday I talked about learning what our individual needs are. If we don't really know what they are, we could end up using substances or behaviors to make us happy.
The list of all the possibilities given to me as a participant in a nutritional/diet plan are these: (All:) Personal time, give/do for others, recognition, movement, sleep, approval/acceptance, order and closure, time alone, territory (physical space all their own), financial security, being with people, competition, learning something new, anticipation, music, project, physical contact with others, variety of experiences, structured time, unstructured time, one on one attention, group relationships, empathy, humor, spirituality.
I am sure there are others. I never really had the insight to figure these out for myself as a young adult. Now that I am older I have explored these so I can better meet them. I used to rely on substances, superficial experiences, short term pleasure (shopping, eating, spending money) to have pleasure. Now I am not as interested in immediate gratification, but better able to see the big picture and delay for goals and more fulfilling lifestyle.
Last evening I fulfilled several needs and navigated a small obstacle with my DH. My girlfriend T and I were going to take a full mattress and springs we are purging to my dear grandmother's apartment about 25 miles away, then take her set back to T's house. I was giving my set to T, but my DGM had needed another mattress that was not as thick so she could more easily climb in and out of bed. So, I gave my set to DGM and DGM set to T. Well my DH informs me that it all will not fit in our SUV, but it will fit in my small truck, diagonally. Well, I was not keen on the idea of driving down the interstate with mattresses catywompas, so I stalled and consider renting a truck. DH suggests 2 options 1) that DGM at 99 years old "use a step" or 2) "that she just buy a new set". He knows little of the elderly and their ways. Neither option would be optimal. I felt it was up to me to fix this and just leave him out of it. My girlfriend T (who is my hero) borrowed her husband's full size truck and we get it all secured in the back of it, laying flat where we would be more certain it would not catch any air.
DH taught me how to use the motorcycle straps (I had been needing to know this for a few years) and viola - I helped others, we got rid of a bed, my DGM has a mattress set that is newer and at least 4 inches shorter and T got her new-to-her bed (including the frame and mattress pad) - and heck, I even threw in 2 new pillows, and we are all happy. And T and I learned how to use the bike straps, just in case we ever want to trailer our bikes.
I could have had DH help me more from the start on this, but sometimes I just leave him out of things when I know he will get frustrated and want to take the easy way out - usu involves 1) doing nothing, 2) throwing money at it or 3) getting someone else to do it. I want to learn more of direct cheapest way and doing it myself. T and I considered wrestling 2 full size mattresses and springs from my house, to DGM apartment and then to T's house and up her stairs our wed workout. I was only slightly less tired than my Tues night hot yoga! I also took DGM my 2 working lamps to replace 2 of hers that were unreliable. The first thing she said was "'those are a lot smaller!". When I relayed this to DH, I told him it reminded me of something he would say. Funny how DGM is blind until it comes to lamps that are much smaller. They were slightly smaller and her other two dysfunctional lamps were supposed to be the same height, but one was like 3 inches taller. WTH?
The list of all the possibilities given to me as a participant in a nutritional/diet plan are these: (All:) Personal time, give/do for others, recognition, movement, sleep, approval/acceptance, order and closure, time alone, territory (physical space all their own), financial security, being with people, competition, learning something new, anticipation, music, project, physical contact with others, variety of experiences, structured time, unstructured time, one on one attention, group relationships, empathy, humor, spirituality.
I am sure there are others. I never really had the insight to figure these out for myself as a young adult. Now that I am older I have explored these so I can better meet them. I used to rely on substances, superficial experiences, short term pleasure (shopping, eating, spending money) to have pleasure. Now I am not as interested in immediate gratification, but better able to see the big picture and delay for goals and more fulfilling lifestyle.
Last evening I fulfilled several needs and navigated a small obstacle with my DH. My girlfriend T and I were going to take a full mattress and springs we are purging to my dear grandmother's apartment about 25 miles away, then take her set back to T's house. I was giving my set to T, but my DGM had needed another mattress that was not as thick so she could more easily climb in and out of bed. So, I gave my set to DGM and DGM set to T. Well my DH informs me that it all will not fit in our SUV, but it will fit in my small truck, diagonally. Well, I was not keen on the idea of driving down the interstate with mattresses catywompas, so I stalled and consider renting a truck. DH suggests 2 options 1) that DGM at 99 years old "use a step" or 2) "that she just buy a new set". He knows little of the elderly and their ways. Neither option would be optimal. I felt it was up to me to fix this and just leave him out of it. My girlfriend T (who is my hero) borrowed her husband's full size truck and we get it all secured in the back of it, laying flat where we would be more certain it would not catch any air.
DH taught me how to use the motorcycle straps (I had been needing to know this for a few years) and viola - I helped others, we got rid of a bed, my DGM has a mattress set that is newer and at least 4 inches shorter and T got her new-to-her bed (including the frame and mattress pad) - and heck, I even threw in 2 new pillows, and we are all happy. And T and I learned how to use the bike straps, just in case we ever want to trailer our bikes.
I could have had DH help me more from the start on this, but sometimes I just leave him out of things when I know he will get frustrated and want to take the easy way out - usu involves 1) doing nothing, 2) throwing money at it or 3) getting someone else to do it. I want to learn more of direct cheapest way and doing it myself. T and I considered wrestling 2 full size mattresses and springs from my house, to DGM apartment and then to T's house and up her stairs our wed workout. I was only slightly less tired than my Tues night hot yoga! I also took DGM my 2 working lamps to replace 2 of hers that were unreliable. The first thing she said was "'those are a lot smaller!". When I relayed this to DH, I told him it reminded me of something he would say. Funny how DGM is blind until it comes to lamps that are much smaller. They were slightly smaller and her other two dysfunctional lamps were supposed to be the same height, but one was like 3 inches taller. WTH?
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
How to Purge Stress
Nature
Ask
Meditation
Action
Sleep
Think
Exercise
Sorry this is so long. But i guess i needed it. Have been pretty stressed lately. Situational stress I think. But, stress is stress and many around me are stressed, so it has been on my mind...
I just had to google how to spell exercise. It was because I hesitated on it. If I just did it quick, I would have remembered, ha! I cannot overthink or multi task anymore. I think it is a product of age and overload. I have this a lot, plus more and more senior moments! Instead of letting this get me down, the past year or so since I almost lost my Granny - I include the thought that even though I am feeling my age more and more I am privileged to reach late middle age.
I read a post recently on one of my FB groups I like and the person was asking how to purge stress. So I thought about it. I have found myself thinking out this before I read this particular post. I have thought about my own personal needs to try and figure out why I feel stress. I use a coping skill. I went through above and put some of my coping skills into an acronym. These are not in order of importance.
Nature - is what my mother used to tell me I needed. When I was a young woman away from her in the city working on my career, she would sense on the phone if I was tired and say you need to go outside. When is the last time you got out of the city. Now you will even hear people put a label on this called "grounding". My mother was ahead of her time. I think the thing about nature is that it makes me aware the universe is much bigger than I - and that immediately changes my perspective. Whatever problem or discomfort I have, I am not alone and I am not the center of the universe. It will pass even if I do nothing.
Action - can I do something about the cause of the stress? Can I make a list. Can I figure out the worst case scenario and figure out a way to deal with that? Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Maybe nothing even close to the worst will happen, but if I have planned for it JIC, then I am more ready. I wonder if I should give up this philosophy, but old habits die hard. The best action I can take is to just plan sometimes. Planning helps steer me toward thinking before I take action and planning is an action in itself. Can I plan a reward now or later to get me through something hard?
Meditation is sort of the exact opposite of Action, although the better I get at harnessing my thoughts, the closer it resembles action to me. Focus on my breath, my heartbeat, my place in the universe, being still and present and I am automatically calmer. Google the vagus nerve and how important it is. It is truly amazing how much this nerve impacts our wellbeing. And it is amazing how just some deep breathing will affect the vagus nerve. I mentioned this to my cousin who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and she laughed and said "Vegas?!". Well, it does sound the same. I do think humor is important and it an integral part of my demeanor - but if I am too stressed, I cannot find the humor at first.
Ask for help. Either from a person or from the universe. To me, asking the universe is prayer. I give thanks for my blessings and ask for God to help me. Even if you don't believe in God, by being a living creature we can look to the universe and to science. Energy is undeniable. If you need to feel better, harness energy. Energy from art, music, laughter, beauty, nature, love. Read an inspiring poem, book, etc. I swear just the power of classical music can reduce my stress. I often listen to celestial space music to help me sleep.
Sleep. I have a chronic health condition and I have been trying to learn how to deal with it for most of my adult life. My condition affects my digestion, my skin, my joints and my eyes. It also gives me brain fog. I get very depressed about my condition sometimes. I have learned that stress and lack of sleep affect me very quickly when I have stress and lack of rest. I have learned that by resting, I feel better. This was a very hard adaptation for me. I have never been one to get 8 hours of sleep. Most of my education and professional life I got 4 - 6. Well, not anymore I regularly get 8 and sometimes I even get 10. And it is ok, my arse did not fall off! Isn't that something I deserve without anything more? Certainly something I have earned after working so hard so many years. I plan to really experiment with this, maybe even take a nap once in a while (gasp).
Think. Think of what is causing the stress. Not the cause of the feeling of stress, but why whatever trigger created a reaction in me. Is it something real? Am I in danger? Am I doing something that is inconsistent with my values? Am i in fear? Am I angry? Am I tired? Do i have a need that is not being met? I took a nutrition course through my temp employer about 5 years ago. It had to do with making good food and eating choices. Many of our food choices are made out of emotion. It taught me that we all have essential needs and if we can tune into what these
needs are, then we will be better able to find ways to meet these needs without food or other harmful substances and behaviors. My vital needs are: spirituality, order/closure, financial security, give/do for others, personal time, being with people, movement.
Exercise. For me, this has been such a part of my personal hygiene that it is as normal as bathing and eating. If i do not move, i pay for it. I have had an active program of movement since i graduated from high school. When i was in public school, we had PE. PE lead to some sports and dance in high school and that caused me to think about how exercise benefits us. I have done it regularly every since - 30+ years. Not only does it cause neurotransmitters to be produced in our bodies - but it causes strength and tolerance, confidence and helps me clear my head. I can't live without it. I plan to be doing yoga and walking as long as I am literally able to move.
I hope someone reads this. I get so much inspiration and connection from the things i read, especially blogs because they are so personal and not agenda driven. I hope someone can connect with me on this entry. What have i left out? What do you do to combat stress?
Ask
Meditation
Action
Sleep
Think
Exercise
Sorry this is so long. But i guess i needed it. Have been pretty stressed lately. Situational stress I think. But, stress is stress and many around me are stressed, so it has been on my mind...
I just had to google how to spell exercise. It was because I hesitated on it. If I just did it quick, I would have remembered, ha! I cannot overthink or multi task anymore. I think it is a product of age and overload. I have this a lot, plus more and more senior moments! Instead of letting this get me down, the past year or so since I almost lost my Granny - I include the thought that even though I am feeling my age more and more I am privileged to reach late middle age.
I read a post recently on one of my FB groups I like and the person was asking how to purge stress. So I thought about it. I have found myself thinking out this before I read this particular post. I have thought about my own personal needs to try and figure out why I feel stress. I use a coping skill. I went through above and put some of my coping skills into an acronym. These are not in order of importance.
Nature - is what my mother used to tell me I needed. When I was a young woman away from her in the city working on my career, she would sense on the phone if I was tired and say you need to go outside. When is the last time you got out of the city. Now you will even hear people put a label on this called "grounding". My mother was ahead of her time. I think the thing about nature is that it makes me aware the universe is much bigger than I - and that immediately changes my perspective. Whatever problem or discomfort I have, I am not alone and I am not the center of the universe. It will pass even if I do nothing.
Action - can I do something about the cause of the stress? Can I make a list. Can I figure out the worst case scenario and figure out a way to deal with that? Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Maybe nothing even close to the worst will happen, but if I have planned for it JIC, then I am more ready. I wonder if I should give up this philosophy, but old habits die hard. The best action I can take is to just plan sometimes. Planning helps steer me toward thinking before I take action and planning is an action in itself. Can I plan a reward now or later to get me through something hard?
Meditation is sort of the exact opposite of Action, although the better I get at harnessing my thoughts, the closer it resembles action to me. Focus on my breath, my heartbeat, my place in the universe, being still and present and I am automatically calmer. Google the vagus nerve and how important it is. It is truly amazing how much this nerve impacts our wellbeing. And it is amazing how just some deep breathing will affect the vagus nerve. I mentioned this to my cousin who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and she laughed and said "Vegas?!". Well, it does sound the same. I do think humor is important and it an integral part of my demeanor - but if I am too stressed, I cannot find the humor at first.
Ask for help. Either from a person or from the universe. To me, asking the universe is prayer. I give thanks for my blessings and ask for God to help me. Even if you don't believe in God, by being a living creature we can look to the universe and to science. Energy is undeniable. If you need to feel better, harness energy. Energy from art, music, laughter, beauty, nature, love. Read an inspiring poem, book, etc. I swear just the power of classical music can reduce my stress. I often listen to celestial space music to help me sleep.
Sleep. I have a chronic health condition and I have been trying to learn how to deal with it for most of my adult life. My condition affects my digestion, my skin, my joints and my eyes. It also gives me brain fog. I get very depressed about my condition sometimes. I have learned that stress and lack of sleep affect me very quickly when I have stress and lack of rest. I have learned that by resting, I feel better. This was a very hard adaptation for me. I have never been one to get 8 hours of sleep. Most of my education and professional life I got 4 - 6. Well, not anymore I regularly get 8 and sometimes I even get 10. And it is ok, my arse did not fall off! Isn't that something I deserve without anything more? Certainly something I have earned after working so hard so many years. I plan to really experiment with this, maybe even take a nap once in a while (gasp).
Think. Think of what is causing the stress. Not the cause of the feeling of stress, but why whatever trigger created a reaction in me. Is it something real? Am I in danger? Am I doing something that is inconsistent with my values? Am i in fear? Am I angry? Am I tired? Do i have a need that is not being met? I took a nutrition course through my temp employer about 5 years ago. It had to do with making good food and eating choices. Many of our food choices are made out of emotion. It taught me that we all have essential needs and if we can tune into what these
needs are, then we will be better able to find ways to meet these needs without food or other harmful substances and behaviors. My vital needs are: spirituality, order/closure, financial security, give/do for others, personal time, being with people, movement.
Exercise. For me, this has been such a part of my personal hygiene that it is as normal as bathing and eating. If i do not move, i pay for it. I have had an active program of movement since i graduated from high school. When i was in public school, we had PE. PE lead to some sports and dance in high school and that caused me to think about how exercise benefits us. I have done it regularly every since - 30+ years. Not only does it cause neurotransmitters to be produced in our bodies - but it causes strength and tolerance, confidence and helps me clear my head. I can't live without it. I plan to be doing yoga and walking as long as I am literally able to move.
I hope someone reads this. I get so much inspiration and connection from the things i read, especially blogs because they are so personal and not agenda driven. I hope someone can connect with me on this entry. What have i left out? What do you do to combat stress?
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Procrastination?
I just had my DH gather our car VIN's and mileage last night. We are paying way too much for insurance so I am in the process of comparison shopping.
Today I am waiting for an assignment, so I started reading the Chicken Soup for the Soul - The Joy of Less. I love the very first quote "If you want to make an easy job seem might hard, just keep putting off doing it" - Olan Miller. So true. Have a wonderful day every one. I am not going to put off insurance shopping any longer!
Today I am waiting for an assignment, so I started reading the Chicken Soup for the Soul - The Joy of Less. I love the very first quote "If you want to make an easy job seem might hard, just keep putting off doing it" - Olan Miller. So true. Have a wonderful day every one. I am not going to put off insurance shopping any longer!
Monday, May 21, 2018
Another Load Done
Back to "what I did today to prepare for our move". We took the load of all the garage stuff that had been in the SUV for two weeks and unloaded. We are seriously running out of room! But I think we have about 1 more large stuff (grill, outside iron chairs, ladders, file cabinets, occasional tables, golf bags etc) we will move with bikes/trailer. And then we should just have about 2 more full loads of misc kitchen, personal effects, clothing). So, the light at the end of the tunnel...as they say.
We had friends I have known since middle school who stopped by RH on their way from my hometown (his mother passed, they had memorial and worked on decluttering her lake house). So, we did not get as much done as we usu do, but we had a nice visit and stayed up way too late enjoying a firepit night.
We briefly visited with my sister in law and her husband (road our ATV's by their house/through their field). They both seem really tired and both are tired/stressed from dealing with his mother's home/estate - 3 hours away. Brother in law had a lot in common with my friend from middle school - he is now going through the very same thing - smaller in scale (friend's mom was not quite a hoarded). But friend is a single child and they live 20 hours away in another state. It sure does make me think about 1) how I will deal with my own estate (lifetime of decluttering/purging). Either I will kick it in gear if DH goes before me, or I will not have to worry as much - as he will be forced to deal with it. Either way...I am looking at my belongings in a whole new way.
I am interested in hearing other peoples thoughts on this. Or just what you did this past weekend? Summer plans?
We had friends I have known since middle school who stopped by RH on their way from my hometown (his mother passed, they had memorial and worked on decluttering her lake house). So, we did not get as much done as we usu do, but we had a nice visit and stayed up way too late enjoying a firepit night.
We briefly visited with my sister in law and her husband (road our ATV's by their house/through their field). They both seem really tired and both are tired/stressed from dealing with his mother's home/estate - 3 hours away. Brother in law had a lot in common with my friend from middle school - he is now going through the very same thing - smaller in scale (friend's mom was not quite a hoarded). But friend is a single child and they live 20 hours away in another state. It sure does make me think about 1) how I will deal with my own estate (lifetime of decluttering/purging). Either I will kick it in gear if DH goes before me, or I will not have to worry as much - as he will be forced to deal with it. Either way...I am looking at my belongings in a whole new way.
I am interested in hearing other peoples thoughts on this. Or just what you did this past weekend? Summer plans?
Friday, May 18, 2018
133 Days
Till we are finished with these jobs in this city. I am wondering how different it will be when we don't have so many irons in the fire and what good things we can fill into that time! I got back from my latest road trip doing pretty well late Sunday night, but I must have been on autopilot because I crashed and felt terrible Wed and Thurs. My stomach really hurts and body aches all over - super tired. DH thinks it was a "bug" because he was really tired the week before. Well, I was so tired yesterday I skipped yoga and went to bed at 7:30pm. Slept great. I feel quite a bit better today. Just in time to drive 4 hours and unload a large heavy load. Oh, well...We are seeing progress...slowly. I am thinking i will get up early and take a nice long walk at RH Sat morning. I have heard nothing about the CH we are selling inspection, radon test nor appraisal...guess no news is good news.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Friday Eve
Taking the last of the worst load to RH this weekend (basically our entire garage). So heavy stuff like tool box, tools, car washing cabinet, motorcycle jack/lift, etc. We will have another load of large stuff better moved on the trailer than in the SUV, but it is not heavy stuff. Then all we will have left is clothes, kitchen, bathroom and misc.
DH is having hand surgery 5/30. So, he will be unable to help much after that, but I am thankful for the timing being what it is, we will be mostly finished. We are thinking about selling our large SUV then. I will be on a mission to further reduce our vehicle/bikes and to lower insurance costs by going to liab only on a couple. We are just paying so much in insurance/taxes on these depreciating assets that require so much time and energy maintaining. I am over it.
Today is Thursday! Or Friday Eve! Have a great day!
DH is having hand surgery 5/30. So, he will be unable to help much after that, but I am thankful for the timing being what it is, we will be mostly finished. We are thinking about selling our large SUV then. I will be on a mission to further reduce our vehicle/bikes and to lower insurance costs by going to liab only on a couple. We are just paying so much in insurance/taxes on these depreciating assets that require so much time and energy maintaining. I am over it.
Today is Thursday! Or Friday Eve! Have a great day!
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Waiting
Yoga last night was refreshing. Hot and hard, but worth it. Slept great. Except my male dog was restless and had some issues last night with pooping accident. Monday night he seemed to be panting a lot. He is really slowing down. I worry about him. Taking to vet today for shots. I will tell them about our experience with temp vet and them both getting so sick.
Today I am so tired...not sure it is the extra push in yoga last night, but my husband had this last week or so. Thinks it is going around, or allergies, or both. I will go for walk after vet, if I can before it gets dark.
A lot of my weariness is from the inspection, radon test and appraisal process. Just feel like when you are selling your house without a realtor, people sort of try to "test" you. Well, test away because we know what have a great house here and that someone will want it. I am sure the buyer still wants it, but sure would like some reassurance. The inspection was stressful, we have heard nothing on radon that they collected monitoring equipment for Monday (how long does it take? - I guess no news is good news). And the appraiser called me yesterday questioning my value and asked for my research - um, don't you work for the buyer/her mortgagor?! He said since there are no comp villas but for the one for $255 a year ago, he was going to compare our villa to townhouses instead of single family homes. He also disputed the square footage that I took directly from the county tax assessor site. We shall see. I think since the buyer is putting $80k down, we should not have a problem. But I cannot help worry. I just need this day and this week to pass, so things feel more definite and I can feel sure that all our work packing and moving are for real. Can't imagine if this falls through - having to stage the house again. Ugh - there is stuff everywhere.
I will just sit and calm myself with breathing, meditation and abiding in Jesus. Jesus please lift this anxiety from me, I trust in You. Amen.
Today I am so tired...not sure it is the extra push in yoga last night, but my husband had this last week or so. Thinks it is going around, or allergies, or both. I will go for walk after vet, if I can before it gets dark.
A lot of my weariness is from the inspection, radon test and appraisal process. Just feel like when you are selling your house without a realtor, people sort of try to "test" you. Well, test away because we know what have a great house here and that someone will want it. I am sure the buyer still wants it, but sure would like some reassurance. The inspection was stressful, we have heard nothing on radon that they collected monitoring equipment for Monday (how long does it take? - I guess no news is good news). And the appraiser called me yesterday questioning my value and asked for my research - um, don't you work for the buyer/her mortgagor?! He said since there are no comp villas but for the one for $255 a year ago, he was going to compare our villa to townhouses instead of single family homes. He also disputed the square footage that I took directly from the county tax assessor site. We shall see. I think since the buyer is putting $80k down, we should not have a problem. But I cannot help worry. I just need this day and this week to pass, so things feel more definite and I can feel sure that all our work packing and moving are for real. Can't imagine if this falls through - having to stage the house again. Ugh - there is stuff everywhere.
I will just sit and calm myself with breathing, meditation and abiding in Jesus. Jesus please lift this anxiety from me, I trust in You. Amen.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Bouquet and Mother's Day
As a young person, I have done many nice things. But mostly with fanfare and with expectations. At least loudly. For my nieces wedding, she carried a bouquet of some silk flowers and some handmade paper flowers. I gave her a large bag of flowers and told her to help herself and get rid of whatever she did not use. Included in this bunch were some of the ones that my grandmother, father and I bought for my dear late husband's funeral in 1993. I have held on to them all these years, unable to let go. This past winter I just got rid of his wallet. Anyway, at the wedding Saturday I asked my neice what she had that was old - she said specifically the flowers from DLH funeral. She never got to meet him, she was about 3 months old the first time I held her...at his funeral. My heart is full. Thank you Jesus. What a way to spend Mother's Day and I know my mom was there, I could feel her too
Monday, May 14, 2018
A Weekend Lived Deep
After couple hours at work Friday, went home to be there for home inspection...then walked the dogs and left to pick up my Aunt. We drove to her son's home, near where I grew up. Had a lovely meal out with my cousin and aunt Friday. Sat, I did relatives' cemetery circuit, including my mom's grave. Then my friend's mom's memorial. It was a lovely Catholic mass in a quaint little chapel, then we had graveside with her husband's plot. He passed in 1972. My friend now has neither parent, like me. He has a lovely wife and daughter. I enjoyed visiting with them. Then, back to cousins and another fun meal out. My friends even joined us. It was great. Then, Sunday 3 hours to my niece's wedding. it was lovely and fun, quirky just like her and her husband. My sister and husband were beaming as happy as the bride. We got to know my niece's husband and his family more. What a lovely occasion. I was so happy to meet my nephew's adorable girlfriend too. My face hurt from so much smiling. Then 4.5 hour drive home and bed! Whew, I am tuckered out!
Friday, May 11, 2018
Ships Passing
DH got home last night and I leave today for neice's wedding. Since I will not get home till late Sunday, DH is going to stay home and do our grocery shopping/food prep and keep the dogs. Plus, when we planned this, we were selling our house and we anticipated that DH might need to be available to show the house. We sold it FSBO and quicker than we thought.
I think I have found part of my problem food-wise and it might be peanut butter. I don't have a ton...about a tablespoon or 2...but I have some each day. So, I will avoid for a couple weeks and see if that helps. I am also going to ease off processed carbs and sugar. See how that goes before I really go crazy on elimination diet. Since we are moving and will be living in a small hotel room for 3-5 months, this is not good time to try to do anything too drastic.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Restless Much?
Last night I had some coffee with friends, then stopped by store and bought 2 window fans to have running to dissipate any possible radon. It was nice sleeping with a fan, so no matter what is not a complete waste of money. I lay there after my dinner of tuna and avocado and pickle...felt restless...thought I cant sleep...then I was out! Even got cool as morning came. I shut the windows though to about 2 inches, because I don't want rain to come in if it rains while I am at work all day. At least I remembered to shut the blinds today - it was not too hot when I got home last night 5:20, because the sun had moved around side of house a bit, but I bet it was pretty warm around 3 or so. This is our view, it looks southwest.
DH coming home today, so that is good. Missed him when he is gone. Then I turn around and head out with my aunt for my niece's wedding and my friend's mom's memorial en route to the wedding. By then, the inspection will be finished and the radon test ends on Monday 3:30pm. I told my husband I am fairly certain this will all go through without a hitch...but that little thread of possibility might be leading to this restless feeling...along with my stomach being so upset. I just finished my 3rd course of steroid that makes me feel like a million bucks...all until the day I stop...but I didn't remember it being this drastic...so part of my discontent lies in my realization that I must do a very strict elimination diet again and it is overwhelming. The last time I did it, I lost 16 pounds in 2 weeks...so, it is a bit intimidating. It is all about preparation...literally, and psychologically. But, I feel so bad this week that I think I should be ready soon, maybe next week if I can get DH to shop for me while I am gone. I won't get home Sunday till 9pm or so, so that is not a good way to get started (proper rest is huge). Then again, even more reason to kick into low gear.
DH coming home today, so that is good. Missed him when he is gone. Then I turn around and head out with my aunt for my niece's wedding and my friend's mom's memorial en route to the wedding. By then, the inspection will be finished and the radon test ends on Monday 3:30pm. I told my husband I am fairly certain this will all go through without a hitch...but that little thread of possibility might be leading to this restless feeling...along with my stomach being so upset. I just finished my 3rd course of steroid that makes me feel like a million bucks...all until the day I stop...but I didn't remember it being this drastic...so part of my discontent lies in my realization that I must do a very strict elimination diet again and it is overwhelming. The last time I did it, I lost 16 pounds in 2 weeks...so, it is a bit intimidating. It is all about preparation...literally, and psychologically. But, I feel so bad this week that I think I should be ready soon, maybe next week if I can get DH to shop for me while I am gone. I won't get home Sunday till 9pm or so, so that is not a good way to get started (proper rest is huge). Then again, even more reason to kick into low gear.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Tuesday, paying for it
This is from Tues Sept 19 - I just fixed a typo and it parked it right here. Stayed up too late watching football on TV. Before the game, they showed my city and snippets of the people and the fans here - gave me that pride of living here kind of feeling. Then they talked to a few of the players and asked how they get ready for a big game. Most of them mentioned music or listening to radio to get ready. Prayer, solitude. Amping up, getting psyched up. I used to be a wrestling cheerleader in high school. I know it seems weird being a wrestling cheerleader, but we had (and still do) a good wrestling program and my high school boyfriend was a state wrestler and I was proud of those guys and rooted them on. I learned their routines and habits to get prepped for meets. It was interesting. Their dedication as young men, was inspiring. A couple of the NFL football players sat down during the national anthem. Many of the people if my social media feed have a very strong emotion about it one way or another. It seems like one side or another. The opinions are so strong, there is little room for thought, only reaction. My DH has a strong reaction. I also have an opinion on it, but I am not willing to decide and just stop. I try to understand. I am just tired of looking at everything all or nothing, my side or your side, good or bad. I am just tired. And now after staying up too late and forgoing hot yoga to be home and watch the game, I am feeling blah. Sometimes, the answers do not come - like why the guy in Vegas did such a horrific act. Sometimes things don't fit into a box. Just last week I said to myself I was going to try to avoid negative news that tries to pit side against side. Now it seems almost impossible. Mix in the sad stories about the victims and I am sad as well as tired. Glad I have tools in my life to pick up and utilize.
Now I learn another person on my project at work is leaving. I have been a temp for nearly 10 years! I have been on several projects over the years. This last project I have been on has been nearly 3 years. At first I hated this project. The person who I worked closely with was confusing, left out crucial instruction, was frazzled with her own work/workload, was a little rough around the edges and unprofessional in how she spoke (oversharing personal information) and really was pretty rude most of the time. I spend a few nights crying at home to my husband. And I looked for other jobs. I did not look very hard. I am at a loss careerwise and after having a few disappointments, I gave up looking about the time I started working here.
After a while, I have adjusted...I don't let it bother me. See, I barely mentioned it. Haha. Perspective is a powerful thing.
Hot Yoga
Had a great hot yoga session last night. I needed it after schedule the radon inspection complication, instead of installing 2 days before reg inspection, they will come get Monday - after inspection. I could tell my sinuses were affected by allergies though, because I could not do eagle or warrior three on my right side. I usually sleep really well after yoga but I was wide awake last night. I went down to basement and plugged in 2 fans to move the air for radon testing. It really seems arbitrary and unregulated in our CH state. I just hope they find nothing and we all move on. I will open all the windows now that I am pretty sure it won't rain through Monday. It was not supposed to rain last night, but it did - right at dog walking time, of course. But I managed to get them out after it slowed to a sprinkle. My male dog barked at the front door at 10:30 and then stopped but kept looking at the door. I was creeped out, then I realized if someone were there, he would keep barking. But he just sat there...then it dawned on me...he was looking for DH! So funny how animals are. They know when things are out of their routine!
So, DH will be home tomorrow. I packed a couple areas last night, but that is all. I separated out a few more clothes to pack and take. We already have the load packed in our large SUV for the 5/18 weekend. So, I guess I am working on the load for Memorial Weekend. I think if we take a full load every weekend from now to June 27, we should be able to get it all without help and without a trailer (other than open trailer for the bikes). I am pretty sure we do not have such an involved move "in us" again. My DH seems to be really tired all the time. I am worried about him, I hope it is just all this stress and anticipation and activity surrounding our renovating one house, selling the other and moving (and his retirement!).
Have a great Wednesday!
So, DH will be home tomorrow. I packed a couple areas last night, but that is all. I separated out a few more clothes to pack and take. We already have the load packed in our large SUV for the 5/18 weekend. So, I guess I am working on the load for Memorial Weekend. I think if we take a full load every weekend from now to June 27, we should be able to get it all without help and without a trailer (other than open trailer for the bikes). I am pretty sure we do not have such an involved move "in us" again. My DH seems to be really tired all the time. I am worried about him, I hope it is just all this stress and anticipation and activity surrounding our renovating one house, selling the other and moving (and his retirement!).
Have a great Wednesday!
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Last Conference
My DH is out of town on the last professional conference he will go to as an employee. He left Monday. Last night was just me and the dogs. I usually don't sleep well the first night is gone, but I was so tired I slept deep last night. I was going to stay up and little later than usual and watch whatever I wanted to on TV...so much for that plan!
Today I am waiting to hear from the radon inspection company...if they don't call me by tonight, then I am afraid they won't have time to get their equipment set up. The regular inspection guy and I scheduled the inspection for 9:30am Friday and the radon people have to have their equipment in place 48 hours ahead of his inspection so he can collect it. I hope this radon process does not become a sticking point. We are already providing a $500 home warranty. I tend to think my husband and I will not be agreeable to forking over $1000 for radon mitigation. I guess we shall see...
Today I am waiting to hear from the radon inspection company...if they don't call me by tonight, then I am afraid they won't have time to get their equipment set up. The regular inspection guy and I scheduled the inspection for 9:30am Friday and the radon people have to have their equipment in place 48 hours ahead of his inspection so he can collect it. I hope this radon process does not become a sticking point. We are already providing a $500 home warranty. I tend to think my husband and I will not be agreeable to forking over $1000 for radon mitigation. I guess we shall see...
Monday, May 7, 2018
Saying Some Goals out Loud
I need to write some this down for accountability. I am feeling bad today. The course of steroids my doctor had me on ended this weekend and I feel horrible today. I had some edamame noodles and they upset my stomach. Either that or an allergy pill. I am going to avoid both tomorrow and see if I can do better. I am also going to do a 14 day no sugar and really limit my carbs. I am also going to pay off my credit card by the time husband retires so we can have our October celebration trip all paid for except for the airlines/pet sitting.
We did about 10 -14 day low carb program but I have gotten lazy because I am trying to eat down what is in our freezer/pantry. But, it is not really going to work - it is not worth getting sick. I have another 1.5 hour to get through my work day and I am not sure I am going to make it. On my way home I am going to take the earnest check, sale contract and the information requested by closing company...I will then be waiting to hear from inspector.
Crossing my fingers! Have a great Monday!
We did about 10 -14 day low carb program but I have gotten lazy because I am trying to eat down what is in our freezer/pantry. But, it is not really going to work - it is not worth getting sick. I have another 1.5 hour to get through my work day and I am not sure I am going to make it. On my way home I am going to take the earnest check, sale contract and the information requested by closing company...I will then be waiting to hear from inspector.
Crossing my fingers! Have a great Monday!
Saturday, May 5, 2018
It's the Final Countdown
Friday after work, we got with buyer again to pick closing. She wanted sooner to lock in her mortgage rate. So june 27! Initialed contract. Now I take to closing company.
Sat we installed new garage number pas and ordered new fridge filter. I got up, walked then finished painting deck. Then we packed up the garage and bunch of stuff on storage room. Now we are going out to hear relative's band. We are tired!
Oh, we also locked in our room at extended stay hotel. I am glad we did because they have foreign exchange college students come in for summer. They work at area's amusement park. We also saw size of room and what we will need.. at least it will have reg size fridge. Made list of stuff I do to finalize sale, move, give away and take to ext stay hotel.
Friday, May 4, 2018
What I Did Today to Further Our Move
This is what I should call the blog from now through the summer. Ha. We started packing up clothes out of the closet and this weekend, I am going to pack up remaining bed linens we won't need and try out my new space saver bags. After I finish painting the deck.
Our buyer has been by the house 3 times with friends to look at her new home. We talked about closing date and getting everything moved, etc. She had a friend with her last night, so she agreed to come back tonight and we would pick a closing date and a date to be out. I am leaving several things for her and her friend, including my writing table and our queen mattress and box springs/frame. I told her I had scheduled a pick up from the city, but they are like 60 and 90 days out and she said just leave it - she would get a new pad and use it and then get rid of it as she saw fit. Done! I will also leave some other misc furniture that we don't have room for (lamps, a chair, couple bed side tables). Last night DH and I started talking about just want is left to move and it seems like so much! I had a hard time getting to sleep. One foot in front of the other...
I walked with my friend last night. She will take full bed mattress/box springs and an armoire and full size mattress/box springs. Finally, another friend going to drive up and pick up couch, loveseat and chair/ottoman. We still have tool box and entire garage, bunch of coolers, 2 pet crates, wet/dry vac, bunch of golf stuff, 2 iron outdoor chairs, 2 folding outdoor chairs, 2 folding tables, 4 folding card table chairs, 2 rocking chairs, iron plant rack, 6 small plant stands/tables, blanket stand, 2 bed headboards, jewelry armoir, a grill, 2 filing cabinets, a printer, small book shelf, 2 bar stools and a final TV.
We are leaning toward closing on 7/2 and asking her time until 7/10 to get the couch, loveseat and chair/ottoman - since that is when my friend is going to drive up. That way, we pay June house payment and go pay extended stay hotel for July and then just take essentials we will need 3 months to hotel - clothes/toiletries/medicine. Maybe we can offer to pay utilities until 7/10 as consideration, but I don't think she will mind because she already volunteered and we are giving her bunch of stuff and a great deal on a $1200 year old washer dryer for $750.
Our buyer has been by the house 3 times with friends to look at her new home. We talked about closing date and getting everything moved, etc. She had a friend with her last night, so she agreed to come back tonight and we would pick a closing date and a date to be out. I am leaving several things for her and her friend, including my writing table and our queen mattress and box springs/frame. I told her I had scheduled a pick up from the city, but they are like 60 and 90 days out and she said just leave it - she would get a new pad and use it and then get rid of it as she saw fit. Done! I will also leave some other misc furniture that we don't have room for (lamps, a chair, couple bed side tables). Last night DH and I started talking about just want is left to move and it seems like so much! I had a hard time getting to sleep. One foot in front of the other...
I walked with my friend last night. She will take full bed mattress/box springs and an armoire and full size mattress/box springs. Finally, another friend going to drive up and pick up couch, loveseat and chair/ottoman. We still have tool box and entire garage, bunch of coolers, 2 pet crates, wet/dry vac, bunch of golf stuff, 2 iron outdoor chairs, 2 folding outdoor chairs, 2 folding tables, 4 folding card table chairs, 2 rocking chairs, iron plant rack, 6 small plant stands/tables, blanket stand, 2 bed headboards, jewelry armoir, a grill, 2 filing cabinets, a printer, small book shelf, 2 bar stools and a final TV.
We are leaning toward closing on 7/2 and asking her time until 7/10 to get the couch, loveseat and chair/ottoman - since that is when my friend is going to drive up. That way, we pay June house payment and go pay extended stay hotel for July and then just take essentials we will need 3 months to hotel - clothes/toiletries/medicine. Maybe we can offer to pay utilities until 7/10 as consideration, but I don't think she will mind because she already volunteered and we are giving her bunch of stuff and a great deal on a $1200 year old washer dryer for $750.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
I Did It
I cannot believe I did it. DH and I decided to spend half of the extra cash we made on our home sale on a fun trip. This is the money left over after we pay off RH from the net proceeds of CH. Of course, we are carrying this expense of the trip now until closing, but I will just pay my credit card off with my vacation/Roth savings and pay myself back out of the house sale.
We wanted tickets to see a legendary guitar player - Eric Clapton before it is too late. I missed out seeing one of my favorite artists in person - Prince. So, I am not waiting on this dream trip. So, we had to buy the tickets now before they were sold out. I am beyond excited. My husband is excited too, maybe not as much about seeing him in NYC as I am, but I figure in our old age we have plenty of time to sit on a beach. Let's do NYC while we can still get around well and walk to and from the concert from our hotel.
I truly cannot wait. We do not do stuff like this very often. The last trip we took was San Diego in 2015 and it was for DH work conference. We never took a honeymoon and last year we celebrated 10 year anniversary by going out to dinner. So, I want to spend a bit of our hard earned money on making some memories. Wow, what a fun trip to look forward to!
We wanted tickets to see a legendary guitar player - Eric Clapton before it is too late. I missed out seeing one of my favorite artists in person - Prince. So, I am not waiting on this dream trip. So, we had to buy the tickets now before they were sold out. I am beyond excited. My husband is excited too, maybe not as much about seeing him in NYC as I am, but I figure in our old age we have plenty of time to sit on a beach. Let's do NYC while we can still get around well and walk to and from the concert from our hotel.
I truly cannot wait. We do not do stuff like this very often. The last trip we took was San Diego in 2015 and it was for DH work conference. We never took a honeymoon and last year we celebrated 10 year anniversary by going out to dinner. So, I want to spend a bit of our hard earned money on making some memories. Wow, what a fun trip to look forward to!
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Home Warranties
Did hot yoga last night, it was powerful. Had not been in over a week since I traveled last week. After work and before yoga, my husband and I packed a bunch of clothes to take to RH and filled a large garbage size bag for thrift store.
So as part of our concessions, we agreed to purchase a Home Warranty for the buyer of our house. I personally think they are hype, but I have had one as a buyer a couple of times. And as a single women, they felt good to have, even if they are not really all that inclusive.
I am curious if anyone out there has experience in this arena. Suggestions? Good versus bad home warranty company? Costs?
I spoke with our buyer again Tuesday and asked her if she was still excited. She is! She wants to show her soon to be house to her friend and her kids. She is really nice and I think she will be pretty easy through inspection and closing. She offered flexibility in our removing all the furniture - she knows I am giving a lot of it away and will have people come get a lot of the big stuff. She is meeting with her lender today so we should be able to pin down a closing date tonight or tomorrow.
Love to hear any input on Home Warranties.
So as part of our concessions, we agreed to purchase a Home Warranty for the buyer of our house. I personally think they are hype, but I have had one as a buyer a couple of times. And as a single women, they felt good to have, even if they are not really all that inclusive.
I am curious if anyone out there has experience in this arena. Suggestions? Good versus bad home warranty company? Costs?
I spoke with our buyer again Tuesday and asked her if she was still excited. She is! She wants to show her soon to be house to her friend and her kids. She is really nice and I think she will be pretty easy through inspection and closing. She offered flexibility in our removing all the furniture - she knows I am giving a lot of it away and will have people come get a lot of the big stuff. She is meeting with her lender today so we should be able to pin down a closing date tonight or tomorrow.
Love to hear any input on Home Warranties.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
I Survived...
I survived A to Z challenge.
I didn't do all the links/photos. I mainly just wanted to see if I could find content to post everyday and I did. So, I will keep going.
Soon I will be saying we survived selling our house and moving! This is a momentous year and even if I stop after this year, it will be a time capsule for a big year of change. Downsizing and uncluttering, selling a house, rightsizing our stuff/activity/lifestyle, moving from city to country in diff state, retiring...
So I got my continuing ed finished for my prof license Thursday thru Saturday. We took our dogs and went to RH after my DH had minor surgery wed. I only worked 20 paid hours this past week. Then wed night I framed some art and hung it, and I and spent the rest of Wed evening unpacking my truck. Mostly clothes and racks for storage in the garage. I also hung some glass crystals to jazz up an old light fixture.
Thursday I visited with my in laws after my seminar and completed the chandelier for our entry way. Friday I lunched with my sister after my seminar and then worked on my attic storage and painted 2 lamps. I also hung 2 towel racks...so master bath is finished for RH. I was so tired I went to bed at 7.30! My seminar is an hour and a half drive from RH. So, last half day was Sat, then I ran home and got the dogs and drove another 4 hours back to CH and put 2nd coat of stain on CH deck. Whew. I did not get to the leaves---was too wet. I will do that late May.
My husband and I - I think we are still just in shock that our house is under contract and we have a more definite timeline to make everything feel real. The big stuff we are keeping/moving is almost all at RH, we just have a tool box and motorcycle jack/stand and misc pers effects (kitchen/bath/clothes) to move. We figure 3 or 4 more trips with our SUV and one trip with our trailer for the bikes. Can't believe it!
I didn't do all the links/photos. I mainly just wanted to see if I could find content to post everyday and I did. So, I will keep going.
Soon I will be saying we survived selling our house and moving! This is a momentous year and even if I stop after this year, it will be a time capsule for a big year of change. Downsizing and uncluttering, selling a house, rightsizing our stuff/activity/lifestyle, moving from city to country in diff state, retiring...
So I got my continuing ed finished for my prof license Thursday thru Saturday. We took our dogs and went to RH after my DH had minor surgery wed. I only worked 20 paid hours this past week. Then wed night I framed some art and hung it, and I and spent the rest of Wed evening unpacking my truck. Mostly clothes and racks for storage in the garage. I also hung some glass crystals to jazz up an old light fixture.
Thursday I visited with my in laws after my seminar and completed the chandelier for our entry way. Friday I lunched with my sister after my seminar and then worked on my attic storage and painted 2 lamps. I also hung 2 towel racks...so master bath is finished for RH. I was so tired I went to bed at 7.30! My seminar is an hour and a half drive from RH. So, last half day was Sat, then I ran home and got the dogs and drove another 4 hours back to CH and put 2nd coat of stain on CH deck. Whew. I did not get to the leaves---was too wet. I will do that late May.
My husband and I - I think we are still just in shock that our house is under contract and we have a more definite timeline to make everything feel real. The big stuff we are keeping/moving is almost all at RH, we just have a tool box and motorcycle jack/stand and misc pers effects (kitchen/bath/clothes) to move. We figure 3 or 4 more trips with our SUV and one trip with our trailer for the bikes. Can't believe it!
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