continuing on with the makeover.The second bedroom looks nice.and my laptop and radio speakers are on a wheeling cart and much more pratical in the kitchen. I do leave it plugged in and now I have easy access to my recipes etc.. You can tell I am pleased because things are more funtional for me. Simplification and functionality are ongoing mantras for me now as my mobility worsens.The other thing that happens is more and more donations because I really can address what I really need now. At 72 it has an extra meaning because I do not want to leave a mess behind.( in case I move) .

Boy do I need help. To start with I can't do a lot of heavy and I'm in my 60's. I have to find a way to get this small kitchen in order. We don't have much space or cabinets. any advice would help

ann, you're moving right along with your makeover. I like the idea of the laptop on wheels. I have mine in the dining room so don't have easy access to recipes. You've given me food for thought.

Jackie, my advice would be to go through one shelf or drawer at a time and see if all needs to be there. Some things that are not used frequently could be stored somewhere else than in your cupboards. If you're like me, you even have things that you don't use but keep "in case" I need it.

I'm 57, soon to be 58 and I find as I age, I get more selective as to what I want to keep. I have a lot of "stuff" to go through but am more ruthless in my weeding than I've even been.

My productivity has been put on hold lately because I've caught the cold and also have asthma. I don't want to end up in the hospital (been there, done that, too many times in the past) so I'm trying to be good. But my head is spinning with all the things I want to do.

Andreala:
Write the things down until you feel better and can get to one thing or another when you feel better.

Ann:
So good to hear how positive you are! WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO you go woman!

tulabind, I've sent you a message which will show up in pulsing 'my stuff' located at the top line.

OK, I have to start. I don't feel good but I can't wait till I feel good. The house is turning into a disaster area. Yesterday, I cooked my first meal in 4 days (had take-out twice and DS cooked the other night). Last evening, I loaded the dishwasher and read in Maria's book, "Finally organized, finally free", which I've read in often but never read it all yet. It gave me the motivation to get started today.

Today, I washed my pots and pans that were piled up on the counter and stove top. After supper, I cleaned the stove top and part of the counter. I'm also on my second load of laundry. My energy is wearing out. That may be all I'll produce today but at least, I've started.

Now, I'll take some "me" time while the wash is going.....

Jackie, WELCOME! Andreala gave you some great advice. Start with one drawer at a time. When it comes time to get to the heavier stuff, check with a local church to see if there are youth group members who could help with the heavy lifting and such.

Andreala, glad to see you are taking some me time. Sounds like you have a good handle on getting things back into shape.

Today I did some cleaning in the kitchen and 3 loads of laundry. I'm tired but happy. It's awful how fast you lose your strength when you're inactive for a while. I also went for a slow walk around the block after supper.

Not strong but still here!!!

Yesterday, I did a 15 minute cleaning spree in our bedroom. I was amazed myself in what I did in that length of time. I also did a menu for the next week so I can go grocery shop and have all I need in one trip. I used to do this but haven't in ages. Time to shape up!!!

I also took the dog for a longer walk and it was easier than the day before. I'll get there!!!!

Go, Andreala! The menu plan is a boon, isn't it? And I love to see how much can be done in a short burst of time, though it sort of kills my favorite procrastination excuse of "It'll take too long..."