YEA GONERS! another month gone by. If you are like me, I slowed down quite a bit this month with my ROTM, but did a few babysteps (not like I wanted to plan to do though), and made some headway. There is another yard sale going on at the store in Aug some time so will be working on items to sell there so that will get my action going!

Where are you at since last month in your ROTM?

Diana we are careful with the fireworks. We did kill or stun a fish at the pond and did have a small fire which we made sure was put out. (we didn't tell me aunt) The big ones we have the garden hose ready and we are the older ones. We did have and blow up a lot of things.

The birthday party was great and DGS1 LOVED the garage truck which thrilled me. Of course after taking parents up there and then taking them to the fireworks and cooking for fireworks I was exhausted. DM just can't walk outside with walker and help. DF isn't sure on his feet either.

Today I'm just taking it easy. I'm worn out. Plus I want to gt ready for eye deal tomorrow. Then I'll decide on ROTM when I kknow how I am.

Cindy

Cindy
Prayers for you tomorrow.

Of course things happen whn you don't expect it! Lost power for 4 1/2 hours or so. Took a nap, read, worked on a braclet.
My DS2 is about a mile or so away from me, and he was back up in
15 minutes. Kept in touch thru cell phone. All is well now.
Cleaned the vanity in the main bath. Just needed straightening out. (I so LOVE being a GONer and BRANCHER!) LOL.

Cindy, the fireworks sound wonderful.

Diana, sorry to hear that you were without power. Heard on the news this morning that Chicago had a major storm last night.

Well, I, too, slowed down considerably on the ROTM work, last month, but I think I made up for it, yesterday. Did several baby steps.

I moved one of the small bookcases back into the room and started setting it up. But then, I stopped because I didn't know if DD would want it in her closet for her shoes. She wasn't home this weekend, so, I will ask her when she comes back, later today.

Tossed a bunch of papers, put away some things. The closet is still a mess, though; so, a lot more to do.

I guess the 3rd room will be my ROTM again.

I didn't get that storm or hear it, but have heard lots of roads are closed due to trees and lines down. We were lucky.

This month is a maintenance month for me.....ROTM will still be office, but many things going on here, so it will be more like whole house.

Packing up things in basement to donate, guest bedroom donations boxed up, kitchen straightened, etc.

Two jobs is kicking my butt and the extreme heat is taking its toll as well, so I decided that this month would be coasting and if I make progress, then it is meant to be. I want to maintain, not grow any more piles and just take it easy.

I know I will get things done in the office and will post as progress is made.

Smart move BL! I agree you do what you can whenever. How is the new job going?

Beagle I think I will join you in a maintenance month. That sounds right up my alley with working on getting more involed in branches.

The surgey went great and I'm doing fine. It's a little tender but that all. I got my contacts back in so I can see again. My glasses were so old they weren't much use.

Today I went and got a dress I had found Sunday and decided I loved. Talked to a friend about how we were going to teach next year. Then got groceries. OUCH! And I forgot a couple of things. I am working on getting a stock pile of paper stuff so I don't have to worry about them.

I took a fairly long nap. I guess I was tired. Then I washed the dog and now I'm doing her bed. I plan on letting her stay in tomorrow night. She hates fireworks.

I need to double check with DD about going there. I wish she would let me know for sure. SonIL is allowed to walk but he's not good yet.

Right now I'm going to go water the yeard some. We need rain so bad.

Cindy

Good for you Cindy. As far as the dog goes, mine hated fireworks, scared the poop out of them, so to speak! I would suggest some kids benedryl, following the pound dosage to knock her out and relieve the stress. This was recommended by my vet and worked like a charm. Glad the surgery went well. Do take it easy. We push ourselves too hard sometimes. When will we ever learn??!!

Dianaro, the new job is tedious. It takes a long time to get to the point of making a paycheck. I have four active buyers I am working with right now but it will definitely take some time to get them to closing on a house, one won't be able to buy til end of the year due to credit, another has a spouse who is always on the road, and a third is un realistic and demanding. If I can't get him into the house we have an offer on, then I will probably fire him as a client. Don't need the stresss of dealing with someone who is demanding and a control freak (in a bad way).kThe fourth is sweet but not in a hurry. Glad that SO is being very supportive of me in this. Hard to believe we celebrated 2 years together on the second. There are ups and downs but generally good. He just found out the closing date for his plant and now we have to wait and see where he will be going to or if he will be on unemployment for a while. At almost fifty three, he has NEVER been without a job, so you can imagine the stress he(and of course me) is feeling. I am focusing on us and keeping his attitide in place now too. That is just one more reason ROTM is maintenance.

Sorry BL that it is taking so long for sales, but have four (or maybe only three) clients in this economy is pretty darn good.
Just hope the sales go thru.

SO sounds like a resourceful guy....even if his plant closes, he will come up with something. What? 2 years already? Wow.

Cindy:
Glad the sugery went so well. Amazing! You aren't suppose to
lift anything over a few pounds I heard, so please take care.

HAPPY 4th Of July everyone! Have a great celebration.

BL: Happy anniversary!

I am planning to do a few baby steps in the 3rd room, today. Wish me luck!

Oh the surgey was just to take a lump off the bottom eye lid. I can lift anything I want. The only thing I couldn't do was wear a contact in that eye for a day. That's the eye for close up so reading glasses fixed that part, it was I didn't have the faraway contact that was driving me nuts. In other words without my contacts I really can't see worth a hoot.

I have decided to use this month to get involed with branches. I have finished the bathroom one and catch up with the dining room one. I am going to try and get the living room one tomorrow. I should be able to.

I've got neighbors coming for fireworks. I ate supper over there and man was it good. I have enough leftovers for the next two days.

Cindy

Cindy:
Glad to hear your surgery was less than I thought!

Branches is such a great way to get caught up!

The only thing that I needed to do in the living was go through a drawer in an old desk I never use. I did and straightenened it so it's done now too.

Also this morning I put away all the attic stuff. That included fourth's decorations. Then I tackled some tree limbs. It's bad when I can't walk without getting hit in the head. Of course I can only reach so high so I'm sure a tall person isn't going to appericate as much.

Then I sprayed weed killer on things. I HATE weeds and I have some trees growing where they shouldn't. I also cut an arrangment of crap myrtle. They won't last long but it trimmed the bush some.

Tonight Iam going to a friends to toast their new baby. (Don't pay any attention to the fact that he's now a year old). Then toorrow is baby sitting DGS2 while his mother goes with the other one tothe zoo.

Right now I'm going to go do an errand and then will go to my friends.


Cindy

Dianaro, it is a process, but I am establishing a pipeline for the future and the friend I am working for is feeding me new leads almost daily. It is just a lot of juggling and I'm not quite back in the saddle yet. I WILL get there.

He will definitely come up with something as he has almost twenty years seniority with the company but they are playing games, not calling it a plant closing so they can just plug people in wherever they want, which will probably mean 3rd shift(midnites) and he's not happy about that. It will work out in the long run, its just a real stressful time right now.

And on top of it all, I have been "recruited" to help a friend throw a graduation party for their son in a week and a half.

So it is just coasting this month!

Well BL you could use a little coasting time after how busy you have been! Of course you were recruited to help, they KNOW
you commit to getting things done!

I got a box for all the patrictic stuff and it's boxed up ready for the attic. I'll take it up Tuesday morning or tomorrow is it's cooler. Today was to hot.

Also did a bunch of branch work today. Now if I would just vacum I would be really happy.

Tomorrow I have lots of appointments and then I can get back to the kitchen.

Cindy

Dianaro, I got recruited because they know I used to do this for a living. Showed some people a house to lease on Wed then met the friends for drinks late afternoon and went over the meal plan and set up for the party. They were thrilled as we got it all set up. SO and I are doing rigatoni with meat sauce, mini smokey links in bbq and a veggie and fruit tray. Cost will be about $75 but SO said not to worry as he's covering the cost since they helped him throw his daughters party 2 years ago. Already cooked up the meat(In freezer) and got the sauce,pasta, and cheese

Office is slow go but have made a bit of progress. Kitchen is clean & even swept and mopped floor, living room is in good shape and so is dining and guest rooms. This week, strip master bed, do laundry, clean bathroom, and do whole house sweep.

will be doing a bit of work in office too. Wrote my second offer yesterday and will be submitting later today after my buyer sends it back. Could take a while as its a short sale and no where near what the seller owes, and unfortunately banks take their time, so its a wait and see game. Fine.....I will just keep filling my pipeline for future biz.

off to work now.....good luck this week everyone!!

Had two items in the laundry that go in the 4th box. DS2 has removed his car from my garage so I have plenty of room to get the box put away. Garage is still in good shape from when DD2 was here with the boys and helped me get it done!

Great planning BL~and good that SO can cover the cost for the party. If you can do it great going!

Dgs1 will be visiting the end of the month, and said he would help me with a few things (I am thinking the rest of the ROTM)
so that is something to plan for and hopefully FINALLY finish up!

Well the second offer didn't fly and the buyer(who lives out of state) is a bit of a psycho who wants evertyhing for nothing. Agent measured rooms wrong and he went off on me about the incorrect dimensions. I measured all rooms and even met his brother in law there to walk through for him. for just under a five hundred dollar paycheck(with almost 2 months of time invested), I don't need the stress of someone belittling me over something I didn't do, so I fired him! My friend said I should have done it sooner.

The party went well. I used sauces from the house for the cocktail franks and they were the hit of the nite. I had pan fried eight pounds and ended up running out of bbq, so improvised. 2 bottles of reg sweet, 1 bottle of chipotle, 1 bottle of wing sauce and a bottle of honey tomato bacon french dressing. Sweet, a touch of spice and people were eating it by the bowl. Ditto with the pasta, bottled sauce, lots of extra seasonings, lots of burger and some ground pork for flavor, filled a big nesco roaster and the kids ate on it all nite long. Big success!

Unfortunately all the running has had me sick the past 2 days, so I showed a house yesterday and vegged the rest of the day. Still waiting for the dr to call back so I can see her today, but just sitting indoors and avoiding the world, can't even make phone calls for the new job as I have only had a hoarse whisper the past two days too.

Planning on working in the office today and making a dent in here.

BL: Sorry to hear that you are sick. You take it easy and take care of yourself and get better soon. Don't overdo things.

REST Beaglelady! Sounds like another great succss on your part! WHOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO you go girl!

Glad you fired the jerk!

I started on the crafts closet this evening. Pulled just about everything out and now, the rest of the room is a mess!

The 2 overhead shelves are OK - there are a couple of baskets of DD's stuff that she wanted kept which we should go through again, but not today.

I tidied the metal shelving unit on which I keep the crafts supplies.

Next on the agenda: go through the chest of drawers (my mother's papers, etc.)

Bless ((((((HUGS)))))))).

Bless, that is the best way and we both know it. You have to start at the base and build on it. You will get it done.

I could not get into the dr. Apparrently they were swamped. Phone busy all day. still don't have voice and throat is still sore. Throwing up several times I am sure, did not help it. Lower back si killiing me too so I called off the job and am on way to dr. now. They said they would fit me in.

But, feeling bad does have its benefits. I sat and worked through papers, not moving but making some progress. Have a 2 drawer lateral file cabinet that was under the table that has my computer and printers that is in an L shape next to the desk. It was not working so I pulled it out and moved it across the room and put a file stacker, a clock, pencil sharpener, and the electronic manuals binder on it, getting them all away from the working areas. Now I can slide under the table for easier working. In the process, I went through all the accumulation on the floor and filled a bag of trash(stuff no longer using) and filed a bunch of things in the basket in the closet. Not feeling good can be productive!

I also went through the stack sitting on the pulled out desk drawer of paid bills and made sure they were logged in the bills binder then filed them, so now the floor is actually three quarters red oak! Just going to continue today after seeing the dr. and just keep plugging away. Gonna be 104 today so going out is going to be minimal.

Did a bunch of grass watering yesterday and the birds loved me....lots of singing in my front and back yards!

Also went through kitchen and fridge tossing old stuff for trash day.

Have a great day everyone!

Hope you are okay BL. Sounds like a strep throat to me,
You didn't listen to GONer mom about ressting!

dianaro, actually found out it is severe laryngitis. Dr has me on antibiotics and steroids, but as of this morning I finally has a hoarse whisper back. Got a call from a friend yesterday and told her we would talk later in the week. And let me tell you, when you have to make a call with no voice to an automated service, forget it....it doesn't understand whispers!!!

As for the back, somehow I pulled it. She said get a back brace for work and gave me some amazing drugs, still felt the pain but the brain didn't care!

Did manage to order new biz cards for the new location we are at and got a great deal on them. And sent out some follow up emails too. Didn't make much more progress in the house, just took it easy as the pain pills put me to sleep within thirty minutes of taking them. Not a problem.....I need the rest.

Off today and plan is for meeting at new job then home to rest. If I get more done in office, great, if not, then early to bed as back to the physical job tomorrow

Whew, BL, glad you have antibitics and being taken care of wih the pills. Resting? That is awesome.

Glad it wasn't strep!

It has been good to have the time off, but the frustrating part is that the only time I seem to have time off is when I am not feeling good so I cannot be productive or enjoy the time off.

The pulled back is finally starting to feel better. Decided to take one more day and just rest. Call in to dr for an extended excuse to turn in to work so it onlly counts as one abscence, not two. Have continued to do little bits in the office as well and it is doing better.

The goal is to finish the small stuff today so I have more functional space for the real estate business. I am pleased with my progress, just not the lack of a voice yet and the still tight back. The muxcle relaxers are working so, yes.....I have gotten lots of rest the past few days.

I have a list of things I want to get done today but refuse to push...what gets done gets done.

BL: Hope you get sufficient time off to completely rest and get better. Take care of yourself.

Thanks bless, but back to work today. Still stiff and refuse to push myself. But...., I did get a lot done in the office and think I figured out a way to handle all these leads being sent to me for follow up. Yes, email is how they come in, but have not found an efficient way on the computer to schedule follow up and I suck at excel.

So I have printed them off, have a 1 to 31 book and make notes on each one as way to follow up

Gotta start making some money so I can go to part time at the job thats gonna kill my back!

Take care BL. Good idea on the sorter, use to use one years ago. That was good thinking.

I am excited about DGS coming in a week to help me with the basement finishing up, as we WILL finish most of the moving and shaking I need help with. Maybe I can finally finish it!

Haven't really done much more in the 3rd bedroom this week (evenings after work have been busy doing other things) but plan to spend some time in there tonight.

I need to go through the 4 drawer chest of drawers I have in the closet. This is the last piece of furniture from a bedroom set I bought for $200 from a thrift store back in 1980! It is particle board, but has given me good use for the past 32 (!) years. Except now, the bottom of one drawer keeps falling down - I've tried to fix it, but the particle board is so chipped that the nails don't hold. I guess the time has come to toss this piece of furniture, but, before I do, I need to go through what I store in it and condense it and find new storage for the items I will be keeping.

Do you have to toss it because of the drawer Bless? You could store a container or two in the space and toss the drawer out that is broken, you keep it in the closet,right? Just a thought.

Diana, you are supposed to encourage me to toss things, not give me suggestions about how to keep them!

Yes, it's in the closet and out of sight. I will give it more thought.

Just know how you like to use what you have before you spend money on other things,Bless. and I figured if 3/4 of the dresser is usable, and you need/want what is in it, then take the broken part out and use it differently. You are so busy all the time, when would you find time to shop?

Diana, you know me too well! Ideally, I'd find other storage for the items I wanted to keep and not get another chest of drawers to replace the one I have.

I took a look at what I had in there, yesterday: DM's files & mementos (some of which I guess I am ready to part with now), some picture frames (which could be donated), 2 pairs of DD's baby shoes (awwww, so tiny!) which, when I showed her, she said, "Why are you keeping them?", the jewelery box DD gave to DM for a birthday which says "Grandmother" and the box it came in (DM kept a bead necklace DD had made for her in the box), some costume jewelery, and a few other things that I know I want to keep.

I guess I will first declutter/condense stuff. Then, see if I can repair the drawer one more time. If so, I will keep it, as it provides convenient storage (craft items can be stored in there!)

Yep, been friends on here a long time, right?
Sounds like a good plan.

Going to put the throws, extra pillows away in a cabinet, and
mentally plan the rest.

Not one, but 2 drawers were broken! The bottom of one came completely out when I tried to remove it. But both are fixed now, with nails (chip board really doesn't like nails!) I don't think they will hold as much weight as before, but it should work well enough for storing fabric and so forth.

Decluttering DM's papers is hard. I am more ready to toss now than I was earlier, but, with each piece of paper I toss, I feel I am erasing one more piece of evidence of her life.

Bless, I know exactly what you are going thru. I have all sorts of journals of mom's and cannot bring myself to even read them yet....

Remember they are just things, and you have your mom in your heart. Some things we keep forever, and others not. ((((HUGS)))).

Have spoken with the guys in the family, and they will do the important pieces of furniture moving for me next week, and then I can proceed with my grandson helping me, get my craft room items added to the room so I don't have to go up and down the stairs so frequently. YEA!

We can then declutter the last part of the basement ROTY, and do a huge happy dance~!

I started on the slow process of shredding DM's papers, yesterday. She had all her monthly statements, etc., neatly bundled by year, going back several years! Old paychecks contain social security numbers, so those have to be cut up very finely.

One drawer contained fabrics and one partly sewn garment. I will add them to the fabric stash.

Good job Bless. So proud of you.

Thanks, Diana. Still going through her papers and shredding as I go.

Need to write out a list of all that I would like to accomplish this upcoming week when DGs1 is here. He is going to be my legs going up and down the stairs. Items are pretty well organized just need to move some furniture in and some out.

Hi all,

Just checking in Can not get to this site all of the time so any responses please send to my e-mail. Thanks!

Going through apartment with a fine tooth comb and deleting bags of trash from Storage unit and other items I no longer want is going to new homes. I am hoping that by the end of the year I can get caught back up on my fees for the storage unit so I can totally delete everything in there and get it officially home so I can go through it all.

I have been going through bags, boxes, reorganizing and more reorganizing ever since Jan 2012 to try to bring what we have into perspective and delete the stuff we no longer want or need. But unfortunitly I also got behind in some things like rent of my shed which I am almost updated on now so hoping by Sept I can get the rest of our stuff home. Then I can deal properly with it all at my convience.

Still sore right now and taking it easy right now. And to top it all off trying to get my life to Normalcy (whatever that may mean).

Talk more later! When I can! Easiest way for responding is e-mails since it maybe a few weeks or so before I am back on here again.

Sarena:
So good to hear from you. Hope things work out. Write when you can.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow starts the finishing (I hope) of the ROTY . I should call it the ROOM of the YEARS! Having Dgs here to help will be wonderful~

Wow - it's the end of the month already! My indoor ROTM, my bedroom, has not seen any progress. I'll probably leave it as is until September when my DGCs are with their parents again.

In the meantime though, we have been concentrating on getting the vegetable garden weeded. What a job! Therefore, my garden is going to be declared my ROTM for July and Aug. In addition, there is garden produce to harvest and eat or preserve.

Working a bit at a time in various places.

Spent some time in basement and did some sweeoping and general cleaning. SO and his son hsve a different idea of clean than I do. Figure if I can get it to where it should be, then both of them have a bench mark to work from. I am also working on relaxing my standards a bit as well. I am learning....slowly....that teens do not clean like adults do..its a work in progress.(gotta keep telling myself that his ex was a miserable housekeeper and it will take time for them to come around too)

ROTM is moving slowly but surely. Things have been on a backburner this week due to some health issues but will keep plugging away.

Have made a list of things I want to work on in the house.

Will probably keep office as ROTM as the progress is really showing and I think I can almost finish it the way I have been tackling it.

Darlene
That sounds like a good plan to wait until the kids are gone to do the ROTM.

BL:
Wondered how you were doing. Glad you are back. Sorry you are still having health issues...do what you can.

Yes, some teenagers need a bit of guidance! Yes, sometimes GONers can be a little "over the top" once things are clean! LOL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Going to start our "project" today. Tomorrow I have a class, so by the time I get home not the energy I need, but with the cooler weather, who knows?

Still going through DM's papers that were stored in the chest of drawers. I am down to the last 10 or so files. I've just torn up all the letters I had written to her and my step-dad, that they had saved. Next file to go through - all the cards I had given her for birthdays, etc. I separated out the ones DD had given her, but DD thinks I should toss those, as well.

Obviously, this is still a little hard for me. Equally obviously, I'll be continuing with this room into next month!

Definitely hard Bless. You could put them aside for another time if you aren't sure, or keep them if you want to. Your decision. ((((HUGS)))).

Waiting to hear how all of you did this month before I close this thread up, but have started August's thread!

Diana, thanks for the hugs. I think I am ready to toss - my DD is not all that sentimental and I don't want to burden her with my memories.

Then go for it Queen!!!!!!!!