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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8 to 32 of 49. Go back in thread:
Posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 21:17:39
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 20:07:13
Thanks, Phil--made me laugh. I liked the reporter in the gas mask get-up.
And, you are right about the stuff everywhere. I had been trying to at least get rid of food trash that rots, but I missed one or two, and found them co-mingled with the newspapers and such. And lots of rotting food IN the fridge, but got rid of that today. Will have several trips to the curb for trash pick-up tomorrow. If I can only remember to get up early enough and do it (pick up is around 9), so have to do it before going to work.
Still haven't moved the fridge to see what migrated under there, though. Thanks for reminding me.
Posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 21:36:40
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent LOL » Phil, posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 21:17:39
Never move the fridge, God only know what lives under there.
My place isn't much better. I have taken to carrying a couple of cans of Lysol everywhere. They're my headlights.
You know, if you don't do the kitty litter thing daily, you'll receive an odoriferous reminder. These things hang in the air waiting for an unsuspecting nose to pass by. New Lysol, now with DDT! Killing bugs never smelled so good!
Posted by Tabitha on January 21, 2003, at 1:01:42
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent LOL » noa, posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 21:36:40
I had my house painted and the painter moved the fridge to paint behind it (gosh he was a great painter). Next time he saw me he asked "Do you have rabbits?" ..... Get the picture?
So about that egg, my guess is that Phil has a free-range chicken.
Posted by rayww on January 21, 2003, at 1:56:59
In reply to Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 12:46:21
I am tempted to go off my meds just so I can get into the swing of housework again. I wait and wait for the mood to strike, so willing to get up in the middle of the night or whenever it calls, but my voice is silent, and I am feeling lazy still. Just about, I think, but then I find something else I would "rather" do.
To see organized seems so impossible, or is it impassable? My brain used to organize and sort data for me, but not any more. I'm confident it will get around to it again, but not until I correct my focus and clean the lens I am viewing life through. Little cloudy today I guess.
Your post brought laughter to the babble community. Is anyone out there able to follow a daily routine? I find routine to be extremely high stress because I don't like forcing myself to do something that I'm not on the swing of at the moment.
Oh pleasant swing, where are you?
Posted by IsoM on January 21, 2003, at 2:25:06
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by rayww on January 21, 2003, at 1:56:59
Everyday, I get out of bed - can't wet it so I head to the bathroom first thing. Cats follow me clamouring for breakfast, so they get fed. Gotta have my huge mug of tea as I check my email. Eventually by the end of the day, I make it back to bed.
Now there's an easy routine to follow & quite flexible. I mean, you can include eating if you wish, or even wander outside occasionally to see if there's mail. Add or subtract activities as needed. Like I said, daily routines are easy.
Posted by rayww on January 21, 2003, at 2:33:13
In reply to Daily routines are easy... » rayww, posted by IsoM on January 21, 2003, at 2:25:06
I'm LOL so glad LOL to know LOL that one counts LOL.
Actually, it's not all that funny is it?
Posted by coral on January 21, 2003, at 5:01:35
In reply to Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 12:46:21
Thank you, Noa!!
For MONTHS now, I've been threatening to clean my office. Actually, did get one section done but the drawer in the mini-file cabinet broke so that brought EVERYTHING to a screeching halt. I'm sure everyone understands why a broken file drawer would prevent me from tackling the dust bunny herds that occupy ..... well..... everywhere.
You've given me inspiration to continue the battle before I lose the one spot that is clean!
Thanks!
Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 5:44:53
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent LOL » noa, posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 21:36:40
I sometimes wish I had a cat, but it is the cleaning that stops me (oh, and yeah, I think I'm allergic, too, but it's mostly the cleaning). I can't clean up my own mess, let alone another living being's.
Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 5:46:47
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by rayww on January 21, 2003, at 1:56:59
Thanks. Glad you can relate (or am I?)
Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 5:49:00
In reply to Re: Noa is an inspiration, posted by coral on January 21, 2003, at 5:01:35
>>I'm sure everyone understands why a broken file drawer would prevent me from tackling the dust bunny herds that occupy ..... well..... everywhere.
OH YEAH! In fact, I bet we could generate a wonderful list of "halt screechers", ie, things that make it impossible to go on with the task.
Posted by yaya on January 21, 2003, at 6:39:30
In reply to Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 12:46:21
Congratulations! I sure could use some of that energy and inspiration. I'm going on six months now. I did get some Christmas decorations put away, but I still have about seven boxes in my living room. Oh well...tomorrow's another day...
Posted by Phil on January 21, 2003, at 7:05:35
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent LOL » Phil, posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 5:44:53
Noa, You 'would' clean the cat box!! Or else. haha
Posted by coral on January 21, 2003, at 8:12:24
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by yaya on January 21, 2003, at 6:39:30
Our TREE is still up and the Christmas dishes are still on the table and buffet (at least they're washed) LOL
And, I won't mention the Halloween decorations on the porch.
Posted by yaya on January 21, 2003, at 11:21:31
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by coral on January 21, 2003, at 8:12:24
Oh my! I guess I'm not alone in this area. I do manage to get the kitty litter box cleaned, but there are times when I can't face the chore (like right now) so I filled my sink with Pine Sol.
Posted by IsoM on January 21, 2003, at 12:50:32
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by yaya on January 21, 2003, at 11:21:31
I'd just like to tell you, Noa (in all seriousness but also with a goofy, crooked smile on my face) that you must've been an inspiration to me.
When I read your original post, I thought "she's a great writer with a real sense of humour & should be writing a column for a local paper & work up from there to greater things". Heck! You're every bit as funny, or more, as Dave Barry & Erma Bombeck (is she even around any more?). If they can make money from it, so should you.
After sending off a quick (not so funny) quip to rayww, I went into my kitchen around midnight. What with stress lately & an upset stomach from it, I couldn't sleep. So I stayed up till 3 AM & cleaned. Wow! I now have clean dishes, both sinks clean & empty, & can find stuff. Well, at least some stuff - those I washed.
Go, Noa!! You may serve as the beacon for all of us disorganised, anxious slobs who are afraid someone may actually drop in to visit.I looked up the meaning of Noa (even if it's not your real name) & it says it's an Arabic version meaning "light". Yes!! That's our Noa - a light for all "wanna-be tidy & organised" slobs.
Posted by IsoM on January 21, 2003, at 13:15:00
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent LOL » Phil, posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 5:44:53
Would you believe it, Noa? That's the one area in my place that's clean, VERY clean! I love my kitties but I loathe the smell & dirt of a litter box, so I scoop it a number of times a day. Plus the fact, if I didn't, they'd find a unsuitable place to go. They're more finicky than I am about cleanliness.
Posted by OddipusRex on January 21, 2003, at 16:10:45
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Inspiration - for Noa, posted by IsoM on January 21, 2003, at 12:50:32
I did all my laundry! It was an inspiration for me too.
> I'd just like to tell you, Noa (in all seriousness but also with a goofy, crooked smile on my face) that you must've been an inspiration to me.
>
> When I read your original post, I thought "she's a great writer with a real sense of humour & should be writing a column for a local paper & work up from there to greater things". Heck! You're every bit as funny, or more, as Dave Barry & Erma Bombeck (is she even around any more?). If they can make money from it, so should you.
>
> After sending off a quick (not so funny) quip to rayww, I went into my kitchen around midnight. What with stress lately & an upset stomach from it, I couldn't sleep. So I stayed up till 3 AM & cleaned. Wow! I now have clean dishes, both sinks clean & empty, & can find stuff. Well, at least some stuff - those I washed.
>
> Go, Noa!! You may serve as the beacon for all of us disorganised, anxious slobs who are afraid someone may actually drop in to visit.I looked up the meaning of Noa (even if it's not your real name) & it says it's an Arabic version meaning "light". Yes!! That's our Noa - a light for all "wanna-be tidy & organised" slobs.
Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 19:15:57
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Inspiration - for Noa, posted by IsoM on January 21, 2003, at 12:50:32
Thanks for the kudos, Iso. And YAY for you and your late-nite cleaning spree!
I have to say, as much as what I did IS only a dent, it was nice to come home from work today and actually see the surfaces, like the kitchen table.
Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 19:17:14
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Inspiration - for Noa, posted by OddipusRex on January 21, 2003, at 16:10:45
Posted by coral on January 21, 2003, at 20:07:34
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Inspiration - for Noa » IsoM, posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 19:15:57
Dear Noa:
You could FIND your kitchen table? I think we have one but I'm not sure........
BTW, keep up the good work. We're all marching toward ... (dare I say it?) neatness......
Posted by shar on January 21, 2003, at 23:13:42
In reply to Disaster Area Develops Dent, posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 12:46:21
"It's really only a dent," said the bewildered noa, "but I hope it is a good start, at least I can see some of my surfaces."
Noa,
I believe the latest research in this area concludes that if you can see surfaces, it is officially more than a dent....8-)Heartiest congratulations on your success.
Green with envy,
Shar
Posted by coral on January 24, 2003, at 5:08:45
In reply to Re: Disaster Area Develops Dent » noa, posted by shar on January 21, 2003, at 23:13:42
I have a new computer that won't be installed until I get my office cleaned. I'm concerned that the new computer will be obsolete by that time. HELP!!!
Posted by noa on January 24, 2003, at 5:29:50
In reply to Re: seeking inspiration!, posted by coral on January 24, 2003, at 5:08:45
LOL.
YOu can do it. Focus on just the area where the computer stuff has to go. Janice, who used to frequent PB, had suggested the egg time approach--set it for 10 minutes or 15 and clean just that much time once a day.
Just starting is the hardest, I find.
Posted by coral on January 24, 2003, at 13:43:34
In reply to Re: seeking inspiration! » coral, posted by noa on January 24, 2003, at 5:29:50
Thank you, Noa.
Cleaned off a chair today!
:)
Coral
Posted by IsoM on January 24, 2003, at 13:55:40
In reply to Re: seeking inspiration!, posted by coral on January 24, 2003, at 5:08:45
Coral, I'm trying to do a major clean & organisation of my house. After a grueling 1 1/2 months of reading, numerous phone calls (many of the numbers given me weren't even the right ones), talking to realtors, & the most kind helpful mortgage broker I've ever seen, I (well, actually my son) will be the owners of our own home - at last!!! Plus I've been dealing with a very sick kitty for the last 3 weeks. I'm hoping to finally get organised & maintain it. I've been stressed to the max & I handle stress very poorly.
I'll suggest something for your office I'm going to use for myself. But don't make the mistake of trying to accomplish this in one day. Pace yourself. A good marathon runner always paces himself - consider this a marathon.
1. Get a number of large cardboard boxes. An excess is better than running out & needing more.
2. With a large dark marker, label each box (e.g. letters, or papers to look over, or pens/pencils, paperclips & paraphenilia - whatever you need to label).
3. Then starting in one corner, just drop in each item you pick up. Don't bother checking it over - that can be done once the office is cleared. Don't make the mistake I sometimes do of starting to pick & choose from here & there. Start in that corner & move your way progressively through the rest of the room.4. I would suggest having a separate box for garbage & another for items you're not quite certain where they fit. In half a day, the office should be clear & empty except for boxes.
5. Move all boxes out of the room, & vacuum, dust, & wipe. Your office will now be ready for your new computer.
6. It's maddening to have all those wires & cables that are attached from your comp to printers, scanners, speakers, etc. Most office supply depots have inexpensive flexible tubing you can run the cables & wires through to keep them tidy. You can also buy some vinyl coated hooks in different sizes & attach them to the side of your desk or wall to hold some shorter cables & wires out of the way.
7. Then choose one or two boxes a day to sort out. Pick the needed things first like paraphenelia & papers.
8. I have a few inexpensive magazine holders to keep papers in.
http://www.schoolsupply.com.au/images/2010001.jpg
It takes up less room than in & out trays, & it's easier to leaf through the stack to find what I need. If you have lots of papers, I'd suggest about 5-8 of them with labels of A-D, E-M, N-S, & T-Z on each one to keep them in order. Be frugal, don't buy anything until you need to, otherwise you add to the clutter. Make sure it has a real use in your office.9. If you have a computer hutch, keep related books on top of it, & software you don't need often in the small cupboard or shelves. Keep what's needed the most in easy reach & quick to find.
10. Have your phone & phone book on a small table or shelf beside you.
I'm really a whizz at organisation. I don't think it's fair to say ADD people aren't good at organising. It's just I'm 200% better at disorganising!! If only I could remember to put everything back when I was finished with it!
I hope these steps are helpful to you. Pick & choose what may apply best. It's tailored for my needs, not yours, so I'm not certain if it'll work for you.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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