Yes, I am finally in.
Got to sleep in my new bedroom, albeit incomplete, but sleep I did. Achieved with the help of my daughter and her boyfriend who helped me with the heavy moving.
Now to only put in said room what is needed and liked and make it just perfect. The next two days will be spent pottering around achieving just this. The blinds/curtains will need to be updated to match the rest of the room. I will only get a chance to deal with this once I get the next job.
After this weekend will be setting up the study. This will take some shuffling around with pieces of furniture, but I am sure it will be a very workable and enjoyable space. Then and only then will we have our Dining Room back. Oh, joy of joys.
Then to move the furniture around in the Lounge Room one more time to be more user friendly.
It has been a big year.
One that has had it's many and various ups and downs. No matter what I still managed to throw more stuff out. I still gave away a massive amount of clothes and other items.
Unfortunately, I still lost my bet with my old neighbour that I made over 5 years ago!
Looking back now I wonder what was I thinking. Oh, I wasn't as I was brain dead and stressed to the max from all the years of care, lost loved ones, contesting of the Will, children, Centrelink, work and everything else on top of all of that.
At Christmas time I visit my old neighbour's home every Christmas morning (now 17 years) and the first thing she said was ... 'well, who won?',,,, I knew instantly what she was eluding to. It has always been at the back of my mind.
When I moved into Mum's home to take care of her all those years ago, my then neighbour helped me with some last items to be moved from the old rental and saw that ALL my stuff was stuffed to the gunnels under the Carport and she was also aware there was stuff of Mum's over in my now new neighbour's garage.
She shook her head when she saw what I had to live with and in. She said at the time that I wouldn't get it done within the 6 years of settling the Will, which I settled a whole 18 months early by the way. I remember thinking a bet might put a bomb under my bum to get things done and help keep me motivated. Either way it was a win/win for me as I saw it. So there and then we made a bet that in, and I decided 5 years, that I could clear the carport. This last October was the 5 year mark.
Well, I could have been clever and cleared my neighbour's garage after the carport or the pellet in the factory later. However, it was important not to impose on the very people who were so open heartedly helping me so I left the carport to last. Hence, the pellet at the factory was done and dusted sometime back now and the boxes and furniture in the neighbour's garage were all cleared awhile back also with the exception of one item - the spare fridge that will go in the shed once I have cleared that also..
Basically, all that is left is what is under the carport and what is in the attic and shed. As for the carport 75% of what was under the there has been dealt with so far, but the bet was it had to be all gone. Alas, that was not achieved. However, I have downsized by at the very least 50% of the original volume if not more. It has taken many give away's to charity, skips, trips to tips and bin nights to get there.
Now the camel's back is broken and I am well on my way to the downhill run of this marathon.
Due to losing this bet the wager was that the loser had to take the other out to dinner. For me this was still a win/win. I may even suggest to my friend we go for an afternoon spa instead. Forget the food and have an indulgent massage. This thought would never have occured to me back then. Hope she says yes. After all, I will be the one to pay the bill. This will have to wait till I am re-employed, but I am sure we will have a good laugh and discussion about my plight with maybe yet another wager on when I will finish with what is left.
I must say with the bet at the back of my mind it did help keep me going. Not overtly, but it was always there. Like she was watching over me sort of.
In the end, she was still amazed at how much had gotten done. This helps to show me that I am on the right track and even if I cannot always see the progress, progress is still slowly being made and with each step it accumulates and with more being done before you know so much more has gone and bitten the dust. When you have to live amongst the process it is difficult to 'SEE' exactly what you have achieved. Nice to be reminded how well one is doing and that you have not stopped and have not wallowed and have not given in or given up.
The Domino effect has begun. Will post more in the new year with some before and after photos.
One thing for sure is Missy made the most of the new bed within minutes of the set up. Here she is after I interrupted her peaceful slumber!
The lumps on either side of her are my long pillows as I am a side sleeper and are very comfortable. Missy obviously agrees. She does look comfortable, doesn't she.
Still have to get the bedside tables, lamps etc set up and later a bedhead. But till I have a job that will just have to wait.
Just taking one day at a time right now.
To all those who are going through a similar situation to myself don't give up. Just decide and get started even if it is one item or one shelf. Start small. Something is better than nothing.
I allowed myself 'time' in which to achieve my end goal. Do yourself a favour and do the same for yourself.
Take photos so that you can look back to see what you have achieved even if it is 'For Your Eyes Only' to help keep you motivated and know that you are getting the job done even if no one else can see it.
I am glad that I decided to be kind to myself and live a life that mattered with my family rather than allow the 'stuff' dictate my life to me. This is all important as life will and does keep on going regardless and one still has to pay the bills and be apart of your children's lives. The 'stuff' can wait. It ain't going nowhere!
I am so very glad that I decided to go about this massive task with humour. Without a good laugh I am not sure where I would be by now. This one is entirely up to the individual, but I highly recommend this one.
Lastly, to lessen the stress on oneself when starting and going through this process, remember, you are in charge not the 'stuff'. No matter how overwhelming your situation is, whether it is the garage or that closed door to 'that' room, you are still in charge of it's ultimate outcome.
Hope you all who celebrate Christmas had a wonderful time with family and friends.
Wishing you all a safe New Year and that 2013 will be better than the last one. It sure couldn't get any worse for myself. Only up up and away.
And as for the 'stuff' more will be up up and out in 2013!
That and a job would make me happier.
Cheers to one and all
Anita
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