Nominated for Sisterhood of the World Award!!

Gail from  Snapshots in cursive nominated me for the  Sisterhood of the World award.

I’m speechless.

And very grateful, as well!

Thank you, Gail!

http://snapshotsincursive.com/2015/05/28/how-sweet-the-sisterhood-of-the-world-blogger-award

RULES:

* Thank the giver and link their blog to your post.
* Answer the 10 questions given to you.

* Pass the award on to 7 other bloggers of their choice and let them know that they have been nominated.

* Include the logo of the award in a post or on your blog.

Here they are:

1. On the bad days, how do you cheer yourself up?

A- Singing hymns, and Scripture songs always helps.  Also, talking to my brother!

2. Which is your favourite food?
A- It used to be bread, any kind.  Now that I’m gluten free, I’m really beginning to enjoy fresh vegetables more.

3. How do you let go?
A- Read a novel, or color a picture.

4. How much do you value ‘silence’?
A- So, so much!  My house is finally quiet after many years, and I just sit, soaking it in.

5. Will you hurt someone intentionally or lie to make them feel better?
A-  No, I don’t intentionally hurt people.  Sometimes I do, because I often speak before I think.  Trying to work on that bad habit.

6. Do you have faith in humanity? why or why not?
A- No, not really.  I know humanity is fallen, from Adam and Eve sinning.  Our only hope is through Jesus Christ, and His atoning blood.

7. One thing you really wish could come true?
A- To have an air conditioned vehicle again!  I live in Florida, and I melt every time I have to drive.

8. If you had to sum up your life in 10 or less words, what would they be?
A- A sinner saved by grace.  Love my girls, and family.

9. How do you express anger?
A- Too often, by sleeping.

10. What is the one thing that will turn you completely off about a person?
A- Bad grammar.  When I was in 8th grade, I red lined all my boyfriend’s love letters, and sent them back to him for correction.  What a word snob!
My List of Nominations Include:

Carmen

Kristen   

Nicole    

Janice

Dana

Shirley

Lee       

Doubling Down

(Please don’t ask about the 2 little chunks of red pepper– just pretend you didn’t see them, okay?? Please??)

Yep, that’s 2 3-hole purple paper punches.  When I was teaching, I used them ALL the time.  And why did I have 2 in the first place?  I’m sure you  can figure it out.  I was always losing one, using the other, until I lost it, and having to unearth the one.   Um hmmmm… Yes, I’ve always lived in my own special brand of chaos, ever since I moved outta my Mama’s house.

And I haven’t taught in, um… how many years now?   Several.  Okay, 6 and 1/2 years, if you ‘re gonna be picky about it.

So….. can I get rid of them?? Maybe? Possibly?  But what if I have to do a project, that I have to punch 3 holes in paper, right after I get rid of them??  (insert whiny voice here.)

Here they are:

In the Donate box.

Because, that’s real life, ya know.  You don’t need something till you get rid of it.   Yeah, yeah, I haven’t needed it in 6 years, so I might be safe.  But, I’m warning you right now, if I need it within the next 6 months, it’s coming outta YOUR pay, when I have to buy another one.

Alrighty then, onward to the next item.  A tape dispenser.

I know what you’re gonna say.  And no, I haven’t used it in 6 years either.  As a matter of fact, I don’t think anyone can use it, because the little rod that holds the tape in there is missing.   You want me to what??? (gasps in horror)  throw it away???  But, I’ll be killing Mother Earth, adding to the landfill!   Surely someone could use it for something…  Maybe I can give it to my Sister for Christmas, as a paperweight???

Decisions, decisions.  Those of you without slob brains, probably don’t know what I’m talking about.

Fine.  There, it’s in the trash.  May I please get out of the corner, and take off my “I am a hoarder” dunce cap?

I’m in such agony right now, from parting with my treasures… I don’t know how much more of this I can stand.

“It’s only getting rid of useless junk”, you say.  Ouch!  You’ve just stabbed me in the heart!

“De-clutter”, they said. ” It’ll be fun”, they said.  Yeah, right, like a root canal.

Linen Closet Clutter

Bottom of Linen Closet

Middle of Linen Closet

See all those boxes?  They have been that way since Brother and I switched rooms.  I don’t know when that was,  I can’t remember everything!  At least a coupla months.

I have used the washcloths outta there, but not much else.  Don’t need any shampoo, since my hair is less than an inch long, I’ll be good on the shampoo for 9 months or more!  Since I can see at least 5 shampoos, wonder if I should donate some?? Whaddya think??  (Update:  I did donate 7.)

The chaos looks pretty organized to me.  In boxes, instead of just randomly thrown around is organized, right?? Right??  Because boxes are containers, ya know.  And using containers means you’re organized.  Yep, I’m going with that.

What’s that?  You don’t think it looks very organized?  Well!  (huffy tone of voice)

We’ll just ask the professionals.

Oh, Ni-cole.

Oh, Kris-ten.

I gotta question for you ladies.  Things in containers are organized right?  So long as the containers aren’t overflowing?

No??? I’m flummoxed here.

Could you say that again?  Oh, cardboard boxes are NOT the preferred containers?  But they are free!

No, Kristen, I don’t have a Container Store frequent shopper account.  Could you use yours, and give me a friend’s discount??

Oh, you mean to be truly organized I have to know what I have, and it all has to be useful, not hoarded??

Huh, whaddaya know about that.

Top-after

Middle-after

Bottom-after

How’s that?  May I please have a gold star on my chore chart?

Scooter Storage Sequel

So sorry I didn’t get after photos of the Scooter Storage Space.

BUT……..

I did get pix after it was transformed into my new….

Superb Sewing Space!!!

TA-DA!  (This happened on May 6th.)

  DD1’s gray cabinet now holds fabric.  The filing cabinet on top is new.  I needed somewhere to put my important papers!  (Other than beside my bed, on the floor.)

I know the lamp is ugly, but it’s free!  And provides light!  The first feature being the most important to me!

     I hope putting the sewing machine smack dab in front of the window helps me see better.  Seemed to work in the other room.

      And look! There’s even room left for the scooter!  WE can all just get along!

Sewing, and scooting, together.

See those pretty, purple containers under the table?  Com-pletely empty.  What a shame!  Well, just cuz I got ’em, don’t mean I’ll use ’em.  I do like looking at them, though!  So purdy!  Maybe someday, I’ll utilize them properly.  We can always hope!

“Sew”, now I’m set up to begin quilting again.  Ready, set, sew!

(Thank you DH for working so hard to create a serene space for me to work in!!)

Linky Parties

I have joined all kinds of Linky Parties lately.  It’s a wonderful way to meet other bloggers, and see what they have to say!  Then, they get to meet me too!  Win/win!

The first Linky I ever did was with Kristen of  http://theroadtodomestication.com

http://theroadtodomestication.com/2015/05/22/home-matters-linky-party- 38/

Then Janice, from  Reflections http://mycurrentnewsblog.com/

http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=528110

3rd, Shirley   from Intelligent Domestication.

http://intelligentdomestications.com/2015/05/merry-monday-link-party-55.html

4th, is Monday Madness, with How to Get Organized at Home.

http://howtogetorganizedathome.com/monday-madness-may-25th/

It takes me a while to go through each one, because I want to read ALL the links!  I read fast, but oh my!  Some of the parties have 300 links!  That’s a lot of reading!!  Good thing I have snacks!

Bucket Betide

I don’t know what betide means, or even if its a real word.  But  I don’t care.  I like the sound of it, so here it stays.

This bucket has been in the corner of my bathroom for a l-o-n-g time.  Like, before Dec.  That’s only 5 months, not too bad, right?  (Probably depends on who you ask!)

Now, I see it every time I go into the bathroom.  I’ve even tripped over it once or twice. but have I bothered to do anything about it?

Well, what do you think?  Since I’m writing a post about it, you’d be right in assuming it’s still there, still in the way.

I’m not even positive what’s in there.  I peeked in once, but didn’t feel like pursuing it.  I’m kinda scared to fully investigate.  One thing in there is a towel, so I’m thinking by now, it’s gotta be stinky and covered with mildew.  Eeeww!

Yes, there is a towel, a measuring cup, and a long handled spoon.  I saved that because I know I can sanitize it!  (Not sure what the purple thing is, I didn’t dig down that far!)

If PP has gotten along this long without that towel, I’m quite sure she’ll survive without it.

My thinking is, to just grab the whole bucket, hold my nose, and run outside with it.  Maybe bag it up whole, and go straight to the dumpster.  Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.  (oh, if only I could collect money for taking out the trash!  I’d do it 5 times a day!)

The bucket went bye bye.  RIP

Felicia Flute

Meet Felicia.

Felicia Flute

I’ve had Felicia, since I was in 9th grade.  I love her;  I’m 54 years old, and haven’t played her in 6 or 7 years.  I no longer have the breath.   But I just couldn’t let her go. I considered selling her.  That felt too much like selling a child, not done. I considered giving her away.  Nope, just could not do it. So, she sat in my closet.  And I moved several times, okay 4, if ya want to be picky, since I decided I needed to release her.  But still, she was with me, in her pretty light brown case, with the 70’s stickers on it. She’s an Artley!  Real silver! She was MINE. Then, my niece started playing the flute.  Nice, maybe we can play a duet.  Ha ha ha ha.  (Barely even have the breath to laugh that hard!) Suddenly, her flute developed a problem.  She needed a replacement flute.  Sis asked if she could borrow Felicia. Sure, she can “borrow” her, understanding that I want her back! Ah-hem.  What happened to de-cluttering? A little voice whispered in my ear.  I brushed it off, refusing to even dignify that question with an answer. Now, my niece’s birthday is coming up;  and I have no present for her.  Except, she already has my flute, that she needs, and is using.  And that I haven’t even had out of the case in more than 4 years…… So, fine, she can keep the flute, I thought grudgingly.  After stewing on it a few days, I realized, she will get more use and pleasure out of it, than I ever will again. On her birthday, I called Kristen and told her that Felicia was her gift.  She was thrilled! And my Grinch heart grew 5 sizes.

Melinda’s Messy Metal

Well, I got stuck there,  Couldn’t come up with an “M” word for desk.

So, I just left it like that.  To confuse all you skimmers. Ha,ha!  Now you have to read at least the first line or you’ll never know what it’s about! (evil laugh)

You’ve seen this before; but then it was an after… Now, we’re gonna make the after into a before, and go from there.  Oh gracious!  Don’t tell me I’ve already bumfuzzled you!

  Waiting for someone else to do it didn’t work.  Had to do it myself.   sigh  Kristen always encourages me that I can do it!

Do the easy stuff first.  Nony’s mantra.  And boy, do I ever agree with that!

Okay, so let’s just dive in.  The water’s great.

Chips, and candy to the trash.  (Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten about the Great Purge of  ’15???  Trust me, I haven’t.  But it’s all good.  At least the headache’s finally gone away.)

The shampoos and conditioner, duh!  Hi ho, it’s off to the bathroom we go.

The air fresheners??? Oh no!!! I don’t know where they go!!!  I’m stuck!  Bathroom? Laundry room?  Under the kitchen sink?  (wail)  I just don’t know!!!!!  [They ended up under the bathroom sink.]

Cry Baby Bear needs a special spot.  Where I can look at her all the time, but still accessible when I need to hug her, and cry all night.  Not that I ever do that.

The tape goes in the office drawer, which went away, with the gray cabinet.  Oh wait!  I still have it, it’s just not in the living room anymore!   Wow, good thing I don’t have to lead tours around my apartment.  The poor people would be lost, and wandering for days.

The rest of the stuff, I can’t see what it is from the picture.  (Yes, I have my readers on, thanks for asking!)

Okay, so when I actually walked over to the desk, ya know, about 2 feet away, now I can see what all is there.

And, I’m putting it away now, as we speak.

Here’s the proof. (Oops, forgot to include top shelf too.  But, it’s clean as well!)

That’s better!

Yes, Shirley, I put everything away, not just outta camera range!

Thanks Nicole, for being my inspiration to get this done!

Now, to get Sweet Friend to remove it from my house, since I don’t have a desktop anymore…

Deluxe Dining

Remember when my dining room was my sewing room?

 Yeah, it was AWFUL messy.

Well, on May 6th, DH moved everything around, and

Voila!  Restored my dining room!

I’m so happy to have an actual dining room again!

It’s even been used, as a dining room!!

Thursday, May 7th, Brother brought home a ginormous Greek salad, (that Kristen correctly identified as being from ABC Pizza- yum!)

Boy, did we enjoy that!

Me more than him, apparently.

(He just forgot I can’t have rolls anymore, and tried to hand me one.  No, I didn’t bite his hand off!  I just gave him “the look”.  He quickly realized his mistake and apologized!  It was agony to turn that down!  And he’s still embarrassed.)

ABC Pizza rolls are my most favorite restaurant rolls!!!  Waaaaahhh

Oh, yeah, back to the dining room…

Delighted, the deluxe duo daintily dined on dinner.

Much to-do Monday

Last Monday, I woke up at 7 am.  That is NOT my usual MO.  I usually drag up outta bed around 2 pm, unless I have an appointment.  Took my medicine, and did morning hygiene ritual.  Which unfortunately, did not include a shower.  If I had only known what was going to happen later, I would have taken the opportunity!

So, when I called my Mama that early, she was startled to say the least!  Then I called Sis, just so I’d get an “Atta, girl!” for being up with the rest of the world!

I started a load of laundry.

Wow! I have huge man hands!  Jerry Seinfeld wouldn’t date me!

Emptied the maroon recliner of its laundry.  (No, I didn’t fold and put away, just moved.)

Focus, here! We are celebrating my accomplishments!

Washed a pot, and the frying pan.

Scrambled eggs, and ate with blueberries.

Washed the frying pan again!  (That’s huge!!  Washing the pan immediately after I used it?  Never occurred to me before now!  No, no, don’t look at the dirty dish still in the sink.  Accomplishments, remember??)

Filled ice cube trays.

Wrote this list to congratulate myself.

Carried dishes to sink, including last night’s salad bowl.

Read Bible, and prayed.

Switched load of laundry to dryer.

This time, I decided to leave my man hands out of it!

Took pix for blog.   Why, yes!  Coincidentally, these very ones!

Rewarded myself with reading.

Then DD1 called and asked me to watch PP.  Well, of course!  I’m not gonna turn that down, no matter how busy I am!  From 10:10-2:40, be super Omie, and get and give all the loves, hugs, and kisses I can squeeze in.

Went grocery shopping.

Re-read recipes, realized I can’t make cheesecake because I don’t have a mixer.  Cried.

Washed dishes, including the one in the sink in the pots picture, that I needed for supper, loaded dw with others.

Cooked supper.  Took frequent breaks to sit down, pant and gasp, and drink water.

Sis came and helped me finish up supper.

We, plus Brother, ate, and talked , and laughed.  (But they wouldn’t let me take any pix for the blog.  😦  )

After a little while, Brother went to bed, and then I kept nodding off.  Sweet Sis said she’d go and let me sleep.  And boy, did I!!  I was exhausted from my super busy, Manic Monday.

(The next day, when I told Sweet friend about my day, he asked, “Who are you, and where’s your pod?”  That’s a running joke with us.  I have been very, very lazy , except watching PP, for a long, long time.)

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eath not the bread of idleness.”  Proverbs 31:27  KJV

I believe there is hope for me to be a Proverbs 31 woman after all.