Catching up on October's List in November

Thanks to JT for her comment prompting me for an update! It's hard to believe so much time has passed since I made my last list. Where does the time go? Suffice it to say that I've been busy, even though I haven't been blogging about it. I'll try to do better.

In late August I wrote how tired and unmotivated I've been. Combine that with the nearly daily headaches I was having and I decided to see a psychiatrist. I used to take medication that worked as an anti-depressant and as a headache preventative but I discontinued it in February, thinking I didn't need it any longer. I think that was a mistake. I'm now on a different anti-depressant. It's been nearly two months and I'm starting to see some results. I've had far fewer headaches and I'm able to get things done. Things are looking up!

Let's see how I've done on that last "to-do" list: 

Call: vet: make an appt. for Brin Made & went to the appt. He's doing fine.
         dentist: am I grinding my teeth? Inconclusive: there's no physical evidence and I can't afford   
         $400 for a mouth guard, so I've opted to do nothing. Also, I feel the tenseness & 
         pressure when I'm awake and not grinding, so what does that say?
         State Farm: workman's comp? Done
         NYSHIP: contest coverage re: C's emergency visit Called, wrote a letter and awaiting a   
         decision.
         doctor's office: change: husband's appt., Done
                                              C's appt. Done
                                  contest over-billing on husband's last visit
         Dr. Khan: cancel appt. Done
Reconcile insurance claims with bills On-going.
Pay: taxes Done
        medical bills On-going as they arrive
        regular bills Done
Follow up on old bills: Call/ pay? Some are resolved, others I'm waiting on answers.
Write: Retirement system re: credit for back hours Letter written, awaiting an accounting.
           letters to: SF, HT Sadly, they're still waiting.
           postcards to: JT, Mom, GU Done
           email work re: sausage Done
Log/rate Swap-Bot swaps Up-to-date!
Look for & mail out: "Wreck this Journal" swap Mailed out & she's happy with it! Woo hoo!
                                   Heart box swap In the process of putting it together.
Resume (or try) daily journaling habit What a sad disappointment
Deposit insurance check Done
Take car in for alignment Done
Make a shopping list & go shopping I'm guessing I did this, but of course, I need to do it again.
Buy dog food Boy! Does it go fast!
Clean up trash by the road Started, husband finished.
Copy & mail letter re: canceling insurance policy Done. Already received & deposited the check.
Go to DMV: renew trailer registration Done
Pick tomatoes Done
Cook corn Didn't get to this one.
Begin to winterize vegetable garden About 1/3 of the way done.
Geocaching meet & greet? And a fun time was had by all!
Take trash & recyclables to the dump I've gone several times by now.
Plan a mini get-away with C I had a head cold and too much to do at home, so we opted to stay home, do chores, and make our own fun.
Trim my bangs (Believe it or not, if I don't put it down I'll continue to forget it/ put it off and they are beginning to annoy me.) Argh! I can't find my sharp scissors!

I also:
Wrote letters to Salada & Jimmy Dean
Wrote letters to Mom & my brother
Renewed prescriptions 
Went to the doctor a few times
Filed some old postcards & letters
Cleaned up some piles of paperwork
Donated a bag of books to the library book sale room
Lots of tidy up & cleaning out, with lots more to go 
Did some preliminary shopping around for a new computer or laptop. I'm undecided on what I want.

A list for early October

So here's my to-do list for early October. I'm sure I could think of more to add if I were to take the time, but I won't. First, I've neglected this blog for too long already and I don't want to put it off any longer. Second, given the slump I've been in, I don't want to set myself up for failure. Third, if the list is shorter, I'll have to check in more frequently, and hopefully this accountability will make me productive. Lots of paperwork and phone calls on the agenda so let's get started!

Call: vet: make an appt. for Brin
         dentist: am I grinding my teeth?
         State Farm: workman's comp?
         NYSHIP: contest coverage re: C's emergency visit
         doctor's office: change: husband's appt.,
                                              C's appt.
                                  contest over-billing on husband's last visit
         Dr. Khan: cancel appt.
Reconcile insurance claims with bills
Pay: taxes
        medical bills
        regular bills
Follow up on old bills: Call/ pay?
Write: Retirement system re: credit for back hours
           letters to: SF, HT
           postcards to: JT, Mom, GU
           email work re: sausage
Log/rate Swap-Bot swaps
Look for & mail out: "Wreck this Journal" swap
                                   Heart box swap
Resume (or try) daily journaling habit
Deposit insurance check
Take car in for alignment
Make a shopping list & go shopping
Buy dog food
Clean up trash by the road
Copy & mail letter re: canceling insurance policy
Go to DMV: renew trailer registration
Pick tomatoes
Cook corn
Begin to winterize vegetable garden
Geocaching meet & greet?
Take trash & recyclables to the dump
Plan a mini get-away with C
Trim my bangs (Believe it or not, if I don't put it down I'll            continue to forget it/ put it off and they are beginning to annoy    me.)

Wrapping up August's list

Well, I worked on into September but I did make some progress on the last list. I'm sure I did other things (like visit Mom) but it's all a blur. It's time to re-new my motivation! Stay tuned for an update and a new list. In the meantime, here's how I did.

Call Mom Several times :)
Write: Salada
      Listerine
      Postcard trades All caught up :)
      Birthday cards for Mom & John
Send packages to VT & GU Done!
Order stamps Ordered, received & paid for
Weed the flower bed Mostly done, but the dang weeds keep growing back!
Cook kale
Cook ground beef
Throw out old leftovers Definitely a done deal; no science projects lurking in there!
Take trash & recyclables to the dump Done, but nearly time to go again
Drop off clothes to Salvation Army We're on a bit of a roll here, with another chore finished.
Donate books & teaching supplies to home schooling moms
Get rid of old Girl Scout flags (Those troops are no longer in      
      existence & the council has been renamed.)
Buy dog food Bought 2 large bags to lengthen the time between trips
Go for blood work Ouch! But it all came back good.
Go for yearly physical I went; nothing new to report.
Pay medical bills An on-going process
Sort & file medical bills & claims Ditto
Sort & file old bills & bank statements Continuing
Clean out 3 boxes/ bins of assorted papers
Plan vacation/make reservations Planned and executed! We had a good time. Found 28 geocaches!
Create something! I made a postcard with tea labels and mod podge
Tidy kitchen counters I try, then they get messy again
Tidy kitchen table Someday.....
Wash pet towels & rugs Done!
Clean up the postcard mess created by the dog All cleaned up. It was fun looking at them again.
Check: is it time for an oil change? Nope. (Well, yes, I checked; nope, it isn't time.)
Clean off bookcase/storage unit in bedroom
Track down insurance information & cancel policy Finally! The correct forms are in my possession!
Print out photos at Wal-Mart C surprised me with this :)
Buy peaches from orchard. Maybe enough to can? I got some nectarines and ate them all. Yummm!

A List For the Rest of August

Despite my lack of motivation (read my previous post) I'm determined to make some progress this month. Let's see how many of these tasks I can cross off by the end of August.

Call Mom
Write: Salada
      Listerine
      Postcard trades
      Birthday cards for Mom & John
Send packages to VT & GU
Order stamps
Weed the flower bed
Cook kale
Cook ground beef
Throw out old leftovers
Take trash & recyclables to the dump
Drop off clothes to Salvation Army
Donate books & teaching supplies to home schooling moms
Get rid of old Girl Scout flags (Those troops are no longer in        
      existence & the council has been renamed.)
Buy dog food
Go for blood work
Go for yearly physical
Pay medical bills
Sort & file medical bills & claims
Sort & file old bills & bank statements
Clean out 3 boxes/ bins of assorted papers
Plan vacation/make reservations
Create something!
Tidy kitchen counters
Tidy kitchen table
Wash pet towels & rugs
Clean up the postcard mess created by the dog
Check: is it time for an oil change?
Clean off bookcase/storage unit in bedroom
Track down insurance information & cancel policy
Print out photos at Wal-Mart
Buy peaches from orchard. Maybe enough to can?

A Personal Assessment

I don't believe more than a month has passed since my last post! Between work and my home life, this summer has been crazy/busy. Summer is the busiest time of year where I work (the Children's Room in my local library) but our summer reading programs are nearly over (the last one is tomorrow) and things have quieted down somewhat. My work focus is shifting from crafts to statistical reports, from implementing summer programs to planning fall programs, from physical busyness to mental busyness. On the home front, there have been chores, doctors appointments, and major efforts splitting and stacking firewood. (Thanks for your help with this, C!)

I'm tired. Since my husband went back to work earlier this month (he works out of state) I've been having a hard time getting things done. Between initially pushing myself to work hard on these lists and the busyness at work, I thought that I had run out of steam. Add in the fact that I haven't been sleeping well. (I go to bed late and wake up early - without setting the alarm.) I'm exhausted. But is it simply sleep deprivation? I'm not so sure any more. I think I'm stressed and depressed, although I don't feel stressed. I feel distracted, unfocused and overwhelmed. I don't have the motivation to do much of anything. I think I'm clenching/grinding my teeth in my sleep because there are days when most of my teeth hurt. (I've just been to the dentist and everything is fine.) I don't feel particularly stressed or worried but my husband is having some health issues and perhaps this is worrying me more than I think.

I haven't given up on putting my life in order, nor have I given up on this blog. I just kind of hit a wall.

Finally! A Long-Awaited Accounting

My husband came home (though not when planned) and we had a great time together. Geocaching with our youngest, facilitating the oldest's camping trip, going out to eat, lots of long talks, and just "hanging out" together made the time fly. As always, his time home felt too short, but he'll be home again fairly soon.

Let's see how I did on that last massive "to do" list!

Pay bills Done
Call Safe Home (again) re: toiletries donation After several phone calls they referred me to Project Discovery
Drop off toiletries to Safe Home?? Dropped off to Project Discovery
Drop off clothes & shredder to Salvation Army Delivered 1 bag of clothes and the shredder
Bring trash & recyclables to the dump Got rid of 2 trash cans of recyclables, 4 bags of paper recyclables, and 2 large bags of trash
Drop off used books to library for book sale 8 large bags of books went! I also donated 3 bags and 4 boxes of books, a bag of teaching magazines, and a bundle of files to several homeschooling moms. Thanks to freecycle!
Call insurance company re: canceling policy Tracking down paperwork
Sort & file papers on kitchen table Started and got interrupted, then chaos resumed! (sigh)
Sort & file old bills & bank statements Making major progress, though more work is needed
Sort & file medical bills/ insurance claims Ditto
Clean up pile of postcards/letters the dog knocked all over Argh!
Clean out 3 boxes/ bins of assorted papers I lost count, moving from a large box to smaller bins, and partial clean-outs of other bins, etc
Clean off the top of the dryer Started and got interrupted, then chaos resumed! (sigh)
Print out photos for scrapbook We're having printer issues. I think the thing to do is go to Wal-Mart
Scrapbook pages/layouts for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Game Night, Thanksgiving
Buy more storage units for scrapbook supplies Done!
Put away the rest of the scrapbook supplies Done!
Clear off bookcase/storage unit in bedroom Started
Rearrange items in attic area Started
Move bookcase/ storage unit into attic area It won't fit :(
Clean out refrigerator An on-going project - A person's gotta eat, ya know!
Wash bedding Done!
Pack away extra blankets
Find a place for the shoe rack It's temporarily in the bathroom, but at least the shoes are on it
Install fan in upstairs bathroom My sweetie took care of this for me

Another Week's List

This week's list is rather ambitious but my husband is coming home at the end of the week and I want to get as much done as possible before he arrives. Wouldn't it be nice if a pleasant surprise was waiting for him?

Pay bills
Call Safe Home (again) re: toiletries donation
Drop off toiletries to Safe Home??
Drop off clothes & shredder to Salvation Army
Bring trash & recyclables to the dump
Drop off used books to library for book sale
Call insurance company re: canceling policy
Sort & file papers on kitchen table
Sort & file old bills & bank statements
Sort & file medical bills/ insurance claims
Clean up pile of postcards/letters the dog knocked all over
Clean out 3 boxes/ bins of assorted papers
Clean off the top of the dryer
Print out photos for scrapbook
Scrapbook pages/layouts for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Game Night, Thanksgiving
Buy more storage units for scrapbook supplies
Put away the rest of the scrapbook supplies
Clear off bookcase/storage unit in bedroom
Rearrange items in attic area
Move bookcase/ storage unit into attic area
Clean out refrigerator
Wash bedding
Pack away extra blankets
Find a place for the shoe rack
Install fan in upstairs bathroom

So a Week Has Passed...

So a week has passed and although I've been busy it feels like not much has been accomplished. It's discouraging. Some issues are being resolved but the piles aren't shrinking.

Call the hospital & insurance company re: billing Lots of run-around & phone tree negotiating, but ultimately I resolved the issue -- for now!
Call Safe Home re: toiletries donation Called & left a message. They never returned my call.
Drop off clothes & shredder to Salvation Army The items got as far as my car. However, I continue to add things to the bag!
Drop off toiletries to Safe Home?? Still waiting to see if they want/ could use these items
Write insurance company & cancel policy I decided to call rather than write. After 15 minutes on the phone - talking to a real person - I still wasn't any closer to accomplishing this goal. I'm going to have to find the original policy.
Sort & file papers on kitchen table In progress
Clean off the top of the dryer Partially completed
Go for mammogram Done!
Print out photos for scrapbook I'm having issues with the printing. :(
Scrapbook pages/layouts for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Game Night, Thanksgiving Need photos
Sort and put away scrapbook supplies A major reorganizing effort! I decided I need a few more storage devices but for the most part this is done.
Pay bills oops
Apply Frontline to Brin/ Heartworm pill Done!
Start to clear off bookcase/storage unit in bedroom A small dent was made.
Have some fun when my daughter visits We went out to dinner at a nice restaurant & ate on its porch, sundaes at the ice cream parlor, brunch at a cafe, shopping at AC Moore, and some nice chats.
Grocery shopping Done!

My Third List

Happy July!

I have no idea who's been reading or following my progress, but I'm grateful to anyone who stops by. It's the idea that someone may be watching my efforts that motivates me and keeps me going. Thank you!

Here's this week's list:

Call the hospital & insurance company re: billing
Call Safe Home re: toiletries donation
Drop off clothes & shredder to Salvation Army
Drop off toiletries to Safe Home??
Write insurance company & cancel policy
Sort & file papers on kitchen table
Clean off the top of the dryer
Go for mammogram
Print out photos for scrapbook
Scrapbook pages/layouts for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Game Night, Thanksgiving
Sort and put away scrapbook supplies
Pay bills
Apply Frontline to Brin/ Heartworm pill
Start to clear off bookcase/storage unit in bedroom
Have some fun when my daughter visits
Grocery shopping

My Second Accounting

Well, two weeks have passed since I posted my last list of goals. I haven't given up, just making slow progress. I've been tired lately (poor sleep) and I went to visit my Mom last Sunday (a friend of hers is dying), so I needed the extra time to work on this list. Here's how I did:

Schedule a  maintenance appointment for the car - I scheduled an appointment for yesterday (6/29). The day I wanted (6/22) was booked. A few days after I made the appointment, they left a message on my answering machine saying I had missed my appointment on 6/22. Argh! I called and they had no record of my 6/29 appointment -- even though all of my prior interactions with them were via email! I made another appointment.
Schedule my physical, my yearly GYN exam, mammo, & blood work - done (Also scheduled daughter's yearly Gyn exam; she suggested we go together!) 
Schedule husband's doctor appt - done
Plant flowers in flower bed & window boxes - All of the flowers are in the flower bed, with the exception of those in hanging baskets.
Find a place to plant strawberries & do so - The strawberries are in the window boxes.
Plant herbs - basil & Mexican tarragon - done
Dig out compost and move it to the garden - exhausting but done!
Finish mulching veggie garden - done
Clean out fridge - All of the old leftovers have been tossed; the shelving could use a good wash though.
Continue to tidy table - It didn't happen.
Finish reading Sister  for book discussion - done
Buy refreshments for book discussion - done
Bake banana bread - My daughter did this. (Thanks!)
Make hard boiled eggs - done
Because so much time passed since I wrote this list, I actually had enough time to go for my GYN exam!

Another Week of Goals

Here are my goals for this week. Most will look familiar.

Schedule a tune-up for the car
Schedule my physical, my yearly GYN exam, mammo, & blood work
Schedule husband's doctor appt
Plant flowers in flower bed & window boxes
Find a place to plant strawberries & do so
Plant herbs
Dig out compost and move it to the garden
Finish mulching veggie garden
Clean out fridge
Continue to tidy table
Finish reading Sister  for book discussion
Buy refreshments for book discussion
Bake banana bread
Make hard boiled eggs
Vacuum under couch cushions

My First Accounting

OK. So it's been a week since I posted my first list of goals. Let's see how I did.

Set up the blog & go "live" - obviously a done deal!
Take the car for an oil change - done
Schedule a tune-up for the car
Schedule my physical, my yearly GYN exam, mammo, & blood work
Schedule husband's doctor appt
Remove weeds and dead growth from veggie garden - the garden is an enclosed 14' x 14' space and was nearly full of knee-high weeds & morning glory seedlings. With the help of my daughter, we cleaned it out. I also transplanted most of the morning glories.
Plant veggies - done!
Cut down the daffodils and weed flower bed - an area of 3' x 30', this was a lot of work, but it's done!
Plant flowers in flower bed, winddow boxes & hanging baskets - 4 hanging baskets are done
Fill tubs with soil and plant sweet potatoes - done! A total of 9 plants are in 2 drums.
Find a place to plant strawberries & do so
Plant herbs
Dig out compost and move it to the gardens - an on-going saga.
Mulch veggie garden - about 1/3 done; I ran out of grass clippings!
Visit Mom - I went down on Wednesday and helped John install her air conditioner. We had pizza for lunch, visited her friend in the hospital, and went out for ice cream. We had a great time!
Clean out fridge - I tossed some things but now it's time to toss some more.
Pay bills - not only did I pay the regular monthly bills, but I resolved some old, outstanding medical bills.
Wash pet towels, pet bed & rugs - I did this one twice. Its been a rainy week!
Start to tidy table - minimal progress.

In addition I:
Stacked firewood.
Bought & used cages for the tomato plants.
Helped my daughter take down, cut up & remove a small tree.

It's been a busy, tiring  week and I worked hard! Many thanks to my daughter for her help. She, too, worked hard on her own projects.

This week's goals

It's Tuesday and these are the goals I'm working on this week:
Set up the blog & go "live"
Take the car for an oil change
Schedule a tune-up for the car
Schedule my physical, my yearly GYN exam, mammo, & blood work
Schedule husband's doctor appt
Remove weeds and dead growth from veggie garden
Plant veggies
Cut down the daffodils and weed flower bed
Plant flowers in flower bed, winddow boxes & hanging baskets
Fill tubs with soil and plant sweet potatoes
Find a place to plant strawberries & do so
Plant herbs
Dig out compost and move it to the gardens
Mulch veggie garden
Visit Mom
Clean out fridge
Pay bills
Wash pet towels, pet bed & rugs
Start to tidy table

When therapy doesn't work, you get creative

If you've stumbled upon my blog or if I've sent you the link, welcome!  You are under no obligation to do anything -- including reading or following my progress.

I've considered starting a blog for quite some time but never took the plunge. I couldn't decide what its focus would be nor was I convinced that I would stick with it. You see, I have issues. I struggle with depression. It zaps my energy and steals my motivation. I procrastinate. I have difficulty making decisions. I'm a perfectionist. When I tackle a task it's "all or nothing" and given my lack of motivation lately, it's been nothing that's getting done. I'm not a hoarder but clutter is an issue. I'm tired of it all and I need to make a change. I just don't know how.

That's where this blog comes in. I figure if I give myself challenges and deadlines - and do it publicly - I will rise to the occasion. I will be held accountable. And to be truly accountable one cannot be anonymous (although I will do my best to preserve the privacy of my family members). I am not looking for gold stars or public praise. I'm a grown woman who should be able to tackle a to-do list. I am just looking for a way to overcome my "stuck-ness" and boy! do I feel stuck! It hasn't been pleasant, for me or my family. I sincerely hope this blog helps to change that.

I will regularly post goals. They may be weekly or monthly, long-term or short-term, some I've avoided like the plague and others that are more fun. I will also post progress reports. That's where the accountability comes in. I'm sure I won't be 100% successful but neither are race horses, pro athletes, and top-notch surgeons. If I get some things done, progress will be made. I can't expect miracles, but I do strive for forward motion.