OH MY! As I create a folder each day to store the blog photos, I date it. It's January 25 already! Where has the time gone?
Someone mentioned the stand-up/sit-down exercises. The chair height is important! Obviously, we are NOT doing this from a step stool. If you can do that, then you're still young! But try various chair heights, and as you become comfortable with one height, find something a bit lower. I get it that some of us have knee issues, so the height can't be too low. But how easily can you get off the couch? You do NOT want to be causing pain. If the stand-up/sit-down doesn't work, find a sturdy box or a step and step up and step down.
I spotted a stack of workout steps while stretching after my spin class last week. Gosh, that was such a crazy workout! But the steps are good. Those living in apartments and not using stairs can lose the ability (strength) and confidence to perform that push-off movement! My MIL is in that situation.
So, yesterday, I did not get as much done as I would have liked. I did not get a chance to drop off the stuff in the entryway. It will have to wait a week now, but that's OK.
I accomplished other things, which I'll share in a minute.
Here's the thing about getting rid of stuff: I never thought I would want to get rid of my stash—ever. Years ago, I was horrified when I saw quilters older than myself getting rid of their fabric. Now I understand where they were coming from. The more I get rid of things, the more freeing it is, and the more I want to get rid of everything.
I visited someone the other day, and when I walked into their apartment, it was so tidy, clutter-free, and calm. How nice would it be to get up each day and see that? It would take minimal effort to keep it clean and tidy. And guess what? You have all day to do what you want, including napping on the couch, and not worry about managing STUFF! That is what retirement should be like!
That's my goal! Of course, having a hobby isn't going to make that easy, but getting rid of the crap will make it a whole lot better.
So, as I was driving to the art school the other day, I thought of my stretcher frame that I should have taken with me. I've taken pictures, and if they want it - it will go. I also have a Babylock Embellisher, which I haven't used in years. That's now on the giveaway pile. I'll give the school the first chance, and then I have another place where it might go. I'm celebrating every empty spot I can make! And I want more, so it means I will start digging in that stash room. There are other things than just fabric in there; some of it needs to go! Eventually, it all needs to go!
All I can say is THANK GOODNESS that I came to my senses while I'm still mentally and physically able to deal with the crap!! And let's face it -- it's all crap! OK - that's a bit harsh, but a good portion doesn't need to be in my house!
In case you're wondering - the quilt is in the mail! Yep -- I got it quilted (medium grey thread - thank you!). I used prewound bobbins in the bobbin and need to use them more often. What an easy process - there is less babysitting of the machine!
The moment the binding was on, I had that quilt folded and ready to go to the post office. So I would NOT have to stand at the post office and fold it to fit one of those flat-rate boxes; I checked the dimensions online and folded it accordingly.
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| Preparing the quilt for the box |
I got quite a chuckle when I pulled the large box off the shelf. The ladies behind the counter said there was a medium box. I said I didn't think it would fit, but after grabbing the medium box off the shelf, that quilt slid in like I had folded it for that size! Did I read the wrong dimensions? It doesn't matter—the quilt is on its way! Yeah, and I could cross that item off my list.
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| The quilt is in the mail! |
I have three Zoom classes today, all needing a presentation prepped. I'm happy to say that all three are ready to go! I had to sew and download many pictures to make that happen. But all is good! So yes -- there are still things on the list, and I'll continue to work on them today and tomorrow as time permits. I'll do some of it while at the quilt retreat, and the rest will have to wait until I'm back.
I must improve my time management skills. I'm not stressed; I just do what I can and constantly prioritize as I go. I hate being under pressure, but I have no one to blame but myself.
Lexi and I had an incident the other day while walking. Her retractable leash stopped retracting, which is a pain since we now have a very long cord. How does one handle that gracefully?
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| The retractable leash no longer retracts |
So, while at the pet store, she got a new leash.
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| Lexi's new leash |
I would never use a retractable leash with Murphy, but it works fine for Lexi. I hated the ones with the cord, but that's all that was available when I bought them. We used to have two - one for each of our other dogs - Sparky and Sammy. Well, Lexi broke the one for Sparky, which was bigger. Again, the spring broke. I'm not bothering to fix that. So we moved on to Sammy's old leash, which is the one that just died. So Miss Lexi finally gets a brand new leash!
The ONLY color they had was neon yellow. No one will miss that leash!
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| Lexi prancing with her new leash |
And how is Murphy making out with her bone? She had to move it from one spot to another. She probably did that several times yesterday/
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| MOM -- just finding a new, safe place |
Eventually, she settled down and brought the frozen, dirty bone into the house.
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| MOM - is it OK if I chew this in the house? |
And then she moved to her bed. She's getting quite a collection of stuff in that bed. It's time to bring it all back to the toy box.
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| MOM - I need some quiet space |
I heard a little bit of jealousy on her part yesterday. There was no reason for it, as Lexi would never touch that bone in a million years. I have no idea what her problem is!
Sweet Lexi is sitting in the backyard, minding her own business.
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| Mom - I'm OK - just hanging out |
The other good news for yesterday is that we finished the EXIT GAME Advent Calendar. Hey, I just realized we finished it on January 24—a month late! But better late than never! Here's our award!!!
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| The EXIT GAME Award |
We were slightly disappointed that we didn't need to destroy the box like we have in other years. I have to say that I love the way the images and little details are integrated into the box. Things that you notice but don't really notice. And then you need to think back. We went through all those little rooms so often - the doors are practically worn off! We needed a little "inspiration" on three of the doors. We should have got two of them - the third one was not logical, and we were not the only ones who said that!
It was loads of fun! But we'll take a break for a bit. I'm away next week, and after that, I have a lot of Zooms at dinner time, and DH is traveling. So we'll see how it goes!
Below is the final post in the fusible web series for the QUILTsocial blog. I hope you get a chance to read it, as I learned so much!! This is a complicated topic; many people make errors when buying or discussing these products. You have to understand the terminology, or you'll be in trouble!
And here are the links for the Virtual Retreat this weekend.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1
Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1
Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838
On that note, I'm out of here. I have a quilt to quilt, articles to write, Zoom classes to present, and UFO homework to finish for tomorrow! I think it's going to be a busy day!!!
Have a super day!!! (Stand up/sit down)
Ciao!!!!
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