The Zen of tidying up!

I got one task out the door last night - well, not out the door, but it was completed, so that was good. I have one more urgent thing to work on today, but I need space to work before doing that. It was not just physical space; my brain needed to see some empty flat surfaces. 

As I pulled out patterns or other needed items, the cutting mat had become the dumping ground. I took photos, and then everything got left. I'm happy to report that the mess on the one cutting mat is done, and I can cut stuff! It didn't take long, but it needed to be done. And it's darn therapeutic. Slow and steady, and before you know it - poof! Everything is back in its home. As I've often said, when an item does NOT have a home, that's a big problem! The item becomes clutter because it has nowhere to rest. 

The messy cutting mat

I had several embroidery hoops on the cutting table; they are all back in their home. I'm happy to report that I remembered to detach the embroidery hoop adapter, and it's in the proper place. That darn thing is easily forgotten on a hoop, and I can't find it when I need it! 

The machine embroidery attachment

I had been using a lot of machine embroidery thread, and rather than putting it back in the storage boxes, it got shoved into an empty box. The container of thread that needed to be put away is on the left, and the thread boxes are the rest. 

A mess of threads to deal with

I had been using some metallic thread, and it was a mess. However, when I went to put it away, it didn't all fit in the container. Hmmm—did the lid close before? 

Metallic thread won't fit in the box

So, back to the place where I have a few empty containers, I found this box, which is the same as the other thread boxes I use, and it all fits!!! I have a few extra storage boxes. There are fewer than ten; depending on my needs, I check there first. It doesn't take up a lot of room, and it sure saves running to the store when I need something. The pile is constantly revolving as I need a bigger or smaller container for something. 

The new home for metallic threads

Oh shoot—I found another almost empty box with random threads, mostly metallic or variegated. The metallic threads are now in that box with the other. For now, the variegated thread will stay in this box. It's a challenge to know what color they are!!! 

More threads to find a home for

The embroidery arm is off the Designer EPIC 3. It's ready for some sewing and quilting later today. 

The sewing space

And now look—those two work tables are clear! That makes me so happy! The rest of the place is a disaster, but at least I have a nice, clear space to sew. I have some upcoming events, and there are samples or partially made samples sitting around. I'll be glad in the middle of June, when the last event is over for several months, when I can actually put some stuff away. 

Two work tables are tidy!

Then, I need some days to myself when I can start working on one table and continue making things until that table is empty. Hmm—I keep saying that, but will it ever happen? I hope so! 

Instead of doing some appliqué this morning, I loaded a quilt on the long arm. I'm not sure I'll have time to quilt it today, as I have a doctor's appointment and need to pick some quilts up for the Quilt Canada concurrent show. But I'll double-dip on my walk and the doctor's appointment, so that will save some time this afternoon. It's all going to work—I'm not worried. 

It's hard to see in this photo, but the fabric along the fold is faded and dirty. That's what happens when fabric sits out in a store and no one wants it! Does anyone remember Canadian Idol? I had to buy the fabric! And now it's backing a community project quilt! 

Faded and dirty fabric along the fold

As a rule, I am NOT one to walk and look at my phone, but as I entered the gym yesterday, I wanted to see the hockey scores, so I was walking and looking at my phone. I totally forgot that the male and female change rooms have been switched for the last two weeks. I walked past this sign and was about to enter the men's locker room when I noticed a guy walking out. OH!!! Wrong place! This sign is pretty big and a bit of a walk to the women's locker room. Yikes!!! 

Temporary women's locker room

I got a chuckle when I walked to my car after class. I don't park close to the door—the extra steps help with my daily requirements. Was there a memo yesterday? Are only red cars allowed to park in this section? You can just make out the back of my car in the distance! 

The red car parking lot

It's rare to find that many red cars in the same spot. Almost everything is black, white, and grey, although those matte, gun metal colors are becoming popular. I'm not a fan. But look at this car, which I spotted on my way home. It's a bright yellow car! Now, that one will stick out in any parking lot. 

Speaking of steps. Between tidying and loading the quilt, I've clocked over 2000 steps this morning! 

Those leaves I've been watching are almost out! 

Spring leaves

And here's something you don't see often. Well, I didn't want these guys to think I was a nutcase, but two men were driving around the forest paths, just checking stuff out. Their truck is behind the tree! 

Maintenance people are checking the forest in their white truck

I walked a book back to the library and picked up a few groceries. Can you believe that little bag carried $90 worth of groceries home? I bought a container of dishwashing pods and a box of protein bars, which were almost $60. 

My grocery bag

I used to carry groceries home in a backpack, but it's too tall to pack. This little shopping bag works just fine. And if I have to go back every couple of days? It's a big deal—it's close, and everything will be fresher! Can you believe it's almost three years or maybe longer since I've been walking to the grocery store? 

Look who has been visiting my bathroom! The darn thing is all over the place, and I haven't the heart to find a new home for it! It's not hurting me. 

My new friend

I'm off to the doctor today to get the results of the MRI, which I had over a month ago. While I know something is still not right, the stretching, strength training, and better posture have helped enormously with the pain. Even the charley horse in my leg has mostly disappeared. Let's see what the results say and then go from there. I bet the bottom line is that I keep stretching and strength training, and I will be just fine. That's way better than surgery or telling me I have to deal with the pain for life. 

The other day, I talked about high maintenance, and someone said I sound like I'm high maintenance with all my exercise. I don't consider that HIGH maintenance. I feel exercise is regular maintenance that we all need to do. HIGH maintenance is the frivolous stuff, and I'm not into that! I find that the more I exercise, the better I feel. The more I loosen my shoulders, the better my posture is, and the fatigue in my back is significantly reduced. My legs don't hurt as much when I walk, and my low back/leg pain is almost non-existent. Call it what you will, I am committed to keeping that pain at bay as long as I can. My knees are not always happy, but they are better! Ageing is not fun, but I aim to age as gracefully as possible! 

Oh my—there is paperwork to do, emails to answer, and more appointments to be made! It just doesn't end!! 

But I'll take one day at a time, decide what is urgent for the day, and then go from there! 

Have a great day!!

Ciao!!