Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Tuesday-7am

Well, I am back with the living.  Or maybe the three-quarters living.  LOL!    
Still coughing--some days worse than others--but on the mend. 
Just need sleep. 
Still not getting decent sleep.
In two weeks I had only taken these few sky shots the second week.
I started being able to actually function just this last Friday.  (Well, pushed it quite a bit--highly motivated because of the move.) 
**** 
The purging has begun.
Got rid of the dirty old cheap chair covers and scrubbed down the porch chair and tables.
Then I set up one of my long folding tables and began going through my four bookcases with books...one shelf at a time...wiping down the shelves and sorting through each book.
I forgot to get a before pic of my writing bookcase, but here is an almost done one.  Notice one of my trusty red coffee mugs in these pics for T Stands For Tuesday.  ;)
Here's the before pictures of the entryway cookbook bookcase...
...the hallway arts & crafts bookcase...
...and the (assorted books) bedroom bookcase packed to the brim.  The bottom shelf was filled with literary journals I had subscribed to when I was in college as a creative writing major but never had time to read (and still can't part with till I do).
They got moved to the second to the bottom shelf of the writing bookcase where they belonged--tada!  The after pic!
After pic of the cookbook bookcase (also has all the mystery books Caroline lends me)...
...the hallway arts & crafts bookcase...
...and the bedroom bookcase--tada!  Notice all the space I have freed up?
This is why!!  
All to be donated.  :) :)
I told you I was going to purge-purge-purge!  :)  Feels wonderful!
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We've had rainy days and some sunny days...from 80s to 40s for highs.  The yo-yo weather continues.  
Karma knows something is up with all this moving things about.  There have been a couple barfing incidents...but she loves to occupy empty shelves--LOL!
And what has been happening the last two weeks?  Well, we had an apartment inspection about a week ago from the company that owns the building.  They went to every single apartment.  Was some new guy who told me I had to move all my furniture that was along the baseboards away from the wall two feet.  Two feet!!  Is he insane?  I can barely open dresser drawers next to my single bed as it is.  I'd have to move my bookcases in two feet?  I'd be living in a tunnel!  He even wanted me to move my craft table in two feet from the window?  Well that table certainly isn't blocking the heat ducts.  It's all open under there.  ??  Not going to happen.  I told him that I rarely run the heat all winter because it gets so hot up here on third floor, so I wasn't worried about blocking the heat...and then he didn't mention it again.
****
Meanwhile, Sheree called and told me Wells Fargo Bank had refused to use the federal housing form granting my permission to let them have my banking information.  This is a form that has previously been used for decades, but now Wells Fargo wanted their own bank form used.  (Apparently they decided they do not trust the federal government--LOL!)  So, sick as a dog I had to go over to Sheree's office (over at another senior complex) to sign this new Wells Fargo form. 
****
 We said 2pm.
****
I was having such sudden, unending coughing fits that I was afraid to drive over myself.  I never knew when they were going to hit.  (Have you ever coughed so hard that you have tossed your cookies?)  So Leah agreed to give me a ride over.  I expected to pop in, sign, and leave.  Sheree knew how sick I was.  I sounded like gravel-throat-woman.  
****
We get there and Sheree is not even there.  We had to wait outside.  They had some chairs in the shade, thank goodness, because this was one of the 80-some degree days.  
We waited.  
And waited.  
And waited.  
I would never make it back later that day and really didn't want to have to come back the next day.  Good grief--I had to give my 60 day notice on Friday.  Ian was patiently eating Cherrios.  Finally at 2:40pm we see Sheree strolling about outside checking out the lawn or shrubbery or something...taking her sweet time coming back to the building.  ??? 
****
Yup!  Sheree had completely forgotten about me.  And come to find out when we were sitting in her office going over the paperwork (which she had told me she was going to mail all the rest of it to the guy who does the approvals) that she ALSO had never even mailed the form to the office where I live currently, either.  This was Wednesday, right?  She said to go ahead and give my notice on Friday.  So I typed up an official letter and I did turn in my 60-day notice.
****
I planned to call her on Monday morning since I never heard back from her.  Sheree called me early and apologized for not getting back to me on Friday, said she hoped I had given my notice...yes.  (Now this might lead you to believe that Miss Sheree had been on the stick, using fax machines, and was about to tell me I had approval, right?)  Nope.
****
  In fact, she said Wells Fargo rejected their form because it was the wrong one.  Sheree seemed confused by this because she had gotten the form off of their website, she said.  She'd have to call them or go to one of their banks or something...but she didn't have any time to deal with it until the end of the week because of it being the beginning of the month...but assured me it would get taken care of, no problem.  And--in passing--almost to herself--she mentioned that she still had to mail the form to the West Winds office, too.
****
  *sigh*
****
I have to have faith that Sheree can take care of these things in the next two months...and I really don't expect any issues to prevent my eventual approval...but you can bet I do plan to call and prod her again next Monday.  
****
Confession.
  I have now been referring to her as "the dingbat".  Not nice, I know.  But...come on!!
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 The good news (blowing my mind, I tell you) is that Leah ran across an article about this lady who helps move seniors.
****
Expensive, but like another perfect-timing, dream-come-true for us!  I can't believe Dagan and Leah would do this for me!!  OMG!  This could be the best move I have ever had in my entire life (and I lost count at around 30).  Leah has asthma, Dagan has had hernia surgery, they have Ian now, and I am basically useless with the actual moving.  This could take the stress out of the move for me and for McFamily. 
****
We'll know more after we set up a meeting with her.  Not sure when, but soon.  Things are popping over at Dagan and Leah's right now.  They've been building the raised garden beds and they are going to start building the deck this weekend (putting in the posts/cement today).  Leah's sister's hubby was a carpenter before he became a teacher and they are available to help build the deck now--so now it is.  And hopefully soon the sprinkler company will finally come and they can have their lawn, too.  Very busy over there!  
****
I've been so sick I haven't seen them except for the long Sheree-wait and a video chat.  Caroline grocery shops for me tomorrow.  And I keep plugging away on the purging.        
Cassettes, anyone?  ROFL!

And that isn't even all of them.  I might try freecycle, but you can't really even give these away anymore--LOL!  Plus they are mostly new age instrumentals and nature sounds I used when I was an energy work volunteer (Healing Touch/Reiki/Soul Comfort) at a couple of churches in Minneapolis before I ever moved up here to Fargo-Moorhead.  Really is time to purge, eh?
****
But if all I have to do is purge and I don't have to worry about the packing...wouldn't that be wonderful?!  I will just keep purging and downsizing till I am done or it is time to move...whichever comes first.  :)
****
Update on my mom.
She is hoping to get out of rehab and back home soon.  They had mentioned possibly yesterday, but didn't happen.  She's obviously feeling better because she's chomping at the bit to get out of there.  My brother, Blaine, is flying down again tomorrow for a few days.  Lots of paperwork for mom to sign and a trip to SS on Friday is scheduled.  If she's not out by the time Blaine gets down there he'll probably be bringing her home while he's there.  I hope she is home soon.  [You don't want to piss off a Swede.  They may take a very long time to boil over, but watch out!  LOL!] 
****
So, now you're basically all caught up on the last couple weeks.  I just purge a little, cough a little, rest a little, purge some more, cough some more, rest some more...repeat...repeat.  Am feeling a little better every day, but progress seems to be very slow with this bug.  I have made a long detailed purging list and have been making lists for moving (this is what I do while I'm resting): address changes, things I'll need for the new place, and such.  I am sure the time will pass by quickly, so I keep plugging away every day as much or as little as I am able.  I've even had dreams about already being in the new place!?  I've never had that happen before.  Nice!!
****
I'll fill you in about the moving lady when we get to meet her and find out more how this all works.  Thanks to all of you who emailed and asked how I was doing.  Much better than I was two weeks ago, that's for darn sure.  Still not well, but I will be back to my normal pretty soon, I expect--with the tail ends of this cough haunting me for weeks from what I hear.  That I can deal with...if I can just get some decent sleep--LOL!  And that is slowly getting better, too.  ;)
****
Life is good.
Bless you all!!
****
"Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows fall behind you."
Maori proverb

29 comments:

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, dear Rita! I've been wondering about you and I'm happy to see this latest report. I hope your stubborn illness is finally losing its grip. I agree that it feels good to purge, especially when you donate your unwanted items to charity. Karma must indeed be confused now that her familiar environment and routines are being disrupted by move preps. I have confidence that you will find the help you need to complete the move. I am very happy to know that your mother continues to make progress toward full recovery.

Thank you, dear friend Rita, and enjoy the rest of your week!

Krisha said...

OMGosh Rita! I feel like I've been in "Neverland" for months.....I am so sorry to hear your not feeling well. This sounds like the same crud E had earlier......it took her forever to start feeling better too. REST......REST! It is still the best medicine.

"Ding-bat" is putting it nicely.....if you ask me! The problem is.....we fall into their mercy for so many things ......and it does NO good to get mad at them, BUT I would be on the phone to her prodding her along with syrup in my voice, at least every other day......LOL

Hope you get to feeling better.......yes, I have coughed that bad too...not just tossed my cookies......but wet my pants too........LOL It's the pits to get old!!

Happy T-day

Intense Guy said...

When we sold the office - we found we had to push, prod, remind, scold, and eventually "chastise" the realtor. I guess they just don't see the uncertainty and stress on the part of the client (although a GOOD one would!) Sigh. American labor ain't what it used to be, that's for sure.

Teresa Evangeline said...

It seems the red tape has gotten redder and more plentiful and people are less attentive than they should be and need to be ... my son had a similar incident recently when the woman he was meeting with "forgot." It was an appointment for Pete's sake. They rescheduled but it makea a dent in your day that can be very tiresome, and tiring. Hope all the rest goes smoothly and many folks will be happy with your purged books. :)

GrandmaG said...

First, I love your porch chair. The boys and I are big fans of gliders :) Second, years ago we financed something through Wells Fargo and I swear I will never deal with them again. They are so not customer friendly! Enjoy the purging process. That was the best part of getting new carpet. I was forced to get into ever nook and cranny, and ended up getting rid of a lot stuff. No point in moving things you no longer use, need, or want. And I feel your pain in working with a "dingbat." I always wonder how those people survive - LOL. Good to see you back online ;)

Anonymous said...

That moving lady sounds wonderful. Keep on feeling better!!

Anonymous said...

You certainly are tidy.
I have a friend who broke a rib coughing. She couldn't take any medicine because she was pregnant at the time.
Last year I had a cassette player in my car.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

It seems that government agencies are prone to not caring. There's also the agencies that are hired by the government, the ones I call "got the job by being the lowest bidder."

I hope you are feeling better and this dingbat doesn't put you through this trouble again. I can truthfully say how much I can relate. And yes, I've gotten so sick from coughing that my coffee came up, especially since I haven't eaten that much since I was sick. And I think I got dehydrated, too, because EVERY orifice was losing fluids, including my nose and mouth and parts below.

Hope you get a good estimate on the move. Sounds like Dagan and Leah are really stepping up to help. You are SO, SO lucky. I'm sure I would have to make any move on my own, since I'd have no help. What a joy those two must bring you.

Keep purging away. It will cost less in the long run if they don't have to add that expense to the move.

Thanks for sharing your mug and those gorgeous law library bookcases with us for T this Tuesday.

Linda Kunsman said...

I am so sorry you have been so ill Rita! And then to have all that moving stress with the paperwork etc.-wow-I think I would have just crawled undercover for a few days. Great job with all your purging too! I've been getting to more too and donated a box full of books and VHS movies for our local library sale. Oh, and we still use cassette tapes-hubby loves them with his player when he goes running(I know-he's just not ready to roll with an MP3 player yet:) Hope you feel completely well very soon and good luck with everything else!

TexWisGirl said...

truly hope sheree stays on thing! sheesh! just your life she's playing with! :)

glad you're feeling better.

DJan said...

Gosh, Rita, I would be so tied in knots until I had the go-ahead from the new place. And Sheree deserves that title, for sure. I am keeping everything I've got crossed in hopes that it will all turn out as it should. Mercury goes direct on June 11, and that should makes things better. :-)

Dianne said...

wow, what a frustrating week! although you've done really well on the purging. my first thought was that any time I have an empty shelf I end up refilling it! but maybe moving will help prevent that...good luck!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well--coughing like that can certainly tire a body out. It is the pits that you still can't sleep!

You are doing a wonderful job purging and getting ready for your move despite the best efforts of dingbat to mess everything up! I hope the moving lady turns out to be just what you need for an easy transition!

Janie Junebug said...

Moving is hard work. I will never forget packing my boxes when my back was broken, but I had movers. I think I would call Sheree something much worse than the dingbat.

Love,
Janie

~*~Patty S said...

Gosh being sick is never fun but you definitely need all your energy for that move.
Hope all is well for you and things go smoothly.
Great job on donating all those books. Moving is the perfect time to lighten your load (if I remember correctly that is...we've lived in the same house for 30+ years oh my!)
We're having yo yo weather here in Virginia too. I like it cooler than hot and humid so I'm not complaining for the next few days ;-)
Happy T Day
Happy June
oxo
p.s. thanks for popping by my Magpie's Nest too!

Carol said...

Well I'm glad to hear you finally starting to feel somewhat better! I know this thing takes forever to run it's course :( You have a lot going right now and I hope all of the extra stress doesn't get you down I know how we Fybros can be with that. Hopefully the Dingbat will get her act together and get her job down.
Take care of yourself!

Victoria Zigler said...

I'm glad you're feeling well enough to be able to do a post; even if you're still far from being back to your old self again.

There's always some complication when it comes to the organizing of a move... It will all come together in the end.

When I was clearing things out, I gave a huge box of cassettes to my Nan. My current stereo does have a tape deck, but it's no longer working all that well, and I know it will be difficult to replace when it comes to doing so. My Nan has a really good one though, hence me giving her my cassettes.

Darla said...

Glad Tuesdays roll around since I know you will make every effort to join the T Group. Hope the cough leaves soon. Really admire how organized you are with the purging and list making. Too bad Sheree isn't as organized on her end. I have faith it will all work out though.

Darla

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Cassettes damn haven't seen them in so long, I have a heap of books that I need to sort through and get rid of

froebelsternchen said...

Great to hear that it is better meanwhile!
You did amazing work with all the stuff!
Good luck futhermore Rita!

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

So happy to hear that you are feeling better. You are really purging and letting go of a lot of things. I bet the extra space feels wonderful. The sky/cloud shots are amazing!

Anonymous said...

Lovely skies! And glad to hear you're on the mend.

ChicagoLady said...

Attention to detail just doesn't apply anymore. You definitely need to stay on top of things and make sure Sheree does what she says she's going to do. People use to be so reliable, but not anymore.

Serena Lewis said...

Firstly, I'm happy to hear you've feeling so much better than you were. These things tends to take a lot out of us and we need to rest just to rebuild our energy reserves again.

Secondly, I do hope Sheree doesn't mess around too much more with this. You are counting on her! Goodness, I sure hope the right back form gets attended to in plenty of time.

Great that Dagan and Leah found you a moving lady. She sounds ideal!

Well done to you on all the purging! And good news that your Mum may be leaving rehab soon.

There seems so much more red tape nowadays....it's ridiculous! Years ago, our tenancy agreements were only a couple of pages compared to the 14 pages of today. It's absolutely crazy!

Anyway, you rest up as best you can and try not to stress too much.

Thinking of you ~ xo

Karla B said...

Glad to know you are better. Love your bookcases. They're so different from ours. It is interesting how different we are in so many ways but it is fascinating to see your photos and read your post.
Much love

Karla

Far Side of Fifty said...

I hope the 'dingbat" get all your papers in on time and that they are approved! Thanks for the update on your Mom, sounds like she is getting better. Glad you are feeling better too, that cough is horrid. You need to rest and not over do.
That moving lady sounds fantastic...hope it all works out.
Oh Miss Karma is going to be in a snit for sure...but it is a good thing that she likes empty shelves LOL:)

Deb J. in Utah said...

Good morning - I am doing a bit of "catch-up" blog reading as I eat breakfast. Wow you have had a frustrating time of it, but you have kept your positive attitude and looked for the best - which I love! Hope things are working out better this week. Good for you and all your "purging." I am trying to do that too, but have been a little side-tracked here. Hope your cough is getting better and that you "dingbat friend" can get her act together and finish your paperwork on time! Have a good weekend.

Zue said...

Glad to know you are on the mend. I have been away for a while on holiday at the coast. It was very cool and very windy, not warm and sunny like it could be.
When are you actually moving in?
It is all so exciting for you!
Sue x

Jenny Woolf said...

Oh my goodness it is all happening for you and not in a nice way. It's such a trial when someone isn't efficient and you're depending on them. But I am glad that you are on the mend. I hope you will look back on this and laugh!