View Full Version : Fall Projects - Tracking and Progress
I'm ready to start working on some goals again.
1. SAD season - this will be my main challenge going forward. The goal is to keep the SAD symptoms at bay.
2. Self-care - I need to get back to this after slacking off this past week or two. This will include all aspects of self-care to keep things simple.
3. Home & Garden - I have a bunch of projects that I'd like to get done and the weather is finally cool enough that it will be enjoyable to work on them.
Anyone want to join in?
I did some yardwork this past weekend, but we have clammy air coming at us from two different hurricane systems. When it gets cooler I will get more motivated. I did cut down most of the blueflags.
This fall I will continue working on weight loss and am also tackling caffeine reduction.
At the job I volunteered for more work because there is not enough to keep me busy and I am getting bored. This will be a headache short term as I likely will get messed up accounts from the department underperformer, but my efforts to clean them up will be appreciated.
These cool mornings are so nice! The sun finally started coming out around 8:30 or so and everything feels quiet and peaceful. I'm still in my pj's and having coffee. The pets are napping after their morning frenzy.
I moved my table and computer to a south-facing room to enjoy the sun (a positive SAD-related action.) I also put a nice bright lamp on the table to supplement the overhead lighting. Light is a big deal with SAD.
Yesterday I spent several hours puttering in the garden.
Is anyone else having a hard time being productive with the changing of seasons?
Yesterday I took a long afternoon nap and woke up groggy and lethargic because I wasn't in need of sleep. I find that I feel much better when I'm physically active but the willpower needed to get myself there is a struggle. All I want to do is cuddle on the couch with my furry creatures and a fleece blanket. Today is cool, overcast and quiet. I even felt some light sprinkles when I was walking with the dogs. This all leads me think the couch is the best logical place to be.
I might start logging daily activities here to push myself out of this rut.
Actually, I've found the changing seasons adds an urgency to finishing up (okay, starting :|() what I have to do outside. Here in Minnesota, there will be plenty of days coming when it will be inhospitable outside and the most attractive option is curling up on the sofa.
Not much progress made on my earlier-summer list. I've had a cold the last several days which makes working outside nothing I want to do...
Spend money or suck it up?
A couple of weeks ago I found that my swimsuit had gotten too big and it was also looking old and ratty so I tossed it. Luckily, I had a new suit in the next size down and although it was a tiny bit snug in the chest, it fit well enough to be worn at the pool. Well, after my 10 days of junk, sugar and carbs, that suit is looking pretty darn snug all over. I'm embarrassed to wear it to the pool and have avoided going because of it. I was thinking of trying to find a new suit in the larger size. I don't know if any stores will still have swimsuits available though. And it seems unfrugal to buy something just to avoid a couple weeks of embarrassment. But I sure miss the pool and jacuzzi.
I found some nice suits online at Target but their shipping is either really slow (over 7 days) or very expensive (over $20).
Spend money or suck it up?
A couple of weeks ago I found that my swimsuit had gotten too big and it was also looking old and ratty so I tossed it. Luckily, I had a new suit in the next size down and although it was a tiny bit snug in the chest, it fit well enough to be worn at the pool. Well, after my 10 days of junk, sugar and carbs, that suit is looking pretty darn snug all over. I'm embarrassed to wear it to the pool and have avoided going because of it. I was thinking of trying to find a new suit in the larger size. I don't know if any stores will still have swimsuits available though. And it seems unfrugal to buy something just to avoid a couple weeks of embarrassment. But I sure miss the pool and jacuzzi.
I found some nice suits online at Target but their shipping is either really slow (over 7 days) or very expensive (over $20).
Try Amazon.
Can you wear cutoffs to the pool?
I would imagine no one cares how you look..You can stay in the water if you want and have your cover-up right next to you.
Is anyone else having a hard time being productive with the changing of seasons?
Yesterday I took a long afternoon nap and woke up groggy and lethargic because I wasn't in need of sleep. I find that I feel much better when I'm physically active but the willpower needed to get myself there is a struggle. All I want to do is cuddle on the couch with my furry creatures and a fleece blanket. Today is cool, overcast and quiet. I even felt some light sprinkles when I was walking with the dogs. This all leads me think the couch is the best logical place to be.
I might start logging daily activities here to push myself out of this rut.
Nope. With the threat of frost looming we're in high gear on garden harvest, prep and storage. IE: ratatouille in the freezer, beans blanched/frozen, salsa making goes on and on and on. I refuse to waste what we've grown and nurtured since June.
I tried on the suit yesterday to make sure and I look like I'm busting at the seams. So I'm going to see if I can find something in one of the stores nearby. I could probably wear cutoffs but wouldn't be comfortable with the added fabric weight. And I'd also need to wear a t-shirt since the bust is overflowing. I'm hoping I can find something at Ross.
Is anyone else having a hard time being productive with the changing of seasons?
I had to take a sick day Monday. I'm experiencing SAD and it isn't even winter yet. Our September has been hotter than July/Aug. It's too muggy to work outside and I'm depressed over it. We've only had one sprinkle of rain in the last 4 weeks and everything is dry, dusty, and crinkles! Our fall colors are already on but burning out quickly. It appears we won't have much color this year. I need a cool morning to work outside and dang it...I need to pack a few orbs for Geila too! Can't believe I keep putting off going out to the studio to do that!
Swimsuits: I've noticed a lot of swimsuits still on sale in stores. Great time to stock up for next season at these prices. I usually buy several this time of year for the next.. I like the mix/match top/short sets for kayaking. Sporty and comfy and not revealing. I'm not sure why it is but anytime I pull up to unload at least one person comes to talk and see if I need any unloading/loading help and ask questions about kayaking. Mostly I think they are just trying to chat me up.
I went to Ross and Target and nothing. Was told both stores got rid of everything already. I found a cute tankini on amazon and ordered in two sizes since I don't know how the brand runs. This is the first time I've been aware of the junk food taking away something I really enjoy. I mean, I've always been aware of the negatives that junk food brings with it, but hadn't really been made aware of the good stuff that it takes away (other than energy, I've been aware of that for a while!)
I've started turning on all the lights in the main part of the house and leaving them on for the whole day. We've had a dramatic change in weather here - it was 100 degrees a couple of weeks ago and now mornings are in the 50's and the daily highs are in the 60's to low 70's, and overcast.
Float - I started noticing small SAD symptoms creeping up a couple of weeks ago. The light is a huge trigger for me, so having lots of light in the house is helping a lot. I also notice I've been wanting to sleep a lot more than normal.
I got my new tankini and it is so cute. I can't wait to wear at the pool. There might be some struttin goin on.
Goal progress:
SAD - things seem to be pretty calm and quiet in this regard. My preemptive measures seem to be paying off.
Self-care - this week's goal is to get back in the exercise groove. Low-carb is going well.
House & garden - did a few minor things this weekend. I'm looking forward to having a more productive week and enjoying some feelings of accomplishment.
SAD - I went for a nice long walk in the sun today - with sunscreen and a hat - to get in some Vit D. The pups and I got a good workout out of it too.
Self-care - Pool and jacuzzi yesterday in my new tankini and it was nice to be back in the water. Was able to avoid indulging a carb craving.
House & Garden - Caught up on some housecleaning - now most of the house is clean and shiny. Planned to hand water the backyard after dinner but got caught up watching The Five on Netflix instead. :|( It gets dark so early now!
So even though I haven't finished in the back yard (still waiting to get a load or two of small pea gravel or river pebbles) I started on a small front area.
I got these two big urns at goodwill for $6 each while I was up north last weekend. Painted them a hammered bronze brown and moved some mums into them. Right in front of them in front of the cement pad (needs redone too) was a flower bed with stacked stones around it. I've been working on cleaning that out - you actually couldn't see the bottom 4 steps because of the overgrowth in the flower bed. It too was overrun in ivy and just scrub brush that took over. I uncovered probably 100 bulbs and iris, dug up some roots (one big one to go). I found a granite water bubbler fountain on clearance at a farm & home store. So I'll create another stone area there with the bubbler (humming birds love bubblers). I can wrap the electrical around the concrete edge to the right, under the stairs and porch to wire it into the electrical access. Also noted is that I need to add the porch and steps to the master list too: powerwash, clean, stain, seal. Ahh...it's neverending!
1952
The pots and arrangement look great, welcoming. Our cement stoop improved with the use of Wet and Forget- it takes a while, but all you do is spray it on the surface and every time it rains, it makes it a little cleaner. We've used in on our siding and it is amazing-gets rid of the green stuff-Our siding is pale yellow, 40 years old and looks great. I now do it once a year or every 18 months. I know about the master list that grows....
Wet and Forget- it takes a while, but all you do is spray it on the surface and every time it rains, it makes it a little cleaner. ..
I'll look for that. I also need to see if I can dig out a bit under the concrete and fill in with something to move it up. Or...just lay some more on top of it.
The steps look so inviting - a great entrance.
I pulled up the rest of the false sunflowers. Next I want to tackle all the forsythia runners. The number of items on the list does stay at least even.
Float - I just sent you a pm!
So even though I haven't finished in the back yard (still waiting to get a load or two of small pea gravel or river pebbles) I started on a small front area.
I got these two big urns at goodwill for $6 each while I was up north last weekend. Painted them a hammered bronze brown and moved some mums into them. Right in front of them in front of the cement pad (needs redone too) was a flower bed with stacked stones around it. I've been working on cleaning that out - you actually couldn't see the bottom 4 steps because of the overgrowth in the flower bed. It too was overrun in ivy and just scrub brush that took over. I uncovered probably 100 bulbs and iris, dug up some roots (one big one to go). I found a granite water bubbler fountain on clearance at a farm & home store. So I'll create another stone area there with the bubbler (humming birds love bubblers). I can wrap the electrical around the concrete edge to the right, under the stairs and porch to wire it into the electrical access. Also noted is that I need to add the porch and steps to the master list too: powerwash, clean, stain, seal. Ahh...it's neverending!
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1952&stc=1
This is so pretty! I bet if you ever wanted to do Airbnb you would have no trouble with bookings.
I can totally picture the new area you're describing and it sounds lovely.
This is so pretty! I bet if you ever wanted to do Airbnb you would have no trouble with bookings.
I can totally picture the new area you're describing and it sounds lovely.
I have thought about turning the old glass studio into a rental for AirBnB. It's to the left of our house a glorified detatched barn garage with a cute little raised barn vent roof line. 24x30. We use to stay in a 1890's carriage garage in Eureka Springs that was only 10x20 back when they were just B&B's.
These came in the mail today! (my camera takes terrible pics and I'm in a dark room so the pic is not doing these beauties justice).
I will post a better pic when I clear off my kitchen table, which will be their new home. Thanks Float! They are absolutely gorgeous.
I have thought about turning the old glass studio into a rental for AirBnB. It's to the left of our house a glorified detatched barn garage with a cute little raised barn vent roof line. 24x30. We use to stay in a 1890's carriage garage in Eureka Springs that was only 10x20 back when they were just B&B's.
One of our best vacations was staying in a small cottage on a private property in Napa Valley. Your place reminds me of it. It was the most relaxing vacation ever. 24x30 sounds pretty big to me. I bet you could make it into a gorgeous little place for people wanting to spend time in nature without having to own a cabin themselves.
Thanks for photo proof!! Im glad you like them.
Marked another fall project off the list today -- City-Wide Cleanup. I spent six hours with others tossing chunks of concrete into one dumpster and appliances and tires onto a truck. In exchange, I got a mild sunburn and a free trip through the drop-off getting rid of the stuff we'd saved up for months because it just can't go in the trash. Mission accomplished.
Takeaways? People toss a lot of very usable items. I almost wanted to jump into the concrete dumpster after some perfectly good aggregate blocks someone dropped off. We could have used 'em. The scrap-metal guys were putting aside floor lamps, mostly-assembled bicycles, and other items for repair and reuse. And dehumidifiers for home use must be absolutely disposable; in just a couple of hours I alone must have put three dozen of those on the truck. They break and they can't be fixed for less than the cost buying a new one so... :( Appliances today are just junk unless you spend a small fortune on one..
I came home with an empty car. I wish I could have swept through my rental property and picked up some more stuff but it just has not been the year for getting completely ready for anything. But I have one more project/deadline done.
Yesterday was a blah day. Even walking, swimming, and soaking in the jacuzzi didn't get me out of my funk. And I felt emotional and reactive with dh. I felt the first twinge of the SAD blues where life feels so exhausting all of a sudden. Not sure how to rally. I've been thinking that I should go to Home Depot and come home with some tinted primer for my kitchen walls and just shock my system out of the encroaching depressive feelings. I don't know if it will work though.
Every year I'm shocked at how these symptoms just come in full force out of nowhere.
And I'm kinda mad that they are making it difficult (nearly impossible?) for me to enjoy my life and the wonderful things available to me right now: beautiful weather, freedom to do whatever I want, my adorable pets, delicious food, etc.....
Geila have you tried antidepressants?
Geila have you tried antidepressants?
I've thought about it. I read an article a while back about the benefits of aerobic exercise and depression (I tried to find it to link, but couldn't). So I want to try that first. From what I remember, the benefits are most significant from an intense, sweaty, and sustained (about 45-min) workout.
Of course, this is just the kind of workout that feels impossible when you're feeling like just walking around the block is too much. But yesterday was a little bit better; a felt less tired and sleepy and I didn't have the emotional blues going on. And I think I might be able to muster up something today. This morning The Black Eyed Peas' My Humps was quite energizing! :)
Yesterday I trimmed the grape and raspberry vines and pulled weeds and flowers/veggies out of the other 4 raised beds. Told DH I'd decided to dismantle the 5 raised beds and reuse what wood is good to make smaller planters to put in front of the porch when I redo that area. The raised beds are out near the road and just looking tired (I'm working on my curb appeal in case we ever consider selling).
I also pulled about 1/2 a wheelbarrow of algae and fallen leaves out of the pond and trimmed a few bushes there.
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1976&stc=1http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1977&stc=1We just finished painting the big shed...moving on to the little one. Luckily my husband will climb the ladder to do the big shed. Little one only needs me on a step stool. Big job to have done! Pale yellow and it makes me smile.
Pictures of the finished sheds! Just two little items on a list, but huge jobs for us to finish! All done for a few years. Then we may call "the guy".http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1973&stc=1 Little shed here.
I pulled all the old insulation out of the basement and tossed what would fit in the trash. The rest should be gone in a couple weeks.
Had the car checked before winter, got brakes after comparison shopping. The battery is fine and the tires middling.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.