challenge check in: 4.09
- posted by: Legends
- posted in: Uncategorized, Challenges
- on: April 9, 2008
So, time for another check in! Look at your beginning goal, and look at where you are now. How is it going? better than expected? Not as good? (please do share!)
Here is where I am at- I am able to tell that I’m ’shrinking’ in size finally- after weeks and weeks of seeing nothing. It is a great feeling and one that is helping to keep me on track diet and exercise wise. On the cleaning front, well there was a disaster. I heard a big slam/bang in the house… but Elizabeth and I thought it was in the kitchen and could not figure out what had made the noise. Hours later, when the girls were asleep and I went to go craft I found this.
The photo doesn’t even do it justice. It’s so much worse than it looks.
A box fell off desk #2 into my corner bookshelf which fell into my bins of stickers/embellishments which fell into my desk. Every brad, button, sticker, and other embellishment I had few out of it’s container which I had just finished organizing that day. My 4×6 portable photo printer was shattered. My room, a worse disaster than ever before.
With tears in my eyes I set off to clean it all up- about 5hrs it took. I did this right away because I knew if I didn’t I would close the bedroom door and leave it for days, maybe even weeks because of how overwhelming it was. The photo really doesn’t do justice to the disaster area. Anyhow, I got everything back into order for the most part. I will confess- this overwhelming mess has totally zapped my creative spirit. But it’s ok. I know what to do for that and I’ll be sharing next time I blog.
In the meantime this is what I share because, well, in this challenge I am sharing with you openly about my success and failure. keeping it real.
Pinky aka Cristal #3405 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 12:54 amWell my goal of getting the house cleaned fro real got completely done! BUT the hubby thing is still off and on. I am s stinking tired LOL
Tired of being nice!! LOL But next week my curse leaves so it should be easier for sho!
Thanks for sharing your ups and downs. Makes me feel less alone!
Marla #3291 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:01 amOh May - You poor thing - what a disaster!! I am an organize freak and sometimes have to clean up in the middle of a project just to keep my sense about me. I hope you got it all cleaned up and even more organized and better than before!! NOW GO CREATE!!
Jen B #258 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:14 amOh May, that is such an awful thing to find. I’m glad you could clean it up right away because I’m sure it would have been much harder later. Sorry to hear about your printer - may it rest in peace (or pieces). (I hope my humor doesn’t hurt your feelings - just trying to lighten it up a little)
As for my challenge, I’m just NOT in the mood for exercise. I don’t know if its hormones, lack of sleep, stress or what. I’m sure it would help and I was just starting to see a difference. I’m going to do something tomorrow, even if its just my 20 minute ab workout.
Creativity wise, I’ve done 6 layouts in the past week. I was so excited to get more Vineyard paper and planned to do my son’s entire 1st year album with it. Now that its not coming, I’m kind of crushed. I’ve got to find some more!!! I’ll keep plugging along but the layouts were coming so much faster with coordinating papers and embellies. I guess that is my disaster of sorts but I’ll work it out.
Laura says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:20 amOh May…I’m so sorry…Must have been a rough 5 hours. I would have cried myself…and probably shut the door ! Good for you for straightening it up right away. Hope tomorrow is much better ! Huggs !!!
Cindy # 2737 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:30 amOH NO, you poor thing ! I spilt about 1000 tiny rhinestones all over my desk the other day, and I thought that was bad enough *hug*
Jennifer A #1301 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 2:14 amOn the positive side, CONGRATS about dropping a size! That is awesome! And on the other side… OMGosh! I would have just sat down and cried. Good for you for getting it back together right away.
Around here things are slowly coming into place. I spent some time going through a couple of under-utilized cabinets in the last week and am in the process of setting up a family household notebook to keep track of all the paper stuff that comes into our house. This challenge has been a great kick in the pants for me.
Now the over-buying of scrappy goods, hmmm… maybe I will work on that a bit more this week. There has just been too much good stuff lately!!!
Deborah says:
April 9th, 2008 at 2:29 amAww May, I’m so sorry to hear/see the mishap over there. That had to be horrible on you. I walked around my house yesterday saying the Serenity Prayer, bet you could have used some prayers yourself when this happened!
On another note I am happy to hear that you have had some success in your shrinking! WTG! I have an appointment at Curves on Friday night so I hope to shrink a little in the near future myself. Keep up the good work!
As for my challenge I signed up to do. I made the plan to work on my album and have it ready by my anniversary which happens to be today! Yep, 14 years. It was my goal to have it done today so that I could take it with us on our anniversary dinner to just look over, but like you-had some mishaps. My camera’s USB cord stopped working and my memory card only shows me about 1/5 of the pictures I take. My printer stopped printing and it has my scanner connected so it made it impossible for me to send the photo copies to my computer for scanning and changing to b/w and then up to WalGreens. So, as it stands this album is not going with us to dinner, but I did accomplish quite a bit before all of my equipment went kaput! So I’m happy to have a big majority of it complete. Thanks for the push!
Deborah
#2644
Christine C says:
April 9th, 2008 at 2:38 amOh that is such a pain and after you had just finished sorting things as well - the worst possible timing.
As for my challenge well no shrinkage here I am afraid, and my scrap room hasn’t been touched in a while either, so my challenge is not going too well, But I have a cunning plan so hopefully it will start to fall in place soon.
[Amy] says:
April 9th, 2008 at 4:40 amOh May! That is just terrible. I’m so sorry. I really admire you for cleaning it up right then… I totally would have gone the other way and not returned for a week or so.
I’m excited to hear your scrapping-mojo-restoration strategy. :] I could use a little help with that myself, but I don’t think it’ll be possible until after graduation. Ah well…
Amy G. #1803 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 6:41 amAwwww, May!! That’s so awful.
I’m sorry this happened. I can unfortunately understand how you feel. I’m glad you got it cleaned up, shows how strong of a woman you are. Give yourself a pat on the back! 
Sweepnut #3618 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 6:43 amGreat job May on keeping on track with your goal but sorry about your unexpected disaster
As for me, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yaaaaa!! I cleaned out everything on top of my desk and have started going through the paperwork to start filing away. I dusted my neglected area and threw alot of stuff away that had just been sitting. All that is left is for me to clean out the 2 drawers of my desk, go through a few piles of papers, make files, and file them away. I am so excited to finally be near the end. It feels so good to look around and not see clutter!
Lisa #1989 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 6:45 amOh my goodness May, I feel awful for you! I think I would have just stood there frozen for a very long time not knowing where to begin……I may have chosen the close the door option. Good for you that you tackled it right away and didn’t leave it!
Turtlelady~Sandy#1715 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 7:15 amI am so sorry. It looks like you have cats :=) They are good for disasters.
Betsy #2572 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 7:15 amOH MAY….wow…..I am sorry for the lost time and printer poor Retti P!!!!!…..my goodness….I know that the mess may have seemed like failure…but it was actually a SUCCESS! you didn’t put if off….you did something about it then and there…yes the loss was overwhelming…all that work …to have to do again….but you didn’t let that STOP you…you didn’t close the door and pretend it wasn’t there…you faced it HEAD ON! I am so proud of YOU!!!!!
Betsy #2572 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 7:18 amOh and I forgot to say…basically my “moving” has been playing volleyball and trying to park FAR away when going shopping (rather than looking for a close spot)…..I think I am actually going to have to use that dreaded “E” word…that accompanies that other horrible “D” word…..sigh and not just try to move more but actually exercise and diet….there I said it…I will say I have lost about 5 lbs…and quite please about that.
Michele L. says:
April 9th, 2008 at 7:37 amFIrst of all…a BIG congrats on the shrinking of size. Keep plugging away, you can do it.
Secondly, I am so sorry to hear about your disaster area. it really stinks when you can take one baby step forward and two giant steps backwards. But, always look on the bright side…it’s cleaned up, move forward and continue crafting and inspiring others.
Meghan E says:
April 9th, 2008 at 7:55 amHoly cow! I probably would have just walked away, that would have been WAY too stressful for me to deal with. But way to go you for sticking with it!
Karen #3441 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 7:58 amI think I would have cried, then shut the door!
Louise #3903 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:00 amOh I can feel your pain! After all your hard work to have something like that happen! But you took the right approach & got it back together again……proud of you! I hope when you were done you did the “Calgon take me away from it all” thing!!
Sara R. says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:05 amAt this point I’m doing better…not great, but better.
JennC says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:20 amMay-
I’m so sorry you had to re-do all your hard work. I reorganized my craft room this weekend, so I know how time consuming it can be.
Colleen F. 2970 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:33 amI know the feeling. the weight loss and better eating is a continual trial. Can’t seem to get anywhere. As far as cleaning my house I get something done and the husband and children undo what I did. Argg. Wonder if I can kick out the children and husband until after Sarah’s party.
Sarah #3020 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:39 amWell I’ve lost 4lbs and although it is not as much as I would like I understand it is still loss and any loss is better then none or even worse gaining. In the past I would have gotten frustated and given up this time I’m sticking with it!!
Michelle M #88 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:44 amGood job!
On my organizing and paper work, I finished my taxes (2 years worth), finished my daughters taxes, and my parents taxes. Only my grandpas left to do and his will be simple. I finished my daughters fafsa forms and straightened and sorted all the papers. They are ready to file. That will clear one counter in my SB room and lighten my mind, so I can get back to scrapping.
On my diet and exercise I’m doing good, still working out almost daily and trying to stay away from the chocolate and eat better most of the time. My weight is staying the about the same, which isn’t bad. I’m just hopping to firm some things up.
mm
kris #2961 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:59 amThat is a mess!! so sorry that happened to u.
My challenge has it’s bad weeks and such but i’m actually doing better then i figured. I’m getting alot of exercise and eating lotsa heathly food so im doing great:)
connie #2909 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:03 amWell I think my buddy is having more progress than me but my laundry has gotten much better and I have gotten rid of some clutter (not much). For my scrapbook supplies~~~what can I say~~I think I have added more stuff with the fiskadeals than organizing!! But that’s ok. I also have taken my meds everyday (which is something for me because I just tend to forget!) So all and all I think I doing ok with my challenge.
Lorraine W. # 3700 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:12 amYou’ re only human. I’m glad you finished cleaning up. I’d still be sitting and crying ….and venting.
lol
Patty # 2832 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:32 amOh my ! Good for you for getting right at it… I would of probably shut the door and cried my eyes out! Then maybe thought it happend for a reason, get in there , start cleaning and find something I’ve been looking for forever!
My craft area has gone from ok to worse at the moment… can’t seem to keep things put away. I’ll spend some time down there today, it’s drizzly and dreary out..need to make dd a desk caddy now too!
Hugs May!
Latharia says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:35 amOh, May! How frustrating! *hugs*
Cat #1821 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:39 amOH man. I would’ve been so ticked off…I would’ve cried, too. My cats like to jump on my rack that I keep my chipboard letters in….that isn’t funny to me either when they knock it all off. I’m doing alright….okay….um…. I’m trying. I still can’t find the post where I put my goals, so I have to try to remember what I said. Being sick and stuff, I kinda let some stuff go for a couple days…but last night I got back on track again. I haven’t heard from my partner in a long time, so I hope she’s doing good!
Karen C. says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:10 amcongratulations on your “shrinking size”. so glad your hard work is payig off. and SO sorry for your catastrophe (sp?) that happened. i would have been in tears too!
Wendy Gibson says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:16 amughhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
Amy 3888 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:19 amoh May, my heart goes out to you! What a mess. I probably would have closed the door on it and just cried. Congrats for taking charge and putting it to rights.
kimberlee #2494 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:20 amOMG,I’m sooo sorry that happened to you! How frustrating! But good for you–you could have taken it as a major set back but instead tackled it right away. I don’t know what I would have done, but cry!
I am having a setback myself. After exercising for 4 weeks, I did nothing last week b/c of sick kids. And today will be my day back exercising. But “Aunt Flo” is here draining me of any energy and she’s just not that fun to exercise with. Sigh. Wish I could kick her out.
Lisa M. Pace says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:32 amOh May I am so sorry this happened. Good thing you tackled it because I have a feeling I would have just shut the door for awhile.
Have a great day!
Candy #3015 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:41 amSo glad you are seeing results now! That is a great motivater. How terrible to have found that mess….I don’t know what I would have done. So glad you got it all taken care of, luckily the girls were not in there when it happend. Hope you have a better day!
Carlee #2225 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:43 amWhat a horrible thing to discover! How frustrating! I would have cried too! As for goals…a few have been met, but I am still working on the grander ones. I have been cleaning and downsizing like crazy! (It feels sooo good!!!
) Now I just need to work on getting up earlier for exercise (but right now I have company in town making it a lil awkward) but it will get done! So glad to hear the exercise front is going well for you…I love when you can finally notice the hard work paying off…really inspires! 
kim3timemom says:
April 9th, 2008 at 11:04 amAhh May, What I mess…great job on tackling it head on. I would have cried and cried. Here’s a story for you. After we moved into our house DH put in some wire closet organizers in our DD’s room. It was so nice and DD and I worked so hard on getting all her things organized and put in her closet. It took all day. Well..sometime during the night we all awoke to a huge crash, bang..and went into dd’s room…and everything had fallen the shelving popped out of the wall and the room was a mess. A few days later DH tackled it again put it all up..DD and I once again organized and put away..and a few days later it happened again.AARRGGHH. Well the 3rd time was a charm he was able to get it to stay..and it’s not fallen since.
He had also installed one in our closet and months later it crashed to the ground too. 
My challenge has been going ok. Exercising not going as planned..just can’t get back into doing it. My water intake could be better, but I’m trying. My weight loss is still going great. I’ve lost a total of 16 so far.
Enjoy your Day!
Niecia #3006 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 11:27 amWell crap happens! It looks like a car crashed into the room. Just when we feel we are two steps ahead something comes along and we end up three steps back again. As with me. My DH decided to run for Co. Mayor (makes lots more work for me) the fridge went out in one of our apartments, DH has no time to fix it so I have to figure it out. My house is still not in a happy place, but I have been getting the laundry down to a manageable size mountain. Yes! I am seeing little tiny baby steps in my goals. I hope the rest of the week gets better for you.
Michelle #3624 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 11:33 amOuch, May that was a really bad moment in time for you. Pat yourself on the back I would have just shut the door and cried.
I had a really bad week since I went to the kidney Dr and all was good but I had to do the scale thing and had gain 5 lbs since last there (before the Holidays), So what did I do I ate to much this week and did not take my blood sugar once. Trying to get back in the right this week. I am not that weak the truth is that I just gave up for a week.
doverdi says:
April 9th, 2008 at 12:03 pmCongrats on the weight loss May. You should be so proud of yourself.
I know exactly how you feel on the disaster front. I had the same thing happen to me. Last summer I had bought one of those wire cube shelves (white) and had it set up in my studio. I had that thing really loaded down with paper packs, cardstock, etc. I decided to buy black wire cube shelves & gave DS the white one for his room. So I bought 2 this time, assembled them, loaded them up just as I did the white one and was quite proud of my accomplishment. About a week later I heard a loud crash coming from upstairs & went to investigate and there was everything all over the floor. My shelf had collapsed under scrappers overload & all my precious stash was everywhere. Like you, I could have cried (I didn’t even think of taking pics I was so upset). Anyways, they are now reassembled carrying less weight then before & hopefully they’ll remain in place until I find something else more reliable. Note: Of course the one’s I gave DS are loaded with his clothing & still holding up. So I can definitely relate to your craft room disaster but I am so glad that you didn’t let it discourage you & I know that you’ll be back creating in no time.
As for my challenge, I am so impressed with myself. I am making lists of what I want to accomplish on a daily basis & am amazed at my progress. I still get frustrated because of my health & not being able to accomplish things when I want to but I’m learning not to put so much pressure on myself to complete these goals. I am doing a little bit at a time throughout the day and am so thrilled at seeing progress.
I had boxes & bags of things I no longer needed go out the door last week as I donated a bunch of stuff to my mother’s church rummage sale. I’m also keeping accountable with my challenge buddies who are both making progress as well. I think one of my biggest accomplishments is making myself put things away as soon as I bring them in the house.
Thanks again for a great challenge May.
melita says:
April 9th, 2008 at 12:12 pmWhat a mess…so sorry to hear about this and I totally get about being zapped of creative energy. I am FINALLY taking a car load of stuff to Goodwill today. It is a lot more than I originally thought because since it has taken me longer to get it out of the house, I have just added more stuff to the pile. But at least it is all getting out of the door today!
pomaika`i scrapaloha says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:12 pmCongratulations on your body goal! Keep up the great work!
So sorry to hear about your room. yikes what an overwhelming experience! Hopefully you are better of than before with the new organizing!
I’m still baby steps here. Laundry is suffering right now. Our drawers are getting empty again. Mountains of laundry need to be folded. DS needs to learn how to help! (he is sitting here as I type and shaking his head LOL).
hugs!!!
Paula #2796 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:44 pmOh May - I’m so sorry to hear about your disaster! I think I would have shut the door and taken a week long vacation.
Great job on slimming down. I’ve been doing well with my slim down project. Wednesdays are weigh-in day and today was bad, really bad! It’s my first bad week in 13 weeks though so I guess I deserve one right? I’m back on track today and hope to lose what I gained and maybe a little more for next week
Alex #3614 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:45 pmOH May…I saw the picture before I read your post…thank goodness it wasn’t an earthquake (that’s what came to me first)! If I were there I would have helped you! Sorry you had to spend 5 hours cleaning/picking up that mess! Inspiration will come soon! Don’t worry!
Karee Sue #3609 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:46 pmI’m so sorry to hear about ur mishap, I feel for u, I once droped a stack of organized tarys full of beads and I think i cried. It took me days to clean up that mess. LOL
congrats on your weight goal.. wish I could say the same, I’m taking only tiny steps to fullfilling my challenge goals, but I’m confident I’ll get there before summer hits us.
Melissa #1464 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 1:53 pmOMG I would die! But good for you for taking care of it then…I would have run far, far away.
As for progress, it’s finally been above 50 degrees around here, so we treked out to the garage and started cleaning. I have 12 large boxes full of garage sale items, broke down all the empty boxes, swept up all the leaves and salt from the roads, and put together Haydrienne’s wagon from Christmas. I also found a large box of bulbs that I forgot to plant in the fall. However, since it got plenty cold in the garage, they were starting to grow, so I quickly got those into the ground.
Hubby is coming home in 10 days (AHHHH!) so I’ve got to get to work getting it all finished up, but I’m definitely on track! Yay!
~melissa
luv2stamp # 3510 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pmOMG the pic tells it all.. I would’ve cried too.. if I wouldn’t live so far away I would come and help you put everything bad in order!
Peg #3675 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 4:37 pmCongrats on your weight loss and I feel for you on the room. I know that type of set back when trying to clean.
For my goal, it’s not been as good as I hoped last week and this week which has been disappointing to me. We had so many unannounced visitors last week I never did get to work on cleaning the basement and this week there’s been other things needing my attention and I’ve had to focus on those instead of working on cleaning. Since I haven’t gotten anything done I’m planning on using time over the weekend (which wasn’t part of my original goal plans since my family is home then) and working on it.
Linda says:
April 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm{{{Hugs}}} I would have shut the door and then I would have probably thrown a temper tantrum LOL! I applaud you for cleaning it up immediately.. you done good!!!!!
Debbie Buckland says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:00 pmOh man! have you tried anchoring it to the wall so it doesn’t happen again?
My goals go good for 2-3 days then they go to the pack. Its hard to keep up with everthing.
I am actually breaking through with my bible reading every day though. Yeah!
My drinking of a glass of water every hour isn’t…. lol
My internet rule… no internet till the kids are asleep…. well that has been broken heaps!
I have been crafting when the kids are in bed at night. so that is working out. Yesturday was an exceptiont to the rule. I was crafting with out kids at a friends house.
Personal breaks without kids? hmmmm twice in 3 months and that was for 2 hours.
Trish #2702 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 8:10 pmOh my! I don’t have great news to report either. I’m really not losing much weight, but I’m not gaining either. I am down a few pounds though. On a good note, I really appreciate my buddy. Checking in with someone regularly was a great idea.
mariah # 2457mariah says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:19 pmI can feel your tears.. that also happened to me some time ago.. and I was not a happy camper.. I’m glad my adult kids weren’t around.. so glad to hear you got it cleaned it up..
Debby 2852 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:21 pmOkay…let me sing a few praises. Great job May. Losing weight is difficult to say the least. Congrats on your progress.
Great job to my buddy who is faithfully plugging away.
Where I was and where I’m now. Now I know what I don’t want to do, but I understand now what I have to do. Organize my time. Set priorities. I’ve made a schedule for myself with some flexibility. I have to set some priorities for my business. I carry a daytimer everywhere I go and make daily to do lists. So I’m better, but not there yet.
Rita #2797 says:
April 9th, 2008 at 9:36 pmOh my! What a disaster!
A similiar thing happen to me twice in our walk in clothes closet.
My advice is just devote a little time each day to the clean up and it will not seem so overwhelming and will get done quicker and with less stress on your part.
Faye Marie Warriner says:
April 10th, 2008 at 12:37 amI cleaned out the linen closet and have 3 bags of towels, sheets and other goodies to give away. Big Brother / Big Sister will be here this week. Craft room is getting better, can actually walk in there. Going to work on it more this weekend. All and all I am doing OK so far. Going to keep going
Sandy #1781 Wilkins says:
April 11th, 2008 at 8:51 amOh my May. What a mess you had to tackle! The up side… you put in 5 hours of unexpected activity that certainly must weigh in as a good thing on you diet! LOL!
My room hasn’t changed this week, and I haven’t even checked in with my inspiration pal (sorry Kimberly). But I did manage to stave off a cold and have a great time. If anything, the piles are higher, but the overall room is still very usable. I’ll be back at it Monday.
Sandi says:
April 11th, 2008 at 10:03 amOh no what a mess. Thank goodness your DD’s were safe with you when this happened. Good for you for cleaning it up. I am sure it was so hard to find this when you just clean it the week before.
My progress has been slow. I am making progress and that is what counts. I am getting a sitter today and plan to attack and conquer the remaining details in one of my DD’s room and one corner of my sb room. This will feel so good to have out of the way.
butterfly #3611 says:
April 13th, 2008 at 6:04 pmi would have cried to, so sorry it happened. I dont no what id do if that happened to me.
Anyway my progress is sorta on the slow side, getting my exercise, but every food and desert i see looks good, lol. hopefully ill get there evenually.
Misty#2479 says:
April 25th, 2008 at 5:46 pmI have bombed and died in this challenge, I think I have put on more weight than when I first started and I’m smoking more than ever. It is like i’m my own parent and I’m rebelling against myself… Anyway I’m going to pick myself back up and recharge the motivation and have another go. I know I want nothing more than to succeed, so there is no giving up on myself this time. So anyway I just wanted to let you know…. Thanks May, I will miss you when your gone!
inking memories says:
July 30th, 2008 at 10:12 pmI’m so sorry, for what happened, i wish i could have been there to help u clean up.
As for the challenge its usually pretty tidy around here, but as for my scrap room, nooo way is it clean. I’ll have to figure out a way to clean up after each project.
Hope u get yourself a new printer, best of luck. Keep Scraping.