Ketchup ...

I mean ... Catch Up ... let's see ... the last few days ...

The kitchen is officially done. Well, the stuff I could afford to do anyway. Window treatments and a few storage solutions I have yet to do will have to wait. But, I'll snap pictures as soon as I remember where I hid the camera. Butterball loves all things electronic, especially MomMom's gadgets, so I have to hide everything really well. Too well in this case, I can't remember where I put it!! Can't use my cell phone to snap pics either, as I seem to have hidden the data cord for that as well.

But pics coming soon!

It'll be soooo nice when things are fully organized around here and I can have ONE hiding place for all of the things I need to keep Butterball away from! Preferably something with a lock on it!

*****

I still haven't heard from Gizmo or Drama-rama. I've left several messages that they have mail here, and they need to get the rest of their stuff. Their crap is holding me back with progress on the rest of the house!!

Heaven help Drama-rama should be told to come get her stuff. Of course, I'm being ignored. It's got to be her way of having a little control over Big-Bad-Me. She'll do it in her own time, not in my time preferences. I've left messages on my son's cell phone. Yes, my son's cell phone. Apparently she's taken it over as the two times I did get a response in the last few weeks was her calling me back, stating "I got your message on Gizmo's phone. We can't possibly come over this week to get the rest of our things because DOT DOT DOT". She's got an excuse every time.


But never mind, the emotions she thinks she's going to stir up for me just aren't gonna happen. I'm done with it. I need to move on. Besides, I just don't need that stress. And since I've adopted this whole not-going-to-have-any-emotions-whatsover mentality, my stress levels have gone down considerably.

Now to just figure out how I'm going to get those bills paid and I'll be stress free!!

*****

So, you may have seen on facebook that I got the job at Home Depot! YAY!! Finally. Orientation isn't until April 13th. But I'm in!! I'm good to go! Now I'll just need to prove to them that making me a full time, year 'round employee is in their best interest!! And that won't be too hard to do once they see what type of a cashier I am.

*****

 I'll keep my 1te job (with BossMan). The pay will help, well, when I get paid anyway, LOL. The company is going through a huge transition right now. To leave would only end up devestating BossMan. I'm the only employee he has left!! He had to fire the Truck Driver over the weekend. He ended up going to North Carolina (where the truck was) to empty out his personal belongings that he'd loaned to the driver and is turning the truck back to the leasing company. So that'll end the semi-truck portion of One Time Express.

He will keep the van he's been working out of for expedite deliveries, though. It's much more lucrative, the overhead isn't nearly as high as with the semi, and there's a much better profit margin with the company we're now contracting with. 

It'll take a few months, I'm sure, but we'll finally be in the black again.

So, that's an ongoing thing. I'll keep ya'll posted as things develop. 

*****

Mom has talked to the Knight in Rusty Armor and has asked him to paint the family room. She'll pay him $100 to do it, something he said wasn't necessary. His words were something like "I enjoy helping family out, you don't need to pay me". Mom said "don't be a fool, take the money, use it for your sons". So ... that'll happen in about a month. AFTER Gizmo and Drama-rama get their crap out of here so I can move forward with where to put the stuff that's in the family room now.

Then she's got more that she wants Rusty Knight to do, but we'll keep that to ourselves for now. If not, he'd come on here, wanting to do it all right away, and not pace himself. And pacing is all important when you have a budget to consider. 

*****

After a week and a half of calling the phone company with no results, they have finally agreed there is a problem with my phone line and will be out next week to do repairs. 

You'd think after 18 years of my living in this house, I would know of which I speak. But noooooo, they think that I don't know squat. They claim squirrels don't like teflon. Ummm, my squirrels LOVE it. 

One of the techs I spoke to today actually had a suggestion for me .... "lady, you need to put up squirrel feeders throughout your property. They're obviously hungry". I DO feed them, but don't have any fancy feeders for their meals. I just put their feed on the ground!! Maybe I need to rethink the whole squirrel dining environment. Create a little ambience? 

But they are fed ... and rather well at that. I think the squirrels use the teflon-coated phone lines as dental floss, and I told the tech so!!

Rough Day

The last two days haven't been good. Seems like every time I make a few steps forward, I get kicked back even more steps.

BossMan's having huge financial problems with the company right now. Which means, the secretary is the last one to get paid. Or in this case, not paid at all. I can handle being owed a week's wages, but three weeks?

What little savings I had was used last week for groceries. This week I'll have to dip into the money I had saved for "my" share of the bills (my share before the nest emptied anyway, now they're all "my" bills). What I will do after that I have no idea. I just hope that BossMan can come up with the three weeks of wages he owes me ...

At the rate it's going, I'll be forced to see if I can get some sort of assistance or aid. DT, the guy who took over command of the USS Sinclair, works for a charity organization and told me that if I need anything to contact him. It may just boil down to that yet. 

Still haven't heard about the background check. I was told it could be as late as Monday, as they're on a hiring binge throughout the district. I did call yesterday, and was told no word yet.

I know I have to do something to get myself out of the funk of the last few days. This isn't where I had imagined myself at the age of 53. I don't like it, not one bit. I should be planning my next weekend getaway ... not figuring out how to make a lousy $35-40 stretch for food for a week.

I keep reminding myself that the stress of the full nest is gone ... that I do have that freedom I'd long been dreaming of.

And don't get me wrong, I love every second of the empty nest. I deserve it!! I've put up with a lot in the last three decades. 

It's just getting over this financial hump.

Getting Closer ...

I should hear back about my drug test and background check either tomorrow or Monday. Can't be soon enough, I'm getting antsy to start working!!

Mom and Daddy have been talking. Daddy's decided that they will not give me the minivan, but will sell it to me instead. He's asking for $50 a month for it (he didn't specify how long I'll have to pay), and for now until I go full-time, he'll pay for the insurance (add another $50 a month for that after I've gone to full-time). Not bad, not bad at all. That I can afford!!

Not a lot else going on here today. Been busy with paperwork for BossMan. I'm trying to get everything all caught up so that once I am working this second job, I'll be in a position to keep up with the trucking paperwork as it comes in.

I know, I should have been on top of it from the beginning and I pretty much was for a long time. Until I think of a better way to organize everything and then redo all the files!! I need to stop doing that! It just creates a lot of new (unnecessary) work for me!!

*****

I'm still adjusting to an empty house ... but that's not a bad thing! I'm feeling a bit spoiled that I can do what I want and not meet with any resistance anymore.

My problem seems to be that after so many years, I'm having a hard time adjusting to using the pantry. I'm still going to the cupboard where I used to store my food and finding the toaster and other small kitchen electronics there. I have to laugh at myself. Frequently.

It's still amazing to know that I don't have to waste time (or water) readjusting the shower head before each shower. There's no clothes left laying on the floor, nor is the garbage can overflowing with someone elses used tissues. And don't forget that all important roll of toilet paper ... it's always there!!

I go to bed knowing the kitchen is clean, and will wake up to the same clean kitchen. No overflowing trash can there, either. And science experiments in the fridge are a thing of the past.

I know ... I know ... I'm easily pleased. Heck ya!! After so many years of others messes, it's nice to know that slowly, ever so slowly, the house is being reclaimed as MY TERRITORY.

Ya'll are gonna get sick of me marveling over it all. How wonderful it is to be "Queen" of my own Castle again.

Yes ... I will be posting more pictures as the project continues. Promise!!

Kitchen ...

The kitchen is finally nearing the final stages of cleaning. Yeah, it took a lot longer than I had expected, but when you consider what I didn't throw out, I stopped to give a good washing. I have no idea how many bags of crap I threw out, either. I lost count after about a dozen bags.

I suppose I could have used the dishwasher, but a lot of the stuff had to be scoured with a steel wool pad, so that took a lot longer than I had anticipated.

Brillo loves me ... two boxes later (and three tall containers of Comet) ... and I'm almost ready for the after photos!!

*****

A lot of the stuff I could have kept, but decided that it would better serve at Alien's house. Lots of food containers, all plastic. No glass around those kiddies! They break things!! Although, I did give her a coffee maker (brand new, barely used) and almost a dozen coffee mugs so she can enjoy the coffee she's now taken to drinking daily.

In one of the before pictures there was a blue storage tub in the bottom of the pantry. That's entirely empty, everything either tossed or donated to Alien. I'm not sure what I'll do with that space yet. As it is right now, it's the perfect hiding space for a toddler or two!

I did buy a set of eight new containers for me, so I'm not leaving myself without ways to store left overs. The whole set only cost $5. Gotta love that "5 Below" store!! If you have one in your area, it's worth checking out. Some of their stuff is crap, but they do have good deals mixed in there, too.

I've got a nice little list going of things I want to replace eventually. Now I'll be prepared when Mom asks me what I want for those gift giving holidays. Toaster, hand mixer, bread box ... nothing too expensive, but things I still need around here.

*****

I'm having a blast finding things that Alien can use. My next toss and sort project will be the linen closet, only because I know there's sheets and stuff in there that she can use.

Originally I was just going to post all of my "rejects" on either Craigslist or on Waterford Freecycle, a local place to list those things that you either want to get rid of, or are in need of, for free. But knowing that Alien still doesn't have all those things that one needs to run a household (even after all this time on her own), well, I'd rather see it go to someone I know!!

A Day Late ...

And as usual, a dollar short, LOL.

Let's start with Sunday.

As I'm getting ready for my interview at noon, I get a text from Drama-rama. "Can Gizmo come and get some stuff?"
"When?"
"Now. He's here."
"Here? There? Where's here"
"At your doorstep".

Thanks for the advance warning!! I'm on a freaking time limit here, and you're texting me from my driveway? I told Gizmo that from now on I need at least an hour warning that they'll be coming over to get their stuff. It's only the polite thing to do.

So I opened the door for him. The only nice comment he had, as he stepped in the house, was "wow, you've cleaned up the place."

After that, he was rather rude asking why he had to wait for me to open the door. Hello? You don't live here, you moved out. Left me high and dry wondering how I'm going to pay the bills you were supposed to have paid last month ... and you think you're going to walk right in?

Drama-rama made a rather dramatic entrance a few minutes later. Slammed the door open so hard it bounced off the cookbook shelf that sits behind the front door. No, she didn't knock either. I had to remind her (in the nicest voice I could muster) that she has to knock on the door from now on as she's no longer a resident here, and that it's the socially polite thing to do.

They didn't bring a van, only his small car, so they didn't take much with them. I asked when he'd be back for the rest of his stuff, as it being here is holding up my progress. He said he didn't know.

It was then I told him that I have a job interview and before I could say I was short on time today and therefore couldn't visit with him today ... and she pipes in with "about freaking time you got off your ass and got a job". "That comment was uncalled for. Besides, I was speaking to Gizmo, thank you" ... and the morning went downhill from there. I couldn't talk to him without her putting her two cents in, didn't matter what I had to ask, she would not let him answer - she would answer for him.

I managed to get him alone for a few minutes while she was over talking to the neighbor. I asked him about the missing items. Of course, he denied it. He even went so far as to say that DIL probably took the crock pot (forget the fact she hasn't been here in weeks). He also said that living on their own was more expensive than he thought (doih) and he would not be paying the overdue bills. I figured as much.

Oh, and according to Gizmo, I kicked them out. Ummmmm ... Yeah, I encouraged them in leaving, but how is that evicting them? Another lie she created, that I kicked them out while he was at work.

No matter, I don't have to deal with the lies again.

This is not how I wanted to spend my time preparing physically and mentally for a job interview.

But I decided right then and there that I have no emotions concerning her anymore. That I was not going to let someone like her ruin my day ... or the chance for me getting a good job.

By the time Mom came to pick me up to take me to the interview, I was so over the rough start to the morning. I was ready for a positive experience ... and walked into the interview with every confidence that I was going to give the best damned interview ever!!

*****

The interview went great. And it definitely turned out to be the best job interview I've ever had, and I've had some good ones. After a long interview (forty five minutes) Manager D wouldn't say for sure that I had the job, but a good clue would be that late in the interview while we were waiting for a second manager to do his part of the interview, Manager D said "hell, since we have to wait on Manager E, we'll start your day-of-hire paperwork. Get that out of the way now". After Manager E talked to me, he and Manager D talked out in the hallway (left the door wide open, too), and I heard Manager D say that he thought I'd be a "huge asset to the front end (cash registers). She's personable, and outgoing. We need that up front".

So, sounds like I'm in for sure. We just have to go through the formalities of the drug tests and back ground check for things to be "official". Then it'll be a week of paid training before they put me on a register.

I can't wait. I'm ready. I miss working with the customer and am excited to get back into it after six years away from the register.

*****

Mom took me today (Monday) to the clinic for the drug test. Quick and painless. Of course peeing in a cup isn't painful in the least (unless you miss, which I didn't. TMI?) The lady at the clinic said the results would be sent to the store within two days.

That just leaves the back ground check. I don't expect problems with that. Nothing more than a few speeding tickets in my lifetime, the last more than 16 years ago ... never arrested ... pretty boring stuff really.

*****

I will have to get a few collared shirts, crew type shirts ... but that's not a biggie.I already own blue and black jeans (allowed dress-code clothing) ... shirts don't have to be a certain color, just so they have a collar and no logos on them, since all of the employees wear company aprons anyway. Button up collared shirts are fine, but I'm not big on button up shirts (I tend to pop the buttons at the worst possible times, LOL).

And Mom's getting a new vehicle this week, so I'll have her "old" minivan by the end of the week it sounds like. Just in time for Manager M to call and set up my training period!!

Cashiering ...

This job interview couldn't come at a better time. I'm down to surviving off a small savings account I established the first week of the new year. I think I blogged about it, save one dollar the first week of the year, ten dollars the tenth week, fifty-two the fifty-second week. You get the idea. At the end of the year you'll have saved just over $1,300.

Problem is, I have no choice but to "borrow" that money this week for groceries. BossMan, for the second week running, can't pay me. He's broke. He's stranded in Pennsylvania somewhere, and the semi truck driver didn't submit paperwork so that we could get paid for the deliveries he's made this week (a bad habit he has).

I'm confident I will get the job. It's in retail, something I've done since I was 15 and worked with Mom in the florist that she owned, The Dried Boutique. Not only are my "drawers always on" - bad cashier humor for my cash drawer being accurate to the penny at the end of the shift, but I take great pride in "The Customer is Number One". He's our bread and butter ... to leave him/her with the knowledge that the cashier - the last person they encounter during their visit - did everything to assure their visit was pleasant and they found everything they needed. I'm the type of cashier, too, who takes a minute to get to know something about the customer ... name, reason for visit to store (often obvious by their purchases), if they have a child with them get the kids name, etc. Next time they're in you ask them by name how they are, if the issue from last visit was resolved, how little Tommy is doing, and on and on.

Mom trained me to do this at a very young age. Like I said, I worked in her floral store when I was a teen. Every day after school and weekends. I loved that job!! I learned so much about dealing with people from Mom and The Dried Boutique.The Dried Boutique wasn't actually a store, it was a kiosk ... a large antique wrought iron "push cart" (more like a horse drawn cart) that sat in the middle of the mall's main corridor, it's deep shelves filled with all sorts of dried floral arrangements made by Mom, and buckets of fresh flowers on the floor all around the perimeter of the cart. Even the cash register was antique, from the early 1900s. Our receipts were hand written on those "guest receipt" books you may remember from your youth. Definitely a low-tech, high customer service operation.

But, once again, I digress. My ultimate goal is to move into Customer Service. Problem solving for the customer. I love that! You can devote more time to solving the customer's problems and providing them with the services they need. Leave 'em knowing that I did my best for them to resolve their questions, concerns or issues with the company and the products I represent.

Granted, it's still a seasonal job, but they're already saying that an average of 50% of their seasonal hires turn into full time, year round employment. And I'm sure once they see how I am with the customers, and that my "drawers are always on", this will definitely turn into a permanent job.

*****

Off to scrub down the fridge and freezer. It's a job I had to put off during the time the furnace was out. I wasn't about to freeze scrubbing it down. Furnace is replaced, no excuses now.

Quiet Day ...

Nothing really going on here today. It's very quiet. And I'm loving it!!

Just working on some stuff for BossMan, gotta earn that paycheck, ya know?

And the cleaning has come to a slower, steadier pace. Nothing break-neck about reclaiming my territory. It's okay with me, it took almost a decade for this to happen, I realize that this whole reclaim thing won't happen overnight.

*****

The kitchen is almost totally reclaimed now. Just two more cupboards and I'm done. "After" photos will be posted soon.

I need someone's help with those last two, they're corner wall mounted cabinets and not the safest to be removing everything from by yourself. There's not the counter space below to just put the stuff there, and the thought of climbing up and down a chair to put things on the kitchen table so many times isn't one I'm thrilled with. I might feel differently if I had a step ladder, but those upholstered chairs just aren't the safest to be climbing up and down on.


Gawd, I'm getting old. The thought of so much climbing makes me uneasy? Used to be a day I'd just jump up on top of the counter and tackle what needed to be done. Then again, back then, there was always someone around in case I did splat myself on the floor. Not now ... and goodness knows I'm not getting any younger. I can't be jumping around those counter tops like a little monkey!

I did notice a few more things were missing, taken when they moved out I'm sure. My favorite mini-crock pot, a few antique kitchen utensils that belonged to my grandmother and some more dishes are missing. I'm fairly certain that I'll find things missing in just about every room I go through. 

I'm wondering if her desire that I don't know where they live has anything to do with the fact that a lot of my stuff is over there ... and not that she "fears for her life" as she's telling everyone!! I mean, you'd have to be blind to not notice a lime-green limited edition brand-promotional mini-crock pot on someone else's counter top!!

Sounds like a sure-fire way to get busted to me, eh?  And I'm furious that Gizmo would allow Drama--rama to take things that he knows are NOT hers.

*****

The one huge highlight for the day was getting a call-back on one of the places I applied at. I had the initial on-line application process (along with their psych-eval tests), and two over the phone interviews. This morning I was greeted with an email saying "We'd like to continue our interviewing process with an in-person interview. Please call (telephone number) at your earliest convenience to schedule your interview appointment".

YES!! This is promising ... making it through all of the prior interviews to the in-person interview ... I'm ready! I NEED A JOB! NOW!!

It's something I know I would enjoy doing, something I happen to not only have many many years experience at, but am damned good at this sort of thing.

I really don't want to name the company right now, just so I don't jinx anything.

*****

So ... back to working on BossMan's paperwork.

One Week ...

Funny how fast one can adapt to something ... the empty nest. And to grow accustomed to the new normal.

I knew there were certain things I would not miss around here ... and I sure haven't missed them. The overflowing garbage cans from someone else cramming more stuff in there instead of emptying the freaking can when it's contents were either 1) level with the top of said can or 2) stinking to high heaven. The shower is where I left it, both the shower head setting (I love the waterfall setting) and not aimed at my knees. No more waiting in the hallway, doing the "peepee dance" because someone refuses to acknowledge they even hear you knock (and an hour in the bathroom, behind locked doors. He's lucky I didn't tinkle in his shoes!). And that whole toilet paper wars, wth was that about anyway? No more using the crispers for my fridge food, I have the whole thing to myself now! Empty as it seems right now. BUT ... no more science experiments to wonder about!  Snooze alarms being hit for an hour or more every single day (at 3:55 am to boot!).

I could go on and on and on about what I don't miss.

Do I miss anything? Not really. Sad as that is to say, I don't miss my son. Not the way he's been the last 16 months anyway. As soon as she turned up, all hell broke loose. He seemed to have forgotten how to respect me, my home or my rules. He forgot about responsibility. Sad that he chose someone who would rather tell bold-faced lies than be a part of once had been a close-knit, loving, caring family unit.

Still no word from him either. Not so much as a how-do-you-do-Mom. He was over at the neighbors house on Sunday. Right next door. Do you think he even popped his head in to say hi? NO! Four or more hours there. No excuse.

I've pretty much given up that he'll pay what he owes for the last two months. He seems to be blinded by the Drama-rama's crap.

Yeah, it hurts, but he seems to have made his choice. I just hope he wises up before there's kids involved.

But, no matter ... his decision is made. AND he's forever closed the door on my providing a roof over his head again. Plenty of reasons, too, to stick to this promise. Respect, Responsibility ... bad financial risk ... very bad!!

*****

Okay, so granted, it's not a fully empty nest, but BossMan is away for weeks, maybe months at a time and only home for a day or two, well, it may as well be empty, right? LOL

I'm still on the job hunt. I'm spreading out my search to include the "general" category of the help wanted columns. Driver, home-care assistant, hotel laundry, and just about anything else that says "no experience necessary".

I've even thought about one of the Home Plans magazines that is published locally. I have a ton of designs for homes plans, and a limited know-how of publishing (more like layout and design). I had been a parent volunteer for the boys elementary school yearbook for their entire elementary years. One year there were no other volunteers, so I had to single-handedly put out that year's yearbook. I still have a copy of it. I did a great job of it if I do say so myself. Well, I didn't publish it, but I did do the majority of the photography (less a dozen photos submitted by one parent), the layout, copy, and worked closely with the publisher. I also did all of the pre-sales to the kiddies, money handling, and the distribution of nearly 200 yearbooks all by my lonesome!! Okay, so it was over twenty years ago ... but I'm like an elephant, once I know how to do something I never forget!!

*****

OMG! I am so loving this new furnace!! It's blowing HOT AIR ... to the point it's actually a little too warm in the house right now. And the thermostat is only set at 70!! I may have to turn it down a few degrees. As soon as I figure out how to set the digital thermometer! LOL.

I did have a doih moment today with the Furnace Guys. The gas man Monday had said he smelled an "electrical smell". I reported it to the Furnace Guys. The one asked if I had smelled anything and if it was that of "burnt toast, or possibly burnt popcorn". Yes, burnt toast, wafting up through the vents. I had thought that Drama-rama had burnt a late night snack (as usual). Nope, turns out that burnt toast smell last week was the blower motor dying in my forced-air furnace!!

I guess a lot of women say that it's a burnt toast smell. LOL.

That made me realize that a few days before that first smell of gas, while I was in the bathroom I did hear the furnace on, but that the usual hot air blowing out of the vent was more of a warm breeze ... if you know what I mean. Just lacked the normal stronger flow of hot air.

So ... doih. Dummy me ...

But all is toasty in my empty nest now.

*****

Reclaiming the nest as mine is going to take a lot longer than I thought. But that's okay, I guess. It didn't happen overnight, it won't be undone overnight either. Lots to do ... lots to do!! 

Day Six ...

And I'm off to a frozen start.

Since the gas smell wasn't going away I could guess it wasn't residual odor lingering from the water heater valve repair on Sunday.

I ended up calling the gas company back last night since the odor was now wafting into the upper level of the house.

Turns out that it's now the furnace's turn to die on me. A leak in the shut off valve, AND the gas man said "an electrical smell, like a motor about to burn out". Needless to say, he shut the furnace off.

I told Mom I was calling the gas company back, and I'd call her in the morning to report what they had said. She calls at midnight, curious as to what the gas man had to say. She wasn't thrilled with what I told her he'd said.

"Let me sleep on this", she says.

Early this morning she calls back. She and Daddy had talked about it over breakfast. She tells me "Daddy didn't beat me, holler, or go ballistic. He agrees that you need a new furnace. I'm on the way shortly to the  furnace place to discuss our options."

Odd that she'd say that about Daddy. He's NEVER so much as raised a hand in anger, and rarely yells. He's never gone ballistic either. Why would she even say such a thing? Humor maybe? She's got a warped sense of humor after all.

Hell, he only spanked me once when I was a kid - a total of two spanks on my behind ... and he cried harder than I did!! It left such an impression with me that I tried my hardest to not break their rules again. Not after seeing Daddy cry like that because I had been bad!!

But I digress ... I have a new furnace coming!! I don't know when yet, Mom hasn't called me back.

I'm hoping they can expedite the installation, I've got only a small space heater here in my office to keep me from turning into an icicle!

And of course, the weather isn't helping. The temperature has dropped to about freezing. And will stay winter-like for the next few days. Yippee! Now would have been a good time to have those 50+ degree days that we had last week!

So, today no cleaning for me. I'm hiding in my almost toasty office. Decided today is a good day to sit at the computer and get more job applications in.

The messes will be there tomorrow (or whenever the new furnace comes) ...

One Of Those Days ...

It started with a phone call from Mom. She's upset. She had talked to Brother Deere last night, and according to him regarding my house, "they live like animals. Messes everywhere." But he also thinks that Mom's house is filthy, to the point he won't even eat a meal prepared out of her kitchen. She's not a slob, far from it ... her house is always clean. I guess the table covered with her magazines is "filth" in his book.

I'm trying not to let it get to me, after all,  he IS OCD. But to upset Mom like that with his OCD opinion, that's not right.

Remember, this is the man who hand washes and then waxes his garden tractor after each and every use. He cleans his immaculate house BEFORE company arrives for a holiday, AND won't go to sleep on Christmas night until every last trace of Christmas has been packed away and cleaned the entire house top to bottom.

I should not be upset by his comments. But I am.

And just not a good way to start my day.

*****

While I appreciate Alien and Rusty Knight's help around here, it's getting ridiculous. I don't know how many phone calls or texts today alone.  "What time to you want us there?" "Do you want me to cook dinner?" Forget telling them "not today, I'm really not having a good day" ... they've called or texted me every half hour or so to see how I'm doing.

Dammit ... it's annoying. I'm trying to get something done around here and can't if I have to stop so often to answer a text from them.

I'm a big girl ... I will manage. I'll call when I need something done that I'm unable to do myself  ... geesh ...

They wanted to come over tomorrow, but I told them I am going to be at the computer all day long, applying for jobs online. And I am ... I'm to the point I'm about ready to grab the phone book and start making inquiries with local (within walking distance) companies to see if they're hiring. I don't care what their business is, I'd do about anything for a paycheck right now (legal of course).

*****

I had to call the phone company today ... I don't know how I'm going to pay the bill this month. I talked to the nicest lady ... we were able to work something out that will allow me to keep both the home phone and internet. And lowered my monthly payments to something I can afford.

And damned if I didn't break into tears talking to her. 

What I don't understand is after she spend so much time helping me lower the bill, she asks about my tv and cell phone providers. I told her "antenna tv" and that the boss of my part time job supplies my cell phone ... she tells me how much money I can save by "bundling" all of my services into one company. Ummmm, ok, I just called in tears practically (and cried during the call) that I cannot afford the bill now unless I have help and here you're offering me TWO services that would double the bill? Ummmm, I realize they have to sell certain things, it IS their business after all, but can't they have a heart when someone calls because of financial troubles?

*****

Still not sure how I'm going to raise any money for the bills that Gizmo stiffed me on. It's almost $500 of past due bills. And it's really looking like he's not going to come through with his promise of paying what he owes.

I guess my only hope at this point may be to see if I can get any sort of public assistance. It's doubtful, my last experience with them they said since I had no assets of my own, that I didn't qualify for household assistance. Not even food or medical help.

*****

Guess it's back to cleaning ... take some of these frustrations out on the pig sty that Brother Deere says I live in.

***** Update 5:50 PM *****

Just got off the phone with my mom. She apologized for upsetting me earlier today. She also apologized for "putting weight in anything said by a man who irons his underwear". Ummm, that I didn't know, nor did I need to know!

And as soon as we started talking, I started crying again. Been crying on and off all day long as it is, and talking to Mom sure didn't help my emotions.

She did say she realizes what obstacles I was up against with the Wrecking Crew(s) ... that one woman couldn't have possibly kept up with it with so many not willing to be adult and take responsibility for themselves ... that she knows in a few short days things are already improving ... and will continue to get better every day.

Gotta love Mom's pep-talks. I do feel a bit better now, but still overwhelmed.

Mom also asked what I thought about asking Rusty Armor if he'd do the painting and lay the new flooring in the house, he'll be paid of course. I think it's a good idea, he does have some home improvement experience. I wouldn't trust him with things that take a license, like plumbing, electrical, or gas ... but anything else is okay.

Kills two birds with one stone, too ... he'll be employed for a few months while the BIG CLEAN-UP continues. Granted, he won't get rich, but it'll help them out, too.

Grand Central Station ...

Day four and it feels like Grand Central Station around here today.

It started with a wake-up call from Brother Deere. He'll be here at noon to fix the gas leak. Only problem was that he forgot about the daylight savings time change and was here at 1 PM. No, I didn't say anything to him about being late, after all, he came out all the way from his house over an hour away to fix my gas leak!!

I'm sure he had seizures when he left. He's very much a neat-freak. My house is still anything but.

I did promise him that the next time he's over the house wouldn't be out of an issue of "Trash Digest", but much closer to "Better Homes and Gardens". He just laughed "we'll see, Sis, we'll see".

O' ye of little faith!

But anyway ... now I have hot water again ... and NO gas leak!

I'm a happy camper. Or will be once people stop knocking on my door and actually let me take a much deserved (and needed) shower!!

*****

Just before Brother Deere got here, Drama-rama (formerly Gadget) called. Can she come over to get more stuff? She was even going to bring back the food she took ... accidentally she claimed.  She was even polite to me. She came alone, driving Gizmo's car ... the van is still dead on my driveway. Drama-rama only took about half of what's left down in the old room. I asked if they could have the remainder of it out by the end of next week. That I need the storage space now to put my things so I can finish the family room. And that I would appreciate their cooperation with this. I just got a "we'll do what we can" ... nothing new ... no commitment on a reasonable request to finish the move.

I was what my mom calls "nauseatingly nice" . Something I perfected as a cashier. Something I've been brushing up on lately. 

Not that she'll ever be welcomed in my home again, but at least if I stay nice Gizmo can't say that I'm being difficult. 

*****

Next was the former Commander of the USS Sinclair, RD, the one who quit and left me as Commander (before I quit anyway, LOL). He brought along his wife, LD, and his son. RD had some drawers from a pediatric crash cart to give me. They'll be perfect storage for craft items. He didn't need them, and knew I could. Knowing I don't have a car, he brought them over. 

He also picked up some things that Gizmo had been storing for him. Things I'm glad aren't taking up space in my basement anymore!! 

Their visit was purely unexpected. They had no idea that Gizmo and Drama-rama had moved out. Both of them were appalled that Gizmo would allow Drama-rama to get away with the crap she got away with. LD did add that her first encounter with Drama-rama left her wondering what Gizmo was thinking. Drama-rama definitely left a bad impression on LD.

RD also offered to come help around the house. He owns a fixer-upper out of state and has done wonders with it. 

We really did have a nice visit ... I realized I really did miss seeing them. 

*****

And I'm still waiting on DIL. She's coming over in a bit for a cell phone that BossMan said she could have. Cleaning the kitchen out, I found a few more things I know she'll want to have. Like her collection of shot glasses. And Grandson's baby cup. 

*****

Right now I'm taking a much needed breather. I'll finish reclaiming the kitchen counter in a few, then it'll be dinner AND a hot bath. Probably working on the two lazy-susan cabinets after dinner. After that, just the four corner cabinets (two upper, two lower) and I'll be done with the kitchen! YAY!!

Day Three

Another slow start today ... slept for beans last night.

Guess it's from the gas leak Alien and I discovered last night. The gas company sent a man out, who shut off the gas at the leak (the water heater). So it was safe to stay here overnight, but it sure made for a jumpy night for me. Yeah, I get paranoid like that sometimes.

I'm still waiting for a call-back from someone telling me if he can fit me in for a repair today. I'm beginning to doubt it, as it's already after noon. Next I call Mom to see if she's got anyone she knows of (besides Brother Deere) that can do the job. And it figures that Brother Deere is almost 300 miles away, snowmobiling this weekend. It'll be Monday before he's home!!

*****

So, I don't know if you saw my status update on facebook last night ... about The Rusty Knight not only cooked dinner for us, but washed all the dishes and pots and pans. He gets bored easy and actually enjoys cleaning, lol, so he washed the kitchen floor for me out of boredom ... scrubbed down to the corners.

He did say a few times to me "If we lived here, Mom, this house would be clean, clean, clean."

Nice try Rusty ... I do appreciate the help, but it's not going to work!! You're not going to clean your way into moving into my empty nest.

NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!

*****

So, today, Paranoid me will continue to work on the kitchen ... with the doors open just enough to let fresh air in, in the event there's any sort of gas build-up in the house.

Have I ever said that I HATE gas? I've always been sort of scared of it ... and really would prefer an all electric house. Sure, no hot water during a power failure (and heat goes off anyway because of the electric fan in the gas furnace) ... no biggie. I could live with that. Gas just scares me!! I mean, you never hear of an electrical leak, do you?

Floor Plan

Just playing around with my architecture program ... decided to do an "Empty Nest" floor plan, complete with where I want my furniture to be placed ...

 Living Levels. Bottom Left: Living room. Right: Kitchen. These two rooms are on the "ground level".

Top Left: Family Room. Right: Storage and utility room. These two rooms are the basement level.

Living room will be converted to a "library", with plant stand in front of window. Family room will house entertainment center, and place for grandsons toy box. 

Private Level: Bottom Left: Office. Right: Bathroom. Top Left: Craft Room. Right: Master Bedroom. Upper level of house. Lots of shelves, storage and work areas in both office and craft room.


The house is a tri-level. It's about 1200 square feet of living space. Perfect size for an empty nest, wouldn't you say?

Just a few more pics

I forgot to add the pics of the dinette area, there is no formal dining room in this house. It's been such a catch-all for years that there hasn't been a sit-down meal here in a long time. Just another surface that was a catch-all. What is it with every flat surface being converted to another collection of crap that should have a home elsewhere? What you don't see is the stack of boxes for the trash ... how hard would it have been to open the doorwall and put it in the cans just feet away? You also don't see the shopping bags worth of crap hidden behind the table. I love that kitchen table, Brother Deere and Alien made it!!

This pic was taken the day they moved out. It's looking better, but the after shots wait until it's the way I really want it.

Next up we have The Wrecking Crew's bedroom. These pictures are NOT for the weak of heart!! BossMan wanted me to snap photos the day DIL moved out. Not sure why, but here they are ...

Granted, some of it is just mess from DIL packing and moving out, but just get a look at those walls!! Carpet is ruined, too ...

Thankfully this is the worst room ... the others just really need a good sort and toss, detailed cleaning and reorganization.

Toss, toss, toss ...

Just for a happy pic ... this is one of the dollhouses I built and decorated. I'll be happy when it can be properly displayed!!

Day One

Off to a slower start than I had hoped, but that's okay. Alien was supposed to come over to help, and to take some of the excess crap that I don't want (who needs six spatulas anyway?) ... but the Knight in Rusty Armor had other plans for their only running vehicle. So, tomorrow we'll sort through the stuff she can take home with her!

I took a bunch of pictures of the kitchen BEFORE ... I won't take "after" photos until it's completely reclaimed. I don't think I'll post all 18 photos.

I have to admit ... I'm so embarrassed by the photos you are about to see. Notice the windows are covered, until this mess is gone, I don't open the shades ... you'll understand why shortly.

Taking the photos I did notice some of my stuff has vanished. Half a tote worth of food storage plastics. Of course they were the ones with the lids ... the "good stuff" so to speak.

And there's four days worth of food missing from the freezer. Along with a bunch of condiments from the fridge. Things I bought!!

And she's still got the nerve to say I STEAL?

I would write it off as the cost of having her in the house, had it not been for the fact that I only can budget $40 a week for groceries.

I'll just be glad when all this is over. Once and for all. Don't invite me over. Not that it would matter, I wouldn't come, even IF I knew where they moved to!! That's right ... I don't know where they moved. Gadget doesn't want me knowing. And she's telling everyone that we mutually know to NOT tell me. No skin off my back. Really.

It's not like I was going to surprise them with a house-warming gift anyway. Not after she's helped herself to whatever she sees fit anyway. 

*****

So ... here we go ... picture time.

 Look at all that counter space being wasted!

 Let's just toss things wherever ...

 More stuff. The blue bowl was someones solution for storing container lids. 

Won't see this stuff in Martha Stewart, people!!

 This is supposed to be my kitchen desk, it's been a catch all for way too long

Look at all those leftover she left me!! 

See the crispers? For years that was the only storage I had for my groceries!!

 Used to be this was so full you could barely fit it in the cupboard. Looks full doesn't it? NOT!

But doesn't that empty shelf above it look heavenly?

 Let's just shove Mom's stuff everywhere.

 This was the only pantry space I had for almost eight years.

So much for stacking the pots neatly.

What the pictures don't show clearly are the ice cream stains on the floor, and counter ... or the cruddy spills on the front right burner (I forgot to take pics). I'm so not going to miss having to come in and clean up after a bunch of PIGS, yes, pigs!! 

And it'll be heavenly to have a place for everything and know that everything is in it's place!! 

Mark This Date ...

The date that I, LCM, have long lived for.

THE EMPTY NEST!!

Yes, that's right folks, the moving van (a FedEx delivery van) just pulled out of my driveway!! It's packed to practically busting with their personal belongings. They have one more trip for the last of the stuff, and to get the van ...

The van ... it died. I figured it would, they both are rough on vehicles, very rough (but we already knew Gizmo was, lol). I nicely told him he's got until the end of the weekend to get it and his other possessions out of the house. That once everything is gone, I can start on that long list I need to tackle - at least in the rooms where his crap still is.

We did have a private talk, just Gizmo and I, before he left. I asked how I was going to handle the overdue bills. He said "I'm working on that" ... in other words, I may possibly get them paid before the shut off notices appear next month.

It'd be nice to have those things current, you know?

*****

So, tonight I just chill. Enjoy the freedom of the empty nest. Goodness knows I deserve a night to chill after all I've been through.

Tomorrow I reclaim MY kitchen. That'll take me a good two days. And yes, there's going to be plenty of before and after pics. I just warn you, some of these before pics may not be for the weak of heart!!

*****

LOL, just got off the phone with Alien. She wanted to come right over to help me with the kitchen (she's got first choice if she wants to keep something or if I toss it). I explained TOMORROW, but for some reason she wasn't hearing that. She wanted to zip right over and start NOW!!

No, tonight I need to myself. Just to enjoy the much deserved quiet ... the freedom to go to the bathroom without having to take my roll of t.p. with me (I can leave it in the bathroom knowing it'll be there when I need it) ... the freedom to take a shower without interruption!

Just the freedom to finally move about my own home without worry about confrontation. Or disrespect ...

No more locking doors behind me!!

SOMEONE PINCH ME!!! I fear I'm dreaming again ...

*****

Noisy here today ...

 ... thanks to the heat vents carrying every little sound in the house (although, the bathroom is the worst for the amplification) ... someone is working in high gear to get everything packed. I'm assuming they have a key on a place by the way the boxes are being stacked up all over the living and family rooms today. 

Not to mention the washer and dryer have been running non-stop since 8 am! 

I'm thinking someone wants every piece of clothing they own to be clean ... surely the use of my washer and dryer ends the minute the moving van pulls out of here. 

Gizmo's car is here, which means he had Gadget take him to work. I'm hoping it's because he's bringing his work van home to pack!! 

If that happens tonight, you know there'll be a second blog from me. I don't think I need to tell you what that topic will be! 

*****

I'm still worried how the bills are going to get paid, he still owes me for the last two months of living here. 

My mom says that she and Gizmo have talked a few times, that he is saying he will pay what he owes. Supposedly he's also saying that he won't leave me high and dry and will help me out meeting the bills in the future (until I find that second job anyway). She also says that Gizmo claims he has every intention of replacing the car that he killed.

We'll see. Gadget will be the biggest resistance in him catching up with his share of the costs around here. After all according to her, I'm a free-loader. I expect my son to pay my every expense. I use people ... anyone and everyone I've ever met.

I cannot say I'll miss the drama or the lies. 

*****

And the job-hunting continues. I never did hear back for a second interview from the building supply store (the seasonal one). I've still got hope there could be a second one ... they're still about a month away from spring like weather ... the time they open the garden center, the whole reason for needing seasonal employees. 

And I've still got a list of about 100 local companies that I'm slowly plugging away at. Slowly. 

*****

So ... let's see ... the good for the day? 

• My over-crowded-with-packed-boxes living spaces? 
• The fun I'm having making to-do lists for M-day?
• Getting back into all that FlyLady stuff? Making my "control journal" (lists that I'll use to keep the house clean and organized)?
• "Hanging out" with my new (online) friends on the Keeping Up Appearances group I joined a few days back?

How about all of the above?

Reclaiming My Territory ...

Alrighty then, I need to make this list. The ideas are in my head, they need to be written down in a place that I know I can find them later.

Let's start with the most obvious starting point, and the one needing the most attention ... the kitchen!

Kitchen:
Gut cupboards, toss everything not used in a year's time. Bring in outside cans for this job!!
Rearrange contents of cupboards and pantry.  Scrub!
Empty fridge and freezer. Scrub down.
Clean Microwave
Clean oven and range top.
Need two large burners and drip pans for range top.
Scrub kitchen waste can (replace when possible)
Wash walls!
Scrub floors (on hands and knees. this isn't a job for a mop)
Move dining table. Scrub dinette floors (hands and knees)
New window treatments for kitchen and dinette. Including doorwall. 

Bathroom:
Fix plumbing issues with shower and tub drain
Scrub everything down
Patch holes in wall - patch hole in hallway wall at same time
Empty plastic drawer system, move contents to vanity drawers (use in craft room for added storage)
Hang tp holder on side of vanity
Need small table (12"x12") for reading materials and candles (finally!! Candles in my bathroom!)
Paint
New shower curtain (save heavy denim shower curtain for sewing projects)

Living Room:
Just needs a good scrub down.
Wash walls.
Shampoo carpeting
Bring in two large bookcases (from family room) and ALL books!
Easy chair, "grandma's" end table stay (couch to family room eventually)
Get something to use as a plant stand for under front window (table, buffet, or bakers rack?)
Get rid of old entertainment center and tv. 
New Window treatments.

Entry closet:
Check into possibility of converting it to a bench with coat hooks (remove door and trim)

Family Room: future "play room"
Paint!
New window treatments.
Lay flooring.
Move toy box to area next to stairs.
Move couch from living room.
Need sturdy coffee table.
Entertainment center (dark brown one), tv, and all the related electronics.
Storage for videos
Lighthouse pictures (from master bedroom)

Utility and storage area:
Shelves for storage.
Clean cupboard by laundry area.
Replace washer and dryer! (washer first, hang line from rafters if need be to dry clothes!)

"Office":
Paint
Remove carpet, replace with laminate flooring.
Need area rug
Window treatments.
Move black shelves from master bedroom to office.
Move black desk from master bedroom to office.

"Craft Room" (back bedroom):
GUT room!! Start all over again! Brother Deere will be needed for this job!
Paint
Laminate flooring.
Window treatments.
Bring in (make?) craft tables, sewing machine.
Shelves!!Adjustable wall shelving units (bracket system?)
Convert closet to display area for dollhouses and doll collections.
Plastic Drawer system for storing stuff (presently in bathroom, SCRUB out!) 

Last, but not least ... Master bedroom:
Repaint!
Shampoo carpet
Paint bed white.
Move my "old" bedroom furniture to master bedroom.
Window Treatments.
Wall of pictures to family room (over couch)

ALL ROOMS:
New outlet covers
New switch plates
New register covers (including cold air return covers)

 *****

And that's just INSIDE the house!!

*****

OUTSIDE:

Shed:
Clean!! If it's not lawn or snow removal related, OUT IT GOES!!

Backyard:
Find permanent place for cast iron fire pit
Repaint bench, move to a more suitable location
Remove tree outside bedroom window before it falls over!

Side yards:
Get rid of current garbage cans (fill with crap that needs to go first!)
New garbage can - 30 gallon should suffice. 
Make a place for garbage can storage. Preferably critter proof.

Front yard:
Remove weeds from planter area.
Place a few (2 on each side) galvanized metal buckets from hardware store for gardens.
Re-seed grass!
Figure out what to do with gravel part of driveway.
Removed concrete slab that neighbor's tree roots have displaced.

Entry Stoop:
Fix loose bricks (patch the "snake hole")

Deck:
Finish trim work
Weather seal!!

*****

And yes, I will be taking plenty of BEFORE and AFTER photos. This is definitely a job for documentation! Besides, the before pics will always remind me why this nest will forever after remain EMPTY!!

*****

I think that pretty much covers it. Who needs to work, I have a full time job fixing the damages from both of the Wrecking Crews!!

Oh wait, I need to work!! I've gotta pay for this stuff!!

But at least I'll finally have that house I've dreamed of ... that house that I can bring people into and not be ashamed of what it looks like inside (or out) ...

OMG! I can have friends over again!!

Once the list is done, at least, LOL!

Been a few days ...

It's been a few GOOD days here, thanks to the ability to IGNORE those who otherwise cause me so much stress.

No news on moving day. But then, when no one is talking to the other person, news does not travel. Period.

I do hear lots of activity from downstairs, boxes being packed. Or, I'm assuming packed since I hear a lot of sounds I've never heard before, sounds like things being moved, sorted and occasionally dropped. ... not that I'm eavesdropping, but if you're in my bathroom, you can hear everything that goes on down there through the heater vent.

So ... what happened around here lately that's made the days good?

*****

Sunday The Knight in Rusty Armor called, "Mom, whatcha doing? We're going to bring dinner over to your house, cook it and spoil you like you deserve".

My first thought was "what does he want?" LOL ... I did decline the offer, only because not only is my living room a mess from all the Wrecking Crew 2's activity (and dangerous for two toddlers), but it's tense here, something those little ones don't need to be exposed to!!

They did come over, but after they ate dinner. And they brought a huge plate of yummy Chicken Noodles with them. It was huge, I'm still eating it!! LOL.

We hung out in my office ... it's got the toybox in it for now. So the boys got to play while we adults talked.

 Rusty Knight asked if they could move in when the Wrecking Crew 2 is gone! NO WAY!!! He said "I'll mow the lawn, shovel snow, help with repairs around the house, and once you have a car I'll do the repairs. You won't even know we're here!!"

NO NO NO NO NO ... I had a buttload of reasons why not, and I told him why it wouldn't work.
First of all, did you notice that he didn't say anything about splitting the bills? Second of all, Alien is a wonderful, caring, loving mommy, but her housekeeping skills sadly lack!!

I don't need another bunch of free-loading slobs under my roof. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

I love my daughter enough to say NO!

I had nightmares Sunday night ... I lived in a house with no walls, only floors and a roof. People I didn't know wandered in, used (and damaged) my possessions, without so much as an offer to contribute to the household in which they just invited themselves into.

*****

Monday went much better. Mom was supposed to pick me up at noon, but called to say she was running late, thanks to Daddy and not being able to sleep last night. Seems that Daddy fell again, they had to call 911 since she can't get him off the floor. He hit his head on the doorknob, leaving a nasty bump on the side of his forehead. Of course, Mom couldn't sleep, between keeping an eye on Daddy, and worrying about if that knot caused a concussion (the EMT said to just watch him, no need to take him to the ER).

I said we could wait a day or two (even though I didn't have food to make it through the next day or so - except for that massive dish of noodles with chicken from Alien). Mom said no, she'd be over to get me, that SHE needed a little break from Daddy and wasn't going to cancel because of a bump.

Our first stop was Red Lobster. She wanted to try that Cobb Salad I keep raving about. I ordered one, too ... she loved it. It's a huge salad, we both had to have it boxed for take home.

Next stop was the tile store. Mom's redoing their kitchen and had to return the samples she had purchased. We looked around, I think I found the backsplash I want for the kitchen.

Then off to the grocery store. There's a bench in the front of the store, Mom said she'd be sitting there waiting for me. I zipped through the store (doesn't take long to spend my $40 weekly food budget, LOL), but when I got there, no Mom. She'd decided that as long as we were there, she'd pick up a few items she needed.I know most of the people who work there (two decades of shopping the same store, lol), and I asked the cashier near the bench if she'd seen my mommy. We had a good laugh over that. Ten minutes or so later, I finally found Mom, with a full grocery cart!! A few items, eh? Geesh!! Passing the cashier again, she comes up to us, hugs Mom and says "Momma, we found you!" Poor Mom ... hadn't a clue who this stranger was!!

Mom did say that as soon as I find a job, she'll lease a new vehicle for her. As she stated, "I'm 83 years old, I'm too old to be buying another vehicle". I'll take over the van she drives now. I'll make the lease payments for the van, she'll pay insurance until I'm able to.

I can live with that. It's a nice Town and Country mini-van.

Mom and I also talked about what I want to do with the house once they've flown the coop ... that will follow in a separate blog so I can find it when I need it, LOL.

*****

I keep day-dreaming about how nice it'll be to have my house back. No having to lock up my valuables. No remembering where I hid the key for the cash lock-box. No locking doors behind me when I leave a room, or having to make sure I have the keys with me. No more having to have key-lock door knobs on the interior doors!! No having to take my roll of toilet paper into the bathroom and remembering to take it with me when I leave (or it'll disappear, never to be seen again, but remember, I'm the one that steals!!) ... or having to take my shampoo or conditioner with me when I shower. No more messes from others, only MY messes to worry about. No more disrespect.

Ahhhhhh, and it's sooo close I can see it. See it in the packed boxes they've moved to the middle of the living room (creating not only an eye-sore but a path that I must carefully navigate).

How do two people who live in Mom's basement accumulate so much crap? That's what I can't understand!!

I do know my house will be a lot emptier ...

SOON, very soon. Not soon enough, though.

*****

Em, I can't figure out blogger ... I'm trying to make it easier for you to access my blogs, and to leave comments ... I'll figure it out yet!!