I started projects way back in August 2022 and kept a record then (see the link) for my own interest and review. I don't actually enjoy doing many of these projects and I don't go about it very methodically. It often takes me many weeks, even months to do a small project. It's taking me forever to do all the little jobs I have on my list. I find that it takes much longer in a smaller home to do the work because there is no where to put anything when you are trying to do a project and you constantly have to move and remove things. It can be quite a challenge at times and also physically tiring because a lot of the items are heavy. There were also many weeks where I was very tired, or in pain, or both, due to several long term health issues.
But at long last I'm starting to see and feel, the positive results of the changes I've been making and I'm happy with them. I still have a ways to go before I'm finished. There are projects in several rooms: living room (put up curtain rods), dining room (install the light fixture), main bathroom (do something about the toilet). I've decluttered a lot and I've got lots of items in bags which need to be dropped off at a charity. I'm collecting as much as possible so it can be dropped off at one time rather than here and there. I also still have a lot of paper to shred though it's mostly sorted and put in different piles. These are the main outstanding jobs. I have other job ideas in my August 2022 list but they could be considered 'nice to complete' rather than strictly necessary.
I plan to look into getting the master bathroom tub replaced with a walk in shower once I've completed the above items. The tub replacement would have to be done by the professionals. I also plan to undertake 2 reupholstery projects myself. It will be my first time doing this type of work and I've studied one of the jobs on Youtube before deciding to tackle it. The other job I can figure out myself and I've starting collecting what I need for it.
Here is a list of projects I've completed so far in 2023.
DIYs & Household Improvements
- Painted kitchen backsplash (May 2023)
- Installed 2 shelves in kitchen (May 2023)
- Cleaned and reorganized under kitchen sink, food cabinet & standing shelf unit where dried goods are stored (April, May & June 2023)
- Cleaned tile grout in kitchen and both bathrooms (June 2023)
- Repaired and painted walls and cabinets in 2 bathrooms (April/May/June 2023)
- New shower curtain in master bathroom (May 2023)
- Installed new cabinet knobs in master bathroom (June 2023)
- Replaced toilet fill valve and flapper in master bathroom (May 2023)
- Replaced towels in master bathroom (May 2023)
- Replaced shower curtain liners in both bathrooms (April & July 2023)
- Replaced laundry baskets in master bathroom (July 2023)
- Installed towel shelf in master bathroom (July 2023)
- Replaced door knob in master bedroom (June 2023) still need to replace 2nd bedroom knob
- Installed new wall sconces in living room (March 2023) and master bedroom (April 2023)
- New floor lamp for living room (July 2023)
- Decluttered hundreds of small items (Jan - ongoing)
- Decluttered hundreds of papers (Jan - ongoing)
- Decluttered most of the cracked pots and other items from patio
- Replaced wall clocks in dining room (February 2023) and master bedroom (January 2023)
- Decluttered dozens of items from patio and garden (May - ongoing)
Other
- Lots of paperwork relating to income taxes, property taxes, city government forms completion requirements, retirement requirements, banking etc.
- Lots of medical tests, management of blood glucose, sleep & body work (physio, massage, reflexology, exercise), dental crowns and cleanings
- Participated in several webinars relating to health and exercise
When I get tired of projects I read, watch a good movie, get together with a friend or make something.
Once my 'to do's are nearing completion I hope to spend more time on creative things.
Some of the makes & alterations this year include:
- Crocheted a blanket (February 2023)
- Crocheted a Pineapple doily (June 2023)
- Sewed a summer top out of double gauze cotton (July 2023). I'm hoping to make another one in white soon along with pull on trousers or a dress.
- Sewed a navy light knit summer top (July 2023)
- Shortened a wide leg pair of trousers I bought in 2022 (July 2023)
- Sewed pillowcases with Star Wars theme for my niece (July 2023)
- Hemmed various trousers (July 2023). I've got lots more to do, mostly trousers requiring hemming and other items requiring small repairs.
Read 36 books or 13,158 pages (Jan - July 2023). The goal is 50 books or 20,000 pages, whichever comes first.
Planted small community plot (DH does the weekly watering) (April 2023)
This post summarizes my projects so I can look back later and see what I've done and when I did them. It also serves to show why I haven't been on line very much.
I'm sorry I haven't had the time or energy to keep up with blogs but now and then I try to read your posts. I don't seem to be able to do my work and blog at the same time. The projects weigh me down and interfere with other plans. If I go ahead with other plans, the projects don't get done.
I think once I've cleared away the 'stuff' and finished a few of the next projects, I'll feel a sense of 'freedom' and a weight lifted off my shoulders. There are lots of things I want to do besides decluttering, reorganizing and DIYs and I'm looking forward to the day....hopefully sooner rather than later if my energy holds.
If you have time, I'd love to hear how you cope with DIYs and projects and whether you too find they interfere with your social media activities, and blogging in particular.
