Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

A flower show! That will be pretty, especially in the sunshine today.

I agree, it was cold yesterday. And it was only 2C this morning at 6.30 when I was walking. I'm trying to make a new habit of getting outside early, seeing as it's light early now.

Thanks for your kind words. No response from the handyman, so I think I will ask on the local Facebook page for my area for handyman recommendations.

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@Dimity wrote:

I got a couple of things half done... but it was progress... and got replies on some other stuff to say they were being followed up.

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This sounds good...and your psychiatrist appt too. 👍

I seem to be stuck on the kitchen bench and it's become a big thing in my mind. It probably won't take very long to deal with, but I'm stymied.

I hope you enjoy the flower show and can forget your troubles for a while.

@Dimity 💚

Hi @NatureLover I really admire your early morning walks. The air must be very bracing. Many years ago when I was having intensive psychotherapy I had early starts and saw the sunrise those mornings.

I enjoyed the flowershow, although it seemed smaller this year. And I came away with a plant.

I'm sorry the kitchen bench has you stymied. It's not a good feeling. I've been there too. I'd really like to start moving forwards again. It's not just a case of deciding to discard items, most of my stuff now seems to represent unfinished tasks to work through. The stuff at home, that is. I'll try working systematically around each room. It will take longer than sorting/decluttering.

Tomorrow I'll need to shop, then I'll see how far I get.

Best wishes with whatever you decide to do. .

Hi @Dimity , that's nice you enjoyed the flower show and took a plant home 🙂

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@Dimity wrote:

It's not just a case of deciding to discard items, most of my stuff now seems to represent unfinished tasks to work through.

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That is difficult. I decided to ditch all my projects a few years ago. It's bad enough just having to disinfect everything. So I can sympathise with the daunting and time consuming tasks 😢

Today I have a lunch with some ladies from work. So I'm not sure how much I'll get done.

Yes, it's cold walking early! And I don't actually see the sunrise as I'm scared of the dark so I wait till it's light. It will be nicer in summer.

I hope you feel strong and motivated today for whatever you decide to tackle...

Lovely day today @NatureLover, hope you enjoyed the sun. Giving myself permission to potter worked well. I fixed a couple of hose fittings and tidied. I found a journal I started earlier this year and abandoned a few weeks later after crises struck - it's been tough going. I feel hopeful the tide may be turning now, even if there's still a few battles ahead.

Tomorrow I need to pick up drycleaning and stop procrastinating about the ironing. The garden needs weeding and mulching. I'm due to hear from Centrelink and I'd better make an appt with my gp. I'd like to tidy too... but potter again, no pressure.

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@Dimity wrote:

Giving myself permission to potter worked well.

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So pleased to hear, @Dimity 🙂 Yes, I agree, pottering with no pressure works well for me too...just dabbling in tidying whatever I feel like, mostly the easier stuff.

You've had a tough year 😢 Did you re-read your journal?

Yes, the sunshine was great yesterday. The ladies I had lunch with don't usually ask anything about me, but this time I asserted myself and the talking was much fairer. I didn't achieve any tidying though.

This morning I've woken up depressed, so I hope I can come good for work a little later.

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@Dimity wrote:

I feel hopeful the tide may be turning now, even if there's still a few battles ahead.

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So pleased, and I hope it continues... 🤞

Hope the day improved for you @NatureLover . Glad the talking yesterday wasn't so one-sided. I hope the effort didn't contribute to your depression this morning.

Today I got through about half of what I'd aspired to - not bad really - and picked up a bag of litter. I was approved for a health care card and I finalised my application for a taxicard.

Tomorrow after the morning chores I should tend the garden and get back to tidying, working through things, probably the kitchen for starters. It would be nice to have more bench space.

Hi @Dimity 💚

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@Dimity wrote:

Today I got through about half of what I'd aspired to - not bad really - and picked up a bag of litter. I was approved for a health care card and I finalised my application for a taxicard.

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This is all great! Hopefully the Health Care Card will save you lots of money.

I'm not sure what contributed to my depression yesterday. I made it in to work but ended up coming home early and sitting in the sun. This morning am feeling a bit better. I have a busy week - am meeting my half-sister for coffee today, then a farewell event for someone I know on Thursday, then my psychologist on Friday.

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@Dimity wrote:

Tomorrow after the morning chores I should tend the garden and get back to tidying, working through things, probably the kitchen for starters. It would be nice to have more bench space.

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I totally relate to this! May we both have success with our kitchens today...

Yes a busy week for you @NatureLover .

I had an extremely busy day as one of my local issues blew up with emails, phone calls and a long live stream. It's now with the Powers That Be and I doubt I can do any more.

I did some weeding but didn't get to the kitchen bench. At least I now have it in mind.

I hope your day went well?

Hi @Dimity , thanks. My day yesterday was OK but still battling the depression this morning. I just want to go back to bed.

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@Dimity wrote:

I had an extremely busy day as one of my local issues blew up with emails, phone calls and a long live stream. It's now with the Powers That Be and I doubt I can do any more.

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Oh gosh...I hope it resolves in your favour...

Weeding is nice and healthy. I hope your day today goes well...I think it will be partly sunny.

I hope you took it easy today @NatureLover and maybe caught some sun.

I had another full day (unusual) and some positive interactions which boosted my mood. Hopefully it will carry over to tomorrow when it's back to house and garden.

I don't know if there are particular issues adding to your depression... grief certainly and maybe family issues... they're not easy or quick to deal with. I hope you have a restful night and wake more refreshed.

Tomorrow... again... my goal is the kitchen.