Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

3 hrs but it involved bringing stuff into livingroom... hopefully I'll finish clearing it tomorrow @NatureLover

Underlining my need for workflow and earlier nights...

Hi @Dimity , thanks.

Did you accept your substitute home help's offer?

I wish you could get an affordable support worker, as it seemed to help you so much. As well as your psychologist. But I know it's not possible financially. 😥

Somehow I pressed Send before I'd finished! @Dimity

You did another 3 hours, well done! 3 hours seems to suit you.

My friend who helped me declutter moved away, sadly.

I do have plans to work on the boxes in the shed - one box a week. I fear all these plans are a bit too ambitious. But I'll see how I go.

I've got the 8.30 coffee catch-up this morning, then work.

I hope you have a good day today with whatever you have planned.

@NatureLover I'm very impressed by your plans.

I was surprised and shamed by an unexpected visitor today. My friends are so much more capable than I am. She offered help driving but her suggested quick fix to some of my clutter was out of the question due to the complexity of ny family situation, and it would barely scratch the surface of the task at hand.

Sorry to say I turned down the home help's offer as I was caught offguard and couldn't immediately think of tools/materials for dusting and cobwebs. I need to clean the windows too.

I was very worried about everything overnight and today. You're right about wanting a support worker.

I'm sad and sorry that your friend shamed you, @Dimity 😭

I understand completely as 95% of the time I dread unexpected visitors as my house is dirty and out of control. Not saying your house is dirty - I know it's not, as you do lots more chores than I do, plus you have the home help. But mine does get dirty.

I think it's fine that you turned down the home help's offer. And I didn't even bother doing my windows this time, for the inspection - I had no energy.

I hope you wake up less worried about it all this morning. 🫂

This weekend I'm just at home, then on Monday I have an extra day of work. Actually next week is busy, and unfortunately on Thursday I have to meet my father for our twice yearly coffee. Trying to psych myself up for that.

I hope you feel a bit better today, my friend ❤️

I hope you're relaxing and enjoying your tidy space @NatureLover - have you started your new routine?

I've done some dusting and tidying but didn't achieve much. Yes I'm still worrying about things, I guess I've had that anxiety a long time but it seems to be worse.

I'll plug on and try to get into the garden.

It's courageous of you to keep meeting up with your father. Is he aware of how difficult it is for you?

Hi @Dimity , yes, I'm enjoying my clean house. I'm doing my 3 daily tasks, but was meant to start on the boxes in the shed for 2 hours yesterday. I read a book instead. I felt the need for a slow day, as it's been so busy lately.

Good for you on your dusting and tidying.

I'm sorry your anxieties seem to be worse lately 😥🫂

I don't think my father is aware how difficult it is for me to meet him or speak to him on the phone. He has very little insight.

I was going to stay home today, but I think I'll pop out for petrol and a few grocery items. Just in preparation for my busy week ahead. One advantage of inspections is that I run my food items down, in order to fit everything on the shelves. So I need to stock up - but only a little. I'll also return some books to the after hours slot in the library.

After that I have 7 tasks on my To Do list that I've been putting off. So I can work with you, if you want?

Hi @NatureLover thanks for offering to work with me, i was feeling very negative. Well done for continuing with your 3 daily tasks, and having a to-do list today.

I remember my parents as having little interest or insight, despite ongoing contact, but I guess they tried in their own way.

I've been trying to run down my overstocked pantry, but overbought on impulse yesterday.

Maybe I'll try for 3 hours today. I've been checking cupboards but also have other tasks.

Hi @Dimity , thanks.

Good for you for aiming for 3 hours today.

My To Do list has expanded to 12 tasks, one of which I've just crossed off after taking most of the morning on it!

Good luck to us both 🤞

Hi @NatureLover I've clocked 1 1/2 hours but think I did much more as I overtook the timer. I've been working hard, sorting and rehousing stuff I haven't seen in years... feeling queasy. As usual the volume expands and things multiply when I look at them! I'll need to sort again for the opshop.