 Terrier Club Adventures Forum
To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Click  to vote for your favorite post
|
| From: |
Message: |
FGM and Rags
 
Feb 21, 2006 at 01:47
|
To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Finally finished, the whole combination of poisons that will heal my body and let me go on where I left off. If all goes as the doctors have planned, I should be ready to greet those kiddies on the playground to begin the next year of school. So, all and all, a whole year of my life dedicated to the capture and killing of that dreaded enemy, cancer.
Hopefully, life in our house will go back to pre C days, and we will assume our normal household jobs and duties. Most importantly, FGF will have to give me my kitchen back, if there is anything left. It will be 30 years ago this June that we were married, and in those days, we divided marital duties as Fred gets the outside work and the cars. I am in charge of inside, bill paying, and shopping. Over the years, nothing changed much, it was a system that worked for us, so why change? I have mentioned before, that we live in an older house, built in the 1940's. Brick and sturdy but missing some of the things that new houses include, like big kitchens and even bigger closets. About 10 years ago, we had our kitchen remodeled, and had as much cabinet space included as humanly possible. It was a big improvement and about a year ago, we pulled out all the appliances and had newer, modern ones installed. It was almost too nice to use!
For those of you who are younger,you are learning this fact of life, and for those of you in my age category, you already know about this, and are dealing with it on an everyday basis. And here is the problem, stuff accumulates much faster than you ever imagined. All kinds of stuff, kitchen stuff, clothes, knick knacks, basement things, and garage junk! It is everywhere you look, add a few children and stuff factor takes another leap. Boy, is it ever hard to get rid of stuff, you have to be in just the right mood to pitch things, and then you have to work quickly before you start getting sentimental.
Last year one of my dear friends, Marge, was retiring, after 35 years of teaching. She, and another friend Nancy, and myself spent much of last year discussing her retirement, and talking about how she was ever going to clean out her house, so that they could divide their stuff between an Arizona condo and a Michigan house. The key word that got her through this move was SIMPLIFY , it was the only way to make it happen. So clean, and toss, and estate sale, and clean again, and part with things that made no sense to keep. It's a great idea for everybody, just a hard one to accomplish. I spent a good time of last summer, trying to follow this advise, even if it was just one drawer a day, but I went through and eliminated things that were no longer needed. I even cleaned the junk drawer in the kitchen, something that had been on my list forever, and now it was done. The only problem, for me, was that the youngest daughter, Beth, graduated from college this past year, and she returned home will all the stuff she had accumulated after living
|
 |
FGM and Rags
Feb 21, 2006 at 02:14
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
in an apartment for several years. So much for those little morsels of space I had found, because they were history now.
Back to the story, although everyone knows where our kitchen is located, there are some who are not sure what happens in this room, and where everything is kept, and what happens between the fridge and dining room table. Now, FGF, who is a good eater, has never taken any interest in food preparation or shopping. Although, he enjoys a trip to Sam's Club because there are manly things like tires and television sets he can gaze upon and clothes. I have one of the few hubbies who like to clothes shop and he also picks out things for me. After my diagnosis in October, I gave up my kitchen to Fred. After the first attempt to unload the dishwasher, he said I had too much stuff and just not enough room, so when he couldn't figure out my storage plan, things would just disappear into the basement, or maybe even worse, I don't know for sure. I know that when I am feeling better, the kitchen reorganization will be one of my first projects. Or maybe I will just toss all my stuff and buy new stuff!
For several weeks now, I have been taking all my nutrition through the feeding tube, and the last few things I could attempt through my mouth were, popsiciles, orange sherbert, and jello. I was sitting in the kitchen hooked up to my feed bucket and chatting with both FGF and FGD. I was thinking I would have some jello, but the only kind in the fridge had fruit in it, and I no longer could mangage the fruit part, too hard to chew and swallow. I asked FGD if she would make me some plain jello, what I thought was an easy request. She asked what kind I wanted, oh yes, and where did we keep the jello? I pointed her to the right cabinet and told her what shelf to check. The first box she pulled out was chocolate, and she didn't understand what pudding was doing in the jello box. Then she was surprised to find regular and sugar-free. By the time she had pulled all boxes out that said Jello, she found that she was dealing with 4 different categories. Gelatin and pudding, both with and without sugar. The boxes kept coming, and finally someone asked how could we possibly have so much jello? And the correct answer is BECAUSE! Yes, that is right, you never know what you might need, so you must stock your pantry. Besides, the boxes are little and don't take much space. So they started checking the flavors, and making faces at me, like champayne jello, or blueberry, etc. and for each flavor I could see some recipe in my head that I bought that box of jello for. Pretty soon they started checking expiration dates, which I never gave any thought to, old jello. That's when the garbage can came out, all the 2005 boxes hit the can, then they worked themselves backward, I heard a 1975 yelled out and tossed, and wondered if I got that for a wedding shower present? When I heard 1935, I knew they were pulling my leg. When all the pitching
|
|
FGM and Rags
Feb 21, 2006 at 02:32
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
was completed the piles were pretty small. The flavor I ended up with, was cranberry-rasberry, which I am sure I bought for some holiday to accompany turkey, don't you think? The reason I didn't make it? My guess is it would have been the last thing to make the night before, and when I checked in the fridge, there probably was no room for it, or I decided that I had already made too many things.
Back to my cabinet, because FGF was on a roll. He asked what that opened bag next to the jello was, and FGD told him they were noodles. Noodles? Yep, you know, Mom makes soup and then she puts noodles in. Oh, well, they are open, so let's throw them away. I knew we had to move him quickly, or there would be nothing left in that cabinet to organize later.
Since I have become a couch potato, we have invested many hours watching the Food Channel. With all that exposure, the FGF has no desire to practice any of those recipes we see on the tube. His cooking skills are exactly the same as before: microwave oatmeal with carmelized brown sugar, peanut and butter sandwiches, bagels with cream cheese, and a dish of ice cream. These can be eaten in any order to fit the need.
Of course, I am snickering from the inside, my domain, but take me out to his department and I would be no better. I have no idea how to start the lawn mower or the snow blower.
So what is the lesson here? No matter what the age, we need to deal with our stuff. At some point in our lives, we all must simplify, and that is not just our worldly goods, but things we carry in our minds and our hearts. Some things are worth keeping, and some things you just have to let go.
|
|
Jewels & Samuel MacTavish
 
Feb 21, 2006 at 03:52
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
LOL Barb I'm sure we can all relate to this.
A year or so I cleared out my wardrobe of all the clothes I didn't wear. I duly washed and pressed them ready to go to a charity shop or some that were too good to go to a Dress Agency.
I moved them to the spare room until I had time to take them but needless to say they are still there! (must do something about it now it's come to mind LOL)
Pleased to hear the Chemo is finally over and hopefully now you can concentrate on getting back to where you were.......
Lots of love
Jewels & Woof Woof from Sam xxx
|
|
Jewels & Samuel MacTavish
Feb 21, 2006 at 14:31
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
You will be pleased to know Barb that today I took all the dresses to the agency for resale and guess what..............
She didn't want any of them!!! LOL She was telling me they were out of date before she got to the last one and I just took them back, put them in the bag and came out! Some of the items are less than 6 months old!
Remind me not to shop there anymore!
They are now all on Ebay! LOL
Jewels
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
 
Feb 21, 2006 at 15:30
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Well, that's charming !! Hope you can sell them.
XXX.
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
Feb 21, 2006 at 03:53
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Hehehe..so pleased some stuff was cleared out....I plan to do that when and if I get moved once more this year, Barb...I'll keep your words in my head and try to stop hanging onto "stuff"....
So happy to hear from you...hurry up and get back in there fast !!
XXX.
|
|
Cathy and Thistle
Feb 21, 2006 at 07:04
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
So glad to see you posting, hope you are healing quickly now.
As for the FGF Dave and I have the same deal, I too know nothing about lawn mowers etc, he cannot manage even the stove. Regarding the stuff, I started doing that last year, not getting too far, as I take it out, Dave brings it back, he always has a need for it, let me know when you succeed getting that job done, it may spur me on to finishing, or at least starting again. hugs to you all.
|
|
Tillie1
 
Feb 22, 2006 at 09:25
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
not getting too far, as I take it out, Dave brings it back, he always has a need for it,
Just change that name to Ed.
Now here's what I do, I put things in a bag and when my son comes over I give it to him saying I found the things you said you needed, he knows I'm really saying "drop it off at the goodwill".
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
Feb 23, 2006 at 16:33
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Hehehe..that's a sly move, Eve !!
XXX.
|
|
Petey and the Wigglebutts
Feb 21, 2006 at 09:47
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
BOY, can I relate to that!!!! Kids move out and they never take all their stuff. Last summer we went and got rid of alot of stuff in the basement. Now I need to go through my clothes and decide what to get rid of...you just can't wear everything. But I keep thinking I'm going to lose some weight and then I could wear some of the "outgrown" stuff...yea in my dreams.
Barb, it's so good to see you posting and joking. We've missed you so much!!!! I've got to go get a mailing envelope and get your magic hat mailed to you.
Hugs,
Carol
|
|
Kip
Feb 21, 2006 at 10:13
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
"So what is the lesson here? No matter what the age, we need to deal with our stuff. At some point in our lives, we all must simplify, and that is not just our worldly goods, but things we carry in our minds and our hearts. Some things are worth keeping, and some things you just have to let go."
BINGO!
Kip
|
|
BOB
Feb 26, 2006 at 11:10
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Great news Barb, you are right it does change your life, and hopefully for the better stronger and wiser, look forward and think of all the good things to do, and enjoy every minute.
HUGS JANET XX
|
|
Susan & McDuff
Feb 21, 2006 at 10:42
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
So good to hear from you Barb and so glad that the chemo is over - yeah!!! I can definitely relate to your topic today. I am in the process of simplfying my house as we speak. The only problem is that now I have created more clutter than I already had! My guest bed is entirely covered in clothes to give away. I figured if I could clean out and put it all in one room that I could then work from that room. This whole thing hit me 3 years ago when my Dad passed away. My brother and I went to help my Mom go through things and my Dad was a collector - the problem is now what to do with all of his collections. I realized that you live you life collecting and saving things and then your family is faced with what to do with all of it. So I decided that I would start going through things now and whittle down. Anyway, enough of me - thanks for posting Barb and stay healthy!!!
Susan & McDuff
|
|
Penny
Feb 21, 2006 at 11:52
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Jello expires? Don't tell my stockpiling mother and grandmother. I'm sure one of them has a box dating back to the 70s as well. Getting rid of stuff can be painful because of sentiment, however the that matters most if the good memory attached to the stuff. And that will live a lifetime in our hearts.
FGM, you should write a book. I love your posts.
|
|
Scruffy and Ruby Tuesday
Feb 21, 2006 at 12:24
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Barb, you hit the nail right on the head.... simplify! I was nodding and smiling as I read your post...Ken and I have the same deal too. I like to throw things out, however, and he "collects". I can relate to the idea of recovering your domain in the kitchen...it takes awhile to get sorted, but thank goodness for our guys. It's so great to see you posting. I can "hear" the smile in your voice!
love and hugs, Robyn, Scruffy, and Ruby T
|
|
john / irene Maxwell
Feb 21, 2006 at 13:14
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Good to hear from you Barb we hope you are getting better every day
john / irene Maxwell
|
|
Maggie, Jake & Mickey
Feb 21, 2006 at 17:08
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Barb we so hope the worst is behind you and soon you will be able too "reclaim" you kitchen. My hubby loves to simplify. We to divid our chores like you but he gets antsy in Jan & Feb when he can't be outside...he likes to reorganize and simplify our lives every year. The funny thing is after he reorganizes stuff, he still expects me to know where it is when he can't remember what he did with it! About the time I find everything a year has gone by and we start the little game over LOL...
Hugs, Kris & MJM
I am going to have to go check my jello I had no idea there was an experation date on jello
|
|
Kelly O
Feb 21, 2006 at 17:54
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
I have way too much testosterone in my system - I'm the collector and I'm the handyman. All the tools are mine, mine, mine! I'm a bit domestic - like to collect cookbooks, if only for the pretty pictures 
Barb, I've got a stack of stuff ready for a yard sale this spring. You and your jello are more than welcome to come set up shop with me!!!
PS: Great to see you post as always!
|
|
East Coast Westies Three
 
Feb 21, 2006 at 18:40
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Barb..
Jello has an expiration date???? I'll have to go check my boxes too...
It is so great to see you posting too. And I can hear the smile in your voice just reading your post.
I have saved every post you have done in the "To the Mattress" and I am going to forward them on to you. You really do need to make a book out of this and since you have already started..it should be easy. I'll bet that the American Cancer Society would love to have your book to use as an inspirational log of what you can do when you have to...
I have everything on my computer that crashed and we are in the process of getting the stuff back so that I can re-install it on this computer..I'll forward it on to you in a few weeks...
You really do need to submit this for publication..It is great!
Love,
Linda & Allen
Lily, Sir William & Boomer
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
Feb 23, 2006 at 16:26
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Very well done on saving them all, Linda.
XXX.
|
|
Suzanne, Tobie & Mandie
Feb 21, 2006 at 19:31
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
I agree that you should put all of your writings in a book. They are just wonderful. You are such a special person. You are an inspiration to all. I am so glad you are finally getting done with all of this "poison" and I am glad you are doing better. I have been praying for you and I am so happy my prayers are being answered. Keep up the good work. You will be getting healthier and stronger every day. Bless you Barb
Suzanne, Tobie and Mandie
|
|
R gang
Feb 21, 2006 at 19:38
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Hi Barb,
I have an idea. lets ALL have a garage sale via UPS. we'll send our 'stuff' to each other. you know..'one womans junk is anothers treasure'? the Traveling Pants story? pass em on.
and a FYI...put your jello products in freezer. they'll always be fresh.
A few years ago I decided to clean out R dads closet when he was out fishing. I gave a carload away to Goodwill. he collects caps. must have hundreds. I sorted and threw out the icky ones and gave a big bag of others to charity. wellll....he 'knew' as soon as he returned home there was a big void in the hall closet. 'where are my caps'? he says with a little tear in his eye. "Gave em away" I says proudly. well, to make a long story short...guess who was at Goodwill when they opened the next morning??? yup...ME! I explained and they said "go get them". apparantly they go through this a lot?? sooo...we have an agreement...I dont touch his 'stuff' and he wont burn mine.
You must be better, to even think about CLEANING!! lol
I also agree about sorting our hearts and minds clutter. does no good to keep those 'things' there.
High Five Littermate!
Franny
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
Feb 23, 2006 at 16:27
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
That's amusing about the caps, Fran !
XXX.
|
|
Cheryl
Feb 21, 2006 at 19:45
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
STUFF STUFF STUFF!
Yes, I know the feeling! I am best able to deal with throwing stuff out when I'm in the mindframe that we might be moving someday...
We have now completely gone thru two sets of parents' houses, and wondered -- "why in the world
did they keep that stuff?" but one look at our attic (and elsewhere!) and I know they are all off the hook because we're as bad as they were!
Today, I managed to throw out a horizontal striped top that Stacey and Clinton ("What NOT to Wear") would have nailed me for, and a denim hadnbag that had permanent ink stains on it. Pathetic!
On the positive side, though, son has moved out and his room is well on the way to being an exercise room for Trip and I!
When spring comes, I will be sure to look for some more stuff to heave. Winter just doesn't seem to be the right time for me to get rid of stuff!
Hey, I'm off this week -- winter break -- and have talked hubby into remodeling our bedroom -- we're going from Tuscan Villa to Seaside resort! ( I can only stand a room for about 2 years and then it's time to change! )
We're going to pull out some knotty pine paneling (which I hate!) and replace it with sheetrock. The walls are going from butterscotch to who knows what? And to mollify hubby, we might put in a new TV.
The guest room remodel has been put on hold which is just as well since we're having company this weekend.
I am so happy that all the treatments are over -- now you can put your energy into re-healing and into proper Jello-O flavors!!
Roo and Trip and I send you lots of love!
Hugs,
Cheryl
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
Feb 23, 2006 at 16:30
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
You have a What Not to Wear too ? I wasn't aware of that. Our ones are Trinny and Susannah.
XXX.
|
|
Barney Rubble amd Miss Betty
Feb 21, 2006 at 19:46
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
We are so glat that the reatments are finally over for you... please keep writing, we love to read your posts, and we agree, there should be a book!
So now you have got me thinking about my STUFF and I think Alannahs closet is first tomorrow!!
Jewels, I hope you sell you rdated clothes on EBAY! cheek of the woman!
keep feeling better FGM, the kitchen will soon be yours again!
Love Bridget, Barney rubble and Miss Betty x x x
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
Feb 23, 2006 at 16:31
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Bridget, don't do what my parents did-they got rid of all my childhood books....I've never forgotten that...
XXX.
|
|
Sonny and Cayla
Feb 21, 2006 at 21:25
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
I have really enjoyed your posts and you are one brave lady!
I lost some weight three years ago and gave a lot of my clothes away, because of course I would NEVER gain it back (but I did). Anyway, I think you have giving me the inspiration to clean out a few drawers and maybe talk my husband into weeding out his closet. He is such a clothes horse. Last year, I bought 60 wooden hangers for his clothes. Do you believe that I only used them on long sleeved shirts, and I still did not have enough? And he still tells me that he needs new clothes!
|
|
ED
Feb 21, 2006 at 22:17
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Oh puhleeeeezzzzzzzzeeeee!
You wanna know stuff?! You're talking to a single woman with two full sets of china -- one handpainted in Russia and signed by the artist (purchased in Moscow by the self-same china owner!) one set that was accumulated a piece at time when Shell Oil gave it away with every 10 gallon gas purchase. (I still think it's beautiful!) A set of every day dishes from Pottery Barn and a set of Noritake in service on holidays at this fine home.
Oh yeah. Stuff I got!
Glad you're feeling better. Maybe FGF is gonna whip up some gourmet grub for ya. Food Network'll do it even a non-cook.
Heal, baby! Heal!!
ED and dollface
|
|
Lynda and the Minkies
Feb 23, 2006 at 16:32
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Your Russian set sounds lovely.
XXX.
|
|
linda, mattie and zena
Feb 22, 2006 at 08:49
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
barb, we are so glad that the nastiness is behind you and hope that the days ahead are bright spots for you all. your "stuff" comentary is so funny and so true.. several years back george carlin did a stand up routine about stuff that was hiliarious, if you ever get the chance to see i know you would get many chuckles from it. we are praying for continued improvement so you can now tackle the STUFF. TAKE CARE= LINDA
|
|
Tillie1
Feb 22, 2006 at 09:29
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Waiting for the day you can yell, "get out of my kitchen because it's mine now"
Keep up the faith, you have helped us in so many ways.
|
|
Sarah
Feb 22, 2006 at 13:50
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
First off, Congrats to you---You are on your way to recovery and I'm so thrilled!
I can relate to your cleaning...your kitchen...
As we've been packing away everything for the move, I ask myself the question:
"Is this worth moving 1800 miles?"
That seems to sort out any confusion rather quickly :)
HUGS to you,
glad to see you posting again!
Sarah
|
|
Sue & Booker
Feb 22, 2006 at 13:52
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
I'm so proud to call you Littermate - you certainly got more courage, humor and smarts than I! (but I'll always be the youngest....hehehehe!)
SO happy it's over with and by the time the snow has melted, you will be emering a new woman with the spring flowers!
Continued hugs and prayers for our precious FGM from
Sue & Booker
|
|
Maureen, Hamish & Maddie
Feb 22, 2006 at 16:43
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Oh what a lovely thought, to see you back teaching children. Of course, you have gone on teaching all through your illness and I for one have learnt a lot from you.
I too have saved all your writings from the time before surgery, when we were introduced to the great Petrucelli, through the agony of the recovery from surgery and the treatments, to the wisdom of today. I hope that you will publish your story one day.
Barb, you are a great teacher. Thank you.
Love,
Maureen
|
|
Geri & Emma
Feb 22, 2006 at 16:47
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Barb- I am so glad your treatments are over and you can get back to life. I just love your posts.
I live in a small apartment- even so I manage to accumulate way too much stuff. I am planning on redoing my kitchen- I am afraid to see what is hiding in my cabinets. I'm only 5'1" so everything I need is on the bottom shelves. I haven't done anything with the stuff on the top shelves in years. When I finally get around to emptying, I am sure I will find things from the year of the flood.
Geri
|
|
E Gang
Feb 22, 2006 at 17:14
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
So pleased you have had the last course of treatment Barb and now to really start to get better and like a new pin!.Yes I can certainly relate to stuff! when we moved up to the moorland we got rid of lots of stuff and then because the house was bigger we fetched in more stuff and then to move here we had to get rid of stuff as this house is smaller and now we still have even more stuff to get rid of...where does it all come from..and everyone has that ...DRAWER FOR THINGS!!!
Big Prayers and lots of love and kisses to you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
|
|
Mary, Kelsey and Furby
Feb 22, 2006 at 20:00
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
glad the treatments are over Barb..
I know about stuff and plan to go through everything before I move, hopefully this summer. Esp. since I'll be bring back things from Dad's, some of his and most of mine.
And yes Ed, 2 sets of China and the kitchen dishes too.
|
|
Sambca & Isabella Martini
Feb 23, 2006 at 16:47
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Boy do I have to check my JELLO!
Glad your chemo is over with, and you are writing again!
Thanks FGM for being you!
|
|
Max
Feb 24, 2006 at 15:28
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Oh Barb, Hans and I had a good laugh at FGF and FGD throwing everything out of your pantry, yelling out dates, LOL! It got me thinking about my pantry, I'm sure I have outdated jello too. Do they even sell champagne jello anymore?? We're certainly keeping you in our thoughts and hearts, we hope you are feeling better soon. Love, Marianne, Hans, Mosby and Miranda, and most importantly, your pal Maxxxx
|
|
Mulligan, Chip, Clovie, Janie
Mar 12, 2006 at 22:19
|
Re: To the Mattresses Feb.20, 2006
Geeze, I nearly missed this cool post as i don't often visit the adventure section. Don't blame you Barb, if we don't use something within a year, out it goes. I learned this cleaning out my uncle's house after he passed. No one wanted any of his stuff so I figure no one will want any of mine. Anyhow, "stuff" doesn't matter anymore. It is our friends and loved ones that matter and that inclues you near the top of my list...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
