Fritzy 22's Journal, 02 Jan 22

Yes, back to daily movement. I've been sick, so I'm glad to be out walking again. 

Thanks Erika. I'm trying to move more. I started setting the kitchen timer for 15 minutes and I'll do things in those minutes. Amazing how much I can do in 15 minutes. Somehow I hurt my back and if I am up for too long I have back pain and need a heating pad or ice (no ice in this weather). Yesterday I did alot, for me, and was really hurting by late afternoon. 

I'm sorry about the pain Fritzy, ........ and yes, it's amazing how much can be accomplished in 15 minutes, right!? 

Erika - I set the timer for 30 minutes this morning. My rule is I can't sit or lay down during that time. I made a cup of coffee and kept taking sips in between doing little things. Scooped the litter boxes, changed the water in the bird feeder on the front porch. Took out bird food for the birds on the deck, opened Amazon boxes and put the stuff away (I tend to let them pile up in the front hall, usually pet food). Pain is just something to live with at my age. Although I think the chiropractor can help. 

Okay, you've inspired me. Setting the timer for 45 minutes to do some tidying up. Thanks! 

I did it! I set the timer for 45 min and went after a project I've been procrastinating on. Before the holidays I stumbled upon two nice ladder type bookshelves at TJMAX that were perfect for bedside furniture for our bedroom. I bought them, but there they sat leaning on the closet doors. So, today, after setting the timer, I moved the old bookshelf away and the step stool my husband was using, vacuumed everything, moved the heavy bed over a few inches, rerouted an extension cord, pulled some dusty boxes out from under the bed, set up the new shelves and vacuumed under the bed (it was bad). It's not perfect, but much improved and cleaner. My husband is scheduled for hip replacement surgery and this was all inspired by trying to make room for him to be able to get around our tight bedroom with a walker after the surgery. The surgery was postponed until after the COVID surge, but for now we've got a cleaner, neater bedroom. And I even discovered a pair of brand new winter boots under the bed that I've been looking for all over the house for several seasons now - I thought I was crazy not being able to find them. I think I'll set the timer again tomorrow Fritzy! Thanks for the inspiration. I worked past the timer ringing, then took the dogs out for a 2 mile walk.  

Glad it worked for you Erika! I find setting the timer for 15 minutes at a time is the easiest for me. A couple times I've set it for 30. The other day, like you, I used up the minutes in the master bedroom, vacuuming under the bed, the baseboards and even one of the 2 walk in closets I use for litter boxes. I took the rugs out from under the litter boxes and put them in the wash and then mopped the closet floor before putting in clean rugs and fresh litter boxes. Having all those minutes to use up gives me time to do more than I usually would. Usually I'm lucky if I just scoop the litter boxes. Hope your husband does well with the surgery and the room works out for him. Great that you found the boots! I hate when I lose things and never find them. What I like about the timer is I get a little bit accomplished every day and by the end of a week or so the house looks nice. I am not able to look at my house when it's dirty and get in clean in one day. I get discouraged and don't do anything. 

I can't say I've caught up, or even been consistent, but I've turned over a new leaf and I'm doing more and keeping things in better shape. So, thank you for the inspiration!