"I’m digging a hole I never wanted." Oh, how many times I've been there! Kudos for figuring out the springs needed for the curtain rod, and yes, I love finding creative ways to fix things. "Let's figure this out" is one of my go-to's in many situations. Getting back to digging an unwanted hole, I've finally figured out how to keep those holes at bay: mise en place, borrowed from the French, "everything in its place". It's taken me years to live this way, and the biggest challenge was slowing down enough to take care of the tiny details as soon as I realize they're there. I still have times when my mind can jump and hop about, I lose my focus, then forget or push aside that tiny thing, which comes back to remind or taunt me later. But mise en place is muscle memory now, and keeps my head clear (for the most part) and my environment (mostlyl) tidy. Great post, btw. I appreciate your honesty.
Great perspective, Mary. And I love mise en place used here as a framework for attending to things rather than looking the other way. That’s a nice approach. Cheers to “let’s figure this out,” too! Thank you for commenting.
I've never thought to apply mise en place to anything other than cooking, but I love the broader perspective, and it makes so much sense! Thanks, Mary B.
I am soooo proud of myself when I fix something that I want to tell EVERYONE about it, no matter how minor the repair was. I fixed the dryer! I hung a new mini blind! I also dwell on my failures. Especially that time I was trying to fix the sink and unleashed a tsunami in the bathroom.
When I was in college, earning a degree in Art Education, we had to write a paper defending art in schools. My argument (which I still believe 100%) was that kids learn way more than art in art classes. They teach students to come up with creative solutions to problems, to think outside the box. They start to use their eyes to really look at what is in front them. Art and science are two peas in a pod, I said, both subjects teach students to brainstorm, hypothesize, and solve problems that they have never seen before.
I am bitter about the school system now, having lived it from within and without. Schools were originally created to train future factory workers, and thinking workers was a liability. We haven't come very far. Students are taught to memorize and regurgitate information on standardized tests, to walk in lines, to raise their hands and ask for permission to go to the bathroom. I don't know as much about general education as I do about special education, but I saw that their focus was on compliance, and not learning, and I immediately pulled my kid out. Art education (should) fly in the face of all that memorization and uniformity. I recognize that I am oversimplifying here, but I don't want to go on and on.
As I start to pack my belongings for the move, I realize that I am way into the hole. I am struggling to overcome my overwhelm.
Definitely celebrate the small wins and fixes and steps you take, Laura. You should! I hope that the hole you are seeing is more positive than not…a move you want to make. There are so many steps between here and there though, I am sure. One by one. I hope the overwhelm stays at bay as you move through the coming days. As things get crossed off, I hope you’ll continue to feel more and more excited…. And less and less in the hole. Wishing you a good week.
Right there with you on the arrested development of our approach to education. My own kids were homeschooled for many years for that reason. Not just schools, though, right? The same seems true in many places of employment, in religious practices, even - some might say - in politics. We're given a prescription for how it's done and woe to those who try to opt out! I'm thankful to know there are other kinds of thinkers out there, like you and Amy.
Definitely a creative problem solver and proud when my kids show the same. Love that their first thought isn’t to buy a replacement, but to see what they can do.
I’ve been recovering from a major life shock for awhile and find those moments of small victories to be what gets me to moments of facing the big challenges. Savor them, be proud you did that small thing, not everyone would.
Thank you, Lee. And kudos for raising kids who are innovative thinkers, too. I hope that whatever happened you are continuing to find your balance and footing again now. Good for you to be focusing on small wins.
I used to like to try to fix things on my own...a little. As time has gone by, I'm not as interested in doing that, and prefer to hire people who can fix them...if I have the money for it. I often don't have the money and instead, I let things sit for far to long in a state of disrepair. That's something I need to fix in myself! But I do like challenges. I like to figure out wonky code (and I'm not the best coder, for sure), I like to figure out design problems a lot...that's a big one. But most of all, these days, I like to figure out the structure of a story I'm writing, how to edit, how to locate the best path forward, and then take it to solve a problem, or convey an idea. And then, of course a crossword puzzle is my favorite solving exercise. And yes, I hung the blinds in my bedroom myself, and when I was finished, I couldn't understand that when I pulled them down to the sill, they were 3-4" too short. The problem? I measured incorrectly when I ordered them OR I just entered the length incorrectly. I punished myself by not returning them and starting fresh. It's okay, more or less, because the sun peeks in earlier than I care to start my day, wakes me up, and forces me to get out of bed and get to my day! D'oh! It's all good. Thanks Amy!
Being able to find the silver lining (or early sun) in the too-short blinds is a good exercise in positivity. I love that for you! I appreciate your words on writing and coding. I agree, those are great puzzle-oriented pursuits in their own ways. Thanks for commenting!
To my detriment, I also “used to” fix things on my own and now I don’t as often. I think I’ve let that job fall to my grown daughter, encouraging her in her growth and let my own growth stagnate. She’s still living at home in her 20s so I have her talent right here when I need it! I better get ready for her eventual departure though, and take on some of the tasks myself.
Late in the day here, My contribution for today ….my eldest daughter came out from the city with the whole family in tow to get the old 1980’s VW camper van, given to her by my 90 year old father, to start and to move it to a new less expensive parking spot in my condo building. This old gem has lived the better part of 30 years outside in the elements ( extreme hot and cold). The last few years it was sheltered in my underground parking at a financial cost. It would not react to attempts to jump start it…. My son in law tried zip ties( my contribution) to hold the rusty old clamps to the battery in place. It did finally respond and after BCAA came to assist and tightened things it did start and was relocated to a new less expensive spot. It waits for more road adventures with my daughter and kids.
I still prefer window coverings. Just clean glass…and ledge. I like room darkening blinds in the bedroom.
I have spent the week doing Swedish death cleaning and my place is looking much less full. I take my time but I am making progress.
Goo be Gone is a favorite but I find it does not always do what I want. The duct tape from trying to attach a portable AC unit to my bedroom window remains cemented to the vinyl window frame. No matter how I try it will not loosen its grip. I finally opted for a professional to come and cut a piece of plexiglass to allow the hose to vent to outside. I figure the $130 I spent to have the customed fit insert saved me in the long run. I should say I always talk to many people even acquaintances to get their opinion before I hire anyone. Word of mouth is the best way to go in my experience. Having moved numerous times across Canada and to the US talking to neighbours or others has helped me find out kinds of things
I’m glad you were able to get the VW camper moved. I smiled at the mention of using the zip ties. That’s great - and exactly in the spirit of today’s post. I am glad to hear the Swedish death cleaning has gone well. I am being very unfocused right now, but I will be doing more and more of that. (I still need to properly read the book.) — I remember it being “Goo B Gone,” too. I was surprised to find it now called Goo Gone. I always liked that “b” in the middle! I hope your weekend was good and that the moving of the van didn’t take all of the time with your daughter and family.
Oh, well done, you!! And so that you don't have to lose any more sleep wondering (heh), the answer is "YES!" We, too, have a collection of sub-standard pens. Propaganda pens, I call them. Good to know yours found a useful purpose since, for the most part, I find they fall down on the actual pen job time and again. Maybe because they're not pens at all, really just pen-shaped advertisements?
I loved these lines most, because I need them in my life as a permanent reminder. "I can do small things. I am trusting that small things add up." Together or separately, these fit into the affirmation mindsdet. Thanks, Amy.
Thank you, Elizabeth. I have no doubt you do small (and big) things, and that they all add up. Keep on! I am glad to know of your propaganda pens, too. They may still have unexpected usefulness.
Amy, good for you on that spring situation! I would’ve bought a new one, I think. But maybe I’ll remember this when my next problem arises! I’m encouraged.
I’m also someone who looks away when the problems get overwhelming. It’s not a good trait for me. I have several issues with the house that are just too much for this season. Too much money, too much research on who and where and how to fix it. But maybe I’ll v m my kitchen windowsill!
I have learned something from dental work—get it done early before it turns into a larger and more painful and more costly fix. Fixing a cavity when it’s small is so much better than getting a complete root canal and the crown on top of that. I’ve had my share of root canals 🦷 so I haven’t and still don’t follow my own advice. But I’m learning. Life long learner at everything possible!
You've got this! If it's the windowsill that's doable, do it. It may bring some sense of control, but I know the weight of the things that can't be done can be overwhelming. I'm sorry you are facing that, too. Your dental care example is a good one, for sure.
I admire your ingenuity in figuring out to fix things like that. Creativity matters when it comes to clever fixes that save money and solve practical problems!
I also feel like I am surrounded by old pens, but when I reach for one it doesn’t work. When I had to sign something that needed to be in pen recently, I realized that not one of the many ink pens I have in my purse worked. It was a little embarrassing that I had so many with me and not a single one worked. I use a mechanical pencil for my grocery list, and I haven’t drawn anything while I am out in many years…though I still carry all those pens. It’s ok though, because I do have my handful I use at home, regularly enough to count on them. ☺️
That is so funny about the pens in your bag not working. I hear you. I often think those cluttered pen jars are full, but it seems there’s nothing to write with.
I’m teased a lot for my ingenuity. I end up “Machyver-ing” things— remember that TV show? He could rig something to blow up using a paper clip and gum.
Anyway my full size stackable gas dryer was in danger of vibrating right off the washer—and the gas hose is very short. The metal clamps reset time and time again but never held. I bought wide Velcro and stuck it to the washer top and the dryer bottom. Despite the violent shaking of the washer, the dryer doesn’t move.
"I’m digging a hole I never wanted." Oh, how many times I've been there! Kudos for figuring out the springs needed for the curtain rod, and yes, I love finding creative ways to fix things. "Let's figure this out" is one of my go-to's in many situations. Getting back to digging an unwanted hole, I've finally figured out how to keep those holes at bay: mise en place, borrowed from the French, "everything in its place". It's taken me years to live this way, and the biggest challenge was slowing down enough to take care of the tiny details as soon as I realize they're there. I still have times when my mind can jump and hop about, I lose my focus, then forget or push aside that tiny thing, which comes back to remind or taunt me later. But mise en place is muscle memory now, and keeps my head clear (for the most part) and my environment (mostlyl) tidy. Great post, btw. I appreciate your honesty.
Great perspective, Mary. And I love mise en place used here as a framework for attending to things rather than looking the other way. That’s a nice approach. Cheers to “let’s figure this out,” too! Thank you for commenting.
I've never thought to apply mise en place to anything other than cooking, but I love the broader perspective, and it makes so much sense! Thanks, Mary B.
Glue and Goo Gone! I love the idea of unsticking some things so that new things can come together❤️
Love that perspective on this, Melissa. Thank you for reading!
I am soooo proud of myself when I fix something that I want to tell EVERYONE about it, no matter how minor the repair was. I fixed the dryer! I hung a new mini blind! I also dwell on my failures. Especially that time I was trying to fix the sink and unleashed a tsunami in the bathroom.
When I was in college, earning a degree in Art Education, we had to write a paper defending art in schools. My argument (which I still believe 100%) was that kids learn way more than art in art classes. They teach students to come up with creative solutions to problems, to think outside the box. They start to use their eyes to really look at what is in front them. Art and science are two peas in a pod, I said, both subjects teach students to brainstorm, hypothesize, and solve problems that they have never seen before.
I am bitter about the school system now, having lived it from within and without. Schools were originally created to train future factory workers, and thinking workers was a liability. We haven't come very far. Students are taught to memorize and regurgitate information on standardized tests, to walk in lines, to raise their hands and ask for permission to go to the bathroom. I don't know as much about general education as I do about special education, but I saw that their focus was on compliance, and not learning, and I immediately pulled my kid out. Art education (should) fly in the face of all that memorization and uniformity. I recognize that I am oversimplifying here, but I don't want to go on and on.
As I start to pack my belongings for the move, I realize that I am way into the hole. I am struggling to overcome my overwhelm.
Definitely celebrate the small wins and fixes and steps you take, Laura. You should! I hope that the hole you are seeing is more positive than not…a move you want to make. There are so many steps between here and there though, I am sure. One by one. I hope the overwhelm stays at bay as you move through the coming days. As things get crossed off, I hope you’ll continue to feel more and more excited…. And less and less in the hole. Wishing you a good week.
Right there with you on the arrested development of our approach to education. My own kids were homeschooled for many years for that reason. Not just schools, though, right? The same seems true in many places of employment, in religious practices, even - some might say - in politics. We're given a prescription for how it's done and woe to those who try to opt out! I'm thankful to know there are other kinds of thinkers out there, like you and Amy.
Definitely a creative problem solver and proud when my kids show the same. Love that their first thought isn’t to buy a replacement, but to see what they can do.
I’ve been recovering from a major life shock for awhile and find those moments of small victories to be what gets me to moments of facing the big challenges. Savor them, be proud you did that small thing, not everyone would.
Thank you, Lee. And kudos for raising kids who are innovative thinkers, too. I hope that whatever happened you are continuing to find your balance and footing again now. Good for you to be focusing on small wins.
I used to like to try to fix things on my own...a little. As time has gone by, I'm not as interested in doing that, and prefer to hire people who can fix them...if I have the money for it. I often don't have the money and instead, I let things sit for far to long in a state of disrepair. That's something I need to fix in myself! But I do like challenges. I like to figure out wonky code (and I'm not the best coder, for sure), I like to figure out design problems a lot...that's a big one. But most of all, these days, I like to figure out the structure of a story I'm writing, how to edit, how to locate the best path forward, and then take it to solve a problem, or convey an idea. And then, of course a crossword puzzle is my favorite solving exercise. And yes, I hung the blinds in my bedroom myself, and when I was finished, I couldn't understand that when I pulled them down to the sill, they were 3-4" too short. The problem? I measured incorrectly when I ordered them OR I just entered the length incorrectly. I punished myself by not returning them and starting fresh. It's okay, more or less, because the sun peeks in earlier than I care to start my day, wakes me up, and forces me to get out of bed and get to my day! D'oh! It's all good. Thanks Amy!
Being able to find the silver lining (or early sun) in the too-short blinds is a good exercise in positivity. I love that for you! I appreciate your words on writing and coding. I agree, those are great puzzle-oriented pursuits in their own ways. Thanks for commenting!
To my detriment, I also “used to” fix things on my own and now I don’t as often. I think I’ve let that job fall to my grown daughter, encouraging her in her growth and let my own growth stagnate. She’s still living at home in her 20s so I have her talent right here when I need it! I better get ready for her eventual departure though, and take on some of the tasks myself.
Late in the day here, My contribution for today ….my eldest daughter came out from the city with the whole family in tow to get the old 1980’s VW camper van, given to her by my 90 year old father, to start and to move it to a new less expensive parking spot in my condo building. This old gem has lived the better part of 30 years outside in the elements ( extreme hot and cold). The last few years it was sheltered in my underground parking at a financial cost. It would not react to attempts to jump start it…. My son in law tried zip ties( my contribution) to hold the rusty old clamps to the battery in place. It did finally respond and after BCAA came to assist and tightened things it did start and was relocated to a new less expensive spot. It waits for more road adventures with my daughter and kids.
I still prefer window coverings. Just clean glass…and ledge. I like room darkening blinds in the bedroom.
I have spent the week doing Swedish death cleaning and my place is looking much less full. I take my time but I am making progress.
Goo be Gone is a favorite but I find it does not always do what I want. The duct tape from trying to attach a portable AC unit to my bedroom window remains cemented to the vinyl window frame. No matter how I try it will not loosen its grip. I finally opted for a professional to come and cut a piece of plexiglass to allow the hose to vent to outside. I figure the $130 I spent to have the customed fit insert saved me in the long run. I should say I always talk to many people even acquaintances to get their opinion before I hire anyone. Word of mouth is the best way to go in my experience. Having moved numerous times across Canada and to the US talking to neighbours or others has helped me find out kinds of things
I meant to say NO window coverings
I’m glad you were able to get the VW camper moved. I smiled at the mention of using the zip ties. That’s great - and exactly in the spirit of today’s post. I am glad to hear the Swedish death cleaning has gone well. I am being very unfocused right now, but I will be doing more and more of that. (I still need to properly read the book.) — I remember it being “Goo B Gone,” too. I was surprised to find it now called Goo Gone. I always liked that “b” in the middle! I hope your weekend was good and that the moving of the van didn’t take all of the time with your daughter and family.
Thank you Amy for your amazing writing. I really enjoy reading what you write each week.
Thank you!
Oh, well done, you!! And so that you don't have to lose any more sleep wondering (heh), the answer is "YES!" We, too, have a collection of sub-standard pens. Propaganda pens, I call them. Good to know yours found a useful purpose since, for the most part, I find they fall down on the actual pen job time and again. Maybe because they're not pens at all, really just pen-shaped advertisements?
I loved these lines most, because I need them in my life as a permanent reminder. "I can do small things. I am trusting that small things add up." Together or separately, these fit into the affirmation mindsdet. Thanks, Amy.
Thank you, Elizabeth. I have no doubt you do small (and big) things, and that they all add up. Keep on! I am glad to know of your propaganda pens, too. They may still have unexpected usefulness.
Amy, good for you on that spring situation! I would’ve bought a new one, I think. But maybe I’ll remember this when my next problem arises! I’m encouraged.
I’m also someone who looks away when the problems get overwhelming. It’s not a good trait for me. I have several issues with the house that are just too much for this season. Too much money, too much research on who and where and how to fix it. But maybe I’ll v m my kitchen windowsill!
I have learned something from dental work—get it done early before it turns into a larger and more painful and more costly fix. Fixing a cavity when it’s small is so much better than getting a complete root canal and the crown on top of that. I’ve had my share of root canals 🦷 so I haven’t and still don’t follow my own advice. But I’m learning. Life long learner at everything possible!
Have a great week!
That “v m” should’ve been “clean”
I hate that I don’t go back and give my messages a once over every time!
You've got this! If it's the windowsill that's doable, do it. It may bring some sense of control, but I know the weight of the things that can't be done can be overwhelming. I'm sorry you are facing that, too. Your dental care example is a good one, for sure.
I admire your ingenuity in figuring out to fix things like that. Creativity matters when it comes to clever fixes that save money and solve practical problems!
I also feel like I am surrounded by old pens, but when I reach for one it doesn’t work. When I had to sign something that needed to be in pen recently, I realized that not one of the many ink pens I have in my purse worked. It was a little embarrassing that I had so many with me and not a single one worked. I use a mechanical pencil for my grocery list, and I haven’t drawn anything while I am out in many years…though I still carry all those pens. It’s ok though, because I do have my handful I use at home, regularly enough to count on them. ☺️
That is so funny about the pens in your bag not working. I hear you. I often think those cluttered pen jars are full, but it seems there’s nothing to write with.
But some of them do have springs. 👍
I’m teased a lot for my ingenuity. I end up “Machyver-ing” things— remember that TV show? He could rig something to blow up using a paper clip and gum.
Anyway my full size stackable gas dryer was in danger of vibrating right off the washer—and the gas hose is very short. The metal clamps reset time and time again but never held. I bought wide Velcro and stuck it to the washer top and the dryer bottom. Despite the violent shaking of the washer, the dryer doesn’t move.
I think we should find such comfort and pride in our ingenuity! Love your Velcro solution— and that it worked! Thanks for commenting.