Attitude Adjustment

Day Eighteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

I knew this move would be hard in some ways, downsizing and all. But I decided to make the best of it and tell myself that I'm having an adventure in a large RV instead of a misadventure in a tiny home. 

I'm grateful for the knowledge and ability to change my attitude. I haven't always been able to in the past. Something that has really helped me is that wonderful neighborhood on YouTube of lovely people with great attitudes and senses of humor. A daily does of humor does wonders! 

Creating Order Out of Chaos

Day Seventeen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

 

We've been in our new home, a small two-story townhouse, for eight full days. It's been almost as much a challenge unpacking and finding places for everything as it was to pack it all up. I grossly over estimated how many books would fit into two seven foot tall, three foot wide bookcases. Oops! I've struggled to put things away in the kitchen with so few drawers, there are three tiny ones, and cabinets that are narrow and deep with a half shelf at the back, except for the one in the corner which is shaped like a piece of pie with the wide end at the back, (who designed that abomination?), and the merry-go-round bottom corner cupboard. Not such a great kitchen for a senior citizen, but I'll get in some good exercise anyway. 

Today I finished putting away the mixing, serving and storing pieces in the kitchen. Then I moved on to setting up the living room which meant putting books on shelves, music cds on shelves, and dvds on shelves; then arranging the couch, ottoman, end tables and lamps, and chair. I even hung up two pieces of art.

I'm so grateful to have been able to create order out of all the chaos. It is now an inviting room--living, dining and kitchen all in one. Not my favorite layout, but I'm pretending it's a large RV and that makes it more acceptable. I'm grateful to have drywall walls instead of plaster, and tightly fitted windows that don't leak, and a heater that's powerful enough to warm the whole place, and a lovely counter in the bathroom to put my lotion on. There is much to be grateful for here.

Autumn

Day Sixteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

On the drive to church today I saw some gorgeous Burning Bush shrubs (Euonymus alatus) still glowing red, while most trees are now bare of leave. The vibrant red looks so pretty in the now barren landscape. I love the colors of Autumn, burgundy, red, orange, gold, yellow. I'm grateful to live where there are four distinct seasons, each with their own delights. 

(I wish I could share photos, but my laptop is so old I can't update the operating system and I'm not able to post photos anymore.)   

Time Alone and Time Together

Days Fourteen and Fifteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

 

Somehow while I was alone yesterday I forgot to post, so I'm combining again. 

In the midst of my chaotic situation, moving and unpacking, a bit of alone time was welcome to be able to steadily work through a mountain of boxes. Steve went directly to our other houses (yes, plural) yesterday after work, and will return tonight. When I'm alone I don't worry so much about meals and eat what I want when I want it. I'm grateful for some down time in the midst of the chaos.

On the other hand, this morning I attended a crafting activity at church which was totally delightful. I met women from three congregations, and found that there is a quilting group in the congregation that I attend. Hooray! The group is small, but meets once a month to work together on their own projects and to share skills and encouragement. I'm so thrilled! So many good women in this area. I'm thankful I went and spent time with them. 

Thrift Stores and Bartering

Day Thirteen - Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

We just moved into a new place, this time it's a townhouse, a first for us. Downsizing has been challenging but a necessary step. I'm a saver, and a prepare for emergencies kind of person. I like to stock up so I don't have to go to the grocery store or Walmart so frequently, it's a way to avoid temptation. Well, trying to fit things into a place one third the size of our Victorian Mansion is definitely a challenge. 

Today I went to Salvation Army to drop off a load of "things that don't fit and I decided they aren't worth keeping"; and looked for a few things that I do need. I found one of them - a small cabinet for the main bathroom to store extra toilet paper and toiletries, as well as clean towels and washcloths. It was just $10 and in decent shape. I think it will work well for the purpose. I'm always thankful for those who donate their cast-offs instead of just trashing them. I enjoy finding bargains and treasures at thrift stores.

After work, Steve picked me up to go to Ames where he swapped an unneeded old IMac computer for a dorm fridge needed for his office. It went smoothly. The young man, a junior in college was getting a computer for his grandfather. He was happy, Steve was happy. No money was exchanged, but items were saved from the trash and will be put to good use. I'm thankful for everyone who is willing to barter goods and services. It's a win-win game.