Couch 245: STELLA!

i sure won't, haha!

After I finish the christmas afghan for my house, or maybe before who knows, I often have more than one project going at the same time, my next project is going to be a granny hexagon cardigan. Been wanting to make one for a while, and I just ordered the yarn for it, it's gonna be a solid color (light sage). Should be pretty easy, you basically crochet two really big hexagons, fold each in half to make an upside down L shape, then sew them together for the back and sew up the shoulder seams. I've already made a tiny doll-sized one in red (Penny's been playing with it so please to disregard the cat hair lol):

I been cleanin house. The city inspector was supposed to be here last monday. I had been given 2 weeks notice. Not enough for this crazy person.

But i feel like my working at it more consistently for the past two weeks has improved my stamina and i just realized it is making it easier for me to move around in this mess. Plus i just found a new pack of batteries and some drain cleaner. And one very rotten orange!

The inspectors next scheduled visit (ie his first here) is late next week (first week of oct). The maint guy was like, we want to do you friday so we can say YOUR BUILDING IS DONE. I think my life is more important than his stupid deadline, so i called the office and begged for more time.

My problem is really lack of stamina. Once i get tired, i start tripping and dropping, so i have to stop and get some real rest before i can start up cleaning again. I slept very well last night. Yesterday morning was my first morning all week that i didnt set the stupid alarm. And of course today.

This extra hearing loss is becoming a great way to clean the kitchen floor—I turn on the sink faucet, turn away, and forget the water is on, and I don’t hear it, so I don’t turn it off, and voila! Overflowing sink, mopped kitchen floor.

My cousin had a monkey. You may need a monkey.

That must be frustrating, @@.

I hope they can get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later.

Afternoon. Does anyone here not work or work a small number of hours?

I have recently stopped work because my mental health has nose-dived and I am starting to rebuild elements of my life. I have never liked work (any kind of work) and I feel liberated by not having to do it. However, I am worried about finances (I am in the process of applying for benefits so it's a period of uncertainty) and the fact that I have stepped away from the safety of a good contract at a very good university. Stepping away from that kind of cushioned life (in which I fought hard to get a place because that is not part of my working class background) feels scary. And better for me.

I am planning on working a small number of hours at a uni where I used to work because I am good at the job and I think a small number of hours of structured occupation will help me. I also want to walk, read, swim, write, cook, play chess, attend lectures, do therapy work.

I am interested in hearing other people's experiences of not working or of stepping into a life of little money but lots of retreat.

Hi Comrade,

I work one half-day a month on a Saturday, and then support the writing for wellbeing aspect of my organisation when that programme runs.

I find it helpful to have something to absorb myself and then have time to engage in other activities.

Of course, it's worth mentioning that my boss has known me half my life. She assisted with the Gifted and Talented creative writing programme when I was at school, and now I facilitate a version of the programme that gave me my start in writing.

It's incredible how the world works sometimes.

The limbo land of the benefits system is a challenging place to be.

I hope you're able to get through the process relatively unscathed.

Take care,

Lost

Have a look at the website entitled to, for an idea for what you might be eligible for.

Someone I know gets ESA.

Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate | reliable

My aunt is an GP and has helped fill in forms too. Also there’s Citizen’s advice if you need any extra help.

Could you get some extra help with the cleaning if you can’t do it on your own? My aunt had someone from the council (state) come in every week when she was ill. perhaps there’s volunteers or charities that offer this service?

I’m sure it will look fab when it’s done. The mini one is so cute!

I’m in love with Fair isle knitting, maybe that could be your next project. ( Then you could also go to the post office and send it to me? )

Well, i DID get the bathroom cleaned up, even if it took me a week. Now it should be easy to maintain.

Idk. Idk. Idk. I want to still be able to do it myself. I want to be strong, not old.

I don't really have to work if I don't want to, which is of course very different from your situation. However, after first being just excited to be able to do whatever whenever I want to, I now do like some routine and will probably even get a job soon, however I will keep the hours low.

I try to get up at a time that works for me and sleep when I feel sleepy, I cook a lot as well as tend to my garden. Since most of my social connections work a lot more, I do tend to spend a lot of time by myself, however, I do find that rather nice.

If you are able to live life while earning less money and you feel comfortable this way, I say absolutely do it. A lot of the Western view of life is about work and having a job, and while i think it's a valuable contribution to the overall experience, only focusing on performing tasks for other people all day every day does not sound pleasurable or appealing to me.

ATAT, I'm sorry about your hearing... hope they can figure out what it is, not knowing sounds hard!

All the famous boxers have coaches to help them train. Asking for help doesn't mean your not strong.

Well done on the getting the bathroom done!

Honestly, from currently dealing with my grandma who's in hospital/rehab after a brain hemorrhage: being able to rely on some amount of help can be a very strong thing to do. My grandma takes care of her two story flat, a huge garden and the house she lives in, while she rents out the other apartments, does her shopping by herself, cooks for herself, everything. She fell (we do not know where/how exactly) and was found later that day by my aunt. Though there would have been a good chance of her dying, she's now back to wanting to do everything on her own.

From the outside, it seems like it would be good for her to being able to let go of some aspects. I think that she's recovering because she's still so active in her 80s, but at the same time, she's taking less care of herself now that her husband/my grandpa has died, and I think if she had help with the things she dislikes (for example cooking, she now just eats ready meals most days that just aren't as healthy), she'd both have some company and more possibilities to enjoy her time she still has. Instead she worries about the things that have to be done and is stressed out, while being stubborn and hard to convince on accepting any kind of help.


We all need help at some point, and while it seems like it's a weakness to be able to reach out, it's a sign of strength, being able to admit your limits and taking care of yourself.

good for you. I don't mind old much -but I do want to do it all myself as well. It gets done - maybe not as fast or as involved as before but doing it for myself is better. My nearly 90 yr old father still walks 7-8 miles a day, plays golf, tennis and so on - being active and taking care of one's self is important for vitality. I am glad I don't have anyone who tries to control my life and tell me how to live and what to eat and so on.

I don't work because I don't want to, I don't need to, and because I'm disabled. The problem with not working is lack of socializing and boredom. If you can keep yourself busy and make sure to get out of the house, plus be financially able to, then not working can be great. I take care of the house, the men, and the dogs. That's my work. My new goal with L is trying to get out of the house every day if possible. It could just be getting coffee. And I have a lot of art projects I like to do.

(edited to delete whining)
H is in CA right now, he flew back there yesterday morning for his 50-year HS reunion. Just a quick trip since he has to be here to take me to the hospital Tuesday morning. Still, I am enjoying the quiet house.

My yarn just got delivered for the cardigan, can't wait to start creating this afternoon after I get off work! On break now, but 15 minutes isn't enough time to start because if I did, I wouldn't want to stop.

Hooray, Artie!

I hope you enjoy your creative downtime when it arrives.

Thanks! I will as the house will still be quiet!

Just logged off work so let the crocheting begin.

I read the original post--you weren't whining, Artie. Hugs to you.

Here's the beginnings of my granny hexagon cardi, well one side of it anyway! I'm thinking I'll use a cream colored yarn for the scalloped border, or maybe tan, but it will be a while before I get that far... so have plenty of time to change my mind.