I Never Leave Things Alone

OK, it's not this bad!

I always have “ants in my pants” and I need to be doing something – or I need to be thinking about doing something. As I’ve said (whined about) on so many occasions, we need to move. My husband will do something small (and insignificant) toward this goal, then forget about it. I, on the other hand, bring up the topic on a daily basis.

I’m trying to see the house as a potential buyer would, and I ask myself what changes would help. The main issues are things I can no longer do, but my husband is dragging his feet – “I’m tired.” “I’m getting too old to do that.” “It’s fine as it is.” Sooo, I’m creating one of my lists and he can do the things a little at a time. Such chores are: empty the storage room on the third floor and throw everything in the trash; empty the basement and get a storage unit for “keepables” or  put them in the then-empty storage room;

 paint the trim on the outside of the house – I’d like to go from cranberry to black; and take down any wallpaper in the rooms. Then I could concentrate on the décor. Realtors always say to keep things neutral and remove personal artifacts. I’d have to remove all the pictures I have going up the steps, so I’m not following that rule. 

I’d let the den and living room stay as they are, but I’d add different window treatments. I’d paint the dining and change those drapes as well. The kitchen is fine, but I’d put all my small appliances in the cabinet. The breakfast room and powder room are also all right as is. I’d paint the family room and change some of the furniture.  

Upstairs, the halls are fine, but I’d add more paintings on the walls. One bedroom needs a different color paint (my son liked apple green!) and another two need the wallpaper removed and paint added. The bathrooms are okay, but in the master one, I’d remove the vanity doors and put baskets on the shelves.

When I list it like that, it does seem like a great deal of work, but right now the only one who might buy it is the squirrel who keeps finding his way into the crawl spaces!

That said, I’m also eager to get back to cooking. I want to make some big pots of soup and freeze them in small containers for several meals. I’m thinking about doing vegetable and vegetable beef tomorrow. (I say it as two because my daughter doesn’t eat meat.) I could get the stock going early, then get some fresh veggies and add them when I get back from church and my mother’s. In the meat one, I’d use soup bones and shin beef, and just veggie stock in the other. The meat will fall off the bone right into the stock. The only thing I’ll add that’s canned is the tomatoes. If I thaw some out for little guy, I’ll add some alphabet pasta.

Another favorite is chicken noodle, and I’ll make it without the noodles. They can be added as the soup thaws and recooks. I’ll do French onion and maybe tomato basil, also. These can be done on another day.

Now that I’ve written out my plans, I have the desire to get it finished. I think I’ll need a nap, too.

Peace,

Muff