SPRING CLEANING....

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Well I keep thinking spring is here, or right around the corner, the weather all across the U.S. has been so crazy this year. Here in Yakima, WA last weekend it was 80 and sunny, this weekend they say we may have snow and rain mix by the weekend!

Well, we all know despite the crazy weather, spring will be here soon!

Which reminds me of the days as a kid when mom would get out the much dreaded “Spring Cleaning Checklist” did you grow up like this?

For those that deal with Chronic Pain, 2 do the dreaded “Spring Cleaning” can be overwhelming to most of us. Most of us do good just 2 get out of bed daily. So I thought I would list some things I do that have made it easier 4 me 2 stay on top of my house work. I would love 2 see tips with what you all do 2 make your daily life easier 4 you.

<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" spid="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:114.75pt;height:117pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Carol\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--> The first thing I start with always is “The List”!

For me I like drawing a line through the completed project!<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:57pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Carol\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="none"> <w:anchorlock /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

After I make my list, I decide whats most important, and what can wait till later in the day-week-month-year! What gets done on the list also depends on how I’m feeling that day-moment etc... So of course if I’m having a rough morning-day I rest. There are some things I try to do despite my pain. The one thing I try 2 do daily is make my bed, some days that’s all I get done, and I’ve learned that’s ok! The other areas I try 2 get 2 daily are the bathrooms and the kitchen-4 the obvious reasons! With just my husband and myself at home now, this is pretty simple and John is great about seeing what should be done and doing it! Thanks sweetie!! Ok now we got the List, and we’ve Prioritized it, now set a timer if you have 1, if not learn to listen 2 your body, and be-4 you get exhausted stop, and rest, 4 me I work 5-10 minutes at a time, and rest about the same amount of time, or longer if needed. So set limits, that work 4 you.

When cleaning in 1 room, have a basket or a bag that you can put things in that do not belong in that room. As you take this bag with you through out the day, you put these items away. If you have children-teenagers living at home, my dad did this, he had his bag and if he found anything laying around the house that did not go there-it went into the bag. When whoever had laid the item down-realized it was gone, he/she knew 2 check with dad and his bag of stuff. In order 2 get the item back you had 2 do an extra chore around the house! I hated it then, but have 2 say it does teach you to put things were they go!

Another idea I have, you know those yard carts that you can pull like a wagon-or sit on it to plant and weed. I have one of these I use outside, it has a nice storage area and a little tray that comes out I can sit on it and use my feet to get around, I can lift the lid which is then like a wagon handle and I ca push or pull things around. I bet this could be used in the house, 4 any 1 that has problems getting around their home, they could either make sure each room had the right cleaning materials in them, or keep them inside this yard cart.