Procrastinators Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from chronic procrastination.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Hi!

Have a Beary Happy Day! :)

I have a bike in my garage

Pro you have done such a magnificient job today on your bike. I thought that when you next visit Melbourne in Australia you might pop in and fix mine since I do not have such mechanical skills. I would put a shrimp on the barbie for you.....Wink

it doesn't take skills...

...it just takes one of these:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=24

It wasn't hard - just dirty.

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - 8:15pm (bike tires inflated)

Tires are inflated. Took me a few minutes to figure out how the pump worked because it's new.

I'd go take a ride now, but it's starting to get dark. Also, I'm sweaty and dirty and need to clean up the chain cleaning kit.

After I finish cleaning up, I think that's all for today. Well, unless I want to eat breakfast tomorrow. I guess I have to go out one more time. Eh! I'll eat what I have here, even if it isn't great. I don't want to go out again.

I'll clean up the chain tool, put away the clothes, and do the rest tomorrow. Might want to do laundry tomorrow, too.

To Do

Trim ivy from windows
Wash dishes
Rinse out and hang up gym clothes soaking in soapy water

Clean toilet
Call Verizon about error in bill

Call Sirius about problem with warranty shipment
Cleaned the drain catchers in the sink and tub
Fix messed up seal behind sink
Buy some stuff I need online
Clean refrigerator (many spills and it's smelly)

Clean bathroom mirrors
Sweep and vacuum
Put away pile of clothes (either put in laundry or hang up)
Make bed
Get dressed
Work on pile (major)
Clean bike chain and inflate tires so I can ride it!
Clean up chain cleaning tool
Buy groceries
Do laundry
Water plants

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

Yay pro!

Good job today. Welcome back!

-- movingalong

thanks, moving!

It feels good to be productive!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

I cleaned the chain tool

I realized that the chain tool wouldn't be any more fun to clean tomorrow, and might actually be less fun after the dirt had a chance to glom on, so I cleaned it. It was yucky, but it's done. And now I can relax. Everything else is for tomorrow.

To Do

Trim ivy from windows
Wash dishes
Rinse out and hang up gym clothes soaking in soapy water

Clean toilet
Call Verizon about error in bill

Call Sirius about problem with warranty shipment
Cleaned the drain catchers in the sink and tub
Fix messed up seal behind sink
Buy some stuff I need online
Clean refrigerator (many spills and it's smelly)

Clean bathroom mirrors
Sweep and vacuum
Put away pile of clothes (either put in laundry or hang up)
Make bed
Get dressed
Work on pile (major)
Clean bike chain and inflate tires so I can ride it!
Clean up chain cleaning tool

Buy groceries
Do laundry
Water plants

Plus one fun "task" for tomorrow: RIDE BIKE!!!! First time this year!!!!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

problem: I'm tired, but must clean the chain tool

I'm really ready to relax now, but I have this mess I have to clean up. :( Maybe I'll just leave it to soak tonight.

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - 7:55pm (bicycle chain cleaned!!!!)

Bicycle chain is cleaned and oiled - yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I just need to put air in the tires, and tomorrow I can ride my bike!!!!

This was an extremely dirty job, and fascinating to my fellow New Yorkers. Two of them (independently - at different times) stopped to discuss it with me. One guy said it was the most positive thing he saw all day, that I was doing this for myself. Don't know why it made such an impression on him. The other was an old man who was just interested to know what I was doing.

Okay - back downstairs with the pump, then I have to clean up the mess. Yuck.

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

Convalalria and The Plan on Sunday

The list from yesterday afternoon......
As usual I overestimated my capabilities.

  • respond to e mail from person in charge
  • cook dinner     DONE
  • clean up kitchen     PARTLY DONE
  • locate the work I need to do in THE BACKLOG pile
  • deal with laundry    PARTLY DONE
  • feed mother dinner    DONE
  • read and correct the work .....expect about 3 hours
  • quick check of another piece of work for that level
  • modify on line reports
  • call friend   DONE
  • walk dog
  • brush teeth, medicate and be in bed by 12 midnight  IN BED BY 10, unwashed,unbrushed

ONWARDS!!!!
The work related tasks on above list have to be done. Mother has to be cared for. I have been on line since 7.30 and I have had breakfast. Here is the plan I hope.  Working witha timer.

  • 9am -9.45 mother and her needs       Back from mother tending at 10.14, next self care till 10.45!
  • 9.45-10.45 shower, dress , medicate , laundry etc
  • 10.45-11.45  THE BACKLOG  Now11.56, self care mostly done, tasks to be done located in THE BACKLOG pile. One important e mail sent and intended telephone conversation with neglected friend had as she called me! ONWARDS!!!
  • 11.45-12.15 walk the dog
  • 12.15-1.00 lunch for me and son
  • 1.00-200 mother and her needs
  • 2.00-3.00 THE BACKLOG  3.00-3.15 call friend, have a coffee, maybe check in here  3.21 and THE BACKLOG is untouched!!!!!!  Cry off I go now and will work untill 5.30
  • 3.15-4.15 THE BACKLOG
  • 4.15-4.30 a few pleasant home tasks
  • 4.30-5.30 THE BACKLOG
  • 5.30-6.45 cook dinner and attend to mother
  • check i and report on progress

Journey and Gwen thank you for your comments and support in yesterdays thread. 

Journey, I am still prevaricating (telling fibs to my supervisor) in trying to explain why the hard deadline was not met. Not very 12 step I know...

Gwen, I do agree that the pattern of playing a game like solitaire for hours is a sign of being overwelmed.....I have been overwhelmed  and scared of most aspects of my life for most of my life. At least I stopped playing solitaire after 2 hours and did do some needed tasks. I guess I should consider this to be progress......2 hours is better than 8 hours.. Right?

 

Sometimes plans get waylaid

 

The work related tasks on above list have to be done. Mother has to be cared for. I have been on line since 7.30 and I have had breakfast. Here is the plan I hope.  Working witha timer.

  • 9am -9.45 mother and her needs       Back from mother tending at 10.14, next self care till 10.45!
  • 9.45-10.45 shower, dress , medicate , laundry etc
  • 10.45-11.45  THE BACKLOG  Now11.56, self care mostly done, tasks to be done located in THE BACKLOG pile. One important e mail sent and intended telephone conversation with neglected friend had as she called me! ONWARDS!!!
  • 11.45-12.15 walk the dog
  • 12.15-1.00 lunch for me and son
  • 1.00-200 mother and her needs
  • 2.00-3.00 THE BACKLOG  3.00-3.15 call friend, have a coffee, maybe check in here  3.21 and THE BACKLOG is untouched!!!!!!  Cry off I go now and will work untill 5.30
  • 3.15-4.15 THE BACKLOG
  • 4.15-4.30 a few pleasant home tasks
  • 4.30-5.30 THE BACKLOG
  • 5.30-6.45 cook dinner and attend to mother
  • check i and report on progress  Time spent on THE BACKLOG today 45 mintes so far. Moer had visitors ans I also got distracted.  Dinner was reasonably healthy take out.  Still the evening and night are still young.  I have to have my task done by tomorrow morning about 7.30 am.

Thank you movingalong for your concern. We do have some provision for caring for ill relatives. My mothers doctor has given me a certificate for the next 5 days as her carer, after that she will spend about 2 weeks or maybe less in a rehabilitation home and after that we shall see....

Cheering for Convalaria !

Convalaria, you've really blossomed since you've arrived here at P.A.

It's lovely to see.

In the USA, we have the "Family and Medical Leave Act" (FMLA) which allows workers to take time off for their own medical issues or for caring for an ill family member.   We can take up to 12 weeks off without losing our job (but the employer doesn't have to pay us).   It's basically a law that says you cannot be fired if you have a medical crisis, or if you need to care for a family member who has a medical crisis ... provided you fill out all the paperwork for your employer, and provide documentation from doctors.

Do they have any laws like that where you live?

-- movingalong

pro's CI - 6:45pm

I finished watching the DVD of John Adams (first two episodes). I'm going to go out now, drop this in the mail back to Netflix, and go buy groceries (now that I have a marvelously clean refrigerator).

Or maybe I'll clean my bicycle chain first - can't decide...

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

Rick's Check In

I've missed a couple days. I'v been productive and finished some important tasks. But I feel like I'm shooting from the hip at the urgent tasks, but unable to lead a focused attack deliberate list.

Here are my MITs for the Weekend:

[xxxx] Work with the Kids (chores)
[xxxx] Pay URGENT past dues
[xxxx] Mail Reports / Invoices
[xxxx] Check In Sunday - Make GROUP if at home

I have no one to talk to right now, so let me blog a little. I just got off the phone with a friend who ended our relationship because I am not ready or available for her. It was loving, and we knew this might happen, but still hurts like a kick in the gut. This is another direct result of my neglect and chaos.

I've made some big changes and good progress recently, but I have a huge BACKLOG of neglect to go. I am making changes for ME but it sucks to feel this alone and scared. I guess I'll try to get "high" from finishing tasks.

Sorry to unload but this is serious stuff we are battling. I've never felt suicidal, but all to willing to die a little every day as I move at half speed and let life rush by me. Now the life I've ignored iscatching up and kicking my ass.

I'll be okay ... but I just need to acknowlege and remind myself the nature of the struggle. Thanks for listening.

Rick

Rick, I can relate...

I surely know what you mean about dying a little every day as life passes you by. And I'm very sorry about the end of your relationship. I know how much that can hurt.

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

Rick I understand 100%

I just lost my first reply to you so I will let go of perfectionism and say that
'getting a high from finishing tasks"  is the way non procrastinators function. I think.  I see that you understand the concept of THE BACKLOG perfectly Wink. Finishing tasks is a way of building self esteem and being in charge of our lives.  The senentence about being all too willing to die a little every day......is how I have lived my life.

I am sorry about your relationship.
I have not given up and neither should you. There is good stuff ahead for both of us and every one else on PA.

building self-esteem by finishing tasks

> Finishing tasks is a way of building self esteem and being in charge of our lives. 

You are very right about this!!!! And not finishing tasks is a way to eat away at our own self-esteem.

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - 3:25pm

I cleaned the refrigerator and put most of the stuff back (except for some bags of nuts I need to wipe off). The pizza I ordered just arrived, so now I'm eating lunch.

To Do

Trim ivy from windows
Wash dishes
Rinse out and hang up gym clothes soaking in soapy water

Clean toilet
Call Verizon about error in bill

Call Sirius about problem with warranty shipment
Cleaned the drain catchers in the sink and tub
Fix messed up seal behind sink
Buy some stuff I need online
Clean refrigerator (many spills and it's smelly)

Clean bathroom mirrors
Sweep and vacuum
Put away pile of clothes (either put in laundry or hang up)
Make bed
Get dressed
Work on pile (major)
Clean bike chain so I can ride it!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

watching "John Adams"

I ordered the HBO series "John Adams" from Netflix. Watching the first two episodes now (taking a break).

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - 2:45pm

My progress is slowing down. I bought some stuff on the internet (stuff I really did need) and it took too long.

I'm hungry now and I don't have any food here. I don't want to buy groceries until I clean the refrigerator, which is gross. Maybe I'll order pizza.

To Do

Trim ivy from windows
Wash dishes
Rinse out and hang up gym clothes soaking in soapy water

Clean toilet
Call Verizon about error in bill

Call Sirius about problem with warranty shipment
Cleaned the drain catchers in the sink and tub
Fix messed up seal behind sink
Buy some stuff I need online

Clean refrigerator (many spills and it's smelly)
Clean bathroom mirrors
Sweep and vacuum
Put away pile of clothes (either put in laundry or hang up)
Make bed
Get dressed
Work on pile (major)
Clean bike chain so I can ride it!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - noon (about)

I think I'll take care of the bike today. It's not raining and it's not too hot - first weekend in a while like that. First I need to cool off from my shower, though.

To Do

Trim ivy from windows
Wash dishes
Rinse out and hang up gym clothes soaking in soapy water

Clean toilet
Call Verizon about error in bill

Call Sirius about problem with warranty shipment
Cleaned the drain catchers in the sink and tub
Fix messed up seal behind sink
Clean refrigerator (many spills and it's smelly)
Clean bathroom mirrors
Sweep and vacuum
Put away pile of clothes (either put in laundry or hang up)
Make bed
Get dressed
Work on pile (major)
Clean bike chain so I can ride it!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - 11am

Calling about the Verizon billing error and the Sirius warranty shipment error was stressful. I get really angry about this stuff - just hate dealing with it. But it's done and fixed now (or will be fixed).

Onto the next thing...

To Do

Trim ivy from windows
Wash dishes
Rinse out and hang up gym clothes soaking in soapy water

Clean toilet
Call Verizon about error in bill

Call Sirius about problem with warranty shipment
Cleaned the drain catchers in the sink and tub
Fix messed up seal behind sink
Clean refrigerator (many spills and it's smelly)
Sweep and vacuum
Put away pile of clothes (either put in laundry or hang up)
Make bed
Get dressed
Work on pile (major)
Clean bike chain so I can ride it!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - 10am

To Do

Trim ivy from windows
Wash dishes
Rinse out and hang up gym clothes soaking in soapy water

Clean toilet
Call Verizon about error in bill
Call Sirius about problem with warranty shipment
Clean refrigerator (many spills and it's smelly)
Sweep and vacuum
Put away pile of clothes (either put in laundry or hang up)
Make bed
Get dressed
Work on pile (major)
Clean bike chain so I can ride it!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro's CI - 9:30am

I have a lot I want to do today. I don't know how much of the list I can get through, but I'll aim for perpetual motion and see how much I can get done.

First: trim the ivy from outside my windows so my house plants can get light!

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

pro - ivy blocking window trimmed. Next...

Ivy trimmed (to the extent I could reach) and I rinsed out my gym clothes (which were soaking). Next... I guess I'll wash the dishes, make the bed, and get dressed (not necessarily in that order). Oh, and finish taking my pills.

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

Good work Pro!!!!

aaaaaaaaaaa

Wow what a lot of done tasks!!

 aaaaaaaaaa

thanks, convalaria!!

:)

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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

kromer 9:20 CI

I'm in CC with my family for the weekend, and having a hard time sitting down to work.

I'd really like to finish fixing the STRING graph today.

If possible I'd also like to assign coregulators to be activators or repressors.  

WoW - the peon is crying!

I just cancelled my account, probably not permanently, but I really haven't been playing much lately.  Not that I haven't found other ways to goof off :) 

Jo  

"In our minds, we seek to be divine; but in our hearts, we know it's party time." - Rondo Bros in Aquarium Dreams

 

Journey, I'm impressed!

Journey,

I'm impressed! Well, some day you can do that again if you want to.

That you have a variety of interests in life is a Good Thing! :)

Recycler

Thank you, gals & guys, for being here! :)

Journey 8:30 Saturday morning update 8:52

Ah, it's the weekend!  Let's not waste it!

Bookending my 20 minutes of getting started time.   

Done.  Exercise is first on the list.  Here I go.  Inside or outside?  I can debate about that until it's too late to do anything, or I can just pick one and go with it.  Outside, I think.  It's a beautiful day.

 

"In our minds, we seek to be divine; but in our hearts, we know it's party time." - Rondo Bros in Aquarium Dreams

 

Recycler CI 5:40am EST

Hi Pro Buddies!

We finally made it to the weekend! :) Yay! :)

Today: Landlord inspection at 11am :o

While I'm getting ready, will I have time to edit my CI with updates? I'm not sure, but we'll see ;)

10am update. Wow, I have gotten so much done. It will be good if I Swiffer the floor(s). lol. Not really wanting to. ;) OK, I'll send a quick e-mail to a friend, then try one more swipe ;)

Locally, at 11:45am will be informal Memorial Service for a member of one of my local Support Groups who passed away this week.

The rest of the weekend, I will be in and out; so, Talk to you later! :)

Have a great day! :)

Recycler

Thank you, gals & guys, for being here! :)