Raising the Bar

I haven't been FLYing for a while now...I've barely been managing to get thru a day at a time and it shows in my house, my health, my sense of self. It wasn't as bad as it could have been but things haven't been all they could be either.

I recently found out that my rent will be raised by $20 to $50 in the next month or two, taking it from $595 to $645 a month - an amount that is way out of my price range, a huge adjustment since I was paying $485 when we moved in 4 1/2 years ago. I wasn't surprised by this news since it has gone up every year (except the 2nd) since we moved in but it did concern me enough to start thinking about moving to a different place - which of course led to thinking about how much work it would take to get this place ready.

I decided tonight to scrub my bathtub - using real elbow grease, instead of faking my way thru it like I normally would. One thing I can saw about these apartments - they chose a good tub, easy to see dirt, easy to scrub dirt, easy to see when dirt is gone. Later while I was scrubbing the upper walls (the shower part) I decided that I need to start treating this apartment as if it is worth as much as I pay for it now - and will be paying for it once the increase hits. I've been letting a lot go with the excuse that housework isn't my strong point, that I've got a lot on my plate, whine whine whine.

I also sorted out Mt. Washmore into baskets so they'll be easier to tackle - if I stacked it all together it would be up to my waist and about as wide as 2 or 3 of me. I have a stackable washer/dryer so laundry can take longer but at the same time it's a little easier since I am forced to do smaller loads. I also put away the ironing board that has been used to store unfolded clothes in my crowded hallway since I bought it 2 months ago - I haven't even opened the iron that a friend gave me.

There's ways to go yet but it's a start. I can go to sleep - eventually - knowing that I took some babysteps toward having a comfortable and company ready apartment - maybe even ready to move out - in a short time.

It feels good.