Spring Cleaning: Part Two: My Mind Is Brain Fart Right Now!
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
April 23, 2008 10:24pm CST
Sometime ago I mentioned I was embarking on a Spring Cleaning campaign of mine...the idea to really, really tackle getting down and not only cleaning every nook and corner, but the idea to get rid of a lot of stuff. Up until now, I've basically been going through a lot of my storage containers and managed to get rid of a lot of old papers that I just no longer needed any more...can't believe just how much there was to get rid of.
Well yesterday, I finally decided to tackle some REAL heavy duty cleaning...one I've been dreading and frankly putting off for a long time...cleaning out my kitchen cabinets...YIKES
Now you have to picture what my cabinets look like...I have a four shelf, three door cabinet over my sink...the entire cabinet there is from ceiling to roughly my height at it's bottom measurement...whoever designed this apartment building must have been totally nuts--so the only way I can get up to the full height of the cabinets, as I don't have a ladder is to become a mountain goat and climb up on top of the sink and shimmy around. Then I had to take ALL the stuff out of the cabinets...heavy cookbooks are stored there, chinaware, glasses, plastic storage container, the works..Once everything was out, now had to clean out the cabinet itself
...I opted for more natural cleaning method using white vinegar, baking soda and a touch of lemon. Then the "lovely" job of cleaning everything off a bit that was in the cabinets. Since I'm one of those people that prefers to work straight through without much of a break (as I might not get the momentum to keep at it)--so I was at it from about 1:00 to 7:00..six straight hours. By the time I finished I was so freakin tired that I had brain fart. Just couldn't think straight!
Well that was my exciting day yesterday...today I began tackling the other tall cabinet that runs along the opposite wall, and of course once again had to become a mountain goat climbing up all over the place...I succeeded in doing most of it...just have the very top shelf to finish off maybe tomorrow...I still have a LONG way to go before the entire kitchen is all one-hundred percent cleaned out--my super is just going to LOVE all the stuff I'm trashing out from the kitchen..NOT
Anyway...have you ever tackled any kind of heavy duty cleaning task that really wiped you out to the point of being brain fart? Oh, and kind of explains why I've not been here as much...TOO TIRED THINK RIGHT!
Anyway...have you ever tackled any kind of heavy duty cleaning task that really wiped you out to the point of being brain fart? Oh, and kind of explains why I've not been here as much...TOO TIRED THINK RIGHT!
7 people like this
21 responses
@scarywhitegirl (2766)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Well, I haven't wiped my brain out with cleaning, but I understand that braindead sort of feeling. I get it a lot of the time after a day of work... so no wonder that a day of housework might do the same... it's still work! :)
@SViswan (12051)
• India
24 Apr 08
lol...I'm going through my spring cleaning right now. We've been at it since last week and it's not easy with a toddler underfoot...and a 7 year old who isn't able to move around much (well...looking at it one way, it's better to have him sitting in one place than trying to 'help').
Anyways, we got rid of so many things...threw away lots of junk that had accumulated...and basically after that we've got down to cleaning each room...every nook and corner before we get the furniture back in.
I'm like you and I like to continue working till I finish. I hate to stop and eat too....because once I sit down...it's hard to get back to the cleaning.
2 people like this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
26 Apr 08
I would have got rid of that junk if I could. My hubby's the one who holds on to that pan I can't fry anything in....or those totally useless heavy carved chairs....just because it's one of the first things we bought when we started life together!
The place looks so much better now with all that junk out of here....and more space for the air to move....after 4 years of nagging...it finally worked!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
I know..I think I was keeping things out of some weird sentimental reason..but finally decided it was time to let go..LOL
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Isn't it amazing though all the "junk" one collects over time and you wonder why you keep it? I hauled out a lot of stuff to trash out yesterday from the kitchen..even old pots and pans I just don't use anymore and were in horrible condition anyway...so out they went
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
24 Apr 08
ah yes the Spring or Fall Cleaning brainfart..I have suffered from this terrible side effect myself which is actually why I really dont do alot of MAJOR cleaning 
Seriously though yea that happens to me once in a while when I get into a major cleaning session...I'm actually due to get part 3 done in this house...I did one and two a couple weeks ago then took a break...a long one LOL..but I really REALLY need to get it done so I can cleanse the house....
Seriously though yea that happens to me once in a while when I get into a major cleaning session...I'm actually due to get part 3 done in this house...I did one and two a couple weeks ago then took a break...a long one LOL..but I really REALLY need to get it done so I can cleanse the house....
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Well gee and just think, once I'm totally finished with the kitchen I need to really clean out the bedroom good, oh, and the closets, and....uh, you get the idea
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Ok mountain goat, when your done, my walls still need wiping down. I'll even provide the pogo stick. Oh and I'll take some of those EMPTY storage containers off your hands as well seeing you've emptied some of them. 
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I sure wish I could get my two kitties to help me clean...heck, I actually ask Pyewacket..."Would you like to help mum clean?" Just looks at me, yawns and has an expression.."you've got to be kidding..I'll just stay here mom and be cute and adorable"
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
24 Apr 08
LOL Tigger always has to be the supervisor. He just sits and patiently watches what I'm doing. Always curious as to what mom is up to almost every moment of the day when I'm home. Simba could care less and Domingo tends to help by picking up all the crumbs off the floor.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Apr 08
You're Tigger sounds like my Twinkie..she's in Rainbow Bridge now..but she had to supervise everything as well
1 person likes this
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I suffer that condition on a daily basis...working ten hour days really drags a body down. I end up to tired to even make myself some supper. Maybe it might have some beneficial side effects, like maybe I will loose some weight, but most likely not.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (120786)
• United States
24 Apr 08
I've heard several health experts say house cleaning actually burns loads of calories. I don't know if that is what you're talking about, but if is, it's actually really a great way to loose weight. Perhaps I should go volunteer to clean my neighbor's house! I could stand to lose some weight.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Well thank goodness I've had leftovers, so just had to heat up some food since I've been too tired to actually cook after all that cleaning.
Ambie..forget the neighbors..why not come over here and help me...hehee
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
24 Apr 08
Hi pyewacket! That is really exhausting! After so much cleaning, I am wiped too and just want to lay down and have my peace. I usually have my general cleaning every 3 months. I put away everything that is not needed in boxes and those that can be thrown away, I separate them and hide it from hubby because he would surely take it back to where it is stored. 
Just my thoughts dear friend! Take care and have a nice day!
Just my thoughts dear friend! Take care and have a nice day!2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
I'm trying to get all this major cleaning done before it gets too hot, I mean who wants to clean when it's in the 90s like in the summer??
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
24 Apr 08
everything I do tires me out now that I am disabled. I am always sick. I am short just like you and I cannot get up on chairs or ladders, I am not steady enough. Wow, I am tired just listening to what you have done.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
I had to take a break from cleaning...my hardest task was to haul all the stuff I was trashing out...going down and up three flights of stairs a lot of times--not fun!
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
24 Apr 08
DAughter did that the other week but when I wash off the cabnits I climb all over the place to get to them for they hit the ceiling too.
and I have the puter room pretty well clean it was mostly dusty so just washed it down but the walls need cleaning bad and I can t do that or I would end up in bed for a week cant do repettive work
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
I had to take a break today as it was...most of my day was spent yesterday hauling out a lot of stuff I just didn't want anymore...heavy things too and I have to go three flights down to the garbage room to throw out....not fun believe me. The kitchen is almost done...just a few more things...then next the bedroom...and closets...think there's a lot of stuff in there I don't need anymore either
@Darkwing (21583)
•
26 Apr 08
I don't envy you the task of spring cleaning your kitchen, my friend. It's a job that I do in November each year, in order to accommodate all the Christmas specials in my cupboards. I don't have a very big kitchen, but what I DO have, is a lot of cupboard space, and it takes hours, if not days to complete the clear out.
I love that expression... "climbing all over the place like a mountain goat" Just be careful how you go, my friend. How's the foot, by the way?
Brightest Blessings, and good luck with your spring cleaning. xx
Just be careful how you go, my friend. How's the foot, by the way?
Brightest Blessings, and good luck with your spring cleaning. xx@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Apr 08
My kitchen is small too, but like you have a lot of cupboard spaces. I want to try and finish all my cleaning, not just the kitchen before it gets too hot. Yes I'm careful with my mountain goat climbing...LOL. Well my ankle/feet still hurt, but today not so bad...I'm thinking that maybe all this "exercise" has strengthened them actually...maybe it's exactly what I needed instead of just sitting in front of the computer for so many hours..LOL
1 person likes this
@Angelwhispers (8978)
• United States
24 Apr 08
yep Pye I remember your discussion well. I am now to the point in my own that I must clean walls and carpets. I have a good rainbow shampooer so that is not going to be a problem other than it has to be dug out of the shed.... OMG the shed... and cleaned before it can be of use. The walls I am going to need help with, I hate ladders as I have a fear of heights LMAO even just three steps off the ground I start feeling vertigo. But i have already tackled kitchen cabinets and closets. I suppose windows will have to be done after the walls, and we are going to replace the kitchen floor with our tax refund.
So there you have my progress since your last Discussion hang in there GF you will get er done.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Apr 08
OMG--you have the same fear about ladders I do...maybe cause they're wobbly?? I'm not crazy about heights either, yet don't mind doing my climbing mountain goat business on top of the sink...hehe
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120786)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Right now I'm picturing a mountain goat on the edge of the cliff yodeling. That's about what your words bring to mind. I like people like you! You're one of my kind. No stopping until it is finished. : ) Cleaning my cabinets is not hard because I don't have much in them. I have some tupperware, 6 plates, 6 glasses, three bowls, 3 pans, some medicine, salt, pepper, red cayenne pepper, and some Pam spray. So it doesn't take me long to clean it all out. Oh, and right now I have some cereal in there.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Hehe..now I'm seeing a yodeling mountain goat too. The real hard part of cleaning out the cabinets was lugging all those cookbooks...I sure do have a lot of them...collected them over the years..and HEAVY...think I did my pumping iron quota
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51819)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
24 Apr 08
Cleaning always tires me out... whether it's housework or yardwork.
Good on ya for being so motivated.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Hehehe,..yup I am a rather motivated kind of person.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
24 Apr 08
oh yea,it's usually the kitchen for me too.
i've got to go over the cabinet outsides soon-it's got like a film of grease on it or something *yuck*.
i really need to get a hood fan for the stove.
insides need scrubbed too-i think i'm gonna get some new contact paper for ma while i'm at it.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
26 Apr 08
i swear to god,pye,it looks like wax.
i don't think ma ever cleaned the outside of these things *shudder*.nastiness.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
That's the worse of it isn't it? All that grime or whatever the heck it is that is in and on the cabinets..that in itself takes forever to clean off
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
24 Apr 08
Oh Pye, don't you feel so much better now that it's all cleaned out and done? Now you know exactly what you have in the cabinets and can find anything you want WHEN you want. I've cleaned out somethings for my mother and grandmother which made them feel so much better and cleaner, as well as for myself which made me feel much better and lighter because of getting rid of so much unneeded and unwanted things and darn near filled the GoodWill Bin up. lol
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Yes it does feel great when it's all cleaned out. I'm still at it though with those cabinets...sheesh...I actually took a break from cleaning today though...I hauled out a lot of stuff to trash yesterday and the constant going down and up three flights of stairs yesterday really affected my joints....gee, and just think when I'm finished with the kitchen I'll be tackling the bedroom next
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
27 Apr 08
Yes before my Illness many a time on a weekend because during the week I was working full time so when I got home it was my Kids time and to tidy, make their Tea and chat with them
So every weekend everything used to get done
The Cupboards and that got done when I was of work having Holidays as there was no time at Weekends when I cleaned the whole House, done washing, ironing, and all that lol
But now I have to limit myself as I can't do everything in one Day any more and it really annoys and frustrates me, I end up pushing myself and then end up Ill and in pain through it, so I am learning not to push myself but it is hard and many a time I have sat down and cried out of frustration
@GardenGerty (169479)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Every square inch of my house from attic to basement needs that kind of attention, and I am hoping to et to it this summer. I did go on a minor whirlwind in one kitchen cabinet last week.It feels so good to get rid of stufff.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Yes it does feel good to get rid of stuff...I'm amazed sometimes at what I keep that I no longer need.
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
24 Apr 08
Oh boy do I know how that feels. I finally managed to clear the spare bedroom last week, and i couldn't believe the amount of rubbish I had stashed in there. It had become a dumping ground and it took the best part of three days just to clear out the clutter and find the floor. I know the job had to be done but it's left me knackered.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
Ekk...don't remind me...after my kitchen cleaning thing (still at it) next will be the bedroom...it's completely amazing the "stuff" one collects over time...then you come across things and you wonder..gee, why am I keeping this??
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
24 Apr 08
You poor thing...I've been there and done that...every fall and every spring. Congrats on being able to mountain goat those counters. My knees are so bad that I don't even attempt that anymore...I'd either fall off and break something (like a bone) or I'd get stuck up there and have to have someone come rescue me.
Thankfully, our cabinets aren't too high and I can stand on one of my plastic tubs to reach them. I have two big closets that are begging for a spring cleaning but I haven't gotten to it as of yet. I'm thinking of starting next month as my Mom is starting up her yardsales and I can get rid of alot and feed my piggy banks at the same time. There is also an animal santuary that runs a thrift shop that I am going to box up some things and send to them if I can.
Congrats again on a job well done!!
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
You're lucky your cabinets aren't so high...can't figure out who the designer of these apts was...I mean no sane person designs cabinets so high up..yikes
That's such a fantastic idea of donating things to that thrift shop at the animal sanctuary..wonderful idea!
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
24 Apr 08
Oh now I have been reminded that my cupboards are a disgrace and need to be done soon. Everytime I go in them I cringe, it is not fair,it is the worst job ever. Why is cleaning so boring anyway, who invented it. At least you have got most of the worst stuff out of the way, I have it all to face yet.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
What takes forever is the scrubbing down the cabinets themselves and all the stuff in it...it always gets some kind of weird grime ..like greasy stuff?? I guess from cooking or something...it's the pits
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
24 Apr 08
about the cupboards thing, me and my bf opted to go with glass instead of plastic and it was the best decision ever because your not collecting containers you never use anyways, we bought the 20 peice martha stewart pyrex set and their easier to clean to and no more sauce stains. I like how they fit easily into my dishwasher as they line up right around the edges of my bottom rack and plastic is such a pain to fit into the top.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Apr 08
I don't really collect too much plastic stuff either..hehe..remember go green? Plastic everywhere? But usually what I do, do, every time I get something at the Deli, I reuse those plastic containers...but gee, now wondering if that is so wise since plastic containers can leech out toxins..I just don't have the funds to really buy non-plastic containers to store foods...The one problem sometimes about doing an honest effort of going "green"--it's darn expensive!
