Saturday, August 01, 2009

garage assault

I had determined that when Jessie's family went to their family reunion, I would tackle the seemingly insurmountable job of cleaning the garage. When Jill heard of my plan, she volunteered to come over on Tuesday and help me carry out a Garage Assault!

She came just at 9:00 a.m., armed with her ipod and speakers and beverages. She was ready to get down and dirty. Seriously. How many friends would make an offer like that?!

It was incredibly great to have a buddy to help me tackle this job. There were countless times during the process when I would have wanted to give up. As it was, I couldn't keep from sighing repeatedly and practically wringing my hands because I just didn't know what to do with stuff. Jill kept me going with good humor and gentle prodding.

We only stopped for lunch, otherwise working straight through from 9:00 - 4:30.

I took a vanload of stuff to D.I., and Jill filled her car with broken down boxes and broken down appliances and disposed of them for me! We got so much more done than I ever imagined -- if I had done this myself, I'm sure it would have taken 3 days.

I don't think the before and after photos really do it justice, but suffice it to say that the difference is like night and day! I had to move some stuff back in that we are going to sell, so it is a little more cluttered than it soon will be. My family is totally amazed by the transformation.

After we finished, I was hot, exhausted, and supremely satisfied! And the best part is, this mammoth job is out of the way and now I don't have to even think about it (except to gloat) before we go to Paris!

This was one of those times where I felt rescued. Thank you is definitely not enough. But thank you, Jill!!

17 comments:

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

Oh Michelle! What an accomplishment. "Things" are a nuisance, aren't they? You can't live without them but they make such a mess to live with them.
I love the before photo. That was a serious challenge. Good for the two of you.

Anonymous said...

Isn't Jill just the bestest! Wish she lived near me. You are so lucky!

Kim Sue said...

what a great friend to have not only that she will volunteer and truly show up and work but that you also feel comfortable enough with her that you are really able to work without feeling like you are inconviencing her or being embarrassed by your mess. YEAH for a job well done!

Anonymous said...

Happiness!

Quelly said...

Impressive - I need to have a friend that is not emotionally attached to my belongings in my basement to help me shed - perhaps I should try and bribe Jill for assistance...

Jill said...

I'm still feeling satisfied about what we accomplished and very happy that I was able to help (rather than hinder). I don't know why I haven't volunteered to help you before, everything is easier when you have a second self to help right?

Bond Girl 007 said...

oh my goodness...i have tears rolling down literally! and michelle your pic at the bottom is priceless! you look sooo happy and just a face of excitment and Jill's is of satisfaction. I have a similar problem. However, mine has nothing to do work itself. I have tackled mine 17 hours last time, but PRIDE is not letting me go there....only to put trash out and put it in. I totally believe we could open a sweatshop place there with 5 desks, one large sofa, and 3 filing cabinets, and stuff galore...all in Alf's space...his stuff mostly. I keep telling him to rent me a storage for only 1 month and I will haul everything over there and have one month to bring back only and only those things we want to keep. It is hard for me to clean it, since we don't have a driveway! OHHH the day when I DO! Feel soo happy for you! sooo happy! especially knowing you, that have a hard time tackling big projects.

Natasha said...

Glad you were able to tackle it together! What an accomplishment!

Price Cream Parlor said...

What great friends you and Jill are to each other! Seriously!!!

patsy said...

This is amazing to me!
What a great friendship you have :)
everything is better with a friend- even cleaning the garage!!

woo hoo for team work :)

Susan said...

That's what I call a bosom buddy,for sure!

I'm glad to see the cute vintage white chest of drawers made the cut...why don't you paint it for the living room?! Or wait, your bedside table!

Great job.

Kelly said...

What a big accomplishment! I love it when you can just go to sleep feeling satisfied like that. So glad Jill could rescue you -- what a weight off!

Robyn said...

Jill is an amazing friend, but then you are a great friend to her too. You'd do the same, I'm sure.

It looks like you guys got so much work done! How good that must feel. I am really feeling empathy for you since I know what a huge job it is to prepare to leave the country and sort through all your stuff, etc. It will be over soon!

Thanks for those things you sent over my way with Jill. The kids LOVE the bean bag and Jared already painted the mirror for me (black) and it's hanging near the front door. And the framed picture with the chairs is darling, have to figure out where it can go.

Amie said...

I love a big project tackled! I love how happy you look in the last picture. Woohoo... no more clean the garage on the list!

Rebekah said...

Having a helpful friend is the best. Many hands make light work. I love throwing things away, it's such a gratifying experience!

Looks like you two got some sun as well! I can't believe summer is almost over.

Denise said...

Our garage is similarly overwhelming, complete with three old, unworking appliances that I need to dispose of. It's too overwhelming to tackle alone. Guess I'll have to wait until Jill comes over.

j said...

what an awesome friend. i love seeing both of your blogs and your friendship. it's inspiring- i love it!
it's so nice when someone comes to the rescue. amazing, isn't it?

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