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cbacres

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May 28, 2010
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Oops, I lied. One more thing. The Florida boys are going to think you've struck off to find Tampa. They'll never believe anything else.:lol_hitti

We don't think he's striking off to find Tampa, we think hes keeping him as a shop *****.:lol_hitti:lol_hitti

Strouty, good luck with whatever you put your mind to, your comments resemble myself in some aspect. I also really enjoy reading your post, no matter how many or few. You've made a lot of progress in your shop.
 
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bczygan

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DETROIT! Arsenal of Scrappers
Strouty,

I guess it all comes down to what you want out of life.

Time is your most valuable resource. It's limited.

What entertainments do you want to fill it with?

We all get to design our own journeys.

It sure seems worth checking on from time to time, to see if adjustments or radical changes are due.

Bill
 
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Strouty

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Mar 21, 2010
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Southern Maine
If Tampa were here, I would be crying in a corner by now.

I am currently making a mess in the shop, trying to get it cleaned up for tomorrow's brake work on the GF's car.

I sold the steel racks to my Dad, so now I have just a wee bit of steel scattered everywhere. Going to try and get that picked up a bit before I leave. I really do enjoy posting, I just get lost in things, then sometimes it seems like I wait for responses, like I am stuck until I get feedback, I can't do that anymore. Wish me luck on the brake job, will still be posting as I have another month or more of the tower job, after that I can concentrate on the me parts.
 

Thumper68

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May 16, 2013
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Duluth MN
Strouty, you need to do what is right for you and yours. I have to admit that your progress has motivated me.

Now I need to put down the phone and get back to my newest project, but it is so easy to lose myself here.
 

Thumper68

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Just wanted to add that just checking my threads keeps me from spending too much time here when I need to keep moving on something.
 
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Strouty

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It is hard to tell from the picture, but there is steel everywhere, there used to be a steel rack dividing the two bays, I just unloaded everything from it, had to push things out of the way, really it is a mess, trust me.
 
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Strouty

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One of my books that I have been listening to talks about starting way smaller than you ever think you can do. So I am going to list one item on eBay tomorrow, that is my entire goal, one item. I keep thinking about listing things, then I get myself all worked up about how many items I have to list, well one should be fine, if not than I think I have a much more serious issue. As much as I do enjoy cleaning the shop, it is merely a way to distract myself from other things. I need to head home soon, when I come back to the shop tomorrow I am taking my laptop from the house and it is not going back. The computer will be a privilege only for after I get things done.
 

walrus

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Nov 12, 2008
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Maine
I am feeling a bit anxious about the thread, well about the forum, or even the internet in general. I have spent way too much time searching, reading, looking, and lurking. It is so much easier to get lost in someone else's problems or wandering around their awesome shop (or shed), I need to concentrate on me for a while. I am thinking about taking a hiatus of sorts, I feel the internet and computers in general are dragging me down and making me almost non productive. When I have been on the job site, things are getting done, but as soon as I hit the shop, nothing really gets done, there is always a reason or excuse to check the news, check the email, check the forums. I may try cutting the cord completely, I can still use my phone to get internet if needed, but I would like to rely less and less on it. I tend to spend more money and waste more time when I have access to the internet. I would prefer concentrating on projects and getting things done.
I don't think you are alone in this feeling. Its easy to sit here and surf. Sometimes its research but for me its mostly mindless entertainment. I have stuff to do but unless you get started you just here and waste more time.
 

bczygan

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I KNOW, that for me, the net is escape, pure and simple.

A place and way to engage myself, and forget all the troubles and cares and stresses.

I do a lot of research on how to solve problems and difficulties in my day to day life, but the main benefit is disconnecting from everything else.

Funny how connecting to the net is disconnecting from my responsibilities.

Bill
 

Richard Cranium

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Apr 22, 2011
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central Washington
Strouty, I also have ptsd, That is why the County fired me because I couldn't do my job any longer. This is before any really knew what it was. Life is strange at times, when you look back onto it. I have had many jobs after that, and some times I am bothered by stuff. My current boss knows what happened and why and what brought it on. I do have to admit, I still suffer.
The depression is the worst.
Take to a good therapist, it does help. I have and will be to many more.
But that is about all I want to put onto the net about me.
Good luck and we all will be here pulling for you. I hope you don't completely go away.
Maybe schedule a little bit of time for the net.
You have my number, Call me if you want to.
Next Saturday I will be on vacation for 10 days but still will have my cell with me.
Richie
 

Kev442

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I try to limit my forum posting to the dinner hour and later. The internet has pretty much replaced tv for me, so the same time wasted, not more.
I agree that your weight and overall health are becoming a priority. When I see people out of shape and obese I think about how that would severely limit the things I could do and I shudder. I realize everyone has things they will never do ( I always wanted to learn to play music and regret never doing it), but to be unable to even go for a little walk in a park would crush my soul.
It is amazing what losing even 10 lbs does for both mental and physical health. You tend to want to lose even more, and you are off to the races.
 

bulletpruf

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Nov 28, 2013
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San Antonio
So I am going to list one item on eBay tomorrow, that is my entire goal, one item. I keep thinking about listing things, then I get myself all worked up about how many items I have to list, well one should be fine, if not than I think I have a much more serious issue.

I like this plan. I need to do it myself when I get back to the states; have 3 x 10' x 30' units with musclecars and parts. I would start off with something relatively small, valuable, and desirable. Will help you build some momentum.
 

Wanna Ride

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Jul 28, 2010
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Working in the garage/shop on a good, robust project, or just reorganizing it, is good for one's mental state. Completing those projects is gratifying and good for your self-esteem and confidence.
 

rmalkow2

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Jun 26, 2009
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Brighton, MI
Strouty, I like your idea to just start by listing one item and accomplishing that. One task at a time until you can slowly build on that without undue stress and reach a level of productivity that lets you feel good about it. I think I mentioned in the past to also start a list of accomplishments no matter how small. If you list the item on eBay write that down as complete, if you sell the item write that down as complete. Pretty soon you will have a pretty long list of positive accomplishments to look back on. Many of us, (myself included) seem to only see the mess, or task ahead that feels too daunting and easily forget any progress we've made in the past until maybe someone reminds us here on GJ. When you sold those steel racks to your dad you now see that as a new mess. How about seeing that as a positive sale, you helped your dad and maybe got some money in your pocket. Then organizing the steel pieces can be a future positive event. The issues you describe are shared by a lot of us here so you are not alone. Eat that elephant one bite at a time and take credit for each bite.
Best of luck whether you take time off the internet or not. We are pulling for you.
:thumbup:
 

bczygan

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Nov 4, 2009
Messages
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Location
DETROIT! Arsenal of Scrappers
Strouty, I like your idea to just start by listing one item and accomplishing that. One task at a time until you can slowly build on that without undue stress and reach a level of productivity that lets you feel good about it. I think I mentioned in the past to also start a list of accomplishments no matter how small. If you list the item on eBay write that down as complete, if you sell the item write that down as complete. Pretty soon you will have a pretty long list of positive accomplishments to look back on. Many of us, (myself included) seem to only see the mess, or task ahead that feels too daunting and easily forget any progress we've made in the past until maybe someone reminds us here on GJ. When you sold those steel racks to your dad you now see that as a new mess. How about seeing that as a positive sale, you helped your dad and maybe got some money in your pocket. Then organizing the steel pieces can be a future positive event. The issues you describe are shared by a lot of us here so you are not alone. Eat that elephant one bite at a time and take credit for each bite.
Best of luck whether you take time off the internet or not. We are pulling for you.
:thumbup:

This is a key issue.

The hoarders group I am on emphasizes taking stock of past accomplishments from time to time.

One of the hallmarks of people who end up with too much stuff, is a funny little mental quirk, where they don't recognize that fact. They have lost their ability to make rational judgements as to what is what. Anyone can fall into this trap, and lose that ability.

Once you lose it, then it's hard to make judgements about the messiness of your spaces.

Another thing is that while you are clearing out your horde, you are consumed with the process of managing your stuff. You end up in a binge and purge process that is not unlike people with weight problems.

It's only when you can get past all this, that you can have a normal life.

It starts when you determine what is, for you, the amount of stuff and projects you want to deal with. Once that is set, and you adjust your lifestyle to accommodate it, you have your new normal. Then you develop your daily habits and routines, that manage everything, and can quit obsessing over stuff.

Bill
 

egnorant

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May 2, 2012
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East Texas
Strouty, I am sure you notice the phenomena where the job gets easier the second time. Your recent brake job is a good example! First side takes 30 minutes and the second side takes 15. Same with EBay stuff. Try for 2 items the first day. That way you remember how easy the second was rather than how hard the first one was! Have another 2 items ready to list in 3 days.

I know it sounds like mental voodoo but it works. I spent 16 years training in restaurants and they work. I can procrastinate, rationalize, and justify my lack of progress as well as anyone so I use all the platitudes I used training people on myself. I would have fired myself several times too!

Do something every day! Dream the year, plan the month, prepare the week, work the day and perfect the minute. Correct, competent, confident...the path of learning to do something new. Yeah, I trick myself all the time!

Have fun!

Bruce
 
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Strouty

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I did not meet my goal yesterday, but I did check off a major priority, of course I found more work that needs to be done too. My GF's brakes have been completely replaced well front and rear rotors, pads, and the parking brake shoes, she also has a tear in the CV boot and the joint is toast. Next project for this week.

However, today I listed 5 items on eBay, so I figure that has to make up for the 4 plus hours I spent doing the brakes. Anyways, I am excited about listing things, even more so about selling them and shipping them away.
 
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WhiffySpark

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I did not meet my goal yesterday, but I did check off a major priority, of course I found more work that needs to be done too. My GF's brakes have been completely replaced well front and rear rotors, pads, and the parking brake shoes, she also has a tear in the CV boot and the joint is toast. Next project for this week.

However, today I listed 5 items on eBay, so I figure that has to make up for the 4 plus hours I spent doing the brakes. Anyways, I am excited about listing things, even more so about selling them and shipping them away.

If you have a smart phone the eBay app makes it really easy. I used to be the same way until I realized how fast I could list things on my phone.
 
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Strouty

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I did use my phone, but still had to revise things on the computer. Typing ***** and they have crappy choices for shipping. I could not charge a flat fee to ship, it wanted me to enter all the package details and carrier info. I never do that, I usually see if things fit in flat rate boxes, then do a fee for shipping based on that. I decided to list things a bit higher and just include free shipping. All of my items were buy it now with best offers. I do have some actually auction items, but most of the time I find the buy it now goes quicker as people can be impatient.
 

Craptain

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Apr 18, 2013
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Tampa Bay FL
I use the same system as you for eBay listing. Basically do it all on my phone, then close it out on my laptop.
I have a bunch of stuff ready to list but it will have to wait till I get back from my next job.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
 

Kev442

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Wi
Clutter into cash, the best feeling in the world. I get warm fuzzies knowing something that I have no use for is out there doing its thing for someone else.
 

Choirboy

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Apr 18, 2013
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178
Location
SE Iowa
I'm confused by that post, also... I'm not sure who has too much money, but anyone that does feel free to send it to me, as I have too little!!
I've been following this thread on and off for a long time now, and I think the progress (both shop and personal) is inspiring. Keep up the good work, and don't forget to look back at all the things you've accomplished!
 
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Strouty

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Since the shop is not my primary source of income, life has gotten in the way of progress, also taking some personal time to work through a few longterm issues that I have tried to band aid fix.
 

Kev442

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The GJ is littered with former heavy posters that let the shop/tools/projects/10000 posts on the GJ kill their marriage/relationships. Everything in moderation, yadda yadda yadda.

I did think of you last weekend when heavy wrenching, followed by shoveling 5000 lbs of rock and then chainsawing for a few hours killed my entire right arm. Did those things on Thurs-Sat and had to take Sunday-Tuesday off from doing hardly anything, it was pretty f'ed up. Couldn't even sleep as it was giving me a lot of feedback.
 
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Strouty

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Kev, hope it is feeling better now, I don't wish pain on anyone. I think most of the heavy hitters are posting to avoid reality, I know I did/do. I am looking forward to starting up the thread again, I figure I will post some pictures once this job is done. It has been killing me, and getting help has been almost impossible, so scheduling things has been erratic to say the least. Customer still is happy and that is all that matters to me. This weekend will be a major hurdle, assuming I can keep any rain at bay.
 

Premium08

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Littleton, NC
0ebcbe5e9e405dd9c55bd7870ac32e8a.jpg

Ever installed one of these on a water tower or other structure? This is like 20-25ft tall

Better yet have you ever had to take one down? We were tasked with taking one off a tank today and it was a rural pain. Surely there is better way to take one down than the method we used.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
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