Waffle
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Post by Waffle on Dec 14, 2013 18:06:13 GMT -5
I'm sitting in the recliner in my bedroom! This is big happy news, because it means the recliner isn't overflowing with junk. I finished decluttering the bedroom and bathroom (I'm not so sure a big bathroom is a good thing). Rukh, I believe we have a similar dating life - right now, it's me, Star Trek and the recliner. I'll be moving into the office/ebay room soon - I've sold quite a few things lately but it's still an overflowing mess. I have to take a good look at it just to come up with a plan. Some of the problem is those two big bags of packing supplies I brought home from work - I don't have a good place for them. They'll get used up eventually, but in the meantime I need to find someplace to keep them, other than the center of the floor.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2013 19:27:20 GMT -5
Waffle I'm not sure but I think you sell jewelry. Could you cut the packing supplies from work into small pieces, and put those pieces in one or two drawers, and store the rest elsewhere in the meantime? (I think I remember you have drawers for your ebay craftwork.) Then when you get low on what's in the drawers, you can cut up more.
I also remember you talking about getting rid of one table in that room, and possibly getting another set of drawers, but I don't remember if you did it or not. (And I don't even remember if I'm remembering correctly LOL.)
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Waffle
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Post by Waffle on Dec 14, 2013 20:30:30 GMT -5
Debt - you're memory is pretty good. I do sell jewelry and I keep the jewelry in drawers. But, I also sell other vintage items. Nothing terribly large - serving dishes are usually the largest items I have listed. I did get rid of the extra table, but I didn't put any extra drawers in the room. I do have lots of shelves, though- so it will probably end up being some combination of shelves in this room and excess in the basement with my extra boxes. But, I've decided my brain is too tired too deal with it tonight. Hopefully, I'll feel like making some headway on it tomorrow. Taking it out of the bags and cutting them into more manageable pieces does seem like a good idea - I'll give it some thought.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Dec 14, 2013 22:51:45 GMT -5
I sat & watched a couple of DVD's with DS & DH tonight.
Both DH & I did some baking this afternoon. We sent a huge plate of cookies to the neighbor we're always trading favors with. Then we added the rest of the cookies to our "Christmas stash" in the freezer.
BTW, DH DID go through some of his shitepile. He didn't throw as much as I would've preferred, but sections of it ARE neater. I got some more gifts wrapped, too.
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FreeSalsa
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Post by FreeSalsa on Dec 15, 2013 2:08:35 GMT -5
I was talking to DH last night about all of this decluttering. We are proud of the progress we've made in 2013. I suggested that in 2014 I want to really limit what new items come into the house. Quite honestly there is very little we would/should actually need to buy in 2014. We've got plenty of dishes, pots, pans, utensils, etc. We have all the furniture we could possibly need, plenty of art on the walls (and more stored under our bed). Access to iTunes, Amazon Prime and instant streaming of videos so we shouldn't need to buy any physical books, cds, dvds, etc. I'm really hoping to have the only physical things we buy in 2014 be things like groceries, dog food, cleaning supplies, etc. EXCEPT- I will need to buy clothes. My diet program is going really well and I am down 40 lbs so far since October 8th. I have some left over clothes from when I was last this size but in about another 10 lbs those will be falling off me. So I will need to basically replace my entire wardrobe by spring/summer of 2014. I don't have the exact rules and guidelines figured out and how to word it but basically I want to not buy anything that isn't absolutely necessary in 2014. Even the people we buy gifts for I'm going to try to do more of the "experience" things than physical things. I just got to really looking around when all the Black Friday ads came out and it started to really hit me the rampant consumerism that we have in America. I get a little sick to my stomach any time I think of the actual $ value of the things I've purged out of the my house and what I spent to buy and store those items in the first place. Sorry long winded and rambling. Good for you! There's always the old one-in-one-out rule, or the other day I heard about one-in-TWO-out. That sounds good to me. I'm lucky that my DH is on board. He has sooooo many books, DVDs and CDs and he was lamenting the other day that he was going to have to save them to the computer and get rid of the DVDs. He knows it must be done and will eventually do it, but is not looking forward to it. Can't blame him for that. But he also realizes that we can't fit any more stuff in this apartment.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Dec 15, 2013 9:36:11 GMT -5
DH uploaded a ton of our CD's to our iTunes account and then keeps the backup on a separate hard drive. So essentially most of our music is digital now. We've since gotten rid of most of the physical CD's that way.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2013 11:52:51 GMT -5
Sunday Update
Thurs: 18 essays DONE!
Fri: 24 essays DONE!
Sat: 20 essays DONE!
Sun goal: 19 essays DONE!
Total to date: 81/94 essays
Mon: 13 essays (Class 11)
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Waffle
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Post by Waffle on Dec 15, 2013 12:03:29 GMT -5
Good job, Debt! Sheila, you're my decluttering role model. Sadly, I think I'm operating under the one out-two in rule. Really, I took a bookcase to Goodwill yesterday (along with some other things), but I've got two nicer bookcases on order from a local furniture store. I'm about to spend some time working on the ebay room - given what it is, it will always be somewhat cluttered, but it can/should be much more organized clutter. I've almost met my goal - if I get this room back into shape, I won't have to spend my time off with any deep decluttering. There will be the usual cleaning and I might work on some projects - like cleaning out drawers, etc. But there won't be days and days of decluttering/cleaning like there have been on past vacations.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2013 12:11:04 GMT -5
Thank you, yes! Wow is right lol! I am SO relieved and happy! I will have another set of finals to mark after these 94, but thank goodness that class has only 3 students! So I'm not going to worry about it. I am definitely talking some time off marking after I finish these (hopefully tomorrow). And I have to practically pass by the Salvation Army tomorrow on my way to DS3's parent-teacher conferences, so I'll drop those dishes in then.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Dec 15, 2013 13:57:21 GMT -5
Waffle- Thanks. Mostly I just find inspiration with all of you ladies. Good luck with the eBay room Hiding out in the basement today. House is pretty much clean but I'm finishing up laundry. I was supposed to have a play date with my friend today but her kids are down with the flu so we postponed. DH's group of friends is over and they are having in the great room upstairs. The continuing saga of those stupid display cabinets. They were supposed to be moved at noon today. Had the guys here and everything. My dad calls at 11:58 (we planned on moving them at noon) to tell me that one of our employees borrowed the trailer we were supposed to use and forgot to tell my dad. So no trailer no cabinet moving Grrrr. Darn Tiny (guy that borrowed the trailer) has promised to clear out the trailer and help us move them next weekend. Freaking better. I want them out of my garage!!!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2013 14:08:33 GMT -5
Ack how frustrating about the cabinets Sheila! LOL at you having a playdate! Good luck Waffle! I find the prospect of time off pretty motivating. Just ONE more day of these finals left! It will probably take me 3-4 hours. Then I have to catch up with a bunch of paperwork / errands / Xmas shopping. No red pen required!!!
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Dec 15, 2013 15:04:23 GMT -5
Debt- Congrats on only have one more day of finals left It's only fair that I have play dates seeing as DH has them all the time. Right now there are 3 of DH's friends upstairs playing Pathfinder (D & D like game) with DH and DS. They come over like twice a month. Last weekend we had a house full of people playing board games too. The friend I was going to craft with today is the wife of one of DH's best friends. It's such a fun group of friends that we have. We get together for play dates from time to time. I highly recommend it. Nothing bets crafting, cookies and wine on a snowy winter afternoon
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2013 18:09:20 GMT -5
Sheila I hope you know I was just teasing you about the "playdate" ... frankly I'm jealous LOL! I think it's a fabulous idea! I just thought it was really cute to use that term. I wish I was close enough to come too!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2013 18:41:44 GMT -5
So Rukh, how did it go today?! So today's todo list:clean kitchen 3 times! Post breakfast, lunch and dinnerRukh no wonder you are overwhelmed! Your comment really struck me ... you don't have to "clean the kitchen" after every meal, you just have to "clear up" after every meal! Put the dishes and cutlery and glasses in the dishwasher, clear and wipe the table, either load the pots and pans into the dishwasher or hand wash them (I usually hand wash one or two bigger items so I don't have to run the dishwasher after every meal) or even leave them in the sink to soak. Put any condiments or drinks back into the fridge. Wipe the stovetop / hob if necessary (much easier when it's still warm and any spillages / projections haven't congealed). And there are THREE OF YOU to clear up! I always clear / clean up as I cook, DH doesn't. He's a much better cook than I am but frankly I don't love it when he cooks because it takes me 3 or 4 times as long to clear / clean up. But in any case, "clearing up after a meal" is NOT the same thing as "cleaning the kitchen", IMO. To me, "cleaning the kitchen" means wiping down all the counters plus whatever is on the counters, the cabinets, any shelves, and vacuuming / mopping the floors, etc. You DO NOT need to do that after every meal! Sometimes I don't completely clear up after EVERY meal, but I definitely always clear up at least most of it. And I NEVER go to bed without doing all the clearing up, even at 3 or 4 am. Otherwise I can't sleep. But I'd rather spend 15m every night than 2h on a weekend, and live with the mess all week. You MUST try find a method that works for you. It's exhausting constantly lurching back and forth between mayhem and organisation. As always I wish you and the kids the best, and I hope that in these next few weeks while you're off school, you guys can find a method that works for you.
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mizbear
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Post by mizbear on Dec 15, 2013 19:50:01 GMT -5
I passed all of my classes!!! DEAN's LIST!!!!
Decluttering while deep cleaning and dealing with the shitepile we all call life:
I tend to do it this way: 1. Make a list of what needs to be done in each room. Set a completion date and scheduled work times. 2. Create a staging area and gather all necessary supplies (this is when you run to the store if necessary for supplies) 3. Start with one room- work no more than an hour straight- then walk away and take a break. 4. In the words of FreeSalsa- Wash, rinse, repeat.
So, I am finishing one last thing for my last class of this semester. Tomorrow I go back to baking and see my surgeon. Tuesday I have to have a physical.
And Mr. Bear was enthralled with his cookies when he got them- I just hope he enjoyed eating them.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2013 19:56:20 GMT -5
YAY MIZ!!! YOU ROCK!!! FANTASTIC NEWS, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!! When does your next semester start? I hope you can enjoy a nice break before then! Lord knows you deserve it!
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Dec 15, 2013 22:25:06 GMT -5
Debt- it's all good, I knew you were teasing. I used to lead a very quiet, solitary life and it's only in the past couple of years that I've really started to make good friends and have a social life. I've had my best friend since college but didn't have much of a social circle outside of her. I realize that I am very fortunate to have the friends that I have. They are truly wonderful people. My friend G is too funny. When she was at my house for our Christmas party last weekend she asked where my baby was (My circuit machine) and asked if Baby and I could come over for a play date next weekend (which would have been today) a few of the other guests overheard and joked that it was only fair since half of the guys at the party would be having a play date at our house on the same day anyway.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Dec 15, 2013 22:36:00 GMT -5
Why does the weekend go so fast?! I need a 4-day weekend every week, I swear. Working on cleaning up the living room (which resembles a super sized Jenga game with my new project) and then the kitchen.
Monday I'll be taking a bunch of packages to the post office to ship, it'll be nice to get those out of my house!
Trying to decide what to do for Christmas, my grandma is home from her rehab center (and falling and fracturing her hip in Nov) and wants me to come visit. The problem is that a) she has no internet and I need to be online pretty frequently for my work and b) since she's unsteady I couldn't take my dogs with me. Oh and c) she always wants to talk about horrible things that depress me for hours on end. Way too much stress for me!
Oh fun times... still working on painting baseboards in my master bedroom now that the office is done. I have someone interested in the 3 CD towers I have for sale, fingers crossed that I can sell those tomorrow!
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Dec 15, 2013 22:56:34 GMT -5
YAY MIZ!!! YOU ROCK!!! FANTASTIC NEWS, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!! When does your next semester start? I hope you can enjoy a nice break before then! Lord knows you deserve it!
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Dec 15, 2013 23:23:44 GMT -5
DH was a big help tonight. Lots of footprints on the carpet, so he helped with the carpet cleaner. He also helped out by giving the dog another bath.
The laundry is mostly caught up. I did some more purging. But, I know with DD coming home this week, she'll be bringing home more "stuff". But, I've missed her, so I'll deal with it.
I got in some exercise time with DS too!
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Dec 16, 2013 3:20:58 GMT -5
yay! 24 more books going out this week! I re-posted on a book exchange site and on Freecycle. Committed to giving the rest to the library on Saturday if I don't give them away.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2013 8:02:34 GMT -5
9 bags is nothing to sneeze at Rukh, that's great! MONDAY UPDATEThurs: 18 essays DONE! Fri: 24 essays DONE! Sat: 20 essays DONE! Sun: 19 essays DONE! Mon: 13 essays DONE! YAY ME!!! OMG I AM SO GIDDY WITH RELIEF!!! 94 finals in 6 days!!!You won't believe this! I was literally on the second-to-last essay, my boss called ... to ask if I could mark the incoming Masters students' English test. (I teach Remedial English to those who do badly on that test, so I couldn't say no.). But I wanted to cry! The good news is that the exam is on 10 January, and there will only be 9 exams to mark. So it's not for a while! I am taking a well-deserved break from marking!!! I still have one more set of finals to mark ... but there are only three students in that class! That should take me about 1.5 hours. I don't know when I'll get to it. (How does never sound?!) Today I changed DS3's sheets and did two loads of laundry. I have DS3's PT conferences later , so I'll drop those dishes off on the way. And the garbage can in the kids' bathroom broke (it's about 20 years old) so I want to try to replace it today. Tomorrow I am having lunch / going Christmas shopping with my closest friend from school. ETA: I did what Chocolate suggested, wrapped the dishes up well in newspaper, and then in one of DD's old sweaters, and dumped them into the local donation box (along with an old pair of DH's sneakers)! !!! Buh-bye, they're gone! LOL!
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Dec 16, 2013 8:53:29 GMT -5
Way to go MizBear and Rukh! 9 bags is great! We took the kids to a Christmas thing on Sat. Then DD and I went to her school craft fair. We got more of the Christmas shopping done. I let Keira pick out several presents for people. I'm not sure of her logic for picking stuff out for people but whatever. Did a ton of laundry and did some cleaning in the kids rooms. DH cooked dinner last night which was nice.
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mizbear
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Post by mizbear on Dec 16, 2013 9:06:20 GMT -5
I have a couple of weeks off from school, but I am also supposed to have surgery. Then I have a 2 week cram course and the day after that ends I start a 6 class all online spring semester. I have had to really set some rules with MommaBear. I sort of went "bearillistic" on her. So my plans for the next couple of weeks are:
Doctor's appointments Books for school and accommodation letters Finish making cookies and pies Total deep cleaning of house, including pulling all carp for yard sale, recycle, donate, trash. Schedule and budget for 2014. Surgery Serious convo with Mom about behaviors before school restarts
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Dec 16, 2013 10:27:44 GMT -5
And it won't matter if they have to break your ribs to fasten it. Sounds like a plan!
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Dec 16, 2013 11:40:59 GMT -5
Well I got exactly 1 load of laundry done this weekend. I left work early Friday and drove down to see my Mom. With her health not the best I wanted to surprise her (which I did). We had a good overnight visit where I got about 4 hours of sleep and than I headed back home. So by the time I got home on Saturday I was beat and just took a shower and crawled into bed. I was invited to a holiday party which I decided not to go to and than I had a "date" with my dad and his wife yesterday. I can not wait until things calm down. Everyone keep up the good fight -- hopefully I will get something done this week. I just have no idea what that is yet.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Dec 16, 2013 12:37:35 GMT -5
I think I'm making DH gets the kids out of the house this weekend so I can wrap their presents.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Dec 16, 2013 13:55:54 GMT -5
This year I've been really minimalist with my decorations, I think it's a good time to donate a bunch of them so I have less to store over the next 12 months. There are still a few things that I love and will always keep but those are fewer and far between.
My primary goal today is to get down to 30 emails in my inbox and ship out the packages. I have a ton of books going out media mail and a few more gifts to send. It would be great to get those ALL out the door today!
Running the dishwasher now and hoping I can also catch up on laundry before the end of today.
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kids3arewe
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Post by kids3arewe on Dec 16, 2013 15:16:34 GMT -5
Sounds like everyone is doing really great......I really did not get too much done over the weekend. I am trying to decide where I want to start...I am thinking that i want to go through my kitchen cubords before X-H leaves so that if there is anything that he wants to take with him he can...( he is the cook) I really dont cook anything fancy...but i want to also go through my Linen closet as things are all over the place in there and I can not put things away where they go....Choices choices choices.... I guess I am going to start with the Kitchen Cubords...that way at least I know that things will be going out the door.......
Gotta keep going or the clutter will take over....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2013 15:23:35 GMT -5
Congrats on the 10th bag Rukh! Parent-teacher conferences DONE! I got the garbage can for the kids' bathroom. I also got next year's agenda, and coffee capsules for our expresso machine (which I almost never use, but with the holidays, they go quickly). And some Christmas reindeer candles (50% off). I also did a third load of laundry, and started a 4th. My cleaner came again today and finished DS3's room and bathroom, and did DS1's basement bedroom. All that's left is the kitchen (which is literally falling apart). Once she has finished the entire house (on Thursday), I will take her much less (she knows this).
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