2016 Declutter and Get Organized Thread

[debthaven]

I've been a real slacker lately compared to some of you. I did mark the other 21 tests yesterday though.

[Iggy aka IG]

debthaven , holy smokes about the Special Forces.  It really makes one think about the freedom we take for granted in so many other areas of the world.  Glad you're feeling better.

busymom , hope your back is feeling better today.

Not much to report here.  I did clear out some leftovers from the freezer for DH tonight since I have a meet and greet to attend.  Like many people, I cannot wait until elections are over.    I also emptied, refilled and started the dishwasher this morning.

[debthaven]

With most of the kids gone, and money being so tight, I have been decluttering the freezer and pantry too. Since taking DS3 to college we've been buying only milk / eggs / produce except when the kids come over for a meal. I've been doing a pretty good job on the pantry but there's plenty left.

ETA:
Fri
- bank
- bottle bank

[debthaven]

Another very long Thurs, but not as long as last week (taught from 8-5.30 instead of 8-6.15). I wrote all my work emails when I got home, and started a load of laundry.

DS1 and DS2 are coming for dinner before DS1 leaves tomorrow.

I'm off Monday (midterms) but I come home with 43 midterms on Tuesday. I'm on a slightly reduced schedule next week, so no 6 am alarm!

Also ... no phone company would give DS3 a phone contract because he hasn't lived in the UK for 2 years. So in the end he had to buy his phone outright. It's cheaper in the long run, but obviously it's more upfront. But he finally has a smartphone so he's happy.

Fri
- cancel DS3's French phone subscription
- input marks
- bank
- bottle bank
- lunch with A

[startsmart]

How is it mid October already?! OMG this month is flying by and it's the kickoff of an online program that I've been working on since February. The good news is we finally decided to fire one team member for continually screwing things up including a mistake I found today that has impacted hundreds of people and gone on for months because she doesn't check her work. It's making me sick to know I have to share this with the owner and we'll move to fire her as soon as we can transfer her tasks to my assistant. 

The good news is the house is getting better, keeping up on cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms. the living room got rearranged so I can start the built-in project (finally!) and I've had a guy working on my yard who is making progress. 

The tree I took out last November had HUGE roots so I am looking for someone to come blitz that because manpower is taking too long. Next week the garden dude is going to dismantle a few patios/walkways in the backyard and clean up my flower beds. The yard still looks HORRIBLE thanks to the drought but I am saving up for the new fence in the front yard and a new walkway. 

I'm likely going to be MIA until after this launch is complete, this is my busiest time of year and there's a lot riding on the outcome so me = ball of nerves until the numbers come in. 

[debthaven]

Smart, is this the team member that nearly stopped you from taking your vacation? I hope the numbers are good!

[moneysquirrel]

Updating the list:

Oct 11, 2016 21:16:31 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Running late this week:

Home/Personal:

*Maintain progress
*Clear off flat surfaces in BR
*Mop bath and kitchen
*Clean bath
*Re-pot plant

School:

*Finish field trip forms   After getting in touch with the school's webmaster so the form would work, tracking down the lady that I had to turn in the pink form to and waiting for a number from her I managed to get all of the paperwork turned in with copies made for my files.
*Duty -- one more day
*Rubrics for new projects -- in process

Crafts:

*Finish CR Necklace 
*Finish pin  -- Done
*Finish earrings -- 2 more pairs -- Done
*One new item for Craft show -- Done
*Craft show -- Saturday


Also managed to get a few loads of laundry done, watered the plants,ran the dishwasher and partially cleaned the bathroom.  We have homecoming this weekend plus I have the craft show so not sure how much I can get done in the house with everything else going on.  Thank goodness I have leftovers if needed and enough stuff in the house that I think I can avoid a grocery run this weekend.  If the next few weeks continue at this pace I will have to have much longer to-do lists.  

[plugginaway22]

This past week:  Dropped off donation bags after clearing unwanted clothing/shoes.  Bought new comforter for one of the guest rooms, will make the old one a dog blanket.  Bought a new bathroom rug, a gift for upcoming visitor, 2 frames for recent pics, a candle, and a lamp.  I was on a spending spree! 

To Do:
We have a slow running drain in one of our bathrooms I need to work on.  Also need to re-arrange the room where I put my plants over the winter, they need to come inside soon.  Food shopping will be tomorrow, we have a picnic this weekend and I need to bring a dish and have no ideas right now.  Bill paying on the list also.  It will be a busy weekend.

[debthaven]

I'm a terrible YMer, I just had to borrow money for the first time in my adult life. My sister is absolutely fine with it but I am feeling totally disgusted with myself.

We are giving the studio 2 more weeks at the new lower price. If it doesn't sell by then we will take it off the market and try to sell the other studio (which we wanted to keep). If we decide to sell the other studio, we will offer it to the tenant first. He has put a lot of time and effort and money into it, and we have a hunch he might like to buy it.

Offering the tenant first right of refusal is a legal obligation here, but we would do that BEFORE officially putting it on the market. That way if he does want it, we would save the agency fees. And if he doesn't, we can list it with the agency then. If neither sells, I don't know what we'll do.

Also, the old computer DS2 gave me a year ago died this week. DH took it to the shop and treated me to a new battery.

Today I ran my errands, saw my widowed friend A, and then took a nap. I'm sure a lot of the fatigue, as well as last week's neck issue, is due to stress and money worries. DH will be gone most of tomorrow so I'm hoping to do something constructive in the house and/or garden but who knows.

I'm also feeling guilty because I ordered a delivery of firewood today, even though I know we can't really afford it. I justified it by telling myself (and DH) that it is 6 months' worth of cheap entertainment LOL. I scheduled it for the end of the month.

The freezer / pantry challenge continues, and will for quite a while. It's sort of fun too. Whenever there's room in the kitchen pantry shelf I go "shopping" in the basement to fill it back up. This said, I do need to stock up on some things so I'm planning to do that tomorrow at the cheapest supermarket.

I'm getting 43 midterms on Tuesday, and then I have that 3rd job interview on Fri. Depending on what they tell me, I may also put up ads for private tutoring. I know they plan to offer me hours, but they didn't know if that would be for Jan (next semester) or next Sept.
Jeep how did your treatment go? Thinking of you.

Sat
- grocery shopping (minimalist style)

[busymom]

We've gone through times when we had to "eat out of the pantry" rather than shop for lots of groceries, too. In fact, it's been an expensive week here, so I've already warned DD if she wants any extras from the grocery store, she can buy them herself. We're going to try & stick with the pantry & freezer for next week. Best wishes on selling one of the studios, debthaven. 

And speaking of houses,  my Mom's appraisal finally went through.  People tend to contest them more now than they used to.  I'm finding the selling process has a lot more hoops to jump through, than when DH & I sold our previous house.

I'm still doing paperwork, & I have a large pile that needs to go into the filing cabinet.  I'll try to work on that tonight.

jeep108, I'm sending prayers & more positive thoughts your direction! 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

VOLLEYBALL IS OVER!!!

[debthaven]

Yay Chloe! I've been wondering where you were lol.

Busy does the appraisal change anything for the sale?

ETA: Went grocery shopping. Spent a bit more than I wanted but their prices are unbeatable so I stocked up on a few household goods/toiletries.

ETA2: Shitepile done too.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

The list is long, friends; the list is long. 

First though, DH is doing much better.  His right wrist is almost healed. The left wrist had multiple fractures and is taking longer to heal. He started physical therapy this week. It turns out he already had a bone spur in his shoulder, and the fall displaced it. The PT will target the shoulder and the left wrist. If the PT doesn't work on the shoulder after about four months, then they'll discuss surgery. 

Saturday's Goals: 

clean toilets
clean out purse and work bag
clean off desk
get laptop from classroom
purchase gift certificate for the mom who helped me coach VB
make cleaning schedule
wrap baby shower gift
change sheets
vacuum area rugs and napping room
make 15 trick or treat bags
work on DD#2's chore list
rotate five loads of laundry
File the Pile

[Iggy aka IG]

jeep108, been thinking about you, too!

Knee Deep in Water Chloe, I love that:  File the Pile.  That smile will help me through the pile here at the office.

debthaven, luck to you and the studio.

Yep, you read that right, I'm at the office today.  This past week was absolutely crazy with meetings, politics, etc.  Things here at the office are backed up to the point of feeling uncomfortable.  There are 9 voice mail messages waiting for me.    I'm currently on hold with a company on behalf of a client, which is why I checked in here.  Multitasking. 

On a personal level, I:
Paid monthly bills yesterday
Ordered my Halloween costume
Did the monthly grocery shopping last night
Made 7 jars of Reese's Mascot Mix; something I do every year.  I'll deliver them to various folks Monday.
Emptied, refilled, and started the dishwasher this morning before coming into the office.
Had a mild panic when I thought I lost my favorite Raiders sweatshirt.  It ended up being in my ATV bag.  Phew!
Printed out Halloween cocktail and popcorn mix recipes for our party in a few weeks.

The Raiders game is actually going to be televised in this market tomorrow-the first time this year.  I've got to get all of my chores done before then. 

[debthaven]

DH asked me to help him with HIS Shitepile today, which never happens (he must be looking for a paper lol). We've both been doing it for the past 3 hours. To make room in his filing drawer (which only *I* ever use) I did a major purge of his bank papers.

I don't think we'll finish today but it's still a vast improvement. DH never, and I mean never, opens an envelope. I open the ones that concern us / the house / taxes, but his still pile up.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Fantastic, debthaven ! 

During volleyball season, I cannot make the time to deep clean. Something has to go during the season, and that's it. We do maintain daily routines, but the house gets grimy. DH doesn't participate in nor does he quite grasp the depth of the deep cleaning process. As the second month passes, he suddenly realizes that the house isn't in great shape, and he decides he will help. Last year, this meant he abruptly cleaned our shower. 
This year, it meant that yesterday he felt the need to clean out the tv table drawer. Except he made DD#2 do it while he supervised. 
Anyway, we purged the spare cable box and cable remote, the Wii operating manual, and a few other things. So helpful. That guy cracks me up. 
I was, out of necessity, pretty restful yesterday, and the deep cleaning schedule will resume today.  

Sunday's Goals: 
create and print volleyball certificates
lesson plans
Monday teaching prep
Deep cleaning for Zone 1: Front Porch, Dining Room, Napping Room
Weekly dinner meal plan
Amazon order for random household items
Pay DD's weekly earnings
Print Off DD's weekly chore list
Make brownies as a thank you gift for a friend
don't eat the brownies

[startsmart]

debthaven - yep, the same team member who is taking off 2/3s of December will not be around by then  

I just got back from a weekend trip which was 50/50 good and terrible. Thankful to be back home and settled in. 

Best news: the electrician is finally coming Saturday after 3 months of waiting/negotiating/bugging them. That means I have 6 days to get the frame of my new bench built so we can mark where the outlet is moving. This afternoon I'm moving the saw and 2x4s into the dining room to start making my cuts and by next week I should have the frame done and electrical updated. 

[Jaguar]

I'm planning where everything needs to go now that the last bit of really good furniture is here. The armoire I put into the kitchen cause it was never really a bedroom piece. I'm putting non stick liners on the shelves to put my food stuff on. Then I had my bedroom repainted and I made more room for clothing in the drawers, so I gotta do that as well. Basically I lot of organizing is on my to do now list.

I also got to clean floors this coming week.

[debthaven]

Haha Chloe, I'm sure the cable box was top of your list.

It's probably the first time in several years DH's Shitepile fits IN his Shitepile box! The desk looks great!

Start I hope you soon find someone you can count on to replace this person.

I'm off tomorrow but I have a doc visit for my new primary job.

Mon
- post office
- doc appt

[moneysquirrel]

Redoing the list that I just lost.  Hope I remember everything that was on it.

Home/Personal:
*Maintain progress
*Clear off flat surfaces in BR
*Mop kitchen
*Re-pot plant
*Exercise -- Monday
*Reorganize closet

School:
*Lesson Plans
*Start correcting 7th projects
*Open up location for 6th grade projects
*Rubrics for new projects -- in process

Crafts:

*Finish CR Necklace
*One new item for Craft show --
*Necklace for T
*Repair Bracelet 1
*Repair Bracelet 2
*Redesign Necklace
*Mail off tax forms from Saturday's craft show.

Start -- Hope losing that assistant makes your life and business less stressful.  You are always ahead of me with all that you accomplish.
Debt --  Any progress is good progress
Chloe -- Glad vb is over for you.  I can relate to putting things on the back burner.  We are still experiencing days in the high 80- low 90s with our usual high humidity so sometimes I just crash once I get home.  Weekends are usually my catch-up days but the last two have been filled with functions that I needed to attend.  This weekend is shaping up to be another one as I have a luncheon with former co-workers.  We try to meet a once or twice a year but I have missed a few due to other commitments.
Debt and Busy -- I am currently also eating out of the pantry/freezer.  I usually do it yearly during the summer to get the freezer as empty as possible during hurricane season.  I unplug the larger freezer at the end of school year when possible and move everything to the smaller freezer at the top of the fridge.  With the season as crazy as it has been I haven't plugged it in yet.  Also trying to move the older items out of the pantry so I have been replacing items as needed.  Plus I am not a fan of grocery shopping. 
Jaguar -- I also have a lot of organizing to do.  It's like eating an elephant -- one bite at a time.

[startsmart]

After working on the bench and covering my living room with sawdust I made a Home Depot run for supplies tonight. 

Got the bricks for the front yard so I can fill in a 2' x 6' patch of dirt (more accurately the kid I hire to do my gardening will take care of that this week). 

Also picked up the special screws I need for assembling the bench and am so ready to get this started and see it come together. Am thinking of hosting a halfway party for our writing group in November so that would be a really good deadline to have at least the bench part finished. For once I could have a party with more than seating for 3 people! 

[debthaven]

I created more vertical files for DH this morning. (I bought extra files when I bought that filing cabinet at Ikea a few years ago.) DH does translating for extra money so as long as there's a system in place, I'm happy to file his paperwork. It's his papers that have no "home" that I can't deal with.

[Chocolate Lover]

You guys have been busy!

And, can I just say, I want a Napping Room!!!

[Iggy aka IG]

Jaguar, I also have the non stick shelf liners in cupboards and drawers throughout the house.  I love it!  Makes cleaning a cinch.
debthaven, re: DH's pile!

After I left the office Saturday, I went to Wally World and had a blast buying Halloween party items.  The crowd wasn't too bad considering it was the weekend.

The rest of the weekend, I:
Decorated the main floor for our party
Put a shout out on a local Facebook group asking where I can donate some stuffed animals to children in need.  In the past I've rid of several piles of animals, but it's time for more.  I hate moving them around to dust.
Washed 6 loads of laundry, including sheets, all are folded, half are put away
Washed a boatload of dishes as usual
Tightened a loose toilet seat
Scrubbed all three toilets
Replaced the battery in my office/exercise room clock
Shoved what Debt calls the Shitepile back into my roll top desk so it will look neat for the party.  I'll attack the pile this winter, when things slow down.
Made a Sam's Club list and list of errands for the big city tomorrow.  I'm going to go see one of the Presidential candidates. 

Put the two plants I just re-potted outside in the sun.  They had a slight hazy, moldy looking top? 

[debthaven]

I went to my doc appt and did a small food shop. I wanted to wait till the end of the week to shop but I was nearly out of coffee, and not having coffee in the house = out of the question.

Doing laundry.

Tomorrow I pick up 43 41 midterms. I'm working the rest of the week so I can't blitz them, so my goal is to do some essays every day after work.

Marking schedule
- Tues: 14 essays
- Wed: 14 essays
- Thurs: 13 essays
- Fri: Vocab
- Sat: Grammar
 
PS. I post this for me, feel free to ignore.

[Iggy aka IG]

Oct 17, 2016 13:27:15 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I went to my doc appt and did a small food shop. I wanted to wait till the end of the week to shop but I was nearly out of coffee, and not having coffee in the house = out of the question.

Doing laundry.
 

I make sure for everyone's safety. 

[debthaven]

Haha Iggy, exactly!

[jeep108]

So far radiation is going well.  He said I probably won't have too many problems until the last 2 weeks.  They tried to drain fluid from my shoulder but all the fluid has clotted.  So now I get to do another MRI on Thursday.   Hopefully, there are no new surprises.  I was disappointed that we couldn't get the bowling ball on my shoulder to drain.  It's getting harder to stay comfortable and harder for me to lift my left arm.

My husband is really trying I had to show him where we keep the cleaning supplies yesterday.  He does really well at keeping things picked up but I can tell were are not going to agree on what is clean.  I'm learning to let it go. There are worse things than a messy house.  For example yesterday, he said the showers looked fine.  I told him we do not wait for a shower to turn black to clean it.

[dee27]

Jeep,


Great news that you are tolerating the radiation but sorry about the swelling from the fluid. If you can afford the expense, hire someone to clean the house once per month which will give both of you a break.

[debthaven]

Jeep so good to hear from you! I second Dee. Now is not the time to be worry too much about money. I second her suggestion on having someone in to clean once in a while. You have enough on your plate.