2016 Declutter and Get Organized Thread

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

My Thursday work day went until 9:05pm. It was parent teacher conferences.  I taught a full day. I sat down in the metal folding chair in the cafeteria at 3:30. I didn't get out of it until 9:00. I spoke with  32 sets of parents/guardians. Seven more left because they didn't want to wait in line. I have emailed one back and will have to email the rest this weekend. Conferences were supposed to run from 4:00 - 7:00pm. There were five of us out of the 17 teachers still meeting with parents at 8:00. The penultimate teacher left at 8:45pm. I'm an over achiever. 
I am still exhausted. 

I need a plan for this weekend. We have a charity dinner to attend Saturday. On Sunday, we will drive 2.5 hours one way to go to a non-baby shower/pizza party for one of our family members. There should be 25 Chloe'sLastName people there. We have to call it a pizza party because the men won't show up if they think it is a baby shower.  

[Sharon]

Wow Knee Deep in Water Chloe that is a lot of conferences.  When DD was in middle/high school there was a sign up sheet for time slots in 10 minute increments.  That way you didn't have to wait in line.  You could get your time slot and move on to another teacher.

It stopped raining for a short while this afternoon.  I got the lawn mowed and raked some debris out of the flower beds.  It is now raining once again but supposedly tomorrow is supposed to have another window of time without rain.

Tonight I got a good handle on the shite pile and the shredding.  Even got the shredder emptied and the envelopes out to the recycle bin.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Sharon, I've been in one building that did it that way. It was definitely better. This was the first time this school has attempted arena conferencing. I try not to tell the admin what to do since I've been an admin, and I don't want to annoy them. If they want to continue this practice, I'll somehow squeeze that into a conversation. 

It hasn't really stopped raining here since the storm started last Thursday. At least the wind stopped!

[busymom]

Ugh! I definitely feel for teachers during conference time. They work the ones in our district crazy-long hours to make sure the parents have "every opportunity" to meet with their child's teachers. Then, the kids who make trouble often have parents who don't even bother to show up.

Well, we gave the new carpet cleaner a "road test", & once we figured it out, seemed to work pretty well.  (I'll know for sure once the carpet is dry tomorrow morning.)  Got a few more things out of our living room.  Oh, and I planted some more tulip bulbs today.  Pretty soon the ground here will be too hard for planting bulbs, so it's now or never.

[debthaven]

Wow Chloe that's exhausting!

Marking schedule
- Tues: 14 essays
- Wed: 18 essays
- Thurs: 9 essays
- Fri: 41 Vocab
- Sat: 41 Grammar

Marks are calculated and entered, just in time to get more papers on Tues.

[plugginaway22]

Prepping for about 20 people for dinner.  DS is home!  Doing a zap clean of the house since most will be outside.

[lund]

Dh, just imagine how Tuesday would have been if you had not finished the marking today!
Not to mention the (hopefully) more enjoyable Sunday and (hopefully) less stressed Monday...


Pluggin, Have a nice and enjoyable dinner! I hope that you will have a nice time with your DS!


Busymom, My teacher relative said just that: The parents that you really want to see and talk to never bother to show up.


I remember those ten-minute teacher conference slots. They were fine except for the teachers running late. During the last years of school they had slots scheduled until 9 or 10 pm. It would have been perfect if they had just booked a few (three?) ten-minute slots and then had an empty one for catching up (or going to the bathroom or fetching a cup of coffee; the poor ones sure needed that after sitting for hours).

[debthaven]

Enjoy your DS Pluggin!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

We've mapped out the dinners for next week. DH has the laundry going. 

I won't have much time tomorrow to do household stuff. I need to 
Pay some bills
Update YNAB
Go over DD#1's money/budget with her
Lesson plans for next week. 
Make sure I'm prepared for Monday's teaching
Deep Clean Master Bathroom


Then, we have a charity dinner tonight. 

[startsmart]

I am so excited y'all! The electrician has been here for a couple hours and we got 1 outlet moved, 1 more added (a bonus I didn't think would get done today!) and now the light switch is moving to the garage. He's already started patching up the wall too and I am so excited to see it all done  

Since Sunday I've been working on the bench and the rough framing is done. I need to add a couple of vertical supports still but it's built and, most importantly, level! I am staining one board right now and it'll need a couple days to off gas from the layers of stain and poly but that's underway. 

Before the electrician leaves he's going to mark off my studs so I can drill the frame directly in the wall for extra security. 

Next up is buying the MDF and plywood I need to cover the frame and build the bench. 

ETA: 
The electrician finished up in about 4 hours and it looks so good! He patched a bit of the wall but I need to do another layer of joint compound once the first patch dries. 

I took the convertible out and got the MDF I needed + plywood. The neighbor helped me wrestle it from the car and I'm about to start measuring and cutting (EEK!). IF I can stay on track this weekend I might be able to get the first sheet of MDF cut up and nail in the panels. My assistant comes on Tuesday so she can prime the whole thing for painting... 

Wow - after waiting ages to start this project it's coming along SO fast! Now that I'm more confident with building I am probably going to rebuild the box for my water heater too (since it doesn't even have to be pretty, just level!) 

[debthaven]

Your skills are so impressive Start! There's nothing you can't do when you decide to do it lol.

I was up early so I did the online paperwork for my new job. It took me 1.5h, ridiculous! At least it's done. I also did Shitepile (which didn't take long).

Doing laundry now. And DS2 is here for lunch.

[moneysquirrel]

Didn't get as much done as I wanted.  Hope to be able to get a few of the long standing things off of the list this week but we will see haw it goes.

Home/Personal:

*Maintain progress
*Clear off flat surfaces in BR -- maintain the one done and work on other
*Re-pot plant
*Presentation -- Thursday
*Hair Appointment. -- Wednesday
*Tutoring -- 2 hours

School:

*Lesson Plans
*Continue correcting 7th project 1-- in progress @25 left (Due next week but most have been turned in already)
*Start correcting 7th project 2 -- @85 (Due next week but some have been turned in early)
*Start Correcting 6th project 1 -- @90 (Due this week)
*Correct 4 sets of 7th tests @85 (Due this week)
*Start correcting 5th projects @60 (Due next week)

Crafts:
(Not Adding to this list as I don't think anything will get done this week on it)

*Finish CR Necklace
*One new item for Craft show --
*Repair Bracelet 1
*Repair Bracelet 2

[moneysquirrel]

Chloe -- Our parents have 5 minute appointments and they can only sign up for 4 teachers.  Once I am booked up (and since I have a lot of students I usually am booked totally) then they can't meet with me.  If I have an opening then on that night they can sign up, some email me with requests and I try to see if I can schedule them prior to printing my list of appointments.  If I am free and a parent is in line waiting for one of the neighboring teachers sometimes I take them if they did not have an appointment.  Usually finish @7pm.  It makes for a long day and usually I don't see the ones who I need to see.  They do build in @ 10 min bathroom break for us and the parents' group sets up a buffet dinner for us.  (Not sure if you can call it dinner as it finishes around 4 when we start our appointments.)

[startsmart]

lol debt, I'm pretty stubborn that way! I got 2 pieces of MDF added and the bench seat. I still need to cut the bench seat so it can hinge up and add 3 more pieces of MDF before it's "done" and ready for caulk and paint. 

So. Much. Sawdust. 

[busymom]

Oct 23, 2016 17:59:41 GMT -5 startsmart said:

lol debt, I'm pretty stubborn that way! I got 2 pieces of MDF added and the bench seat. I still need to cut the bench seat so it can hinge up and add 3 more pieces of MDF before it's "done" and ready for caulk and paint. 

So. Much. Sawdust. 

  I've been finding sawdust in odd places of the house since the kids got their hardwood floors installed.  Amazing how that stuff travels. 

  The good news is, the new carpet cleaner appears to do a good job.    We've just been going over the portions of the carpet that our dog has tracked up, but maybe later this week we'll do the entire carpet.

  Today was spent catching up on laundry, & other exciting tasks.  Oh, & I picked up soup, & other things that taste good when you're congested.  (DS & me.) 

[Sharon]

Today I got the laundry done, the lawn fertilized, made my bread for the week and installed two new carbon monoxide/smoke detectors.  I also made a casserole to take over and share with Mom.  We had dinner together and then I split the leftovers.  We should each have a couple more meals from the leftovers.

[busymom]

Hi Kids! It's been a productive morning. I've already contacted all of Mom's utility companies to have them send their final billing, once we close on selling the house. I wanted to get that done early this week, as I know the time will fly.

[startsmart]

I just found an email that detailed how I was planning this building project in August of 2015. Doh. It's taken me ages to get started but dang, now it's going so fast! 

The whole thing is framed but I'm contemplating adding another horizontal brace on the bench back. 

This morning I'm ironing on the edging for the plywood seat to cover up the rough edge. It then gets trimmed and painted but looks so nice! 

I've got to get the seat part installed first, then the top, then the bench back, then the last side piece. Still hopeful I can finish that up today and then do caulk and wood fill tomorrow. 

The biggest accomplishment will be that I can put the saws away and do a final clean up of the sawdust in here. 

[Iggy aka IG]

You know how things seem to amplify in the middle of the night?  Well, I woke up around 3:30 this morning in a panic.  I started mentally listing the things I have on my plate:

Deliver more political signs
Deliver the Reese's mix I made last weekend
Figure out a time to train, then help with calls to remind people to vote
Arrange catering for this Thursday's volunteer dinner
Arrange pizza for the ATV club party this Thursday
Crap, I'm double booked this Thursday
Clean the house for this Saturday's Halloween party
Finish decorating the house
Bake and prep food for said party
Catch up from being gone this past weekend
Figure out a costume since the one I ordered doesn't fit
Find someone to design a Santa is coming to town flyer
Realized my chamber board isn't being helpful with several specific things
Finish the sales month strong here at the office
Many more I'm sure I'm forgetting

Now.  When I get like this, I don't realize it's coming.  And when it does, I end up getting sick.  As an asthmatic, this is dangerous.  I woke up not feeling 100%.  I took a zinc and extra vitamin C.

So, I made an executive decision.  I contacted the caterer for Thursday to arrange food and it's delivery.  I then emailed my board asking if one or more of them can attend.  In the past I would have gone to both, though they are 45 minutes away, and stressed myself out.  I have to remember we are volunteers, and it is not worth the extra stress.  I am in a high stress profession as it is.

[debthaven]

Good for you for what's doing what's best for you Iggy! I agree it's not an easy thing to do. I was wondering whether you were doing the political rallies for your job, then you posted that you are a volunteer. You need to stay healthy.

I have been sick / out of commission with something every.single.weekend. It's no fun.

At my interview on Fri my new job told me I had till mid-Nov to send in my course description. Today I got an email asking for it ASAP (the email was to everybody, not just me). It's a new course and I need to work on it before I can send that in. I'm going to email her Wed asking if I can have till early Nov, if not mid-Nov to do it (as promised!). But I'm already questioning my sanity, agreeing to work 4 days in 3 different schools so that didn't help.  

Nothing much happened after work today. I'm getting 20 (short) essays tomorrow so I'll be doing those tomorrow and Wed. Happily my primary job is on vacation this Wed! My main job rearranged certain assignments and I have a bit of a wonky schedule, so I'll basically have marking every week until the end of the semester, and then finals. If I don't keep up with my marking I get very overwhelmed. MoneySquirrel, again, I really don't know how you do it! Usually I have more marking certain weeks but no marking other weeks, and frankly I prefer it like that.

Auditions for our theater troupe are next week but I'm skipping the play this year. Too much work, plus I really don't like this year's play.

In other news, DD's roommate got very wishy-washy about moving in with her (based on how the girl's relationship with her BF was going.) So DD said let's just forget it. DD decided she's staying put at home until she gets her driver's license and a new job, and then moving out alone closer to her new job. We're all very happy about that, it's the right order. We thought it was crazy to get a new apt with a roommate before she even knew where her next job would be.

So DD's quitting her job. She was supposed to be on night duty for 6 months. It's been 9 months now with AT LEAST another 2 months to go. They still can't tell her when she can go back to days. Before it was "maybe Oct", then "maybe Nov", now it's "maybe Dec". She has been vomiting a lot again (her reaction to stress), she's lost 14 pounds and she's now skeletal and unwell.

We totally support her in her decision. I know it's easier to find a job when you've got one but she's bilingual, she's got a degree, and now she's got experience. So we have been telling her that she needs to do what she needs to do (but leaving the decision up to her), and that she'll be fine. She'd like to move out but she's not on the street. Needless to say, worrying about her is an added stress.

ETA: I get out early tomorrow so I'm going to see my widowed friend A after school. It's been 10 months since her DH's suicide, she's still having a terrible time. DH spent all of Sunday afternoon and evening with her, doing something her BIL could have done (DH and her BIL have the same profession). But her BIL says "it's too hard for him emotionally so he can't deal with it." So DH is doing it instead. Every time she has asked her BIL to do something, he's had the same response, and DH has done it instead.

[Chocolate Lover]

Oct 24, 2016 14:33:55 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

You know how things seem to amplify in the middle of the night?  Well, I woke up around 3:30 this morning in a panic.  I started mentally listing the things I have on my plate:

Deliver more political signs
Deliver the Reese's mix I made last weekend
Figure out a time to train, then help with calls to remind people to vote
Arrange catering for this Thursday's volunteer dinner
Arrange pizza for the ATV club party this Thursday
Crap, I'm double booked this Thursday
Clean the house for this Saturday's Halloween party
Finish decorating the house
Bake and prep food for said party
Catch up from being gone this past weekend
Figure out a costume since the one I ordered doesn't fit
Find someone to design a Santa is coming to town flyer
Realized my chamber board isn't being helpful with several specific things
Finish the sales month strong here at the office
Many more I'm sure I'm forgetting

Now.  When I get like this, I don't realize it's coming.  And when it does, I end up getting sick.  As an asthmatic, this is dangerous.  I woke up not feeling 100%.  I took a zinc and extra vitamin C.

So, I made an executive decision.  I contacted the caterer for Thursday to arrange food and it's delivery.  I then emailed my board asking if one or more of them can attend.  In the past I would have gone to both, though they are 45 minutes away, and stressed myself out.  I have to remember we are volunteers, and it is not worth the extra stress.  I am in a high stress profession as it is.

 GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!

[Chocolate Lover]

Debt, good luck to you on getting all that juggling done.  Extra good luck to your DD as she gets rid of the job and looks for another!

[debthaven]

Thank you Chocolate! I know she'll be fine but it hurts me to see her torture herself like this. She started 15 months ago and she is one of the only 2 people left. They promised her a promotion if she stays, but they keep putting it off (because they are having trouble recruiting night staff to replace her). She's gotten to the point where she just can't do it anymore. Working nights (10 pm to 7 am) takes a HUGE toll on you.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, debthaven and Chocolate Lover .

Debt, it sounds like your DD made a very good decision regarding her living arrangements.

Added:
The caterers will deliver the food.
At least one board member will attend.
One other board member responded to the email I resent today from 10 days ago.

Baby steps. 

[Chocolate Lover]

I'm glad you're supporting her and making sure she knows the world won't end if she leaves a job that doesn't work for her. I know how hard it must be for you to watch her worrying herself sick over it. 

[NastyWoman]

I really need a new nickname to account for my exploits. Last Thursday a friend requested a ride on Saturday morning (after taking a car to a scrap place) because his wife would be on a scheduled trip. He had tried to do this the week before but ran out of time.

Now when driving from his house to mine I pass a Goodwill store. So long story short → some frantic decluttering and a ride later I am rid of another 3 leaf-bags full of items. Maybe I should have counted this year. While I have no regularity in what I do, I have gotten rid of a decent amount of stuff...

[debthaven]

Whoo hoo Zuul! You are a "hit and run" declutterer LOL.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Tonight's been a paperwork catch up night. 
I filed a reimbursement for one of DH's orthopedic appointment and paid the chiro bill. 
I need to update YNAB. 
We bought a new mattress set last Friday, clothes for DD for her speech and debate and Model UN presentations, the charity auction, and then the day with our extended family cost more than I anticipated.  I need to make sure that DH knows there's not as much money left!!!

DH is taking off Wednesday to wait for the mattress to be delivered, someone to come fix some tears in our leather coach, and for the plumber to install a new toilet. He's also going to take Bill the Dog to the groomer and the vet. Woo hoo! That's a ton of stuff I don't have to deal with. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Oct 24, 2016 14:33:55 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

You know how things seem to amplify in the middle of the night?  Well, I woke up around 3:30 this morning in a panic.  I started mentally listing the things I have on my plate:

Deliver more political signs-One delivered after work
Deliver the Reese's mix I made last weekend
Figure out a time to train, then help with calls to remind people to vote-Delegated to DH, he will attend the training and then communicate to me.
Arrange catering for this Thursday's volunteer dinner-Scheduled for delivery
Arrange pizza for the ATV club party this Thursday
Crap, I'm double booked this Thursday-Volunteer dinner presence delegated to a fellow board member
Clean the house for this Saturday's Halloween party-Baby steps due to not feeling well.  Did the minimum last night which was dishes and put away 3 loads of laundry from Sunday.  Just the floors are left.
Finish decorating the house-Gave DH 3 things he needs to put up.  I washed the 8 skull shot glasses I bought at Rite Aid for 50% off last week. 
Bake and prep food for said party
Catch up from being gone this past weekend-Done except for emptying the master bath trash
Figure out a costume since the one I ordered doesn't fit -Done.  Now I just need to return the one I ordered.
Find someone to design a Santa is coming to town flyer-I resent the email from 10 days ago to my board since I received no response, and someone actually stepped up.
Realized my chamber board isn't being helpful with several specific things-See above
Finish the sales month strong here at the office-Ongoing this week.
Many more I'm sure I'm forgetting

Now.  When I get like this, I don't realize it's coming.  And when it does, I end up getting sick.  As an asthmatic, this is dangerous.  I woke up not feeling 100%.  I took a zinc and extra vitamin C.-Had chicken soup for supper last night.  I seem to be staving off the bug.  Yay zinc tablets!

I this thread.

[startsmart]

Well boo. My assistant/cleaner told me she can't make it today. That means cleaning up this mess will be on me today   so I need to get moving. 

Goals: 
pick up primer for the bench
clean office for video calls tomorrow 
cut the last pieces of MDF for the bench
put away the tools I no longer need 
put out the trash