2016 Declutter and Get Organized Thread

[debthaven]

Ouch Start

Got out early today and spent a couple of hours with my friend A. Came home and did a load of laundry. I'm off tomorrow so I'll mark my papers then.

We are having the firewood delivered tomorrow. A splurge given finances but it'll last till March or April.

This week's marking: Wed
- 18 short essays

ETA: After Thurs I will be off for 5 days! Of course I am dying to visit DS3 but given finances, we won't. He has a week off in Nov. He's planning to visit family in the UK but we told him if he changes his mind we'll pay his way home. It's much cheaper for him to come home than for us to go there.

ETA2: Since I'll be off for 5 days I need to Get Stuff Done too.
- call dentist for an appt 
- call RE agent 1 left a message
- call plumber for boiler check up + chimney sweep left a message
- send Year 2 email
- go to pharmacy
- start planning new course

I can do some of this tomorrow while marking but some of it will wait for the long weekend.

[busymom]

Hope this makes you smile:

We've harvested the last of the broccoli out of our garden.  Unfortunately, it appears it was attacked by some sort of green caterpillar/worm, whose color matches the broccoli exactly. So I've got DD & DS working together in the kitchen.  DD is washing & cutting up the broccoli, and when she spots one of those caterpillars, she asks her brother to remove it.  He is laughing, because he thinks the whole situation of finding these things is funny.  And, he's not afraid of popping a piece of broccoli in his mouth after it's been washed.  We've grown broccoli for years, but only the last 2 years have we gotten these critters.  I'm going to have to do some research this Winter to see if there is a non-toxic way to discourage them. 

[Sharon]

I spent a little over an hour in the yard after work today and almost completely filled one of my yard debris bins.  Today was garbage day and one is already full again.  I have paid for two yard debris bins for years since my yard seems to generate a great deal of waste.  When I had the large maple tree sometimes the two debris cans weren't enough for the week in the fall.

I'm just glad to get some of the leaves up while they are dry.  The trees still have a lot of leaves so I will be raking for some time to come.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

New bed is in! Old bed is now in DD#1's room to make it a guest room. 
DH also hung two pieces of art work we've acquired in the last week. 

Tonight, I hope to finish grading some writing conventions test. I also need to spend about 20 - 30 minutes doing a few deep cleaning tasks in my bedroom: closet floor, sweeping, counter clutter picked up. 


In other fun news, DD#2 went to a college fair today. She won a fitbit and gave it to me!

[busymom]

What a nice DD you have, Knee Deep in Water Chloe!    (BTW, I LOVE my Fitbit.  Even the days I feel scolded when there hasn't been much activity during the day.)

I'm trying to pull everything together for the closing on Mom's house this Friday.

Also, I'm trying to catch up on laundry.  The colder the weather becomes, it seems the more there is. 

[moneysquirrel]

Updating -- small steps

Oct 23, 2016 15:21:55 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

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    done
*Tutoring -- 2 hours   done 1 have 1 left

School:

*Lesson Plans -- done
*Continue correcting 7th project 1-- in progress @25  @15  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) -- 3 sets done, 4th test rescheduled for next week -- some assembly with this group
*Forgot about 5th tests -- done 40  @ 20 left (given this afternoon -- plan to get to them tomorrow along with some of the other things not done yet)

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

Trying to do as much of the correcting as I can at school.  Have a planning period tomorrow and the unexpected extra one since they are taking my 7th grade class for an activity.  I hope to be finishing the 5th grade tests as they are quick to do, hoping to check for any new submissions for the 7th 1st project then start on the 6th grade ones before the 7th 2nd project. Finally the 5th projects.  I really don't want to have a lot left to do this weekend so I will be spending any time I can at school to get things done.  Also my presentation is tomorrow -- added a few things to the one I did last time and updated the powerpoint so I am set there.  Have to take the computer with me so may even try correcting some tomorrow night if I am not wiped out by the time I get home.

Chloe -- I know what you mean about trying to get some housework done at night.  Most of the time I have to postpone till the weekend.  The trick with the fitbit is to remember to wear it.  I have forgotten to wear mine for the last month.  Too much rushing in the morning.

Need to try to get something done tonight.  

[Sharon]

I discovered tonight that I need to clean out my purse, specifically all the grocery lists that are in my purse.  Tonight when I got to the store I couldn't find my list.  I found several other lists but at least knew that they weren't the list I was looking for.  Glad that I stuck with it until I found the correct list as I would have been upset if I hadn't gotten home with the lettuce.  That was the main thing on the list.

[TheHaitian]

Made another $30 on some mirrors for a total of $160.

My wife then used it to buy cushions for the dinning room benches!

I just listed our current bedroom set for $1,500... have a few interest, we will see.

[startsmart]

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


I guess I "cleaned" my office for yesterday's video but in reality I moved everything out of camera view 

I do need to tape off the area arounds the bench so I can continue priming without a mess, this primer is getting on everything! At minimum I'll prime the seat so I can get that secured with the piano hinge and nailed into the frame. Then I can fit the last 3 pieces of MDF and really get to work finishing this sucker. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Oct 25, 2016 10:12:03 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

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-More handed out here at the office, two delivered this AM.
Deliver the Reese's mix I made last weekend-5 of 6 jars delivered this morning.  I love making people happy.
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.-He attended this last night.  I'll make time to make calls next week.  Maybe. 
Arrange catering for this Thursday's volunteer dinner-Scheduled for delivery
Arrange pizza for the ATV club party this Thursday-Will order at 6 tonight, and pick it up at 6:30.
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.-Still haven't done them.
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-Will chop veggies and bake the cookie pizza tomorrow night.
Catch up from being gone this past weekend-Done except for emptying the master bath trash-Trash emptied
Figure out a costume since the one I ordered doesn't fit -Done.  Now I just need to return the one I ordered.-Still need to do this.
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 think these helped, I'm feeling much better today than Monday.

I this thread.

Highlights in purple above.  Also, last night:

Bought produce and other party snacks
Hid treasure for Saturday's Treasure Hunt
Detail decorating:  Hung a motion activated spider, plastic spiderweb place mat, strategically placed plastic mice and insects throughout the main floor.
Cleared off the majority of the kitchen counters
Picked up upstairs
Tuesday I made black vodka:  Plain vodka with food coloring.  It's chilling in the freezer.
This morning I wiped down the guest bathroom, and plugged in the guest lamp and clock in case someone stays overnight.
Also, I voted this morning. 

I still need to do a boatload of dishes, and blanch and prep the homegrown tomatoes for freezing.

Two days and counting.

[busymom]

Well, I'm as ready as I'll ever be for tomorrow. I've got everything set out: extra keys, 2nd garage door opener, warranty information, legal papers, etc.

My sinuses are still annoyingly stuffed up. The bus driver who picks up DS in the morning told me everyone is catching whatever it is. Goody.

[Iggy aka IG]

busymom   (For tomorrow, not your stuffiness.)

[debthaven]

I'm feeling quite the slacker here!

Busy, fingers crossed for tomorrow! I'm sure everything will go well!

I'm getting quite distraught because that studio is still not moving, despite lowering the price 3 times. I called the agent about the other studio (the one we don't really want to sell). She answered but she's off till late next week so she'll call me back then. She's not in the office so she didn't have the info with her.

DS3 reminded me that he needs a new winter coat. $$$. And he has a week off in Nov with just one exam (smack in the middle of the week!) So can he come home for 5 days, he found a cheap flight? Obviously we are dying to see him! So $$$ AGAIN. There ain't no amount of rice and beans and lentils that are going to compensate for a new winter coat (a nice one but 65% off) and a plane ticket.

New / updated list:
- write to new boss at new job about Dec seminar OMG DONE AND SO RELIEVED!
- meet D for lunch (haven't seen her since July) Fri
- work out and enter this week's oral marks Fri
- go to pharmacy Fri
- haircut Sat
- put away firewood (with DH) Sat
- start planning new course

[plugginaway22]

Ditto Debt on spending money for youngest DS!!  He is home now and will not be back until late May for DDs wedding.  I am ready to push the button on airfare for me to go out in Feb or March because I will be sick with missing him!  But the money.....he also needs a new phone and we will probably just get it and say Merry Christmas!

[debthaven]

Pluggin one of my best friends is a nurse and I REALLY envy how she she can pick extra shifts anywhere and earn extra money, both at her job and elsewhere!

I'm feeling really, really low right now. I keep hoping for a miracle but that studio has been on the market for 6.5 months and it's just not moving.

[plugginaway22]

Yes, DH and I are salaried employees so no way to earn extra!  I could sell things around here, like a scooter that DS had in HS is still in garage, he says worth about $500. But the rest of our surplus would not bring in much money if we sold it. An extra bicycle that might get $50.  I am going to concentrate on reducing expenses, like DH and I have gotten really bad about eating out since it is just the 2 of us.  Totally unnecessary!  And with wedding expenses looming, we need to tighten up around here.  I also get very antsy when there are no trips on the horizon, but there will not be with a spring wedding.

Fingers crossed that you sell the studio!  Cannot imagine with your proximity to Paris it has not sold.

[startsmart]

Tonight's entire goal is to prime the seat for my bench and then attach it securely to the frame. 

Saturday = secure the top of the bench and cut the back and side pieces.

Sunday = get the whole bench covered in at least one coat of primer.

Someone, please tell me I can do this! 

[Iggy aka IG]

debthaven and plugginaway22

startsmart, you got this! 

[Iggy aka IG]

Oct 27, 2016 14:38:12 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Oct 25, 2016 10:12:03 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

I this thread.

Highlights in purple above.  Also, last night:

Bought produce and other party snacks
Hid treasure for Saturday's Treasure Hunt
Detail decorating:  Hung a motion activated spider, plastic spiderweb place mat, strategically placed plastic mice and insects throughout the main floor.
Cleared off the majority of the kitchen counters
Picked up upstairs
Tuesday I made black vodka:  Plain vodka with food coloring.  It's chilling in the freezer.
This morning I wiped down the guest bathroom, and plugged in the guest lamp and clock in case someone stays overnight.
Also, I voted this morning. 

I still need to do a boatload of dishes, and blanch and prep the homegrown tomatoes for freezing.

Two days and counting.

Dishes and tomatoes processed last night.

I'll process produce and bake the cookie pizza as mentioned tonight.  And boil eggs and make my mom's dip.

And, nope.  Still haven't done those ever-loving floors, LOL.  I did put snacks, bowls, napkins and such in DH's garage and in the grand room, moved kitchen chairs to the grand room, and completely cleared off my counter.  The Crock Pot is out waiting for tomorrow's Angus Gorgonzola meat balls.

I Halloween!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

We're trying to decide if we're going to see my MIL tomorrow. It's a three-hour trip there, and DH still isn't doing well enough to make such a long trip in one day. If we go, we'll not get home until Sunday evening. That means I have two approaches to the weekend. 

If we stay home: 
mop the floors
deep clean laundry room
wipe down insides of cars
sweep back porch
write feedback on 75 essay rough drafts

If we go visit MIL, 
write feedback on 75 essay rough drafts

[startsmart]

Well I started on the bench! The seats are primed and the first one is just about attached. Waiting for the second to dry so I can screw it into the frame. Primed the front so it's drying and I'm covered in paint now  

[busymom]

Mom's house is officially sold as of today!   The real estate agent actually asked me what I was going to do with the extra time I'll now have, and I told her I've already got a list. 

Unfortunately, this congestion thing is still hanging onto me, so tomorrow morning I'm going to try to sleep in (at least, as much as DS lets me).  Then, I need to get some grocery shopping done, & maybe pick up some more Halloween candy, as temps will be warm Monday, and around here, the warmer the weather, the more kids you get at the door.  Can you believe it's already the end of October?!? 

[debthaven]

Hurray Busy! I'm sure it was bittersweet but it'll be a relief not to have to take care of the house anymore.

I didn't do much at all yesterday.

To do
- sent MSc retake assignment Sat
- work out and enter this week's oral marks Sat
- haircut Sat
- put away firewood with DH Sat
- go to pharmacy Sat
- grocery shop for company Sat
- start planning new course

ETA: Putting all that firewood away nearly did me in. I'm really out of shape.

[lund]

Decluttered some kid clothes. I fear that we won't be able to inherit clothing for much longer now - the size gap is diminishing rapidly.

Today's work focus is laundry.
The next will be either floors or leaves.

[busymom]

I'm seriously out of shape too, debthaven.  All that sitting around & sorting stuff from Mom's house has left me seriously out of shape (not to mention the extra pounds that "found" me again).  I actually checked out a website of a local health club last night, just in case extra walking doesn't melt off the pounds.  On the positive side, my back is getting better.  Not sure if it's less stress with the sale of the house, or the warmer-than-average temperatures we're enjoying here. 

Nothing very exciting here today.  Paying bills, running errands, & catching up on laundry.  DH & I need to set up some time to re-clean out his garage stall, so we can get his car in before the sNOw flies.  (That area got rearranged during the garage sale.)

[moneysquirrel]

Another Update:

Oct 26, 2016 19:12:14 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Updating -- small steps

Oct 23, 2016 15:21:55 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

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    done
*Tutoring -- 2 hours   done 1 have 1 left

School:

*Lesson Plans -- done
*Continue correcting 7th project 1-- in progress @25  @15 @8 left (Due next week but most have been turned in already)
*Start correcting 7th project 2 -- @85  @ 40 left(Due next week but some have been turned in early)
*Start Correcting 6th project 1 -- @90 (Due this week) @ 35 left I will have to email some because of no submission,
*Correct 4 sets of 7th tests @85 (Due this week) -- 3 sets done, 4th test rescheduled for next week -- some assembly with this group
*Forgot about 5th tests -- done 40  @ 20 left  DONE (given this afternoon -- plan to get to them tomorrow along with some of the other things not done yet)

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

I plan to finish up all of the project that I can this weekend. -- Will be emailing those who did not submit the projects later. I have one more class section to go. Decided to take a short break, get another load of laundry done and a few other items then back to work. Hope to be finished and not work so much tomorrow. (except checking to see if anyone turned in an assignment I emailed about. 
Will check in later this weekend with an updated/ new list.  I expect a few of these items will be remaining on it. 

[debthaven]

Funny you should mention the health club Busy ... I was thinking about finding out if there is a zumba class near me. I've lost 6 kilos (13 pounds) since July but I've got more to go and I really don't do any exercise.

ETA: Found one right near me but definitely not in the budget these days. Maybe next year?!

Updated list
- work on new course
- pick up pharmacy (Mon)

Iggy have a great party!

[Sharon]

I was off work early yesterday so after work got the lawn mowed, leaves raked and the car washed.  It is raining AGAIN this morning so glad that I got some outdoor work done.

Today's List ( Let's see what actually gets done)
Change the sheets on the bed
Clean the bathrooms (including steam mopping the floors)
Clean the litter boxes
Laundry
Dust the house
Vacuum the house
Do something about the kitchen floor (a bomb might be the only option left)   I can put off my kitchen floor longer than any other chore.
Pick up more cat food
Quick grocery store run
Shite Pile
Update YNAB
Iron pillowcases and fabric I washed

Fun Stuff
Do 4 more sheep blocks (Just the fusible web part)

[plugginaway22]

Another pretty Fall day here so that has me motivated.  Washing machine has been running since 9am, getting caught up with laundry, stripped and changed 3 beds.  Need to run to the store for candy for Trick or Treaters, we get maybe 20 kids. DH will be working on all the leaves for about half a day, but I would like for us to get out into the garage and do a little straightening/de-cluttering.  Once the real cold hits I spend NO time out there. 
Debating about whether or not to have Thanksgiving for the WHOLE family, it is always a decision that I stress over.  For some reason the relatives like to come here!  I would love an invite one year where all I needed to do was bring a dish!

[debthaven]

Pluggin can you do just the turkey and tell everyone else to bring a dish? We're hosting Thanksgiving for some friends. I'm working all day so DH is working from home to cook the turkey and prob one side, and the others are bringing dessert / more sides. We alternate years with our friends and that's how we organize it.