2016 Declutter and Get Organized Thread

[debthaven]

Dee I'm sorry you're not feeling well. That is a LOT of doc appts ... I hope you feel better soon. I take it you had some form of laser surgery? There are two kinds ... DS1 had the rarer kind (PK something?) and it took him weeks to heal, but he is absolutely thrilled with the results.

[dee27]

I am impatient, debt. I like to do w/o restrictions and am probably being whiny because I cannot do what I want.

[debthaven]

I am impatient too Dee, so I understand that.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, moneysquirrel!  busymom, there isn't a woodstove currently, but there's lots of room for one.    debthaven, congratulations on making your very difficult decision.    dee27


This week's list:
Deep clean or call a professional to prepare the house for listing
Finish decorating the house
Start Christmas cards
Treadmill
Send our mortgage gal the requested home loan documents Done this morning

We just signed the documents to list our home moments ago.  The realtor will be coming Monday to take pictures, and install the lock box and For Sale sign.  Here we go!    She brought us a 3 page document called Tips on Showing Your Home. 

Additional list:
Dust
Clean tile and laminate floors-We'll wait to clean the carpeting until after we move out
Windows
Deep clean the master bathroom
Sweep front porch, for what it's worth this time of year

Luckily we don't let things like clogged sinks, dripping faucets, burned out bulbs, etc. pile up.

[startsmart]

I am SO ready to declutter this team member whose last day is today. We were scheduled to have a call this morning and she's a no-show. No response to multiple emails, texts, phone calls... nothing. Oh and she leaves tomorrow for 10 days offline and still owes us work. I'm so annoyed 

On the good news side of things I got my latest book back from the designer and it only needs a few edits before it'll be ready to go. I've published 3 this year already so I'm going to hold this one until January because startsmart = tired! 

I also finished editing a client book (198 pages) which was fun but I had to do dual duty by reviewing all the external links (toFacebook groups and websites) plus mine it for content. Kinda tired of reading now! 

And I still haven't made a dent in the list lol, although I have my training appointment in about an hour. Time to go fuel up with lunch! 

Wednesday list:
pull weeds
clean up hiking shoes for trip
workout with trainer
put dog food for the kennel in the car
put away fall decor in the garage
move outdoor rug into the garage for winter - it rained again today so it's still drying

[debthaven]

Wed list
- farmer's market (for UK gifts)
- pack
- proofread writing exam
- post office

Not a good day.

Didn't make it to the post office, but there's no rush since it was paperwork for the second studio and there's no interest.

Didn't send in that exam either. The final exams were due Mon but I have only 2 students taking this one so I know it's OK to turn it in late. I can make the 2 photocopies myself next week.

Plus I'm pissed off because I am generally a VERY light packer but since this time we're renting an AirBnB, and I don't know what to expect, I'm taking all my toiletries, plus two pairs of shoes (dressy heels AND dressy flats, both purchased for DS1's wedding), so I can't manage to fit it all in a carry-on. Plus a ton of mail for DS1.

[debthaven]

DH told me, they know you've been unhappy there since the beginning, they haven't made the slightest gesture towards replacing you. You need to give formal notice.

Unfortunately I don't know the formalities (since I've never done this before) but I emailed them telling them to please consider that I am giving formal notice as of today, and to please inform me of any formalities I need to do. Which of course I will only do next week, since we are leaving tomorrow straight after work.

If nothing else, they'll know I mean business. I've offered to advertise the position for them, for Gd's sake! How much more do they need to know I'm serious?!

It was indeed a VERY hard decision but now that it's made, it's made.

ETA: I know this may sound crazy but I'm choosing to look at this "karmically". I'm giving up this pretty cushy job to somebody who will be happier with it, and make the kids happier than I do. Hopefully something that will make ME happier will come up. And, I'm sticking to TWO schools, not three.

[startsmart]

Me for the last 30 hours: 

That trouble team member? Never showed for our call. Didn't answer emails, phone calls or text messages. 

Then I see she deleted her Facebook account. 

Finally, we discovered she deleted ALL her work emails and hundreds of files before ghosting. 


 

The good news is that we worked until 1am to begin locking her out of everything, resetting passwords and such. THEN we were able to *magically* recover 3 years worth of emails and all the files. So now I'm sorting through 10k messages to find out what problems I have to clean up, all while cursing this adult woman who is acting like a child.

[snapdragon]

Good Luck startsmart. It sounds as though your work was lucky to finally get this put to bed. 
Enjoy your upcoming vacation. 

[busymom]

Oh my gosh, startsmart, that's just HORRIBLE!  I hope no business got messed up because of what they'd done.  Best that they're now gone. 

debthaven, I'm sorry that job didn't work out. 

DS & I ran a bunch of errands today.  And, I've completed another 20 Christmas cards. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

dee27, I hope next week is calmer for you. 

debthaven, I agree that you should give written formal notice. Is it okay to give six week's notice? That would give them a bit more time and still give you the legal backing to leave at the end of January. 


startsmart, that is awful. I know it will be a lot of work to transition, but at least she's out of your life. 


jeep108, how are you feeling?


Iggy aka IG, congratulations on the house!


busymom, yay for the letter and cards! Maybe I should do a letter this year...

[Iggy aka IG]

startsmart I would be livid!    Glad you were able to recover the information.

busymom , good job on the Christmas cards!

Thank you so much, Knee Deep in Water Chloe !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copied from above, this week's list:
Deep clean or call a professional to prepare the house for listing
Finish decorating the house I slipped out of work early yesterday to finish this.  I kept the decorations to a minimum so it won't be a distraction during showings.  I also put Christmas mini chocolates and red and green M & Ms inside a red tree shaped dish near the entryway.
Start Christmas cards
Treadmill
Send our mortgage gal the requested home loan documents Done this morning
Dust
Clean tile and laminate floors-We'll wait to clean the carpeting until after we move out
Windows
Deep clean the master bathroom-DH needs to buy a new switch for the jet tub.  Why he didn't do this years ago IDK.  It would have been nice to enjoy it once in a while.
Sweep front porch, for what it's worth this time of year
DH is going to rent a storage unit during this transition.  We did that last time and it seems to work out well.
Added:  DH is donating a bunch of his magazines to a friend's son stationed overseas for their morale tent 
Added:  I tossed 6 or so expired containers of spices and added an unopened nutmeg to the donation box since I mistakenly bought two last month.

Here we go! 

[plugginaway22]

Free weekend here which was so exciting for me, but now I need to make a list and GET STUFF DONE!

Start decorating for Christmas.
Get out all random gifts I have picked up over the past few months and make list of who has what.
Clean bathroom1, put down new rug I bought.
Put away last of T-Giving serving/kitchen pieces.
Pay some bills.
Go to bank.
Prep box for shipping to UT that must be done by this coming Friday.
Maybe get out tomorrow to do a little more shopping.

We have a thing at the office like a secret Santa, and you hide a small gift every couple of days, so need some of that stuff.

[naughtybear]

I am being BRUTAL and it feels so good.

[plugginaway22]

This thread truly helps with accountability.  Here is what I did before noon today, although most of it wasn't on my list!

Showered
Watered house plants
Loaded and ran dishwasher
Paid 2 bills
Dropped off checks at bank
Made a casserole, in oven now
Hauled out some decorations from attic storage
Made a grocery list
Talked to my 88 year old Aunt on the phone for 20 minutes

Need to make afternoon as productive!

[Jaguar]

So far today, I have one load of laundry being washed, another load to follow. I made the bed, vacuumed the bedroom, got dishes being washed and I'm taking my pills. This is, get your damn ass in gear Saturday.

[moneysquirrel]

Updating this list before I come up with the new one for this week. 

Nov 29, 2016 18:00:04 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Nov 27, 2016 21:38:07 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Personal/Home

• Finish removing Thanksgiving items -- Done
• Finish decorating Christmas tree -- Done
• Start other Christmas decorations
• Maintain house progress -- Ongoing
• Exercise Monday
• Tutor twice Done

* Mail property tax.

School/Work

• Run off three fifth grade exams 1
• Run off four sixth grade exams 1
• Run off four seventh grade exams 1
• Run off 5/6 mc exams 2
• Run off seventh grade mc exams 2
• Track down missing projects -- In Progress
• Update class pages with deadlines Done
• Release 7th project grades
• Faculty meeting Tuesday
• Bring small Christmas tree to school -- Done
• Begin moving items to shelves – this will be ongoing until exams as maintenance needs clear floors for waxing during the Christmas break -- Started -- Almost Finished

Crafts

• Craft show – Thursday   Done
• Craft show – Saturday    Done
• Take pictures of new items
• Begin new item?

[debthaven]

We're back! Despite the fact that we were there for a funeral, we spent a lovely time with both DH's family but also my/our DS1, DIL and DS3. We were touched that DS1 came to the funeral and spent the day with us. On Sat DH bought everybody an early Christmas present: he took his entire family to the theater on Sat. Today we went to DS1's and DIL's house for brunch before heading home. It's good to be home though, we are both very tired. I ate too much but walked a LOT so hopefully I didn't do too much damage lol.

I've unpacked, started laundry, changed into pjs and poured a glass of wine.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I am in denial about what I have going on and need to do. 
This week, I need to focus on: 
--DD#2's is hosting a Christmas party on Friday
--I haven't mopped in a month (I have swiffer mopped.)
--So much grading
--more Christmas shopping, wrapping, and shipping. 
--I think DH invited people over for dinner on Saturday, but I'm not sure. 
--File a WC's thing for one of DH's doctor's visits
--DD's teacher gifts

[debthaven]

This week
- finish exam (this is late)
- enter marks
- exchange sweater (no luck)
- MSc: 4 papers
- bottle bank
- pharmacy

I'm sure I'll think of more. I get my first set of finals on Thursday.

[busymom]

Hiya Kids!  I had some relatives "pop in" yesterday, but they telephoned ahead, so at least I had time to do some last minute cleaning.  The house still looks really good from Thanksgiving, so I just had to do a little bit. 

Back to holiday prep for today.  I'll probably do more laundry, too. 

[snapdragon]

Got a few things done -

Everything that I had to donate was written up and gone on Saturday! 
- Outside spigots are covered for winter
- Roses are cut down 
- Remade the bed with flannel sheets
- 3 loads of laundry are done
- Everything that was left from my kitty has now been given away to donation or to friends with kitties
- I vacuumed the house
- Phoned and spoke with a friend and am meeting them on New Years

I have more to do but it was a good start. 

- I now need to clean the kitchen so that I can bake some cookies and scones
- Have presents to wrap
- Put up heavy winter drapes

[Iggy aka IG]

I am so over it already.  The cleaning, packing, tweaking on every little inch of our home to get it market ready.  Had to come in to work just to relax.

Copied from last week, this week's list:
Deep clean or call a professional to prepare the house for listing-I give in and will call someone.
Finish decorating the house I slipped out of work early Thursday to finish this. I kept the decorations to a minimum so it won't be a distraction during showings. I also put Christmas mini chocolates and red and green M & Ms inside a red tree shaped dish near the entryway.
Start Christmas cards
Treadmill
Send our mortgage gal the requested home loan documents Done last week
Dust-Did this for what seems like hours yesterday, and it's still not perfect
Clean tile and laminate floors-We'll wait to clean the carpeting until after we move out.  I swept once yesterday, and it looks awful again since DH was going in and out all day yesterday.
Windows-This isn't going to happen, it's too cold outside.
Deep clean the master bathroom-DH needs to buy a new switch for the jet tub. Why he didn't do this years ago IDK. It would have been nice to enjoy it once in a while.  The soaker tub is still
Sweep front porch, for what it's worth this time of year-We did this yesterday and it looks amazing.  DH used the air hose after I was done with the broom. 
DH is going to rent a storage unit during this transition. We did that last time and it seems to work out well.  He did this.
Added: DH is donating a bunch of his magazines to a friend's son stationed overseas for their morale tent Friend picked these up Friday afternoon
Added: I tossed 6 or so expired containers of spices and added an unopened nutmeg to the donation box since I mistakenly bought two last month.  Was going to drop off the donation box this morning but there was construction so meh.

I also wiped down light switches and handle on the main floor, door frames and the tops of doors, dusted the top of the foyer closet, top of the fridge and kitchen cupboards, processed the self-cleaning oven, wiped down the stainless steel appliances and pantry door, packed up a box of nick knacks (aka dust collectors) in the living room, did 6 loads of laundry, processed boiled eggs and produce, took down posters and tapestry from my home office/gym walls, pulled about 4 feet of clothing and put it in my truck so it looks like more room in the master closet, etc.

This morning the realtor is coming to take the listing pictures.  I wiped down the master mirror, opened up all the blinds, turned on all the lights, put DH's breakfast dishes in the washer and started it, wiped down the counters, took out the garbage and moved DH's truck from the driveway.

I am tired, sore, cranky and I have a headache.

[debthaven]

Holy cow Iggy, you got a LOT done!

I did some work at school but I have another long break tomorrow so I'll do more then. Still exhausted from the weekend ... I'm getting old.

Good news, my main job offered me an extra class for next semester. Whew!

[jeep108]

Dec 1, 2016 23:55:32 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

dee27, I hope next week is calmer for you. 

debthaven, I agree that you should give written formal notice. Is it okay to give six week's notice? That would give them a bit more time and still give you the legal backing to leave at the end of January. 


startsmart, that is awful. I know it will be a lot of work to transition, but at least she's out of your life. 


jeep108, how are you feeling?


Iggy aka IG, congratulations on the house!


busymom, yay for the letter and cards! Maybe I should do a letter this year...

Biopsy was today, my surgeon took a ultrasound probe and a small piece of tissue. He told me the cancer is growing. He's not comfortable doing my surgery. I will be going to Houston or LA depends on who wants to take my case. I will have one of the best sarcoma specialist doing my surgery. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long. The longer I wait. The higher the anxiety.

[moneysquirrel]

jeep -- keeping you in prayer.  Hope that things work out quickly so that your anxiety levels will not be elevated too much.
debt -- Great news about the job.
Chloe -- we have two more weeks before the holidays.  The good news is that all of the semester grades are due before we are off so the holidays = no grading.  Maybe some planning but no grading. Only 9 more days -- not that I'm counting or anything. But we return on the 2nd. 
Iggy -- Every little bit helps.  Good luck with organizing, packing and everything else.
Jaguar -- I need a Saturday like that but don't see one in the immediate future.
Busymom -- I now write very few cards.  Only a few to out of town family and friends.
Start -- Glad that you were able to recover the data.  Sorry that you had to go through that.

This week’s list:

Home/Personal
- Maintain progress and make some improvements
- Put out Nativity sets
- Store Holiday storage container somewhere other than the middle of a room
- Stop by the gym and pick up a few gift cards (only allowed to buy one per day)
- Several other items that I can’t remember

School

- Continue checking for late projects
- Correct 6 more sets of part one of the exams
- Conference two days this week
- 11 sets of part 2 of exams (Next Week)
- Semester Grades (Next Week)
- Put the away from internet message on school email (next week)
- Set up 2017 calendar with duties, activities, etc.

Crafts

- Bracelet for T
- Craft show – Saturday (last one before the holidays)
- Start new project for me
- Finish loom bracelet
- Gather info to place order for items needed
- Reorganize bead room
- Glue puzzle together
- Get frame for said puzzle (Christmas related – will be used yearly)
- Decipher pattern for future project

I am sure that I am forgetting several things.

Today I got to the gym, worked with my trainer after doing 1.5 miles of cardo and picked up one gift card (they run a special this time of year – buy 125 and get 25 free – so I try to buy several to pay for my training), paid one insurance policy – have three more coming in the next two months, corrected three sets of the part 1 exam (5 down and 6 to go), checked and corrected a few late projects, stopped at the bank, and now am ready to wind down and just chill.

[Sharon]

jeep108 hope you hear soon on your surgery, continued prayers for you.


I am off work Thursday and Friday to try and get this whole holiday thing under control.  I will probably post a big list here soon, once I figure out everything that needs to be done.

[debthaven]

Jeep I hope your surgery goes quickly, and well. I'm thinking of you.

[Iggy aka IG]

jeep108

[busymom]

<HUGS> jeep108!    If you don't like the doctors at either of those hospitals, check out the Mayo Clinic.  They do some amazing work!

The last of my Christmas cards went out in the mail today!   Now, I still need to write up some for friends at church, etc.  But it feels SO good to have that big project done.