resolution
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Post by resolution on Jan 15, 2016 12:51:07 GMT -5
1. Meet current retirement savings goals - I plan to make this month's contribution today, so we are back on track. 2. Increase exercise to at least 5 days per week - I managed 5 days last week, will probably clock in at 4 this week. 3. Lose 10 pounds - I am afraid to check on this one. 4. Develop a better relationship with my SIL. - I keep procrastinating trying to schedule get togethers.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jan 16, 2016 8:25:31 GMT -5
1. Improve our financials a. Continue to increase/acquire income committed to three teaching gigs, continued discussion with another student (Feb start), filled out paperwork for payment from study; completed promotion write up and had someone look at it; worked swagbucks and mturk b. Rebuild my teaching business c. Save
2. Career a. Get in a position to apply for grad school in a year Thought about doing some reviewing my vocab..Doubt thinking really counts, though.
3. Health a. Exercise
4. Start working through my stash. a. Knit for charity Knit on bus commute b. Finish one UFO (cross stitch) a month stitched! c. Finish a quilt/quilt related project.
5. Work on our House a. Declutter almost have a grocery bag of books to sell. Will add some kid dvds no one watches b Repair c Update Looked at flooring at home improvement store; going to actual flooring store today.
What the hell, I'll shoot for the stars: 6. Read something other than blogs and messageboards.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Jan 16, 2016 18:30:22 GMT -5
Moving: SO and I have been trying to set aside time at least once a week to start planning our move. We decided that the cats, our electronics, and maybe a box or two of sentimental things are all that we really need to bring. My mom and her fiance are buying new furniture for their new house, so the house we will be moving into will be fully furnished. Our plan is to pay the utilities and help out with maintenance at all of their places until we find jobs. Then we will either start paying rent or start making payments to buy the house. Wedding: I was starting to stress out this week about the expense of moving and trying to plan a wedding at the same time. After talking about it this weekend though, it turns out that we are both on the same page in terms of wanting to focus on moving first. Then once we are settled, we will work on planning the wedding. We still want to keep it small and do it within the next year or so. Career: I have been looking more into what I will need to do to get certified as a histotechnologist. I will need to track down my adviser from grad school and ask him to fill out a form verifying my experience. Assuming I can get in touch with him, that shouldn't be a problem. However, if I wait more than a year, my experience will be too old to count. I think I will also sign up for an online training course because the exam covers a lot of information, and it has been years since I have needed to know this stuff. Moving: I looked into pricing for getting a truck cap for my fiance's truck. You have to request quotes, so I am guessing it will be expensive. Still, it might be less expensive than renting a trailer. We still have time to explore our options. Wedding: I am glad that we decided not to try to do this before we move. We would both still like to throw some kind of party, but we agree that getting ourselves set up in ND is the first priority. Career: I picked up the forms I needed from my former grad school adviser on Friday. It was nice to catch up with him and see some of my old lab mates.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 18, 2016 11:48:36 GMT -5
Better late than never: I had a minor surgery on Friday that set me back for a few days. Goal 1: manage career-- I spotted an opening in that class that had been full. Turned into a big PITA to enroll, but it's done. I hope it's worth it, or it will be another $500 down the drain. Big coupe getting into the class. Spotted a possible job opportunity as well. Finally applied today (I received a call for an interview before finishing this post--just a recruiter, so not that big of a deal.) Kind of a fail, as I should have applied immediately. Week 2's accomplishments in this area = mixed Goal 2: spend < income-- Yeah, didn't happen. I didn't buy stupid shit, but between the deductible for my surgery and tuition, I'm spending more than my practically zero income. (Counting my RMD as income right now, which works out to ~$300/month.) Way behind on YNAB already. Week 2 accomplishments in this area = fail Goal 3: habits-- I noticed that I hadn't been eating any fruits. Veggies yes, but rarely any fruits. Added some to daily diet. Grooming-- going well until the surgery. I forgot to shave my legs before surgery day. Fortunately, because of this goal, they weren't nearly as furry as they usually get in the winter. So, I'm calling this one a win. Decluttering-- pretty much went by the way-side. YNAB-- falling behind. Reading-- Did some Week 2 accomplishments -- eh, better than nothing. Not a complete fail, anyway. Goal 4: what was that again? I'll have to go back and look... ETA: ok, finish/follow-through on things. Well, I did enroll in that class, which required an instructor's signature since it had started already. It took me 3 hours since I decided to wait for him for an hour outside of a different class he was teaching while I was there, instead of driving 15 minutes home to email him and bring the email back later, which would have been another 15 minute/10 mile drive. So, I got it done--yay me, I guess. I applied for the job I had on my radar as well. Put all laundry away completely. So, Goal 4 I guess is going well? Go figure. I don't feel terribly accomplished. I guess I just need to keep pushing forward. Maybe I'll add accomplishments having to do with my mom, as it is taking up so much of my life. Week 1--2 Dr appts. Week 2: Blood work done and gas meter reading emailed. CHF and kidney's stable! Big yay! Week 3 goal: work on tracking her $$
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jan 18, 2016 11:55:02 GMT -5
FinancialSell the MFH PersonalLose 15 pounds and maintain that loss Reduce gossiping Professional
Decide what to do with my career: stay in teaching or return to school administration
Financial--we have emptied the crap, set up the necessities with the contractor, the cleaning lady, and the handyman. We're spending tons of money right now, so hopefully it is listed soon. I think we're on pace to list mid-February.
Personal--down 1.5 - 2.5 pounds, which is where I was prior to Thanksgiving. Doing okay with gossip reduction, especially with some temptations that have presented themselves with my previous employer.
Professional--too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 22, 2016 10:50:47 GMT -5
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Jan 23, 2016 18:22:37 GMT -5
Moving: I looked into pricing for getting a truck cap for my fiance's truck. You have to request quotes, so I am guessing it will be expensive. Still, it might be less expensive than renting a trailer. We still have time to explore our options. Wedding: I am glad that we decided not to try to do this before we move. We would both still like to throw some kind of party, but we agree that getting ourselves set up in ND is the first priority. Career: I picked up the forms I needed from my former grad school adviser on Friday. It was nice to catch up with him and see some of my old lab mates. Moving: One of my finance's coworkers has a truck cap that he is willing to sell for $250, but we might be able to score an even cheaper one. Wedding: We might still elope if we get too inpatient. (I have social anxiety so that would be my dream wedding.) If we do, it would be a secret between just the two of us. We would still have a small ceremony eventually because both of our moms would like a wedding. Career: I took two histotechnician certification exam practice tests. I did surprisingly well on the first, but worse on the second. The earliest that I can schedule the exam is three months from when I receive approval, so I am going to start that process next week. I also had a phone interview this week for a contract position. It may delay our move a bit, but it would probably still be worth it financially, and it would be nice to have a job again.
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Jan 24, 2016 9:19:09 GMT -5
I got fired... Definitely was not part of the "goals"
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jan 24, 2016 15:47:18 GMT -5
I really liked that website. Thank you for sharing.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jan 24, 2016 15:47:56 GMT -5
I got fired... Definitely was not part of the "goals"
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jan 24, 2016 16:04:23 GMT -5
FinancialGOAL: Sell the MFHWeek 2: we have emptied the crap, set up the necessities with the contractor, the cleaning lady, and the handyman. We're spending tons of money right now, so hopefully it is listed soon. I think we're on pace to list mid-February. Week 3: Same status, just a bit further. Cleaning lady has viewed the house, handyman has started his job, contractor is supposed to start next week. Personal GOALS: Lose 15 pounds and maintain that loss Reduce gossiping Week 2: down 1.5 - 2.5 pounds, which is where I was prior to Thanksgiving. Doing okay with gossip reduction, especially with some temptations that have presented themselves with my previous employer. Week 3: no additional weight loss. A few slips with some previous employer topics, but all have been people seeking me out. I'm trying to just listen politely and not contribute. ProfessionalGOAL Decide what to do with my career: stay in teaching or return to school administration Week 2: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks. Week 3: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 24, 2016 22:19:15 GMT -5
I got fired... Definitely was not part of the "goals" I'm sorry. "Life is what happens when you're making other plans." From my own experience, it doesn't seem to do too much if you don't make any plans, even if they are foiled in the end. Like the others, I think you'll land something else quickly, but I know it's still hard to deal with. My husband was laid off, and he had a really hard time with it, though he found a much better job for more pay within just a few months. It still sucks having been let go. Good luck to you, and your family.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 24, 2016 22:37:39 GMT -5
As for week 3, I've been dragging my feel on the update as it's been somewhat of a throwaway. Started out with sinus surgery, and ended up laid up and in a lot more pain than I ever expected from it. (It was a balloon, not scraping, if you're familiar with it.) Anyway, today is my first pain pill free day, though I did have a bit of a headache around noon. On top of that, my youngest has been sick, which is never fun. Did get some stuff accomplished, though: 1. Interview with recruiter. The job I applied for, funnily enough, was where DH works! I don't have enough hours available for them, from what I gather. There were a few other lesser possibilities that popped up on Indeed. I guess I'll have to go back over them and see if any are really viable Started QB class. 2. Nutrition went out the window this week. Need to get back on track for that. I did manage to cook a few meals, even with feeling bad. Lots of post-op instructions-followed pretty well. Minimal progress on the decluttering front. Didn't do extra grooming every day, but still an improvement. Brows not too bad. Nails, neat but unpolished. Legs remarkably hairless for the middle of winter. Still reading books a bit at a time. 3. Still haven't gotten back to YNAB. (Big Fail!) Got my checking account filled up enough to pay off my last CC statements, though. Plus, need to get more in there from my 529 to pay tuition on next month's statement. CC's paid up. 4. FInished/followed through on putting laundry away, as well as post-op instructions. Need to finish small remodeling projects, getting back to first recruiter's email, and probably a million other things. Mom stuff--not whole lot extra this week. Meds 2-3x a day except the day of my surgery. DB did morning meds. I wasn't supposed to drive for 24 hours, so asked him to do nighttime meds for her. He said he would but didn't!! Luckily, my mom found them and took them herself. Wish I could rely on her doing that all the time, but I know I can't from experience. All right, I really need to get my ass back in gear this week. Taxes are coming up!
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cronewitch
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I identify as a post-menopausal childless cat lady and I vote.
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Post by cronewitch on Jan 24, 2016 23:42:09 GMT -5
I got fired... Definitely was not part of the "goals" Sorry about that.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jan 24, 2016 23:45:26 GMT -5
1. Improve our financials a. Continue to increase/acquire income Shored up another student to start in Feb; few more inquiries b. Rebuild my teaching business c. Save
2. Career a. Get in a position to apply for grad school in a year
3. Health a. Exercise Did once last week. b. Taking care of me: found dental insurance cards so I can make an appointment..have a feeling mouth is a mess
4. Start working through my stash. a. Knit for charity did this; about 1/3 done with hat; got bored and cast on a new project-a square to donate b. Finish one UFO (cross stitch) a month Stitched/should have a finish c. Finish a quilt/quilt related project.
5. Work on our House a. Declutter b Repair c Update
What the hell, I'll shoot for the stars: 6. Read something other than blogs and messageboards.
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resolution
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Post by resolution on Jan 25, 2016 8:39:46 GMT -5
I missed all my goals this month except the financial ones. My bank was bought out by BB&T and I changed our information with Vanguard and set up retirement deductions.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 29, 2016 11:27:39 GMT -5
I missed all my goals this month except the financial ones. My bank was bought out by BB&T and I changed our information with Vanguard and set up retirement deductions. Hey, at least you got the financial ones done. Plus, looking at it every week is an opportunity to jump back in any time. My goals haven't been going that great either, but better than nothing, I guess. At least it's an improvement over 2015.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 29, 2016 11:35:40 GMT -5
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jan 29, 2016 12:19:00 GMT -5
All right, 4 weeks have passed. Do you think you're making progress? What do you think is working, and what don't you think is working? I am making progress. But, now, frankly, I'm just really sad at how I've neglected my own self-care. I just had to get that out there.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jan 30, 2016 8:56:44 GMT -5
I'll be back to list Feb goals later...They will be a little different..Here's where I stand with one more day in January..
1. Improve our financials a. Continue to increase/acquire income Promotion documentation finalized; think next student is set for next week; however lost another student b. Rebuild my teaching business c. Save
2. Career a. Get in a position to apply for grad school in a year Reviewed vocab I've already studied..remember fair amount
3. Health a. Exercise Once last week b.Dental Appointment has been made
4. Start working through my stash. a. Knit for charity Finished 6" square to donate; put in a few more rows on hat b. Finish one UFO (cross stitch) a month Very close Finished; Dug around for some other half-started/abandoned projects for next month. c. Finish a quilt/quilt related project. I started a new quilt project..I can use most of my stash, so that's how I'm justifying it. 5. Work on our House a. Declutter Sold a grocery bag of books and videos to half price..; worked on the bookshelf that is a "catch all" b Repair c Update
What the hell, I'll shoot for the stars: 6. Read something other than blogs and messageboards.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jan 30, 2016 14:35:46 GMT -5
All right, 4 weeks have passed. Do you think you're making progress? What do you think is working, and what don't you think is working? I am making progress. But, now, frankly, I'm just really sad at how I've neglected my own self-care. I just had to get that out there. R ecognizing it is the first step to solving it. It's okay to take care of your self. Everyday. You're important.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jan 30, 2016 17:58:34 GMT -5
I am making progress. But, now, frankly, I'm just really sad at how I've neglected my own self-care. I just had to get that out there. R ecognizing it is the first step to solving it. It's okay to take care of your self. Everyday. You're important. Thanks. That's definitely a biggie this year.
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Jan 30, 2016 19:06:58 GMT -5
Our only goal for 2016 was to have a kid. We had 4 failed IUI's in 2015 with Donor Sperm. We had our first appointment with the IVF clinic last Friday and my wife went back today for exams/testing. I have to have another testicular biopsy to see if I have any good sperm for IVF and we will still have donor sperm as a back up. As of now April is looking like our first round of IVF. So that means if we have a full term baby (God willing) we will not reach our goal of having a kid in 2016. That is ok, as long as we are pregnant I can live with a kid in 2017
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Jan 30, 2016 19:08:35 GMT -5
I got fired... Definitely was not part of the "goals" OMG dude! I'm sorry!
Do you have a thread on this? Anything the board can do to help?
Thank you and I am ok Been posting on the Job hunt thread!
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Jan 30, 2016 19:57:30 GMT -5
Moving - I had a couple more conversations with my mom. It sounds like it is a relief to them to be able to leave most of the furniture and appliances in the house that we will be moving into. That means we can sell most of our stuff before we leave. I also left an armload of books at the local coffee shop. The hardest part about moving will be figuring out what to do with our cats. They are coming with no matter what, but it won't be fun getting them there.
Career - I looked into getting a copy of my transcripts so I can register to take the histotechnician exam. That should be easy, but before I do it I want to confirm which format is required. I slacked off on finding out this week, but I will try to look into that next week. I am also thinking about trying to get back into manuscript editing. I did it for a while 7 years ago, but it didn't pay enough back then. Now that I can still get insurance as a contractor and won't need to make as much money, it might be worth looking into again. I liked it because I could do it from home and could sign up for as much work or as little work as I wanted.
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resolution
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Post by resolution on Jan 30, 2016 21:01:17 GMT -5
1. Meet current retirement savings goals - I plan to make this month's contribution today, so we are back on track. 2. Increase exercise to at least 5 days per week - I managed 5 days last week, will probably clock in at 4 this week. 3. Lose 10 pounds - I am afraid to check on this one. 4. Develop a better relationship with my SIL. - I keep procrastinating trying to schedule get togethers.
1. financial goals are going fine 2. Nope 3. Nope 4. SIL came over and spent the evening with me while the guys were working on BIL's truck. It was a mix of good and bad, but it went much better than it could have.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 31, 2016 15:12:31 GMT -5
I guess I should update right away--seem to get busier later on. Goal 1: career temp agency got my approval to submit my resume for a job opening. It's okay, but I think my availability will be a problem got software downloaded onto my laptop finally for my class. Apparently, there was an issue with their website, or it could have been caused by using Chrome instead of IE. I don't care--it finally worked! Not finding too many leads, but seem to be pickier now that I have 2 temp agencies looking for me, I should keep applying myself, too. Goal 2: spending YNAB still isn't instituted for myself. Giving up on retro, and will start again on the 1st. I did get it going for my mom's stuff. Focusing on fewer, larger grocery store runs to take better advantage of sales. Not buying so much random stuff, but need to eat in for lunches. Doing better with dinners (except we had McD's after all my boys got haircuts last week--not good with a time crunch.) Goal 3: habits Grooming---a little extra each day seems to be working well. I'm surprised how often I have to do a little here and there on my eyebrows, though. Housework: I started doing one room a day on Monday. Seemed to fall to the wayside, though. Nutrition--gotta get back to eating more veggies, and some fruit at least! New habits to work on: Exercise--starting in February Posture--I realized this week it has gotten horrendous. I can feel my spine cracking as I straighten up. When I do it right, it seems to engage my abs. Paperchase--I've got to figure out a better system for dealing with this. I've got 2 households of stuff to keep track of, plus Kindergarten should be called the tree-killer grade, I swear. Goal 2: finish/follow-through. All I've accomplished is putting laundry away, and a few more things. It's something, but not exactly what I had in mind with this goal. Next week, I hope to organize these goals a bit better. ANd maybe print them out and stick them on the fridge or something.
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Jan 31, 2016 16:40:05 GMT -5
Updating 2016 GoalsDone:- Contractor: repaired bath / walls - Coit: salvaged carpets, replaced rest - kept EF @ $5000br] Savings- 2015 Roth - $2249 to go - 2016 Roth - Pay for Scotland in cash Debt - Pay it off Health - Get back to a healthy BMI Fix it List- paint a contrast color behind bookshelves once I know what color I want - re-landscaping front -- sketch done
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Plain Old Petunia
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bloom where you are planted
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Jan 31, 2016 17:02:05 GMT -5
Pay off credit cards - check Pay off car - check I'm done for the year, baby.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Jan 31, 2016 17:27:03 GMT -5
Paperchase--I've got to figure out a better system for dealing with this. I've got 2 households of stuff to keep track of, plus Kindergarten should be called the tree-killer grade, I swear.Totally. What we did for the younger grades is put things that could be saved (8x11 or smaller, no noodles, feathers, shells, etc) in a box. I'd go through the box every few months and have my kids save x number of things. We did this at the semester, and the end of the year. Other people take pictures right away and then recycle.
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