2017 Declutter and Organization Thread

[Iggy aka IG]

Dec 1, 2017 3:37:43 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Another thing to consider Knee Deep in Water Chloe is the price of the replacement brushes. They are almost like printer ink -> horribly expensive if you can only use the brand name. I have one with those small round brushes and use the off brand brushes. They are $15/8pcs. Buy the originals and they are $22/4pcs. I don't know whether all brands have generic brush heads available so it may be something to look at before you decide.

From what I've researched thus far, Amazon/Ebay are your friend, NOT the grocery store.

[Iggy aka IG]

Nov 30, 2017 10:55:09 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Nov 29, 2017 11:03:26 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Wednesday already!  I'm glad this week isn't crawling by like I thought it would.

Items out of the house:
Last night:  Incorrect electric toothbrush heads returned to the store
Today:  Return a cell phone accessory I don't need, and forward 2 read magazines to my sister
Tomorrow:  Returning an empty wine bottle back to a home wine making friend
Monday:  Donate the bag of clothing I've had in my truck for several weeks now

Items in:  Fresh produce last night, and a few more stocking stuffers and Sam's Club haul later today.  I want to get the latter done before the bad weather hits.  When that will be, who knows?

Chores:  A load of laundry and those ever loving dishes tonight notes below

Got home after 8 last night, but watching my niece's basketball team was worth it.  Woke up at 6 this morning and did dishes.  I'll do a few loads of laundry tonight.  Well, that's the plan, anyway. 

 

Ended up doing two loads of laundry last night.    Thanks to this thread, I'm remembering to do several loads throughout the week so I'm not bombarded when Saturday arrives.  It leads to relaxing Sundays.

This weekend:
finish laundry
keep up on dishes
straighten up my side of the master closet
scrub 3 toilets
shake out kitchen area rugs and sweep/Swiffer the kitchen floor
wrap presents and stocking stuffers
Christmas cards
prep baking list and ingredients
set up new tablet
steam eggs, prep food for next week's breakfasts and lunches

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone. 

[startsmart]

Sh*t to get done before Monday:

-another 28 videos need to be fixed ---> on recount it's 32
-I've got to copy the dog vaccination records for the kennel
-another gift to mail out tomorrow + 3 to hand deliver in the UK
-follow up on 12 sales calls from leads who didn't buy
-call and notify my bank of travels
-get quotes for gutter installation
-finish putting away the 2 boxes that have been on my kitchen table for 2 weeks
-client who wants to talk Saturday scheduled
-cash in some coins to load up my Kindle with new books
-transfer all the photos off my phone to make space
-finish packing my bags and make sure they're not overweight for the airline
-print out all my confirmations for the trip

[Malarky]

I miss you all!  Just a drive by.  I'm at least 25-30 pages behind on the thread!

I swear I've been living in filth of the past few months. Health and dental issues have buried me in a veritable plethora of appointments and paperwork.  Some of my own and some DH and DD.

The one year anniversary of turning my elbow to marbles and powder has passed.  New X-rays and CT scan show that the limited mobility that I have is what it is and isn't likely to change.  There is a surgical option that I could choose-bone graft from my hip-that doesn't guarantee anything so I'm not going there.

I did a deep clean of the kitchen yesterday-except the fridge.  Counters are cleaned of all unnecessary crap, bills payed, papers filed or recycled. Drawers purged, everything in it's place. I wish I would live like this always but it creeps up on me on busy weeks...which seems to be every week.

Hope you are all doing well.  I miss having the time to pop in daily.  Happy holidays to all!
 

[ilovedolphins]

I cleaned out approximately 120 items from my house in November.  December may not be as many with the holidays.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 1, 2017 1:47:13 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Knee Deep in Water Chloe might DD1 want an electric toothbrush too?

I've already purchased several kitchen items for her. I'm not sure I want to spend another $30 on that kid. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 1, 2017 11:39:24 GMT -5 Waffle said:

Yesterday as one of mom's home health care workers (occupational therapist) was leaving the house, she looked around and said "How do you keep this big house so clean?"

I said "it's not easy".  I could have said - you haven't seen upstairs, or the garage or the basement. HA!

This is great!!!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Let's see, weekend goals: 
Regular Chores:                           Deep Cleaning Chores: 
Toilets                                          Master Bedroom--baseboards, windows, major dusting, purge at least ten articles of clothing between both DH & me
Walk Dog Sat & Sun                    Napping room--major vacuuming, major dusting
Switch out dog bowls                    
Vacuum Area Rugs                      Work Tasks: 
Update YNAB                               Conventions Plan for T2
Lesson Plans                                    Dec 1 Journals
Mon, Tues, Wed Prep                      Grant Propsosal (this is a maybe)      
Classroom Set                                 SIOP email 


                                                    Christmas: 
                                                       Set up and decorate tree 
                                                       wrap presents

[debthaven]

Waffle you're on your way! Getting started is the hardest part. Also it sounds like once you manage to "downsize" your antiques business you'll have less to keep up with, so more time. Win win!

The wife never got back to me, which I think is really rude. The husband told DH their offer was only good until 1 Dec, and it's past that date now. But since I wrote to her after he said that, but before 1 Dec, they really should have responded. I'm still hoping it's not dead but I'm not very optimistic. There is now a second studio for sale in that suburb which is (proportionately) more expensive than ours, and it doesn't have a garden.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 2, 2017 3:59:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Waffle you're on your way! Getting started is the hardest part. Also it sounds like once you manage to "downsize" your antiques business you'll have less to keep up with, so more time. Win win!

The wife never got back to me, which I think is really rude. The husband told DH their offer was only good until 1 Dec, and it's past that date now. But since I wrote to her after he said that, but before 1 Dec, they really should have responded. I'm still hoping it's not dead but I'm not very optimistic. There is now a second studio for sale in that suburb which is (proportionately) more expensive than ours, and it doesn't have a garden.

Debt, you might go with the assumption that the wife didn't want to go against her husband's wishes in the negotiating process. I understand why a response of acknowledgement would have been the polite approach, but since that didn't happen I'd still go with the next best/non-rude assumption. 

[chapeau]

Debt, Hopefully your studio will look like a jewel compared to the new one on the market! And I agree it’s rude for the wife to not even send a “thanks, but no thanks” email. Takes 30 seconds!

Today we picked out a Christmas tree and it’s now on the back patio in a bucket of water. We won’t bring it in for a couple of weeks, but I like to get it when they’re still recently cut. I have tickets to a brass band Christmas concert tonight, so only a couple of hours to work on a project for DD to do tonight with the sitter. Have to clean off enough of the dining room table for project work to take place. Tomorrow I need to clean up the playroom and get the new curtains up in there.

[busymom]

Ugh!  Sound like they're playing hardball on the negotiating, debthaven.  So sorry!     Maybe they'll change their mind once they see the other unit?


My house looks like a windstorm blew through.  We found a box of paperwork in our basement that had been mis-marked on the date of what was inside.  So, I'm shredding it all, and so far have put 2 lawn-sized bags of garbage out, & am working on the 3rd.  I'm taking a short break because my shredder overheated.  

[debthaven]

Knee Deep in Water Chloe of course I didn't expect the wife to go against her DH ... I just hoped that texting her would reopen the negotations. Like chapeau said, "thanks but no thanks" would have been fine too. Her DH set a price and a deadline. I then lowered our price, before his deadline, so I expected a response in return.

Didn't make it to A's for the letter. We went to urgent care today because DH has a problem with his eye, it's totally bloodshot and very swollen, probably from a scratch or foreign body, the doc said. She put in a gel, gave us a scrip for more, and it is slightly better now. DH's band is playing tonight. I will see A there and may still go over to her house tomorrow to do the letter.

The Elton John concert last night was AMAZING! I think it's the first two worry-free hours I've had since July (except for time with my grandbaby). (DS2 got tickets for me, DH and himself for my birthday this week.) It was even more fun to have DS2 with us.

[TheOtherMe]

Happy to hear you enjoyed Elton John.  I've seen him several times dating back to his crazy concerts in the 70's to the long tails and grand piano concert he gives today.  

I kind of liked the duck outfit he used to wear.  

[startsmart]

Well I'm feeling like crap so I've been in bed for 3 hours. All stocked up with books, my computer and hot tea. 

Updating the list of Sh*t to get done before Monday:

-another 28 videos need to be fixed ---> on recount it's 32
-I've got to copy the dog vaccination records for the kennel
-another gift to mail out tomorrow + 3 to hand deliver in the UK
-follow up on 12 sales calls from leads who didn't buy
-call and notify my bank of travels
-get quotes for gutter installation ---> post trip
-finish putting away the 2 boxes that have been on my kitchen table for 2 weeks
-client who wants to talk Saturday 
-cash in some coins to load up my Kindle with new books
-transfer all the photos off my phone to make space
-finish packing my bags and make sure they're not overweight for the airline
-print out all my confirmations for the trip
-get dog #1 to the vet for a nail trim

[saveinla]

Nov 30, 2017 21:54:20 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Iggy, what kind of electric toothbrush do you have? DD#2 desperately wants one. The ones at Costco are only sold in pairs. I just don’t need a second one.

Chloe,

If you have a store close by, starting tomorrow Rite Aid has The Sonicare Essence Toothbrush and replacement head for 24.99. They also have a coupon for 5$ off that you can print, so it goes down to 19.99 + tax.

 Amazon also has a similar one for 24.99.

www.amazon.com/Philips-Sonicare-Electric-Rechargeable-Toothbrush/dp/B00QZ67ODE?th=1

[debthaven]

TheOtherMe I kind of liked his crazy costumes too lol. He was dressed quite soberly last night, hot pink shirt, black jacket with beautiful green and hot pink embroidery.

We saw him 20+ years ago here too, just him and his percussionist Ray Cooper, in a much smaller venue (the Zenith).

I woke up several nights this week EXTREMELY worried about going to that huge, huge venue, both because of the size and because of terrorist attacks. I have to admit that when DS2 gave me those tickets, the first thing I thought of was OMG what were you thinking?! Thank Gd I didn't say that to him. I DID say it to DH, but DH has the memory of a goldfish.

The last time DH and I went to that venue was 20+ years ago for Eric Clapton. I got there first and was waiting for DH (who was not DH at that time). Some nut job walked by me and intentionally spat all over my face and hair. Then finally a guy on a bicycle wearing a yellow slicker rode up, and I JUMPED INTO HIS ARMS. Except that it wasn't DH, it was a total stranger.

I spent the first half hour of that concert in the ladies bathroom washing my hair and face over and over with the bathroom soap. I swore I would NEVER go back there.

I'm so glad I did. I'm committed to trying to get out of my comfort zone to enjoy this sort of experience with my kids, because I'm lucky enough that they are happy to want to share them with us. 

[startsmart]

debthaven- I'm glad you enjoyed the concert. I can't imagine why your friend is so upset with you! You've been wonderful to her since she lost her husband and it seems like you can't ever win with her. Maybe give her some space? 

I came across this term in my client work but some people will be "perpetually aggrieved" and it doesn't matter what you do or say or how you interact, they will always find something to be upset about because that's how they operate. You thinking that her husband would have enjoyed the evening is a nice thought. 


I'm feeling better and got some things done today. Taking it easy tomorrow before a very busy couple of weeks. 

Also, I tried on my new winter pajamas and they are both comfortable and adorable. Makes me happy! 

[TheOtherMe]

I get a bit of that fear before concerts here but then figure if the worse happens, I was having a great time.

Since you are in France, Elton's sons may have been backstage.  They were with their two dad's last weekend.  Cute kids who will have everything.  

I am trying to convince myself that Lucy did not find a mouse under the refrigerator and bring it to the bedroom, where it escaped in to my closet.  I'm not doing well at convincing myself of this and half ordered some mouse traps.

Lucy had been staring under the fridge before I left from Colorado and she spends a lot of time doing it now.  I think she hit the jackpot last night.  She had the mouse all around my bed, thankfully on the floor.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 1, 2017 23:37:45 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Let's see, weekend goals: 
Regular Chores:                           Deep Cleaning Chores: 
Toilets                                          Master Bedroom--baseboards, windows, major dusting, purge at least ten articles of clothing between both DH & me
Walk Dog Sat & Sun                    Napping room--major vacuuming, major dusting
Switch out dog bowls                    
Vacuum Area Rugs                      Work Tasks: 
Update YNAB                               Conventions Plan for T2
Lesson Plans                                    Dec 1 Journals
Mon, Tues, Wed Prep                      Grant Propsosal (this is a maybe)      
Classroom Set                                 SIOP email 


                                                    Christmas: 
                                                       Set up and decorate tree 
                                                       wrap presents

This is not as far as I wanted to make it this weekend. Sigh. 
I have about six hours left in my day. Here's to productivity!

[busymom]

Hi Kids!  DD found out that a charity down in the city is looking for kid's winter jackets, so I found a couple to send with her (they're having a drive to help at her job).  They're also looking for children's books, and we've got some in good condition that can go, too.


My contractor might be coming here Tuesday, so I have to try & get the house back into shape.  Good times!  

[plugginaway22]

Been shopping like a mad woman, all on-line, Amazon and one other store where DD gets great discounts.  Love not leaving the house.  We did visit my parents and had a nice lunch yesterday.  Did some decorating and food shopping too.

[startsmart]

Updating the list of Sh*t to get done before Monday:

-transfer all the photos off my phone to make space - about 75% done 
-print out all my confirmations for the trip
-I've got to copy the dog vaccination records for the kennel
-client who wants to talk Saturday
-get dog #1 and #2 to the vet for a nail trim
-finish packing my bags and make sure they're not overweight for the airline
-call and notify my bank of travels
-finish putting away the 2 boxes that have been on my kitchen table for 2 weeks
-another gift to mail out tomorrow + 3 to hand deliver in the UK (packed) 
-follow up on 12 sales calls from leads who didn't buy - Emails going out Monday morning!

-cash in some coins to load up my Kindle with new books ---> the machine was broken 
-get quotes for gutter installation ---> post trip
-another 32 videos need to be fixed ---> will finish this project post trip

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 3, 2017 18:17:45 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Dec 1, 2017 23:37:45 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Let's see, weekend goals: 
Regular Chores:                           Deep Cleaning Chores: 
Toilets                                          Master Bedroom--baseboards, windows, major dusting, purge at least ten articles of clothing 
Walk Dog Sat & Sun                    Napping room--major vacuuming, major dusting
Switch out dog bowls                    
Vacuum Area Rugs                      Work Tasks: 
Update YNAB                               Conventions Plan for T2
Lesson Plans                                    Dec 1 Journals
Mon, Tues, Wed Prep                      Grant Propsosal (this is a maybe)      
Classroom Set                                 SIOP email 


                                                    Christmas: 
                                                       Set up and decorate tree 
                                                       wrap presents

This is not as far as I wanted to make it this weekend. Sigh. 
I have about six hours left in my day. Here's to productivity!

Not bad. Not great.

Bring on the week!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 2, 2017 19:28:16 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Nov 30, 2017 21:54:20 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Iggy, what kind of electric toothbrush do you have? DD#2 desperately wants one. The ones at Costco are only sold in pairs. I just don’t need a second one.

Chloe,

If you have a store close by, starting tomorrow Rite Aid has The Sonicare Essence Toothbrush and replacement head for 24.99. They also have a coupon for 5$ off that you can print, so it goes down to 19.99 + tax.

 Amazon also has a similar one for 24.99.

www.amazon.com/Philips-Sonicare-Electric-Rechargeable-Toothbrush/dp/B00QZ67ODE?th=1

Ooooh, Amazon has a $5 off coupon also making it $19.95. (We don't have sales tax.)
Thanks! I think I'll go this route, as I'm not sure she's really going to like it. If she does, and actually uses it, maybe we'll get her a more sophisticated one in a few years. 

[debthaven]

As of today Teaching Job 2 is over for one month. Three more days at Teaching Job 1. I'll still have two all-day meetings (one out of town) and 153 finals to mark, but I'll have a break from most of the classes (I'll still have my two faculty members 2.5h/week).

DH finally listed the studio on the FSBO site. And, we listed the problematic studio at a lower price with a new agency which agrees it will be difficult to sell. Fingers crossed that ONE of them sells. In retrospect it was DUMB to list on FSBO before we go to London, but neither of us thought about that.

I've been in a pretty dreadful state since that couple's deadline came and went.

ETA: By the way, I looked them up ... he's a private banker in a big bank, PLUS he either owns or manages 2 private hedge funds. So DH was absolutely right when he said they could definitely afford to go up 1.5K if they wanted to. Looks like DH was right, they weren't really interested after all.

[chapeau]

Well, curtains not up, and playroom not completely cleaned, but the shelves and cupboards in there have been gone through and I have 3 bags for donation. I also have 4 boxes of stuff to go through, plus several more boxes of kids books to sort.
DH volunteered to do a project that has been on my list since last year (his work schedule changed 2 weeks ago, so he is no longer working two 12-hour shifts on weekends. Yes, 16 hour a week pay cut, but we might actually get some projects done around the house. Jury is still out if it’s a win or not.)
So we did a couple of cosmetic type chores in the kitchen.
List for this week:
Finish making St Nick gifts
Clean bathrooms
Sort 2 boxes from playroom
Target run
Clean off dining room table
Laundry and regular tidying
finish knitting doll coat for DD Christmas gift

[Chocolate Lover]

I cleaned up my closet some this weekend. Tossed some stuff, condensed some stuff and now I can reach my clothes without stepping around the vacuum!

[Iggy aka IG]

Dec 1, 2017 11:47:28 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Nov 30, 2017 10:55:09 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Got home after 8 last night, but watching my niece's basketball team was worth it.  Woke up at 6 this morning and did dishes.  I'll do a few loads of laundry tonight.  Well, that's the plan, anyway. 

 

Ended up doing two loads of laundry last night.    Thanks to this thread, I'm remembering to do several loads throughout the week so I'm not bombarded when Saturday arrives.  It leads to relaxing Sundays.

This weekend:
finish laundry
keep up on dishes
straighten up my side of the master closet
scrub 3 toilets
shake out kitchen area rugs and sweep/Swiffer the kitchen floor
wrap presents and stocking stuffers
Christmas cards
prep baking list and ingredients
set up new tablet
steam eggs, prep food for next week's breakfasts and lunches

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone. 

So close to 100% completion!

DH helped install my new to me light fixture in my "fort", bought and set up a water dispenser, and CLRed several things.  The shower head was beyond help even after the CLR, so he bought a new one and installed it.  What a difference! 

Knee Deep in Water Chloe, DH's electric toothbrush is the OralB Braun.  His brush heads are round, whereas mine are more rectangular.

Good to see you, Malarky

debthaven, I saw Elton at the Hollywood Bowl years ago.  What a fantastic performer.

startsmart, hope you're feeling better. 

[debthaven]

startsmart you were absolutely right about my friend, thank you. She sent me a text the next morning apologizing and saying "it's not you, it's me". But your post made me feel better, so thank you. Seems like we will both be in London at the same time! I hope you have an amazing trip!