2017 Declutter and Organization Thread

[debthaven]

This weekend's marking:
Fri: Group A: 17 papers
Sat: Group B: 16 papers
Sun: Group C: 16 papers
Finals: 76/149 done

Meetings over. Just 1/2 day of teaching per week now till 8 Jan. Then 1.5 days till 15 Jan when the semester really starts up again.

I forced myself to mark one complete set of papers this evening (after being gone for that meeting from 7am-5.30pm)! That will make the rest of the weekend much easier. DS3 arrives tomorrow evening!

[Iggy aka IG]

Thinking of y'all....

[debthaven]

Haha Iggy aka IG !

startsmart I hope you had a great trip! So you were there for the snow on Sun too ... first time in 10 years apparently.

busymom I hope your doggie is OK.

[NastyWoman]

Dec 15, 2017 9:22:34 GMT -5 Opti said:

Dec 14, 2017 23:23:43 GMT -5 busymom said:

     Could you just do an outline of a holiday design for your cards?  Like a Christmas tree, a bell, or ?  Like this:


      

      Just a suggestion, of course.  

Absolutely. Over the years I've done a couple similar things. One year I couldn't get my cards done in time, so I made a Christmas in February card. It was simply the outline of a green Christmas tree with a red heart hanging at the bottom of it. One of my favorites was based on the Star shining in the east and was a star done in silver paint marker with blue marker freehand over it for a background.

Many of my cards are simple, because I'm not yet using a printer to duplicate a more complicated piece of art. I go more complex when its a special occasion or I have time.

If nothing else works, send Chinese New Year's cards with the text "I wanted to do something different this year so my wishes for you stand out. Happy Year of the Dog". Or something along those lines. That gives you until 2/16/18  (and yes, I have resorted to this tactic in the past)

[busymom]

Dec 15, 2017 15:44:02 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Haha Iggy aka IG !

startsmart I hope you had a great trip! So you were there for the snow on Sun too ... first time in 10 years apparently.

busymom I hope your doggie is OK.

   <sigh>  Puppy has an abscess on one of his large teeth on the top near the back.  After taking a bunch of antibiotics, that tooth is going to have to come out, probably around the New Year.  DD is relieved, as Bad Boy Puppy is her first dog, and even though he's old, she wants to keep him awhile longer.  I think he's a keeper, too.     While I was in the waiting room, a woman walked in to "pick up her baby".  I didn't realize they did cremation of fur babies at this location, and she had tears in her eyes when they handed her the box with her fur baby's remains.  

[atlantapenny]

Dec 15, 2017 19:41:33 GMT -5 busymom said:

Dec 15, 2017 15:44:02 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Haha Iggy aka IG !

startsmart I hope you had a great trip! So you were there for the snow on Sun too ... first time in 10 years apparently.

busymom I hope your doggie is OK.

   <sigh>  Puppy has an abscess on one of his large teeth on the top near the back.  After taking a bunch of antibiotics, that tooth is going to have to come out, probably around the New Year.  DD is relieved, as Bad Boy Puppy is her first dog, and even though he's old, she wants to keep him awhile longer.  I think he's a keeper, too.     While I was in the waiting room, a woman walked in to "pick up her baby".  I didn't realize they did cremation of fur babies at this location, and she had tears in her eyes when they handed her the box with her fur baby's remains.  

I normally lurk but wanted to say they may not do the actual cremation there.  I know our vet will send the pet out to be cremated and then they get the remains back, so you pick up your loved one at the vet vs driving to the crematorium.  Unfortunately I know this as our two year old cat passed away after a tough illness this past August, and I was the one coming in to pick her remains up.  I was so glad I didn't have to drive across town to get her, on top of everything else.

[startsmart]

debthaven- I actually went to Ireland over the weekend so I missed the snow! It was pretty cold up in Manchester though (-5) so I am so happy to be back in the land of warmth (well... 12C). 

Had a really productive morning meeting with my client, got paid   and made it back to pick up the dogs early. I actually even stopped and did a little shopping on my way home too. I'm about to put the dogs in their crates for a nap and go pick up groceries. All 3 of them are sleeping on me/the couch and trying to stay close. 

I've just about unpacked everything and just need to go through all the mail and papers tomorrow. 

[busymom]

Dec 15, 2017 22:47:18 GMT -5 atlantapenny said:

Dec 15, 2017 19:41:33 GMT -5 busymom said:

   <sigh>  Puppy has an abscess on one of his large teeth on the top near the back.  After taking a bunch of antibiotics, that tooth is going to have to come out, probably around the New Year.  DD is relieved, as Bad Boy Puppy is her first dog, and even though he's old, she wants to keep him awhile longer.  I think he's a keeper, too.     While I was in the waiting room, a woman walked in to "pick up her baby".  I didn't realize they did cremation of fur babies at this location, and she had tears in her eyes when they handed her the box with her fur baby's remains.  

I normally lurk but wanted to say they may not do the actual cremation there.  I know our vet will send the pet out to be cremated and then they get the remains back, so you pick up your loved one at the vet vs driving to the crematorium.  Unfortunately I know this as our two year old cat passed away after a tough illness this past August, and I was the one coming in to pick her remains up.  I was so glad I didn't have to drive across town to get her, on top of everything else.

      I'm sorry you lost your fur baby at such a young age.     There's always room for more, if you'd like to join us here in decluttering.  

[debthaven]

This weekend's marking:
Fri: Group A: 17 complete papers
Sat: Group B: 16 complete papers + 16 grammar + 16 vocab
Sun: Group C: 16 essays
Finals: 92/149 done

I'm making split pea and ham soup for tonight.

[moneysquirrel]

Just popping in to update the current list.  Will check in later this weekend.  

Dec 7, 2017 13:29:28 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

December To-Do List: 

*Finish shopping -- K and CL
*Christmas Wreath on door
*Christmas Flag
*Christmas Cards 
*Craft Show -- December 9th (last one of the season)
*Maintain progress in house -- Currently all is in order
*Work on 2018 Spreadsheets
*Exercise -- maintain or improve on attendance 
*Drop off materials for former colleagues 
*Family and Friends Get Togethers
*Update Etsy shop -- I have not done much to this and need to spend more time on making this better.  Photos and write-ups to do. 
*Property Taxes
*Health Insurance Supplement payment
*Car Insurance 
*Other Insurance

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 16, 2017 8:34:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

This weekend's marking:
Fri: Group A: 17 papers 
Sat: Group B: 16 papers
Sun: Group C: 16 papers
Finals: 92/149 done

I'm making split pea and ham soup for tonight.

You are working hard on the finals.  

[debthaven]

You are working hard on the finals.

I really wanted to get ahead before DS3 arrives this evening. And it makes me so happy to get them done lol. I should finish these by early Sun afternoon. This way I'll have a couple of days to shop for Christmas before getting the last exams on Wed.

[busymom]

Ok, I just got the last of my Christmas cards done that are being mailed out.  (That's 63 since I started this process.)  Now, I have to get going on the ones I give out in person.  And, some of them go to friends at church tomorrow.  

[Sharon]

I have had DD, DSIL and DGD in and out this weekend so nothing productive has been done.  Hopefully I can get back and get my countdown to Christmas list posted.  The house is a mess, DD did say she would help clean it up some when they got back.

They had a wedding last night and a funeral this morning.  I have been on baby chauffeur duty.  Last night I picked up DGD from the reception earlier in the evening and then they stayed and enjoyed the party and helped clean up afterwards.  This morning I kept DD until after the funeral service then took her up to the church after the service for the family luncheon.

[dee27]

Dec 16, 2017 15:46:35 GMT -5 busymom said:

Ok, I just got the last of my Christmas cards done that are being mailed out.  (That's 63 since I started this process.)  Now, I have to get going on the ones I give out in person.  And, some of them go to friends at church tomorrow.  

Cards, decorating the tree, and one batch of cookies are the only Christmas items I did this year. I have zero spirit this year. 

[debthaven]

I'm glad you got to enjoy your DGD Sharon

Hugs dee27 

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 16, 2017 16:52:53 GMT -5 dee27 said:

Dec 16, 2017 15:46:35 GMT -5 busymom said:

Cards, decorating the tree, and one batch of cookies are the only Christmas items I did this year. I have zero spirit this year. 

Right with you on the spirit.  Cards and a ceramic tree.  That is it for me.  

I have bought dad's gift card to Dairy Queen (he hasn't used up his haul of DQ gift cards from last year's Christmas, birthday and Father's Day yet).  It's the most useful thing to give him and he doesn't have to spend any of his $ when he goes to DQ on Saturday and Sunday.

I still have to buy Nephew3 a gift card.  Going to do that tomorrow.  Getting an ecard for him to his favorite restaurant.

[Lizard Queen]

I've got 11 sweaters ready to go to the sweater drive at my church tomorrow morning. For some reason, it's easier to declutter specific things that are requested--kinda like playing go fish.

[startsmart]

I'm back to cutting fabric for burp rags. I haven't decided if I'll sell them online or donate again next year. I'm not really happy with the charity I gave to - I've been trying to contact them for 3 months to find out if they need more/fewer and get zero response from the director. BUT I've got all the fabric for 9 sets so I can make 72 more with the supplies I have on hand. 

My goal is to cut out and sew 24 before the end of the year. 

I'm still trying to sort out my list for things to do before the end of the year. 

[busymom]

I wrote up 13 cards to hand out at church tomorrow (no, I'm not superstitious).  

Pie baking will have to wait for another day.  Maybe tomorrow, maybe not.  It depends on how much energy I have.  Right now I'm tired.


I hope to buy my stocking stuffers tomorrow.  

[debthaven]

This weekend's marking:
Fri: Group A: 17 complete papers
Sat: Group B: 16 complete papers + 16 grammar + 16 vocab
Sun: Group C: 16 essays
Finals: 108/149 done

It's 2 pm here. We decorated the tree and I finished these finals.

Now I have Mon and Tues free for errands and Christmas shopping. I have to pick up Baby's/DS1's/DS2's gifts which are being delivered to a local shop, I hope they arrive soon.

I pick up the last 41 finals on Wed morning. I don't feel the need to blitz those but we'll see. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Good Sunday!
Lots of family time this weekend.
Last night was DH’s Family Christmas Party. This afternoon is my family’s.

Next week, I don’t go to work, so the goals will be many!

[Sharon]

Please feel free to ignore my list but I need somewhere to keep track, I am so far behind getting ready for Christmas this year.

General Stuff
    Get out Christmas dishes
    Get out good silver
    Get tables from Dad
    Start thawing turkey 12/19
    Make stock 12/23
    Make Stuffing 12/24
    Plan Menu
    Invite People
    Neighbor goodie plates (x3)
    Hairdresser goodie plate

Baking Stuff
    Make Divinity by 12/19
    Fudge (chocolate and peanut butter)
    Rocky Road (maybe)
    Pumpkin bread
    Frosted Sugar cookies

Presents
    Mom
    Finish up Dad
    Wrap

Clean
    Vacuum
    Dust
    Bathrooms
    Scrub floors
    Clean Oven
    Finish decorating tree and get ornament tubs out of living room

[plugginaway22]

Sharon I might just copy your list and work on that, I am too overwhelmed to even make a list!

[Sharon]

Dec 17, 2017 11:48:05 GMT -5 plugginaway22 said:

Sharon I might just copy your list and work on that, I am too overwhelmed to even make a list!

I made my list one afternoon at work and then promptly lost it for three days.   Another reason I posted it, in case I lose it again (and that may or may not be referring to my list )

[moneysquirrel]

December To-Do List:
Some repeats and several new items.



*Declutter top of BR dresser == my normal spot and it has gotten packed again.
*Work on 2018 Spreadsheets

*Exercise -- maintain or improve on attendance

*Drop off materials Continue to collect things for former colleagues
-- Won't see them until January to drop things off
*Family and Friends Get Togethers

*Christmas Cards -- About 6 left to write
*Update Etsy shop --  Photos and write-ups to do.
I did add two items this weeks so small progress.
*Car Insurance
-- waiting for statement to come
*Craft Show SpreadSheet -- finish up and send to my booth partner (half done)
*Wrap presents
*Mop 
*Vacuum
*Crochet -- working on another scrap afghan -- aim is at least 2 rows a day.  Needs @ 75 rows and I have about 30 done already.
*Bead daily  -- new project plus continue work on the one I am remaking. 
*Maintain what is organized already
*Make cookies ??

WholeLottaNothin - thanks for the chart.  With the stuff I already have collected to donate and give away plus the items I haven't added to the piles yet I should be able to knock off the first hundred or so by the end of January as I won't see my former co-workers until then and I have almost 4 totes in progress for them and also have almost two boxes of items to donate.  Usually I wait until I have three or more boxes before I call for a pickup.  I know that I have at least 24 items in the unfinished box and about the same in one one I have taped up. 

debthaven -- great job on the grading.  I would be tempted to get the last ones graded asap just to be finished with everything before the holiday.

Knee Deep in Water Chloe --  Enjoy the time off.  Why is it that holiday time seems to move faster than work time?

startsmart -- Welcome back.  Glad that you had a great vacation.
busymom -- I finally got my cards done except for a handful (needed new addresses for them) but I don't have many to do.  People I see on a regular basis don't get cards.  I have noticed a sharp decline in receiving them as postage has increased over the year.  Think I will try to get the last few done today so I can get finished with them.

busymom -- Hope puppy will be ok.  Sorry about work on house progress.  I need to call about a few minor jobs in January.  Not even going to try during the holidays.

Sorry if I left a few of you out. Enjoy the day and this week.  

[TheOtherMe]

I need to get my 2018 spreadsheets ready and get the 2018 declutter chart printed.  

Most of my donations next year will be in the form of goods donated to Goodwill.  Not donating in $ except to a few special charities due to change in tax law.

I need to get some items from the Beatles collection ready to go on eBay in early January--photos and write up so it doesn't take long to list them.

[chapeau]

I got DD’s playroom cleaned up, curtains up, 1 of the 5 boxes of stuff I had in there sorted/cleaned out, and DH brings home a (really cute, but still!!) cardboard box house from his second job. It takes up half the floor!!
I also got the DR mostly done, just need to wipe down the furniture in there.
For this week:
Wipe down DR furniture
Bake bread
Bake cranberry bread
Finish sugar and other cookies
Decorate tree (Hopefully tonight, depending when DHgets home)
Get out Christmas dishes
Clean up baking mess in kitchen
Pick up 2 stocking stuffers
Order photo calendar
Run a whole bunch of errands for YDSis’ wedding shower. It’s in early February, we just realized invitations need to go out before New Year
Print card labels
Do my cards (DH does his own)
Wrap everything
Do I need to add sleep to the list? Kind of think I do...

[TheOtherMe]

2018 declutter sheets are printed!  Anything that goes now is going on the sheet.

[Sharon]

Please feel free to ignore my list but I need somewhere to keep track, I am so far behind getting ready for Christmas this year.

General Stuff
    Get out Christmas dishes
    Get out good silver
    Get tables from Dad
    Start thawing turkey 12/19
    Make stock 12/23
    Make Stuffing 12/24
    Plan Menu
    Invite People
    Neighbor goodie plates (x3)
    Hairdresser goodie plate
    Wipe down the pack n play
    Move sewing machine etc to the office

Baking Stuff
    Make Divinity by 12/19
    Fudge (chocolate and peanut butter)
    Rocky Road (maybe)
    Pumpkin bread
    Frosted Sugar cookies

Presents
    Mom
    Finish up Dad
    Wrap

Clean
    Vacuum
    Dust
    Bathrooms
    Scrub floors
    Clean Oven
    Clean Stovetop
    Finish decorating tree and get ornament tubs out of living room

I think I added more things to my list than I crossed off.