2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[Iggy aka IG]

Nov 20, 2018 15:59:03 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Wow bean29 that is a LOT of people to host! Your DH seems to be pretty set in his ways. Maybe you could hire a cleaner to help you out, at least occasionally? I would NOT have appreciated hearing that. You work FT too AND do your DH's books. It's not like you sit around all day doing nothing, far from it! 

This week
Home
- call (whichever) boiler guy
Work
- mark 38 vocab tests/Tues
- mark 1 third-year report/Wed?

I had a sudden burst of energy this evening and decided to do the vocab tests. I even input the marks! Yay me!!!

DH will shop for Thanksgiving tomorrow morning. So tomorrow afternoon I will probably take a nap, make cornbread and work on my lines before rehearsal.

I'm not thrilled about cheating on my diet (although I do sometimes now) so I'm going to make the cornbread with corn meal and almond flour (instead of wheat flour). Any advice on that Iggy aka IG ?

A quick Google search found a low carb corn bread recipe using almond flour, andddddd now I want some!   Corn meal isn't low carb, so if I were doing hard core low carb, I'd stay away from it.

Low Carb Cornbread with Bacon

[nikiz628]

I spent the afternoon cleaning up my kitchen, gathering all my Thanksgiving recipes, and checking off some last "to do's" for Thursday.  I am preparing our Thanksgiving dinner, but it's just for the 4 of us. Last year was the first year I ever made Thanksgiving dinner just for us and now its our new tradition (my parents divorced when I was 4 so- too many years spent visiting multiple families on  both sides + now that I am married we have to add in IL's= holiday travel burnout). It's very nice to just do our own thing. My mother and my mother in law generally each plan a dinner on different days, so we still get family time as well. WIN. WIN. 

I also spent last night prepping for Black Friday shopping. I am not really impressed with the ads this year, but I did spot a few things on my list so I wanted to make sure I was organized. I do my BF shopping completely online, if possible, because no thanks to fighting mobs on Thanksgiving day.

[debthaven]

Thank you Iggy!!! One of our guests is vegetarian so although I really appreciate it, I probably won't do that recipe with bacon.

I guess I have transitioned from keto to low-carb at this point, ie under 40g of carbs/day. I'm not losing much anymore so I guess I'm on maintenance. I know I can't really eat that cornbread even with almond flour, because of the cornmeal. I'll just have a taste and take the leftovers into work on Fri.

That actually works really well, because since we are ALL pissed off at having to be there on a Fri evening for parent-teacher conferences, all the language teachers tend to bring food in and share. We are all in the same (gigantic) room.

[Iggy aka IG]

There are others w/o bacon. 

Oh, and I just saw this and thought of you:

[debthaven]

LOL Iggy!

[TheOtherMe]

I have never and will never participate in Black Friday.

If I see something that catches my eye on Cyber Monday, I might buy it.  Has to be special or I'm not buying when I'm downsizing.

I did buy Turbo Tax 2018.  I bought it from Amazon.  Description says it includes Federal and one State.  Once I installed it, it tells me I have to pay $39.99 for the State.  Not going to do that.  Called Amazon before I opened package.  Amazon will call back tomorrow.  While I am old fashioned and like the disc, it appears the Amazon version of the type of return I need does not contain one State return for free, but the download version does.  Several reviewers said Amazon refunded their money and they paid the same thing for the download.  Once the other version is removed from computer, the download version will give me access to one state return.  

I don't know why they make it so difficult and can't describe the product correctly.  

[busymom]

I completed 24 Christmas cards today, & dropped them off at the post office.  I probably won't get much more done with them until after Thanksgiving, because tomorrow I need to begin the food prep.  I'll probably make a quick stop at the grocery store then, too.

[TheOtherMe]

Nov 20, 2018 17:40:26 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I did buy Turbo Tax 2018.  I bought it from Amazon.  Description says it includes Federal and one State.  Once I installed it, it tells me I have to pay $39.99 for the State.  Not going to do that.  Called Amazon before I opened package.  Amazon will call back tomorrow.  While I am old fashioned and like the disc, it appears the Amazon version of the type of return I need does not contain one State return for free, but the download version does.  Several reviewers said Amazon refunded their money and they paid the same thing for the download.  Once the other version is removed from computer, the download version will give me access to one state return.  

I don't know why they make it so difficult and can't describe the product correctly.  

Now I am angry at Amazon.  They won't refund the money until the disc is received.  I told two people (one said they were a supervisor) above the front line person) I refuse to drive 30 minutes to UPS as this is their mistake.  I wanted to send it USPS but was told that would be at my expense.  No, you have an incorrect description on the website and on the sticker on the packaging.  

Now UPS will pick it up from here on Friday.  They will process refund in 5-7 days after receipt.  I told the last person I will review this item and warn people that the state tax return is not included.  I told him they have terrible customer service because this is not my error.  It's the mistake of Amazon, as it is sold and fulfilled by Amazon.  I told him they need to pull the item from the website and he said he will put in a request.  

[debthaven]

What a pain TheOtherMe! Sorry.

[debthaven]

Iggy aka IG the cornbread turned out great! I did use cornmeal (because cornbread, 150g carbs) but then used almond flour (6g carbs) instead of wheat flour (120 g carbs). So 156g of carbs instead of 270g. That's for the entire oven dish.

[Iggy aka IG]

Nov 21, 2018 13:31:40 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Iggy aka IG the cornbread turned out great! I did use cornmeal (because cornbread, 150g carbs) but then used almond flour (6g carbs) instead of wheat flour (120 g carbs). So 156g of carbs instead of 270g. That's for the entire oven dish.

So glad it was successful, debthaven!  I was going to suggest that-using one reg and one low carb ingredient.  I've been known to do that with cookie recipes:  using half regular and half Splenda. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

[TheOtherMe]

Nov 21, 2018 12:43:16 GMT -5 debthaven said:

What a pain TheOtherMe ! Sorry.

Decided to do an online chat.  I am now getting a refund and I don't have to send the package back.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  

[debthaven]

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

My DS3 and DS1/DDIL/Baby! are with my family in NY! I AM SO JEALOUS (but in a good way lol!)

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but my sister and one of my nieces told DS3 that if he found a good price on a flight to NY, they'd split the airfare with him. DS3 found a ticket for 380 euros (direct, round trip!) I am so happy and excited that they can all be together.

Also, if I can please ask for some good juju, my DDIL has passed round 3 of her interviews for a wonderful job at DS1's university. After round three they asked for her references ... SIX references! I have never heard of requesting SIX references before!

DS1 told me, we're hoping she hears by the end of this week. I explained that this week ends Wed at noon LOL. 

 

[Chocolate Lover]

Good juju coming Debt! 

[debthaven]

Thank you Chocolate Lover ! I was SO hoping they'd hear before they left Boston.

[debthaven]

Is it normal to ask for SIX references these days? I asked DS1 if it was because she needed two or three, he told me she was told she needs five of the six to respond but he's guessing they'd probably accept four.

I may post this question on the job hunt thread.

[debthaven]

My sister sent me a great photo of two of her grandchildren (my great niece and great nephew) at the park with a very cute toddler. I said soooo cute, who is that adorable toddler? My sister texted back, WHAT?! Are you serious?!

So I looked more closely ... the cute toddler is my grandson LOL!!!

We do FT every weekend. In my defense I have never seen him all bundled up for snow before LOL. It made me laugh but it also made me deeply sad that I did not recognize him immediately.

[TheOtherMe]

All kinds of good juju!

[NastyWoman]

Nov 21, 2018 17:50:08 GMT -5 debthaven said:

My sister sent me a great photo of two of her grandchildren (my great niece and great nephew) at the park with a very cute toddler. I said soooo cute, who is that adorable toddler? My sister texted back, WHAT?! Are you serious?!

So I looked more closely ... the cute toddler is my grandson LOL!!!

We do FT every weekend. In my defense I have never seen him all bundled up for snow before LOL. It made me laugh but it also made me deeply sad that I did not recognize him immediately.

Ok, so you didn't recognize him all bundled up but you did recognize his superior cuteness, so your GM-instinct is working full blast

[busymom]

Best wishes debthaven!  And, don't feel badly about not recognizing your DGS right away.  They change SO quickly at that age.  



I baked one pie today, and wrote up 6 more Christmas cards.  Anyone besides me skipping Black Friday?  But, I AM having someone come to the house that day so I can order some custom blinds for the house.  Why is it that houses have windows put in with such odd dimensions?

[moneysquirrel]

Got most of the side dishes done today.  Another trip to the grocery because I purchased Romaine lettuce yesterday and that had to be trashed so needed more lettuce of a different variety for salads.  Only the salad, mac and cheese and the turkey breast to do tomorrow.  

Dryer is acting up so I currently have the towels on a drying rack in the garage. Will move them outside under the patio in the morning if they are still a little damp. I know I will not be able to get anyone here to check the dryer until sometime next week. So glad that most of the laundry was done earlier this week.  It is making a strange noise. 

I will need to run the dishwasher tonight.  All cleaning is done so only need to do the above dishes, heat up the sides I did today, and set the table. 

Plan to rest tonight and get those few things started early in the morning.  

I do want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

[startsmart]

Moneysquirrel- I got all my shopping done early and then had to throw out all my lettuce too! The store wasn’t too bad around noon though.

I’m sequestered for the rest of the weekend unless I decide to go get my Christmas decor out of storage. I have plenty to do at home until Monday!

Scrubbing the floors has messed up my back so it’s lite duty for a few days. My list looks like:

Empty the fridge and scrub it well (thanks bad lettuce!)
Finish up the dishes tonight
Clean the kitchen counters
Finish my laundry and put it all away
Organize candles and put them away
Really clean the guest bath
Finish packing for vacation
Find wherever I put the dog sweaters
Install a shelf in the garage
Work on shite pile in the office
Touch up paint in my bedroom

[TheOtherMe]

busymom  I have never participated in Black Friday and never will.

My sister called a couple of hours ago.  Remember dad's hearing aids that I wasn't capable of handling?  I was going to take him for the hearing test and she called me and said she would handle it, along with niece. She made an appointment for the afternoon of Black Friday.  She is a shop until you drop person, as is her daughter.  She decided that I can take dad to pick up the hearing aids and told me that it will be a long appointment because they have to teach him cleaning, etc.  

I told her if I wasn't qualified to take him to get his ears tested, I do not feel qualified to take him to pick them up.  Her response was what about my shopping.  Told her to change the appointment, that she told me I wasn't qualified to handle the hearing appointment.  

I'm sure I am in the doghouse.  I should know when she calls me that this is how it's going.  It's never a call to chat.  

[NastyWoman]

Nov 21, 2018 20:21:02 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

busymom   I have never participated in Black Friday and never will.

My sister called a couple of hours ago.  Remember dad's hearing aids that I wasn't capable of handling?  I was going to take him for the hearing test and she called me and said she would handle it, along with niece. She made an appointment for the afternoon of Black Friday.  She is a shop until you drop person, as is her daughter.  She decided that I can take dad to pick up the hearing aids and told me that it will be a long appointment because they have to teach him cleaning, etc.  

I told her if I wasn't qualified to take him to get his ears tested, I do not feel qualified to take him to pick them up.  Her response was what about my shopping.  Told her to change the appointment, that she told me I wasn't qualified to handle the hearing appointment.  

I'm sure I am in the doghouse.  I should know when she calls me that this is how it's going.  It's never a call to chat.  

YES!!! Way to go TheOtherMe. I am so very proud of how you stood up for yourself 
Sometimes the doghouse is the best place to be.   

[plugginaway22]

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Looking forward to 2 quiet days spent with new G-baby girl and my parents.  No big crowds, no huge quantity cooking, no extended family drama.  Never been more thankful.

[TheOtherMe]

Nov 22, 2018 2:34:04 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Nov 21, 2018 20:21:02 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

busymom   I have never participated in Black Friday and never will.

My sister called a couple of hours ago.  Remember dad's hearing aids that I wasn't capable of handling?  I was going to take him for the hearing test and she called me and said she would handle it, along with niece. She made an appointment for the afternoon of Black Friday.  She is a shop until you drop person, as is her daughter.  She decided that I can take dad to pick up the hearing aids and told me that it will be a long appointment because they have to teach him cleaning, etc.  

I told her if I wasn't qualified to take him to get his ears tested, I do not feel qualified to take him to pick them up.  Her response was what about my shopping.  Told her to change the appointment, that she told me I wasn't qualified to handle the hearing appointment.  

I'm sure I am in the doghouse.  I should know when she calls me that this is how it's going.  It's never a call to chat.  

YES!!! Way to go TheOtherMe . I am so very proud of how you stood up for yourself 
Sometimes the doghouse is the best place to be.   

Tell me again, please.  I feel so guilty.   It did feel good to stand up for myself.  I keep telling myself she is a bully.  She is.  She told me her husband told her she was a bully.  

I actually do have my own plans for tomorrow afternoon.  My volleyball team play what could be it's last match of the season and the women's basketball team has a game.  Both are online only, which means if I don't watch them live, I don't see them.  

[Sharon]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  We are having a small get together at my Mom's house.  It may be even smaller than planned, last night DGD was running a fever, haven't heard yet if she is well enough today to come and have dinner.

[NastyWoman]

Nov 22, 2018 10:27:06 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Nov 22, 2018 2:34:04 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

YES!!! Way to go TheOtherMe . I am so very proud of how you stood up for yourself 
Sometimes the doghouse is the best place to be.   

Tell me again, please.  I feel so guilty.   It did feel good to stand up for myself.  I keep telling myself she is a bully.  She is.  She told me her husband told her she was a bully.  

I actually do have my own plans for tomorrow afternoon.  My volleyball team play what could be it's last match of the season and the women's basketball team has a game.  Both are online only, which means if I don't watch them live, I don't see them.  

I WILL TELL YOU AGAIN: YOU DID GREAT!!!
There is no reason to feel guilty. You are not a tool at her disposal to use and discard at her whim. And the disrespect she shows you, and others around her, is breathtaking. The fact that even her husband has told her she's a bully is telling in and off itself. That she doesn't see that is something you might not want to spread around, tells me that she will never change. And  unless you stand up to her, she will keep using and abusing you.  so yeah for you and have fun watching your games.

Happy Thanksgiving to you.

[TheOtherMe]

I will definitely enjoy the games.  Thank you for telling me again NastyWoman.

I don't think she will ever change, which is why I have to figure out how to move away from here when dad is gone.  Her being a bully is the reason her son and his wife don't come home to see their parents.  

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!  

I did clean under the kitchen sink, a very deep clean.  It's needed to be done and I finally did it.  Now I'm going to be lazy and watch a few episodes of This Is Us.  

I did toss some ancient cleaning items I moved here 9 1/2 years ago.  They still have the masking tape I put on them when I moved.  Don't think I need any of those.  

[TheOtherMe]

I also decided that I'm giving myself an extra night at the hotel when I go see David Crosby on Saturday.  It's supposed to snow Sunday.  The first two nights are free, so I only have to pay for one night.  

Yes, it's a splurge but I deserve it.