2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[debthaven]

This weekend
- laundry/Sat

- bottle bank/Sat

Not a very ambitious list LOL. I DID end up leaving the house today because DD surprised us, she was here when we woke up, so I drove her home at lunchtime. (She and her BF are both in the hotel industry so they have crazy hours.)

Just back from A's surprise 60th which her sons organized just 10 days ago. It was a huge success, so I'm very happy about that.                       

Having lunch with E tomorrow, I've barely seen her since that debacle (which suits me well) but I don't want to completely abandon her either. DH has all-day rehearsal.

I accepted another class today, but it's a Staff class, and just one person. So I'll have 3.33h less teaching next semester. I'm giving up 4.33 regular/student hours, and taking on 1h more of staff classes. It's still not ideal but it should be much better.

 

[TheOtherMe]

I hope next semester goes well.

All the best for the time spent with E tomorrow.  Are you seeing her in public?

[debthaven]

Thanks TheOtherMe . You bet LOL. And at lunchtime. Plus she's working all day (she's a nurse so she works every other weekend.) 

ETA: That means I'll be doing 21-22h/week instead of 24-25h. That's a significant difference. I'll still be teaching 3.5 days/week but I'll have Thursdays mornings off instead of Monday mornings (plus Fridays, as always). Best of all, I can wake up at 7.30 the mornings after rehearsals instead of 6. So it should be easier. 

 

Enjoy your concert and your break!

[Sharon]

I was going through random stuff on this shelf in my garage.  This shelf tends to accumulate things that Dad worked on and he hands me the extra parts and tells me to keep them for "next time".  Well next time usually means that Dad gets new parts and we start over.

Today I found in this little box a small motor and some templates.  The instructions say they for the installation of an evaporator fan motor.  I have no clue why I have this, what we might have been doing, or where it even came from.  Into the trash it goes.  It was also joined by some pipe fittings and other random stuff (junk)

[debthaven]

Congrats on finishing the doors Sharon ! And good luck for the living room painting!

[startsmart]

Finally making some progress around the house and even though my long weekend is 75% gone it feels like I haven’t done much!

I only have a few more things to pack and then I can check that off my list. The photo boxes are still taking over my kitchen counters though I did catch up on laundry and dishes.

Also I finally touched up the paint in my bedroom though the leftovers had settled a lot. It’s a custom color so somewhat of a pain to get more made but now that it’s dry it matches well enough. Touching up paint in the living room once the brush dries.

Lots of little things to get done tonight, this Monday I’m releasing a new offer for my business and the following week a new podcast so lots happening right before vacation and holidays.

ETA: I started my emergency bag too! It's something that's been on my mental to do list for years. So far I've got the essentials for living in my car and to take care of the dogs if we need to evacuate. It's a big duffle bag so it fits a sleeping bag and isn't even half full.



Empty the fridge and scrub it well
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
Touch up paint in the living room
Refill dog food container 
Vacuum
-Hallway
-Living room rug
-Bedroom rug
-Lounge rug
Finish up a bit of caulk in the shower 
Finish emergency bag and put it in the garage 
Put package to ship in the car (Georgia, Genelle, Chuck) 
Put Goodwill donation in the car 
Put away the other luggage that I'm not taking on vacation

[debthaven]

Got a very sad/moving message about the car we had inquired about. The one where they offered to drive it to our house, and we politely declined. 

The man said he cannot drive anymore for health reasons, and that the car is listed at 1K less than its current value. He said he was writing to tell us that we can still negotiate further. Ouch.

My car is working just fine these days, but I know it will continue to work just fine until the day it decides not to.

DH thinks he wants to buy it but I know I will be HUGELY stressed at having a car payment on top of the kitchen loan. I REALLY wanted the kitchen loan done before we bought a nused car. The car payment is about 250 euros, the kitchen loan is 189 euros. Either is fine but both are a struggle.

Any advice?

[CCL]

It just seems to me like it's "not meant to be." I would kinda wonder why it hasn't sold yet if it's being offered for that much less than its "worth."

I'd stick with the plan to pay off the kitchen. There will always be another car.

[startsmart]

debthaven - I wouldn't buy the car simply because the seller is desperate. He's doing diligence by following up but if it's going to add stress to your budget then politely decline. Another car will come along! 

I didn't have it on my list today but I did pick up the fabric to line my kitchen curtains and get that done. I raised up the curtain rod by an inch so it would be easier to move the curtains back and forth. I still have one more panel to finish but since the fabric was 50% off and I had a 20% your order coupon it was good to get done. 

It's absolutely beautiful here today, clear with blue skies and clear after all that rain. 

[moneysquirrel]

Hope all of you had a restful Thanksgiving.  I spend most of Friday with my sister and we did not go shopping.  I have avoid the stores the entire weekend and plan on doing the same with the online shopping.  The few things I need to get will be done at my convenience and with as many discounts as I can find.  

I was able to get the entire Thanksgiving meal done without that oven that broke earlier this year.  I will continue to postpone purchasing a new one for a while yet as I am alone and I don't use it a lot.  The smaller one, microwave, and toaster oven all stepped in to get the job done.

This coming week:
Monday -- Wait for 3 workmen for various functions in the house
Wednesday -- Stain Glass Class, Tutoring, Meeting
Thursday -- Volunteer class, craft class

Keep up with the clearing of the flat areas.  Most are in great shape now but they are my weakness as I tend to store things there.

Usual chores of dishes, general cleaning, and hope to continue to add to the donation boxes.  Definitely want to call and have those picked up before the new year.

Laundry once the dryer is fixed.  One of the appointments Monday is to check on that issue.  Currently things are up to date.

Beading Project -- have the bulk of the pendent finished.   Also working on the beaded necklace strap.  Picked up a Christmas order that I need to begin. 

Crochet -- need to start this.  Need to decide which design I want to do.  Has to be one that will work with scraps as I am trying to use the yarn I have on hand.  Inherited from my late aunt.

[Sharon]

Today was an incredibly productive day and I am tired.  I started the morning with some general chores, empty dishwasher, clean fridge etc.  Then I washed down all the walls in the living room in preparation for painting.  In some places they were so dirty and dusty.  I can't move the piano by myself so the walls behind there were pretty bad, same with where my stereo was.

Then I started painting the living room ceiling.  Got that done with a break to get more paint, including a second trip to the paint store since they didn't give me the sale price.   That took way longer than it should have.  I paid with cash and the kid was more than willing to give me the sale price but couldn't figure out how much money to give me back or how to figure it at all, he had to call his manager.  I had calculated it before leaving home and even after the call to the manager he was still struggling.  He had rung it up right but was having trouble figuring the difference.  I told him what he owed me and he accepted it.

I started on the hallway ceiling but was getting so tired and I really wanted my outdoor lights up for Christmas.  I can't put out anything else for Christmas until after the new carpet etc so I wanted those lights up.  The neighbor took pity on me and helped me.  I have always liked having outdoor lights for Christmas.

I just painted a couple pieces of poster board with my top two choices for the living room and hallway.  Hopefully having a bigger sample size will help me decide.  For the cost of paint and the amount I will need I want to get it right.

[busymom]

Hi Kids!  I'm very proud of DS today, as we got him to sit down & go through 3 tote boxes, and he condensed those down to a little over 1 tote box.  The rest is being donated, or is going into the garbage.     DH also emptied out a box, plus I put out a little of my Christmas stuff.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Nov 22, 2018 18:23:53 GMT -5 debthaven said:

It was just 4 of us but we had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately this week is not over yet, phone call with my boss at 10.30, FT with the professor I teach at 11, one class, then 5h of Parent-teacher conferences. So I'm not there yet, but I'm getting close.

My boss wants me to take on another class next semester, AFTER I gave a class up. I'm channeling Amy Winehouse and saying NO NO NO. I told her by email I *MIGHT* consider taking that class, but *ONLY* if I can give up another class instead. So she wants us to talk. (She's on the main campus 3h away so I only see her a few times a year.)

 

Here’s another one for you to channel
g.co/kgs/ANHc5Y

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Nov 23, 2018 19:28:26 GMT -5 Sharon said:

Today has been a busy day and it isn't over yet.  Did a quick black Friday run to Home Depot, what a zoo, but I got what I went after.  One of the doorbusters was a wet/dry shop vac, that is what DSIL will be getting for Christmas.  They were such a good deal that I bought one for myself too.  Over the years I have had the need for a good shop vac.

Then it was off to get the car serviced at 8am.  Left there and stopped at Mom's since she had asked for help putting away the Thanksgiving  dishes in the upper cupboard.  Came home and was taking things out to the trash and notice a screw in my tire.   I would like to know how the car dealership could have rotated my tires 1 1/2 hours previously and not noticed a screw.

That’s annoying

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I was further behind than I realized, so my video is too late, debt! It does sound like next semester will be easier.

I’m glad the doors are done Sharon !

Great job, everyone.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I have about 25 people coming to my house on Dec 14&15.
Time to prep for that.
No decluttering for me lately.
Mildly organized.
Doctors appt tomorrow morning. Haven’t decided if I’m going into work at all or if I’m taking the whole day off.

[TheOtherMe]

Nov 25, 2018 22:07:31 GMT -5 Sharon said:

Then I started painting the living room ceiling.  Got that done with a break to get more paint, including a second trip to the paint store since they didn't give me the sale price.   That took way longer than it should have.  I paid with cash and the kid was more than willing to give me the sale price but couldn't figure out how much money to give me back or how to figure it at all, he had to call his manager.  I had calculated it before leaving home and even after the call to the manager he was still struggling.  He had rung it up right but was having trouble figuring the difference.  I told him what he owed me and he accepted it.

This irritates me, too.  Younger people (I don't know up to what age anymore) can not do math in their heads, give change any other way than dropping it all in your hand, etc.  My dad gets very upset with them and tells them to count the change back to him.  He does have some of his faculties.      They have no idea of what he is talking about.  If the bills are not all facing the same direction, he tells them that is the way they should keep their drawer.

The clerks are flabbergasted and confused because counting change and handling cash is not something they know how to do.

[debthaven]

Thanks CCL and startsmart . You are right, there will always be another car (or maybe even one of these). DH says worst-case scenario, he drives me around for a day or two until we can buy one.

Sharon you are a force of nature!

My goal this week is to get through the week. Exceptionally I had to go to Job 1 for 2.5h before Job 2 today, so it was a crazy rush to get from Job 1 to Job 2 and a very long day. But it was the first part of a long-term project with one of the two professors I teach. It's a great project, a lot of fun, so I just bit the bullet today. It will be easier to schedule going forward. Tomorrow is a particularly Terrible Tuesday, 6 classes in a row.  

Loved the video Knee Deep in Water Chloe ! And it wasn't too late because it will be either one class or the other, but not both.

[TheOtherMe]

Good luck tomorrow with all 6 classes.  That is a lot.  

[startsmart]

Oy vey. The package I JUST put in my car for a friend? The bday slash anniversary gift? It’s going back in the house. Said friend is a) moving out of her home 2) getting a divorce and c) I have no idea if she will still like the present.

[chapeau]

Nov 26, 2018 17:28:39 GMT -5 startsmart said:

Oy vey. The package I JUST put in my car for a friend? The bday slash anniversary gift? It’s going back in the house. Said friend is a) moving out of her home 2) getting a divorce and c) I have no idea if she will still like the present.

At least you hadn’t JUST mailed it?
And wow. Sounds like some big changes in her future.

[debthaven]

I'm shaking and near tears but I made it through the day. I have 37 Grammar tests to mark but not tonight.

[TheOtherMe]

Nov 27, 2018 12:24:15 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I'm shaking and near tears but I made it through the day. I have 37 Grammar tests to mark but not tonight.

You did make it!!!  Get some sleep.

[nikiz628]

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. It was a whirlwind here, even though we didn't really go anywhere. Lots of time spent with my H and the boys- which is always my favorite. We took them to Christmas at the Zoo to see the light displays on Saturday. A little pricey but totally worth it- the boys had a blast! DS1 went back to school yesterday, but H took the day off to extend his holiday time, so today is the first day things are "back to normal" for me and DS2. I am trying to get the house back together and work on my to do list for the week. 

TO DO: THIS WEEK
Clean out the fridge (doing this tonight, leftover night for dinner)
Dust/Vac
Clean the kitchen
Do laundry
Put said laundry away
Drop off recycling
Grocery store
Get Christmas cards finished and mailed
Exchange an item at Wal-Mart
Finish hooking up the outdoor Christmas lights (all are up, just need the extension cords to make them glow)
Transfer my old files to my new laptop 
Wrap Christmas gifts as they get delivered (Sorry, UPS guy- you're about to see a lot of my house)
Do end of the month budget check/balance checkbook
Make Christmas signs for PTO movie night
Finalize craft details for PTO movie night
Pick up flyers (and deliver to school) for PTO movie night 
Have DS1 try on his Christmas program outfit- return if it doesn't fit
Poly wood countertop for old bathroom
Finish vanity frame for old bathroom & install 
Set up Santa shop Thurs night @ DS1s school 
Review Christmas shopping list and finish up shopping  

[debthaven]

I woke up at 4 am today, and couldn't get back to sleep (alarm was set for 6). Ended up coming downstairs at 5. So I will definitely go to bed at a reasonable hour, but not too early either.

 

[debthaven]

So glad you had a wonderful holiday nikiz628! Good luck on your list! If anyone can do it you or startsmart can LOL.

[busymom]

Stress will do that to me, debthaven.  Rob you of sleep that you need so badly.  Today, you've just gotta breathe.  



I'm working on a pile of Christmas cards again.

[debthaven]

Exactly busymom ! It was crazy because it was ONLY WORK but I was beyond completely freaking out. I swear I didn't know if I would manage to get through today.

I've been texting/emailing with my boss at Job 1 since I left school. It looks like I'll be working later on Thursdays, and taking all 3 MSc classes, one of which has ZERO marking. In exchange I'll be giving up a second-year class with a LOT of marking. She is calling the MSc planners tomorrow to confirm. (They may only be able to confirm next week.)

IF it is confirmed, my boss promised to write to the first-year planner (who is Dr Jeckyll/Mr Hyde) to explain the situation and ask her if I can please resubmit my availability for my BSc classes.

I have been trying VERY HARD to work SMARTER, not HARDER! Hopefully I'll get there one day!

[moneysquirrel]

Just a little update.
All of the people I stayed home to wait for yesterday during the times I was quoted.  The dryer is now working and I am caught up on laundry again. 

I will finish with the non-frozen leftovers tonight. I was able to freeze several items and will work my way through them a little at a time. 

Work has continued on the pendent I am doing.  I can see the ending of that part of the project is near.  I have not started on the order I received but did decide on the pattern I am going to use.  Need to alter it a bit to make it mine.

I also did find a crochet pattern to do and have started that project.  Currently on the ninth row which makes it about 2 or 3 inches wide.  It needs to be 52 inches wide. So I have quite a bit to go.  Usually do this while I am watching tv so it will take some time to finish it.  Will try to work on it when I get a phone call from a long winded friend as well. 

Wanted to go to the craft store today but resisted the urge.  I have enough projects on my plate now and do not need to get started on another one.   I do have to stop tomorrow before my class to get the item needed for me to finish my two projects.  Aim is to finish them tomorrow.  Will have a least one additional class after tomorrow as a just in case I need to use it to finish.  Have decided to sign up for this class again.  
 
Sharon -- Glad that the doors are done.  Take time to enjoy the holidays.
debthaven -- the end is near.  The spring semester sounds like it will be easier on you.  Take time to rest while you have a few weeks off.  I think waiting for the car you want is a good idea.  I was planning to purchase a new car next month but if I can't find anything that I like I will postpone that purchase as well.  My current wheels still do the job but at the age of the car I am beginning to look.  
startsmart -- sorry to read about your friend. 
nikiz628 -- You will be able to knock this list out.  
busymom -- hope you are getting everything in place in your new home.  

Well back to getting something done I hope.

[TheOtherMe]

I have made my first pass on cleaning for the cleaners that are coming tomorrow.

I have one task I must do.  Everything else that is left, I can hide in one of the closed bedrooms if need be.  

I can hardly wait to have a clean house.