2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[startsmart]

Listy List List
Finish packing for vacation - calling this done, all I need to do is add my wallet, phone and computer.
Clean the kitchen counters
Work on shite pile in the office
Put Goodwill donation in the car

We're having a nice little rainstorm here, my whole backyard is waterlogged but it's good to refill our reservoirs and the air quality is much better now! I still have the package to ship in my car but that'll probably have to go out next month because I don't have my friend's new address yet. 

I started digging into the paper side of the photo project and I think I'll need to set that up in my dining room. There's a lot of paper that needs to be spread out as I go through it and decide whether or not to scan. Some of the newspapers have nothing to do with our family so I'm just reviewing them to see why they were saved. 

Once I get the photos cleaned up and into a box tonight I'll scrub the kitchen counters. 

I am just about finished with food in the fridge before I leave. 1 or 2 more servings of beef stew and enough ground beef and lettuce for 3 or 4 more salads. After that I'll be eating out or defrosting stuff. I did pack a bunch of healthy snacks for my trip, lots of RX bars, dried fruit, nuts, beef and bison jerky and tea all coming with me. 

[debthaven]

This weekend

- edit E's abstract again/Fri

- bottle bank/Fri

- nutritionist appt/Fri

- DH's bookkeeping/Fri

- pharmacy/Fri

- mark 4 second-year papers/Sat

Semester countdown: 14/15 weeks DONE!

NO plans this weekend!

[startsmart]

Came home from working at the coffee shop and spent about 40 min cleaning gutters in the street. The drain in front of my house was fine, just a few leaves but across the street was a moat. I went out in the rain with my rake and got all those leaves cleared so the water could drain. I’m still a little soggy but at least it’s cleared!

Also waiting on an amazon package that was due on Saturday and SO LATE. They delivered it to the wrong city and couldn’t get in the building and then nothing for 4 days. I don’t want it sitting outside while I’m gone and at least 1 item is coming with me on this trip.

[debthaven]

This weekend
- edit E's new abstract/Fri
- bottle bank/Fri
- nutritionist appt/Fri

- pharmacy/Fri

- grocery shopping/Fri

- DH's bookkeeping/Fri

- mark 4 second-year papers/Sat

A productive morning.  

ETA: And I'm officially off keto now, but definitely staying low-carb Iggy aka IG . 

[Sharon]

I took today off and am making the final push to new carpet/flooring next week.  When I removed the vinyl in the master bath I discovered rotten floor underneath.  Fortunately the contractor was able to get right out and he should finish up replacing that this afternoon.  A different contractor will be out today to move the coax cable for the TV from the hole in the living room floor to a nice wall connection.  I will be pushing the paint brush as much as I possibly can this weekend.  My goal this morning is to finish painting the hallway ceiling so that is done before bathroom contractor shows up.  Then I can work at painting the living room while he is working on the bathroom.

Next week Monday and Tuesday are new flooring day.  Also on Tuesday the plumber will be out to re-install the toilet in the master bath.  On Thursday the plumber will return to re-install the toilet in the main bath and put in a new sink and faucet set in the master bath.  A week from this Saturday the kids should be back to help me move the big things back to where they belong.  I will be so happy to get the piano out of the dining area.

[debthaven]

Things are moving really quickly Sharon ! Good luck with the painting!

[TheOtherMe]

Did you see a nutritionist debthaven? 

[debthaven]

Yes TheOtherMe , this morning. She basically told me to stop being so incredibly strict and to use portion control to have a more varied menu. She said I should work on eating anything I want occasionally, in small quantities, and compensating (that's it in a nutshell, obviously there was more). So that's my plan, because I am sick of this diet, and I've started "cheating" anyway. For now I WILL keep weighing myself every day, even though she told me not to.

ETA: I've lost 17 kilos/37.5 lbs.

[bean29]

One of my impulse buys this past weekend was a smart hub electronic controller to replace your remotes. It is supposed to work with Alexa for voice commands.

I intended it for the living room, and was second guessing myself about the need for it.

Meanwhile DH said he wanted a new smart TV for his Bar. DH asked for 2 new smart TV's if I could find a good deal.  I found a decent deal on Cyber Monday - but DH decided one was enough.   There are 3 TV's in the Bar and one in the family room area. I realized last night that the smart hub will make more sense in the Bar than the living room. DH asked me about the controllers for Spectrum Cable this am.  I told him I have a solution for him  . 

Now if I could only stop spoiling my Christmas Gifts, I will be all set.

Asked for ideas from the kids yesterday.  DS wants all weightlifting stuff.  DD asked for a pair of shoes, a kate spade bag, and some makeup from Utla.  I ordered the Shoes, the bag is a third party seller on amazon, one left - I did not pull the trigger b/c it is a third party seller, and I actually got a good deal on a Michael Kors for her at Macy's Wednesday.

I shoveled the driveway, part of the patio and part of the deck yesterday.  DH finished up this am.  We got more snow b/c we are close to Lake Michigan, so we get Lake Effect Snow.  It is supposed to be warm today, and tomorrow, but we will have freezing rain, and I was afraid we would end up with a frozen mess. 

I let my little dog out to the backyard the other day, and with all the snow on the deck, he decided to just pee on the deck.  That is why I decided the deck had to be shoveled.  Then, I tried letting the dogs out in the backyard last night and stayed in the house.  They were barking and barking.  I had to put my coat and boots on and go outside.  I don't know what they saw, but the were at the fence by the wetlands.  There are Coyotes in the area, and we have seen a fox.   Dumb dogs. 

This weekend I am going to try to get the lights finished outside.  Maybe put up the tree.  I want to do a yoga class after work today (I missed a few workouts due to Thanksgiving, and I am hoping if I go tonight I will have done enough classes to get my health insurance incentive for going to the gym).  I also was invited to a fundraiser tomorrow for my niece and great niece (workout class).  it is a good 30 minute drive, I would like to go, but it will mean either leaving dogs alone for a few hours or them going to grandma and grandpa's.  I have a few things for the great niece that DD cleaned out of her closet, which is an extra reason to go.

I also need to set up the QuickBooks payroll info.  I use the older Paycycle payroll which is also intuit.  They told me when I went to Quick books online that it was different, but when I put in my updated State reporting change from quarterly to monthly, it looks like it is the same.  I think I will save $$ if I set it all up under Quick books.

[debthaven]

This weekend (updated)
- DH's bookkeeping/Fri

- set up Quickbooks
- mark 4 second-year papers/Sat

I did DH's November's bookkeeping, but in the ledger. We're planning to set up Quickbooks this weekend. At that point I'll need to plug all the numbers in. I want to get that done before my finals start coming in next week.

[nikiz628]

bean29- I wish you would've posted your DD's wish list last week. Kate Spade had a surprise 75% off sale. It made most of the items a steal in comparison to the usual price points. I bet she will love the MK bag you found at Macy's though- great quality and should last forever! 

[TheOtherMe]

I've managed to bring out my Christmas decorations.  I see all kinds of items that need to be decluttered where they are stored.  If I have not gotten the decorations out to use for 4 or 5 years, I no longer need them.

[debthaven]

My birthday was yesterday. I worked all day, no kids around (the two local kids were both away) so it was just DH and I. We had a lovely evening. The kids all texted/called/sent audio files/videos. DS3 sent flowers.

DH surprised me. He REALLY surprised me. DH got me a brand new Macbook Air!!! I have been waiting for the new one to come out, it finally did. So I had decided to finally get myself one in Dec or Jan, on a 12-month payment plan.

I bought my first laptop 9 years ago, age 50. Since it died 5 years ago, I've been using DS2's castoff computers (because his new jobs always gave him new ones, so he gave me his old ones).

So I am one VERY happy camper!!! It's all set up now, but I'm too scared to actually use it. I'm still using the old (VERY slow) one LOL.

[TheOtherMe]

Happy birthday and use your new Macbook!

[dannylion]

I have a bread machine I haven't used in quite a while.  Years.  I don't know how many.  I was too busy for a long time to do anything with it, and then I just got out of the habit.  Finally got myself organized enough to start using it again.  Then it occurred to me that it is 20 years old.  Surely there have been significant advancements in bread machine technology in the intervening period.  I found a nice compact Cuisinart bread machine with features my old one doesn't have on sale online.  Now I have a new bread machine.  


This is why I have too much stuff.   


On the bright side, my new machine is currently baking a loaf of bread, and the old machine is in a box for donation.  


Now I just need to follow through and donate the donation boxes piled up in the corner.  


I am, however, pleased to report that I have stuck to my goal of not purchasing any pantry foods until I make a big dent in the stuff that is already there.  Meals might be weird for a while.  

[Sharon]

debthaven Happy Birthday

Yesterday started out with a bang and ended in a big fizzle.  I had the hallway ceiling painted by 8:30am, then went to my Dad's and borrowed the sander and was at the carpet place when they opened at 9am.  Got everything home settled with them and was home to begin painting the hallway and living room.

I hate the paint color I picked for the hallway etc it is too dark.  It is a nice color and Mom says it looks elegant and she would use it, but I don't like it.  I thought they had given me the wrong color because the color additives on the sample I bought and the final gallons are different.  Another trip to the paint store and I got schooled in how different paint qualities in the base paint determines which additives and how much are used to create the color.  They proved to me that they were the same color.  I had even painted poster board with the top two colors so I would get it right.  It is just too green.

While I was trying to figure out what to do about the paint I got into waiting mode for this contractor who was going to move the coax for the TV from the floor to the living room wall.  He was an incredibly difficult person to deal with and I ended up wasting all afternoon waiting for him.  He was an hour late for the appt, at that time I just figured he got hung up on the previous job.  He looked things over then left to go get his truck and have some lunch.  At that point I should have known I was in trouble.  He was gone over two hours.  I finally kicked him out of the house around 6pm and went and got some new paint. 

Today I want to finish prepping the bathroom floor and paint.  The stereo store did call last night while I was dealing with that joker so I am going to pick up my new stereo.  Hopefully it won't be difficult to set up and I can paint and listen to some Christmas music.

[plugginaway22]

I just got hair done (re-scheduled from week G-baby born), went to the dentist, now need to get going on Christmas decor.  Every year I say it's time to drag all boxes out and get rid of what we don't use. That never happens.  I end up looking in all boxes, picking out what I want to use (fewer things each year), then just packing it all back up in January.  
DH has been working on final leaves and yard clean-up.  I did remove everything from kitchen counters and shelves and did a good wipe down.  Bathrooms are in bad shape so need to spend some time on them today/tomorrow.

[nikiz628]

debthaven- Happy Belated Birthday! Enjoy that new MacBook!   I got  a brand new laptop this week too, not quite THAT fancy, but it was much needed. I am loving it but hesitant to wear it out already haha. 

[finnime]

Happy happy birthday debthaven! What a wonderful surprise from your DH, too. Now, put it to use. Otherwise it's just clutter!

[debthaven]

Thank you all for the birthday wishes!

This weekend (updated)

- DH's bookkeeping/Fri
- set up Quickbooks/Sat

- mark 4 second-year papers/Sat

I messed up Quickbooks, so much for it being idiot-proof lol. I've spent all day on it, first messing it up and then fixing it. But it's done now (I hope). I didn't get the marking done though.

 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Nov 28, 2018 12:56:04 GMT -5 ohmomto2boys said:

One thing I have been doing is tossing socks with holes as I've come across them which has made for more room in that drawer.

I have also been doing this.  I am terrible about wearing socks with holes around the house (drives DH nuts).  I will wear mis-matched socks around the house instead of tossing both socks because only one has holes.

Cleaned our office in the house.  It was complete clutter and a dumping ground for stuff.   We are looking around for a smaller desk and will be heading to Amish country since locally we have been unsuccessful.  I need to go thru the file cabinet and start shredding papers to downsize that.  There are papers from when the kids went to daycare over 5 years ago.  

Next project is the 1/2 bath.  We have the contractor lined up.  I have ordered the tile, cabinet and sink.  Need to get all the misc. items before he starts.  Spoke to him last night and it might be after Christmas.  That is fine with us.

 Just this week my husband told me I have to by myself new socks. I think it's been at least five years.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Happy Birthday, debthaven! Congratulations on the MacBook. It'll be great!

[TheOtherMe]

Vent:  Had to call sister about an issue with dad.  That conversation went okay.

Then she suggested that she take over doing dad's laundry and give the washing machine and dryer to Dnephew3.  I love him dearly, but the items of my parents should go first to us.  That was mom's wish.  She told me she thought I would have to stand up to sister.  Apparently that is going to be necessary.

I told her I would like mom's washer and dryer as they were brand new when they moved here 5 years ago and are a good brand.  I told her Dnephew3 is more than welcome to my washer and dryer.  My washing machine is 1 year old and the dryer is 15 years old.  Both work.  The dryer is a Maytag and dries my clothes.  She doesn't want him to have such an old dryer.  That is not my problem.  Those are two items from mom and dad that I want.  I should have dibs before one of her kids does.  Mom told me that sister thought when we went through their things sister would want for me to have one selection, then her and then each of her kids.  No, she does not get 5 items compared to my one item.

What do you think?

[plugginaway22]

No, the siblings take turns selecting. If she picks something on her turn, she is free to offer to her kids.

[dannylion]

TheOtherMe, I think you are right.  Stick to your guns.  Set the ground rules before you begin the process, refresh your sister's memory during the process as necessary.  

[finnime]

Your thinking is right, TheOtherMe. That is how it is usually done: children each choose items in turn until all is selected/none want any more, then grandchildren might choose from what is left.

[debthaven]

TheOtherMe I think you are absolutely right.

This said, my guess is that your sister is going to tell you that if you want the new washer/dryer, then YOU can do your dad's laundry. Would you be OK with that?

Since your washer is only 1 year old, my suggestion would be to tell her you want (just) the dryer. You get a 5YO dryer to replace your 15YO dryer, your nephew gets a 5YO washing machine. You get to keep your 1YO washing machine, and he can take or leave your 15YO dryer. If your sister is so concerned, then she can buy him a new one. 

I know the Americans want matching appliances, but depending on where they are situated in your home, it may not matter to you. We only buy white appliances so we don't care if they "match" or not, but I know that's not the way people in the US do it.

 

Also I'm sorry, because it really never ends with her.  

ETA: To be clear, my suggestion is in the interest of keeping the peace, NOT because I think your expectation is out of line.

[bean29]

Nov 30, 2018 15:09:34 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

bean29 - I wish you would've posted your DD's wish list last week. Kate Spade had a surprise 75% off sale. It made most of the items a steal in comparison to the usual price points. I bet she will love the MK bag you found at Macy's though- great quality and should last forever! 

DD and her friends have quite a few designer bags.  I guess they have less responsibilities that we do, so they are more willing to spend on designer bags.  I wishe I had known too, and it is my own damn fault b/c I am sure I get Kate Spade e-mails.

The bag she wanted, there was one at a 3rd party amazon seller.  She is fine, she said "I don't really need anything".

I did my Yoga class last night, went to the Charity work out this am, and left the goodies DD had for Great Niece and Nephew.  I wish I lived closer to my niece's studio, I liked her workout class.  I won a door prize, we now have a cheese head hat.  I put it in the bar.

It is raining here, I did fix part of the net lights on the bushes in the font.  I got pretty wet.  I could do a little more, but think I will wait until it is dryer.  I am going to mop and vacuum.

DH is going to a soccer event.

[busymom]

Mailed another 20 Christmas cards yesterday.  debthaven, I'm so sorry to have missed your birthday, but I hope a large cake will help make up for it.  Belated Happy Birthday!

[debthaven]

Please, no need to apologize busymom ! But it does look delicious, so I shall take a sliver LOL.