2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[TheOtherMe]

The sink is gorgeous.  

Good luck grading the finals.

[bean29]

I can’t see the sink pics. 🙁

[finnime]

What a gorgeous sink!

[startsmart]

Thanks ladies! I have to decide if it's going in the guest bath when I renovate that next year or to save it for the next house. 
 
bean - it's not uploading to proboards but I put it at the link here: imgur.com/P2nl2iG

I also brought home some chocolate, bee pollen and a bath bomb which is now totally powder. Everything is pretty much back to normal around here AND I decided what to get my parents for Christmas so it's been a productive day.

[plugginaway22]

Very pretty sink.

[debthaven]

startsmart if you KNOW you'll be moving soon, I'd keep it for the next house. Personally I wouldn't want to take a chance on not being able to take it with me.

But if you think you'll be in your house for a few years, I'd install it and enjoy it.

[NastyWoman]

Dec 12, 2018 18:04:23 GMT -5 startsmart said:

Thanks ladies! I have to decide if it's going in the guest bath when I renovate that next year or to save it for the next house. 
 
bean - it's not uploading to proboards but I put it at the link here: imgur.com/P2nl2iG

I also brought home some chocolate, bee pollen and a bath bomb which is now totally powder. Everything is pretty much back to normal around here AND I decided what to get my parents for Christmas so it's been a productive day.

When are you planning to move? If it is long enough down the line I would put it in this house. If not → hold on to it and put it in your next one. IOW whatever gives you the longest period of enjoyment

[busymom]

Wow!  That sink is amazing!  If you're thinking of moving in the near future, I'd save that for the next house, too.


I mostly got Christmas stuff done today.  Mailed out 8 more cards.  Then, DS and I went shopping, and I picked up stocking stuffers.  And yes, since the weather was behaving, DS & I got a walk in.  

[debthaven]

This week's list (updated)
- all-day meeting Job 2/Wed

- all-day meeting Job 1/Thurs

- do third-year marks/Thurs

The car dealer emailed ... I told him we had changed our minds for now. I can't deal with the additional stress. I mentioned my dilemma to our two younger kids. They both told me NOT to get a new car until the kitchen is paid off, unless the car dies and we have no choice. That made me happy..

This weekend

Home

- pick up package/Fri

- get Christmas tree/Fri

- pharmacy/Fri

- see A/Sat

Work

- FaceTime with E/Fri

- pick up Job 2 finals/Fri
- mark 39 Job 2 finals/Fri+Sat

[TheOtherMe]

I now have an appointment for my car on Monday.  A couple of lights keep going on and off.  Mechanic could have done it tomorrow.  I asked him if I am in danger if I drive it until Monday and he said no.  I have to leave Friday open in hopes DN1 comes to visit Grandpa.

Now I have a to do list:

Christmas cards
Decorate 20 inch Christmas tree
Mail Christmas cards
Assemble new vacuum

Take dad to lunch Saturday and Sunday

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 13, 2018 12:52:47 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I now have an appointment for my car on Monday.  A couple of lights keep going on and off.  Mechanic could have done it tomorrow.  I asked him if I am in danger if I drive it until Monday and he said no.  I have to leave Friday open in hopes DN1 comes to visit Grandpa.

Now I have a to do list:

Christmas cards
Decorate 20 inch Christmas tree
Mail Christmas cards
Assemble new vacuum

Take dad to lunch Saturday and Sunday

I forgot to say that dad was doing so well today.  It was not a terrible Thursday.  He could hear me and respond appropriately.

He even got disgusted at me when I offered to pick him up at the door instead of him walking to my car.  He said "I can walk".  So he walked.  

I have also done a few more things that I didn't post here.

[startsmart]

I’ve decided what to get my parents for Christmas and it’ll be nice for their new home.

Picked up fabric today to make the dogs a new bed since they don’t both fit in the one in my office and spill over 😀 today I need to finish putting away my luggage from the trip so I can get out the sewing machine.

[TheOtherMe]

Just got off the phone with DN1.  He's coming tomorrow.  We are meeting for lunch and then going to see Grandpa.

He is okay if he runs in to his mom somewhere, but he didn't want to invite her to lunch or let her know he is coming.  He was okay with inviting his siblings but they all work.  He was adamant he does not want to see his dad.  

Wish me luck!  

[NastyWoman]

Dec 13, 2018 20:21:41 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Just got off the phone with DN1.  He's coming tomorrow.  We are meeting for lunch and then going to see Grandpa.

He is okay if he runs in to his mom somewhere, but he didn't want to invite her to lunch or let her know he is coming.  He was okay with inviting his siblings but they all work.  He was adamant he does not want to see his dad.  

Wish me luck!  

Wishing you luck and lots and lots of fun.

[moneysquirrel]

Managed to get a lot of things caught up so far this week. 
 
I have all of the craft show items packed away and inventory has been taken.  Still need to take pictures and update Etsy.  Spent today reorganizing the craft room while the laundry was being done. I still have some of the weekly household chores to do but if I can't get them done tomorrow I should be able to finish them this weekend.  The only craft thing I have done is an occasional row or two on the afghan I am crocheting.  I hope to get back to my incomplete beading project next week if not this weekend.

I did pick up a couple of tutoring sessions this week.  Exams are starting soon.   I haven't done a lot this past year.  I don't hunt for this but pick up students in need based on requests from my friends. 

I managed to visit my former school this week and donated several additional items to them.  More items out of the house.  Already added them to my total.  There is no way that I will reach the 2018 goal but every item out is progress. 

Christmas shopping is about 90% complete.  Just a few small items to get to go with what I already have for them.  Also a few things of candy for those oops gifts. 

Cards have not been started.  I don't send out a lot but do need to get started on them.  Next week is my goal.  

startsmart -- Glad your vacation was wonderful. Love the sink.  
TheOtherMe -- Enjoy the lunch with your DN.
debthaven -- Enjoy your free hours.  Glad that you were able to get QuickBooks working.  

I am sure that I forgot someone or something.  Have a great weekend all as I am not sure if I will be back until next week.  Several errands to do and hope to get more things done and being on the computer delayed some of the progress. 

[nikiz628]

A Few Updates: 
*I just finished my Christmas shopping!   (I need to buy DS1's "Santa" gift. The money is set aside for it, I am just dragging my feet because 1. Not 100% sure he needs it. 2. Trying to catch a sale.)
*Everything that has been delivered is wrapped and under the tree. 
* We just finished our last pre-holiday obligation (school Christmas program). Whew. 
*We will celebrate Christmas at my mom's next Saturday and at my dad's next Sunday. This will be the FIRST year in  my 32 years of life that I will not have to be ANYWHERE on Christmas day. I am giddy with excitement! Very much looking forward to a day of staying in our pajamas, playing with the kids, and enjoying the 24 hour Christmas Story Marathon! 

[plugginaway22]

I am so far behind on Christmas this year.  How many of you are OK with giving/receiving cash?  I'm mostly talking about my 3 adult kiddos, 2 son-in-laws, and now G-baby.  We have never done it, but they all seem to be in a place where they are not asking for anything and could probably use some money.  My parents are done, they were easy this year with a health issue that popped up.  DH and I want to go somewhere warm in February, so that is our gift to each other.

[wvugurl26]

I'm good with cash. I'm also okay with gift cards to places I regularly shop. It's hard to know what to get adults.

Kids get gifts but the teenagers in DH's family normally get money or gift cards.

I'm totally behind as well. Our tree is up but needs ornaments. I started on christmas cards last night.

[bean29]

Dec 14, 2018 7:36:46 GMT -5 plugginaway22 said:

I am so far behind on Christmas this year.  How many of you are OK with giving/receiving cash?  I'm mostly talking about my 3 adult kiddos, 2 son-in-laws, and now G-baby.  We have never done it, but they all seem to be in a place where they are not asking for anything and could probably use some money.  My parents are done, they were easy this year with a health issue that popped up.  DH and I want to go somewhere warm in February, so that is our gift to each other.

I am fine with cash. I actually bought everything my kids asked for this year. I have not given my Mom $50 ideas for my kids. DS asked for weightlifting equipment for his home gym. Nothing fit in that category and I did not know how well that would work. I ordered in early Dec but it has not arrived yet. DD also gave me a list, Adidas shoes $70, a pair of shoes from Target $25, Makeup items - various about $100 total. I have some Mac Lipstick and another pair of shoes. It looks like I have way more spent on DS, but that is OK b/c DD has a new car and DS never had a new car. I also am wanting to give DD some cash for a trip to LA in January. I got cologne and perfume for the kids significant others. DS has not told me when he will be around for Christmas so maybe he won’t be here (his GF’s parents live in Missouri).

We usually give a small gift of cash to the teens in DH’s family. About $20. There are only 3 now under 18 and 2 in college. 1 that is 19 and never finished HS. We will probably gift all 21 and under- that would be 5.

My family I now have 2 great nieces and a great nephew. I have to decide if I will buy a gift. The older 2 are in the gift exchange with the adult cousins. I have to decide if I will gift the baby.

[debthaven]

This weekend
Home
- pick up package/Fri
- get Christmas tree/Fri
- pharmacy/Sat

- see A/Sat

- Quickbooks

- learn lines

Work
- FaceTime with E/Fri
- pick up Job 2 finals/Fri

- mark 38 Job 2 finals/Fri

- enter Job 2 finals marks/Fri

DH went to Job 2 with me to pick up the exams. On the way home we bought a tree and went out for lunch.

Pluggin I usually ask mine for a list. Could you ask them if they'd prefer cash or something else? Mine prefer gifts from us but I know that's because they get money from their grandfather and aunt.

Hurray nikiz628 on being done! I'm jealous LOL.

[TheOtherMe]

Christmas cards

Decorate 20 inch Christmas tree

Mail Christmas cards

Assemble new vacuum



Take dad to lunch Saturday and Sunday

Going to buy Dad's Dairy Queen gift card when I'm out without him today.

[startsmart]

Plugginaway - cash is great! If you hate the idea of cash then an amazon gift card is the next best bet in my book.

If anyone is curious here’s what a 30-something yo female would love (I.e. me):

Experience - pedicures together at a place where we can talk. Pick up coffee, get toes painted and maybe manicures if we’re feeling fancy.

Comfort - one of those fluffy blankets they sell everywhere in a non holiday pattern, a new mug or box of tea, good smelling candle and journal.

Growth - gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, nice reusable bag, and if they have kids the offer to babysit while they shop.

Adulting - probably best for the 20 yo in their first apartment/home but a small carry tote with cleaning supplies, microfiber towels, dish scrubbers and hand soap is awesome for someone on a budget. Add in a list of cleaning tips and pair this with a fun gift but sometimes practical is awesome.

Entertainment - gift certificate to redbox or fandango to see a movie, box of candy, some popcorn and again offers to babysit if they’ve got kids

Car - roadside car kit for drivers, gift certificate for detailing or just a car wash, money towards new tires if cash is tight, gas/petrol gift certificate


Of course, my list is also heavy on home stuff and tools so if someone bought be a sliding glass door, new shelving unit for the garage or freestanding bathtub I’d be SUPER happy

[debthaven]

How did lunch go TheOtherMe ?

I love your list startsmart ! Wish my kids were that easy LOL.

Whoo hoo, finished the Job 2 finals! SO much quicker than the Job 1 finals (no essays)!  

This weekend (updated)
Home
- see A/Sat

- pharmacy/Sat
- Quickbooks
- learn lines

I get the last 72 finals on Monday. I've done 110/182 . Usually the last two sets come in separately, but not this time. 

Catching up on laundry. Shitepile will wait till after Christmas.

I haven't seen A in 3 weeks, a record. She is going home for Christmas so I need to see her before she goes. Sunday is the three-year anniversary of her husband's suicide. I can't believe it has been three years. 

[TheOtherMe]

Lunch with DN1 was wonderful.

The look on dad's face when he realized his oldest grandson had just walked in to his apartment was unforgettable!     DN1 has had lasik surgery since dad had last seen him so dad did a double take.  Is that really you?  Dad was beaming.  DN1 was beaming.

We stayed with dad for about an hour.  He could hear us and make conversation, but he kept coming back to I can't believe you are here and you came just to see me.

I know my sister is going to find out because dad will tell her.  I told DN1 I will not mention it until and unless she does.  

He told me more of his disagreements with his parents.  I listened and tried not to take sides.  

[debthaven]

I know it will may difficult with your sister but I am so happy that you, your dad and DN1 had such a wonderful afternoon!

[TheOtherMe]

I called my former boss in Denver to talk about my sister.  He said tell her DN1 wanted to see Grandpa and asked me to go and I wanted to make sure they got to see each other.  

It had been at least 3 years since they had seen each other.  DN1 has said things like I want to remember Grandpa like he was, not how he is.  

Grandpa needed to see him.

[nikiz628]

startsmart- This 30 something approves of that wish list (including the home stuff, obviously) 

[bean29]

My DD has 3 finals Monday and is off of work until Tuesday. She came home for the weekend. I had just sat down on the sofa last night and DD got a call from her boyfriend. He has Reserve training this weekend at great lakes so he decided to spend the night here. DH told me to turn off the TV and start cleaning. So, I folded a load of towels, matched the socks on the bed, Cleaned off my table, cleaned the bathrooms. DH swept & mopped the basement and the entryway. DD cleaned the gross brown stains on my porcelain sink with bleach and a magic eraser sponge. She also vacuumed my living room. Today I plan to put lights on the evergreens on the corner of my lot & wrap or put up the tree. IDK yet, b/c IDK if DH wants to wash the carpets.

DD sent me two more gift ideas last night-a car vacuum and a set of nesting bowls and measuring cups. $29 and $18.88. That is close enough to $50 for my Mom’s gift. (DD was in the basement with her bf, she sent me a text with a link to Amazon-I clicked on the link and ordered it from the comfort of my bed!). Delivery is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.

[debthaven]

Change in plans ... there's still a problem with Quickbooks, so DH emailed the woman who helped us last week.

 

Very unexpectedly, we got an email that we could pick up one of our exams at 5 today. Since I couldn't work on Quickbooks, I went in to pick them up. Now I have more time to mark before the kids arrive. Some students were absent because of the demonstrations. I'll have to mark those retakes in Feb but for now I'm happy to have fewer exams to mark.

This weekend (updated)
Home
- see A/Sat
- pharmacy/Sat
- learn lines 

Work

- mark 16 essays/Sat

- mark 12 essays+28 grammar+28 vocab/Sun

ETA: Not bad given that I only got home at 6.15!

[Lizard Queen]

I finally got my jeans/bottoms shelf situated in my closet.  It's been months, so it's an accomplishment, but I don't think the solution is going to work very long.  It's just too cumbersome.  At least the big pile in front of it is down to just a few items in a laundry basket.  My DH will be happy about that.  Now, what to do with all the new clothes I bought?  I still don't know what to keep and what to return.  I need to lose some weight again so I'm not between so many sizes.