2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[bean29]

I dropped my friend's laundry off last night. I decluttered a couple of towels and added them to her stuff. I also left her with a $30 Target Gift card. She is getting Work Comp for her time off from work, but the immobility is a hardship in and of itself. I did not tell her I am considering doing it again, but I am thinking I will check back with her in a week or so.

Last night I spent over 2 hours trying to resolve an online order return from Petco. Back in Oct, I ordered a harness for my dog for the car, when it came I thought it was too big, so I took it back to the store, and the ordered the replacement one for me right in the store. When it came, I thought the size smaller was really too small, so I ended up returning it.  The Brand is Gooby, and I like their harnesses, but they don't have the seatbelt version in the store.  Last night they told me they couldn't reorder it for me. They have a 60 day return policy, then after that they give you store credit. I was within the 60 days but they still gave me store credit. I questioned it last night, and they said they could only do what the computer told them to do. I thought well, whatever, I am just going to go home and reorder it a size bigger, so I will use the credit right away.  It took over 45 minutes for her to do my return, then I got home and went to use the credit and it said the credit was 0 value. I called the 800 number, and they told me store credit does not work online. I complained, and they told me to go back to the store and they gave me a case # for the store to call. When I went back to the store it was about 8:30 and they had already closed the register the transaction was done on, so she could not just void it. She called the corporate office, and they did something to force the credit through, but it took nearly an hour.  Grr. 

Tonight I am going to do dishes and wrap presents.  DD and DS are going Christmas shopping. DS asked what I want.  IDK.  DD told me this weekend I needed a new flat iron, and she is right, but I can buy that for myself.  On my lunch hour I am going to Kohls to do some returns, and I have two returns for Amazon (they take them there now).  I ordered a present for DD and somehow I ordered the thing 2x.  I also have a replacement part for my fridge that is aftermarket that did not fit, so I am sending it back b/c it does not fit right.  I knew it was aftermarket when I ordered it, just thought I would try it b/c it was about 1/2 price.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I've made it to my Winter Break. 
The weekend party we hosted went 95% well.  We had 25 adults and four under-age-10 children. There were a few tense moments with MIL being her cranky self and with a BIL who's a druggie and an overall idiot. 
The light show we wanted to go to was packed, so we couldn't get in. It's at a state park, and it's always been a "just drop by and pay the $5/car fee". It seems to have become so popular that they may need to do pre-purchased tickets. 

So, I've worked for two hours this morning. In my head, that was a flex time for taking two hours off last Thursday morning to prep for the family party. Any work-work I do from here on out will be just the regular type I'd do to catch up. 

I did de-clutter the master bath yesterday. I threw out 11 items. There was nothing to donate. 
I'll work on the decluttering the laundry room today. I also need to vacuum area rugs and the napping room. 

[bean29]

I was just reading about ADD in Adult women, maybe I have that. I can’t follow a list for nothing! My Mom is great at lists, but if I make one, I won’t follow it!

My Kohls and Amazon returns were done. Returned something to WHBM, and bought some wallflower diffusers at Bath & Bodyworks. I was about to leave mall parking lot and I remembered I always buy Godiva Chocolates for my employees, so I found a spot and ran into Macys. Our party is tomorrow. I am going to workout, and come late. I will miss too much due to the holidays otherwise. I don’t think I can eat the food they ordered anyways.

[TheOtherMe]

I'm still feeling like I am getting a cold.  A few more symptoms today than yesterday.  I just want it to either go in to a full blown cold or go away.

I made two phones calls I didn't want to make this morning, so I did accomplish something.

[nikiz628]

Dec 16, 2018 15:25:02 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

How are we 9 days away from Christmas? 

Throwing together my to do list for the week: 

*Clean out the fridge and organize the freezer/take stock of what we have on hand so we can use it up (probably won't hurt to add my cabinets into this to do- with the end of the year looming)
* Clean and mop bathrooms
* Dust/Vacuum the house
* Clean the kitchen
* Laundry
* Drop Off Recycling
* Grocery Store
* Wrap last 3 Christmas presents when they are delivered (1 done, 1 should be here today, 1 tomorrow) 
* Bake Christmas cookies with the kiddos
* Christmas at my mother's (Saturday)
* Christmas at my father's  (Sunday)
* Return 2 items to Wal-Mart
* Continue transferring files over to my new laptop
* Clean up my emails
* Run the car through the automatic car wash (salt!) 
* Transfer important dates to my new planner  (I've done Jan-June so far) 
*Get my year end numbers together for WIRS/WIRR

A little mid week update. 

[busymom]

I got most of my holiday grocery shopping today.  We're having ham this time.     Of course, I'll still need to make another stop closer to Christmas, to get fresh veggies and such, but I'm doing what I can ahead of the big day.


I thought I'd gotten the last of my Christmas cards out in the mail today, but now I'm thinking of a person or two I still might send out a card to.  

[debthaven]

This week (updated)
Home
- decorate tree/Wed

- pick up package/Wed

- Shitepile (light)/Wed

- donation bin/Thurs

- funeral/Thurs

DS1/DDIL/Baby! are here!  We managed to get the tree done before we left for the airport. Then we had to redo it when we got home to move all the ornaments up higher LOL.

These past few days have been such a whirlwind that I need to take stock of the presents, see what I have and what I don't have, and wrap them. I know I don't have DS2's gift (microwave) because I decided I'd rather choose it in store (which I now regret). I don't have DS3's or DH's gift either, and I still need an outfit for Baby! I did pick up some groceries for Christmas today, but still need to get the turkey.

Tomorrow is the funeral for my ex's cousin, I'm going with DS1 and DD. The next few days will be spent shopping and wrapping. So not much time to rest but I will have a week off after Christmas to recup.

Also we need child-safety locks for the kitchen cabinets again! At least one for the cabinet with the cleaning products. That won't happen this trip, because I'll need to go to Ikea for that. Talk about the circle of life!

 

[TheOtherMe]

Enjoy the time with your family! 

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 19, 2018 9:55:32 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dec 18, 2018 20:49:08 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

There's usually a policy for holidays. This isn't the first time it's happened. Our city is also Tuesday, and will be the following day, which is how they always do it.

City Clerk said she would have to call to find out.  

When I looked it up on the county website, it said it will be on the city website.  

I'm assuming Wednesday, but my water softener refill is to come on New Year's Day and they have not decided whether it will be Monday or Wednesday.  

These are not big companies, so they have to double up the route to catch up.

City put on FB that trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday the next two weeks.  Time unknown (it's usually morning) because they are doing a double route.

[startsmart]

Had a productive day and ended by talking to my neighbor and seeing her 3mo baby. The weather has been great so we just stood out on the lawn and talked before the sun went down.

I got a few things at Walmart and Barnes and Noble so I can cancel my amazon order! Picked up a book for my parents and a few for me and got everything wrapped today. I still need to finish the pillows and cases but that’s on the agenda tonight.

I’ve been going through the linens from grandma and have boxes for:
-cloth napkins
-handkerchiefs
-table cloths
-doilies
-aprons
-table runners
-kitchen towels
-curtains
-random

Next I need to sort through and keep anything I want while sending the rest to my mom and dad.

Dropped off a bill in town, dropped off some toys to my cousins daughter, got gas in the car & the only thing I didn’t do was buy dog food so I won’t have to go back out before New Years.

To do list:
Sew the new dog bed for pups
Sew more burp rags for charity
Iron pillow cases and “wrap” for Christmas
Organize bookshelves
Clean behind the living room dresser
Wrap moms birthday present
Buy ingredients for cinnamon rolls
Finish up laundry
Make 2019 reading list
Work on glass ornaments
Pack up linens for mom and dad
Take a box to goodwill

[Sharon]

startsmart you might want to consider making a handkerchief quilt out of your Grandmothers hankies.

[Sharon]

I was hoping that once the flooring project was done that my life would calm down, nope, murphy has other ideas.  Last Friday on my way to work I hit a deer.  The deer did run away for which I am grateful but now dealing with trying to get my car fixed his driving me nuts.

The insurance company isn't disputing anything and are going to pay etc, no problem there.  This issue is they want to use after market parts which may void the warranty on my car.  I can't get anyone to tell me if it does void the warranty or not, just it might.  If it does void the warranty it doesn't seem like they should be able to do that.  My insurance company uses some weird adjuster place back in Illinois and they don't follow up with anything.  There have been issues with e-mails between them and the body shop.  The adjusters say we sent an e-mail and it bounced back.  They don't call, follow up or anything.

The adjuster with the insurance agent I suspect arrives at work on a broom, what a rude witch.  Today I was told that I shouldn't expect them to put new parts on an old car, apparently 2016 is an old car.  All I really want to know is "Will this void my warranty?".

I am so not ready for Christmas, between dealing with all the various contractors, issues etc for the floor and now dealing with a dented up car, whose drivers side door won't open.  It is so much fun to climb in and out of the passenger side of the vehicle and up and over the console in the middle.   Let me just say that you learn to plan your trips carefully.

[startsmart]

Sharon - I would definitely recommend my mom try that quilt (I am not a great seamstress!) but all the ones we have are pretty simple. Most are white with a little bit of stitching around the edges.

There are a few pieces that I'm going to keep for a project I have in mind for next year and most of them are pretty beat up. There's some great embroidery but then it'll be attached to a towel that's falling apart. 

[debthaven]

Sharon I hope you get the car / insurance sorted out quickly.

[wvugurl26]

Sharon you might check into your state laws. My old state requires OEM parts for the first 3 years or so. They are not allowed to use after market parts.

I'm plugging along trying to keep things somewhat tamed with all the christmas stuff.

[startsmart]

I am DETERMINED to have a productive day! I swear, post-vacation sleepiness is at an all time high right now and I need energy! 

Hoping to get the bookshelves fixed today (book reshuffle and moving some decor around) then clear off the dining room table, getting the linens boxed and moved out to the garage and cleaning the kitchen counters. That's all I need to feel productive. 

I am catching up on all my emails and work projects before I turn back to scanning photos. Priority so far is:

1) general cleaning of messiness
2) work emails / projects / notes
3) scan last few stacks of photos and sort them
4) sewing projects 
5) cleaning / staging house 


Oh and I'm also trying to finish reading 4 books in the next 2 weeks which is great for the 100 page book on writing I started but bad because I have 400 pages left to go in Hamilton 

[nikiz628]

Dec 20, 2018 14:01:48 GMT -5 startsmart said:

I am DETERMINED to have a productive day! I swear, post-vacation sleepiness is at an all time high right now and I need energy! 

Hoping to get the bookshelves fixed today (book reshuffle and moving some decor around) then clear off the dining room table, getting the linens boxed and moved out to the garage and cleaning the kitchen counters. That's all I need to feel productive. 

I am catching up on all my emails and work projects before I turn back to scanning photos. Priority so far is:

1) general cleaning of messiness
2) work emails / projects / notes
3) scan last few stacks of photos and sort them
4) sewing projects 
5) cleaning / staging house 


Oh and I'm also trying to finish reading 4 books in the next 2 weeks which is great for the 100 page book on writing I started but bad because I have 400 pages left to go in Hamilton 

You got this! Sending you all the energetic vibes!

[saveinla]

We came back home after travelling for my mom's passing and when we came back, DH decided he wants to cleanup a lot of stuff. So the past week, he has purged his closet and consolidated a lot of things. He has also cleaned the small closet that we have all our travelling stuff. 

So yesterday we had 2 huge old suitcases full of clothes and a lot of other things that were donated to the rescue mission. I am hoping he will try and do more, but I am so busy at work with a project I am leading that is going to Production tomorrow that my holiday break will not be a break at all. Hopefully things will calm down in the New Year and we can start again.

Happy Holidays ladies. Hope you all have a great time with family and friends.

[moneysquirrel]

Managed to get two loads of laundry done today.  Weather today is dreary with high winds expected so decided to stay home and try to get a few things done.  Got the bathroom closet reorganized.  Nothing was able to be pitched but at least I know what things I am getting low on and will need to restock.  Picked up a quick order and have been working on trying to get it done.  Almost 2/3 s done. Still have to work on my project.  Have been getting some crocheting done at night watching tv.

I also picked up some items to make some heavenly hash.  Not sure if the cookies will be done but definitely will try to get the heavenly hash done.

Updating this list:

Dec 18, 2018 17:19:56 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Goals for the rest of the week:
Pick up RX and a few boxes of goodies for last minutes gifts additions
Post Office
Pick up my new car
Check in with insurance company about above
Doctor's appointment -- Friday
Bake cookies  
Lunch with DSS and DGS

[TheOtherMe]

Dark, dreary, damp day.  

Took dad for his groceries.  I asked him if he told sister about DN1's visit.  He said he didn't think so.  Guess that explains why she hasn't asked me any questions about it.

I forgot to get a loaf of bread for myself.  Have to decide how much I am willing to pay for the convenience of buying bread here in town or driving 15 miles to buy it.  Somehow I think buying it here will make more sense than driving.

[debthaven]

saveinla I'm so sorry for your loss.

TheOtherMe please just get the bread locally.

This week (updated)

Home
- decorate tree/Wed
- pick up package/Wed
- Shitepile (light)/Wed

- funeral/Thurs

Today was very emotional with the funeral. We took Baby! to a farm this morning, so it was a long day. 

Weekend list

Work

enter last marks

Home

- bottle bank/Fri

- donation bin/Fri

- grocery shop

- shop for Christmas gifts

- wrap gifts

- pharmacy/Sat
- DS3 doc appt/Sat

Tomorrow DS1/DDIL/Baby! are going into town on their own, so hopefully at least some of this will get done.

[TheOtherMe]

Definitely locally on the bread.

I'm putting this here.  I wrote it on the YM Off Topic thread since we learned of Jaguar's passing.


I'm another person who enjoys my internet friends. There are often days that the only contact I have with people are online.



I appreciate each and every one of you.  

[debthaven]

The same goes for me TheOtherMe and my other online friends. You have all gotten me through MANY hard times.

TheOtherMe you can freeze bread easily. Maybe buy two loaves, cut one in halves or thirds and freeze them? We have 3 local bakeries so getting bread is easy for us (although I  rarely eat bread anymore). But sometimes we have a glut of bread and I freeze some, it always comes in handy at some point.

moneysquirrel I have no idea what Heavenly Hash is but I guess it's not the hash of my day LOL. 

[debthaven]

There were many very moving interactions at the funeral today. To me one of the most moving ones was, a man came up to us, said I have to kiss all my "petites cousines" (second cousins) hello. It was just us girls.

He hugged and kissed me first, which was a bit odd, because I was only related by my first marriage. A HUGE bear hug. Then he laughed and said, you don't recognize me. Once you do you will be very upset at not having recognized me sooner!

I took a closer look at him and threw myself into his arms. He is my ex late MIL's first cousin, and he was my gynecologist/obstetrician. He delivered my 3 sons. His partner delivered DD because he was on vacation that August. He and his partner delivered ALL of our kids!!! (I mean that that entire family generation, not just my kids.) I hadn't seen him in 20.5 years.

It was such a great joy to see him and for him to see DS1 and DD and Baby!!!

I loved and still do love my ex's family. It always moves me to tears  to see that they still love me too. I would never have gone today if my ex hadn't been away. I'm so glad he was.

[nikiz628]

Dec 20, 2018 16:25:33 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Definitely locally on the bread.

I'm putting this here.  I wrote it on the YM Off Topic thread since we learned of Jaguar's passing.


I'm another person who enjoys my internet friends. There are often days that the only contact I have with people are online.



I appreciate each and every one of you.  

So much this. We may have come here for money talk and organizing tips- but we found so much more. ❤️

[moneysquirrel]

I am another one who appreciates all of my online friends. My first exposure to these boards were on the old MSN boards.  It was shortly after the death of my DH and I lurked for over a year before I tipped my toe into this vast lake of internet connections.  Many of the people that was on the old CS/NS board did not make their way over here. I have stayed on that board but don't post as often as I did in the past.  Both board members have been very supportive of each other.  At times we just have to have someone be there to cheer us on and give us suggestions as to ways to approach whatever issues we are dealing with at the time. 

Many  thanks to all of you. 

[moneysquirrel]

debthaven -- Heavenly Hash is a candy treat.  It is composed of candy melts (I use dark cocoa), marshmallows (small), and pecans.  Easy to do.  Melt one bag of candy melts. Pour into a lined dish, top with the marshmallows and pecan pieces then melt a second bag of candy melts and pour over everything.  I usually cool it overnight in the fridge.   Flip over, remove the lining (saran wrap), and cut into bite size pieces.  It is too rich to eat on a regular basis but once or twice a year is okay.  I usually have enough to share and it is often something I bring when I need to bring a dish.

[debthaven]

That sounds delicious! Maybe next year (still trying to keep away from sweets).

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 20, 2018 16:54:10 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I loved and still do love my ex's family. It always moves me to tears  to see that they still love me too. I would never have gone today if my ex hadn't been away. I'm so glad he was.

In my mom's family, this has pretty much been the way ex's have been treated (at least in her generation and my generation).  The next two generations have had some very short marriages and who knows what happened to their spouses.

We are also very supportive of anyone who has lost their spouse.  They stay family in both my mom's and my dad's families.  I am grateful for that.

For the most part, I've lived far enough away not to know any details, so it's been easy to stay neutral.

[startsmart]

Well, things are getting worse at the house! It's my goal to work throughout the weekend and then take Monday and Tuesday off. Reworking my list to organize it a bit

Thursday/Friday:
Scrub the guest room bathtub
Sew final curtain panel in kitchen with liner
Stain the final piece of trim for the bookshelf
Make 2019 reading list

Saturday/Sunday:
Install last piece of trim on the bookshelf
Touch up paint around the bookshelf
Work on glass ornaments
Finish painting Kitchenaid mixer and reassemble
Sew the new dog bed for pups
Organize bookshelves
Paint front door 
Pack up books for storage unit 

Christmas:
Make crab cioppino
Harry Potter marathon
Make stovetop cider
Put together new puzzle 

After Christmas:
Pack up linens for mom and dad 
Buy ingredients for cinnamon rolls
Take a box to goodwill
Sew more burp rags for charity