2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Hi! Was completely lazy yesterday. On the productive plan today. 
I have 16 tasks on my list for today plus cardio and physical therapy. 


Side note #1: I absolutely love this particular thread for our camaraderie. Often this will be the only thread I check in on.
Thank you all for being who you are and for being here. 

Side note #2: My right side, lower back pain actually causes my right foot to be in pain. Unfortunately, I've decided that wearing sneakers inside--as opposed to my preferred state of being barefoot--is now essential to me avoiding excess and preventable pain. I've internally argued with FlyLady for over a decade about wearing shoes in the house. Should I let her know she's finally won the argument? 

[Iggy aka IG]

LOL, Knee Deep in Water Chloe!  Sorry you are in pain, but hope wearing shoes helps.

[TheOtherMe]

I did buy the bread locally.  Doing this will remind me not to forget bread when it's on the grocery list.  

[TheOtherMe]

Dad finally told sister that DN1 came to visit.  She's livid.  She's livid at him and she's livid at me.  She never wants his name mentioned to her and she wants to know nothing about him.  With that, she hung up the phone.  

[nikiz628]

Dec 21, 2018 12:28:09 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dad finally told sister that DN1 came to visit.  She's livid.  She's livid at him and she's livid at me.  She never wants his name mentioned to her and she wants to know nothing about him.  With that, she hung up the phone.  

Wow. Maybe instead of being angry, she should reflect on why her OWN SON came to visit and didn't want her to know about it. I am sorry regardless that you're getting her anger. 

[busymom]

I'm going to ask an odd question, Knee Deep in Water Chloe , but, when is the last time you bought a new mattress set?  I was having some pretty severe back problems, which occasionally ran down into my legs.  (Winter was when pain was the worst.)  I knew we were overdue for a new mattress set, but put it off until DH's job transfer, which we knew was coming.  Now, we have a firm mattress set, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE.  I can't believe I'm the same person. It's not that I never get back pain, but it's so minor now that most days I don't have any problems moving.  If I'd known a new mattress set could make such a big difference, I would've done it years ago.  



It's been a full day.  Most of the action took place before 1 pm.  My bedroom window treatments were delivered (now I only need to make an appointment to get them installed), AND the guy who built my house stopped by, with one of his employees, and they fixed the flooring, so now it looks great!     When DH gets home from work tonight, we're going to decorate our Christmas tree.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 21, 2018 12:28:09 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dad finally told sister that DN1 came to visit.  She's livid.  She's livid at him and she's livid at me.  She never wants his name mentioned to her and she wants to know nothing about him.  With that, she hung up the phone.  

Why is she mad at you? You didn't mention it. She needs to get a grip on reality. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 21, 2018 13:36:55 GMT -5 busymom said:

I'm going to ask an odd question, Knee Deep in Water Chloe , but, when is the last time you bought a new mattress set?  I was having some pretty severe back problems, which occasionally ran down into my legs.  (Winter was when pain was the worst.)  I knew we were overdue for a new mattress set, but put it off until DH's job transfer, which we knew was coming.  Now, we have a firm mattress set, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE.  I can't believe I'm the same person. It's not that I never get back pain, but it's so minor now that most days I don't have any problems moving.  If I'd known a new mattress set could make such a big difference, I would've done it years ago.  



It's been a full day.  Most of the action took place before 1 pm.  My delivery of bedroom window treatments was delivered (now I only need to make an appointment to get them installed), AND the guy who built my house stopped by, with one of his employees, and they fixed the flooring, so now it looks great!     When DH gets home from work tonight, we're going to decorate our Christmas tree.

Definitely a good suggestion, however our is a tempurpedic with the adjustable base. We purchased it in late 2016 after DH fell off the top of ten-foot ladder and landed on a concrete slab. It's lovely and probably actually keeps my pain reduced. We've spent at least 15 nights in hotels since June, and I can defiantly tell the difference. 

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 21, 2018 13:06:13 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

Dec 21, 2018 12:28:09 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dad finally told sister that DN1 came to visit.  She's livid.  She's livid at him and she's livid at me.  She never wants his name mentioned to her and she wants to know nothing about him.  With that, she hung up the phone.  

Wow. Maybe instead of being angry, she should reflect on why her OWN SON came to visit and didn't want her to know about it. I am sorry regardless that you're getting her anger. 

This is my feeling also.  It's the reason he didn't want her to know he was coming.  He was right.  

She needs to be taking a hard look at herself and her relationship with her son.

[debthaven]

She needs to be taking a hard look at herself and her relationship with her son.

Totally agree! TheOtherMe I know it's hard but maybe you can point this out to her, by email or text? It is totally wrong for you to be getting the brunt of her anger! But reading about her over the years, I can sort of understand her son's attitude.

Today I went to the far mall for DS2's microwave because the chain appliance store at my local mall is far from the parking lot, and I didn't want to shlep a microwave across the mall. By going to that further mall I was able to park right in front of the store.

Glad that's off the list! I've wrapped most of the gifts I've bought but I still have more to get. 

I also went to a couple of deco stores. I bought a new laundry basket for DS2's room (his disappeared! I guess he took it to his new place?!) and a red zip-up case for all of DH's cables. DH works in the kitchen, so every time we need the table there is nowhere to put his cables/hard drives. I still want a small red basket but for 4 euros this will do for now.

DDIL had a job interview today on Skype, so I took Baby! to the petting farm 20 min away. We had a great time.

In less good news, you may remember that I gave up a second-year class for a third MSc class. In the end that third MSc class is NOT opening up. So I'm down 1 more class than to what I planned. DH is happy. His translation partner (a friend) just landed a huge translation job, she wants DH to help her with it, and DH wants me to help him. So hopefully it will work out. But I would never have agreed to go in 3 days for just 7 student slots.

Also, my Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde planner never sent me my schedule!!! Now she's off till 7 Jan. I can see it in two places, but it's different in both. One place only updates at 2am, so guess I'll know my schedule tomorrow. I complained to my boss that the planner never sending it to me. Hopefully she won't name any names.

[TheOtherMe]

For now, I'm not contacting my sister by any method but text.  Hopefully only about arrangements with dad.  

I'm not going down the path of pointing out my perception of her failings with her son (and daughter-in-law).  She won't listen to me or anybody else.  

I am just so happy that I had already decided I was not going to her place on Christmas Day.  After today, I would have not gone and now I don't have to say no.

[debthaven]

Maybe your BIL is more open? Dunno, just a thought.

[TheOtherMe]

Can't tell you the last time I've talked to him except at dad's birthday or funerals.  I do know he is a major part of DN1's issue.  

When she called, I could hear people talking in the background.  I know DN2 is home for the week and I am guessing BIL was also there.

I wish she could understand that dad was so happy to see his grandson and leave it at that.

[startsmart]

TheOtherMe - it's not your responsibility to teach your family how to act, if they don't like the consequences of their behavior it's on them. I've got my share of batshit crazy family over here and we work with them when it's required and then leave each other alone. I know you have to work with them due to your dad and his health, all I can suggest is to focus on dad's health and happiness. 

Slowly getting the linens boxed up (taking out anything I'd like to keep) because it was blocking the living room and tree and making me cranky. I may be able to install the last piece of trim on the bookshelf tonight if the stain dries quickly and that would be great to get the bookshelf put back together. 

I've got chicken cooking in the Instapot and tonight I'll start prepping the seafood for cioppino. I need to de-vein shrimp and take apart the crabs. I might pre-make the sauce too. 

[TheOtherMe]

startsmart  Correct and that is why I will be mostly dealing with sister by text.  Not as emotional or personal--although she gets in her digs there, too.  

As for my niece and 3 nephews, I love each and every one of them and I do want relationships with them.  I'm not giving up on those relationships.  

I was hoping she would like that her son visited his grandpa.  He likely will not see him again as he doesn't like to see the "elderly" (I told him I qualify as elderly).  She couldn't even take pleasure that dad was happy to see his grandson.  I wish she could have seen dad's face during the visit.  He loved seeing his grandson.

[plugginaway22]

Busymom, I had the same experience with our newly purchased, very firm mattress set.  DH and I both wish we hadn't waited so long.  Every night I lay down in it is heaven!  We sleep so much better.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I seriously tell my bed that I love it. Yes, that's weird, but I mean it. An insane amount of money, but well worth it. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 21, 2018 11:59:05 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Hi! Was completely lazy yesterday. On the productive plan today. 
I have 16 tasks on my list for today plus cardio and physical therapy. 

Of my 16 non-routine tasks, two more were added. So, of the 18, I have ten left. Two of those cannot be completed until at least next week. One of them is registering for a class for Winter Term; somehow my registration window doesn't open until Dec 24. Weird. The other one I have to do for DD at her school.  

Of my 13 daily routine tasks, I did 9.

For zone cleaning/de-cluttering, today was half the file cabinet and then the laundry room. I tossed 18 items and added two to the donation pile. The half of the file cabinet lost several inches of paper work which translated into one-and-a-half garbage bags of shredding. 


Much more productive today than yesterday. 

[Lizard Queen]

Dec 21, 2018 11:59:05 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Hi! Was completely lazy yesterday. On the productive plan today. 
I have 16 tasks on my list for today plus cardio and physical therapy. 


Side note #1: I absolutely love this particular thread for our camaraderie. Often this will be the only thread I check in on.
Thank you all for being who you are and for being here. 

Side note #2: My right side, lower back pain actually causes my right foot to be in pain. Unfortunately, I've decided that wearing sneakers inside--as opposed to my preferred state of being barefoot--is now essential to me avoiding excess and preventable pain. I've internally argued with FlyLady for over a decade about wearing shoes in the house. Should I let her know she's finally won the argument? 

When I was trying to follow flylady, I bought shoes only to wear inside. I still didn't like wearing them (I like my feet to breathe), but it's an idea.

[startsmart]

Things are coming along okay, even with a sick dog in the mix. My middle "child" is having back issues (he's a dachshund so this isn't uncommon) and can't stand on his back legs. We're doing crate rest for at least a week to see how he does because at 11 years old surgery would be a big risk. 

The kitchen table is clean again! the books and linens are boxed up and ready for storage and mom's house. 

I am working to clean up the Kitchenaid mixer and a second Sunbeam mixer that I inherited from my grandma. It's at least 65 years old and still working! 

Once the Sunbeam is clean and up on a shelf I'm going to get out the sewing machine for curtains and burp rags and dog bed sewing. 

[TheOtherMe]

65 years old and still working!  That's amazing.  

[dogmom]

Productive day today, but not as much as I wanted.

Whole bunch of shred. 

Family and Friends tend to send way too much perishable food... (Fruit) that we honestly could not eat enough of.  Donated.  (Nice gesture, but, there are only two of us). Along with, (don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for such caring friends)  12 brownies, two cakes, chocolate covered pretzels...candy...  My Brother thankfully is close with a Veterans Association.    Dropped off additional, after going through pantry, one more bag for the food pantry.

Went through a couple of drawers today, more in the donation bag.  (count is 7 on that)

Paid bills. 

Did clean floors.  Did dust.  Do have more of a list.. but, for another day.

Wishing you all a GREAT Holiday season.

[debthaven]

Same to you dogmom !

Hope your pup feels better soon startsmart .

Did more shopping but didn't finish. Got Baby's! outfit. Drove 30 min to the motorcycle store for DH's tank bag. They explained we also had to buy TWO sets of fixations for it. It was ridiculously expensive so we left. Came home, looked on Amazon, and found the same bag with the right fixations for half the total price. It won't arrive on time but I ordered it anyway, DH has wanted one for a while.

I still need something else for DH, something else for DS2, and DS3's main gift. I hope to go to the mall with DS3 tomorrow.

I got a haircut while DH and DS3 finished the grocery shopping.

ETA: Also, I have continued tracking those recent used cars. Of the three I was tracking, two sold, and the third just dropped the price by 1K. It's so tempting! But I can't bear the idea of having four loans, and that one is private party, so no trade-in.

[TheOtherMe]

Sent sister a text message about dad today.  No response.  I'm not surprised.

[debthaven]

I'm sorry TheOtherMe. I know this is hard on you.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I took care of the other half of the file cabinet, so that's done for a year. 
I do believe I have all of my wrapping done except for two gifts which aren't here yet. One will be here in a few hours, and we'll pick up the other tomorrow morning. 

DD#1 will arrive home by 9pm tonight. She wanted to come home so badly that she left her BF and his grandma in Washington. They aren't making the trip until late tomorrow night. 

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 22, 2018 19:15:53 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I'm sorry TheOtherMe . I know this is hard on you.

Thank you.  It is difficult.  How do we work together when she doesn't respond?

I scanned some of dad's documents to submit for his health reimbursement plan.  The scanning went well.  The uploading took over 2 hours.  I have no idea of why it kept rejecting the last form.  

I scanned a few photos, too.

I had planned on filing dad's paperwork today, but that will wait for tomorrow.

[nikiz628]

To do list for the week:

Relax
Bake some cookies
Enjoy Christmas with my people


This is the best to do list I’ve had all year! ❤️

[TheOtherMe]

When I picked dad up for lunch, his hearing aids were in the wrong ears.  Of course, he couldn't hear me.  I didn't have any paper to write on so we couldn't deal with it until we got to DQ.  

I could see the red dot.  There is a blue dot on the other hearing aid.  Sent sister a text to see which color goes in which ear.  She did call back and I wrote it down on a napkin and dad read it.

Both hearing aids were in the wrong ears.

His food was cold.  He was not happy.

I've got a load of laundry drying.  When it's done, I'm taking a long nap.

Then I have to file dad's financial paperwork for 2018.  I don't quite have all of it yet, but I haven't done the filing since last December or January.

[debthaven]

We went to two stores to get DS3 eau de parfum. He couldn't find ONE he liked.

After 3 hours of this, I'm afraid there was a rather big argument. He always says how sad he is that he needs to provide a list because he's SO EASY to buy for. In reality, he's not! It's true, he's not very consumerist. But he has EXTREMELY specific tastes.

So after two days of shopping, I still haven't done the in-store shopping I need to do!!! HAVE I EVER MENTIONED HOW MUCH I HATE SHOPPING?!

DS3 told me, so why don't you do it online then? I told him (not very nicely) TRUST ME I HAVE BOUGHT EVERY SINGLE ITEM I COULD ONLINE!!!

I am very claustrophobic. I live with it and I make efforts when I need to. But besides going into this major Parisian department store the Sat afternoon before Christmas, there was a live concert, with VERY loud musicians/singers/dancers. Because everybody goes to their department store on the Sat before Christmas for last-minute shopping hoping for a very loud concert, right?! At one point I lost it and bent over with my hands over my ears, literally screaming. Thankfully neither DS3 nor DH noticed, although one of the vendors did.

So I STILL need small gifts for DS2 and DH, the main gift for DS3, plus stocking stuffers, plus labels. I did find a stocking for Baby!. It's absolutely hideous, but he won't remember.

DDIL told me her family now does Secret Santa instead of gifts for everyone. I told her OMG THAT WOULD BE SO FANTASTIC CAN YOU PLEASE SUGGEST IT?! She's VERY discreet so I'm not sure she will but I'm very happy to, after Christmas lunch. Knowing them, I'm guessing DS1 may suggest it. 

I'd LOVE to do some form of Secret Santa. Or even for THEM to do it. I can't imagine not buying gifts for our kids but at least the kid generation could buy for one person instead of all of them.

Does anyone here have some version they can suggest?

I may create a post on YM asking for advice about this.