2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[plugginaway22]

I am feeling bad that there will be few small packages to open since we decided to give money this year!  We are in a transition year as well, so will see how it evolves.
Usual plans for Christmas Eve and Day are all switched around due to new baby, DD's both have in-laws close by, etc...and my parents are not comfortable driving so now everyone is going to visit them, at different times.  It is making me a tad crazy but is also ludicrous, the number of family discussions about who is doing what, when?

[startsmart]

LONG night of very little sleep due to insomnia and the sick dog. I think I finally went to sleep at 5am. No idea how parents of babies do it, by 3am i was so tired I put the sick dog in the living room crate because it was so exhausting.

Final package got delivered this morning so I have one more thing to wrap and then a restful day so I can actually sleep tonight.

ETA: 
Cioppino is cooking, all presents are wrapped, dog is calm and front door is painted. Not too bad considering I only woke up 4 hours ago!

I think I'll work on some sewing this evening and watch a movie. I am super pleased with my decision not to travel on holidays, too much stress for me. 

[TheOtherMe]

I gave up traveling for Christmas after getting home 2 days late way back when because of a snowstorm.  Next year, I was at my house and the airport was closed for a few days due to a snowstorm.  Cars couldn't get there.  They were out of food, disposable diapers, etc.  Never so glad I had made that decision as it happened the day I would have been traveling.  

If I travel over holiday periods now, I fly on the actual holiday.

[empress of self-improvement]

Dec 22, 2018 16:19:07 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

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

NO KIDDING! Mine burst into flames when I tried to use it!

[busymom]

I was the "bad egg", debthaven, who suggested many years ago that the adults start drawing names.  It had gotten ridiculous, when all of DH's brothers & sisters were married, that we all were expected to buy gifts for each other.  And frankly, because it was a burden for everyone, it was basically trading a bunch of inexpensive "carp" every year.  So, tired of spending money for cheap stuff, I made the suggestion.  Eventually, the adults just switched over to a sort of white elephant exchange (everyone brings just one box), and our children (the cousins) draw names.  It has worked out SO much better.  So, if I'm the family grinch, so be it.  

[busymom]

I feel like I'm slacking off this weekend.  Usually I have a ton of food prep to do before the annual gathering of DH's side of the family, but now that we're far away, I only have to work on the menu for our house.  We've probably overbought on food, but we can always put in the freezer whatever doesn't get eaten on Christmas Day.  I've sent out around 100 Christmas cards this year, and so far have received 29.  Most likely I'll get more before the New Year, as mail service here tends to be slow.

[chapeau]

I usually enjoy White Elephants. Even if what you end up with is awful, no biggie-you have something for next year!

My new BIL’s family is large, 6 married children, all but one have multiple kids. They do some kind of bingo that I think is more like musical chairs. Everyone brings several small (read inexpensive) gifts, gathered through the year at yard sales, dollar store, goodwill, etc. the bigger the box, the more desirable the gift is. He bought an avocado green bun warmed (appliance, not stadium seating accessory) for $2 one year that was a huge hit with the kids. Then they start the music, multiple items going at once. When the music stops, if you have something, it’s yours. But it can be stolen! And no unwrapping til the end. Frankly I’m not sure I completely understand it. But it sounds like lots of fun.

[Sharon]

I am so far behind getting ready for Christmas and right now just want it to be done.  There will be 17 people descending upon my house for dinner on Tuesday.  Now trying to figure out how to seat 18 people and how many chairs do I need to borrow from Mom.  My BIL is in a wheelchair so he brings his own chair, DGD will be in the highchair,  Nephews little guy who is about a year older than DGD needs a booster seat, Mom has the booster seat.  I have borrowed two tables from my Dad, somehow I will get it all figured out.

I haven't made any candy this year, usually at a minimum I make two kinds of fudge plus divinity.  The cut out sugar cookies are baked but not frosted.  About a week ago I finally admitted that Christmas cards aren't happening this year.  Outdoor lights and the tree are the only Christmas decorations out.

I am exhausted and I have to be to work on Wednesday.  I have never gotten caught up with my rest from all the house projects etc and then dealing with the insurance company with the car/deer all I really want to do is crawl into bed and stay there for a week.

[startsmart]

Sharon - it's totally okay to recalibrate your expectations right now. Remind yourself (and others) that you've been dealing with a lot this December and the most important thing is the people who you are hosting. If they're showing up because you have the nicest decorations or divinity then, seriously, screw them. But I suspect that they love and appreciate you and would not want you to run yourself ragged to live up to what you did for previous Christmases. Rest. Let the family decorate their own sugar cookies on Tuesday. Call a few people and ask them to bring chairs or comfortable pillows. It'll be okay. 

busymom- we used to do a family drawing as well, we would mix up the names at Thanksgiving dinner (even for family not there) and then circle what we liked in the Black Friday flyers for each other to get the ideas going! Now we don't even do that because most of the families have grandkids so it's just focused on them. 


The sewing machine started jamming when I finished up the curtains so I decided to skip the sewing for a bit. I might take some of it down with me when I visit my parents, if my mom has her machine at the new house. 

I don't live in an area with snow (too low elevation) but when I go to my parent's house it's supposed to snow and I'm going to Yosemite for the day. SUPER excited except I have no cold weather gear lol. It's been a long time since I lived in Virginia! 

[TheOtherMe]

Dad's paperwork is still facing at me, so after I eat, I will do that.

Mom was the first one to be the bad in-law when she married my dad.  At that time, there was one granddaughter on dad's side (besides dad's daughter who never counted).  All 10 of the siblings made over said grandchild and bought her untold presents.  My grandma told mom right after they got married what she was to buy grandchild for Christmas (parents married in October).  Mom told her that they could not buy presents for all of the grandchildren for Christmas, birthdays, Easter, etc. as she also came from a large family and they simply didn't have the money.

Don't know if it's true but mom always said that put her in Grandma's doghouse forever.

On mom's side, they drew names for the adults and another drawing for the grandchildren.  That ended when Grandma died.  They kept the meals going for many years, but the gift exchange stopped.

[TheOtherMe]

Dad's paperwork is done!

Two more things on the to do list today.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Good morning!
Slow day here.
DH has closed his office, so he's home. 
I have 13 non-regular  tasks between work and home that I'd like to accomplish today. I've already been to PT, so that's done. 


I'm ready for Christmas Day, but not in the way I'd prefer. I have all the gifts I need to for tomorrow. DH and I never set a spending plan or present, so he went overboard--which he admitted last week. I forgot to buy gifts for my sister and niece. We are just now figuring out what time we're eating dinner tomorrow and what we might be serving. I don't know if DD#1's BF's family is joining us. I'm also just setting up when I'll see my mother next week. 

I do intend to make a planning sheet now for next Christmas. I have time (as I'm not at work) to create a 2019 plan and I'm able to recognize what I didn't plan for well this year. At least then it will be started and I won't have much of an excuse come fall. 

[Sharon]

I am feeling a little more in control of things now.  The cookies are frosted, the stuffing is made, the neighbor gifts have all been delivered.  Last night I ended up making a big batch of caramel corn and each neighbor (total of 3) got a bag of that.  I still need to do some light house cleaning, get the Christmas dishes out, pick up the extra chairs from Mom.

This afternoon I am taking Mom over to Bro's for the a little while.  I don't really want to go so hopefully Mom won't feel the need to stay all afternoon and half the evening.  I will pick up the chairs when I drop Mom back off.

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 24, 2018 12:02:26 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dad's paperwork is done!

Two more things on the to do list today.  

The list is complete and the decluttering goal for 2018 of 2018 items is done!!!!  

[empress of self-improvement]

Butt-freezing cold out and half-assed snowing. So, instead of staying nice and warm indoors, I decide I just HAVE to go out and do some crap in the yard. Of course, I also didn't bother wearing a jacket or gloves so my face and thighs are still in the process of warming up. Bleah. After I thaw, I'm going to work on laundry, dishes, making my special dinner, filet mignon and artichokes, artichokes and artichokes. No idea if DH will eat the mushroom-infested pizza or not. I haven't decided where my next round of decluttering will take place, in the basement, where I'm taking apart a rotted wood workbench or upstairs where I'm trying to figure out what to do with some of that crap.

[debthaven]

I finally finished my shopping. Will do better next year I hope! DS3 finally found a scent he liked.

Happy Christmas friends!

I forgot to mention that I put two big bags of clothes into the donation bin yesterday (mainly my old pants and DS3's old coats). Congrats on hitting your decluttering goal TheOtherMe !

PS Thanks for your suggestions! The problem with Secret Santa here is this is my immediate family, not extended family. DH and DS3 are against the idea but I'm guessing it will come up tomorrow. DH HAS suggested stopping the stockings except for Baby!, so there's that. I can't imagine not giving my kids gifts so I want to a least suggest the Secret Santa for THEM (4 kids + 2 partners). Not for us, and not for Baby!

[TheOtherMe]

My sister does huge stockings for her adult children.  The oldest is 40.  The stockings are about 3 or 4 feet tall.  She makes them go to one of the bedrooms while she gets them out.  Then they pretend to be surprised.  That's the beginning of the 5 or 6 hours of gift opening.  

What sister's kids do is immediate family.  I think the kids figured it out on their own.  Niece buys a gift for the parents but all 4 contribute money.  

Sister was very unhappy when her SIL decided their kids were having Santa come to their house and not Grandma's house.  I think she has finally gotten over that.  That happened after a year when we had to move up Christmas by a day because of a big snowstorm.  SIL picked me up on their way to the farm.  We were all stuck their for 3 days.  Of course, the little ones wanted all their new toys put together.  He ended up having to make two trips to get everything home because the toys were no longer in boxes.

Good luck with whatever you decide.  It's even harder when traveling overseas is involved.

[3catslady]

Merry Christmas, everyone.  Hope to be back next year.

[debthaven]

OMG TheOtherMe that's just crazy! Nothing nearly that crazy here.

Welcome back 3catslady !

One problem is that it's much less consumer-friendly here, you only have 2-4 weeks to return/exchange a gift. So I will only shop within that window. But this year was ridiculously last-minute, partly because of marking, and partly because DS3 refused to give me a list. That did not go over well. I want to shop from a list. DS3 has promised to give me a list next year.

And yes, overseas travelling complicates things further. DS1 may have to wear his new snowboots on the plane. (That's what he asked us for.)

plugginaway22 frankly I envy you lol! Please let us know how it worked out.

[Sharon]

Well my dinner is down to 16 for tomorrow.  We always suspected that my nieces husband would have to work and now my BIL is also staying home.  Again that isn't really a surprise, he didn't make Christmas last year.  Sis doesn't have a handicap van so she has to load and unload him out of the car on a board and it is getting harder and harder for her to do.

[TheOtherMe]

DN3 gave me a happy surprise tonight.  He called and then stopped by with a Christmas present.  He said I had bought him Christmas presents and birthday presents all of his life and he had never given me a gift.  He gave me a beautiful book of rock and roll photos.  It's a coffee table book.  

We talked for a couple of hours.  I think I enjoyed that more than the book.  I love that young man.  His girlfriend is giving Grandpa a present tomorrow.  He said it was her idea.  

[NastyWoman]

Dec 24, 2018 21:29:22 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

DN3 gave me a happy surprise tonight.  He called and then stopped by with a Christmas present.  He said I had bought him Christmas presents and birthday presents all of his life and he had never given me a gift.  He gave me a beautiful book of rock and roll photos.  It's a coffee table book.  

We talked for a couple of hours.  I think I enjoyed that more than the book.  I love that young man.  His girlfriend is giving Grandpa a present tomorrow.  He said it was her idea.  

How wonderful! That is the true spirit of gift giving at Xmas time. Show people you love them. ❤️

You must be on the top 10 lists of aunts, considering that your nephews and niece love to keep in contact with you despite your sister's antagonistic behavior.

[Sharon]

[moneysquirrel]

Wishing all of you a very blessed Christmas!

[Chocolate Lover]

Dec 21, 2018 23:36:09 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

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.

My inside shoes are thick flip flops. I like to have my feet free so I can pick stuff up with my toes. I can't do barefoot, it hurts my feet too much.

[Chocolate Lover]

Merry Christmas to all of you! You are appreciated more than you know ❤️❤️

[busymom]

I hope Christmas Day has been good to all of you!     There's just the immediate family to feed, but we're still trying to keep it festive.  We'll have ham for dinner tonight, with some favorite side dishes, and pie for dessert.  The weather here is warm & sunny, so we took time to walk at the beach.  

[TheOtherMe]

People are asking on our town's FB garage sale page when the trash is being picked up.  Guess I wasn't the only one with the question and happy I found it early when it was.  It's tomorrow and next Wednesday.

In the town where dad lives, it was last Saturday and next Saturday.

[Lizard Queen]

Dec 25, 2018 15:01:17 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Dec 21, 2018 23:36:09 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

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.

My inside shoes are thick flip flops. I like to have my feet free so I can pick stuff up with my toes. I can't do barefoot, it hurts my feet too much.

Hahaha, you do that too? I used to have very talented toes! 😅 As a kid, I would change the channels on the tv (there was a number pad on it). One time, to impress my DH, I took his jeans off him with my feet.

[Sharon]

Thank goodness for DD and DSIL.  They stayed after everyone had left and helped me get the house back in order.  DD and I also hand washed the good silver and all the big pots and pans.  The dishwasher is running for the second time today and there is one pan left that is still soaking.  I am really tired and wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow.