startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Nov 21, 2019 0:57:55 GMT -5
TheO- I’m so sorry, sounds like your dad is getting the help he needs and I’m sure it’s good to know he’s not suffering alone in his home. These are the tough days, do take care of yourself with all this stress and keep us updated on how he’s doing.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 21, 2019 4:11:28 GMT -5
Hugs TheO. Yes this will probably cause a change in his living situation. It seems that your sister is less in denial these days. Thinking of you during these rough times. This week
- 17 tests/Mon - 13 tests/Tues - haircut + color/Wed - editing for E X 2/Thurs - baby gifts for W + D/Thurs
- email pharmacy/Thurs
- pay parking ticket /Thurs
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Nov 21, 2019 14:05:13 GMT -5
I'm guessing the decluttering of my own house has come to a stop until we get dad's apartment cleaned out (a nursing home will become his reality). The sooner we get his stuff out of there, the sooner we don't have to pay rent and the sooner we get his 85% of his buy in back.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 21, 2019 16:15:19 GMT -5
TheO you're right, decluttering your house isn't a priority right now. But please remember you've made a HUGE amount of progess, and be proud of yourself.
I put my extra day off to good use. DH and I went to a shop 20 min away for the baby gifts (we had 30% off) and went out to lunch. DS3 and his GF came for the afternoon and dinner. Their train back was cancelled so we drove them into Paris (no traffic at this hour). I also managed to do 2.5h of editing for E (I finished) AND progressed on laundry. We'll have a full house next week so I'm in the process of washing the bedding on beds that haven't been used in months, even if it's "clean". DS3's is fine, did DD's today, now doing DS1's basement bed and DS2's room. No one uses the basement bedroom anymore but you never know.
So an unexpectedly very nice and productive day.
This weekend - mail baby gift/Fri - donation bin/Fri - pick up grill/Fri
We found several items under the stairs last weekend that don't belong to anyone! Like I told my kids, it's amazing how inanimate objects just walk into the house and hide under the stairs, all on their own. Hence the donation bin tomorrow. One item is a new bag, I'll give it to a colleague on Mon for her teen boys. I also ordered a second grill shelf for the new oven, I'll pick it up tomorrow. It was a bit extravagant, but our old oven (which lasted for 21 years) came with 2, so that's what we're used to.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Nov 21, 2019 17:03:30 GMT -5
I have made huge progress on my house, but we have to clear out dad's apartment and I have to not get too sentimental and bring too much home.
I know there are 3 more photo albums there and those are coming here. For whatever reason, he decided I couldn't have them.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 21, 2019 17:27:57 GMT -5
He probably didn't realize you are the family photo queen.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Nov 21, 2019 18:12:21 GMT -5
He probably didn't realize you are the family photo queen. He let me bring the other albums here but then balked at the last three. He said he looked at them. They are on a high shelf that I can barely reach. I don't know what he was thinking.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 21, 2019 19:10:12 GMT -5
Who knows what he was thinking then TheO?
Just remade DS1's basement bed. Only DS2's left.
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bobosensei
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Post by bobosensei on Nov 22, 2019 7:21:32 GMT -5
I think I need a gentle push ladies. I have some nice work clothes that no longer fit. Most are about 5 years old, and I haven't worn in several years anyway because even when they last fit my current job doesn't require regular business dress. At the moment, I am about 30-35 pounds too heavy for them. And for the most part my job is really relaxed like jeans and top from Ann Taylor Loft. I have a few times a year that I am in front of clients, but I could probably get by with a pair of nice pants and 2-3 dresses that work for most seasons. I got rid of a a ton of clothes this year, but I'm finding it hard to let go of some of the business clothes. Last time I lost weight I got rid of all the big clothes then when I gained it back I had to buy more as I needed certain things. But I'm trying to convince myself it will be at least next year before I could fit into the winter stuff I have, and by then do I really want to wear stuff that is 6 years old because we aren't talking all basic, classics here. Not sure the hot pink tweed pencil skirt I got 5 years ago is something I'd wear to a client site now you know...
Why is this so hard? I finally updated a few pairs of old winter boots I had that were completely worn out, and at the end of this warm season I got rid of 2 pairs of ballerina flats completely worn out. Having a harder time with several pairs of dress heels I bought for interviews that now hurt my feet but I only wore once. Do I really need 3 pairs of black pumps when even in front of clients I am more likely to wear ballet flats or low heeled boots? I only wear pumps for interviews so I don't need 3 pairs. But I haven't been able to pull the plug on them yet.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 22, 2019 11:34:40 GMT -5
bobosensei sometimes it takes going through the same things several times before you can finally let them go. Personally I wouldn't force myself. As long as you're making progress, I'd keep what I'm unsure of giving up.
This weekend
- pick up grill (DH)/Fri
- donation bin (DH)/Fri
- mail baby gift/Fri
DS2's bedding is washed and back on the bed. There are still the 2 trundle beds in DD's and DS3's room but I'm not sure I'm going to bother with those.
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Nov 22, 2019 14:08:00 GMT -5
Hello Everyone, I ended up talking with a different contractor and having them come out -- I am not nearly as impressed but I originally thought maybe I was just tired from work etc. I had gone into a tile store not realizing they also did contracting and water damage work so that is how this whole thing started. When he showed up I actually felt small dog defensive after like 10/15 minutes -- really weird for me usually I can ignore anyone unless they really get my back up. I was not listened to on what I want to do in my KITCHEN. I even specified what I was looking to do and wanted to see if he had any different / alternate ideas for my kitchen lay out. He ended monologing and talking down to me like I had no idea what I wanted or was talking about. My dad was in construction for nearly 50 years - I have been to job sites with him. I have done tile work, replaced toilet innards and switched out lighting along with a few other things so I am not completely helpless. - I really felt as though I wanted to push him bodily out of my place and slam the door in his face. - I don't know if he was under the impression that I had just bought or I was really naive but he did not leave me with the best impression. He also attempted to design my dining room and the area outside of my kitchen. Not the kitchen itself which is what I asked on the outset. No ideas about moving things in closer and rearranging the sizing on my cabinets so I would get extra storage space. I couldn't shift my dishwasher or get a smaller sink because a lazy susan still would not fit. - I would feel really hesitant to give him a key to my place without me there to oversee what was going on so they will be a NO. I WON'T BE USING THIS COMPANY. As a added bonus he told me that he would be the general contractor on everything and would oversee every step of the process so I would deal with him all the time...not what I wanted to hear. So I am really happy that the proposal from the original contractor came in and the pricing is reasonable and I can show my dad the bid I received. My original contractor I would not worry about him having a key if I was not available to be home. I have a really decent radar on this and since my dad knows him and he has worked at dad's place there is some connection and I feel better about it. So that was my adventure over Wednesday evening. Not a fun one and I really did not feel like cooking the spaghetti and meatballs that I had planned to do for dinner so I ended up doing a 1 sheet meal of fries and chicken tenders.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Nov 22, 2019 14:19:52 GMT -5
I find some things get easier with multiple passes. Clothes have been one for me.
I've also heard if you are unsure to box it up and put it aside to be revisited in a few months.
I dropped a bag of DH's old dress shoes and socks into a recycle bin today. There's more to get rid of but it's progress.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Nov 22, 2019 15:19:29 GMT -5
That was a terrible experience snapdragon Hope everything gets finished soon
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 22, 2019 16:02:42 GMT -5
Snapdragon he sounds terrible! I'm glad the original contractor you like is available.
I always struggle changing DS2's bedding. I finally realized that his quilt is bigger than the duvet cover. I originally bought that cover for the guest room but it matched DS2's room, so I put it there.
I could never figure out why his quilt was always scrunched up so I measured it today. That explains it. I just ordered another set in the right size. The smaller one will go back in the guest room.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Nov 22, 2019 18:37:13 GMT -5
I took the day off as went up to Apple hill to buy treats. In addition to a few varieties of apples for a pie and some books I picked up plants for the front yard on my way home. Tomorrow I need to get 14 plants in the ground including a row of boxwood hedges.
In other news my quilt is coming along nicely and I have about 50% of the pieces sewn. Next week there’s a big fabric sale so I am hoping to get all the pieces I have added so I know what to purchase to finish up this quilt. Goal for the weekend is about 100 pieces of blue.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Nov 23, 2019 11:57:35 GMT -5
I think I need a gentle push ladies. I have some nice work clothes that no longer fit. Most are about 5 years old, and I haven't worn in several years anyway because even when they last fit my current job doesn't require regular business dress. At the moment, I am about 30-35 pounds too heavy for them. And for the most part my job is really relaxed like jeans and top from Ann Taylor Loft. I have a few times a year that I am in front of clients, but I could probably get by with a pair of nice pants and 2-3 dresses that work for most seasons. I got rid of a a ton of clothes this year, but I'm finding it hard to let go of some of the business clothes. Last time I lost weight I got rid of all the big clothes then when I gained it back I had to buy more as I needed certain things. But I'm trying to convince myself it will be at least next year before I could fit into the winter stuff I have, and by then do I really want to wear stuff that is 6 years old because we aren't talking all basic, classics here. Not sure the hot pink tweed pencil skirt I got 5 years ago is something I'd wear to a client site now you know... Why is this so hard? I finally updated a few pairs of old winter boots I had that were completely worn out, and at the end of this warm season I got rid of 2 pairs of ballerina flats completely worn out. Having a harder time with several pairs of dress heels I bought for interviews that now hurt my feet but I only wore once. Do I really need 3 pairs of black pumps when even in front of clients I am more likely to wear ballet flats or low heeled boots? I only wear pumps for interviews so I don't need 3 pairs. But I haven't been able to pull the plug on them yet. When you're buying new shoes, are you getting rid of others?
Of the black pumps, which is the pair in the worst condition? THROW THOSE OUT.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Nov 23, 2019 11:59:01 GMT -5
Snapdragon he sounds terrible! I'm glad the original contractor you like is available. I always struggle changing DS2's bedding. I finally realized that his quilt is bigger than the duvet cover. I originally bought that cover for the guest room but it matched DS2's room, so I put it there. I could never figure out why his quilt was always scrunched up so I measured it today. That explains it. I just ordered another set in the right size. The smaller one will go back in the guest room. Ugh. Duvets can be so frustrating. I'm glad you figured it out though, so it won't annoy you as much anymore.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Nov 23, 2019 12:00:25 GMT -5
Straightening up today. Fake Thanksgiving this weekend at our house with three of our four kids.
DS#2 is bringing his fiance. It's been difficult with her the last year or so. Please send me good vibes to keep my nice face on the whole weekend.
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finnime
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Post by finnime on Nov 23, 2019 14:08:55 GMT -5
Prepping for the big TD baking. I've got 5 clients with orders that vary hugely. So far I'll be making: 3 pumpkin pies, 3 apple pies - one vegan, 2 key lime pies, Boston Cream pie, loaves cranberry nut bread, mint brownies, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies, dinner rolls x 3 dozen, cinnamon rolls and a pepperoni stromboli. Don't know if more orders will be forthcoming. Wednesday is the big baking day; we're off to Massachusetts on Thanksgiving itself. So now to clean and organize to get ready. One more quick shopping trip and I'll have all the ingredients for everything.
ETA: Plus one spinach quiche and an order of apple scones now.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Nov 23, 2019 14:43:17 GMT -5
I have 4 more boxwood to plant and 1 big bush that needs a much deeper hole. Then all I have to do is spread out the soil I bought and water everything.
I had a call this morning but thankfully could see while it happened so the blue quilt section is coming along.
Adding to my list this weekend to clean out the fridge and make either leek soup or the Shepard’s pie, I have ingredients for both.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Nov 23, 2019 17:27:28 GMT -5
Three bags and 1 box went out for donation yesterday. Still just a drop in the bucket, but at least it's forward progress. Now the Christmas shopping packages are starting to arrive, so the space I cleared is filling up again. I need to do some shifting and consolidating to keep the space I had gained.
TOM, I know clearing out your Dad's apartment will be challenging. You'll want to hang onto things or think "I'll just take this home and make a decision about it later." That's what got me into the mess I'm in now. When I cleared out my Dad's house, I brought way too much home, packed it all into rooms I seldom use, and then became overwhelmed with what needed to be done, so I just kept postponing it. Try not to follow my example. That's easier said than done, of course, so just do the best you can.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Nov 23, 2019 18:59:21 GMT -5
TOM, I know clearing out your Dad's apartment will be challenging. You'll want to hang onto things or think "I'll just take this home and make a decision about it later." That's what got me into the mess I'm in now. When I cleared out my Dad's house, I brought way too much home, packed it all into rooms I seldom use, and then became overwhelmed with what needed to be done, so I just kept postponing it. Try not to follow my example. That's easier said than done, of course, so just do the best you can. We have not decided when we will clean it out. I brought too much of mom's stuff home but I have finally been able to part with a lot of it. It's the pictures I want for sure--as many as I can get. There is also a bureau full of baby afghans that mom crocheted. My sister will take those.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Nov 23, 2019 19:04:38 GMT -5
I finished the planting and only think I need 2 or 3 more for the proper hedge. I spread out 2 bags of soil and will put down grass seed next.
I am impatiently waiting for the guy who wants to buy my dresser to show up. Then I can go pick up groceries for the week but at this rate I’ll have to do it tomorrow.
I should go make soup. I’m sure once it’s started I’ll get interrupted.
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nikiz628
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Post by nikiz628 on Nov 23, 2019 21:51:41 GMT -5
We've made A LOT of progress on the attic to bonus room conversion in the past two weeks. The floors are in, so we no longer have to tight rope walk the joists lol. H cut a giant hole into our roof and built a nice shed dormer to open up some headspace/get us full sized windows for more natural light. (He also installed a small window on the front of our house in a preexisting peak. It looks adorable). All but 1.5 walls are framed. Most of the electrical is roughed in. He has to relocate our old vent pipe tomorrow and then he can finish framing the last of the walls. After that, he will finish up the electrical and we can start installing insulation. Then drywall.. drywall finishing..lighting..paint..carpet.. haha. We definitely aren't approaching the finish line yet but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. I will post some progress pics in a moment!
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 24, 2019 4:11:29 GMT -5
Wow nikiz628 that's so impressive that you do all that work yourselves! I'd love to see photos! I know this is a first-world problem but I have a super busy week at work, my kids arrive on Wed and Thurs for a long weekend BUT I'm getting 99 papers to mark this week. Obviously I won't be able to finish them but I want to get ahead so I can have Fri/Sat/Sun free with them. This week - pharmacy/Mon
- Class 1+2: 37 tests/Mon+Tues - Class A: 20 final reports/Wed
If I can do all that I'll be very happy (and still have 42 papers left for after the kids leave). I may add a stretch goal for Thurs later in the week.
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finnime
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Post by finnime on Nov 24, 2019 5:12:51 GMT -5
Prepping for the big TD baking. I've got 5 7 clients with orders that vary hugely. So far I'll be making: 3 4 pumpkin pies, 3 apple pies - one vegan, 2 key lime pies, Boston Cream pie, 4 loaves cranberry nut bread, mint brownies, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies, dinner rolls x 3 dozen, cinnamon rolls and a pepperoni stromboli. Don't know if more orders will be forthcoming. Tuesday and Wednesday are big baking days; we're off to Massachusetts on Thanksgiving itself. So now to clean and organize to get ready. Another shopping trip and I'll have all the ingredients for everything. ETA: Plus one two spinach quiches , raspberry brownies, an order of apple scones and an order of cornbread. People can order up through today (Sunday). But I think this is it.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 24, 2019 5:15:57 GMT -5
That's very impressive finnime ! Good luck!
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Nov 24, 2019 7:46:56 GMT -5
Making Thanksgiving dinner for only 6 adults so not feeling the usual angst over having 16-18 people! Hoping to get a lot of prep done today since I am working Mon-Wed. We have gotten some of the Christmas things out, but honestly I am decorating less and less as the years go by and we need to get rid of the things we haven't used in several years (like a clothing closet clean out!). Saturday was not too cold here so I was able to put away and clean up a lot of the garden furniture and pots. DH worked on the never ending leaves.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Nov 24, 2019 12:29:08 GMT -5
DH had rehearsal all day and then tix to a concert. I won't go out the nights before I get up at 6. So I had lunch with E and then at the last minute decided to brave the mall to look for a new dress for my party. It took me 2.5h, which is seriously the longest I have ever spent there. (I hate shopping.) But I love the dress and it was $55 so I'm very happy! I wasn't planning on buying a new dress but hey. Here is the link but I'll probably delete it later. The dress is knee-length on me (I'm short.)
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Nov 24, 2019 13:25:53 GMT -5
I love that dress! Perfect for a milestone birthday. You need the button that says "THIS is 60".
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