2019 - Organize Your Life & Declutter Your Stuff

[nikiz628]

Jan 4, 2019 13:11:16 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Ugh. The new GP wants me to come in to go on thyroid meds. I told her I'd make an appt in the next couple of weeks. I want another opinion (my friend in NY). Apparently the French are notorious for overprescribing thyroid meds in middle-aged women. I think I will ask for another blood test in the spring before I start any meds.

This weekend
- lunch with D/Fri
- donation bin/Fri
- record play with DH/Fri

- put away Christmas/Sat

DH and DS3 stocked up on firewood so we should be good for the rest of the winter.

I have another donation bag ready but I want to my new coat to arrive first.

I’ve been on them for 3 years (hypothyroid). My TSH is “normal” as long as I take them, but I’ve never felt like I’m getting better. Unfortunately here, thyroid issues aren’t something doctors stay up to date on for treatment and most are quick to say “you’re in a normal range, you’re fine”. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[debthaven]

Thank you TheOtherMe and nikiz628 . I know very little about this. I'm trying to learn more, so I really appreciate your comments.

[Chocolate Lover]

I've also been on thyroid meds for about 3 or 4 years. I don't feel super energetic or anything, BUT I was a psychotic b!tch when my numbers were out of whack. I didn't realize it was having that kind of effect on me until it wasn't. I never felt rested, even after a full night's sleep. I feel much better than I used to, and after my numbers shot back up a year into treatment, I know to watch my moods as an indicator that things are going out of whack somewhere. 

I did some reading after my first visit and while starting meds and my favorite book on the subject was Thyroid for Dummies. (I just checked out books from the library that had fairly recent copyright dates, no 80's crap.) That was the first on that mentioned a lot of labs are using out of date "normal" numbers. My TSH was barely with the "normal" numbers of the lab my doctor uses but she was up to date on the newer research that said lower than where I was is better. It also mentioned some other side effects I hadn't noticed until then. 

Good luck with it all, however it works out for you. 

[WholeLottaNothin]

I've been on thyroid meds since 2008. I started out on Synthroid/Levothyroxine for several years and did not feel any better. 3 or 4 years ago I asked my GP about trying natural meds, and now I am taking NP Thyroid. It is made from Pig or Cow thyroid (can't remember off hand), but I finally felt normal and energetic and I hadn't in years.

The old labs had anywhere from 0.5 to 5.0 as normal range. Newer information says 0.3 to 3.0 is the normal range. I'm closer to 0.3 and feel good. When I first found out I was hypothyroid my numbers were in the high 30's. I basically slept any time I wasn't at work. It was awful. My thyroid got ruined from the radiation I received as treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

[debthaven]

I'm amazed at how many of us have thyroid issues. I guess it is much more common than I realized.

I'm so glad your treatment worked WholeLottaNothin.

[countrygirl2]

I'm on thyroid too.  It got way to low was when I had all the severe constipation problem guess she didn't catch that.  Doc said that was likely the problem.

I got the outside decorations in and all put up except my inflatable globe and will tomorrow.  

[startsmart]

Laundry is caught up and just needs to be put away. Dishes are done and put away. Kitchen counters are clean. Backyard is a tiny bit better. 2 pans of cinnamon rolls delivered. Work calls done for the day. Watched all 8 episodes of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and now I want to declutter EVERYTHING.

[debthaven]

I haven't watched a single episode yet. DS3 is still here, and learning lines is my priority now. I look forward to binge-watching that after the play in mid-Feb.

ETA: Made another payment to the kitchen loan. It's just over 1K now!!!

[debthaven]

Something very funny/nice just happened!

I have been doing PW's Jan decluttering challenges since the beginning. As years go by, I have less to do.

The first year he told us to organize our jewelry. So I bought a small transparent box from Muji, two levels. I keep it in my dresser. I also bought a hanging rack for necklaces (in my closet).

You all know I hate clutter. So when we travel, DH and I tend to gift each other something small, or for the house, or to eat. DH often buys me earrings because I like them and they don't take up much room.

DH gave me a gorgeous pair of pink coral earrings when we visited the Keys 8 years ago. I lost one 3 years ago. I was SO sad about it. I loved those earrings. I have really missed them.

I wore my late/ex MIL's diamond earrings on NYE. They were in the plate on my dresser. I decided to put them back in the jewelry box. When I took it out, it slipped out of my hand, hit the floor, and the jewelry exploded EVERYWHERE. You can imagine how thrilled I was.

I decided tomorrow was another day. Then I thought, ugh, do you really want to wake up to that mess?! So I decided to bite the bullet and do at least part of it tonight.

Guess what I found?! Yes!!! The other pink coral earring from the Keys!!! That made me SO happy!

I guess I'm not as well-organized as I thought LOL.

[mollyanna58]

Just went through what used to be the toy drawer, when the nieces and nephews were smaller. Not much was left in there, but I found some wooden Melissa and Doug puzzles to donate, and a few odds and ends to trash.

Liberty turned the rest of a roll of Christmas wrapping paper into recycling.   Very eco-minded dog.

[startsmart]

I got a little bit more cleaning done in the backyard because we're going into 5 days of rain Since my middle dog is still not well I may put out the puppy pads in case he goes inside (saves on laundry). He's a dachshund with back issues so after 2 weeks of rest he's just starting to walk again, even if his back legs drag a little. I still carry him a lot and he's on meds to help with the swelling. 


Goals for this week:
1. Deep clean the kitchen countertops + microwave
2. Take the Christmas bins + tree to the storage unit
3. Write down quotes from last year's books
4. Catch up on laundry
5. Make another batch of cinnamon rolls
6. Tidy up backyard before it rains (Saturday)
7. Finish chapters 1-3 of my book

I am slowly working on the book quotes as I watch the news and organizing those in Evernote. I would like to get all of my 2018 books packed up for storage.

[redwagon]

I tossed 3 cans of soup and two juice boxes that expired 2 years ago. #babysteps

Right now all my time is either going to the kids or my project with a deadline next week. Then I might tackle my filing.

I also need to go through my closet for another purge. Might sneak some of DHs stuff in there too.

I have also purged 2.5lbs this week. 47.5 more to go.

[TheOtherMe]

I know the toys mom had for the Grandkids are in a closet at dad's.  They have long outgrown them.  I wonder what my sister would say about purging those?  One is a car that we played with.

[finnime]

This morning I actually cleared out the closet in the back of the living room. Six large bags of Stuff that had been languishing there for years, gone. I do need to go through two boxes of CDs to sort out any I want to actually listen to - most are well over 15 years old now.

Now I have a closet to rotate some out-of-season jackets into and sensibly store hats, boots, plus travel items like the cooler. I don't have a coat closet, so this will do nicely.

[nikiz628]

Jan 4, 2019 16:19:07 GMT -5 WholeLottaNothin said:

I've been on thyroid meds since 2008. I started out on Synthroid/Levothyroxine for several years and did not feel any better. 3 or 4 years ago I asked my GP about trying natural meds, and now I am taking NP Thyroid. It is made from Pig or Cow thyroid (can't remember off hand), but I finally felt normal and energetic and I hadn't in years.

The old labs had anywhere from 0.5 to 5.0 as normal range. Newer information says 0.3 to 3.0 is the normal range. I'm closer to 0.3 and feel good. When I first found out I was hypothyroid my numbers were in the high 30's. I basically slept any time I wasn't at work. It was awful. My thyroid got ruined from the radiation I received as treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

When I first had mine tested, my TSH was 127! I was 3 months post partum with my 2nd child and went to my OB because I thought I had PPD. I did, but she called me after my appointment and asked me to come back the next day for labs. She suspected my thyroid might be off. Boy was she correct! I am so thankful for her intuition, otherwise I might never have found out. 

[nikiz628]

Jan 3, 2019 1:01:01 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

My decluttering and organizing goals for 2019: 

* Declutter 2,019 items. Last year I lost count, I hope to do a better job tracking this year. 
* Complete our attic conversion (to a bonus room). This will allow for better organization of the boys' toys/games/etc. 
* Work my way around each room of the house, organizing/purging as I do. I find when I break it down to a room at a time, I get more done. 
*Add me to the "purging pounds" club. Idk how many I need to purge because I haven't stepped foot on a scale since....thanksgiving. I'm afraid to see the damage. 

TO DO LIST for the next 2 weeks (Because I am WAY behind- it was nice taking time off  from my to do list while my oldest was on break, but I am paying for it now)

*this is a mix of my general to do list and extra tasks

- Clean up the master bedroom
- Do a quick go through of the clothing in the closet and dresser (I did my side a few months ago, H hasn't touched his in awhile) 
- Go through our bedside tables (3 drawers each) and purge/organize
- Deep clean the master shower, clean the entire master bath
- Clean up and organize/purge vanity drawers and wall cabinet
- Go through bill organizer box and pull all 2018 items out for shredding
- Clean off my desk
- Find a new printer stand (preferably on wheels)
- Completely go through each of the boys' bedrooms and purge/organize/find homes for Christmas presents-- 1 done, 1 to go 
- Clean up both boys' dresser drawers and DS1's closet --- 1 Dresser done, 1 to go. 
- Take down the indoor Christmas decorations
- Move LR chair back to its spot (currently hanging out in our bedroom)
- Shampoo couches 
- Go through cabinet in our dining room (it holds the boys' games/coloring supplies/etc). Toss out all the dried up markers and filled up coloring books, put away new coloring stuff from Christmas
- Take more of our recycling to center
- Put the kitchen back together from the holidays
- Clean out the fridge
- Go through DS1's first semester papers and toss what I don't plan to save
- Clean the oven
- Install the last few pieces of trim in our old bathroom. 
- Install the vanity in the old bathroom (how many times has that been on my to do list now? too many!) 
- Install the door on the old bathroom 
- Celebrate that the OLD BATHROOM IS FINALLY FINISHED
- Dust/Vacuum/Mop the whole house 
- Return a few items to Wal-Mart
- Call my bank re: confusing billing statement
- Make hair appointment for myself
- Return shirt to Kohl's 
- Finalize our vacation budget/plans 

I've been cleaning for 2 days straight...I am not finished but I am seeing a faint light at the end of the tunnel. I felt like virtually marking off what I've accomplished so far. 

[nidena]

For Saturday:

Laundry--put away what's in the Clean basket, wash, dry, and put away what is currently all over the floor of the bedroom by the closet
Clean off the desk
Pick up my new bicycle--bought something that has a bigger seat for my bigger butt
Take donations to Goodwill--yeah, it won't be worth the deduction for 2019 but I'll save the receipts for someone who will get a benefit from them
Vacuum the first floor; maybe the second floor, if I'm feeling froggy

I really appreciate that you guys like everyone's posts because it helps me more easily find my place where I left off reading.

[Sharon]

Count me in on the Thyroid medication group.  I can only take Synthroid.  When I tried Levothyroxine we could never get the numbers to settle down.  One dose was too much so reduce it slightly and it was too low.  I was a horrid mess after DD was born and thought I had PPD and it turned out my Thyroid was so far out of whack they ran the test 4 times because they couldn't believe the numbers they were seeing.

[nidena]

I don't have thyroid issues--that I know of--but from what I've read in Wheat Belly, many doctors looked at the "normal" range rather than the "ideal" range.  Sounds like more and more are looking at that ideal range now.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 4, 2019 23:05:14 GMT -5 nidena said:

For Saturday:

Laundry--put away what's in the Clean basket, wash, dry, and put away what is currently all over the floor of the bedroom by the closet
Clean off the desk
Pick up my new bicycle--bought something that has a bigger seat for my bigger butt
Take donations to Goodwill--yeah, it won't be worth the deduction for 2019 but I'll save the receipts for someone who will get a benefit from them
Vacuum the first floor; maybe the second floor, if I'm feeling froggy

I really appreciate that you guys like everyone's posts because it helps me more easily find my place where I left off reading.

Do you click on the "new" button on the thread title on the list of threads? It should take you to the last place you read. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

You Need To Get Rid Of These Household Items Immediately

Listicle about stuff to purge because it's trash and not worth saving. 

[nidena]

Jan 4, 2019 23:34:26 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 4, 2019 23:05:14 GMT -5 nidena said:

For Saturday:

Laundry--put away what's in the Clean basket, wash, dry, and put away what is currently all over the floor of the bedroom by the closet
Clean off the desk
Pick up my new bicycle--bought something that has a bigger seat for my bigger butt
Take donations to Goodwill--yeah, it won't be worth the deduction for 2019 but I'll save the receipts for someone who will get a benefit from them
Vacuum the first floor; maybe the second floor, if I'm feeling froggy

I really appreciate that you guys like everyone's posts because it helps me more easily find my place where I left off reading.

Do you click on the "new" button on the thread title on the list of threads? It should take you to the last place you read. 

I have the YMAM notifications page saved as a favorite so I just go to that.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 4, 2019 21:05:24 GMT -5 finnime said:

. I do need to go through two boxes of CDs to sort out any I want to actually listen to - most are well over 15 years old now.

Those are the good ones!  I'm having a very difficult time getting rid of my CDs.  

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 5, 2019 11:53:15 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Jan 4, 2019 21:05:24 GMT -5 finnime said:

. I do need to go through two boxes of CDs to sort out any I want to actually listen to - most are well over 15 years old now.

Those are the good ones!  I'm having a very difficult time getting rid of my CDs.  

Don't feel bad. I've had a hard time getting rid of some of my albums even though I burned every one I had down to CD's back in the p2p file sharing days. I did sell some a while back to a collector.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 5, 2019 13:17:52 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jan 5, 2019 11:53:15 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Those are the good ones!  I'm having a very difficult time getting rid of my CDs.  

Don't feel bad. I've had a hard time getting rid of some of my albums even though I burned every one I had down to CD's back in the p2p file sharing days. I did sell some a while back to a collector.

Yup. CDs are in a box in our garage. Every single one of them has been transferred to our iTunes account. I don't know why we still have the CDs. 

[Lizard Queen]

I just watched another episode of Tidying Up.  Wow, some of these California houses are just gorgeous!  It was my favorite episode so far, as I could relate to so much of it.  I don't know the wife's name, but she was hanging on to all kinds of things for a possible future 3rd child, and clothes that she hoped to fit into, and clothes because they fit right now.  Yup, yup, and yup!  In some ways, their house was worse than ours, but many ways, exactly like ours. Plus, I don't think that they have a basement, and we do, so our house would be worse considering all the crap down there.  The thought of going through every single thing in it is completely daunting.  I don't know if I could do it in 6 months, much less one.

[chiver78]

today, I have sorted through all of the mail that has piled up since Christmas and which has been relocated around the first floor as people came and went over that time. the mail bin is empty except for the most recent round of bills just paid online. those will get shredded when the next round comes in. 

I'm debating a nap next, and then I want to tackle a shelving unit in the basement. even if I only get through one storage crate, that will be progress in my mind. 

[debthaven]

DS3 and I put Christmas away. The decorations are packed up in the basement and the tree is outside (we burn it).

I also mended DS3's coat.

[nidena]

Jan 4, 2019 21:05:24 GMT -5 finnime said:

This morning I actually cleared out the closet in the back of the living room. Six large bags of Stuff that had been languishing there for years, gone. I do need to go through two boxes of CDs to sort out any I want to actually listen to - most are well over 15 years old now.

Now I have a closet to rotate some out-of-season jackets into and sensibly store hats, boots, plus travel items like the cooler. I don't have a coat closet, so this will do nicely.

I still have the Def Leppard CD that I stole from Target when I was 14.     That was almost 3 decades ago.

I chuckled at the part where it said "take a day" and save them to your computer.  I have nearly 100 CDs.  That would take a week, easily, 'cause I have a life.  lol.

[wvugurl26]

The christmas tree is back in the box. Working on getting the rest of the stuff down and packed away.