2020 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[Iggy aka IG]

Welcome, steph08!

[debthaven]

Ugh. DS1 borrowed DD's car over Christmas. She was the last one to use it. She didn't want to take it home so she parked it on the main street near us. Long story short, I noticed it had been hit at 7 am leaving for Job 2!

I called DH at 7 am, he took DD to the police station. While they were there, the police impounded it!!! They had to go to 2 places before they found it (they were given the wrong suburb). Turns out it (and 2 other cars) had been hit a week ago! Neither DH nor I noticed because we usually turn right at our corner, and DD's car was left.

We decided to put DD's car in the garden. DH told DD, leave it, I'll do it in a little while. DD decided to do it herself, I told her not to, because she was in a state. Of course she hit the other side of the car.

So DD's car is smashed up, she's distraught, and it'll cost 500 euros for the fine/impounding/deductible PLUS whatever damage she did to the other side.

We offered to help her out a bit financially because DD is emotionally fragile. She said no but we'll see, it's all too fresh.

So a very shitty day for everyone, although I know things could always be worse. I know it's only metal/money but I hate that DD has so few coping skills.

[tcu2003]

Welcome, steph!

No prom dresses to declutter for me, taxpro, but I do have several bridesmaid dresses I need to declutter.

Yikes, debt, that stinks about your DD’s car.

[debthaven]

I did have to go out to make sure that none of his sidewalk got plowed on my dime.

TheO if he has been kind enough to do it all this time, wouldn't it be better to talk to him? Maybe offer to pay him instead? He'd probably be cheaper ... Dunno, just seems a shame after having a good relationship for all this time.

This week
- bottle bank (DH)/Mon
- bank (DH)/Tues
- pick up package/Wed
- stroller?

I'm so bummed about DD. And very lucky that DH was home today and able to shlep her around.

I texted my friend again about returning the stroller. It's still in the car.

I start late tomorrow but I'm working all day Sat. 

[TheOtherMe]

I'm sorry about DD's car and the stress she is having debthaven   Give her some extra hugs

Neighbor has not been doing this out of the kindness of his heart.  He's been paid.  He didn't do my snow when it needed to be done, for two days in a row.  He still hasn't done his sidewalk, which is a code violation if the city finds out about it.  No, I won't be calling the city.  That's not how I operate. 

In the past, a neighbor who keeps his grand kids in the mornings and after school has actually done our sidewalks and never came to my door for money.  That's how horrible of a job the neighbor has done on the sidewalk.  He was opposed to the sidewalk and put his in when the city gave him a do it by this date or we will do it for you date. 

Yes, he is cheaper but he does a crappy job.  I've fallen on the ice on the driveway because of the crappy job he has done.  He hasn't done the sidewalk or porch.  No, it's time to pay a professional to do it right and will do it so it will pass city inspection. 

We don't have a relationship beyond the lawn and snow.  He has been paid as agreed for all of these years.  When I was younger, I did a much better job with a shovel in the days before snowblowers.

Now I don't have to depend on someone who isn't dependable. 

I have no regrets.  The guy I called did the parking lot at the church so I've known him for a long time.  He also does the fertilizer for my lawn and I'm figuring he will be doing the lawn.  I have had a business relationship with him for years.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 15, 2020 13:33:27 GMT -5 tcu2003 said:

No prom dresses to declutter for me, taxpro, but I do have several bridesmaid dresses I need to declutter.

I am older than you are.  I have NO formal wear in my house period.

I never went to the prom so there's never been a prom dress in my closet in my lifetime and my bridesmaid days ended about 45 years ago. 

I have no need for formal attire.

[debthaven]

Oh wow, TheO, I had ABSOLUTELY NO idea that you paid your neighbor! My apologies for that!

This said, maybe he's having health issues?! Not your problem, I know.

I finally got rid of my first wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses about 5 years ago.

The great thing about being in a theater troupe is that they'll take any weird clothes LOL.

[Chocolate Lover]

In that case TheOtherMe, I'm glad you fired him! I thought he was just being a good neighbor and not getting paid. Now I want to smack him. 


Debt, I'm so sorry about your DD's car!

[TheOtherMe]

I don't know about health problems, but he has my phone number.

He also has a step son who lives there and who I have never seen lift a finger to do anything at that house, as in ever.  It's his wife's son.  He was in high school when they moved here and the guy called him a lazy no good SOB. 

One day when I went to take dad to lunch, the garage door wouldn't open because it was frozen shut.  It just needed more power than I have to get it open.  I went over and he told me his parents weren't home and said he couldn't help.  His car was in the driveway when I finally got the door open and still there when I got home from taking dad.

[debthaven]

I thought he was just being a good neighbor and not getting paid. Now I want to smack him.

Same here!!! And thank you. We've already gotten a really sweet text from DD thanking us, so it looks like she's finally calming down.

To make things worse, DH told me that DD told him that she and her BF decided just this morning to separate. She didn't tell me that, so I don't know that. And since DD changes her mind about her BF every day, that could still change.

DD knows she always has a place here. But the car drama was definitely bad timing for her.

Thanks friends.

[debthaven]

Wow again TheO. To me this illustrates the limitations of being internet friends. Like CL, I always this this neighbor was a great stand-up guy who moved and cleared the snow for his older neighbor out of the kindness of his heart.

I certainly got that wrong!

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 15, 2020 16:32:00 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Wow again TheO. To me this illustrates the limitations of being internet friends. Like CL, I always this this neighbor was a great stand-up guy who moved and cleared the snow for his older neighbor out of the kindness of his heart.

I certainly got that wrong!

Me too!! And the story about the stepson, seems like a double smack is in order. SMH

[nikiz628]

As suspected, my dr called in an RX for 50,000 iu of D once a week for the next month. She told me at my follow up yesterday that in her entire career, she's only had 1 other patient with a lower vitamin D level than I currently have. That was shocking. It's the lowest I've ever had (12.8, lowest before was 15). They want it at least at 30 but ideally between 60-70, so I've got a ways to go. I told her to just write me a RX for a week long trip to a sunny beach. She thought that was hilarious. 

In the mean time, I am over here dealing with the affects of the low level (and my thyroid levels being crap again). Every joint in my body is screaming, I can't lift my arms above my head for more than a moment or two, which is making hair washing and brushing super fun. Even my jaw hurts to chew. The brain fog is super great, I am forgetting what I am talking about mid sentence and trying to formulate thoughts into words is tedious. And the fatigue is just off the chart. I am napping constantly. But I told H I need to quit beating myself up about needing to rest. Obviously my body is demanding it. The doctor told me I will be miserable for a little while longer but that she's determined to get me feeling good again. I need to remind myself to be gentle with my body and listen to it. It's not laziness. It's not using the issues as a crutch. It's my health. 

That being said, I am staying on top of house cleaning and cooking when I am getting little bursts of motivation. So at least I am not falling behind on my tasks. 

[debthaven]

Nikiz, please take care of yourself! I'm sorry you're not feeling well.

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 15, 2020 16:58:43 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

As suspected, my dr called in an RX for 50,000 iu of D once a week for the next month. She told me at my follow up yesterday that in her entire career, she's only had 1 other patient with a lower vitamin D level than I currently have. That was shocking. It's the lowest I've ever had (12.8, lowest before was 15). They want it at least at 30 but ideally between 60-70, so I've got a ways to go. I told her to just write me a RX for a week long trip to a sunny beach. She thought that was hilarious. 

In the mean time, I am over here dealing with the affects of the low level (and my thyroid levels being crap again). Every joint in my body is screaming, I can't lift my arms above my head for more than a moment or two, which is making hair washing and brushing super fun. Even my jaw hurts to chew. The brain fog is super great, I am forgetting what I am talking about mid sentence and trying to formulate thoughts into words is tedious. And the fatigue is just off the chart. I am napping constantly. But I told H I need to quit beating myself up about needing to rest. Obviously my body is demanding it. The doctor told me I will be miserable for a little while longer but that she's determined to get me feeling good again. I need to remind myself to be gentle with my body and listen to it. It's not laziness. It's not using the issues as a crutch. It's my health. 

That being said, I am staying on top of house cleaning and cooking when I am getting little bursts of motivation. So at least I am not falling behind on my tasks. 

When I felt like that, getting kids fed and clothes washed was an accomplishment. Everything else was a bonus. 

[TheOtherMe]

nikiz628   

[debthaven]

Yay DH just bought me my Christmas present! He bought me a pair of lovely fuzzy slippers but told me he owed me another present. I told him I wanted a sweater.

Tonight I mentioned to DH that one of the staff members I teach has a gorgeous SAD lamp. I asked her about it, she proudly told me it cost 130 euros ($143) and sent me the link. I said it's very pretty, but that's pricey for me. She said, I understand, but I like pretty things. It was a really nice-looking lamp, but at that price, no way.

I checked online several times, hoping it would go on sale. No luck. Tonight, SCORE!!! Not a sale, but I found the exact same lamp elsewhere on Amazon, for 69 euros ($77)!

DH just ordered it for me, for Christmas. :-)

Unlike that staff member, I do NOT have an office or even a desk at work. I'll set it up on the LR low table where I check my email/drink my coffee before work.

Do any of you have a SAD lamp? Does it help?

Frankly I've wanted one for years, but I was never sure whether it really did anything. She kindly put it in the middle of her desk to show me. I felt so good after our class!

At more or less half-price, now I can find out for myself. :-)

[TheOtherMe]

I have a SAD lamp and I do think it helps.  

[startsmart]

I managed to get the paint touched up on the garage door yesterday but have another small bit I want to do before considering that chore done. 

The backyard grass has not started to come in and it's making me worry that the dogs being out there has messed it up. I'll give it a few more days to get started before I ban the dogs and resign myself to taking them to the front yard only when they need to go out. 

I'm working on packing up more of the garage and trying to get my tools down to 3 small tubs so I can continue work around the house and for my new place. If I could sell the 2 large shelving units I would finally have enough room but no luck so far. I'll repost over the weekend. 

[nikiz628]

Jan 15, 2020 17:53:39 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Yay DH just bought me my Christmas present! He bought me a pair of lovely fuzzy slippers but told me he owed me another present. I told him I wanted a sweater.

Tonight I mentioned to DH that one of the staff members I teach has a gorgeous SAD lamp. I asked her about it, she proudly told me it cost 130 euros ($143) and sent me the link. I said it's very pretty, but that's pricey for me. She said, I understand, but I like pretty things. It was a really nice-looking lamp, but at that price, no way.

I checked online several times, hoping it would go on sale. No luck. Tonight, SCORE!!! Not a sale, but I found the exact same lamp elsewhere on Amazon, for 69 euros ($77)!

DH just ordered it for me, for Christmas. :-)

Unlike that staff member, I do NOT have an office or even a desk at work. I'll set it up on the LR low table where I check my email/drink my coffee before work.

Do any of you have a SAD lamp? Does it help?

Frankly I've wanted one for years, but I was never sure whether it really did anything. She kindly put it in the middle of her desk to show me. I felt so good after our class!

At more or less half-price, now I can find out for myself. :-)

I had to google what a SAD lamp is.. but now that I see what it does I think it would help me a lot.

[NastyWoman]

Jan 15, 2020 22:12:16 GMT -5 startsmart said:

I managed to get the paint touched up on the garage door yesterday but have another small bit I want to do before considering that chore done. 

The backyard grass has not started to come in and it's making me worry that the dogs being out there has messed it up. I'll give it a few more days to get started before I ban the dogs and resign myself to taking them to the front yard only when they need to go out. 

I'm working on packing up more of the garage and trying to get my tools down to 3 small tubs so I can continue work around the house and for my new place. If I could sell the 2 large shelving units I would finally have enough room but no luck so far. I'll repost over the weekend. 

I believe you are in the same state I am in and also in the northern half (I cut that off at Morgan hill). If that is correct you will be seeing rain today. Maybe that will get the grass start to come in. Fingers crossed for you.

[startsmart]

NastyWoman - yes I'm up by Sacramento and the rain did arrive today. As I've been watering the dirt and grass seed I don't know if it's lack of water or the dogs running around, trampling all over the place. I saw much quicker progress in the front yard where they do not usually go. 

I had a productive morning of errands but not feeling well so made it home and got the groceries put away just in time. I'm spending the rest of the day holed up in my sewing room alternating between working on clients and working on fabric. 

[debthaven]

This week
- bottle bank (DH)/Mon
- bank (DH)/Tues
- pick up package/Wed
- return stroller/Thurs

- DH Quickbooks/Thurs

The stroller is finally out of the car.

[debthaven]

This weekend
- send scan to GM/Fri
- editing for E/Fri

I'm working all day Sat (Open Day). It pays less than teaching but more than staying home. 

 

ETA: After Sat I will have made up the equivalent of 9.5 of those 15 lost April/May teaching hours. Not bad given that we're only in January!

[moneysquirrel]

steph08 -- I want to add my welcome to the others you received from our little group.

debthaven -- seems that you have made a dent in your lost hours.  Only 4.5 left to make up.

I spent the major part of the last few days going through the 22 drawers in the bedroom, and other storage areas in the house.  Still have the closets to do.  Several items went into the trash, recycled or in the donation box.  I am sure that several more items will soon go the same route.  Started earlier to day with a little (I stress little) work done in both the kitchen and the bead room. More work needed in both.  

Laundry and dishes are up to date.  I managed to clear the flat area in the bedroom.  now if I can just keep it that way.  It has been my dumping ground in the past.  I am trying to break that habit. 

Back to work! Will check in later.

Jan 13, 2020 20:54:30 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

This week's goals: Updating -- Removed several that were done. 

• Handyman -- Tuesday afternoon  Will return next week.
• Crochet -- Have 24 of 37 colors done to work on this Up to 29 finished 
• Beading -- Finish at least one or two items  Done - hope to start something new later today
• Photos for Etsy
• Upload at least one new item to Etsy, renew expired item(s)
• Reorganize bead room
• Pack away jigsaw puzzle -- into donation box Handyman took it to give to someone 
• Water plants -- outdoor and inside
• File the pile
• Plus about a thousand other things that I can't remember.

[hitenney]

Hi again - thank you money squirrel, and welcome to you, too, steph08.  I tried to change my profile to add my goal - now to see if it works.  I may need instructions...

Totally finished packing a large box of donations - so many glasses we never use!  I also plan to thin out the Corelle china, while gritting my teeth as to why my husband kept buying more pieces!  There are only 3 of us at home, and if partying, we use paper plates.  I think it's partly to avoid washing dishes, but that just adds to the clutter.  I think we have 5 different sizes of Corelle bowls.  One size is stored up so high none of us could even reach it without the stepstool.  Checked out Dana White's book from the library, and I plan to take several books for donation when I return it.  

We are finally having a nice day - it has been raining off and on since Christmas.  I least I haven't had to water the yard.  As of October, I gave up on taking care of the yard, and now a guy is coming monthly.  I don't like spending the money, but it's wonderful not to worry about it anymore.  He trimmed some huge trees that were worrying me, too.  More boxes to pack this weekend - hopefully I can reach more in the closet to get rid of if I get rid of the pile in the front!  Baby steps.  I was trying to think about what I had in the small dresser in the entryway, and all I can up with needing there is the dog's leash and a flashlight.  So now I need to check all 5 drawers to see what else is in there.  At that point hopefully I can use one of the drawers for the cloth bags that are all over.  I also need to get rid of the 2003 Highlander in the garage that's been down since 2016.  I think that should count as more than 1 item...

[hitenney]

The goal posted in the Member box.  How do you put thing as a footnote - like money squirrel has a quote and her goals?

[TheOtherMe]

Edit profile, personal settings, personal, signature  hitenney

[tcu2003]

Emily Ley 2020 Simplicity Challenge


www.facebook.com/emilyleypaper/


Our Annual Simplicity Challenge is HERE!#ASimplifiedLife #SimplicityChallenge2020. 1 step every day for 30 days. Each one takes 15 minutes or less.


Day 1 - Walk your home with a trash bag or five. Be ruthless. Papers. Receipts. Tags. Empty bottles. Go.

Day 2 - Clean out your fridge. Check expiration dates and throw things away.

Day 3 - Clear the clutter from your nightstand.

Day 4 - Simplify your phone. Delete old contacts and unused apps. Refresh your lock screen.

Day 5 - Make a list of anything that needs restocked in your bathroom. Restock what you can from items you already have in your house (if possible), or add to your next grocery list.

Day 6 - Make a list of anything that needs restocked in your pantry. Restock what you can from items you already have in your house (if possible), or add to your next grocery list.

Day 7 - Walk your house with a donate bag. Schedule a pick-up or drop it off as soon as the bag is full.

Day 8 - Don’t let all of your laundry pile up throughout the week. Find a laundry system that works for you stick with it.

Day 9 - The tone of your morning impacts the rest of your day. Set a recurring alarm for every weekday. If you’re letting your kids wake you, set it one hour earlier.

Day 10 - Make it a habit to clean out your car every time you fill it with gas.

Day 11 - Create a perpetual birthday list of friends you’d like to reach out to on their special day.

Day 12 - Put your number on the do not call list. While you’re at it, turn off the notifications on your phone, too.

Day 13 - Do something with all those precious photos and videos on your phone. Print. Back-up. Store.

Day 14 - out your purse. Throw away trash. Create a little bag of essentials. Make your bag work for you. And clean out your wallet while you’re at it.

Day 15 - Pull out all the formal dresses in your closet that you’ll never wear again and donate to charity.

Day 16 - Clean our your medicine cabinet. Trash anything expired. Restock essentials.

Day 17 - Quit something that drains you today. Just say no.

[NastyWoman]

I am the proces of decluttering a very tasty dark chocolate Santa. I really need to stop eating this, but it is so good. Regrets are sure to follow but for now I'm not a quitter