2020 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[CCL]

Jan 23, 2020 18:38:06 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I have been using my SAD lamp diligently. I only have time to use it for 30-45 min in the morning (less than the prescribed time), but I still feel a positive effect.

I told DH I want a spot at the kitchen table to have my coffee and check emails before work. I cleared the table tonight but now DH's pile is on the desk. DH's paperwork STILL never ends but now it only takes about 30 min every 2-3 weeks. I did get rid of some of it tonight.

Yes I could use one of the kids' rooms but I prefer to be in the common areas. So I'll set up my lamp on the kitchen table this weekend.

Now I want one!

[countrygirl2]

I could probably use that, winters get to me, another dull, gray day out.

Ok, off to my weekly massage session!

[TheOtherMe]

Garbage disposal installed and working.  No leaks.  

Made for an unhappy cat because he was coming about the time I feed her and she had to wait.  

Called life insurance company.  Dad's former employer sent over everything but the death certificate.     I told them I uploaded the death certificate to the portal.  No record of it and they don't have a portal.  I uploaded to the former employer's portal and that has nothing to do with us.

About to head to the bank to fax it in.  At least she said it's 5 to 10 business days from the time they receive death certificate.  

I did have to be the financial POA for this call.  She did tell me they have the names and addresses of the beneficiaries.  

It's getting time for me to start decluttering or scanning photos again.  As I was printing, there is the album I was scanning when I stopped.  It's time to start again.

[debthaven]

This weekend
- editing for E/Thurs
- write/send elective description/Fri

- see A

My friend/colleague P called to help me tweak my course description. 

I haven't seen A in a few weeks. After more than 4 years, I now visit her every 3/4 weeks. I much prefer to "do" something together (ie go to the movies) but our schedules haven't worked out recently.

[TheOtherMe]

Lucy is sleeping in her heated bed part of every day.  That makes me happy.

Got the death certificate faxed to the life insurance company.

All other duties concerning dad's money are my sister's responsibility.  I will call the life insurance company in two weeks if the check has not arrived.

[startsmart]

I am attempting to make a full house list in preparation for the listing. I'm going to divide it into 2 sections: pre-cleaning and pre-sale. After listing everything out all I can say is pray for me 

Pre-Cleaning (before Feb 1st) 
Paint the trim in the following rooms: 
-Kitchen
-Dining area
-Living Room
-Hallway
-Sewing room
-Office
-Master bedroom

Paint the fireplace tile surround 

Touch up the ceiling paint: 
-Kitchen
-Sewing Room

Wash the windows inside and out:
-Kitchen
-Living Room
-Sewing Room
-Office

Wash the sliding glass door (master bedroom) 

Recycle all the old paint 

Sew new covers for outdoor pillows (4) 

Donate or pack all the outdoor pots in the side yard

Move screen door to the garage

Finish packing everything on the potting bench

Plant flowers in 2 more backyard containers  

Power wash the following:
-backyard patio
-backyard stepping stones
-backyard retainer stones
-side yard walkway
-front yard cement and walkway
-driveway 
-rug in the front yard 

Caulk the kitchen countertop seam 

Clean up the floor transition seams 

Recycle lattice in the backyard

Add grout to the bathroom tiles

Take compost bin and window to the

Patch holes in the living room wall and touch up paint 

Finish packing all the boxes I can and move them to the garage 

Post cleaning, pre listing (Feb 2-12th)

Have the lawn mowed and edged
Have the power cable for sprinkler system adapted 
Position chairs by the front door 
Pull out the mint in the front flower bed 
Add the new duvet cover on the bed 
Pack everything up for pictures 
Send the dogs to live with my parents so they don't destroy everything
Sell on Craigslist/donate: 
-2 storage units 
-workbench
-Leaf garden lattices 
-chest freezer 
-Ikea metal chest
-Ikea cart with metal baskets
-computer shelf
Take donation to Goodwill
Clear nightstand in bedroom
Pack up the fans and heaters 
Clean out the fridge and then clean the fridge
Hire a plumber to come fix issues 

[moneysquirrel]

startsmart -- What a list.  I know that you will knock it out with time to spare.  At times you remind me of the Energizer Bunny!  And your quilts are very beautiful!

Update:I made it through the week. 

*Handyman was able to get one thing repaired and will return to work on the other issue on Tuesday.  *Made it to all of the meetings and classes scheduled this past week.  I am sure that the next few weeks will have similar commitments.
*I did get to the gym a few times and one of the new classes I signed up for is an exercise one. So I am getting better with that. 
*I did finish the afghan that I was crocheting.  Now to deliver it to DSIS and get it out of my house. 
*Finally took several pictures of things I plan to put on Etsy.  Now to write the descriptions and get them active.  I did renew a few expired items.
*Several more items have been donated or added to the donation box.
*Maintenance of decluttered areas has been maintained.  I have put a few new simple routines in place and they seem to be working out in a positive manner.

On the whole a very productive week!
 
 

[debthaven]

Those are some lists Start and Moneysquirrel!

I'm feeling guilty because I got the pillows for the guest room wrong. I thought I was ordering a set of TWO pillows, but in fact it was only one. DH told me to order a second pillow, so I did. Oh well. I timed it so it's just one order per billing cycle.

[dogmom]

Being kind of a sloth.

I did go through a box of old papers.  Have more for shred event or bonfire.

Did some deep cleaning (Bathroom, Furnace area, Alcove (mudroom)

Laundry is caught up.  Base maintenance stuff good

Started putting together paperwork for taxes.  Bills paid.  Budget good.

Sorted pantry.  Did clean freezer and 3/4 of Fridge.

Grocery list started.

It's snowing. 

[TheOtherMe]

It snowed here for the last 3 days.  While I have issues with this gray sky, I am so happy the snow is over--at least for today.

[busymom]

Jan 25, 2020 11:40:36 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

It snowed here for the last 3 days.  While I have issues with this gray sky, I am so happy the snow is over--at least for today.

     I understand.  Winter was rough when I was in the Midwest.  While the days are also shorter in the South during the Winter, we get a lot more sunny days, which does seem to improve my mood. 

     I am taking pictures & listing my donations today.  The charity I picked out only takes donations on Mondays, for some reason...

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 22, 2020 19:25:09 GMT -5 startsmart said:

Let’s see if this link will work: imgur.com/gallery/FJJef7o

That's magnificent!

Jan 23, 2020 15:37:10 GMT -5 finnime said:

Yesterday the electrician came and cut a smaller hole than I'd feared in the ceiling to replace the wiring. It's done and now all my outlets are three-prong in the kitchen. Handyman to come Monday to fill hole in ceiling and hang new light fixture.

Today I'm turning 60. Made Swedish pancakes for breakfast and took DD to a doctor's appointment for follow up to her surgery. She has another appointment tomorrow with a different doctor, too. I'd clean the house but don't want to spend my birthday doing that. Instead will go out with DH this evening and maybe see a movie.

Decluttering and cleaning will wait for tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.

Happy Birthday!

Jan 23, 2020 16:56:32 GMT -5 debthaven said:

This weekend
- editing for E/Thurs
- write/send elective description/Fri

I'm teaching 2 summer term electives at Job 2 this year (instead of 1) so I had to design a second elective. Two colleagues (including one of my bosses) offered me theirs. Very kind and generous, but I felt I had to create my own. It's a struggle because I'm not very creative.

I finalized it tonight, and sent it to one boss and DS3 for feedback. It will probably need tweaking but at least the draft is done. It's due tomorrow.

My usual elective is public speaking. The new elective is a writing workshop. I hope I don't live to regret it (in terms of marking) LOL.

ETA: DS3 wrote back, "Fantastic! Perfect list!" I'm know my boss won't be as effusive but DS3 is a fabulous writer, so I know I'm on the right track.

I love designing classes!!!

Jan 23, 2020 18:38:06 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I have been using my SAD lamp diligently. I only have time to use it for 30-45 min in the morning (less than the prescribed time), but I still feel a positive effect.

I told DH I want a spot at the kitchen table to have my coffee and check emails before work. I cleared the table tonight but now DH's pile is on the desk. DH's paperwork STILL never ends but now it only takes about 30 min every 2-3 weeks. I did get rid of some of it tonight.

Yes I could use one of the kids' rooms but I prefer to be in the common areas. So I'll set up my lamp on the kitchen table this weekend.

I'm glad the lamp is helping you. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I'm seriously going to set hour by hour goals today and tomorrow. I'm feeling overwhelmed with my two jobs, and I'm just not getting enough done. A colleague has a phrase "12 hours ahead". He tries to stay 12 hours ahead in being prepared. I'm just so far behind even that goal. I'm at least 56 hours behind on emails. When I left work last night at 6:15pm (yes on a Friday; I got there at 7:15am). I still had 88 emails to deal with which includes 50ish that were unopened. That's my first goal for today. It's 9:55 right now. By 11:00am, I will be at inbox zero on my work emails. 

[debthaven]

I love designing classes!!!

Chloe you have several degrees in education, and a LOT more experience than me. It's a real challenge for me lol.

We met DS2 + P for lunch in Paris. Then we went to DH's former partner's apartment. The partner is moving out of Paris so he gave DH a couple of things ... including a worm composter. DH has wanted one forever, so he's happy. Some people keep them inside, but I'm not one of them. It will live in the garden.

Chloe is the two-job situation long-term then? You should be able to relax on the weekends. Plus you're going to school yourself, I think.

Did DH's Shitepile. Took 15 minutes. :-)

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jan 25, 2020 12:55:44 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I'm seriously going to set hour by hour goals today and tomorrow. I'm feeling overwhelmed with my two jobs, and I'm just not getting enough done. A colleague has a phrase "12 hours ahead". He tries to stay 12 hours ahead in being prepared. I'm just so far behind even that goal. I'm at least 56 hours behind on emails. When I left work last night at 6:15pm (yes on a Friday; I got there at 7:15am). I still had 88 emails to deal with which includes 50ish that were unopened. That's my first goal for today. It's 9:55 right now. By 11:00am, I will be at inbox zero on my work emails. 

I missed it but how did you end up with 2 FT jobs? how long will you keep that up?

[Rukh O'Rorke]

I frittered away last weekend.....took a tumble on the ice thursday and will not being doing anything much this weekend either! sprained my dominant wrist. Good thing I didn't buy that yoga package last week!! Or maybe if I did I would have been more flexible and not got so hurt....

I will enjoy watching you all be busy and productive.....and then watch TV later....

[paynointerest]

Jan 25, 2020 12:55:44 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I'm seriously going to set hour by hour goals today and tomorrow. I'm feeling overwhelmed with my two jobs, and I'm just not getting enough done. A colleague has a phrase "12 hours ahead". He tries to stay 12 hours ahead in being prepared. I'm just so far behind even that goal. I'm at least 56 hours behind on emails. When I left work last night at 6:15pm (yes on a Friday; I got there at 7:15am). I still had 88 emails to deal with which includes 50ish that were unopened. That's my first goal for today. It's 9:55 right now. By 11:00am, I will be at inbox zero on my work emails. 

Chloe,

I've been in the situation you are describing for 4 years (Last year I made some drastic changes to the terms of my contract and am just now starting to climb out of it). Now that I'm starting to climb out of it, I realizing that I was not at fault for not being able to stay caught up.  So please don't be hard on yourself.  I'm guessing your colleague doesn't have 2 Full-time jobs and so he can be ahead with his work.  So my suggestion is not to compare yourself to his approach because he is not in the same situation.

I remember losing my weekends to getting caught up on emails -- it was not healthy.  Especially because most of the e-mails were probably unnecessary and could be answered in a 1 minute phone call.  My recommendation as you are going through these e-mails, look at the ones that actually a high priority vs those could be ignored or dealt with with a quick phone call or conversation if you pass the person in the hall.  And don't answer the emails that can be ignored.  If your answer is that important, they will either track you down or you can give an answer while you are at the office.  Once you establish this, tell your colleagues what your email answering system is going to be -- it might help stop the pointless emails.  I personally think that email is the death of all productivity and having a life regardless of where anyone works.

How long do you have to have the 2 FT jobs?

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Emails have been dealt with! Yay! I receive at least 75 per day, of which usually 15 can be deleted without opening. It's amazing how often someone says to me "you haven't answered my email yet!". Well, it's been six hours, and I've not been at my desk all day. I seriously check emails while I'm peeing to keep up. 

Both jobs are within the same organization. 

So, 1.0  FTE is my "real job" and the other 1.0 FTE is me being directed to take over for two people who effed up badly enough that there are both criminal and civil lawsuits. Both of those people are still working in the organization. One does keep full time + hours, but the other is just a bump on a log. The first person is technically higher than me, but I'm doing the portion of his job that he's not good at; he did have too much to do because of the other person. The other person is technically equivalent to me, and I'm doing all of his job that he's completely incompetent at. In December I was allowed to hire a third person at 0.5 to make up for part of the incompetent person. In late October/early November, I actually tried to resign entirely, and that additional 0.5 was the counter offer. And ethically, resigning in the middle school year is not acceptable.  I have cut my "real" job to the bare bones, and it's noticeable to everyone that I'm not doing well at it. It's noticeable to everyone that I have made significant changes in the second job, but there are three reactions from stakeholders:
a) my goodness what you've done is great!
b) dear goodness, we liked the complete lack of structure before and hate that you're here. 
c) you haven't done enough; I'd have thought you'd fixed everything by now. (and one person literally resigned in the middle of the school year with this reason)

I have both jobs through the end of the school year--June 30. 
I don't know what next year looks like, but I hate being mediocre. I can't keep doing both of these doing neither of them well. 

It's cold but sunny outside. I'm going to enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes before I move on to the next thing.

[Iggy aka IG]

At the office tackling the filing project finally.  Y'all, the stack is over 9 inches tall, some things dating back to 2016!     I did a sort of shuffle so the older things will be filed first.  I file for 20 or so minutes, take a break, and get back to it.  I'll need all the support I can receive, please!  I know it's not just me, as fellow agents have said they cannot bring themselves to file a single sheet.

And, no, I don't want to hire someone, LOL.

Back to it.... 

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 25, 2020 15:13:16 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Emails have been dealt with! Yay! I receive at least 75 per day, of which usually 15 can be deleted without opening. It's amazing how often someone says to me "you haven't answered my email yet!". Well, it's been six hours, and I've not been at my desk all day. I seriously check emails while I'm peeing to keep up. 

Both jobs are within the same organization. 

So, 1.0  FTE is my "real job" and the other 1.0 FTE is me being directed to take over for two people who effed up badly enough that there are both criminal and civil lawsuits. Both of those people are still working in the organization. One does keep full time + hours, but the other is just a bump on a log. The first person is technically higher than me, but I'm doing the portion of his job that he's not good at; he did have too much to do because of the other person. The other person is technically equivalent to me, and I'm doing all of his job that he's completely incompetent at. In December I was allowed to hire a third person at 0.5 to make up for part of the incompetent person. In late October/early November, I actually tried to resign entirely, and that additional 0.5 was the counter offer. And ethically, resigning in the middle school year is not acceptable.  I have cut my "real" job to the bare bones, and it's noticeable to everyone that I'm not doing well at it. It's noticeable to everyone that I have made significant changes in the second job, but there are three reactions from stakeholders:
a) my goodness what you've done is great!
b) dear goodness, we liked the complete lack of structure before and hate that you're here. 
c) you haven't done enough; I'd have thought you'd fixed everything by now. (and one person literally resigned in the middle of the school year with this reason)

I have both jobs through the end of the school year--June 30. 
I don't know what next year looks like, but I hate being mediocre. I can't keep doing both of these doing neither of them well. 

It's cold but sunny outside. I'm going to enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes before I move on to the next thing.

I'm with you on hating to be mediocre but how can you be expected to do all of this work.  I count that you are doing the work of 2.5 people.  Is the .5 help actually help?

Chloe, I hope this gets sorted before June 30 as you and your health are suffering.  

[startsmart]

Last night I managed to paint the fireplace tiles (they were worn and scratched) and kept the dogs from walking on the wet paint! Huzzah! 

I'm trying to do 1-2 outdoor tasks each day if it's not raining so today I finished putting the old, dead grass in the toter (only took 3 weeks there was so much and only so little room in the toter), organized tools on the side yard and swept up dead leaves, moved out the lattice, window and composter for the and moved all the rest of the flower pots so I can sort them to keep/donate/toss.

The sewing room is actually looking good, I finished the binding on the new quilt last night and then promptly removed the binding from quilt #2 to re-do it. 

The house cleaner I was recommended is coming over today to look at the house and give me a quote for a deep cleaning next weekend. Before they come I'll need to relocate myself and my dogs out of town. 

I'm taking care of some boring stuff like dishes and laundry next and then sealing up a few boxes for the garage. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Two hours.... filing reduced by 1.5 inches.  It's quittin' time for today.

[finnime]

Good for you, Iggy aka IG!

And for you, startsmart!

[empress of self-improvement]

Finished paying bills for the month and finally got around to printing some tax forms. Computershare is a pain in the ass. I have 2 stocks and apparently, I have to have a clue to find one from the other's login page or some other such bullshit. Also have to call and get a health insurance thing corrected. Taxes are a pain in the ass. This year especially as I have five W-2s to deal with and I've only received two so far. DH's three whole forms are already in. Jeez.
So, I tried to get rid of a table last week and Saver's wouldn't take it. It found a home in my kitchen. It is now my grand and glorious coffee and the table. Two coffee makers, k-cup and a Mr. Coffee and my electric tea kettle. The coffee pods are in the drawer and mugs on the shelf. I also took a door off and put the cat's water fountain in the bottom.

[startsmart]

Cleaning team is scheduled for next Saturday and I have until then to paint all the trim. Today I did the ceiling touch ups and I might lock myself in the office to do that trim before Monday.

Grout is going in the bathroom tiles and having a list has proven super helpful for my focus so far!

[mollyanna58]

I get tired just reading some of the to do lists on here!

Emptied out some more stuff from the attic: most of the contents of a garment storage bag and a clothes rack have been put into bags for donation.  A couple of large boxes and their contents have been thrown out.

Another box of paperwork has been dealt with this week.  I found a couple of stale dated checks ; usually I am good about flipping through the mail and pulling out important stuff.  One is a credit card rewards check, which says invalid after 180 days, which would have been mid-December.  The person at the credit card company says it's actually good until January 31, at which time they will stop payment and reissue if not cashed.  I'm going to wait for that to happen, instead of depositing a check that may bounce and cause a bank fee.  The other was for $1.11, as a settlement on a class action lawsuit on a stock my parents owned, and was only valid for 90 days.  I'm not going to worry about that one.

[dogmom]

Jan 25, 2020 12:55:44 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I'm seriously going to set hour by hour goals today and tomorrow. I'm feeling overwhelmed with my two jobs, and I'm just not getting enough done. A colleague has a phrase "12 hours ahead". He tries to stay 12 hours ahead in being prepared. I'm just so far behind even that goal. I'm at least 56 hours behind on emails. When I left work last night at 6:15pm (yes on a Friday; I got there at 7:15am). I still had 88 emails to deal with which includes 50ish that were unopened. That's my first goal for today. It's 9:55 right now. By 11:00am, I will be at inbox zero on my work emails. 

Good luck Chloe.  Sending hugs.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

my wrist is much less painful today, and I think I can tackle a few necessary items before the work week starts.

• clean kitchen - got really out of sorts in just 2.5 days of being on the injured list!
• laundry for work week
• paperwork for 10-15 minutes.
  
  
  

I think that's all I can accomplish - and I'm really grateful to be able to do that! Would really suck to start the week with no underwear and a trashed kitchen....being doing what I can with the left hand, but it wasn't too easy.

I'll get more ambition later in the week.

[TheOtherMe]

I got about 75% of a photo album ready to scan.  

Why did I take out the ones from dad's side of the family, scan them and put them back in the album.  I recognized that I had already done them, but it's my only clue.

Will not make that mistake again.  

[startsmart]

Thankfully I was able to borrow a truck today and got 3 things that won't fit in the bin out to the . Then I picked up groceries for the week and made it home to water the grass seed which still refuses to grow. 

I really do need to start painting today but I also have some client emails to write and prep to do for the week ahead. It's still early afternoon so I'll check in later today and see how much I can check off the list!