2021 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Here’s the start of the winter break list.
The left side is for work. The right side is for life.

[Sharon]

DD has been kind enough to let me borrow her car while mine is in the shop.  I plan on bugging them again on Monday about when I might be getting it back.  It went in last Wednesday and I haven't heard anything.  The one time I did call them I got a bunch of attitude about how they will call me when they know something.  I suspect they haven't even started working on it yet.  I was planning on going to Mom's on Christmas Eve and then coming home the day after Christmas.

Today I re-arranged the remaining boxes in the garage and was able to park DD's car on the one side.  My car is longer so not sure if it will fit with these built in cupboards that are in the front half of the garage.  The garage in this house is one that has two doors, 1 door for each side.  My other house had just one big garage door and I like that better because then you can kind of park in the middle.

This afternoon I scrubbed the dining room floor.  That is the last of the dark laminate flooring.  The family room needs a good scrubbing but I'm not sure if that will happen before Christmas.  It may get a good mopping but not the good scrubbing that it needs.

It is late afternoon now and snowing.  I think I'm done working for the day.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

[chiver78]

Dec 19, 2021 18:01:55 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

debthaven -- Glad that things seem to be on the mend for your DS2.  Hope that his plans make your life easier in the near future.  

chiver78 -- Were you able to get the Excel spreadsheet the way you wanted? Hope that my instructions were clear enough.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Sharon -- You seem to have made great progress in moving and getting adjusted to the community.

Knee Deep in Water Chloe -- Don't forget to schedule some down time for yourself. 

finnime -- you are another one making a great headway with home repairs.

yes, thank you!

[toomuchreality]

I got LOTS of grocery bags from people in my Buy Nothing group. I'm set now. 😊

[debthaven]

Knee Deep in Water Chloe I love that list! But I have trouble getting "stuff" for some kids and no "stuff" for the others ...

Went to the mall today (ugh) . With the deliveries I'm waiting for, I'm done shopping for gifts for 5/9 people. 2 people are half done, 2 people are still not done. Progress ...

My 33 finals come in tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to do 11/day for 3 days so I can be done before Christmas.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Hi everyone! Here are three separate Monday thoughts: 

At this point, everything that can be wrapped is wrapped. I'm expecting two more deliveries this week. 
I need one more stocking stuffer for DS#2. 

I need to dust today. That chore has gone by the wayside since school started in the fall. Unfortunately, it's actually one of the tasks our cleaning lady doesn't do a good job with. 

---

For the December organizing & purging goal: 
I have finished the deep cleaning of the kitchen. 
I did purge/toss these groups of items: 
two rounds of packaging for trash
tupperware
plastic utensils 
random squeeze bottle
handful of ketchup packets
expired pet medications
twelve cloth napkins

I'm counting that as ten items. 

I still need to get going on books and clothes to purge. 

---

For the first time, I have designed and printed a daily habit tracker. I'd neglected making on for the week more often than not since August. For efficiency's sake, I'm going to try it this way for a bit. I'm paper-clipping it into my notebook so it can move with the pages I use for the random thoughts and to-dos. 

[finnime]

Aargh. Painters/contractors didn't show up today. Committed to coming tomorrow. Having no bathroom sink is getting really old fast.

[toomuchreality]

I was SO productive today. I impressed myself! LOL
Sometime between today and December 28th, I'm having another inspection. This time, in addition to inspecting, they said they will be installing carbon monoxide detectors, taking pictures and changing the air filters.
This morning, I got things cleaned up enough that I'm not sweating it. My apt is not perfect, but it's okay. I think it's good enough. Anything more I can get done, will be a bonus.
I hope they think the same thing, when they come.
That, combined with the boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations that I gave away on Saturday, makes me feel pretty good about my living space, at the current time.

I wish I didn't have to get up and dressed every day (early), in case they come that day. I am NOT a morning person. Ugh.

[debthaven]

toomuchreality can you insist on a 48h window?

This week
- validate grammar marks/Tues
- validate vocabulary marks/Tues
- mark 18 essays/Tues
- mark 14 essays/Wed
- finish Christmas shopping

Marked over half the essays. I have a headache so that's it for today. At this point I'm more relaxed about it. 

Catching up on laundry.  

Gift update: DS3 went to Paris so he picked up DDIL's gifts from us. So now I'm done with 6/9 people's gifts, partly done with 2/9, and not at all done for 1/9. More progress!

[CCL]

I donated a box of Christmas decorations and a couple of sweaters that were too small. I'm gonna try to find more to give away.

Also finished sorting and wrapping Christmas gifts. This is the first year I actually sorted them beforehand. I took all the smaller ones, wrapped them and put them together in a larger gift bag for each person.

[bean29]

Dec 19, 2021 20:29:26 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Organizer please! or, I have been looking for a better Mani/Pedi place...so if anyone can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it!

DD and I talked about the Manicures, she Drives about 15 miles to her place, or if she is at my house, it would be at least a half hour to get there.  She said it is totally worth it as she has tried other places and just not been happy.  

Sharon, congrats on getting settled in, do you plan to make any changes in the garage then?  When we built our house I contemplated adding 2 feet to the depth of the garage and paying extra for storage above the garage.  I/We are sorry we did not pony up for both.  My somewhat solution is my car has to be of a size that I can walk completely around it when it is parked in the garage.  I had a CRV for awhile, now I just bought a RAV4 Prime.  Some idiot rear ended me already, so it is in the shop right now.  I am very glad it is being fixed.  I could not open the back hatch, and it was a PIA.

As usual, I am way behind on Christmas.  Tree is up and decorations are on it.  We have room for a few more ornaments, so I still have a few boxes of ornaments out.  We purchased a new tree this year, so I sent a message to DN's wife asking if she wanted the old tree.  She said yes, they have not put a tree up yet, I was wondering why she did not schedule a pick up time, but then I realized she posted on FB that she is painting her living room.  They are in a new to them house - just moved in at the end of October and have painted nearly every room.  She is trying to redo the face of the fireplace.  I am glad the old tree will go to someone instead of going in a landfill.  I think she will still get it up next year, if not, they can use it next year.

I obsessively watch FB Marketplace, I don't know why, as I have decided it is a lot like Amazon or e-bay now, but yesterday I came across a posting for a Desk and Credenza that were appropriate for DH's office.  She also has other cabinets and a file cabinet that we can use.  DH is going over there to look at the stuff at 11 am.  If it works out it will be a very good deal.  The price was "Free" but there was someone in front of me that asked for the desk.  I sent it to DH and he replied and said tell her we will take it all...which was before I realize there was more than the desk and credenza.  She was very interested in him taking it all - probably b/c she will have to pay to get rid of the stuff that no one wants.  DH can use a lot of it, and the extra stuff I think he can get rid of fairly easy.  We will see.  He was supposed to be there in a few minutes, but he just called me that he will not make it, he has to reschedule. 

I got rid of about 10 pair of DD's shoes that will go to goodwill, also have a sheet and something else there.  I pitched about 5 pair of shoes too.  Then I cleaned out a box of stuff that I think we lost track of when we moved into this house.  Part of it was an old training course DH paid for but never completed the training.  He gave me permission to toss the materials.  Also some pics of DH's Grandfather.  I don't think we need to keep, but I set aside to discuss with DH.  Everyone in the family already got copies, and now with scanning pictures, I don't know that we need to keep.

I need to wrap, and make a list to make sure I am not missing anyone.  My Sis decided that I should give her DD cold hard Cash, so that works for me.  My Son was supposed to give me gift ideas for his GF, but nada yet.  I think I have something for DD's boyfriend.  I realized yesterday that I ordered something for DH from Macy's that I don't think it came yet.  I do have some boxes that are gifts, that I have not opened yet.  This is the year that I think I spend more on my Son that my Daughter, usually it is the other way around, so I feel no need to make everything equal.  DD commented that her Boyfriend commented on DH giving her $100 every time he sees her, so she is not suffering.

[chiver78]

I'm still waiting to meet up with the guy that works with DV survivors. I think I'm going to ping him again today. what I have left will fit in two big boxes, time to go! I've also managed to give away/re-gift most of the holiday baskets that have come in from work. 

I can't remember if I mentioned this one in here or not, excuse the repeat if I have. Sunday, I met up with a woman who posted in one of hte local Buy Nothing groups, looking for items for her autistic godson who loves all things Sonic and Mario. I pulled a 2' tall stuffed Yoshi* out of a box of stuffies and took a pic to post back. she couldn't have been more appreciative when we met up, so I'm glad it's going to a good home. 

*I've had this guy since college, but had to pack him up when I brought Punk home. she thought it was for her! that wouldn't have been the end of the world, except this stuffie has a mechanism in one paw that when you press it, it plays the Mario Kart game noise for Yoshi. I didn't want her to accidentally eat that, so he got packed, about 7y ago. funny, when I brought him back out, LD was all kinds of interested in sniffing him until I pushed the paw and he 'talked' to LD. LD wanted nothing to do with it after that! but, Punk heard the noise and came running. gently grabbed Yoshi in her jaw and tried to run off.     some things never change. 

[startsmart]

Got confirmation that the new windows will get installed tomorrow and I'm so ready to see how my office works with that new window in! The windows are already paid for so I just have the installer to pay and that's the last big expense of the year (property taxes paid last week). 

I cleared off the dining table and put out a nice tablecloth and dishes, even though it'll just be me and a charcuterie board this weekend. I have a new puzzle and a new painting to work on and no plans to go anywhere or see anyone. We had our company holiday meet up over zoom last night for a client of mine who sent a nice gift to everyone. The poor client also tested positive for COVID yesterday so it's doubly good we were all in our own homes. 

[laterbloomer]

Oct 24, 2021 20:35:05 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Oct 24, 2021 0:48:00 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Ok, so a new project list has emerged.
1. Paint the inside of my bedroom closets and the armour I've set in there.
2. Paint the wooden spindles on the half wall between my kitchen and hallway.RECONSIDERING
3. Pick up picture frames at dollar store for ISO's family pictures. DONE
4. Wash living room rug.
There is something else that escapes me at the moment. I will add it when I remember.

5. Recover the kitchen chairs! I have the material and the staple gun ready to go! DONE

I had to dig this up for making my 2022 list.

[moneysquirrel]

Slowly getting things done.  Spent part of today reorganizing my beading supplies.  I have been working in the craft room off and on the last few weeks trying to gthings back in order. 

I scanned the receipts from the contractors I used for the repairs needed after Hurricane Ida and submitted them and photos to the insurance company.  There is the possibility that I will be getting part of my deductable back if the info I submitted is approved.

I have finished the last project from this summer's retreat.  I have a few repairs to do.  One will be easy to fix but the other one will have to be totally redone as some of the beads were lost and I don't think I have extras of the beads I used in one section. May have to take that color beads out and reconstruct with something else.  I also would like to get some other small craft projects done this year.  Using items that I have on hand so that I can eliminate some of my stash.  Lots of little pieces from my stained glass class can be turned into a freeform mosaic.  Most of these pieces are too small for future projects and are perfect for what I have in mind.  I have done a few of these before and have enough on hand to get at least one more done and maybe more.   

I still have the few gifts to wrap and need to get some baking done (or not.)  

Started working on setting up the 2022 spreadsheet this morning.  It will be basically the same as the last few years but I do make minor changes from year to year. Also have been shredding quite a bit of old papers.  

Got the trash out but not enough in the recycle bin to make it a need.  Will put it out next week. 

Need to catch up on reading the last few days and will try to comment.  Keep up the good work all!

[toomuchreality]

Dec 21, 2021 7:42:29 GMT -5 CCL said:

I donated a box of Christmas decorations and a couple of sweaters that were too small. I'm gonna try to find more to give away.

Also finished sorting and wrapping Christmas gifts. This is the first year I actually sorted them beforehand. I took all the smaller ones, wrapped them and put them together in a larger gift bag for each person.

I think I'm going to wrap the smaller gifts and put them in a large gift bag (1 bag for each child) too! It will help fill up the large bag. I just hope I can carry them and fit them in my car, after I do.

[debthaven]

Our boiler is out again! They improvised a repair because the part only arrives tomorrow. So no heat and hot water again! 

At this point we've asked for an estimate to replace it. It's a piece of crap that is constantly breaking down.  (This company didn't install it ... the guy who did retired years ago.)

This week
- validate grammar marks/Tues
- validate vocabulary marks/Tues
- mark 18 essays/Tues
- mark 14 essays/Wed
- finish Christmas shopping

I'm worried about the shopping because I may be stuck home waiting for the boiler guys.
At least I finished my marking! No more schoolwork until I go back on 4 Jan.   

[finnime]

Sorry about your boiler, debthaven, but that's great news about being done with schoolwork for a couple of weeks. Enjoy your time off.

[toomuchreality]

Dec 22, 2021 4:42:11 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Our boiler is out again! They improvised a repair because the part only arrives tomorrow. So no heat and hot water again! 

At this point we've asked for an estimate to replace it. It's a piece of crap that is constantly breaking down.  (This company didn't install it ... the guy who did retired years ago.)

This week
- validate grammar marks/Tues
- validate vocabulary marks/Tues
- mark 18 essays/Tues
- mark 14 essays/Wed
- finish Christmas shopping

I'm worried about the shopping because I may be stuck home waiting for the boiler guys.
At least I finished my marking! No more schoolwork until I go back on 4 Jan.   

Sorry about your boiler. That would be so annoying!
The part arrives tomorrow. Are they also scheduled to make the repairs tomorrow?

Nice to get some time off. Enjoy!

[debthaven]

The boiler has had another temporary fix. They're supposed to come back tomorrow to install the part. We've asked for an estimate for a replacement because this is constant.

DD has Covid. We saw her briefly yesterday when she got back. DS2 decided to get tested, he has it too. DH is at the pharmacy getting tested. 

Seems unlikely DS1/DDIL/DGS/DGD will come. (They were supposed to come 26 Dec.)

FML.

[anciana]

I am so sorry, debthaven, that's really difficult situation to be in just before the holidays. I will keep a good thought for you and your family in the coming days. Hang in there!

[TheOtherMe]

I am sorry about the Covid.  If it's any solace debthaven yours is not the only family this will happen to.  

Not wise of DS1 and family to come at this time.  





DN1 and wife stood in line for 7 hours yesterday in the cold but did get their boosters.   They stood in line 3 hours the day before and the person in front of them was the last person who got the booster.

[toomuchreality]

Dec 22, 2021 9:31:36 GMT -5 debthaven said:

The boiler has had another temporary fix. They're supposed to come back tomorrow to install the part. We've asked for an estimate for a replacement because this is constant.

DD has Covid. We saw her briefly yesterday when she got back. DS2 decided to get tested, he has it too. DH is at the pharmacy getting tested. 

Seems unlikely DS1/DDIL/DGS/DGD will come. (They were supposed to come 26 Dec.)

FML.

Oh, no! I'm sorry to hear that.
Have you been tested?
Of all the times to get sick- and with Covid, no less!
I wouldn't come on the 26th, with my family, to be honest. But that sucks, for you.

Hugs ♡

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

[startsmart]

The window guy arrived early and the windows are going in! The last one is now getting caulked and trimmed and I am so excited.

I also got tired of thinking about the laundry room so I cut and reinstalled some of the drywall (a 5’ long section) and then installed a new piece of plywood. It’s happening. Slowly but it’s happening!

[debthaven]

DH tested negative thank goodness.

I am just devastated at not seeing DS1/DDIL/E/I. 

We'll all test on Fri. If we're all negative (unlikely) they'll come Sunday as planned. 

If not, we'll all test again on Mon. If we're all negative (hopefully) they'll come on Tuesday. 

If we're not all negative on Mon, they won't come. 

Fingers crossed!!! I don't care about the date itself, if it's Christmas, the day after Christmas, 3 days after Christmas ... I just want to see them. 

I am feeling a bit better now because there is a small glimmer of hope that they can still come.

[anciana]

debthaven, I am sure you must feel relieved that DH tested negative. I am glad to hear that there is a testing plan and a possibility for your DS1 to come visit. I will hold my fingers crossed for everyone's best outcome as well. Hang in there!

[TheOtherMe]

debthaven  will keep hoping for negative tests         I hope negative tests happen and you get to see those little ones.

I cleaned off the space around my computer again.  Think I would learn how much better this feels.   I am a slow learner.

[finnime]

Sending good wishes your way, debthaven, for a Covid-free visit with your family.