2022 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[TheOtherMe]

Tile guy had to go get a better saw.  He's back and working, but it will be only a half a day.

[debthaven]

I made it to the post office to mail my "green card" papers ... and I made it to Fall Break!!!   I feel like crying with relief.

I'm off for 7 days. (I'm WFH next Friday morning.) But I don't have to go into school till 7 Nov. 

I have to mark 20 papers during the break, but hey!

PS I know the semester isn't over yet but one step at a time ... the worst is over! 

[moneysquirrel]

debthaven -- The end is near! Rejoice! 

@taxprov-- Sad news for the little fella.  Glad that the work is continuing on your shower.

Finished my classes for the week. Things have cooled down some.  Have several projects in the almost finished stage,  Quiet weekend ahead so I will probably get those finished and then I will try a few new items.  Trying to put off the grocery until next week or so.  Have enough on hand to avoid the stores on the weekend when those who have to get things accomplished on the weekend are out in force.

Have a great weekend all.

[TheOtherMe]

Tile guy did the next row of tiles and left.  He will be here earlier in the morning and do the last two rows.  

He asked if he could come Saturday to finish up and I said yes.  I want this shower done and working.

I feel so bad for the little guy.  6 years old and a really heavy situation.  The custody situation had been bad from the beginning--he spent every other day with a different parent.

Dad has not been well and functional since he had Covid last winter.  When asked what he misses about his dad, he said playing playstation.

I'm very happy they were now able to get him in counseling, because his dad wouldn't sign off on it or many other medical things his mom wanted to happen.  Now she is in charge.

As long as his parents don't become total jerks, they plan to let them visit and take the little guy to their house.  He was their first grandchild and they ETA:  don't need to lose him, too.

[debthaven]

Sounds like a very complicated situation TheOtherMe. Counselling sounds like a good idea. 

[Iggy aka IG]

TheOtherMe sorry to hear.

debthaven very excited for you and your time off.

moneysquirrel have a fantastic weekend!

finnime I also keep off season clothes in a clear bin.  All are tops, as I wear the same slacks and skirts year-round.

Speaking of clothing, it is time to add my too big for me work slacks to the Goodwill pile.  The pair I'm wearing today doesn't have belt loops and they keep falling down.  So professional.    This weekend I'll add at least one more pair to the giveaway pile and rotate warm weather for cold weather tops.  It got cold here very quickly.  In fact, a neighboring town received a foot of snow overnight.  Time to set up the home office posthaste!

Am attending a white elephant gathering this evening, where I will purge a strongly scented Christmas candle received last year for a hostess gift along with a small jar of dried pinto beans.  

[TheOtherMe]

Thank you for the correction.

It is and has been complicated.  

Yes his mom and DN3 wanted the dad out of their lives and his life but they did not want him to die.

That's why they went to court to get full custody.  

[debthaven]

Iggy aka IG congrats on the weight loss!

TheOtherMe as sad as it is that the little guy lost his dad, it sounds like his mom and your DN are providing a better and more stable environment for him. I wish them all the best.

 

[TheOtherMe]

IMO, they do and that is what the court found.  Dad was only going to see him one day a week and one day every other weekend, with no sleepovers.  

His attorney fired him for continuing to fight  a lost cause.  He didn't show up for the video conference hearing so lost by default.  

He saw his role as playing with his son.  No discipline, no helping with homework, etc.  

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 27, 2022 8:29:34 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I'm sad.  The father of DN3's stepson died.  Little guy is 6 years old and his bio dad is gone.  

He was at his dad's house when he got sick.  DN3 got a frantic message to go get him.  An ambulance was there already.  Last time little guy saw his dad.  

They had just won a custody battle against him but he hasn't been healthy since he had Covid and spent several months hospitalized and then in rehab.  

No one was sure how he would handle the new court ordered custody but they will never find out.  

oh that's terrible, so glad he has DN3.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 27, 2022 14:06:14 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I made it to the post office to mail my "green card" papers ... and I made it to Fall Break!!!   I feel like crying with relief.

I'm off for 7 days. (I'm WFH next Friday morning.) But I don't have to go into school till 7 Nov. 

I have to mark 20 papers during the break, but hey!

PS I know the semester isn't over yet but one step at a time ... the worst is over! 

Yay!


My work trip really through me for a loop, and then a lot of elder care this week.

Cleaner was here, and the charity pick up. Those two things forced me to get it together and get back in shape. Only had 10 bags for the charity (I put down 10-25, and was so excited about it, but had enough trouble and with both the charity pick up and the cleaner coming at the same time, I had to prioritize. Cleaner was skipped last week due to the work trip, so it was a little more undone than usual. 

So back up to par! The new par since the architect crew came.

Now I need to start getting ready for the holidays! And DD's visit

[Rukh O'Rorke]

changed my tag line, going to see how many bags I can get rid of by EOY.

[snapdragon]

Remember that so hopeful list that I had put down at the beginning of the week? I only managed to get the trash taken care of. So instead of being really ambitious I am only going to to put down the following -

1. Put away clean dishes

2. Wash dirty dishes

3. Vote over the weekend so I can drop off the ballot next week

I don't want to overthink it because when I do I just...freeze or ignore what is in front of me right now.

I am still waiting for the tranny part to come in so that the car is completely fixed. This is giving me serious anxiety and frustration.

I attempted to put on my barn coat and it was too tight with the layers so I managed to get a really decent coat 1 size up at Costco for only $19.99! It was on sale $10 off the regular price of $29.99. 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 28, 2022 10:38:22 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Remember that so hopeful list that I had put down at the beginning of the week? I only managed to get the trash taken care of. So instead of being really ambitious I am only going to to put down the following -

1. Put away clean dishes

2. Wash dirty dishes

3. Vote over the weekend so I can drop off the ballot next week

I don't want to overthink it because when I do I just...freeze or ignore what is in front of me right now.

I am still waiting for the tranny part to come in so that the car is completely fixed. This is giving me serious anxiety and frustration.

I attempted to put on my barn coat and it was too tight with the layers so I managed to get a really decent coat 1 size up at Costco for only $19.99! It was on sale $10 off the regular price of $29.99. 

I can get like that too! Just keep on with one step at a time.

[Iggy aka IG]

(Peeks in.) Not to jinx it, but the office phones have been very quiet today.  I've felt behind the last month or so and today was able to process a stack of sold policies, service changes, old physical in box items, skimmed and tossed 5 months of back logged industry related magazines, and I'm almost through the pending file drawer.  Garbage, outgoing snail mail and dishes were processed earlier.

Have a fantastic weekend, friends.  

[TheOtherMe]

All of the tile is installed.  Trim pieces tomorrow.  

[startsmart]

I made some progress on the greenhouse this week and laid down 2-3 layers of cardboard to kill the grass and then emptied 8 bags of pebbles today. It barely covered half and not too deep so I’ll be back to Home Depot to get more soon.

I had to wash my truck and get the hose out for the wheel wells because auction pickup last week was down a long dirt road in the rain.

Also organized a few dresser drawers in my entryway tonight, I use them for gum, glasses, batteries, electronic cords, chapstick, glass cleaners, all that stuff you’d put in a “junk drawer.”

I’m this weekend I really want to get bulbs planted and my entryway and office cleaned up.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 28, 2022 20:52:15 GMT -5 startsmart said:

I made some progress on the greenhouse this week and laid down 2-3 layers of cardboard to kill the grass and then emptied 8 bags of pebbles today. It barely covered half and not too deep so I’ll be back to Home Depot to get more soon.

I had to wash my truck and get the hose out for the wheel wells because auction pickup last week was down a long dirt road in the rain.

Also organized a few dresser drawers in my entryway tonight, I use them for gum, glasses, batteries, electronic cords, chapstick, glass cleaners, all that stuff you’d put in a “junk drawer.”

I’m this weekend I really want to get bulbs planted and my entryway and office cleaned up.

I didn't know you were working on a greenhouse! so awesome! I want one too.

Are you getting custom made, DIY, salvaged, or a prefab you put together? So excited about this for you. Would love to know more.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

want to outline a few goals for the weekend. Not too many. Stayed up way too late last night, thankfully up late today to compensate, have been very short on sleep this week. although starting with the day half gone is a bit of drawback. I got one more half cup of coffee left in today's allotment, so after that will consider my goals.

I need to address stress in my life, and I need to start taking better care of myself. I've been spinning my wheels on the household with it getting worse and worse over the past decade or so, and now finally getting ahead of that (thanks mainly to paid assistance! and I am super thankful that I can now afford that fairly easily).

Mentally, I think I've had a bit of a breakthough on the declutter front with this last charity pick up work. I was a little worried that I was tossing a lot of expensive clothes into the giveaway and keeping my well-worn junky clothes I've been using during the pandemic. But on one score I kind of think I want to get rid of all my old clothes (except the junky ones I love to lounge in!) and then just purchase new as any events or occasions come up. Is this crazy talk? Would like some feedback on that! I have a pile of more special peices that I will ask if DD is interested in them when she visits, otherwise I will send those on in the next pickup. A few of my funky club clothes from the 90's. I think they are back in style .

[seriousthistime]

Rukh O'Rorke, instead of getting rid of all the expensive clothes, I would suggest keeping one suit and accessories to go with it (blouse, belt, etc.) for interviews with employers or clients, one semi-dressy outfit to wear for weddings and other fancy events, and a couple of business-casual outfits.  And sweaters or jackets to go with said outfits.  And I suggest that to you because I have the worst luck finding what I'm looking for when I'm shopping for an event.  I have MUCH better luck finding things for an event type when I don't have a specific event coming up.  And then when you find an outfit you love you can buy it as a replacement for the one you kept and are now free to donate.

I got rid of a lot of my work clothes after I retired.  I still have two suits and one short and one long fancy dress. I kept enough of the rest so that I don't ever HAVE to go shopping for a special event, though I could if I wanted to. 

Having just moved from a year-round mild climate to one with significant seasonal differences, I need to weed through my sandals and mesh shoes. And maybe buy some Uggs. I hate shoe shopping.

The unpacking continues.  I am pleased to report that I did finally come across my printer cord (although it was attached to a power strip and I almost put the power strip away without noticing there was a cord to ~something~ plugged into it. In the same box I also found the USB printer cord. Then I spent a lot of time setting up the printer for wireless printing with the new Wifi, and am heading out to the hardware store to pick up more Command strips.  I want to set up my framed pictures in the office and I have a lot of appropriate nails and brackets to do that but I like to use Command strips as well because they are easier to reposition to make everything straight and level.  So, sink a nail into one place and then use Command strips on both sides of the back of the frame that can be repositioned slightly so I can make sure everything is perfectly aligned.

And how lucky am I? The hardware store is in the same place as the fancy grocery/wine store.  It will soon be 5:00 somewhere.  

finnime, I have been meaning to tell you that I love seeing your beautiful photographs.  

[Rukh O'Rorke]

great advice, thanks seriousthistime!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 29, 2022 14:19:24 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

want to outline a few goals for the weekend. Not too many. Stayed up way too late last night, thankfully up late today to compensate, have been very short on sleep this week. although starting with the day half gone is a bit of drawback. I got one more half cup of coffee left in today's allotment, so after that will consider my goals.

I need to address stress in my life, and I need to start taking better care of myself. I've been spinning my wheels on the household with it getting worse and worse over the past decade or so, and now finally getting ahead of that (thanks mainly to paid assistance! and I am super thankful that I can now afford that fairly easily).

Mentally, I think I've had a bit of a breakthough on the declutter front with this last charity pick up work. I was a little worried that I was tossing a lot of expensive clothes into the giveaway and keeping my well-worn junky clothes I've been using during the pandemic. But on one score I kind of think I want to get rid of all my old clothes (except the junky ones I love to lounge in!) and then just purchase new as any events or occasions come up. Is this crazy talk? Would like some feedback on that! I have a pile of more special peices that I will ask if DD is interested in them when she visits, otherwise I will send those on in the next pickup. A few of my funky club clothes from the 90's. I think they are back in style .

I didn't get anything done at all, lol!

I finished my coffee, took a walk, harvested some tomatoes and greens, and made a cup of tea. time for the evening to begin! Bettter luck tomorrow, lol!

[startsmart]

Rukh - someday I do want an Amish built greenhouse that has a wood bottom and maybe use all the windows I’m replacing around my house for the top but that’s going to be expensive.

Right now I have a plastic dome greenhouse which has stakes into the ground so it’s collapsible. There are vents up at the top of the dome and a zipper opening. Right now my meditation chair is in there and I’ll be adding some flower pots for spring.

[finnime]

Thank you, seriousthistime!

I echo what Serious said about the clothing, Rukh O'Rorke, assuming that the clothes you are prospecitvely keeping are truly classic and would not look dated at any point in the future. It's funny how something looks out of place 5 years after it was purchased new.

[moneysquirrel]

Oct 30, 2022 7:34:56 GMT -5 finnime said:

I echo what Serious said about the clothing, Rukh O'Rorke , assuming that the clothes you are prospecitvely keeping are truly classic and would not look dated at any point in the future. It's funny how something looks out of place 5 years after it was purchased new.

Waiting for laundry to finish up.  Also need to get lunch started.  


Knee Deep in Water Chloe -- Glad that you popped in to say hello.  Hope that all is going well with you.

Hope all have a great day.

[snapdragon]

I did manage to get my list done over the weekend along with 2 loads of laundry but not much else. We had people up on the roof replacing fascia and other stuff so it's been a bit noisy over the weekend.

[TheOtherMe]

Tile guy is here for his last day.  He has taken one load of tools to town and returned.  He is now grouting.  Then he will clean up garage and load up truck and he is done.

[bean29]

Oct 30, 2022 7:34:56 GMT -5 finnime said:

Thank you, seriousthistime !

I echo what Serious said about the clothing, Rukh O'Rorke , assuming that the clothes you are prospecitvely keeping are truly classic and would not look dated at any point in the future. It's funny how something looks out of place 5 years after it was purchased new.

Yes, and I was also going to clarify to keep it if it fits.  I got to the point where I told myself it must be within a size of where I currently am, or have especially sentimental value to keep.  I have my Wedding dress, and I had my Grandma's wedding dress (not sure if I purged it or not).  I need to do another purge of my closet, I have been buying clothes for the last few weeks.  They are expensive, but that does not seem to bother me overly much.  I should have a clothing budget, but I do not at the present. 

I also need to purge a lot of things from my house, but I need to learn to save stuff to the cloud and ditch the paper copies.  Oh, to be retired so I could really devote myself to decluttering the house. I am about 6 years out, I just can't put if off that long, so I will have to figure something else out.

[Iggy aka IG]

Y'all have inspired me to do another clothing/closet purge.  

What a productive weekend!
-4 loads laundry, including the new sheets
-2 loads dishwashing
-Scrubbed 1 toilet
-Put fresh towels in 4 rooms
-Refilled the Keurig, napkin holder, water in the fridge and ice trays
-Baked cupcakes
-Made Hallowmas cake dough for tonight
-Watched a Halloween double-feature on VHS
-Cleared out a few DVR hours
-Cleared off the main counter for guests
-Baked two types of mummies, processed fruit and veggies, and made three dips for last night's trick o' treaters
-Stashed fragile knickknacks for the above 
-Hosted 8 people for about an hour
-Processed boiled eggs for the week