2022 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[Sharon]

Friday I had two of the grandkids for the evening so we got the trees decorated and a few other Christmas decorations out.  The Christmas shopping is done, I'm just waiting for the last couple of things to arrive.  Of course they are the only items I need to wrap and then ship back out.

Yesterday in the morning I did manage to run the dishwasher, change the bedding, and do 3 loads of laundry.  I could have gotten more done but I spent way too much time on the computer.  In the afternoon I went to a nearby town and went to a holiday market.  I was somewhat disappointed in the offerings but I did get out of the house and do something different which was a major plus.  Then I went next door and treat myself to lunch out.  The lunch was good and I'm glad I did it.  On the way home I did some grocery shopping.

[debthaven]

We had a good day today. DS2 invited us to Paris to see a project he's been working on, and then we went out for lunch.

As much as I don't want to leave the house these days, I know staying at home refreshing my email constantly isn't doing me any good. When the kids ask us to do something, I go. And I go to work because I want the money and I don't want to lose my job. 

Two out of 4 sets of bedding washed and put back on. I'll wash another set before the cleaner comes on Wednesday.
 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

debthaven



do everything you can to take care of youself.


Not sure if I missed a larger post as I didn't see any particulars, but wishing you the best, as always!!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

I currently have so many balls in the air, I'm super stressed out, and feel I am truly buckling. Have had several episodes of stress crying the past few days due to working so hard to get something accomplished and being blocked by forces outside of my control. Let's just say the DMV is involved, and you get the picture.

With a big list, I do feel eased at each item crossed off, but it seems replaced with 2-3 more as I reevaluate where I'm at. I've put off what I can but so much is year end deadline stuff. At work. At home. And then so many things need done before christmas and so stressed for the prep on that as well.



Thank goodness I didn't quit the cleaners even though the work was freguently not up to par. It did keep me on track. I've now been scheduled with the better cleaners, and I didn't ever have to say anything/be complainy. Do not like to complain about people at all, unless severe and rude. Never know the circumstance or what that complaint might trigger.


To help me out, I've signed up for extra services this week from the cleaner for holiday prep - inside oven and kitchen cabinets. But it does make more work for me! Cabinets must be emptied before cleaner arrives......but it does need doing!! Also getting the inside oven done.....ummm....I hide alot of things in there when the cleaner comes , so need more organizing this week for sure!

Trying to line up a handy person to help with some other stuff.



It is amazing how the impending holidays pull your focus in on all the household things that you've been putting off "to next week" "to next month" for a whole year......


Let's all keep haning in there. It is tough! Holidays are a lot of pressure.....we will make it through.....and hopefully enjoy it

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Wanted to mention to my fellows here dealing with stress and anxiety. I was a ball of it all day yesterday. I was too upset for dinner, but I made myself a few cups of golden milk so my stomach wouldn't start complaining as I was trying to fall asleep. Amazingly, after the second cup I felt much more at ease. Had a good night's sleep too.

golden milk is heavy with turmeric and a bit of cinnamon. I had some finely ground black pepper as that increases the effectiveness of turmeric by 1000s. I think I posted about this on the depression thread, but not sure.

Planning to have it again tonight.

I use fresh tumeric and don't boil it like the "usual" recipe calls for it. Just warm milk and vitamix on high, no need to strain. Vegan milk, of course

[Rukh O'Rorke]

ok - just scheduled another charity pick up for 10 bags by Thursday! 

Wish me luck!

Powering through!

[Sharon]

Today I worked on my floors.  It took a good portion of the day, but I did get most of the floors done.  All my floors are hard surface of some type, a mixture of vinyl, tile, laminate etc.  This morning I vacuumed the whole house and then I started with the mopping.  The family room, dining part of the kitchen, the kitchen, the formal dining room (office), hallway bath (full bath), the hallway to the bedrooms and the hallway from the front door to the office area were all mopped.  I still need to do the living room, my bedroom, and my bathroom.  There are two other bedrooms but I don't care if they get mopped at this point.

I also got all the wastebaskets emptied and skimmed the stock tank for leaves.  It is above freezing today and the snow is gone so it was a good day to get out there with my net and skim leaves.

[moneysquirrel]

Good evening all,
My schedule has just gotten easier for the next several weeks.  Volunteer teaching and classes I take are fininshed until mid-January.  All of my craft shows are finished for 2022.  On the whole a good year.  We had a few unprofitable shows but on the whole did ok.  Ok for me is one that pays for the booth fee, taxes and lunch -- 90% of the ones we did exceeded these basic levels.  Will need to order supplies and have several popular items to remake but also have several creative ideas buzzing inside the brain.  

Today I crashed and got only the basics done.  Glad to pull out several items from the freezer for lunch as well as at least one other meal this week.

Tomorrow I should have the cleaners in so I did a lot of pickup today.  Postponed the laundry as it was another dreay damp day and I didn't feel it.  That is also on the schedule for tomorrow.  Christmas decor is up and that always makes me feel better.  Lots of items I collected throughout the years as well as several items given to me by my mother and one of my aunts.  

Later this week I will pay the car insurance premium, several utility bills, sales taxes for the last two craft shows and whatever else shows up that I forgot about.  Picked up several gift cards for gifts and for me to use later.  The family -- siblings -- has decided to forgo gifts for the adults and that makes life easier.  Only have DS and his family to treat and I have all of those covered except for any other treats that I might run across.  Since I will be limiting my trips in the next two weeks I might not find anything else.  

Also will schedule the lastest booster for later this week.  Waited until now as I have a trip in late spring and I wanted to make sure that I was within the 6 months of taking the shot while traveling.  Also this week will be talking to/ meeting with an attorney to finish up POA and updated will.  Been meaning to do this for a while and had an earlier meeting to start the process.  Think I have one or two more meetings to get this completed. Goal is to finish before Christmas.

Will post this and then return with comments -- at least those I can remember to make.

[saveinla]

Dec 11, 2022 16:47:56 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Wanted to mention to my fellows here dealing with stress and anxiety. I was a ball of it all day yesterday. I was too upset for dinner, but I made myself a few cups of golden milk so my stomach wouldn't start complaining as I was trying to fall asleep. Amazingly, after the second cup I felt much more at ease. Had a good night's sleep too.

golden milk is heavy with turmeric and a bit of cinnamon. I had some finely ground black pepper as that increases the effectiveness of turmeric by 1000s. I think I posted about this on the depression thread, but not sure.

Planning to have it again tonight.

I use fresh tumeric and don't boil it like the "usual" recipe calls for it. Just warm milk and vitamix on high, no need to strain. Vegan milk, of course

Isnt fresh turmeric bitter? Do you use a small piece?

[moneysquirrel]

debthaven --  Take time for yourself.  You are facing some changes in your schedule/life so give yourself grace.  Take any help that you can get as well.

Iggy aka IG -- Happy about your new office. Great to avoid dangerous driving conditions, and a relaxed work uniform with the added benefit that you can get a load of laundry done -- tossing in a load on your way to get coffee.  That may help ease up a little of your weekend chores.

Sharon -- You are making great progress in making your place a home and having help with decorations is an added benefit. Plus creating great memories with the Grands

Rukh O'Rorke -- Take time to breathe.  Pace yourself.  Glad you got a cleaner that works for you.

TheOtherMe -- Hoping that all is getting a little better for you.  Good idea to pass on the babysitting gig especially if you had to pay for the hotel.

I am sure that I forgot a lot of you and I am sorry if I did. 

Wishing all of you a very peaceful week with great weather and nothing to stress you out.   

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Dec 11, 2022 21:18:08 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Dec 11, 2022 16:47:56 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Wanted to mention to my fellows here dealing with stress and anxiety. I was a ball of it all day yesterday. I was too upset for dinner, but I made myself a few cups of golden milk so my stomach wouldn't start complaining as I was trying to fall asleep. Amazingly, after the second cup I felt much more at ease. Had a good night's sleep too.

golden milk is heavy with turmeric and a bit of cinnamon. I had some finely ground black pepper as that increases the effectiveness of turmeric by 1000s. I think I posted about this on the depression thread, but not sure.

Planning to have it again tonight.

I use fresh tumeric and don't boil it like the "usual" recipe calls for it. Just warm milk and vitamix on high, no need to strain. Vegan milk, of course

Isnt fresh turmeric bitter? Do you use a small piece?

no, not at all. I find it more mild than ginger, flatter in taste, but not bitter, and I blend with walnut milk, cinnamin, just a tinsy amount of black pepper and a bit of sweetner.

I had made tumeric tea before from fresh turmeric when I was out of ginger for my fav ginger tea, and it was an ok substitute but I guess I was craving ginger. So I wasn't expecting great taste from the golden milk, but I found it surprisingly yummy! 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

So remember my idea of the picture ledges in the hall?

well it's taken me a while to act on it, I looked at some nice ones at pottery barn, but found similar at ikea for less than 20% the pottery barn price.

Finally went to put the order in....and they are only doing "large orders"......and people on amazon selling them, using ikea name, with about 150% mark up.

#disgusted.

[azucena]

Rukh- I forget if you have older kids. I'll sheepishly admit that I mix up you and swamp for some reason. I also mix up Rae and Gira. I admire and have learned a lot from all 4 of you ladies. My math brain just can't sort people sometimes LOL.

Anyway, if you have teen+ kids, delegate, delegate, delegate. Consider it part of life training them and tell them so. I tease dd14 that she's gonna be the kid at college coaching the noobs thru laundry bc I force her to have skin in family life. Things like paying online medical bill with me overseeing twice and now I just hand it over and she does it. Food delivery night, dd handles it. Currently making an extensive project list with prices for her to earn the remaining $600 needed for church youth group trip this summer. Made it known that she can invite friend(s) to help in larger jobs and I'll pay them both. $10/hour seems reasonable for most of it. Will continue this past trip. Our agreement is that im not doling out random $$ very much. Hoping this forces some budgeting practice and choices. I've been paying $1 per load for months now. I wfh on Fri and pass it all thru the machine. Separate 1-2 loads of work clothes and uniforms and pile them flat so they don't wrinkles. Sat mornings dd10l4 has 8-10 loads waiting for her on her chore list. Pretty much mandatory and she's learned if she skips it, she bears most of the brunt of digging thru 10 clean baskets to find her favorite. Sucks on hurried mornings.

[azucena]

In Dec, we must pace ourselves and triage. Rukh- looking at your list, I'd bump inside of cabinets to slower Jan. Insides shouldn't matter as outsides for hosting.

[finnime]

I bit the bullet and bought a set of ISBNs and began prepping my small children's book for publishing. I hope to get it uploaded today. So that's a thing.

And today, I swear I'll decorate. I got the tree up. Need to redo the wreath. We used suction cups on the front windows to hang it but DH took it down to recenter it. Now the suction cups won't stick--too cold.

[azucena]

Gonna need more info about budding isbns. Fascinating that you'll be published. Keep updating us and pls link for sales. Dd14 understands that I have internet friends. I told her fin was going to self publish so we are both going to learn from you.

Dd10 can't quite grasp that I know people in the computer even though she's pen pals with Theo. She seems to think Theo retired from my work. Close enough. BTW Theo, dd10 asked about your pre-retirement job when you Xmas card came. So i attempted to explain accountants. Must have done ok bc she said that kind of work math sounds better than mine where I count dead people. Rofl.

[TheOtherMe]

Luckily my pen pal probably doesn't understand taxes yet.     She's seen pictures of the cats so she knows I am a real person, right?

Better not tell her that I now research dead people.  

[debthaven]

azucena those are great ideas, but Rukh O'Rorke has adult kids. I'm not sure if one still lives at home or not but the other doesn't. 

My GP gave me a prescription for anti-anxiety meds. (I take Calcium/Vit D regularly.) I'm scared to take them and drive, I haven't taken any in over 30 years. I have to drive 40 min each way to go to Job 2 tomorrow so I may wait till Wed to start.

[snapdragon]

I managed to get the following done over the weekend -

Got my new glasses

Took out the recycling

Washed the dishes

folded and put away the first batch of clothes on the bed than

remade the bed and did multiple loads of laundry

which are now on the other side of the bed in multiple heaps 

And work just outed me about leaving early next year --- so it's in the open.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Dec 12, 2022 3:01:25 GMT -5 azucena said:

Rukh- I forget if you have older kids. I'll sheepishly admit that I mix up you and swamp for some reason. I also mix up Rae and Gira. I admire and have learned a lot from all 4 of you ladies. My math brain just can't sort people sometimes LOL.

Anyway, if you have teen+ kids, delegate, delegate, delegate. Consider it part of life training them and tell them so. I tease dd14 that she's gonna be the kid at college coaching the noobs thru laundry bc I force her to have skin in family life. Things like paying online medical bill with me overseeing twice and now I just hand it over and she does it. Food delivery night, dd handles it. Currently making an extensive project list with prices for her to earn the remaining $600 needed for church youth group trip this summer. Made it known that she can invite friend(s) to help in larger jobs and I'll pay them both. $10/hour seems reasonable for most of it. Will continue this past trip. Our agreement is that im not doling out random $$ very much. Hoping this forces some budgeting practice and choices. I've been paying $1 per load for months now. I wfh on Fri and pass it all thru the machine. Separate 1-2 loads of work clothes and uniforms and pile them flat so they don't wrinkles. Sat mornings dd10l4 has 8-10 loads waiting for her on her chore list. Pretty much mandatory and she's learned if she skips it, she bears most of the brunt of digging thru 10 clean baskets to find her favorite. Sucks on hurried mornings.

Thanks! I like being confused with swamp .
Mine are adult, one living thousands of miles away .  The other working 2 jobs, saving, and will be moving soon, and is a great help when they are off work, but I'm mainly on my own for figuring this out, and these cats keep refusing to do their chores!!  Well, except for the nighttime foot snuggling to keep me warm. Almost always a volunteer in that department!

So me and paid help. As usual - I have high hopes and aspirations for the holiday season, so putting a lot of pressure on myself. I'll get as far as I can and that will be good enough. I do have an accumulation of clutter that just got tossed into closets, wedged here and there, put into spare rooms, etc. over the past 15 years or so. So there is a lot to go through but I'm paring it down. I think! Getting a lot of stuff out - but then more is coming in!! So not sure of the balance sheet sometimes. Christmas is always a major influx of stuff, so glad to have a major outflux beforehand. And hopefully in time to get to anyone who could use for the holidays.....Also hoping more out than in. 

Too, quite a lot of the pressure/deadlines is coming from work, and financial stuff, and bureaucratic stuff, which is only mine. 

Did a lot yesterday, I was wired! Had golden milk for dinner again. 

But I did make a few messes while trying to clear one up! Will try to sort those out today on work.

Yesterday, I made a list of everything I'd like to do in every room to get completed about a week before christmas. Today, I'm going to estimate resources for each, time to complete, and rank order importance for each room. Then I will rank order across rooms, and then start tackling them one by one.

Never got confirmation that the handyman I was talking to will take the job. May need to contact another one. Likely getting more difficult as the holidays approach, everyone wanting some extra spit and polish right beforehand.

One thing I'm trying to do differently is have the house in "cleaner ready" order before staring on decluttering stuff. Previously - I'd focus on a closet clearout and reorg for a weekend project, and then come Monday morning the kitchen was a disaster because not tidying up as I went along and the closet wasn't finished because decided in the middle that it also needed painting......and start the week in chaos, laundry not done, etc. and that would last for a while as I tried to sort out. So trying to make sure all the common living areas are up to snuff each day before taking on from the holiday punchlist so I don't get out of order. I'm still learning about this stuff.

But looking back, an increadible amount of progress this last year! I did start in a dumpster fire, so there's that! But looking to make a strong finish for the year and enjoy the time off and relax. Start 2023 feeling fresh and light - and ready for new beginnings!

[debthaven]

And work just outed me about leaving early next year --- so it's in the open.

That's probably somewhat of a relief snapdragon .

I'm glad you have an easier schedule for a while moneysquirrel , and that the craft fairs were a success. 

Rukh O'Rorke I'm missing something ... can't you just buy those picture ledges directly from Ikea? Why go through Amazon? Maybe if you post a photo or link here someone can make another suggestion where to find them at a more reasonable price?

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Dec 12, 2022 12:46:51 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Rukh O'Rorke I'm missing something ... can't you just buy those picture ledges directly from Ikea? Why go through Amazon? Maybe if you post a photo or link here someone can make another suggestion where to find them at a more reasonable price?

they won't ship them, they say only selling large quantities for shipment. I'm sure if I went to an ikea I could purchase.


www.ikea.com/us/en/p/mosslanda-picture-ledge-black-70292104/

[Rukh O'Rorke]

on amazon I was able to buy some fintorp draw pulls at a reasonable price, that seem to be discontinued at Ikea, so that was good! I need two more, bought 2-2pack, as one of my pulls is mangled and should be replaced, plus the two I needed.

[Iggy aka IG]

snapdragon , congratulations.  My mom's work made her announcement last week and I understand how much of a life change it must be.

Hugs debthaven .

I agree with azucena about pacing ourselves.  I was thinking the same thing this morning.  Now, it's just a matter of doing so.  

What a quick, productive weekend!
-Prepared the guest room and bath for the sleepover
-Had a blast with the neighbor kiddos
-Did 3 loads of laundry
-Emptied and refilled the dishwasher several times
-Handwashed dishes
-Made several types of cookies and nut brittle.  I made peanut butter bark and fudge last Thursday.  It will be nice to have the kitchen back until I prepare for Christmas Eve at our house, LOL.
-Refilled the ice trays and Keurig, set out fresh towels
-Wrapped a few more presents
-Per my request, DH turned on the gas to the fireplace which I enjoyed for the first time this season yesterday.  It was quite lovely.
-Planned this week's suppers
-Refined this week's grocery pickup

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 12, 2022 12:08:43 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

I managed to get the following done over the weekend -

Got my new glasses

Took out the recycling

Washed the dishes

folded and put away the first batch of clothes on the bed than

remade the bed and did multiple loads of laundry

which are now on the other side of the bed in multiple heaps 

And work just outed me about leaving early next year --- so it's in the open.

I guess I didn't remember that you are leaving your job.  What's next?  

[finnime]

ISBN applied and book and cover successfully formatted and submitted. I asked for 2 proof copies. They should come this week. Then, if nothing untoward is in the proof, it goes live.

I'm happy.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

With the clock stopped for everything on Sunday, was able to wind down a little bit and through the middle of today. Had a heavy lunch today, which I needed. The knot started up again as the afternoon lengthened.

Tuesday-Thursday is going to be a gauntlet for me, a lot of personal stuff, household stuff, and work stuff going on that can't wait until next week or even Friday due to a variety of deadlines, bureaucratic, agency, other peoples limitations, guest arrivals, etc. I've been so wound up, and now it's down to just 48 hours. That helps me a little, to see the time limit on it. I will do my best and live with whatever outcome I can get.

Actually, I expect all to be done/resolved by 5 p.m. on Thursday (possibly even earlier) and anything in the cracks is just staying there. At least till after Christmas.....possibly new years, and worst case is just lost money or household stuff not done. Never heard back from that handyman, no time or energy to try for another. Maybe I can get someone short notice next week when I have more brain power, I'm thinking likely not. Will maybe try a few things myself. My listicle is kind of a joke at this point!

Some things I'm just not wanting to detail here, trying to block a lot out. Taking one step at a time. Will try to work on a few household things tonight as a distraction, early bath, book, and bedtime, up and at em early......

[finnime]

Cheering you on, Rukh O'Rorke, from the peanut gallery.

[snapdragon]

Dec 12, 2022 15:35:54 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dec 12, 2022 12:08:43 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

I managed to get the following done over the weekend -

Got my new glasses

Took out the recycling

Washed the dishes

folded and put away the first batch of clothes on the bed than

remade the bed and did multiple loads of laundry

which are now on the other side of the bed in multiple heaps 

And work just outed me about leaving early next year --- so it's in the open.

I guess I didn't remember that you are leaving your job.  What's next?  

I am leaving my state and looking for my next place to be. Not sure where that is but I need to be someplace and get a feel for the house, neighborhood, area and people before I completely move. I am unable to do that while working due to work's vacation policy so I need to have the freedom to travel and stay somewhere for min 2 weeks at a time.

Plus I have been at my job over 25 years and I just am ready to be done. I am sure I can find some social activity or part time job in the future in case I need more people exposure. I am mostly a introvert so solitude with books and a cozy blanket, fire, mug of liquid does not bother me at all.

[debthaven]

Good news! Today I got an emergency appt for my papers for early Jan (instead of early March). 

Last day at school till next semester! I'm on Zoom tomorrow and Thursday.