2022 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[saveinla]

Dec 16, 2022 11:40:55 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I ended up canceling my cleaner for today.  My stomach has been messed up since yesterday,

Feel better @theotherme.

[saveinla]

My DS left today to spend Christmas break with his GF and family. We are cleaning slowly.

Have to go to a prayer meeting today evening and catchup with friends.

I am off from Dec 23rd until Jan 3rd - this is the annual company holiday break for us and hoping there is nothing urgent that keeps us working. I am not planning to do any work, as I am not happy with my bonus or raise this year. 

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 17, 2022 12:16:45 GMT -5 CCL said:

Dec 16, 2022 11:40:55 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I ended up canceling my cleaner for today.  My stomach has been messed up since yesterday,

Hope you're feeling better.

I am and now I'm getting ready to go to Milwaukee.  DN3 will be cat sitting.  He knows as long as my basement is his storage unit, he can't say no.  

Obviously I won't ask him when he gets married in March.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Dec 17, 2022 13:58:41 GMT -5 saveinla said:

My DS left today to spend Christmas break with his GF and family. We are cleaning slowly.

Have to go to a prayer meeting today evening and catchup with friends.

I am off from Dec 23rd until Jan 3rd - this is the annual company holiday break for us and hoping there is nothing urgent that keeps us working. I am not planning to do any work, as I am not happy with my bonus or raise this year. 

Same! And I will try to follow your example on retribution!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Ok - it is here! Final countdown to the holidays.......holidaze? 

Fun and frolics up ahead!!

Still have a lot to do homewise, have not finished the kitchen put away/reorganizing.....the reorganizing bit is taking a bit more thought and need to clear out some other spaces to stash some stuff that is used too seldomly to maintain it's spot in the high traffic areas......

No more work, so have 3 days.......only 3 days.....before DD arrives. Everythng already looking lack luster from the cleaning....had a roomba haven't used in a year or so because I kept not ordering new bag and filter.....that order was finally placed so hope it gets here soon.


ok - listing....

• Get kitchen reorged and put back together (bigger job than anticipated!!!) plus 
•     clear/clean/set up mudroom for seldom used kitchen items......
• Kitchen handles done
• declutter study/put away massive paper work stacks somewhere (phd prgram stuff that was at work till had to clear out for perma WFH, 5 stacks about 2-3' high....maybe just box up into basement for now?)
• new curtain rods/curtains hung 1st floor
• supervac sofa and do new pillows
• Reorg open bathroom shelves (pretty minor job.....just trying to maximize aesthetics)
• New towels and shower curtain/hook? Not sure, current is not working out so well.....
• will need to vac/mop right before visit...will see if I can reschedule next weeks cleaner to take this off my plate. No sense them coming a day after I do it anyway, right?
• Set up DDs room/make bed up and add as much gemutlich as I can.....

And I think that is all that I can really antipate doing.. so no radical (yet minor) transformation like I'd hoped for. That one handyperson who seemed to accept the job I guess decided not to and didn't bother to let me know? I'll have to think of doing those things after the holidays......

So 3 days for above, should be doable.....but need to remain focused and keep productive.....

[finnime]

YOu can do it, Rukh O'Rorke! For easy returns first get the curtains up and the open shelving settled in the bathroom. That will give you enough of a boost to tackle the kitchen, maybe. Good luck.

[startsmart]

Rukh I am right there with you but with no time to type out the list!

Today I am completely upending my office set up, a bunch of furniture is going upstairs and then I will clear off the mantle to decorate for Christmas (finally).

I also spent time this morning planning out my 2024 home projects and trying to spread out the big expenses (porch rebuild, plumbing, electrical).

New windows come in this week so I also need to paint those frames and try to clear space for the window dude.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Yay! Snagged cleaning appt for the early morning that DD arrives! So far says cleaner assignment is pending....


Hope I don't get that one that frequently skips mopping! I will have to insist on mopping somehow! I won't give tip until mopping!! I usually give the tip during a lull from work zoom meetings, because they usually finish when I am in meeting. But I won't be working so will monitor more closely if that person......


oh no! Just when everything seemed to be doable my back has seized up....not sure if I should try a bath or lay down or what.....   I was just standing up from feeding cats...not even anything heavy!! oh dear....

[startsmart]

Okay I am that sort of bone tired that usually comes after a long hike. I made dozens of trips upstairs, the last 2 carrying a mattress and I’m ready for some rest! Decorated the office and living room china cabinet but I need to do the tree and pack up all the glassware I displaced.

I’m excited to showcase my holiday home on meetings this week, it’s the closest we get to a Christmas party.

Still have lots of little stuff to move upstairs, plus a dresser, but that can wait until tomorrow.

[debthaven]

That's a lot to carry on your own startsmart .

I am now off for 2 weeks!!! Unfortunately I still have my Job 1 marking to do. I don't get those exams till Wednesday so I'll finish them in January. 

[TheOtherMe]

Since this has not been a good holiday season for me, I'm leaving town later today and plan to return on Saturday.

I am taking one of my ceramic trees with me.

[saveinla]

Dec 18, 2022 15:45:21 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Yay! Snagged cleaning appt for the early morning that DD arrives! So far says cleaner assignment is pending....


Hope I don't get that one that frequently skips mopping! I will have to insist on mopping somehow! I won't give tip until mopping!! I usually give the tip during a lull from work zoom meetings, because they usually finish when I am in meeting. But I won't be working so will monitor more closely if that person......


oh no! Just when everything seemed to be doable my back has seized up....not sure if I should try a bath or lay down or what.....   I was just standing up from feeding cats...not even anything heavy!! oh dear....

Hope you feel better Rukh O'Rorke. 

[finnime]

Have a good trip, TheOtherMe. Take care.

[snapdragon]

I got the bird roasted and the larger boxes out of the house though that was a fight.

I ended up having to WD40 the bar lock to the recycle area to get it open.

I have a large pile of dishes in the sink and lot's of clean clothes on the bed.

Tonight -

Drop off library books

Get groceries

Load & Run dishwasher,

Finish X-mas cards.

Fold and put away clean clothes.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Dec 19, 2022 9:41:11 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Since this has not been a good holiday season for me, I'm leaving town later today and plan to return on Saturday.

I am taking one of my ceramic trees with me.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

This is my household non-regular task list for Winter Break . This is day 3 of WB, but I was lazy yesterday. Day 1 we hosted DH’s family’s Christmas party.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Dec 19, 2022 10:45:54 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Dec 18, 2022 15:45:21 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Yay! Snagged cleaning appt for the early morning that DD arrives! So far says cleaner assignment is pending....


Hope I don't get that one that frequently skips mopping! I will have to insist on mopping somehow! I won't give tip until mopping!! I usually give the tip during a lull from work zoom meetings, because they usually finish when I am in meeting. But I won't be working so will monitor more closely if that person......


oh no! Just when everything seemed to be doable my back has seized up....not sure if I should try a bath or lay down or what.....   I was just standing up from feeding cats...not even anything heavy!! oh dear....

Hope you feel better Rukh O'Rorke . 

thanks! was totally out of commission all day yesterday, could barely move, very painful. Was able to get a decent night's sleep, and moving around stiffly and gingerly today with a lot of aches, but so far no sudden horrible spasming, which I got 3-4 time yesterday. I cried!

Readjusting my plans for holiday prep, will need to take it easy for quite a while. Dr. Internet says at least 2 weeks, up to months....

Reading up, I think this is due to not exercizing/stretching regularly, with my muscles being weakened. I've know I need to take better care of myself, and why I don't ever get around to that is something for me to ponder while I'm in low-motion mode! Likely the universe here......trying to say something......

[saveinla]

Rukh O'Rorke - totally get that. I use heating pads if my back or neck spasms. They usually say cold helps, but for me nothing except the rice bag heated in the microwave or a heavy duty heating pad helps.

[TheOtherMe]

I am in Milwaukee.  No problems on the road, which is always a good thing.

Starbucks is one block over, in another Hilton.  I know because I went to the wrong Hilton first.  

Check in guy said to Uber to the game.  So I have to figure out how to use Uber.  It's downloaded but that's it.

I wish there were still bellhops in the world of hotels.  No cleaning of the room until the 4th night and no bellhops.  Both things that seem to be gone since Covid and never came back. 

I brought a lot of food with me since I have a fridge and microwave, plus the 12 inch ceramic Christmas tree.

[Iggy aka IG]

Glad you made it safely, TheOtherMe .  I use the Lyft ap and I think you'll find the Uber lift convenient as well.  Be sure and plug in your payment information, etc.  Glad you are feeling better.

Knee Deep in Water Chloe, respect to you for hosting those large gatherings!  I think DH and my guest turnout max was 28 when we still lived in town.

Nice list as always, moneysquirrel .  And thank you for the reminder about sewing the coat pocket.  For several years, the right-hand side of my winter coat has had a hole in the pocket large enough to swallow keys.     So sorry to hear about the tornados.

Good job, startsmart and saveinla .  saveinla , I don't blame you about not working over your holiday break.

Yay for winter break, debthaven and others!

We had a lovely family weekend.  We stayed at a VRBO which worked out well.  Saturday evening, we watched the cartoon Stork which I recommend as a family movie.  Y'all know I love penguins, and there was a very cute penguin scene in it.  We worked well as a family as far as meal prep (Saturday afternoon dad brought in prepared catered food, and I made brunch for everyone Sunday morning) and cleanup.  The house had a pool table so two of four generations stayed up way too late listening to music and playing pool.

It's good to be home, though.  DH and I took a planned day off so I'm doing a bit of work from home while doing laundry, etc.  I already unpacked and scrubbed two toilets.  We mailed our Christmas cards on the way out of town Saturday.  Other than a few more gifts to wrap, and a few more items to buy at the grocery store, I am ready for the holidays and a few more extra days off.  I love this time of year.  

[debthaven]

Ouch Rukh O'Rorke ! I use a heating cream but that sort of thing usually takes a few days. 

TheOtherMe once you've downloaded the Uber app and put in your card info you should find it pretty intuitive. Remember you can use it both for rides and food/restaurant deliveries. 

Iggy aka IG I'm so glad you had a great weekend! Thanks for the film suggestion! I will look for Stork to watch it with my grandson! 

Enjoy the more relaxed schedule moneysquirrel !

So good to see you back Knee Deep in Water Chloe . 

Tues
- pick up package
- get 2 more gifts for E and I (for Hanukah)

I can't believe that the semester I'm retiring is literally the first semester I won't have finished my marking before Christmas lol. I'll do as much as I can on Wednesday before the kids arrive, then leave it until early Jan. I have about 7h of marking total, and I'm hoping to do half on Wednesday.

[TheOtherMe]

The Hilton app has Lyft built in.  I don't know if there is a difference or not.  

I put Apple Pay as my payment amount.  

I see Uber has schedule a ride in the app so tomorrow I  will try to schedule a ride for Wednesday.

Snow isn't supposed to be here until Thursday.  I may be staying an extra night.

[startsmart]

If you have a moment, please send my mom good juju - she starts radiation for her cancer tomorrow and will go straight through the holidays, her birthday and half of January. It’s a short appointment but a daily 45-min drive to the cancer center one way. Plus both of my parents are getting over COVID.

I got 2 new windows installed today! So excited to have those in before the arctic freeze arrives Thursday. My corner of Kansas is supposed to be -9° and windy. We also measured the rest of the second floor windows I want to do next year.

I went over to a friend’s house this afternoon for tea and catching up. It was nice to get out before dark and also try their tea-advent calendar offerings.

My Christmas tree is up and decorated in my bedroom but with 100% non breakable ornaments because that’s where the cats are. Kitties are settling in and chasing each other around the bedroom. They still sleep in the bathroom and in 17 days have gone from cowering even when I brought food to yowling their demands for dinner when I bring in their dishes.

Most of my clients are off on Friday so just 3 more days of work and then rest.

[debthaven]

Wishing your mom the best startsmart .

[TheOtherMe]

Hope things go well for your mom startsmart

I've spent the morning extending my stay one night.  If the predicted storm comes through, I will not want to be driving home on Saturday.  It will be a first for me to be out driving a long distance on Christmas Day.

[snapdragon]

Drop off library books
Get groceries
Load & Run dishwasher,
Finish X-mas cards.
Fold and put away clean clothes. -- I will attempt to actually work and get this done tonight. I was giving the pile the side eye while I was one the phone with a friend last night. I just did not have the umph to start. I was really proud of myself for going to get groceries last night. I seriously thought about just staying in the car and going home but I needed milk, bread, mozz sticks and other things to last me for the next week plus.

[finnime]

2 much
2 do
2 talk
much.

[Iggy aka IG]

My earlier post was nearly complete and then my browser crashed...  

Anyway, debthaven , you're welcome!  Let me know what GS and you think.

TheOtherMe , I don't blame you for not wanting to drive in the storm.  Another storm is headed this way so we shall see what it brings.

startsmart , hugs to all three of you.  I will light a candle for your mom when I arrive home.  The time with your friend sounds lovely.

snapdragon , I'm the same way when I have to go into the store rather than picking up groceries curbside.

finnime , I hear that!

Wrapping up business-related things here at the office before closing for the holiday:

-Processed snail, e- and voice mail
-Processed a payment
-Took several trips of online purchases (not gifts, but supplies for the house) out to the truck
-Moved the water jug from last week's delivery to the back room
-Reviewed today's calendared items in order to prioritize them
-Need to process several quotes
-Also need to set up the all-in-one, drop off an empty box to the bin and mail outgoing snail mail

Meanwhile my phone continues to blow up....

[catsareme]

Startsmart - sending kind and healing thoughts to your Mom.

[startsmart]

Thanks all, talked to mom today and first appointment went well. Hoping she can get through Friday with minimal tiredness. I’m sending a care package with some new hand soaps, chapstick, soft socks etc for her.