2023 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[seriousthistime]

About introversion and retirement...

I am also introverted and I retired at the end of 2020, after working remotely that year due to COVID.

I had moved to that area for my job with no friends or family close by, but eventually made some friends/acquaintances through MeetUp groups.  We had a lot of gatherings by Zoom (book groups, monthly birthday "parties", game days, coffee mornings, etc.).  I also had/still have a standing weekly Zoom with my friends from my former location. We have all scattered from the area where we became friends, although I have moved back there and another friend spends part of her year there. 

Zoom interaction worked for me.  TheOtherMe uses Facetime.  I think exploring electronic methods of staying in touch with people is great, and is there for you to use however much or little you are comfortable with.   

snapdragon, I hope you keep us posted about the areas you are thinking of moving to.  It's exciting, and also a little unsettling, to choose a place where you want to spend the rest of your life.  I left an area that I felt was where I was always meant to live and moved back to where I raised my kids, all to be closer to DGS. It is not a move I regret, but I do miss my former location.  A lot. 

[debthaven]

I too find the notion of moving far away interesting, admirable and scary. I love reading about your moves!

Done with another easy week. Next week both schools are off, so I'm only working 2h. I feel a bit like Goldilocks ... working 22-24h/week is too much, and working 2-6h/week is too little. My usual 12-15h/week this semester is just right LOL. 

We wanted to go to the UK next week but we left it too late. The kids have plans and Eurostar is very expensive. We booked a long weekend in March instead. 

The man from the window company came to verify the measurements yesterday. They should start in mid-April. I know we'll be happy when it's done, but I'm dreading the mess. 

[debthaven]

I had to tell Job 1 what courses I want to do next year. It's VERY early, but my boss asked me to proofread and test her online questionnaire.

I asked for 3 classes in Fall semester, and 1 class in Spring semester. S knows I might decide to do less, she's fine with that. I wasn't expecting to have to think about this now.

[debthaven]

DS1 and E arrived this afternoon. I did laundry before they arrived, cooked dinner, and ran/emptied the dishwasher. We'll wake up early to take them to the Eurostar tomorrow. 

Next is another easy work week ... the last one for quite a while. 

[startsmart]

I am in phoenix for the wedding today and had to lol at the “try to relax” comment a page back (from moneysquirrel!)! While I love my best friend, she is not the most organized person. Yesterday we did the flowers, decorated the church for the ceremony and set up for the reception. Today I’m going a few hrs early to finish table set up and let her relax getting ready.

The drive so far has been easy - lots of trucks in the road but good weather except wild winds in Texas.

[debthaven]

I can't wait to see photos of the wedding quilt startsmart ! Safe trip home!

[startsmart]

Thanks Debthaven! I posted everything up here: imgur.com/gallery/9QZFbDj

[TheOtherMe]

It's absolutely gorgeous.  Love is Love.  

[debthaven]

That’s just stunning!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Feb 20, 2023 19:21:42 GMT -5 startsmart said:

Thanks Debthaven! I posted everything up here: imgur.com/gallery/9QZFbDj

so impressive!!! absolutely beautiful!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

welp, I quit the cleaning service. There was some damage I couldn't look past this time around.

Going to give it a whirl myself for a month or two. Splurge on a few mechanical household helpers maybe, and then source a new cleaning venue if I start to fall behind again.

yesterday did a lot of paperwork, digging deep into the shitepile, and cleared out a lot of cobwebs (paperwork cobwebs that is!). I had a lot of copays for all the medical services I had last year that I didn't get around to paying. If they don't take payment at point of service, I'm a lost cause! And it gets paid months later!

But so dug up a bunch of stuff and paid it. submitted some for flex reimbursement, still looking for some more to send for 2022 payments that are flex reimbrusable. I'll have all my 2023 ready after something goes for initial insurance. Switched providers for 2023 and it was sent to wrong insurance initially. This particular provider is pay 100% and then wait for insruance to reimburse you not them. Found a few unexpected checks in the shitepile! think I'm still in time to cash so that is nice.

Organized and filed a bit, but have a lot more to do there to put 2022 finances to bed. I did find a lot of stuff for taxes, so need to finish organizing and doing any actions on the paperwork (payments, flex submissions, other followups, etc.) And then get the taxes together and file those. Early this time!!!

got maybe 30 minutes of sleep last night, so running on empty now and rest of today. Plus so much coffee already!

Thankfully my evening meetings are wed and thursday and not today. Just going to crawl through today and hope for a nice sleep and better tomorrow.... 

[laterbloomer]

I'm so impressed with myself. I submitted my income tax return the first day possible. If they are as quick as last year I could have my money before I get home from vacation.

[moneysquirrel]

I just revisisted and updated that long list fron a few weeks ago.  I have been adding to the shopping list as I go through my supplies and then I will have to order them.  Actually I may wait until after my vacation to place the order as I think I have enought materials on hand to work with and this way will force me to think out of the box for new ideas.  Sometimes I can get great ideas because I have to make do with what I have on hand. Plus I also have a few craft activities that will keep me busy until then as well.

Feb 5, 2023 13:09:47 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

   >Halloween -- 4 to 6 earrings (Other styles have enough left.)
    >Several Bracelets and Pins
    >Several simple necklaces (Aiming for 6 at least.)

*Check craft supplies and start a shopping list of things I need to restock.  (Have been trying to use up my supplies but certain ones are getting to the end and those I use pretty regularally. I should have enough to get most if not all of that to-make list done but will be close on a few of them.)

This week is easy, No classes because today is Mardi Gras.  Lots of locals travel during this week and schools are closed as well. I am trying to get some things done around the house. 

I will check in sometime later but it is time for my lunch.

[debthaven]

I cracked a tooth and went to the dentist today. I need a crown.   First world problems, I know. 

I finally got the names of my two new Admin students today, so I emailed them. 

[TheOtherMe]

I'm sorry.

[ners]

Sorry to hear debthaven.  

[saveinla]

Anyone hear from dannylion?

[startsmart]

One more day on the road and I’ll be home. Today was the worst, weather wise because while Utah was boring, Colorado had a snowstorm for me. Whiteout conditions, going 20 mph through mountain passes and zero plowing in my direction of travel (counted 8 plows going west!) and now -15° with the windchill. Hoping it’s easier in northern Kansas tomorrow so I don’t have a rough final day.

[debthaven]

No saveinla . I hope she's OK. 

Safe trip startsmart . Please stop overnight if it's not safe. 

Off to another of several upcoming dentist appointments, ugh. 

How is your leg TheOtherMe?

PS We stopped at the Asian market on our way home for rice and spices.

[TheOtherMe]

Be safe startsmart  Roads around here aren't good.  I have not seen the roads, but my deck is a sheet of ice.

All of the area doctor's office closed at 1 PM yesterday.  So the only choice was the ER.  I am so happy I didn't need that.

Today, I am hiding stuff from the cleaners, who will be here tomorrow at noon.  The time was changed slightly but I was asked if that was okay and the conversation took place on Monday.  That's how you keep clients.

[debthaven]

We just gave the deposit for the new windows and automatic shutters! They should start in early April, and it'll take about three weeks. 

 

[Iggy aka IG]

Hello everyone!  I have returned from staycation.  I basically did the same thing people do while on beach vacations, laying around, eating and reading, only without the sand, humidity and cost, LOL.  I concluded when I do finally retire, I must incorporate a cardio routine to get steps in.  Holy lazy, batman!  During said staycation:

-L came last Wednesday which was my actual birthday.  I had a planned WFH due to weather and for the most part I had my office door closed.  When I didn't, we chatted a bit too much.  
-Last weekend DH did 3 loads of laundry as I refused to do any since I "wasn't home."  Yesterday I did finally fluff, fold and put towels away.
-Relaxing project one was clearing out the DVR of my programming to prepare for when DH cancels the satellite service.  I deleted a few dozen programs I won't get to, skimmed several cooking episodes to figure out why I saved them, transferred a few recipe ideas from them into my phone before deleting, and watched a few hours of new programs then cleared those out, too.
-Relaxing project two was reading a back log of periodicals.  Afterwards, I gave most back to DH as he saves them for reference, and a few will be upcycled to the neighbors.
-I emptied a few garbage cans, and refilled the ice trays, dishwasher and Keurig a few times
-For the first half of days off, I ate snacky carby items as it was my birthday week.  This week I primarily have been sticking to salads and seafood.

Tomorrow I'll purge items from cupboards and a few closets and add them to the Goodwill pile for drop-off this weekend.  A second neighbor has a few sleeping bags to add to the two bags of clothing neighbor one donated a few weekends ago.  

seriousthistime , I love the online gatherings idea!
startsmart , sorry our weather wasn't kinder to you.  It has been quite the winter for sure.  That's a beautiful quilt!
debthaven , sorry to hear about your tooth!
TheOtherMe , I hope your leg feels better quickly.
moneysquirrel , how exciting to think outside the box for new creations.

[TheOtherMe]

Today, my leg feels the best it has since this started.  Maybe I was too anxious when I called the doctor yesterday.

[debthaven]

Happy belated birthday Iggy aka IG ! I'm so glad you had a good week off! 

TheOtherMe I'm so happy your leg is better! 

[startsmart]

I made it home with no problems! Today was bitterly cold and windy but the roads were much better than yesterday. I got groceries on my way back so I do t have to go out again for awhile.

Already emptied the car, put away groceries and started a load of laundry!

[debthaven]

Welcome home startsmart ! Glad you arrived home safely. 

[jerseygirl]

Feb 23, 2023 9:28:54 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Be safe startsmart  Roads around here aren't good.  I have not seen the roads, but my deck is a sheet of ice.

All of the area doctor's office closed at 1 PM yesterday.  So the only choice was the ER.  I am so happy I didn't need that.

Today, I am hiding stuff from the cleaners, who will be here tomorrow at noon.  The time was changed slightly but I was asked if that was okay and the conversation took place on Monday.  That's how you keep clients.

What and why are you hiding?

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Feb 21, 2023 17:55:53 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I cracked a tooth and went to the dentist today. I need a crown.   First world problems, I know. 

I finally got the names of my two new Admin students today, so I emailed them. 

ouch! That is no fun to say the least. Hope the procedure goes smoothly for you!

[Iggy aka IG]

Feb 23, 2023 19:09:24 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Welcome home startsmart ! Glad you arrived home safely. 

[Sharon]

Things have been a little unsettled around my place.  The week before last my Mom was very sick which resulted in her being admitted to the hospital a week ago Friday with extremely low oxygen levels as the result of having both pneumonia and RSV.  I ended up taking a quick trip home to see her.  My sister, sister in law and I also got her house cleaned and disinfected.  I drove down on Friday and came home this past Monday.  Home health will be coming in and evaluating her living conditions.  We are hoping to use that as the impetus to get her moved out of her house.  If that happens then the fun begins   Mom has a 3000 sq ft home and has lived in it for 50 years.  It is packed.  That would mean that I would be making that long drive many times over.  It will also mean trying to rein my brother in.  His solution is to get some dumpsters and toss everything.  There are pictures and mementos that I would like to have.

While I was out of town last weekend DD and DSIL came over and tore down and hauled off an old chicken coop.  It looks so much better to have that thing gone.  I'm just waiting for them to come over and I think the old animal shed is on the agenda for today.  The electrician was out last week and buried the 220 line that ran up and over the animal shed so now we can get in there and finish tearing it down.  I think I finally have the cows transitioned over to the new animal shed.  For a long time they wouldn't go into the new shed, it was scary.