2023 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[seriousthistime]

Apr 7, 2023 12:41:25 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I'm feeling unproductive, so I'll list the very minor accomplishments over the past few days.

-- laundry done, folded or hung up
-- light bulb for garage door opener replaced
-- fridge water filter replaced
-- vacuum battery replaced (it arrived on time, debthaven )
-- printer ink cartridges replaced
-- groceries purchased for Easter breakfast with the DS, DDIL, and DGS
-- trip to specialty building supply store for downspout and accessories
-- trip to city building for free 5 gal. recycling container 
-- trip to groomer's
-- branches picked up after the storms last weekend

Yet to be accomplished today/tomorrow:

-- trip to vet
-- make pasta casserole (ground meat is thawing)
-- load and run dishwasher
-- move the twin beds to the third bedroom 
-- plant perennials (partially done)
-- figure out how to pick up 23 boxes of stone from Menard's (decided to hire someone with a truck to do this)

Now that I have the two twin beds in the third bedroom, I am going to look for a small chest of drawers to go in there.  The problem with the beds is that neither the 2nd or 3rd bedroom is large, and closet and heating vent placement make it difficult.  The third bedroom at least functions properly.  When the beds were in the second bedroom, the closet (bifold doors) partially blocked the closet. I could put one bed in each room, but then a visiting couple would have to sleep in separate rooms. 

The problem with planting the perennials is that I discovered the previous owners had placed landscape fabric/weed barrier under all the mulch.  I guess I know why those areas are weed free. So I cut holes in the fabric and planted some of the perennials into the holes.  It remains to be seen how this will work. 

Today is a blank slate.  I have nothing on the calendar. So I need to add a few things here. 

-- Buy stuff to absorb the oil leak in my garage and clean the stain
-- Figure out how to email electronic copies of some documents in a format usable to the recipient 
-- organize pantry/closets (a multi-day project)
-- take a walk in the gorgeous spring weather
-- clear out an area in my living/dining room to stack 23 boxes of fireplace stone
-- make appointments with optometrist and dermatologist
-- figure out dinner with enough for leftovers

It is almost lunch time now and I have done basically nothing.  

[seriousthistime]

-- rethink where to plant perennials
-- Buy stuff to absorb the oil leak in my garage and clean the stain
-- Figure out how to email electronic copies of some documents in a format usable to the recipient 
-- organize pantry/closets (a multi-day project)
-- take a walk in the gorgeous spring weather
-- clear out an area in my living/dining room to stack 23 boxes of fireplace stone
-- make appointments with optometrist and dermatologist
-- figure out dinner with enough for leftovers
-- draft TODI document and find witnesses and arrange notarization

[Sharon]

I've been fighting the crud again.  The doctor said today that the last antibiotic wasn't strong enough which is why it came back again.  I now have a stronger antibiotic and a low dose of steroids to open up my airways.  I will be so glad to declutter this crud.  I've been sick for a month now.

Today I picked up prescriptions, paid a couple of bills, went to the bank and deposited a check, got YNAB up to date, and did a load of laundry.

[finnime]

Today I'm going to: File taxes in Massachusetts, where we owe nothing, and pay taxes to Maryland; look for apartements here for DD who will be moving up here in a few months; frame some pictures for an art show competition; put away fine china and silver; ready a website for photographs and work on writing more. Still reveling in the clean and oranized home.

[azucena]

Holes in the landscape fabric should work okay. It does at my house.

[TheOtherMe]

Apr 12, 2023 6:41:03 GMT -5 azucena said:

Holes in the landscape fabric should work okay. It does at my house.

I have landscape fabric and have planted perennials in them.   It does let some weeds through.

[debthaven]

Sharon DH has been sick for weeks. He's finally going to the doctor tomorrow. I hope you feel better soon!

finnime I hope you find the right apartment for your DD. 

I was on Zoom for 7h yesterday, I was fried. Then I had to go to book club, and it was my turn to drive. I won't schedule that many hours in a day again. Luckily I'm off today.

My cleaner cancelled today, she's sick too.

They delivered the windows but they can't start till next week. 

[Minnesotagirl7]

Nothing like a two month hiatus between updates! Didn't do much after knocking out those first couple items, but picking up some steam now!


Still to do:
- Clean stain off my desk
- Make doc appt for me
- Make camping reservation
- Clean basement furniture

Completed this update:
- Clean and sell old car seats
- Organize kids' toys
- Dentist appt for the kids
- Clean and sell extra vacuum
- Get stone estimates

Complete:
- Vehicle tab renewal
- Pull credit reports

[startsmart]

Debthaven - my window install guy reminded me that the windows can warp if left out in the sun, he once delivered a set of windows and when the family was ready to install they were too small! Hope yours can get installed soon!

[debthaven]

Holy cow startsmart !!! That's terrible! These are aluminum. I don't know if that changes anything.

[TheOtherMe]

I have to do things I don't want to do today.  I bought a new litter box for the cats because I don't like seeing the blood on the old one from Maddow's UTI.  So I have to change it out today.  

I also bought something expensive from Amazon that I don't need and tried to cancel within 30 minutes of ordering, but it wouldn't let me cancel.  I have the return label ready and will get that in the car to take to the UPS store in the morning.

ETA:  Looking at my calendar for Friday and Saturday, going to the UPS store will not happen until Sunday morning.

[snapdragon]

I bought spackle!

I used the spackle!

I painted over the filled holes!

Looking at the paint I am realizing that it is the wrong tone of paint for my bedroom. So, I might have to repaint the whole wall or room to get it to match. Hoping I can find the correct color in the outside closet. 

[debthaven]

Also, the gas shortages are getting worse here every day. Not everywhere in France, but definitely here in the Paris area.

We don't love our new car, but it runs on ethanol so we have no problems filling up, and we are grateful for that. I still fill up every Thursday on my way home from Job 2, even if I've only used 1/4 of a tank that week.

15/28 weeks done. I'm grateful for that too.

I'm going to push through fall semester but then I'm done with regular classes.  

[finnime]

Apr 13, 2023 19:33:46 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Also, the gas shortages are getting worse here every day. Not everywhere in France, but definitely here in the Paris area.

We don't love our new car, but it runs on ethanol so we have no problems filling up, and we are grateful for that. I still fill up every Thursday on my way home from Job 2, even if I've only used 1/4 of a tank that week.

15/28 weeks done. I'm grateful for that too.

I'm going to push through fall semester but then I'm done with regular classes.  

Good for you!!

[startsmart]

Back with another list for accountability! I am spending a good amount of time this weekend working on my novel + client work so these are mostly chores to intersperse a long weekend on the computer.


To do:
Clean out the freezer
Take out all trash
Sort recycling and put out glass
Throw out glass from broken window
Sweep and mop master bath
Wash all first floor windows (13)
Wash mirrors (3)
Wash sinks (3)
Change bed sheets

Sand the bottom 2 stair treads
Cut the trim for the entry way window

Touch up laundry room paint + start ceiling
Finish edging ceiling paint in living room
Roll on 2 coats of paint for living room ceiling
Touch up door frame paint in master bedroom
Paint window frame paint in office

Add 2 bags of dirt to garden beds
Rototill side yard to prepare for bulbs
Plant the daffodil bulbs
Plant spring bulbs
Empty out swimming pool
Lie in the lounge chairs to get some sun!

[debthaven]

startsmart again your posts make me feel like such a slacker LOL.

PS  I've been telling DH that we need to tell everyone we're meeting from the US for lunch or dinner to please choose a moderately-priced restaurant. DH has poo-pooed this idea for weeks. Tonight he said, "Um, remember what you said about telling people to choose a moderately-priced restaurant ...? I agree, it's probably a good idea."

The next person who wants a "fine dining experience" can have their freaking experience without us! 

[debthaven]

So we are travelling with close friends in Brittany for 5 nights in May. I just told them that 1 or 2 "fine dining experiences" is fine, but if they want every night to be a "fine dining experience", they need to tell us that now (so we can back out, but I didn't say that.)  

TBH I'm not very worried about them. M has a penchant for pricey restaurants but his absolute favorite is fresh seafood, and that's both cheap and plentiful in Brittany.

I just sent a similar message to another friend we'll be having dinner with. 

Like I said in the message I deleted here ... why do *WE* have to spend a bomb on a meal out just because *YOU* decided to come to Paris/France on vacation?! I'm happy to catch up with you, but NOT if means spending a ton on one freaking meal! 

I had a WONDERFUL time meeting and catching up with seriousthistime over coffee and dessert a few years ago.

How do you people handle guests/visitors/tourists and meals?! We have been hosting guests for YEARS, but we have never had this problem before! This year there are a TON of guests. From what I can see, the people our age can afford the more expensive places, and the younger people go anyway. 

[TheOtherMe]

My problem when I lived in Colorado was people showing up, expecting to stay with me.  However, I didn't know they were coming and it wasn't always a good time for me to have overnight guests.

One day, my cousin, his wife and baby (she wasn't walking) dropped in.  They were on vacation.  To me, it was clear they wanted a place to stay.  Normally I had room, but my sister and her family were on the way there.  I told them I would normally be happy for them to stay a night or two but my sister and family were coming.  They said they weren't planning on staying with me.  They didn't leave until my sister and her family showed up.  It was the 4th of July weekend.  I never heard where they stayed.  I also didn't like that I hadn't been told.


I had some others show up like that but they had no intention of staying.  They just wanted a cold drink and get back on the road.

The best was when my aunt and uncle and parents came for a week.  I went to work and they went sight seeing.  Every night they took me out to eat at one of the fancier places in Boulder, places I never went to again because of the cost. 

Another cousin called and arranged to stay with me the summer after he husband had died in January.  She brought her 3 kids and her husband's grandma.  I called her grandma, too.  We had a lovely time.  It was the same thing.  I went to work and they went sight seeing.  She bought me clothes and macramed things for me.  Later she told me that was the break she and the kids needed to start to heal.  Right then things with the estate were not settled and she was short on money.  

[wvugurl26]

No one really comes to visit us. However, we do visit DH's sister in Florida frequently. If we are dining with everyone, either we pay or we are very conscious of where we go. We will also split the bill evenly and there's 2 of us and 4 of them. DH and I are much more stable and better off than his sister and her family. A lot of that is their poor choices but that's another story.

The super pricey places are a date night for DH and I. We are going next month and I made the reservation SIL wanted to celebrate her daughter's confirmation. DH and I are paying that on behalf of MIL/FIL. SIL asked her mom how to ask people to pay for their own meal. I would never let them pay for my meal. Maybe BIL's family does.

DH and I never stay with them. We want our own space. My other SIL and MIL/FIL will stay there. When they do, they buy groceries and meals. MIL was miffed she had to scrub the house at Thanksgiving. It was not a surprise visit. Another reason we get a hotel.

I know SIL's situation so either we pay or we go somewhere in their budget. I think some people are either conscious of the cumulative impact to the budget or they aren't. I don't think there's anything wrong with setting expectations up front.

[laterbloomer]

With my family the houseguests pay if the whole group goes out for dinner. It's a thank you for hosting us. And the one paying gets to pick the spot.

[finnime]

That's a very good question, debthaven. Now I live in a vacation area. Fortunately and miraculously it's reasonably priced for the most part, even the nicer restaurants. Compared to the D.C. area where we moved from it's a relief. I do plan for a couple of pricey (relatively) meals and the rest, reasonable. When the guest(s) are peers they want to pay as a treat for us. When it's younger family including DD I just describe what I had planned so they are prepared for not every meal to be an Event. It's not been an issue yet, although we have in the past spent more than I was strictly happy about, when we lived in Maryland.

So, over communicating may be the best answer. Just be clear what your plans include and exclude and go from there. 

[debthaven]

Thank you for all your comments! It was very interesting to see different options! 

When it's younger family including DD I just describe what I had planned so they are prepared for not every meal to be an Event.

This is the crux of the issue I have ... not every meal has to be an Event.

[wvugurl26]

I agree you'll have to be up front like the upcoming vacation. Just say ahead of time we are comfortable with x nice meals.

With visiting guests, maybe you could suggest to meet for dessert/coffee or something else?

I think expecting the collective guests to realize it all adds up for you is probably an exercise in futility.

[debthaven]

That's good advice wvugurl26.  

[snapdragon]

I have started putting clothes to the side for vacation.

I was up early so I baked 2 steaks (got on Mgr's Spcl) and have them cut up in the fridge for future meals. Maybe add them to spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, artichokes and olves to bulk it up? Or add it to a cheese ravoli dish with fresh tomatoes, basil and dressing? Throw in with stir fried veggies? Beef Stroganoff? Not sure but I am thinking about it.

I need to move things around so I can get to my suitcase. 

Need to re-do the bedding. I am getting very hot and cold so need to switch it up.

[seriousthistime]

Apr 14, 2023 19:42:01 GMT -5 debthaven said:

So we are travelling with close friends in Brittany for 5 nights in May. I just told them that 1 or 2 "fine dining experiences" is fine, but if they want every night to be a "fine dining experience", they need to tell us that now (so we can back out, but I didn't say that.)  

TBH I'm not very worried about them. M has a penchant for pricey restaurants but his absolute favorite is fresh seafood, and that's both cheap and plentiful in Brittany.

I just sent a similar message to another friend we'll be having dinner with. 

Like I said in the message I deleted here ... why do *WE* have to spend a bomb on a meal out just because *YOU* decided to come to Paris/France on vacation?! I'm happy to catch up with you, but NOT if means spending a ton on one freaking meal! 

I had a WONDERFUL time meeting and catching up with seriousthistime over coffee and dessert a few years ago.

How do you people handle guests/visitors/tourists and meals?! We have been hosting guests for YEARS, but we have never had this problem before! This year there are a TON of guests. From what I can see, the people our age can afford the more expensive places, and the younger people go anyway. 

Our meetup was truly a wonderful time, debthaven!  

I see multiple sides of your dilemma.  Visitors are there rarely, so they want to partake in every wonderful thing the area has to offer and the only limit for them is their budget.  If they want to eat an expensive meal every night, I'd say to let them have at it, but you don't need to join them for every dinner.  As I've gotten older, I've learned to listen to my digestion.  I simply can't eat that many fancy meals so late in the day without it causing some indigestion and discomfort.  I am happy with a bigger lunch and a decent snack for dinner.  I would use that as an excuse to beg off an expensive dinner every night.  I'd say, "Although I'd love to, I just can't eat those big fancy dinners like I used to, so why don't we plan to join you for two fancy dinners and on the other nights you should feel free to explore other restaurants you'd like to try."  

If some of their chosen restaurants also serve a midday meal at a more reasonable price, could that be a good compromise? 

Only you know if this would work for you. 

This is a big reason I don't enjoy traveling in Spain.  I don't like having to wait until 8 pm or later to have dinner.  I've never had a problem in France, finding the food I want to eat at the time I want to eat it. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Apr 14, 2023 19:42:01 GMT -5 debthaven said:

So we are travelling with close friends in Brittany for 5 nights in May. I just told them that 1 or 2 "fine dining experiences" is fine, but if they want every night to be a "fine dining experience", they need to tell us that now (so we can back out, but I didn't say that.)  

TBH I'm not very worried about them. M has a penchant for pricey restaurants but his absolute favorite is fresh seafood, and that's both cheap and plentiful in Brittany.

I just sent a similar message to another friend we'll be having dinner with. 

Like I said in the message I deleted here ... why do *WE* have to spend a bomb on a meal out just because *YOU* decided to come to Paris/France on vacation?! I'm happy to catch up with you, but NOT if means spending a ton on one freaking meal! 

I had a WONDERFUL time meeting and catching up with seriousthistime over coffee and dessert a few years ago.

How do you people handle guests/visitors/tourists and meals?! We have been hosting guests for YEARS, but we have never had this problem before! This year there are a TON of guests. From what I can see, the people our age can afford the more expensive places, and the younger people go anyway. 

To me there's a huge difference between hosting people and traveling together. 
Because I think you're talking about traveling together, I definitely think that talking about a price range for restaurants way before hand is important. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Apr 15, 2023 9:14:04 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

I have started putting clothes to the side for vacation.

I was up early so I baked 2 steaks (got on Mgr's Spcl) and have them cut up in the fridge for future meals. Maybe add them to spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, artichokes and olves to bulk it up? Or add it to a cheese ravoli dish with fresh tomatoes, basil and dressing? Throw in with stir fried veggies? Beef Stroganoff? Not sure but I am thinking about it.

I need to move things around so I can get to my suitcase. 

Need to re-do the bedding. I am getting very hot and cold so need to switch it up.

This is one of the things that drives me nuts about my husband. He refuses to pack until about one hour prior to departure. How does one not prepare sooner than that! He's nuts!

[startsmart]

debthaven - lol please remember my list is aspirational and if I could get it all done I'd be impressed too  

As it is, if you plan to have a busy Saturday I don't recommend taking 2 melatonin gummies to sleep because you'll be up and ready to go at... 11am. 

[TheOtherMe]

When the UPS store opens at 10 am in the morning, I will be there with 4 items (one expensive) packages to return.  That's one way to get stuff out of the house.  

I actually enjoy coffee and dessert more than a meal.  It's more casual and I don't feel the urge to rush.  

When my aunt and uncle were taking me to the nicest places in Boulder for a week, I did get tired of it by the end of the week.