2023 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[TheOtherMe]

I'm so sorry your friend needed more surgery.  

[debthaven]

Thanks TheOtherMe . She jokes that it's bad karma for being a doctor. She still can't eat. She was already skeletal when I saw her the night before we left for NY. (She's very thin.) 

They really screwed her, keeping her on a stretcher for 10h in the ER until her appendix burst and she got peritonitis. Now she has an absess. 

S runs the sleep clinic at (another) local hospital. Can you imagine how much work she is going to go back to?! The state of healthcare in France today makes me sick. 

Same with the UK. My grandson was supposed to get yoyos put in yesterday. They've been waiting for these yoyos for over 2 years. 

E's surgery was cancelled the night before because it was over a month between his hearing test and the surgery. Apparently it needs to be under a month. So now they start again, two years later.   

[debthaven]

Sorry, I'm not in a good place.

I'm also struggling with work. I was hoping to stop my regular classes at the end of Dec but I want the extra income, so I'll probably do spring semester too (but reducing my hours again). 

I have 5 rough weeks then things should calm down. Five weeks is nothing, right?!

[TheOtherMe]

I'm sorry for your friend and for your grandson.  Neither is good.  

My guess is that your friend's appendix burst because of the 10 hours on the stretcher in the ER.  I know when DN3 had his appendix out, there was an operating room waiting on him.

You can get through this, debt.  We'll cheer you on.  

[Sharon]

I've gotten the pool mostly closed for the winter.  DSIL will probably need to come and unhook the hoses since he tightened them up good and tight last Spring.  It has taken me all weekend and I'm exhausted tonight but at least the pool is covered so it won't be filling up with leaves.  It took me probably 6-7 hours today, with a foot pump, to blow up the big pillow things that go under the tarp so the rain/snow will run off and not weigh down the tarp.

[busymom]

Hang in there, debthaven.     Healthcare definitely isn't perfect in the US either.  In fact, I just read an article saying employers were going to face the biggest increase in healthcare costs ever in 2024.  


I've already mentioned this on another thread, but I FINALLY got the flooring repaired in our bathroom.  I've got plenty of other projects to be completed, but it took 3 years to find someone who could figure out how to fix it without ripping out the entire floor & replacing it.  My next problem involves my kitchen flooring.  They sure don't make things like they used to...

[debthaven]

Thanks friends.

We visited S in the hospital today. She looks much better, but they'll probably keep her till the end of the week.

M, who gives out the prof/admin classes, asked me to take 3 more Admin short term. She begged, so I took 2. It's only 7/8h each on Zoom till the end of Dec. M has always been good to me, so it's hard to refuse. I may give up a class next semester in exchange.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Sept 24, 2023 13:49:43 GMT -5 debthaven said:

You're getting so much done snapdragon ! You are a good friend, and you have good friends. 

We were going to visit our friend in the hospital but she was operated again today.  I'll go after work tomorrow.  

My Prof classes start this week, so I'm back to 3 full days/week (2 at school). Exceptionally I'm on Zoom tomorrow (not enough classrooms). I have a very busy 5-week "chunk" till late Oct.  

Laundry all caught up, everything put away. (DH finally unpacked.)

Hope she recovers quickly.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Sept 24, 2023 15:59:06 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Thanks TheOtherMe . She jokes that it's bad karma for being a doctor. She still can't eat. She was already skeletal when I saw her the night before we left for NY. (She's very thin.) 

They really screwed her, keeping her on a stretcher for 10h in the ER until her appendix burst and she got peritonitis. Now she has an absess. 

S runs the sleep clinic at (another) local hospital. Can you imagine how much work she is going to go back to?! The state of healthcare in France today makes me sick. 

Same with the UK. My grandson was supposed to get yoyos put in yesterday. They've been waiting for these yoyos for over 2 years. 

E's surgery was cancelled the night before because it was over a month between his hearing test and the surgery. Apparently it needs to be under a month. So now they start again, two years later.   

oh gosh........couldn't they have done another test day before or before surgery? Just - why? Seems like they are not taking responsibility for their scheduling....Like if they look at it that night before it should we aren't up to date on the testing we need to get it done before the surgery - not - oh the test results are expired....cancel....

[debthaven]

Very good question Rukh O'Rorke  ! 

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 21, 2023 21:37:30 GMT -5 Sharon said:

[snip]

Yesterday I received the new paper to take to DMV so they could issue a new title with the correct year.  I also received the new VIN stickers for the RV and they will now match the title.  Today I went to DMV and became the most hated person there.  I was at the counter for over half an hour while the customer service rep reviewed all the notes in their system about my mess, then consulted with his manager.  In the end I should have a new title in hand in about 3-5 weeks.

Since I was at DMV I also got my real ID.  So two projects taken care of today.

This resonated with me, Sharon.  Earlier this month I had to go through hoops to get one of my prescriptions-one that keeps me out of the ER.  By the time I had to go through the pharmacy check-out line the second time in 20 minutes and was told I had to call the insurance company, I lost it.  Not my finest moment, and I will apologize the next time I see that particular employee.

Regarding titling:  One of the things I sell are lost title bonds.  Not sure if it's everywhere, but our state makes people obtain numerous pieces of documentation in order to apply for the bond.  Sometimes the process takes years, especially if they must deal with other states' DMV.  By the time people get to my office, they are exasperated.  I try and make their experience here as pleasant and convenient as possible.

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 25, 2023 12:52:19 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Thanks friends.

We visited S in the hospital today. She looks much better, but they'll probably keep her till the end of the week.

M, who gives out the prof/admin classes, asked me to take 3 more Admin short term. She begged, so I took 2. It's only 7/8h each on Zoom till the end of Dec. M has always been good to me, so it's hard to refuse. I may give up a class next semester in exchange.

I am so glad to hear this.

[Iggy aka IG]

startsmart, I too, am loving this season.  

I have read in numerous places decluttering helps with anxiety and stress.  Boy, have I found that to be true, especially over the past several months.  This weekend:

-4 loads laundry
-Emptied two trash bins and walked the bag to the trash can closet
-Emptied the dishwasher, refilled it and did all of the hand-wash dishes
-Scrubbed two toilets
-Refilled ice trays, Keurig, napkins and TP
-Cleared off the main kitchen counter
-Wiped down the stove and soaked the burner grates
-Processed fresh produce and boiled eggs for the week
-Put all CDs into the CD tower and gave the wooden storage box they were in to DH.  One CD was tossed, two were put into my truck.
-Planned this week's suppers
-Coordinated my social calendar with DH through the beginning of February
-Watered plants
-Put gear back into my truck (I removed it to make room for the following)
-Went on a 7-hour changing of the colors ride with the neighbors, including the twin 9-year-old boys who did a good job for the most part.
-Added several items to various giveaway boxes

[debthaven]

The roofer came today. He said the damage to the insulation was done by the ferrets we had years ago, and that although the insulation isn't perfect, it's fine. He said there's no point adding insulation until we need a new roof, which may never happen in our lifetimes. He said it would be cost prohibitive to take apart the roof and put it back just to add more insulation. He reminded us that the LR temperature would be much better with the new windows. 

So it's "good enough" for the win!

His boiler guy comes next week to service the boiler. The fireplace insert people come next week too. 

Once I know what that costs, I'll recontact the couch people. 

Iggy aka IG I DEFINITELY find that to be true! Good job, especially with that long day out!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Welp - I am back to looking to cancel cleaning, this time primarily for budgetary reasons. Of course if the cleaning was truly stellar I would try harder to make it work. Despite worries about making all October bills with the student loan payments coming online, still waffling and worried about losing that weekly, mandatory reset to the household.

Based on my take home pay from day job, and some rudimentary inspection of current bills, I cannot have weekly cleaning, pay my student loans, and max my 401k this year. So it is a question of priorities right now, and I determined that cleaning would have to go. My plan was to follow this outline:

www.cnn.com/wbd/the-ultimate-cleaning-schedule-how-and-when-to-clean-everything-in-your-house/index.html

and see how that goes for me.

However - After a grueling work week in which I pulled an all nighter to update a seriously flawed presentation and throw myself on the mercy of conference organizers to please change the ppt before our talk the morning of, gave presentation at 10 am having no sleep whatsoever, then on this weekend, another sleepless night taking cat to ER vet after cleaning up out-of-the-box diarrhea for 1-2 hours daily for nearly a week (took a nap at 8am Sunday morning when we got home.  does not seem serious (kidneys, etc. ok) but needed fluids for dehydration and got some meds to help, if not working in another day-2 will need to do imagining to check for any blockages.....hoping he gets better on the meds....) And then had to do an RI project Sunday night, dropboxed the deliverables at 9:30 p.m. and back to work today - I am really just questioning my ability to engage with housework very much at all!

So I'm not going to cancel the cleaning with her visit tomorrow,  I am going to try the cleaning schedule linked all week this week and see where I am after some <hopefully> more sleep during the week.

Uncharacteristically, I billed the RI project straight away today. I usually give the client about 2 days to look over the deliverables and make sure they are happy with it. They will just have to process the bill while doing so this time! i give 30 days for payment, but since we went to ACH payments, they pay on the exact date. Would sometimes get the check 1-2 weeks before the due date, but I love the security of the ACH with my mail being so unpredictable, so really needed to get the clock ticking....

140/week for just ok cleaning is a lot to me right now, more so than it was a year ago. But too strung out right now to effectively make a change. Maybe next week I will see things more clearly......

And hopefully - get a real weekend!

[debthaven]

Rukh O'Rorke I still think you should consider every other week cleaning, even if it's not ideal. You're so busy, and it's easy to let things go when you don't have anyone. And then it quickly becomes overwhelming ... 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Just put in a request for Friday off! Common weekend!!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Sept 25, 2023 15:45:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Rukh O'Rorke I still think you should consider every other week cleaning, even if it's not ideal. You're so busy, and it's easy to let things go when you don't have anyone. And then it quickly becomes overwhelming ... 

I know! If the cleaning was stellar, it would really be such a relief to keep it, I think it would be worth decreasing my 401k contributions.

I will try out that schedule for housecleaning I posted and see how I do, so maybe the schedule + every other week? idk. Was thinking I would end cleaning this week but not ready due to the hellish week. But not all weeks are this bad! This is the worst in a year or two I think....

One thing is that I have an older robot vac that I havent' used in a few years, wanna see if I can get that going again. Also thinking on first floor to may be get a newer one with vac and mop from irobot, so do that daily or every other day and have the older one vac second floor. Then the rest of the upkeep may fall into place. 

Not ready for any decisions as yet.

But one thing is that sleep continues to be an issue for me, I had just gotten some real improvements on the insomnia issues and worried that pulling 2 all nighters is going to throw that out of whack again - but so far seems ok. And the thing is that if I haven't kept up, cleaning person day is usually a day I have to stay up late before and/or get up really early day of to get things in order. So that is a day when sleep gets cut short and I feel like I need to eliminate all of those I can....

But this week just coasting through......going to go for a walk.....first time in a while!

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 25, 2023 15:45:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Rukh O'Rorke I still think you should consider every other week cleaning, even if it's not ideal. You're so busy, and it's easy to let things go when you don't have anyone. And then it quickly becomes overwhelming ... 

Soooo  .  My cleaner comes every other Wednesday.  The moment I hired her last year, I felt a huge sense of relief and I'm now actually able to somewhat relax in the evenings.


debthaven glad to hear the insulation report.  

[debthaven]

So I contacted my two new Admin students and gave them each my availability for next week ... they both left me on read and didn't answer LOL. If they still don't answer, I'll try again in two weeks. I'm not pushing it, I wasn't looking for more hours. 

I went to school early today to make photocopies. I did a set at home because I hadn't planned well, but I don't want to keep using our paper and ink.  

[moneysquirrel]

It has been a bit since I posted so I figured that I would take a few minutes to update and comment,

TheOtherMe -- Hope that you start feeling better soon.  
debthaven -- Glad you had a great trip and visit to your sister.
finnime -- I hope that all goes well with the move of your DD and with your upcoming shows.
Iggy aka IG -- You are making great progress.
startsmart -- Hope you are feeling better as well.  Try to pace yourself.
Rukh O'Rorke -- Wishing you peace with whatever you decide in regrards to the cleaning crew.  Mine comes once a month.

Ok -- Now to me:

Recently:

*Donated/trashed several items
*Maintained previous progress and kept up with household chores.
*Attended classes.
*Kept up with laundry and dishes.
*Craft show inventory
*Got all items collected and packed for craft show.  Craft show was Saturday.  I did ok.
*Mammogram and bone density done
*Change AC Filter
*Finished one part of DILs Christmas gift and started work on the last piece.  -- Trying to get detailed work done asap prior to the surgery as I am not sure how much I can between the two surgeries.

This week goals/activities: Some of these will be continuing for a while as they are ongoing activities.

*Continue organizing and decluttering
*Use up a few craft items that I have (other than beading materials)
*Maintaining laundry, dishes, household chores
*Shredding of old papers
*Classes -- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
*Grocery -- mainly perishables. Continue to* reduce items in freezer as things are getting hot in the freezer.
* Medicals tests -- Blood Work -- Scheduled for Friday

Upcoming:

* Get medical ok for eye surgery (Need to get blood work done first) -- Plan to drop off paperwork a few days after blood work is done.
*Get Flu and Covid Shots -- I will do these on two different days in two different weeks.
* Start Passport Renewal Process -- Got the photos done.
*Craft Show -- mid October.  Noticed a few things that are low in the inventory so will try to make a few of those prior to the show.

Til later.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, moneysquirrel.  Good job getting your mammogram and bone density completed.

I lined L out this morning, and then dropped off a tote full of mascot items at the local university extension office.  My niece is going to that particular university and I'm not, so out of the house they went.

Similar to moneysquirrel, getting my passport is on my list.  It has been for a while, and it's time.

I've got a dentist appointment scheduled for next month in the big city, and I'll combine the trip with the usual errands, including a drop off of Goodwill items and toner cartridge to be recycled, and buy a new set of tires.  The latter must be done before the S word hits.

Tomorrow night:  Out w/ friends.  Maybe.
This weekend:  A sleepover with the neighbor kiddos.  Maybe.  If they do come over, one twin wants to make banana bread, the other an apple pie.  I picked up ingredients last night.
Sunday:  Football.

[TheOtherMe]

Iggy aka IG  Please do not mention the S word yet.  It's too soon.  I know it's not for Colorado but I'd like to pretend it's a long way off.

[debthaven]

Work week over.   Four more weeks and work will get quieter.

[debthaven]

I feel guilty complaining because I'm working significantly less than last fall ... but it's much harder than I thought it would be. I guess I'm truly "done". 

By late Oct, I'll be done with 4/11 Prof/Staff students (1 forever, 3 till Jan/Feb). But I'm reducing my regular classes 3h/week in Jan, so it will be more manageable.  

DH and I both have a dentist appointment tomorrow. Then I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend!

[TheOtherMe]

Sounds like your heart is no longer in working.  

I replaced the litter box and the old one is in the trash.

[debthaven]

Exactly TheOtherMe . I need to work Spring semester for financial reasons, but I want to work fewer hours (which is the plan).   

I hope you're finally feeling better. 

[TheOtherMe]

I have definitely turned the corner but I tire very easily.

[NastyWoman]

I have not been on this thread for awhile now. I have been getting rid of things here and there but nothing spectacular. However, as of early last early last week I have been on a hot streak.  
Last Saturday I disposed if some electronics - here I need to make an appointment for doing that. While there I saw people a!so get rid of o!d paint so when I got home I went rooting through my storage and found at least 8 partially full cans. Also some old household cleaners I no longer want to use as they are too aggressive. Now I have an appointment to drop this stuff off on the 14th.

No hot streak right? But I went into a storage area with boxes  that I had not touched since moving in 20 years ago. There were good reasons for that but it is neither here nor there: I was in there and I have been pulling out box after box. Very little of what was in the boxes is in the keep pile. I have made a couple of Goodwill trips and had 3 FB Buy Nothing pickups with more to come this weekend.
I even pulled a box today after stripping the bed, running four loads of laundry and getting it all put away. I don't know how long this will keep going but I know myself well enough that once I stop that will be it for quite a while. 
Good thing my move is still two years or so into the future. 😎

Oh, that storage area? (the smallest of two). It is half empty now

[debthaven]

That seems like spectacular progress to me NastyWoman !