2023 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[busymom]

Sorry about your garage door problems, snapdragon.  We had to replace the seals around both doors to our garage, and it was kinda spendy, but we haven't gotten a single mouse in our garage since that work was done.

The work in the basement is completed, so now we can focus on Christmas.  DH took over the kitchen today (he loves to bake, just like me), and I was writing up Christmas cards.  I also ran to the grocery store, and did a couple of other errands too.  When you're "chained" to the house while getting work done, it's nice to finally be able to get out for a bit.

[finnime]

I'm embarrassed at how dirty my house is now. Except for the bathroom, which I clean at least twice a week. Need to pick up and vacuum and mop the rest of the house, plus do some baking and wrapping and etc. First thing I need to do is unclog the big vacuum. Then, remap Nino to get to the rest of the house. And buy some underbed storage containers for off-season clothing. At least the tree is up, and my website cleaned up!

[megaptera]

Productivity isn't great right now. Planning on changing that after Christmas. We did (finally) get and put up our tree this past weekend. Not much else though, except for watching NFL, lol. (Who's your team Iggy aka IG ? I don't really have one, but DH has been a Cowboys fan his whole life, so he was pretty happy on Sunday.)

We're travelling for Christmas next week, so I will just work on cleaning/putting stuff away until then. DD is done with school for the rest of the year, so that should help.

Have a great rest of the week and weekend everyone.

[TheOtherMe]

Now that you mention it, I don't think I have had a mouse since I got a new garage door and seal. Let's hope I didn't jinx it.  

My house gets cleaned tomorrow so I have to prepare this afternoon.  

[Iggy aka IG]

megaptera I've been a Raiders fan since the early 90s.  Prior to that I lived in the PNW and was a Seahawks fan.  (And about those uniforms?  Who chose that shade of green?!  )  Speaking of the Raiders, I'm going to my first game at their relatively new stadium in a few weeks.  My friend and I were discussing game day attire a few minutes ago.  


And luckily, it's been a while since we've had a mouse in our garage, too.

[megaptera]

Dec 14, 2023 12:47:11 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

megaptera I've been a Raiders fan since the early 90s.  Prior to that I lived in the PNW and was a Seahawks fan.  (And about those uniforms?  Who chose that shade of green?!  )  Speaking of the Raiders, I'm going to my first game at their relatively new stadium in a few weeks.  My friend and I were discussing game day attire a few minutes ago.  

We lived in Seattle for 16 years and were outcasts, NFL-wise.    (And I agree on the Seahawks colors!) We moved to Dallas a couple of years ago; definitely a better fit, lol.

We went to a Cowboys game last year. The crowds and noise were overwhelming for me (#introvert), but it was fun to go once. Have fun at your game, and I'm cheering for the Raiders tonight against the Chargers. 

[Opti]

I might try to get the Covid booster this weekend. I had the first two shots because of where I worked. Both shots cost me about a day in the way of health and strength. 

I think it will surge all over the US during the holidays. I hope it will be less bad in areas that mask more. I do see people in masks again and i think it is ramping up.

[debthaven]

Hi friends! We're back from our week in the UK. We saw DH's family, DS1 and Co, DS3 and A. DS3's graduation was fabulous. We missed DS3's Bachelor's graduation because of Covid, so this was extra special.  

I unpacked and started a load of laundry.

I came back to a letter from my insurance company asking me for the papers I'd already sent them for the bridge.  I'm at a loss. I see the dentist tomorrow, I'll ask for his advice. I may ask him to phone them, or I may send it all again, or I may get a lawyer. Per THEIR estimate from Oct, they owe me 2.2K!!! 

We picked up my final exams from the friend/colleague on the way home, so at least I don't have to go to school to get them.

I still have most of my Christmas shopping to do, but the insurance thing is killing me.

This weekend
- dentist/Fri
- get tree/Fri
- mark 18 finals

[Iggy aka IG]

Dec 14, 2023 13:18:21 GMT -5 megaptera said:

Dec 14, 2023 12:47:11 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

megaptera I've been a Raiders fan since the early 90s.  Prior to that I lived in the PNW and was a Seahawks fan.  (And about those uniforms?  Who chose that shade of green?!  )  Speaking of the Raiders, I'm going to my first game at their relatively new stadium in a few weeks.  My friend and I were discussing game day attire a few minutes ago.  

We lived in Seattle for 16 years and were outcasts, NFL-wise.    (And I agree on the Seahawks colors!) We moved to Dallas a couple of years ago; definitely a better fit, lol.

We went to a Cowboys game last year. The crowds and noise were overwhelming for me (#introvert), but it was fun to go once. Have fun at your game, and I'm cheering for the Raiders tonight against the Chargers. 

Thank you, megaptera.  I bought loge seats for the very reason you mention-larger seats, more space, etc.  And I should mention I also like the Cowboys.  I watch their games when they're televised, and used to watch the DCC series religiously when it was on.   

[TheOtherMe]

Congrats to your son on his graduation debthaven.

I certainly hope the issue with your dental insurance gets resolved for real and forever.

[debthaven]

Also Iggy aka IG I wanted to tell you how touched I was at your mini-Hanukah celebration. 

We always light the candles at home, but we were travelling during ALL of Hanukah. We lit them at DS1's house. DS3 doesn't own a Menorah (something I need to remedy lol).

It's good to be back. 

ETA: Thank you TheOtherMe  ! Unfortunately my current contract expires on 31 Dec. The insurance crap will start again in Jan, but my spring contract should go through 31 July. 

At that point I'll be done with them, even if I do keep on working. I won't go through this again for just 4 months of coverage.

[debthaven]

This weekend
- dentist/Fri
- get tree/Fri
- post office/Fri
- mark 18 finals
- decorate tree

The dentist thinks their letter and my docs just crossed, but he suggested sending everything again by snail mail. Done! I'm so happy with the new "real" bridge!

I still need to mark the finals and decorate the tree, but I have all weekend.

[Iggy aka IG]

Dec 14, 2023 15:49:01 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Also Iggy aka IG I wanted to tell you how touched I was at your mini-Hanukah celebration. 

We always light the candles at home, but we were travelling during ALL of Hanukah. We lit them at DS1's house. DS3 doesn't own a Menorah (something I need to remedy lol).

It's good to be back. 

ETA: Thank you TheOtherMe  ! Unfortunately my current contract expires on 31 Dec. The insurance crap will start again in Jan, but my spring contract should go through 31 July. 

At that point I'll be done with them, even if I do keep on working. I won't go through this again for just 4 months of coverage.

Thank you, debthaven.  DH and I toasted to our friend who passed.  I wanted to make her proud with the latke and gelt.  Let's just say if there were a middle finger emoji available here, I'd use it to gesture at cancer.

I took care of a bunch of errands this morning including the bank, gas station, dropping off cookies at our road maintenance company, post office, buying a gift certificate Christmas present, dropped off calendars at two clients' businesses, and the liquor store.  Pro tip:  If you ever find yourself needing an abundance of postage, buy it online.  Neither post offices I went to could fill my calendar mailing stamp order.  The clerk today suggested online, and it was my duh moment.

Tonight:  Grocery pickup and stupid HOA meeting
Tomorrow:  Crafts with the neighbor kiddos
Sun:  Laundry, wrap stocking stuffers, and baking.  I've reduced the number of things I'm baking this year to about half. 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.  

[TheOtherMe]

My house is so clean, including the bedroom. I used an air purifier along with masks to protect myself while the cleaners were here.

They said they like to clean my house because it isn't huge like most of the houses they clean.

[debthaven]

I've been alternating between doing laundry, decorating the tree and marking. 

This weekend (updated)
- convert marks on platform/Sat
- decorate tree/Sat
- mark 6 18 finals/Sat+Sun

I have a headache so taking a break from marking. I'll finish tomorrow.

[startsmart]

I have finally finished the 4 table runners and they are hanging up in my closet! Next is the binding on the king sized quilt which is massively unwieldy. I am making good progress on all the quilting things I want to finish by end of the month.

I also have a huge box of donations in the car and a tv to add to the pile. Planning to go out next week to donate and do some final shopping for Christmas.

This weekend I need to make cinnamon rolls to share and that will be most of my Sunday getting them ready and making space in the kitchen. Thankfully I am taking the rest of the year and first week of January “off” so I have the time.

ETA I put pictures up here: imgur.com/gallery/7UESm6q

[Opti]

I just wanted to let you all know I learn a great deal from this thread. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year etc. 

[debthaven]

I'm working through Thursday, then I'm off for two weeks too.   

I still need to do nearly half of my Christmas shopping.   That is the ONE thing I ALWAYS procrastinate on, because my kids rarely suggest ideas, and the end of the semester is always crazy. With the trip to the UK, this year has been even crazier. I have gifts for their 3 partners, our 2 grandkids and DH, but not our four kids. 

We know what we're getting DD. She needs to help me order it so she can choose the delivery date. Hopefully we'll do that tomorrow. Then I'll only have DS1, DS2 and DS3 left. 

[debthaven]

I just wanted to let you all know I learn a great deal from this thread.

That's great to hear Opti ! So what have you learnt? How has this thread helped you make your life better? 

We tend not to procrastinate here, or not for long. We generally put one foot in front of the other and carry on, even when it's hard. Even when we're feeling sick, or we haven't slept enough. 

For example, me fighting with my health insurance which currently owes me 2.2K ... or the many others here dealing with their own personal challenges ... or maybe (hopefully!) you filing your 2022 taxes in order to get a refund that would allow you to purchase a better car. 

Life IS often a struggle! But the alternative is worse LOL. 

Best of luck to you.

[moneysquirrel]

Dec 12, 2023 13:00:13 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Dec 10, 2023 19:23:17 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Updating this list:
Looking Ahead:
*Cleaning -- Monday
*Insurance Premium 1
*Insurance Premium 2
*Sales taxes -- State *2
*Sales Taxes -- Parish *2
*Utility and monthly bills -- 5    3  2
*Christmas Cards  Got a few done more later
*Christmas Gifts -- only  a few little things left
*Organize at least three areas one
*Pick up item at a friend's
*Doctor appt -- Tuesday
*Lunch with P -- Wednesday
*Zoom with J -- Friday
*Get RSV (need to schedule it with at least one down day afterwards in case of reaction)
*Lunch with A -- Tuesday week
*Doctor Appt -- Thursday week
Additions:
*Lunch with L -- Thursday
*Pick up door prize I won
*Work on 2024 Spreadsheet

Wishing all a good week and will check it as I can.

New update -- updated ones in blue.  Had no reaction to the RSV which I was very grateful for. Started working on updating my inventory of items I try to sell at the craft shows.  I do need to take a few pictures and add a few new items to the etsy shop.  Also need to remake one item that I usually have there that I used as a gift.  Also have a list started of other items I have to remake as I sold out of them.  A few items are being retired as I sold the last of them and they were around for a few years. Also I want to try a new pattern or two for next year. Will check in with a new list sometime this week. 

[debthaven]

Lots of progress moneysquirrel !

This weekend (updated)
- convert marks on platform/Sat
- decorate tree/Sat
- mark 18 finals/Sat+Sun
- input final marks/Sun

Marking all done, and grades in! DD and I ordered her Christmas gift. 

[megaptera]

Progress is back. DH cleaned up/organized his office and some other areas of the house. I got my desk and area picked up and organized. Made tooth powder and laundry soap (I make most of my cleaning and personal care stuff.) Bedding laundry done. Sourdough loaf made. Christmas gifts wrapped. Next, I gotta tackle the laundry room and its closet. But probably not today.

Have a great day everyone.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Yesterday was collapse on the couch day

Today, need to start getting in gear for the holidays. DD coming in in a few days, housekeeper visits tomorrow. What do I want to accomplish? What can I realistically tackle in just a few days?

This may take some more coffee....

[startsmart]

Today was uber productive!

I finished ironing and cutting the majority of the fabric I needed to process and then put away the iron and board. Two of the quilts are done in the machine and I just need to hand sew the binding so the machine is also put away. I am doing some fabric swaps so I pulled out my stash and the fabric for 7 people. Waiting on a few addresses and then those can be mailed.

I need to do another 3 miles on the bike and then I’ll crash for the night. Long day tomorrow and sleep has not come easily this week.

[debthaven]

I finally got a list from DS1 and DS3, and found a good idea for DS2. I'm very nearly done with Christmas shopping!

I still need one more thing for DGD but at 2.5 she's easy lol.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Just one or two small chores done yesterday, nothing 'new' or digging into things.

cleaner arriving in 2+ hours, time to turbo boost...

[debthaven]

I started wrapping gifts. I'm also washing DD's bedding for the littles who arrive just after Christmas. I usually do it as soon as someone leaves but I forgot. 

[busymom]

 I scheduled the DAV truck to make a stop here tomorrow.  I've got a pile of clothing to donate.  That's a win for them, and for me, because I figured I wouldn't have the time to drive anywhere to donate until after Christmas.  

[TheOtherMe]

I received a package some time ago that I hadn't looked at within the return window.  It's a t-shirt that is not my size.  The city giveaway for clothes and toys is this weekend I have to contact them to find out how I can get it to them.  I am not driving to town for one shirt.

[NastyWoman]

Having decluttered myself out of my home on 12/12 for about 6.5 weeks nothing is happening there. That said I finished wrapping up all my Xmas presents two nights ago. I have never, ever not needed to wrap way past midnight on Xmas morning. So, even though I did not get rid of anything I still consider this a win on decluttering as it shows that I did pick up some (itsy bitsy, teeny weeny*) skills

*and yes, I actually did have a yellow polka dot bikini in times long gone