busymom
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Why is the rum always gone? Oh...that's why.
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Post by busymom on Apr 29, 2024 14:17:29 GMT -5
I'll send you a pm, TheOtherMe. As you know, technology is not one area I'm very good at. If you can figure it out, feel free to share the video here.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 29, 2024 14:55:30 GMT -5
DS1 just told me that they won't get the keys to their new house until June, so they won't move their Stuff out of here until August. At least we're in no rush to buy a new mattress. I have a few in my Amazon basket, waiting for a sale. Has anyone here bought a mattress on Amazon? It's for the guest room, and it's SO much cheaper! I'm looking at foam. Any advice?! This is a rough week for me. When I retired I promised myself I wouldn't "wish my life away", yet here we are again. Story of my life LOL.
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soupandstew
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Post by soupandstew on Apr 29, 2024 15:11:39 GMT -5
Got right on the phone call tasks this morning and got two appointments schedule. Yay me! Phone calls to schedule appointments are actually my very least favorite task-I hate it!
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 29, 2024 15:14:58 GMT -5
Phone calls to schedule appointments are actually my very least favorite task-I hate it!
soupandstew there is an online platform here called Doctolib ... I don't know if it or something similar exists there. You can schedule an appt at 3 am without talking to anybody! Some doctors don't take new patients on that platform, and then you do have to call (or book an appointment in a fancy overpriced clinic, like I did last week to get my mole removed. It's great for appointments with your regular docs though! I book my GP, dentist, gynecologist and pulmonologist using that platform. You can also tick a box to be informed of any cancellations before the appt you booked.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Apr 29, 2024 15:42:49 GMT -5
I don't know if I will ever get this place decluttered. I have another big box of books to go and found 2 more, sigh. I took 2 bags off today.
Took another pile of fabric off and I washed one load. I have went through quite a bit that is not dirty or anything, unfolded a bit to check and just packed some back for me and more into the go pile. The guy at the free store said they are just putting out part of the fabric at a time. I'm sure the reason is someone will just grab it all and they want others to have a chance to get some.
I look at that room and just don't know how this is going to end. 1/3 of our bedroom is covered with zipper bags, big ones full of fabric. Haven't touched patterns, bolts of stuff or notions. I'm beginning to think its hopeless. Probably be here a year from now sorting stuff.
Ok, pulling more from the dryer and drying DD's bedding. Downstairs a bit then have to fix hubs dinner.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 29, 2024 15:51:10 GMT -5
countrygirl2 you have SO MUCH STUFF. Canning stuff, clothes, patterns, fabric, notions. Not to mention your DH's Stuff ... What do you actually ENJOY doing in your (limited) free time? Keep those items, and donate the rest. You love to read ... invest in a Kindle where you store your books online, and you can make the type bigger which makes it easier to read as one gets older. Plus Kindle books are cheaper than buying (new) books online. Personally, I flat-out refuse to buy Crap from Temu or Shein. DH bought a shirt from Shein, he'll never do that again LOL. At those prices, you KNOW they use child labor. You have SO MUCH!!! Do you really need more of that crap, even if it's "cute"?! You have PLENTY. WAY MORE than plenty. Stop trying to get rid of Stuff with one hand and then buying more Stuff with the other. It's hypocritical to talk about getting rid of Stuff and then buying more on Temu because it's "cheap" and "cute". You're an intelligent woman ... who is making this cheap and cute stuff?! Elves?! That's my opinion. Sorry if it's harsh. Feel free to ignore it, but you're posting on this thread now, so I'm free to respond. My DH has too much Stuff too ( orders of magnitude less than you). He doesn't buy Stuff but he has a hard time getting rid of the Stuff he inherited from his (hoarder) mom. I'm sure you don't want to leave that burden to your son and DIL. Do you want them to raise your grandson, to help oversee your DD's care, or to sort through your Stuff? They won't have time to do ALL of the above. So YOU need to prioritize.
Choose the hobbies you want to continue, and let the rest go. I don't want to be harsh, but whatever age we are, our time and energy are limited. None of us know how long we will live. We all need to choose how to spend the time we have. My DS3 (DH's only bio kid) is 25. He is HORRIBLY anxious about what's going to happen to his Dad's Stuff when his Dad goes. I tell him, please don't worry! If your Dad can't be bothered to go through HIS parents' Stuff, why on earth should you?! You're going to move closer to your son/DDIL/grandson soon. They're what matters! So travel light.
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Apr 29, 2024 16:09:00 GMT -5
I'm still behind here, but I thought I'd check in. Starting last Friday morning, over the weekend, I did 10 loads of laundry. 10. I've never had that much to process. The weekend prior I only had time for two loads, and workdays are too hectic (out of sight, out of mind), so it waited for me. How thoughtful of it. Two loads of darks, 3 loads of towels, 2 loads of DH's uniforms, our sheets, and the guest bed sheets and comforter for my friend's arrival later this week. I am so grateful I don't have to go to the laundromat. Other things completed: -Dishes -Emptied garbage -Set up the guest bed -Hung posters and tapestries in our rock themed Cardio Cave -Refilled ice trays twice -Scrubbed the stovetop -Set up outdoor deck decorations -Meal planned -Boiled eggs, processed lunch items, made the blueberry cheesecake I've been meaning to get to for months
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 29, 2024 16:12:34 GMT -5
Iggy aka IG 10 loads is a LOT! I'm guessing you're not WFH at all these days LOL. I'm curious why WFH isn't working for you even one day/week. I don't know your DH's schedule but can he start a couple of loads every week?
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Apr 29, 2024 16:40:37 GMT -5
Most of the travel stuff is put away. I managed to get to the grocery to get the basics. All laundry loads have been completed as of now. Today I picked up a few items at Walgreens -- RX and a restock of OTC items that I was out of. Still not as focused as I want to be to accomplish some items but at least things have been accomplished.
I don't know if I mentioned it here or not but while I was traveling I received word that a very good friend died. I wasn't able to attend the services as I was out of the country but have been in touch with her family. Total shock as I spoke with her the day before. At least she did not suffer and linger.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 29, 2024 16:44:01 GMT -5
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Apr 29, 2024 16:53:05 GMT -5
So sorry for your loss moneysquirrelI had the security company out today because the doorbell camera was not working. Not going off and not recording. Everything else work. It took the guy 45 minutes to decide he needed to call in to his office. They had me delete the app and add it back to my phone. THAT FIXED IT. Why wasn't that suggested when I called to make an appointment? Why didn't he know to do that so that he didn't spend 45 minutes here that I have to pay for? I will be calling when I see the bill. He did replace all of the batteries while he was here. There are 16 different places for batteries and they are all new. I bought one pair of shoes from one of those places that advertise on FB. Learned my lesson. I tossed the shoes. They were so cheap and ugly. Never again. I agree on Kindle books. They take up so much less space. Not all books I want are on a Kindle, especially some of the genealogy books. I am trying to get rid of my books, but it's hard.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 29, 2024 16:57:47 GMT -5
I am trying to get rid of my books, but it's hard.
I stopped trying to get rid of my books when DH decided that meant he had more room for HIS books LOL.
But I do buy more books on Kindle now. I didn't love it at first but I've gotten used to it, and books are significantly cheaper. And it's GREAT for travel!
Plus I'm in a book club and we read 10 books a year. They're not all books I would have chosen to buy, so I'm happy to pay less for the Kindle edition. If I really love a book, I order a physical copy (used). But it's rare.
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Apr 29, 2024 17:23:52 GMT -5
I have 2 more dolls to list on eBay. They are very pretty big dolls with pristine clothes. But no tags for maker. I’ll try to find who designer is I have series of my books and have decided to start decluttering these. Think I’ll take a series and give to Goodwill to start Thinking library might want some. Will look if there is a sale this summer
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Apr 29, 2024 17:31:19 GMT -5
Iggy aka IG 10 loads is a LOT! I'm guessing you're not WFH at all these days LOL. I'm curious why WFH isn't working for you even one day/week. I don't know your DH's schedule but can he start a couple of loads every week? No, I'm not working from home. Clients expect me to be here, and when I'm not, I get told all about it. An agent with a different company here in town is officially closed on Tuesdays. One of her clients expressed frustration to me and I don't want to do that to my clients. For now. This may change. With work and his commute, DH is gone 14 hours daily. Though when he does take a day off, he'll do a few loads. This is what happens when we're gone over the weekend. Oh, well. First world problems for sure.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Apr 29, 2024 17:40:58 GMT -5
All my books but maybe 20 or so I have not read are going, not a problem. I plan on one box of books to go.
I'm going to try a yard sale when I come back, Christmas items, decorator items, seasonal stuff. We have new Xmas stuff at the house in Washington. I had a white tree I loved, it got old and flaky. Would change each year, one year blue, On purple, one red, one blue. I love that stuff. I just couldn't find another like it I felt like I could afford even on sale.
Going to sell about all the stuff on the shelves in that store room. I will post some online on sales sites locally like the older robot sweeper, shredder, misc stuff in that room. Also the rest of the clothes of DD and mine down there will go. Only our summer things will be left.
The things I really want to keep are my sewing machines, patterns and things. More fabric is going to go. It's such quality stuff I found on sale, I hate to let it go, but I'm hoping a lot of quilters will enjoy it. I'm cutting a dress out this afternoon. Hubs said when is the last time you wore a dress. I said its been awhile, but in Washington you can wear most anything and fit in. I do like all the different clothing I see up there. So why not, I have plenty of fabric, LOL! Here you see the church women in skirts, they all seem to wear those blue jeans skirts, nothing stylish or pretty.
I'm also keeping my major canner and maybe 6 dozen jars, I'm selling the rest and a lot of my kettles, If they don't sell will set them by the road, they will go. I've got the good out of them for over 20 years, so no waste there.And one case of freezer containers. I have already greatly reduced the items in that storage area a lot. Cleaned out all the old food. I had stocked a lot for covid.
And our neighbor will take a lot for their church yard sale, so maybe some hope.
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Apr 29, 2024 17:44:36 GMT -5
I must be the most disorganized person in the world - or I was before I retired (still close to first place now though LOL). Remember those days when back to school meant going to Target and get 10 notebooks/$1? And similar deals at Office Max for notepads, folders, binders, etc.? Well I always stocked up so the kids could just take what they needed. And, like a dope I took their word for it if they said we were running low. I knew they couldn't find anything if it jumped up and bit their nose. So I had a lot of excess. A few years back I gave, what I believed to be, all of that to a friend.
Boy was I ever wrong - today 4 (that is FOUR!) grocery bags full of that stuff was given away through the FB buy nothing group. It is out the door now but really who does something like this?
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soupandstew
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Post by soupandstew on Apr 29, 2024 18:07:17 GMT -5
I think one of the things that helped us declutter and stay clear is the simple math. When we sell this house, we will move to a 2-bedroom apartment. 3-bedroom apartments in senior housing are rare, and well outside our price range (2-bedroom will run about $2,000/mo plus utilities, parking, etc.). So the choices are get rid of it now or get rid of it later. Another factor is moving cost - everything we take will be priced by the pound or sq. ft. We have enough to live comfortably to the end of our time, but not enough to spend unwisely on moving useless stuff we won't have space for ultimately. Plus every $ of stuff you have is an added cost on the insurance side whether you own or rent.
Personally, we made a decision not to let our STUFF dictate our lifestyle.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Apr 30, 2024 6:44:41 GMT -5
A few years ago Marie Kondo was all the rage and it didn't make sense to me. Maybe for a few select categories of stuff. As an adult, there are things that might not spark joy but they are necessary and useful. Does the lawn mower bring DH joy? Probably not but the yard needs upkeep.
I found The Home Edit and find them more practical. They say it's okay to have stuff. The stuff just needs to fit in its space.
I'm still working on finding/defining homes for our stuff. I keep going and it's getting better. We hosted a guest other than my nephew/housesitter for the first time in years and we were able to get the house in decent shape. 2023 and having to clean out my grandma's house was a major set back to my own progress.
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soupandstew
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Post by soupandstew on Apr 30, 2024 7:38:06 GMT -5
A few years ago Marie Kondo was all the rage and it didn't make sense to me. Maybe for a few select categories of stuff. As an adult, there are things that might not spark joy but they are necessary and useful. Does the lawn mower bring DH joy? Probably not but the yard needs upkeep. I found The Home Edit and find them more practical. They say it's okay to have stuff. The stuff just needs to fit in its space. I'm still working on finding/defining homes for our stuff. I keep going and it's getting better. We hosted a guest other than my nephew/housesitter for the first time in years and we were able to get the house in decent shape. 2023 and having to clean out my grandma's house was a major set back to my own progress. 100% agree with the bolded! I remember how much time you spent on your grandmother's house and I am amazed you had any time and energy left afterwards.
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soupandstew
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Post by soupandstew on Apr 30, 2024 9:01:49 GMT -5
For me (and we are all different in our needs and motivations) I declutter to give myself a better life quality. I grew up in a cluttered and dirty house and I don't want to live like that. BUT, if I have too much stuff, it's harder to clean especially as I age and various body parts aren't what they used to be. Having all my cleaning supplies in a bin in a cabinet makes it easy to see what I have and get to it. Refraining from excessive accumulation of groceries means I can quickly find what I need to fix meals and I'm not wasting money I can then spend on more fun things like museum admission.
A really big thing for me is that keeping the clutter down gives me freedom of choice. I can choose to hire a housekeeper at some point knowing her time won't be wasted cleaning around stuff. I can choose to live in an apartment with reduced maintenance responsibilities. I can choose to spend less time cleaning and more time sitting on the deck watching the birds and squirrels. So much of our lives leaves us with little choice in things so I don't want to give up any freedoms to clutter.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Apr 30, 2024 10:48:20 GMT -5
Our house is big enough there is no clutter setting around. I think sometimes you can have too big of a house.
My mom was organized and spotless, she valued every little thing she had. They had been poor and did not add much except occasional new curtains and things like that. I was so scared when I was little that I would break something. At our house that was a major issue. I was very stressed by that so was super careful. I would really get in trouble. We had the same bedroom stuff and she had it later. We were going to take one of the sets and it literally fell apart. She did get all new living room furniture one time and had it for the rest of her life. They had a lot of work done on their house so it was really nice after I grew up. But she had old stuff all over, not worth anything that we had to haul off and trash. It was a job to clean her house out.
I am not doing th at and we are not moving all this stuff. Depending on what we have to pay for a house and what we get out of ours, in the back of my mind new couch, new recliner for hubs. Maybe bedroom set for DD, maybe. And there are a lot of little tables and cabinets we are not taking. I will keep at it, but not much today, giving the feet a day off.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 30, 2024 12:59:40 GMT -5
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Apr 30, 2024 13:11:49 GMT -5
What is the holiday debthaven?
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 30, 2024 13:12:27 GMT -5
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Apr 30, 2024 13:14:12 GMT -5
Countrygirl, my boys used the maple BR set that sister and I had growing up. Now it’s in a guest BR and Grandkids use the set. In a few years, maybe GGSon !!
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Apr 30, 2024 15:32:28 GMT -5
I don't know if I mentioned it here or not but while I was traveling I received word that a very good friend died. I wasn't able to attend the services as I was out of the country but have been in touch with her family. Total shock as I spoke with her the day before. At least she did not suffer and linger.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Apr 30, 2024 15:35:20 GMT -5
Got our duvet cover washed and put back on the bed and the winter blanket washed and put away.
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Apr 30, 2024 15:46:01 GMT -5
well the check is not being delivered today per informed delivery and I will have to borrow money for this week.
The financial sress of wondering/not knowing has resulted in a flurry of cleaning and decluttering, lol! So focusing on the positives.....
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Apr 30, 2024 15:46:41 GMT -5
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Apr 30, 2024 16:48:51 GMT -5
I'll send you a pm, TheOtherMe . As you know, technology is not one area I'm very good at. If you can figure it out, feel free to share the video here. I did enjoy. I should have my sister watch. Their farm looks like that. The original house could no longer be a rental after the last tenants trashed it by turning it in to a meth lab. All of the old buildings are falling down in favor of the fancy hog confinement with a/c, heat, running water, etc. I know dn2 plans to take over the farm and he will be stuck doing all of that. Add in to that, neither sister nor BIL can get rid of anything. I've been told many times that the basement can no longer be walked through because they kept all of anything they ever owned, all of his parents stuff and all of our parents stuff. DN1 said some of our parents stuff is in the guest bedroom and more in the garage. Somebody is going to have to get rid of it someday.
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