2024 Organize & Declutter

[Iggy aka IG]

Knee Deep in Water Chloe congratulations on the baby and the new job!

moneysquirrel I've also been focusing on eating proteins from the freezer.  It saves so much money.

snapdragon my bedroom has two windows.  Because of the intense sun and heat, one stays constantly covered with an actual sunshade and blackout curtains.  The other window has tint and blackout curtains which are kept open during the workweek hoping the sun will help waken me (ha) and I close them Friday and Saturday night's when I can sleep in the next day.

seriousthistime I hope they can help you with your headboard.

debthaven so glad you continue to enjoy the congas.

Excellent job with the shredding, everyone.  I know how tedious it can be.

This morning:
-ATM
-Post office
-Dropped off our ballots
-Gas station
-LM at the veterinarian's office re: a kitten appointment


 

[snapdragon]

I pulled and re-organized my pantry so it doesn't seem to be a huge mess. 

It took about 4+ hours to deal with. There are still things I want to do but for now it works and looks really nice.

I also got more weeds pulled in the front yard this morning. 

Just grabbed tickets for a interactive dinner play called Who Killed Jolly Roger? It looks as though it will be fun, and I have someone going with me. That is not happening until the middle of next month. 

[Sharon]

I got the living room painted yesterday afternoon.  I see there will be a few touch ups on the last wall which doesn't surprise me.  The angle of the sun into the room was making it hard for me to see and the walls a very heavily textured so lots of nooks and crannies to get painted.

I'm very happy with how it looks and so glad to be rid of the gray walls.

[Iggy aka IG]

snapdragon nice work!  And the dinner party sounds fun.  

Sharon congratulations on completing the living room.

Similar to last year (I think?) tops I wear are being put into a separate pile to ensure I wear them all this summer.  The ones I don't will go into the donation pile.

I just called and yay!  Next Monday and Tuesday's jury duty is cancelled.  Into the shredder the jury summons goes.

Lying low this weekend in an effort to get this crud that has been lingering out of my body.  Happy weekend, everyone. 

[debthaven]

Sharon I always admire how much you do after a full day of work! 

Iggy aka IG I hope you're feeling better. 

So happy the job is working out well startsmart !

I hope things are getting better TheOtherMe . 

France has a music thing every year on the summer solstice, when amateurs play in the streets. I played. I was terrified but it went well.  

I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend.

I got my schedule for fall semester. I have a class at Job 1 one morning/week, plus my 11 (!) professor/staff students (mainly on Zoom). I don't start early, and I'm in my preferred building, so I can't complain. It'll be my last semester!!!

This weekend
- put Stuff away
- laundry
- Shitepile

PS Semester countdown: 3 weeks left

[Sharon]

This afternoon I got the touch ups done on the one wall.  There were so many missed places it was awful.  I think I got them all this time around.  I also got all the new switch places/covers etc installed.  I'm glad I decided to get new switch plates through out the house.  That is an inexpensive upgrade yet makes things look nice.  With each room I paint I buy the covers for that room at that time.

I had planned to wash the baseboards in the living room this afternoon and then move the furniture back into place.  DD called and they wanted to come over and swim so we did that instead and it was nice.  DGS2 was showing me how he learned how to blow bubbles this week at swim lessons.  The kids had fun and everyone got cooled down.  It was 95 degrees this afternoon.

[seriousthistime]

Over the years I have burned out at least 3 shredders so I don't bother with them now.  I just accumulate my shredding and take it to one of these events.  But I keep missing them.  It's like I have a knack for hearing about them a day too late. 

Today I went for a walk before it got too hot. Then, against better judgment, I decided to undo the health benefit of that walk by driving to the donut shop about 5 minutes away.  As I was pulling in to the parking lot I saw a shred event going on - with a loooong line.  Got my donut(s), quickly drove home, grabbed my shredding, donut napkins, and a LaCroix, for eating and drinking while in line. When I arrived the shredding event,  the line was about 1/3 of the length it was when I first saw it.  I enjoyed a donut in the car and decluttered one large bag of shredding. 

[NastyWoman]

Just a few grocery bags full of things out the door. This FB thing really is a godsend for lazy bones me. I just take a picture and someone will come running to pick it up. It does feel good when items I no longer need or want get a second life.

I also keep finding finding and purging saved cards, kids art (I am still keeping some but I really don't need two moving boxes worth/kid), vacation folders, etc., etc., etc. One day...one day I WILL be done with this 

[debthaven]

Sharon we did exactly the same thing for the switch plates and plugs a while back. It really does make a difference!

I put all the Stuff away, and caught up on laundry. I still have to Shitepile. We are both exhausted and didn't do anything today. 

seriousthistime  you can also burn old papers in a firepit. It's much more fun than shredding. 

[seriousthistime]

I do have a firepit but there's a tree right above it and it's only about 10 feet from the house. It's been so dry here that I don't want to chance it.  I agree, debthaven, it is more fun to burn than to attend a shredding event! 

[jerseygirl]

We couldn’t burn paper . Only allowed for grilling. We also have 3 doors down a very ‘diligent’ neighbor who reports everything.
A few years ago, jerseyguy was burning things in backyard snd cops showed up. You’re not allowed! We can give you a ticket.
Jerseyguy said I’m making charcoal. Cop - why don’t you buy some?
Jerseyguy- it’s special charcoal I need for welding
Cop - ok this time

Jerseyguy made up a nonsense story but no ticket
We found out neighbor had reported. She also called police about an unknown person fishing in lake behind our houses. It was our SIL in our boat.
She has too much time oh well

[startsmart]

Tomorrow we have a potluck meeting in the evening so I decided to make ice cream from the packets I had leftover from last summer: strawberry and cookies and cream. Saturday after my volunteer shift I go to the local grocery store for milk and half and half and the latter is $13! for 1/2 gallon and I need 2. So I went to Walmart the next town over where it was $5 for the same size. Much better.

Now I need to get that set up and started since it’ll take 30-40 min for each flavor. In the meantime I am cleaning and organizing.

Yesterday I cleaned and mopped the office and entryway, today it’s the living room and bedroom. I also rearranged some large furniture pieces and getting all the things put back together.

I have a long list today but it’s also 94° with 70% humidity so I’m taking it slow and drinking lots of water.

[moneysquirrel]

Working on getting some little things done.  Second load of laundry is in the washer. First in the dryer.  Need to get lunch started soon.  Managed to get something out of the freezer when I returned from church so I should be able to prep it once I am off the computer.  Small progress has been made on several of the projects but none were finished.

Iggy aka IG -- I agree that it really helps the grocery expenses when you have a supply of protein and other items in your stash.  Also a great way to make sure that you use up all that stuff you have on hand.

Knee Deep in Water Chloe -- Wonderful news on all fronts.  I am hoping that you will make time for you this summer.
startsmart  -- Hope that you are settling into your new job.
debthaven -- Looks like you are getting close to the end of your semester and with fewer trips to a campus in the fall as well.
TheOtherMe -- Hope things are going better for you.

New Goals and some repeats (June 23- 30):
*Project 1 from Retreat
*Project 2 from Retreat
*Project 3 from Retreat
*Dr. Appt -- Tuesday AM
*Meeting -- Tuesday PM
*Work up a sample custom design for former student -- I think that I have the design a little better.  Need to bead up a sample and message about a meetup so I can check colors and design with her before going any further.
*Closet revisit -- hope to declutter a few items from there.
*Maintain flat areas, keep things organized, and make progress in letting go of items that I don't need. This has gotten better but I need to keep on top of this.
*Keep up with laundry and dishes
*Continue to eat out of freezer -- hurricane season is upon us. 

I think all monthly bills have been paid so I am hoping the last week will be bill proof and with little other spending.

[snapdragon]

Yesterday was really long! I went to my BFF's Graduation, on the way there I dropped of donations, so I got 2 boxes out of the house. 
After the ceremony I took her and 2 of the girls further downtown to the water where we met more of her family and ate. Caught up on things and after that it was just M and me. 

We ended up going to the Freemont Street Fair and I finally got my first look at the Freemont Bridge Troll. She had a friend who lived up her way and was going back so I didn't need to drive her. 

Lots of walking was had and I enjoyed it. There was a free band that was rather interesting; one of the guitarists was just going off! Then he pulls off his shirt, turns around and he's just jamming with a flute! He then went back to the guitar.  I headed home about 8 PM and managed to get back before 11. 

Our other BFF ended up not being able to make it. Her GS was sick. 

[NastyWoman]

No burning paper here though it would be fun. However, fires are not allowed in multi unit wood framed homes per county regulations. That includes barbeques  . It is a logical safety regulation but that does not mean I have to like it. The only exceptions are for those multi unit homes that don't have wood frames.  But somehow I think I would like having bricks falling on me should the "Bid One" hit even less, so shredding it is.

[debthaven]

snapdragon sounds like a great day! 

moneysquirrel that's so nice that you get custom orders! 

We didn't do much today either, although I caught up on Shitepile.

Another hard week this week. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I got some more pressure washing done this morning. We have a tone of cement walkways, and they're just nasty dirty. It's so loud though, and I can only handle an hour or two at once. 


I need to reconcile our accounts today. We've been on two work trips for DH in the last two weeks. We're going on an actual vacation next week. I have no idea what we've spent at this point. 

[moneysquirrel]

Jun 23, 2024 15:37:17 GMT -5 debthaven said:

moneysquirrel that's so nice that you get custom orders! 

It is not a big amount but I do like the challenge.  Who knows if she likes what I do with her idea and agrees with the design I come up with, what can happen in the future.  It is going to be based on an picture she send and is related to something her kids are involved with.  So maybe some orders from other parents or not.  I like to be realistic about the possibilities.  It all depends on her reaction.

On another note: I got the estimate for the sand pumping and it is not as bad as I feared.  I do need to get the plumbers out to do a video inspection of the pipes under the slab first before I have to schedule the job.  Plumbers have been scheduled and once I have the papers  from them I can get this job scheduled.

I woke up very late this morning so I am not sure how much I can accomplish today.  I figured that I needed the sleep.  I did my usual computer routine this morning. Upcoming chores include unloading the dishwasher, boiling eggs, deciding something for dinner -- a few ideas on that, some small baking (using toaster oven so as to not heat up the house) and routine maintainence chores.  

Need to get started so will sign off now.  Till later.

[Iggy aka IG]

Count me in as a new switch plate fan!  A few years ago, DH switched all of ours out to black.  At first, I was skeptical, but they actually look quite nice.

seriousthistime glad you connected with the shredder!

I'm a fan of burning paperwork. In fact, we were going to have a burn party Saturday, but postponed it due to my lingering allergies.

LOL at your DH, jerseygirl!

snapdragon the fair sounds fun!

startsmart that ice cream sounds delicious.  And holy smokes at the first store's price!!  

Good job getting the pile caught up, debthaven.

Knee Deep in Water Chloe have a lovely vacation.

Glad the sanding won't cost as much as you thought, moneysquirrel.

I tried to take it easy over the weekend because the allergies have me so plugged up.  I did an easy 3 loads laundry, emptied and refilled the dishwasher, ice trays and Keurig, emptied a few garbage cans and scrubbed two toilets.  I also meal planned, food prepped, and made a baked bread for us and blueberry coffee cake for the neighbors.

[debthaven]

moneysquirrel glad it will cost less than you feared! 

ETA: I worked out the math ... I'll be doing 113h next fall semester, instead of the 155h I did last fall. That's significantly less. 

[seriousthistime]

Jun 24, 2024 14:31:49 GMT -5 debthaven said:

moneysquirrel glad it will cost less than you feared! 

ETA: I worked out the math ... I'll be doing 113h next fall semester, instead of the 155h I did last fall. That's significantly less. 

Yay!  

[startsmart]

We had our meeting last night and the ice cream was a big hit! Now I have enough leftovers for the rest of summer.

Today I need to put together a donation box since I have to go to Wichita for training this week. I have a bunch of vases outside and I’m sure I can find some other items around the house.

I also have to clean up (more) because a friend is going to come check on the puppy when I’m out of town - it’s too short a trip for the kennel, too long to leave him alone.

[Iggy aka IG]

Speaking of vases, on social media, a local floral shop advertised they accept used vases.  I put that on my errand list for next week.

I am still recovering from the crud, so in my down time I addressed old reading material next to my recliner.  There were things in there from March 2023!  9/10ths of it are now gone.

Also from the procrastination list, I am methodically addressing the stacks under my home office desk.  I pulled out the top photo storage bin, set it on the foot of the chaise lounge, and started distributing the contents into different piles:  Trash, save for family, save for me, and save to post on social media and tag friends.  So far, the latter featured a group photo from a friend's milestone birthday party, the other was a few from my bachelorette party.  Friends seem to love it.

And lastly from the above list, I read four journals from 1996-2000 and barring any unforeseen changes, they will be burned this Saturday.  

[TheOtherMe]

Jun 26, 2024 11:01:10 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

And lastly from the above list, I read four journals from 1996-2000 and barring any unforeseen changes, they will be burned this Saturday.  

I tore mine up from the 1970's through the 2000's and put them in with cat litter.  Out with them.

They served their purpose in letting me get my feelings out but I did not want anyone to read them after I am gone.

[debthaven]

DH emptied the dishwasher and caught up on laundry since I was gone from 7 to 7. 

I'm off tomorrow, then a last long day on Fri (with drinks afterwards since it's the last day). 

Thursday
- fill in questionnaire/Wed
- send donation
- Zoom with M @ 10
- make pedicure appt
- get finger food for Fri

[debthaven]

I ordered one of those new vertical fans for our bedroom. The two old ones we have are quite old and noisy. (One for our bedroom, one for the LR).

I offered an old one to DD, she doesn't want it. I'm hoping DS1 will take it for his new house. 

PS DS1 wants it! 

[debthaven]

So it looks like I ended up with more hours today LOL. But only very short-term!

I had a Zoom meeting with the woman who runs the professor/admin staff classes at Job 1. She asked to do the meeting in English so she could practice. 

She told me she had to stop taking English classes because there aren't enough profs. I said, that's not fair! I'll take you!

The reason for the meeting was to tell her I want to reduce my hours in Jan!

It's only 2h/month more, starting in Oct. To compensate, I'll give up 2/3 Admin staff in Jan. 

She's actually a French professor who ALSO manages these classes. I prefer working with the professors, so I'm happy. 

It's only 8h more in fall semester, and her English is excellent. 

Last crazy-long day tomorrow! 

[Iggy aka IG]

Happy Friday, everyone!  Hopefully it will be a mellow day here at the office.

This weekend:
-Pull more items and photograph them for my online sale
-The usual chores
-Play with the two kittens we adopted a few weeks ago

Have a wonderful weekend.  

[debthaven]

Enjoy the kittens Iggy aka IG ! 
Last student interviews and work week done!!! 

Semester countdown: 2 weeks left! 

[TheOtherMe]

Kittens are so much fun!