2024 Organize & Declutter

[TheOtherMe]

Dishwasher just stopped, so will put dishes away after they dry.  Some go back to the place where I pick up my food tomorrow.

The guy came and moved my furniture back in it's place.  I was getting concerned he wasn't coming back because I had paid him for both trips and couldn't get a hold of him after he emptied the eviction house he had to empty.  That turned into an awful job for him because it was a hoarder house.

Laundry to do and the organizer is coming Thursday.

I am so confused about the day of the week.

[azucena]

Sept 2, 2024 13:05:10 GMT -5 debthaven said:

When they inject cortisone in the inflamed joint.

ETA: I was wondering if anyone here has had a hip replacement, not an infiltration. 

Dh had one hip done at 22 and the other at 24. Prednisone to control his ulcerative colitis ate his cartilage. In hospital therapy, they helped us practice stairs, cars, etc. Lots of precautions about how much to bend at first so as not to displace them while healing. I still remember 22 yr old me asking doc what to do if that happened...he stared at me like I was an idiot and said call 911.

Complete all pt afterwards. Dh being male didn't want the hassle. His gait is still off. When he was thinner he complained about feeling winter cold in the metal, now he's a little chubby so only frigid bothers him.

[debthaven]

azucena oh your poor DH! So young for that! And you too!!!

I'm not 100% sure of the reasons, but apparently the new artificial hips CANNOT be dislocated. They are titanium on the outside, and ceramic on the inside. 

TBH I was disappointed to learn that the surgeon wasn't planning to prescribe PT. When I told him that, he said, if you walk enough, you won't need it. But I'll see you regularly, and if I'm not happy with your progress, I WILL prescribe PT. 

The irony here is that I made DH get his new knee at the super duper super expensive private sports clinic at the other end of Paris. I am WAY too lazy (and cheap) to go there myself!

So I'm having it done much closer to home, by a surgeon I've known for decades. It's the same surgeon who has examined all my kids after all their bad falls, operated DS3 for an ingrown toenail, and operated my wrist twice. 

He has an excellent but not amazing rating because he's not warm and fuzzy. (ALL the negative comments are related to his "bedside manner".) I have ZERO problem with that. I'm looking for a good surgeon, not a new friend. He also has a wicked sense of humor LOL. 

Yesterday he could see I was fishing around for a pen and paper to take notes ... he stopped what he was doing to hand me both. He explained EVERYTHING and gave us time to ask questions. Alas I forgot to ask when I can start yoga again, but I'll have time for that. 

He also gave me his private cell number after my second wrist surgery. (One op for the break/plate, the second op a year later to remove the plate and release my carpal tunnel.)

[debthaven]

Whoo hoo TheOtherMe !!! So glad it's done now!

[finnime]

DH has begun decluttering his corner of the living room, and the entirety of the office. So things are looking up. I must finish my space in the primary bedroom.

While we were in Maine I bought at an antique shop a beautiful beveled-edge flattering mirror with a very nicely repainted frame, about 2' x 4', and hung it in our bedroom where we had no mirror. It looks lovely. So I must finish decluttering that room and clean it thoroughly, ready for the autumn.

I'm going to host a joint ODB/DH birthday party 10/6. THeir birthday is actually 10/22 but ODB will be away most of the month. So I must, must, must clean and declutter the house entirely by then.

[debthaven]

The mirror sounds beautiful finnime !

[Iggy aka IG]

That mirror does sound beautiful, finnime! 

This morning before work:
-Dishes
-Watered the plants
-Gas station

Today:
-Lunch appointment
-Dr. appointment
-Work on September renewals in between

[debthaven]

I hope the doc appt went well Iggy aka IG .

I ordered DS1's birthday gift on Amazon. I ordered DDIL's days ago but it still hasn't arrived. (Their birthdays are three days apart).

Book club tonight. Everyone wanted pizza. I got pre-made crusts and shredded a ton of mozzarella lol. I got some toppings. The others'll bring salads and dessert. We'll eat in the kitchen which makes life easier. We each host once/year.

Still waiting to get my health insurance papers from work. This is causing me a lot of stress.

[seriousthistime]

Your book club sounds amazing, debthaven.  When I belonged to a book club I read much more than I do on my own. I should investigate joining a book group now. I have a friend who belongs to three book clubs. One of them is a book club composed of retired librarians.  They are way too "intellectual" for me.  I like to read for enjoyment and not necessarily for information. If I happen to find information along the way, that's good. 

[debthaven]

seriousthistime I generally enjoy mine but sometimes it turns into a coffee clatch, which I enjoy less. And A has fallen out with two members now, which makes things awkward sometimes.  

I couldn't handle three of them though!

[TheOtherMe]

The organizer is coming today.  Things will look so much better by noon.

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 5, 2024 8:25:52 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

The organizer is coming today.  Things will look so much better by noon.

It's done and the place looks so much better!  I need that push.  She was here 2 hours.  

I told her I will have her back in November as I just can't in October with going to Toronto.

[debthaven]

That's great news TheOtherMe  ! What will you have her do in Nov?

I need a dress for an event later this month, but I can't wander the mall these days. I ordered two dresses online. I like them both but they're both too big! I was pleased LOL.

I found one near me in a smaller size so I exchanged them. I ordered the other dress online in a smaller size. (I'll return the bigger one when I'm sure the smaller one fits.)

Plus they were 30% off.   It's rare for me to buy clothing online, I prefer to try things on.

[wvugurl26]

I've had 4 weeks of work travel this summer in addition to my personal vacation trips. Normally I might have 1-2 weeks worth of work travel in a whole year.

We haven't brought much new stuff in but little progress has been made on getting rid of things. I've been stuck on several things because I can't find a proper sized box to ship or store things in.

Today I managed to double box something and that worked to get it shipped. The big item fit in the box but then the flaps couldn't close. I had another in the same size so I just slipped it over the open end.

I need to get some filing done in order to set up my work printer. I've had it since early 2020. I never got it set up in office before we went home. My boss told me to take it home and set it up at home.

I am motivated to improve things but time is the enemy as usual.

[snapdragon]

I was up early today - 

Got all my laundry put away
washed the dishes that need it 

Yesterday afternoon I had the wired smoke alarm start going off and it wouldn't stop. Come to find out that there are 6 (wtf!) alarms in total and they all fed off each other. That's when I was replacing batteries like mad and there was still chirping going on. To get away from that I was working in the garage and managed to clear some more boxes and recycling out. Also got the old garage door seal out and while trying to install the new seal that I picked up realized that the coving on the door was wrong so the correct replacement should arrive late today. My rubber gasket has rounded ends and what I had picked up had actual T shaped ends so they wouldn't fit. Electrician couldn't arrive until this morning.

Coming in I called a friend and they reminded me to look for the correct fuse to shut down the alarms. Thankfully I found it and was able to sleep decently last night. The electrician has replaced all 6 of the damn things so I should not have any worries for the next few years. I have been informed that hardwired alarms last about 10 years or so. At least 4 of the 6 were from when the house was built. 

FYI - If you have smoke alarms going off about nothing and you have changed the battery, the best thing to do is flip the fuse to shut them down and replace the whole thing due to age. 

I'm pretty sure when I went to the local FD and was talking to the officer I had crazy eyes and manic expressions going on. 

[Iggy aka IG]

wvugurl26 are you selling the things you are shipping?  And congratulations, it sounds like you are tackling your procrastination list a bit.  

My appointment did go well, thank you, debthaven .  Yesterday was my last visit to that particular professional.     Added, thank you!  I learned a new phrase and looked up its origin:  Coffee klatch  

This morning:
-Fairgrounds
-Liquor store for the weekend (since I was on that side of town)
-Dropped off my agency banner at the animal shelter for adoption sponsorship marketing purposes

This afternoon:
-Pick up the neighbor kiddos for an "ice cream date"

Tomorrow:
-Post office
-Lunch appointment

Hugs to those who need one.

[finnime]

snapdragon, the FD probably sees that all the time, fire alarm-induced mania, heightened by female strength.  

[finnime]

Got to take the trash out tonight and I'm using that to push me into throwing out some Stuff that has just been hanging around. Going to bring Franklin the Dog to DSis's this evening instead of waiting until tomorrow, which promises to be hectic. Tomorrow I go through our supplies and inventory for the show on the Cape, pack up the car with everything including tent and tables, and we drive to our hotel for the next 2 nights. Can't set up on Friday at this location, so will be up v early Saturday to get everything done. Show starts at 9:30. It's a 2 day affair.

But first, the trash. And pack up Franklin's stuff, ready to go.

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 5, 2024 13:35:31 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Yesterday afternoon I had the wired smoke alarm start going off and it wouldn't stop. Come to find out that there are 6 (wtf!) alarms in total and they all fed off each other. That's when I was replacing batteries like mad and there was still chirping going on. To get away from that I was working in the garage and managed to clear some more boxes and recycling out. Also got the old garage door seal out and while trying to install the new seal that I picked up realized that the coving on the door was wrong so the correct replacement should arrive late today. My rubber gasket has rounded ends and what I had picked up had actual T shaped ends so they wouldn't fit. Electrician couldn't arrive until this morning.

Coming in I called a friend and they reminded me to look for the correct fuse to shut down the alarms. Thankfully I found it and was able to sleep decently last night. The electrician has replaced all 6 of the damn things so I should not have any worries for the next few years. I have been informed that hardwired alarms last about 10 years or so. At least 4 of the 6 were from when the house was built. 

FYI - If you have smoke alarms going off about nothing and you have changed the battery, the best thing to do is flip the fuse to shut them down and replace the whole thing due to age. 

My entire house is hard wired with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  There is a battery back up, too.  When one goes off, they all go off.   

I learned the fuse trick the first time I called the Fire Department.  

6 upstairs and 4 in the basement.  Drives me crazy very quickly.

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 5, 2024 11:38:36 GMT -5 debthaven said:

That's great news TheOtherMe  ! What will you have her do in Nov?

Next time we will revisit the two bedrooms.  I think I am a natural at putting things in a pile and never touching the pile.  

With her here, it doesn't take long at all.  Best part is she takes the donations with her so they are gone and she put the recycling in the bin.  It's now full and they don't come until 10 days.  It's every other week.

One load of all the towels and throws that I use to help with cat hair is in the dryer.  Will do the other load tomorrow.  So much cat hair.

[debthaven]

Enjoy your time at home wvugurl26 ! That's a LOT of travelling!

Iggy aka IG an "ice cream date" sounds like a lot less work than a sleepover. 

Yay TheOtherMe ! That must feel great! 

Yikes snapdragon ! I'm glad you found a solution!

Best of luck for this weekend finnime !

The surgeon's assistant called. She asked me to pick up the paperwork tomorrow. I don't understand why she can't just email it, but she's new, the clinic is 15m away, and I'm off, so hey.

[jerseygirl]

Well didn’t do too much this week
Most I did was put away bathing suits, coverups and totes.
But hoping I’ll go somewhere this winter and need these

[moneysquirrel]

Hello all,
     I have been doing my usual keeping things under control as much as possible self.   Classes started last week and I am being to get back into my routine some.  I have been keeping up with the laundry and dishes and continuing trying to keep the flat areas clear of stuff.  That is the area that gets cluttered the most.
     I really need to get to the grocery soon but it has been raining for the last several days and is predicted to do so for the foreseeable future.  I saw that the area has already received seven inches so far with more coming in the next two - three days.  If there is a break in the raindrops I will try to do a quick trip otherwise I will wait until early next week.  It is great sleeping weather.  I hate to drive in the rain and only do so if I can't avoid the trip.  Hoping that system in the gulf will go away so.
     I have been working on another project.  I hope to have it finished before the first craft show at the end of the month.

Current list:
*Grocery
*Meeting Tuesday -- need to bring dessert
*Classes -- Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday. (Only have to leave house on Thursday -- other day's classes are Zoom)
*Project
*Maintain house -- laundry, dishes and flat areas, mopping and other routine items
*Reorganize closet area and hope to declutter some items
*Begin going through the dresser drawers to reorganize and declutter
*Begin list for Amazon order -- items I can't find locally or less expensive online
*Errands -- Begin list of needed items   -- I try to do all stops in the same area at the same time.

debthaven -- I have no advice about hip replacement.  Glad that you can do zoom most days this semester.
TheOtherMe-- I know that you are happy about the organizer's visit and your upcoming trip.
Iggy aka IG -- I love your connection with the kids.
finnime -- Enjoy your show this weekend.  Wishing you lots of visits and hopefully as many sales.
Knee Deep in Water Chloe-- Nice to "see" you again.  Hoping that the new job is less stressful than the previous one.
wvugurl26-- Enjoy your time at home.  You have been in transit so much lately.

To all (know I forgot to mention several of you), keep up the great work.  Remember every one item that you declutter is that item you won't ever have to deal with again.  We just have to get rid of more items than we bring in.  Til later.

[debthaven]

Work still hadn't sent me the insurance papers! When I asked for the third time, HR told me to use the blank forms from last year. So I did that, and sent everything back to them. They also reassured me that the coverage is retroactive to the beginning of Sept. 

I am relieved!  

[TheOtherMe]

Well I put the rest of the laundry in the washer an hour ago.  I just realized the machine isn't running.  Went and checked.  I never pressed start!  So now it's washing the blankets and towels.

[Iggy aka IG]

Happy Friday!

LOL, yes, debthaven, DH agrees about a date being less work than a sleepover.  For the latter, the poor guy gets the morning shift while I sleep in.  And thanks, moneysquirrel!

Today:
-A lunch appointment and errands in between working

This evening:
-Happy hour with the neighbors
-Kitten time

This weekend:
-Chores
-A concert with gal pals

Happy weekend, everyone!

[soupandstew]

Sept 6, 2024 8:33:56 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Well I put the rest of the laundry in the washer an hour ago.  I just realized the machine isn't running.  Went and checked.  I never pressed start!  So now it's washing the blankets and towels.

Theo, I am sorry this happened to you but sort of relieved that I'm not the only who does that    My favorite blooper though is the microwave.  I punch time, I punch power level, and then I forget to punch start.  

[TheOtherMe]

They are dried now and on my couch.  I can't put them away because Maddow made himself a nice comfortable bed and is sleeping there.

[soupandstew]

Warm sheets are cat heaven - Maddow is a very happy kitty

[TheOtherMe]

debthaven  Tomorrow I will be starting the cream you told me about.  The vaseline is being retired.