2024 Organize & Declutter

[debthaven]

snapdragon I recall you saying that the closest filing cabinet was too high, and quite far. Could you order one online instead? Does Costco carry them since you're planning a trip there?

Congrats on the hot water heater startsmart ! 

Work is stepping up this week. I'm WFH all day Mon and Wed morning, and at school all day Tues. Getting the train is so hard.  That road closure we got stuck in last week is on and off until Friday, so we may try driving in again after that.

[startsmart]

I texted my friend and he came over today and within 3 hours the hot water heater was installed, filled and heating the water. I am so thrilled! It’s been out since February and I could get by with cold showers in the summer but cannot wait to take a long, hot bath. The weather has finally dipped below 80° and I’m looking forward to fall now.

[moneysquirrel]

startsmart -- Happy about your water heater
debthaven -- Glad most of your classes are online.  Sorry about the traffic issues.
Iggy aka IG -- Glad that you are enjoying your new additions to the family.

All -- I am sure that I missed a lot of your progress as I just skimmed through the posts recently.  Night meetings wear me out and I had several this week.  

Goals/To-Dos Week of September 22:

*Classes -- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
*Meeting -- Wednesday
*Package a few items for upcoming craft shows
*Maintain laundry, dishes, flat areas, routine bath and kitchen areas
*Continue to work on storage areas in order to organize and declutter
*Payments -- monthly bills @ 1 left,
*Errands -- Grocery and others
*Work on new project
*Craft show -- Saturday 
*Medical Test -- Friday
*Place order -- Amazon -- items needed but I can wait a few more days.

Later in September:
*Vaccines -- Flu and Covid -- will be on two different days. I know how my body responses to these.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, moneysquirrel .

Good to see you, busymom .  Congratulations to the entire family.

Yay for the new water heater, startsmart !

debthaven , construction zones are such a PITA.

I accomplished everything on my list on the prior page except for visiting our friend at his cabin.  Mother Nature decided to let loose, and we didn't want to ride our UTV in the thunderstorm.  Oh, and I didn't bring out the fall decorations because I wasn't in the mood to move storage totes.

-Did 4 loads of laundry, including our sheets
-Scrubbed 1 toilet, emptied the garbage, watered the plants and set out fresh towels
-Emptied and reloaded the dishwasher twice
-Made the lasagna, rollups with the remaining noodles for DH's lunch, homemade taco seasoning blend, overnight oats, and processed boiled eggs and fresh produce for the week
-Finally tried on the shoes I purchased during the Labor Day sale and they are too big.  Glad I haven't yet mailed the other returns
-Refilled the ice trays twice
-For fun:  Spoke with a long-distance friend, played Wordle, our neighbor couple friends came over after their date night dinner and I played with the kittens.  I also watched an NFL game.  The NFL channel will replay them without ads, so that saves me quite some time in front of the TV.  

Time to get back to work.  

[debthaven]

Hey friends I have a question. 

Now that I'm finally back on my complementary work health insurance again, I looked at the hospitalization benefits. 

It would cost me 85 euros/$95 OOP per day for a private room. I'll be in for 72 hours, but I'm guessing it'll count as four days (I arrive late afternoon on Tues, surgery Wed, leave Fri.)

I want a private room. Am I crazy to think it's worth it?!

ETA: I want the cheaper single room. There's also a more expensive option with "gourmet meals" for the patient and "a cot and gourmet breakfast" for a guest LOL. 

[TheOtherMe]

I refuse to share a room in the hospital.  

I said I would pay extra when I had the surgery on my colon in 1999.  Somehow the surgeon got through the insurance that it was necessary so I didn't have to pay for 28 days

In the hospital here, a day begins at noon and lasts until noon.  I think that is so the patient can be kept overnight with same day surgery and not be charged for a full day of hospitalization.  I was amazed what all happened right up until 11 AM or so when I was on the surgery floor for 2 nights when I had my gallbladder surgery.  Since it was known I was staying for the 2nd night, they had people who had same day surgery walking up and down the halls etc.  

I would pay extra for a single room.

When I was hospitalized all those times with the gallbladder issues, I had a private room.  Only one of the rooms had another bed in it.  I was told by a nurse they only use the double rooms when they are overflowing and that I would not be sharing a room.

[debthaven]

Thank you so much TheOtherMe . Given the noon to noon thing (if it's the same here), it will be either three or four days because I have no clue what time I'll be released.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY don't want to share a room. I wondered whether I was being unreasonable, so thank you. 

[soupandstew]

I helped DH lug the hose box and hose to the curb and he made a "free" sign.  Next door neighbor got it and I'm happy with that.  

[moneysquirrel]

I vote for my own room as well. There are too many interruptions even in a single room much less in a shared one. I value my privacy as well.

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 23, 2024 17:22:16 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Thank you so much TheOtherMe . Given the noon to noon thing (if it's the same here), it will be either three or four days because I have no clue what time I'll be released.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY don't want to share a room. I wondered whether I was being unreasonable, so thank you. 

I absolutely will not share a room when I don't feel well.  I am not in charge of what I am doing at all.  Tests being ordered, people coming in.  

I at least need it to be me and only me when no one else is in the room doing medical stuff.

The evening after my gallbladder came out, we had a tornardo warning and I was totally upset that they said I had to go to the hallway with everyone else.  They had just gotten everyone their pain meds, etc. and we had to go sit in the hall until the all clear was sounded.  

I doubt a single patient was happy with that and the staff is running around trying to get people in pain out of bed and to the hallway.  I was put in my chair by my bed and pushed out to the hall.  

[countrygirl2]

Think this is a huge milestone, got my car in the garage!! Hubs said it won't last as he has stuff to add to it. I told him fine long as I can get my car in. LOL! I don't like unloading groceries in the rain or having my car parked in the weather We only have h ad garages we could use maybe the last 20 years and I like it.

We got our bedroom ceiling and wall painted, DD's Wall, the hallway trim and ceiling. I am going to paint all the doors in here still and most of the woodwork, so its going to take awhile.

Trash out for pickup today
2 loads of clothes dried, 1 to dry yet.

We went to a place called Value Village and got rid of a fireplace type heater. I tried to donate that darn Christmas tree and no one will take it because its not in the original box I bought a special holder for it. Sad its a very nice tree used one year, but too tall for here. So that huge thing is still in my car

Hubs is almost in Indiana, I'm flying up Thursday, we are going to my 60th class reunion.Son and DIL are watching DD, I will be home Sunday. Who knows may be the last one I make it to. So nothing much happening this week.

[wvugurl26]

I would pay the extra costs as well for the single room. Fortunately when I was hospitalized with my gallbladder and had it removed, I went to a hospital that had all single rooms.

[jerseygirl]

Debthaven absolutely a single or private room is worthwhile. I was in a double room for 2 days after abdominal surgery. Room was very crowded and busy with 2 sets of doctors etc. I did ask my surgeon to be in a single room but none available at
Went to a private room on 3rd day , so much better with more room and brighter and quieter. I don’t know if private room is more expensive. No one ever mentioned the cost. Jerseyguy has been in that hospital about a dozen times with only twice in a double room. Once other patient had dementia and was continually loud and sbusive yo the nurses. The hospital puts people in private rooms if available. Newer wings are all private rooms

[finnime]

Private room all the way, debthaven, since you have a choice.

[debthaven]

Thank you all. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 23, 2024 17:58:33 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

I vote for my own room as well. There are too many interruptions even in a single room much less in a shared one. I value my privacy as well.

  You're worth it, debthaven.  

[seriousthistime]

I'm late to the thread, but I agree debthaven, pay the extra charge for a single room.  I've had to share a room with another patient and it was either they were on the phone all the time or they had tons of visitors coming and going all day and evening long. When you're not feeling quite up to par, the inconvenience of sharing a room can be overwhelming. 

[moneysquirrel]

Update:

Goals/To-Dos Week of September 22:

*Classes -- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
*Meeting -- Wednesday
*Package a few items for upcoming craft shows
*Maintain laundry, dishes, flat areas, routine bath and kitchen areas
*Continue to work on storage areas in order to organize and declutter
*Payments -- monthly bills @ 1 left,
*Errands -- Grocery and others
*Work on new project
*Craft show -- Saturday
*Medical Test -- Friday
*Place order -- Amazon -- items needed but I can wait a few more days.

Later in Fall:
*Vaccines -- Flu and Covid -- will be on two different days. I know how my body responses to these.

[finnime]

I'm sitting out on the deck in my recently put together glider chair, assessing what needs to be done for the birthday bash Oct. 6. I've pulled recipes together. I'll need to buy an assortment of items for the various marinades, and butter because butter! I'll send DH to buy the shrimp and scallops on that Sunday. They have a huge trade here in seafood. It's the largest $$ seaport in the country, possibly in the world. So we can get perfectly fresh seafood for the party.

We have a show this Saturday after which I'll stow all the equipment and supplies in the basement. We won't be needing it until the end of October.

Next week need to buy the steak, vegetables, coconut and pineapple. We have baking cocoa. Need also to get condensed milk for the German chocolate cake.

As you can see, my thoughts are scattered, but they are narrowing.

[debthaven]

finnime all that sounds wonderful!!! Have you ever considered restarting your cooking/baking business? (It might be incompatible with the shows.)

moneysquirrel I continually marvel at how much you do!!! Classes three times/week?! Where is your next trip, if you don't mind sharing?

Thank you so much Iggy aka IG.   You made me tear up lol. 

I'm WFH tomorrow morning but I made it through another day/week at school.  It really is getting harder to walk to and from the station. My goal is to power through as scheduled until the operation. After that, we'll see.

Thank you all again for your "blessing" for the single hospital room. 

ETA: jerseygirl here a single room costs extra. If that is all that's available, and you don't request it, you wouldn't be charged extra. I requested it, so I WILL be charged extra. I MIGHT have ended up in one anyway at no extra cost, but I didn't want to risk it.  

[TheOtherMe]

debthaven, I would not risk having to share a hospital room either.  

[moneysquirrel]

Sept 24, 2024 17:37:25 GMT -5 debthaven said:

moneysquirrel I continually marvel at how much you do!!! Classes three times/week?! Where is your next trip, if you don't mind sharing?

As for the classes -- Tuesday and Wednesday are exercise classes I take over zoom.  One is a stretch class and the other is a yoga one.  One of the Thursday classes is also the stretch one.  I teach on Thursday and also take a craft class afterwards.  So I only leave the house one day for the classes.

I will PM you the trip info.

[azucena]

Dd16 asked me to wash her sheets while she was at school. I did and remade her bed and next thing I know I've taken care of putting away her clean laundry and starting thebfinal load. She's neck deep in play rehearsals for Clue so happy to help.

Then wandered over to teen's room and attempted to sort thru over flowing clean laundry basket vs tried on clothes vs dirty all over the floor. When she first moved in she was control freak neat and about a month later admitted that nut was fixated on that. I said our house is lived in, relax your standards and boy did she take me at my word lol. She usually tidies up on Sunday except when she's having a bad day which was this week. When I've tidied for her in the past, she doesn't like it and says i do too much. I think she happened to see DD16s room first this time which helped.
When teen was really depressed and had less clothes here I'd do her laundry if she couldn't make herself. I didn't this time because she's got plenty to wear now lol.
Laundry is caught up for the rest of us incl being put away.
I had a nervous anxiety tidying up spurt for a couple hours before sat appt so rest of house got put back into pretty good shape.
I also meal planned on our calendar incl which of us is cooking each night this week.

[debthaven]

Work week over. I caught up on laundry yesterday, today I'm catching up on Shitepile (including requesting my absentee ballot!) I need to go to the post office to mail it. Done!

I ordered S's birthday gift on Amazon. I still need a gift for her new grandbaby.

We had the theater AGM last night. Turns out one of the members had a hip replacement done at the same hospital. She wasn't there but I texted her asking to speak to her.

DS1 arrives Fri from the US (work trip). He lands at 6.30 so we'll see him when he gets here. He's coming for a wedding but he'll probably stay here Fri night. 

To do Sept:
- request US ballot
- dentist appt (later today)
- book gift massage (for later)
- renew DL (they changed the format) I still need to get photos done.

[debthaven]

We got our digital photos and signatures done on the way back from the dentist so we filled out the online forms for the new DL. 

To do Sept:
- dentist appt (later today)
- book gift massage (for later)
- request US ballot
- renew DL (to get the new format) 

I haven't been able to do anything but the bare minimum for weeks, so I'm happy. I'm taking the weekend off paperwork but I'll be back soon with a list for Oct. 

[TheOtherMe]

Enjoy your weekend!

[moneysquirrel]

Update#2:

Goals/To-Dos Week of September 22:

*Package a few items for upcoming craft shows -- need to get some of this done today
*Work on new project -- Started
*Craft show -- Saturday
*Play -- Saturday

Today:
* Mammogram done
* Grocery -- quick pickup of basics and a few snacks for tomorrow
* Two loads of laundry -- bed linens changed
* Car loaded for craft show tomorrow.  Only last few items to add into my backpack in the morning.
* Waiting for my Amazon order to arrive -- one package due today and another one next week.  Don't know why two separate packages/dates.

Wishing all a great weekend.  

[finnime]

good luck at the show, moneysquirrel!

[startsmart]

I got the new kitchen faucet installed!

My neighbor came over to help me stabilize and unscrew a mounting bracket but otherwise I did it all on my own. Now I have hot water AND a kitchen sink that works. I’m doing all the dishes and I’m not even mad about it!

[NastyWoman]

The accidental de-clutterer strikes again and this despite having guests for four out of the last five weeks.

It all began when I asked DS2 to take some boxes down from storage because they were too high up and too heavy (that combination no longer works for me) to reach. As he is the one who really wants me to move near him he decided we should go through some of those boxes and as a result two big size moving boxes full off stuff are gone. The rest will be sorted soon since they take up the space where my portable AC goes and that thing will have to move out of my living room.

I also had lunch with a group of Dutch ladies around here and asked if anyone knew where I could get rid of a "meter" (~40") of Dutch comic books. Today those books were loaded  into the car of one of these ladies. Her DH has a birthday coming up on Tu and he loves and misses this series a lot. So big score: a lot of books gone and someone will have a happy birthday. It doesn't get better than that.