debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Sept 29, 2024 4:06:54 GMT -5
Woo hoo startsmart and NastyWoman ! So much progress! I hope the show went well moneysquirrel I got my ballot. I need to go to the post office tomorrow to mail it. I made my Oct list, but Oct is short. I go into the hospital on 14 Oct. To do Oct: - lab tests 1+2 - this week - pick up pharmacy - this week - anaesthesiologist appt - next week - renew US passport (all done but photo and post office)- go to Ford dealer - Thurs (ugh! our lease expires in Nov)
I want to renew my passport before I go into the hospital, but the local stores that did US photos have all closed down. DH will take and print the photo.
|
|
Knee Deep in Water Chloe
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
Posts: 14,325
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1980e6
|
Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Sept 29, 2024 11:35:18 GMT -5
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Sept 29, 2024 14:49:12 GMT -5
We were home all day so I forced encouraged DH to go through his Shitepile. His basket was REALLY overflowing. The desk looks so much better now.
WFH Mon all day and Wed morning, at school Tuesday.
|
|
Knee Deep in Water Chloe
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
Posts: 14,325
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1980e6
|
Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Sept 29, 2024 18:45:58 GMT -5
On the organizational front: I'm ordering Christmas cards! I'm determined to have them all ready to go by December 5th. I love sending cards, so even if you don't send them out, please let me send one to you! DM me your address if you amicable to that.
I also have two parties I'm hosting and need to keep preparing for: My daughter's baby shower is in two weeks. We're hosting a Halloween party for a civic group DH belongs to.
I'm also working on new fall pillow covers.
I have gotten a few big tasks taken care of as has DH:
DH arranged for the sprinkler system to be worked on. We got two estimates, and the one DH preferred was scheduled. They were here on Friday, and it's all done. DH had an arborist come out on last week. They made some recommendations for trimming and removal, and we're discussing which portions we want to have completed. DH also--after me asking 18 times -- had a load of compost delivered. For that, we still need to purchase 40 more bricks to build a curb/one-foot wall for a new flower bed.
I finally went to get new glasses. I didn't want to, but I lost a pair when we made our trip to British Columbia.
Other tasks I need to take care of is some life insurance paperwork and transferring some financial funds for DH's retirement account.
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Sept 30, 2024 7:26:31 GMT -5
You've been busy Knee Deep in Water Chloe ! I mailed the ballot and bought the tracked envelopes I need to renew my passport. I'll still need to go back to mail them later this week after DH does the photo.
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,990
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Sept 30, 2024 14:02:15 GMT -5
Thanks debthaven. I did ok. I made enough to cover the booth fee and to pay the sales taxes and actually had a little bit of profit. Actually I think that this is the best that I ever did at this particular show. My friend and I have a "private show" this coming weekend which we are looking forward to. I do have several items that I ran out of that I have to work on this week. These are seasonal items and I want to take advantage of making these holiday/seasonal projects while people are in the mood. I also have one last kit that I purchased this summer to complete. Currently it is in the early stages and somewhat packed away while I tackle that list of things that I need to make to sell. I use the money I make from the craft shows to purchase the supplies I need as well as to help pay for the classes/retreats that I attend. We also attended a play last Saturday night after the craft show. It was a great show but I was exhausted by the long day. I got the the locale for the craft show about 6:45 am and was on the go until almost 11 PM. I definitely slept in most of Sunday to recover from the day. Thankfully I rarely have those type of long days any longer. Going to rest a bit before I start tackling things from the list as well as a few items not there. Sure there will be a few -- always is. Today I: *Completed one load of laundry *Worked a little on my kit project *Cleared those flat areas that never want to stay cleared. *Started pulling the beads that I will need for those items I have to complete for the shows *Calculated the sales taxes that I have to send in to the state and parish. (Still need to fill out the forms, write the checks and mail them off.) This Week:
*Post office to mail sales tax forms and checks off *Bank *Eye Appointment *Classes -- the usual Wednesday and Thursday -- No Tuesday as Eye appointment is at same time. *Meeting -- Wednesday *Grocery -- Wednesday -- snacks for meeting and a few other items *Craft show -- Saturday
|
|
Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
Posts: 12,675
Location: Good ol' USA
|
Post by Iggy aka IG on Sept 30, 2024 16:33:07 GMT -5
Stopping in to say hi to everyone!
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Sept 30, 2024 16:48:59 GMT -5
|
|
NastyWoman
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 20:50:37 GMT -5
Posts: 15,035
|
Post by NastyWoman on Sept 30, 2024 18:26:10 GMT -5
And...another box of stuff mostly gone. The remainder will go in my suitcase at Xmas as it contains the (cross stitched by me) Xmas ornaments that belong to DS2. Its about a shoebox worth of stuff that is going there.
Now to convince myself that I need to give away the huge, very nice, Santa cookie container. I'm halfway there. In a few weeks I will put another collection of Xmas decorations on the buy nothing site - it really needs to go then but I'm not yet quite there...
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Oct 1, 2024 9:19:22 GMT -5
NastyWoman if you or your family would enjoy it, why not keep it? It sounds like you're attached to it. Made it to school and back.
|
|
Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
Posts: 12,675
Location: Good ol' USA
|
Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 1, 2024 9:22:25 GMT -5
NastyWoman, how nice of you to give away extra Christmas decorations. Several years ago, I gifted gift bags full to several people whom I thought needed some holiday cheer. Except for the usual chores, not much has happened around the house lately. The back area here at the office is getting rather cluttered again, so I'll do a bit at a time to chip away at it. So far one box of delivered supplies has been opened, emptied, stored and the box taken to the recycle bin.
|
|
NastyWoman
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 20:50:37 GMT -5
Posts: 15,035
|
Post by NastyWoman on Oct 1, 2024 12:21:21 GMT -5
NastyWoman if you or your family would enjoy it, why not keep it? It sounds like you're attached to it. Made it to school and back. Well, at one time I lived in a close to 4000sft house (company provided). I had enough Xmas decorations to decorate that entire house. I've moved several times since then into ever smaller homes. I now live in a 1300sft condo which I can decorate several times over. Not only did I have all my stuff from that time long ago, my family and friends know how much I love Xmas and through the years they have gifted me more stuff, lots and lots more! My next home will be smaller than my current one. So I have started paring down. This will be my third year of giving away items. I am keeping only those items I cannot part with. And that is based on sentiment not monetary value - no way will I get rid of those painted egg carton bells or that really ugly paper angel (really Mrs. Kurz you had to have them make an angel with a green face - it looks like it has food poisoning). I hope the items I give away will be cherished in their next home. Most decorations went to the same home -> a Ukranian refugee who came here a few years ago with nothing. If she is still around I hope a lot of the new items will go to her as well.
|
|
Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
Posts: 12,675
Location: Good ol' USA
|
Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 1, 2024 12:29:27 GMT -5
NastyWoman if you or your family would enjoy it, why not keep it? It sounds like you're attached to it. Made it to school and back. Well, at one time I lived in a close to 4000sft house (company provided). I had enough Xmas decorations to decorate that entire house. I've moved several times since then into ever smaller homes. I now live in a 1300sft condo which I can decorate several times over. Not only did I have all my stuff from that time long ago, my family and friends know how much I love Xmas and through the years they have gifted me more stuff, lots and lots more! My next home will be smaller than my current one. So I have started paring down. This will be my third year of giving away items. I am keeping only those items I cannot part with. And that is based on sentiment not monetary value - no way will I get rid of those painted egg carton bells or that really ugly paper angel (really Mrs. Kurz you had to have them make an angel with a green face - it looks like it has food poisoning). I hope the items I give away will be cherished in their next home. Most decorations went to the same home -> a Ukranian refugee who came here a few years ago with nothing. If she is still around I hope a lot of the new items will go to her as well. Reminds me of the green faced dog one of my client's children colored in one of the activity books here at my office. Regarding decluttering here at the office, the box I mentioned earlier was from yesterday. In between client servicing, today's activities have been taking a large box containing two smaller boxes to the recycle bin, and emptying the contents of another box, transferring them to a tote and put into my vehicle to take home this evening. I'll take the newly emptied box out to the bin on my next run. Thank you for being cheerleaders, everyone!
|
|
TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 14:40:52 GMT -5
Posts: 28,371
Mini-Profile Name Color: e619e6
|
Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 1, 2024 16:00:11 GMT -5
NastyWoman I hope you can find the Ukrainian woman. I donated some more of my Christmas decorations the last time the organizer was here. More will most likely go when she returns in November. She is really cutting back on the organizing. She is nurse practioner and got bored with organizing. She plans to do 4 sessions a month and no more.
|
|
soupandstew
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 11, 2023 17:15:12 GMT -5
Posts: 2,684
|
Post by soupandstew on Oct 1, 2024 17:07:29 GMT -5
DH and I used to exchange Christmas gifts with several friends and some neighbors so I had a very large stash of tissue, wrap, ribbon, bows, tags etc. in two large underbed plastic bins. All our friends have passed or moved so I listed the stuff for free on social media. The lady that got it was almost in tears. She and her husband have lots of family and it stretched their budget to gift them all at Christmas so saving $$ for wrapping stuff really helped her out.
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Oct 2, 2024 1:31:43 GMT -5
Work week over. To do Oct: - lab tests 1+2/Wed - pharmacy/Wed
- check out cars/Wed+Thurs (UGH but our lease expires in Nov)- renew US passport/Thurs (all done but photo and post office) - pick up congas/Sat - anaesthesiologist appt/next Wed I was up very early to go to the lab. I'm still trying to Get Stuff Done before my operation. I spoke to my colleague B at school yesterday. He's happy to do my last three classes in Nov if I can't, which was a huge relief.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 8,153
|
Post by finnime on Oct 2, 2024 4:21:22 GMT -5
I've almost completely cleared the guest room of all our photography inventory and supplies. Just an hour to go, I think, then do the living room and clean all the surfaces. DH is doing the office. Heard last evening from DSis's younger son. He is coming to the birthday bash Sunday along with his wife and 2 kids, so that will make about 15 people all told.
I need to get some paper cups and plates. We're avoiding plastics especially for the younger family members. And I need to get some drinks for all.
TOday I'll buy steak at Costco plus fruit and vegetables. We have chicken tenderloins. Sunday I'll have DH go with ODB to pick up the scallops and shrimp. I'll make the cake and brownies on Saturday.
This is one big incentive to clean the house!
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Oct 2, 2024 5:03:25 GMT -5
Your menu sounds wonderful finnime !
|
|
Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
Posts: 12,675
Location: Good ol' USA
|
Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 2, 2024 11:25:47 GMT -5
Yesterday after work: -Walked with the kittens -Rode my ATV -Made supper -Refilled ice cubes and Keurig -Emptied and put away the tote items from the office -Finished loading the dishwasher and started it
Today's office decluttering: -Prepare two packages to be returned (items from the Labor Day sale and one other) -Take to my vehicle the packages to be mailed and the small gift bag for a friend for tomorrow, and the empty box to the bin -Also take the packing tape dispenser to my vehicle to bring back home -I reached out to a friend to see if she is still interested in the picture frame which I'd brought to the office for her to pick up a few months ago. If not, into the Goodwill bin it goes!
|
|
seriousthistime
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,178
|
Post by seriousthistime on Oct 2, 2024 11:31:06 GMT -5
I bought some Barber stuffed chicken breasts in a new flavor I'd never tried. I didn't like it. I just posted (on Buy Nothing) the remaining 5 in the box. I'm waiting for someone to pick them up.
I also have a few other items left over from my redecorating after remodeling. I'm collecting them and will post them soon.
|
|
seriousthistime
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,178
|
Post by seriousthistime on Oct 2, 2024 11:43:44 GMT -5
Speaking of Buy Nothing, I've had a couple of weird experiences lately. One woman was irritated that I wanted an approximate time for pickup and insisted I could leave them on my front porch for her to pick up anytime within 48 hours. And basically said I wouldn't find anyone to take my stuff if I held them to a particular time.
I do not like people coming to my front porch at all hours of the day or night. I once had a man come to my porch after dark, when a woman said she would come by about 5 hours earlier. And because the item was bulky and in my garage, I had to let him in there, where a lot of other items were visible. And he didn't take the item after seeing it.
I do not insist on a particular time. A time frame is fine. If it's still out there by dark I bring it in and move on to someone else the next day.
In our Buy Nothing group, maybe all of them, we are not to DM anyone without asking first. I state in my posting that, if interested, to please specify when you can pick up and whether it's OK to DM you. Most people who respond just say "Interested" without indicating what I requested. So I skip over them.
One person who has gotten some items from me says she has a running list of people she doesn't respond to when she's gifting something due to her previous interactions with them. I get some people have chaotic lives and things come up but if you're interested, stay in contact with me please!
Rant over.
I still do like Buy Nothing. If I were taking items to the Salvation Army or similar, I'd be adding to a pile of stuff over time and taking it there all at once. I like to get it out of the house ASAP once I've decided it has to go.
|
|
NastyWoman
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 20:50:37 GMT -5
Posts: 15,035
|
Post by NastyWoman on Oct 2, 2024 14:42:31 GMT -5
Speaking of Buy Nothing, I've had a couple of weird experiences lately. One woman was irritated that I wanted an approximate time for pickup and insisted I could leave them on my front porch for her to pick up anytime within 48 hours. And basically said I wouldn't find anyone to take my stuff if I held them to a particular time. I do not like people coming to my front porch at all hours of the day or night. I once had a man come to my porch after dark, when a woman said she would come by about 5 hours earlier. And because the item was bulky and in my garage, I had to let him in there, where a lot of other items were visible. And he didn't take the item after seeing it. I do not insist on a particular time. A time frame is fine. If it's still out there by dark I bring it in and move on to someone else the next day. In our Buy Nothing group, maybe all of them, we are not to DM anyone without asking first. I state in my posting that, if interested, to please specify when you can pick up and whether it's OK to DM you. Most people who respond just say "Interested" without indicating what I requested. So I skip over them. One person who has gotten some items from me says she has a running list of people she doesn't respond to when she's gifting something due to her previous interactions with them. I get some people have chaotic lives and things come up but if you're interested, stay in contact with me please! Rant over. I still do like Buy Nothing. If I were taking items to the Salvation Army or similar, I'd be adding to a pile of stuff over time and taking it there all at once. I like to get it out of the house ASAP once I've decided it has to go. I too always insist on them providing me with a time when they come. And the few times food items were involved I insisted that they give me a very exact time so I can keep food in the fridge/freezer until the last moment. People did so and have even DM'd me when they arrived at my building. Nothing frozen or refrigerated has spoiled on my watch. You think that is too much to ask when you get a free item? To bad I'll give it to someone else
|
|
seriousthistime
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,178
|
Post by seriousthistime on Oct 2, 2024 15:07:52 GMT -5
Exactly, NastyWoman. I really dislike having to post back and forth after people have expressed interest, to find out when they can come and whether I can DM them. If other people are waiting, why should I be going back and forth with a particular person who's expressed interest when they are not looking at Facebook and don't timely respond? But the next person on the list could be the same. I've also given up on saying that if an item is not picked up as agreed, I will move on to the next poster. That is actually what I do, but if I say it specifically some people think they can speak for an item and think about it until the end of the day and then DM that I should move on to the next person, or ghost me altogether. I've received a few items through Buy Nothing. I don't ask of other people anything other than what I do myself. Anyway these are minor frustrations.
|
|
Iggy aka IG
Senior Associate
Joined: Oct 25, 2012 12:23:23 GMT -5
Posts: 12,675
Location: Good ol' USA
|
Post by Iggy aka IG on Oct 2, 2024 15:39:09 GMT -5
Yesterday after work: -Walked with the kittens -Rode my ATV -Made supper -Refilled ice cubes and Keurig -Emptied and put away the tote items from the office -Finished loading the dishwasher and started it Today's office decluttering: - Prepare two packages to be returned (items from the Labor Day sale and one other)- Take to my vehicle the packages to be mailed and the small gift bag for a friend for tomorrow, and the empty box to the bin- Also take the packing tape dispenser to my vehicle to bring back home- I reached out to a friend to see if she is still interested in the picture frame which I'd brought to the office for her to pick up a few months ago. If not, into the Goodwill bin it goes!Everything has been completed except I am waiting on my friend to confirm lunch tomorrow. I confirmed with picture frame friend I'll drop it off at her work the next time I'm in that area. I packaged it up along with some agency swag. I also put away a get-well card from a beloved friend a few months ago. I tend to keep things like that. It's shaping up around here.
|
|
debthaven
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 7, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
Posts: 10,660
|
Post by debthaven on Oct 2, 2024 16:08:51 GMT -5
Iggy aka IG I'm always impressed at how incredibly thoughtful you are. We have a Ford Puma (not sure if they exist in the US). The lease expires in late Nov. DH wants to change it so he dragged me to a bunch of dealerships this afternoon. I said I may be willing to change it for a smaller, cheaper car. He found a smaller car that was more expensive, and a bigger car that was more expensive. The only thing we both insist on is a sunroof, which obviously limits our choices. I want to extend our current lease because I don't want to deal with choosing a new car now. I asked to extend the lease online ... no, we have to go there. Of course. I was anti-leasing but DH insisted two cars ago. After keeping our old cars forever, I now appreciate never having a car break down. But I still want to pay as little possible! So less than two weeks from surgery, by tomorrow evening I will have spent not one, but two afternoons this week at dealerships!!! PS DH told me I was rude to the car salesmen today. I said I'm not rude, I'm pointed. And that I'm actually doing them a favor, because I don't want to waste their time or ours. (This was in response to the VW salesman asking me if I was excited to get a pretty new car! I said absolutely not, I don't care about cars, I just need the car to have a sunroof and get me from Point A to Point B reliably.)
|
|
seriousthistime
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,178
|
Post by seriousthistime on Oct 2, 2024 17:37:21 GMT -5
That would be my answer too, debthaven. I really take no glee in even thinking about a new-to-me car. Yes, even though I bought a new car a couple of months ago! I find it interesting, learning all the features in a new car, but rarely do I stop to think, "Hey, that's really neat!" It's mostly, "Huh. So THAT's how you do it" or "I didn't realize the car could do that. Do I like that?" Unfortunately, cars are a necessity for most of us. I really just want a car that stops when I need it to, and goes when I need it to. I've never heard of a Puma. Looks like it's a smaller SUV-type. I'm a sunroof fan too!
|
|
TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 14:40:52 GMT -5
Posts: 28,371
Mini-Profile Name Color: e619e6
|
Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 2, 2024 17:46:05 GMT -5
I only do porch pick ups if I give something away. I've pretty much stopped doing Buy Nothing because people think they can insist that I bring the item to their house. I put in the posting where I live. If you didn't read that, I am not driving to your house to bring you a free item.
I do insist on a time frame. I don't want them to see anything in my house or garage. Just get whatever I put out there and leave me alone. The camera tells me they are here.
|
|
seriousthistime
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,178
|
Post by seriousthistime on Oct 2, 2024 18:01:49 GMT -5
Some people are kind enough to text me before they leave the driveway to thank me and let me know they've picked up the item.
I have delivered some items to someone who gifts extra cans of food and other nonperishables from time to time. She doesn't have a car, but she's such a nice addition to the group that I made an exception. It was a porch drop-off. I responded to her request for a particular item that I happened to have and I was fine getting rid of it.
I was unhappy enough after one encounter to contact an admin to see if I was being unreasonable in requesting a time frame. I wasn't. The Admin said the person gifting the items gets to decide on how the pickup will work.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 8,153
|
Post by finnime on Oct 2, 2024 18:02:12 GMT -5
I would be downright angry at a salesperson condescending to me like that, debthaven. You responded appropriately IMNSHO.
|
|
finnime
Junior Associate
Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 7:14:35 GMT -5
Posts: 8,153
|
Post by finnime on Oct 2, 2024 18:06:18 GMT -5
I've given away a fair number of things on Buy Nothing. I always put in the listing that I must know a time when it will be picked up. The last thing I gave was a wooden Asian-style screen, quite heavy. An early respondent just posted "interested" so I skipped her and went on to the first one to specify when they could pick it up. She was unhappy at being skipped. I explained to her my reason and moved on. She said it wasn't possible to say when she'd pick it up because she needed to arrange for help to move it.
|
|