BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 11:00 AM

Dear everyone who posted on Christmas Day....

Got to hand it to you... Even if I had been where there was a interwub, I wouldn't have had the 'nergy to turn on the PC much less think up something to post.

But then I was suffering from worst day of cold.

Today? I am almost human again. YaY! Discovered a budding interest in Jazz, listening to (Christmas prezzies to TSO) Gwilym Simcock and John Scofield in the car on the way back from Stratford u Avon.

Fingers crossed I did not share my cold.

Plans for today, though it is late, dig out the fairy making paraphernalia and teach Hilary how to make them.

Tomorrow - no decluttering as we are at Victoria and Albert and Natural History museums. Hampton Court Palace on Monday. Maybe shopping Tuesday as it is Hilary's last day. Then I have Thursday through Sunday to declutter.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 02:51 PM

I did some cleaning today not because it was in the plans, but because I could smell salmon in the kitchen and wanted to eliminate the smell. Part of my brother's gift this year (in addition to cash for the kids--they love how 1 size fits all) was a box of smoked salmon. Moonglow and her boyfriend had to drive to the next county for his family celebration, but they were leaving some food in my fridge so they planned to swing past on their way back to their house at college. "I'll be back for some of that" she said, pointing at the salmon. :)

So we all stood in the kitchen around midnight, eating salmon, and this morning the kitchen still smelled like it. I cleaned down the countertop, I swept and mopped the floor. I even got a brush and scrubber sponge and cleaned the front of the drawers and the ornate pull handles. After all of that I realized the smell was coming from a dish towel over by the sink.

Oy. It went into the laundry and that problem is now solved. And the kitchen looks great!

Michelle and Virginia, I usually subscribe to 15 minute power naps as a way to energize myself during "normal" days, though when I had that cold I had to forget the short naps and sleep for an hour or so at a time. I hope you're pampering yourselves with good naps and napping spots (I have several nap spots around the house, not just going to my bedroom) to get over this stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 04:15 PM

oh they are all yelling at me... TSO, Lunarfairy and the voices in my head, cuz I won't nap.

Now you Mudcat lot too!?!?! Get in line.

:>)

we made 15 fairies - 5 were boys.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 08:44 PM

The house is so quiet, I suppose it is the emptiness of imagining my son away at school next year. If we got the forms in right. So many possibilities. Anyway, I thought about escaping for a while and going to a movie, but it is really cold out there tonight. I should putter around the house and go to the movies tomorrow afternoon instead. There are several interesting ones playing (though some of them won't make it to our lowest-common-denominator local theaters).

I need to clear up some of the holiday clutter and do some more vacuuming and mopping. And I would enjoy a long hot soak in the tub.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 11:27 PM

It's a big change to not have a child in the house any more. In our case, the last one was acting so horribly, she always does when there's big change - makes it easier to not have to go through emotional goodbyes, it was rather peaceful and welcome.

I overdid it a bit, yesterday, first to Morgan's, then home for early dinner with my brother and Rog who cooked it all, then short nap, then off to our son's which was really fun, but we figured out when we left my O2 wasn't working right which explained why I was feeling so cruddy. I couldn't tell it wasn't working before because we were all talking, playing games and making lots of noise. I even got my fiddle out, but was too weak to make much more than a squeak. Today it has been hard to keep my eyes opne, but I'll be okay with a better night's sleep.

Rog has already rendered the turkey, we've had leftovers twice, yummy, and my pies turned out good - could have had more spices, but still good. I have a few dishes to wash tomorrow. We may go through some stuff in a closet, but Roger is really enjoying his time off, so I may just leave him alone tomorrow. See if there is anything I can do without his help.

Hope you are all keeping well. So far, I've stuck within my points range this week!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 02:20 AM

Tomorrow I'll find places to give away cookies so I won't blast all of my progress out of the water. If it would only warm up again, I have a lot of work in the yard that is great exercise.

Take care, Kat, and get past this cruddy period and back to your old self ASAP.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: mouldy
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 05:58 AM

Luckily all my Christmas gifts fit into a small carrier bag, so there will be no wondering where the hell I am going to fit 'em! With no kids resident any more there isn't their new stuff to store, either.

Ruth and Paul will be going back south on 30th, so the place will seem very empty again on that day. However, there will be a load of people around on New Year's Eve, and so I have to busy myself with prepping for that.

The old behemoth of a 3 piece suite will hopefully be going at the end of next month, and so when I get back from NZ I should actually have some storage in my small garage again, and be able to get boxes of antiquey stuff that were brought in to make room for it out of the house once again! In the meantime, I will have a load more stuff to prune out of the study, and new power sockets for 2 rooms to organise.

I'm not thinking of the waistline like I should. I have been "grazing" and that's fatal, especially like yesterday, when we were all (10 of us) sitting round a kitchen table playing games, and nibbles were put on the table.... I only had ONE brownie, honest, but the Pringles were a bit moreish!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 10:57 AM

Dishes are done, floors are swept and I undecorated the tree this morning. One of my Christmas gifts was a new recliner (so I have a comfy spot to relax and heal after my surgery) and it is coming tomorrow. The only spot I have for it is where the Christmas tree is. I'll leave up the nativities and other things but the tree has to come down. I'm kind of glad in a way because it is in front of a sliding glass door and blocks out a good deal of sunlight which I have been missing.

I got in 2 meals yesterday...on the small side but at least it was something. I had breakfast this morning too...not really hungry but knowing I need to get in some kind of nutrients plus enough food to go with my meds so I don't feel so sick.

I continue to struggle with a lot of anxiety...it seems to kick in first thing in the morning and then again when the sun starts to go down. I am missing my yoga which is a huge stress reliever for me, the more physical, the better and right now, I'm not to do that. I have some prayers to meditate on and combine with my breathing....I've done that until I've breathed my throat sore and that helps some. I just don't know what to do with this panic....it's overwhelming, exhausting and I can't stand myself like this.

Anyway, I suppose this isn't the place for all that. I did my decluttering this morning and am trying to be accountable by getting in some decent nutrition which is really hard to do when carrying around all this panic inside me. I just have no interest in food.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:22 AM

Michelle, when I was waiting for surgery and couldn't stand the thought of food, I had to drink Ensure just to get some nutrients, as you say. I got the kind with fiber which helped to keep things "moving." I know it's not the greatest as it is very sweet, but the vanilla is not too bad. I hated the chocolate flavour and chocolate is a major food group, imo! You might also look into some of the other drinks which are out now. There's one which has all of your daily requirements for veggies that's pretty tasty. What about fruit smoothies? I do almond milk, two dried figs, blueberries and rice protein powder and it is delicious. There's also extra nutritious breads such as Ezekiel bread which has a good dose of protein in it. Their raisin bread is really good toasted.

SRS, thank you. I did get more sleep last night. Little bit shaky still and I hurt my shoulder, but even it is better. Today will be a light day. I don't think we'll do much but go for a ride and maybe watch a movie. I expect we'll hear from Morgan at some point. I'd take the tree down were it not for him.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 01:00 PM

The sun is coming through my office window full strength, though it's still cold out there. The kitchen is still pretty clear, and I've been packing up the wrappings and spare boxes.

Last night I moved around some of the books and things that need to go on the shelves in the front room (you'll recall I rearranged and enlarged the amount of shelf space in there), and then dusted and started rearranging the fancy shelves in the larger living room (den) where I've placed my dining room table. I have a large oval mirror (originally there were two of these hanging in the hall bathroom) that I hung near the dining table and it looks good--turns that area into a more distinctive "zone" in the room. And if I rearrange the shelves to the side of the table it will look more sophisticated as well. It is a lot of collectible stuff that is arranged kind of haphazardly (each category on a shelf--it's a 3-tiered built in cabinet with about 6 or 7 shelves each).

This is the time of the year where the blues to some degree hit just about everyone. It's a typical response to the let down after the build up we all have to the holidays. I wonder if it is less pronounced in the southern hemisphere, where the year is in full summer with heat and bright light longer in the day? Just thinking about it feels like this would be the case.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 03:57 PM

My son has seen Avatar so we'll probably go see something else together this week. I may go this afternoon on my own. It's nice to get out of the house, and off of the planet every so often. :)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 07:37 PM

I got a very nice PM (which I will answer soon) today and I've decided to take the Xanax that I have. What a difference! Afterwards, my husband set up the Wii that he got me for Christmas and we've been playing all afternoon. I'm not allowed to do yoga (too much jumping, squeezing, bending, etc) but I think the Wii is ok...mostly it's me swinging my arms around like a crazy woman...maybe a step or two forward or back....I LOVE THE TENNIS GAME!!!!! It feels SO GOOD to get up out of my chair and actually DO something!

Also, we took the Christmas tree totally down (this morning I just did the ornaments and lights) and the sunshine is such a welcome addition! I cleaned the sliders (inside and out) and am looking forward to the new recliner that will go there. More laundry is going and I think I'll wash up all the throw rugs in the kitchen tonight too.

Breathing fully is a good thing too. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 08:42 PM

We forget that deep breathing thing, don't we?:-) Glad you decided on "better living through chemistry" for the time being. Normally I eschew any kinds of meds I don't absolutely have to take, but when things ain't normal they sure do help! I still take a xanax at night.

I did one load of laundry, played a bit with Morgan, went shopping for essentials and for a Sunday drive and that is it!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:37 AM

"Better living through chemistry" ha! A glass of wine has the same effect, and is a commonplace occurrence here. :)

Michelle, I sent a PM. Sorry it went so long. But anyway, good for you in addressing the anxiety, and I agree, the tennis game in the Wii is a good move. I have several neighbors who use that, though my son hasn't set up his Wii in the front room yet where I can get my hands on it. Maybe I'll have to buy myself the player one of these days. Something that will also let me stream NetFlix, to kill two birds with one stone.

I went to see Avatar this evening, and ended up staying to see it twice. I have a lot of thoughts about it, so I'm going to write a review (a scholarly one, with citations, and it will have spoilers, so I won't post it on a fan site). It was interesting on many levels. It's nice to feel like doing more of my own writing.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:12 AM

waaahhhh! only one day left with my hilliebean. we did Hampton Court Palace yesterday. shopping today. museums tomorrow so must make very early start.

we've made about 25 fairies. she did the dishes, i did laundry.

congrats to SRS and progeny for the applications work. good thoughts zooming towards Michelle and her surgical team. The date is marked for extra special direction.

hugs to Kat, Maeve, Susan and others.

back to fairy making now.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:41 AM

"Make me a fairy, flies thru Montgomery...."

That song done run thru mah haid. :~) (Izzat fairy does pickups?)


Make me a jester at an old rodeo....
Just give me one thing that I can recycle....
To continue declutters is just a long way to go....

===

OK, if the Declutter Fairies were at YOUR place right now, how many would it take, what is the ONE thing you would want them to pick up, and where would you like them to deliver it?

GROSS ALERT... Mine-- Sadie when she upchucks her dog corner, till she's done upping, wing-sweeping up the dried-up remains as they go, take her for a little tour of doggie-entertainment, then drop 'er back down in that corner. Lessen she needs more upping in which case I can't really say WHERE I'd like her to be toured.... :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:36 AM

If the Declutter Fairy was to visit out home, the ONE thing I would want help with is our music room. It seems to be more of my husband's room so I don't mess with it too much. However, SOME of the mess in there IS mine and I could use a hand with that!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:05 PM

The de-clutter fairy is going to give away the remaining cookies today because they are too big of a temptation.

I've been working on my music room. That would be the front room where the futon is (we use it as a guest room, in addition to my daughter's room as guest room). I have to go through the VCR tapes and thin out the ones I won't watch because I have them on DVD, etc. or because I just won't watch them. If the fairies would restore my old upright grand, I'd be in seventh heaven. It needs several thousands of dollars worth of work.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 02:18 PM

I wish the Declutter Fairy would help me organize the 3 milkcrates of vinyl albums that I have in the "music/computer" room. I buy them at the used record store, because they're something old or out of print by somebody special. Usually I figure there'll be something that I'd like to learn. But I haven't even listened to all of them yet. And I need someplace to store them. I can't put them out in the garage or in the basement.

I haven't done much decluttering over the last week, so haven't had anything to post. Since I didn't clutter up the house too much, there's not much to clean up. I don't want to take down the tree-- it looks so pretty-- so I'll leave it up until after 6th, or maybe longer.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 04:15 PM

Just keeping up with the usual daily stuff: load of wash in the dryer, another in the washer; Christmas dishes soaking in the sink (not very many); cleaned off the dining table cum Rog's desk; picked up the wrapping paper which had been left down for the puss-seens to play with. It's too cold to do much outside unless one is into going up the mtn. to ski (not I!). I am like my cats, if I don't have to go out in it, I won't.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 05:00 PM

It warmed up here enough today that I was able to bring the dogs in for a bath. They're getting a new heart worm/flea treatment called Advantage, and unlike Revolution, that was put on the dogs between baths so the coat's oil would help soak it in, this has oil in it and is supposed to be put on a clean dog. And they stay apart for 30 minutes so they won't groom it off of each other. So far, the dogs have been bathed and the allotted time passed, but now the bathroom needs cleaning and I need a bath!

Today we begin the laundry routine with my son doing his own. This is so he becomes familiar with the process. He has a basket for stuff in his room, and to make a reasonable load, he will be encouraged to add towels and such from the hall basket. We'll also do more cooking. He knows how to make a few things, but I'll teach him more. We must have him up to speed in the next 9 months, because he'll be going to college.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: maire-aine
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 05:06 PM

We only got a light dusting of snow, so I was able to clear it away with just a broom. But it kept falling lightly until mid-afternoon, which meant that the streets stayed just a little slippery. Aside from sweeping the snow, I've stayed in all day.

M

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:49 PM

THREE 11 x 11 ALMOST NEW CARPETS FreeCycled in!

Plus a 12 x 20! All in perfect colors! From nice folks who helped load/stuff my van!

Sorry about the caps,

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:26 PM

That is nice! With all of my tile floors, I think the kids would appreciate more carpets. I've been planning to put tile in two more rooms, but I've lately been thinking maybe I should do those in wood, since they're the highest part of the house and less likely to ever see flood waters.

Got some shopping in today, and loaded up on various cleaning materials I seemed to be running out of all at once.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 03:15 AM

this is going to sound weird... but here goes.

I wish the de-clutter fairy would tidy up all the fairy making paraphernalia with which I make fairies out of stuff I am trying to de-clutter.

vicious cycle, this.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: ragdall
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 04:19 AM

I built shelves for the closet in this room to hold 12 copy paper boxes, and assorted smaller items, so that I will be able to organize some of the clutter which has been piling up on the floor. It was a struggle to get the shelves into the closet, requiring that I remove everything from a nearby bookshelf then move the bookshelf itself. This resulted in a temporarily cluttered hallway and kitchen counter.

I also made a small difference in the clutter in the carport and basement by using scraps of plywood and some surplus hardware to build a "treasure chest" for a young boy.   

project photos (click "detail")

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:34 AM

Impressive!!!!! Love the treasure box!!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 11:13 AM

Well done, Ragdall! It's neat to see pix of the things we work on.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 05:18 PM

Ragdall, are you going to support those closet shelves, or is there a brace that doesn't show? I used some of those closet pole supports (image) screwed into a stud to reinforce shelves I built in an office closet. They make these without the hook on the end also.

They are beautiful shelves, and that's a great little box! Last year I saw some shelves built by a neighbor that also uses multiple smaller planks instead of one large board, and gave me an idea. The project of his I want to duplicate is to use 2" cedar fur strips, mounted side-by-side so the narrow side is up, placed into a potting table for the gardening cart I want to build for myself. I also have an old kitchen sink to use in said cart (so dirt can be pushed through the drain into a bucket below, etc). I haven't built anything for a while, though I do always enjoy the process. I built a large set of shelves for my daughter shortly after we moved in here, though it took quite a while.

I finally got back to finishing this post, and in the meantime I took a photo of that shelf I built.

What else have you built?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:47 PM

SRS...how cool is that? I need one of those shelves...maybe more!!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:04 PM

Wow!

Morgan came over and helped me do the dishes. I also remembered to water my houseplants.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 02:59 AM

I am uber impressed by the carpentry skills in this thread. I have designed a entertainment unit and TSO built it to my specs to fit our oddly shaped/sized AV entertainment stuff. I stained and polished it.

Hil flies back today on BA0227 Heathrow to Atlanta 2:30pm Greenwich Mean Time (9:30am Eastern Standard). Security on all trans-Atlantic flights is stepped up due to attempted terrorist bomber in Detroit last week. This will probably delay her flight by hour or so, if news reports are correct.

So thoughts directed toward her safe travel are gratefully wished for.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:33 AM

Absolutely, VT!

Finally got another blog entry up. Kind of embarrassed, but what the heck.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 11:30 AM

Hil's flight was hour and half late taking off. I have taken down all decorations and put away. All fairy making stuff in the spare room now which as also been tidied after Hil left. 1 load of laundry done and lounge dusted and vacuumed.

Sitting and watching film now and waiting for midnight UK time so I can see that she landed safely.

Sigh.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 11:35 AM

SRS, my last "WOW" was for your shelves. :-)

VTam, good thoughts and thanksgivings that Hil lands safely with ease and comfort.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 11:40 AM

Oh, with the time change I'm in time to pray Hil's safe landing.

Today is my first time of "complete-morning" resources in the upstairs office. I spent the first half hour measuring and figgering for the new rug. Ydy we took the largest one off the van roof at the cleaner's, and that one is allocated to LR. There are now three in the back of the van to haul out, evaluate, and allocate. The cool news is that there is already a freecycler waiting for any usable scraps I don't want or use!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 01:51 PM

Thanks friends

I found pics of some fairies I made 2 years ago. I have been sending to TSO's Mum, and my Mom to give to nursing homes. Sent some fairies as well as headdresses and loads of wings to MBSLYNNE for her daughter and friends to raise money for Alicia. Sent 25 fairies and ingrdients for about 50 more with Hillie who has orders from colleagues. Any money she makes she will save for her move back to Virginia.

one pic of wings and some fairies
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42775227@N08/sets/72157623102156568/

headdresses
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42775227@N08/sets/72157622647117078/

Starting to fancy making some more headdresses now, but I fancy starting a jigsaw puzzle more, now i have a porta puzzle board to do it on.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:25 PM

VT: Creative minds think alike! I made a set of butterfly wings very similar to those years ago for a Halloween costume. I couldn't find them again when my small (at the time) daughter required a pair of wings, so I bent some more hangers, found a pretty gauzy fabric, and made her a pair. I tend to think that that episode was the beginning of her interest in costumes--that pair of wings is still hanging in her closet, even though they'd be way small for her now. And they're in good company with a lot of other wings and headdresses and ears and tails she has made over the years. :)

Well here's my happy happy mom story for you all (I clipped this from a PM I was sending to Micca, because it's too good a story to not share):

This has been a week for happy children. My son has been taking guitar lessons for four years from a very good teacher here in Fort Worth. I've wanted him to have those lessons and through financial hard times we've cut other things to keep up the lessons (cable TV is highly over-rated anyway!) We chose Michael because he teaches music, theory, technique, all of those things you generally miss when you take lessons down at the local mass-music store and learn a few songs. Michael gave Dylan a loaner guitar to use (it is a flamenco guitar, one that at the time he said was worth about $1,500 but had "some issues.") Through his studio we had a guitar on order from a Spanish maker, but it never came in, and we've continued with this guitar over the years. Today I figured I'd better set the wheels in motion to get him a classical of his own, because come August he'll be heading to college, and I'd like him to have the classical as well as the electric. Michael responded "I've thought of that as Dylan's guitar for years. It's his."

I am so grateful! And Dylan, also, I think, was surprised, though he didn't show much. But what a tremendous gift. (I was going to ask if I could continue to pay him monthly for the next year after Dylan goes on to college to cover the cost of it.)

This is truly my best christmas gift this year!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:34 PM

How neat, SRS!

VTam, I've loved your headdresses since I first saw them. SO beautiful.

Something clicked in my brain and motivated me a little bit, today. I have cleaned the bathroom, put away the clean clothes, and picked up and put away a few other things. It feels good to feel like doing it AND to be more physical. Only about 16 days left and the zoloft is supposed to really kick in...I am getting my improved olde self back.:-)

SRS, I am way past due for a blog entry. I keep thinking I'll get to it. Glad to see you have another. I will read it before next year.*bg*

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 05:53 PM

I did absolutely nothing around the house today. Nothing. I may have to tidy up the kitchen table because it's driving me batty....just magazines, mail...that kind of thing. I want it cleared!

I did go to a healing service at my church today. Got there a little early...maybe 20 minutes or so and was having quite a bit of pain so I sat in my car and tried to breathe it away. I think I fell asleep twice. I went to the service, still felt yucky by the time I got home so I heated up my corn pad, grabbed a blanket and curled up in my chair for a nap. We were supposed to run some errands this afternoon but I'm sure they will wait until tomorrow. I'm finally starting to feel a little better but that pain ate up most of my day.

I am really liking my living room with the tree down and the new recliner in place....it's homey. :) The treadmill has been pushed to the side to make room for all 3 chairs but I'm not supposed to be using it anyway, so that's ok.

There are a few dishes in the sink and I have laundry in the dryer that I really should fold....maybe later tonight. We'll see.

Food still isn't of much interest. I am eating just enough so I can take my meds in hopes of avoiding any further stomach upset. BLAH.

Love to all,

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 06:57 PM

Michelle, does tylenol help? I ask because I have chronic pain which was keeping me awake too much. I was so proud of myself for stopping nightly tylenol and benadryl a few months ago. I was proving a point to a friend who could care less...dummy me. Anyway, last night I had a brain and took some tylenol which allowed me to sleep pain free! Duh! Anyhow, I hope you feel better.

I took everything off the Christmas tree and put them in the bin. It is ready for Rog to take out. We leave it in the stand and set it out for the birds to nestle in. When it gets too dry, then we'll recycle it.

Today was weigh-in for me. I've lost another .9 of a lb.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 07:50 PM

Showoff.












;-D

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 10:01 PM

My challenge to us all: to pitch one item or more (set your goal for how many) for each reasonable-length paragraph you post in this thread. :~)

Me, I gonna (unload with or without help and) sort my new rugs tomorrow, roll up (or let Hardi roll) the ones not being laid the same weekend, and give away (via FC) any not allocated IN ADVANCE (tmrw), by mid-week of next week. (I can dump rugs when I pick up the one out being cleaned.)

And back to pool at least 2 days per week next week, and back to the normal FOUR pool visits per week by the week after. Cuz the fat pants have been on my butt too many days now, no matter how much I may want to "play office." (I DO need to print a new Africa map I found for the pool.) The program I am designing won't work without me, so I gotta still be alive when it rolls out. [shrug] Oh well! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 06:16 AM

Hil is home safe after late departure and arrival and a second security check at destination. She had near 3 hour ride (lucky a friend collected her) to Augusta and got in around midnight. I booked the flight she had so her friend would not be so put out by having to drive late. That didn't work, so I've asked Hilary to get her a gift certificate for a nice shop on me.

I am already weepy because I know it will be more than a year before I see my Hilliebug again. Some how it is particularly strong sorrow this time.

Well we got rid of some fairy light strings. Decided not to use them any more. Unfortunately you cannot donate electrical items to charity shops, so they had to go to tip. Maybe someone else will pick them up and reuse.

I sorted through and neatened up all the recyclable gift wrap, tags, ribbons and bows. Yes we recycle tags by putting a sticky white labels over written messages. Recycle Christmas cards the same way into gift tags. Cut really creased up wrap into strips to use for making bows next year.

Grocery shopping is now done and found in the clothing sales (Sainsbury's sells everything) a really smart tan macintosh/trench coat on offer for £15, simply because it had some dirty marks near hem on left side. Easy to clean off. So I have a nice rain coat for spring.

Some left over tintern cheese (it got rock hard) and some red grapes (way past fresh) hit the bin. 2 loads of wash done and 2 more to go. Dishes done, and most counters cleared and wiped down. How does so much crumb and crud magically appear every other day?

Next, clean bathroom top to bottom and do some ironing.

Then I get to start a jigsaw puzzle. Yippee!

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 06:18 AM

VT, what is titanium cheese, and do you have FreeCycle there?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:54 AM

Wikipedia description follows:

Tintern is a blended mature creamy Cheddar cheese flavoured with fresh chives and shallots, made by Abergavenny Fine Foods. Typically produced in wheels of 2.25kg, it is sold in a distinctive lime green wax covering.
It takes its name from the village of Tintern on the River Wye, in Monmouthshire, Wales. The monks of Tintern Abbey are said to have farmed shallots in the abbey gardens in the grounds.

Tintern photo

It's yummy. Only a small cube was wasted.

Freecycle - Doh! I didn't think of that. I will in future though, Thanks.

Another load of clothes in machine. Bathroom, front hall, spare room all shiny clean from top to bottom. Does pitching out dust, hair and grime count as decluttering? Kitchen clean except cooker which will be Saturday jobbie. Will steam clean in and out. Also will start working on the dirty areas of the (ugh) white carpet in our lounge. I didn't choose the carpet. TSO did before I moved to UK.

I feel really good about moving into 2010 with a really clean home.

Think I will wait on the ironing though. I am knackered. Jigsaw puzzle here I come. I may be some time.

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: ragdall
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 09:02 AM

SRS,
Those cubbies look wonderful! Does your daughter actually put everything in place in them, or do you have to do some of the tidying?

My closet shelves are free standing. Bolting supports to the wall isn't an option. I did add a cross member to the middle of each shelf with the thought that I could add another leg there for added support if needed. So far they don't seem to need any support other than the legs at either end.

Over the years I've built whatever was needed and a few items to amuse and occupy various children. Sometime it might be fun to try to locate old photos, scan and compile a visual record. It's easy to forget ones accomplishments.

The task at hand, however, is to try to get the home dusted and tidy before midnight if I can get pain under control and sleep a little.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:03 AM

A new cheese to hunt!

Licking my screen,

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: LilyFestre
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:21 AM

I'd love to have shelves like the ones that have been posted except that I would need to have doors on them. It seems that all the random dust in the universe finds it way to our house. I had a lovely wine rack but because it was open faced, it was nothing more than a giant dust collector. I had to wash the bottles of wine before we opened them! EW! I got rid of that. Wine racks are great ideas but they need doors! It's not so much of a big deal here as we are not big drinkers...might have a bottle every 3 months or so.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: 2009 Dec. De-clutter & Accountability
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:38 AM

The Scottish tradition of Hogmanay includes cleaning house top to bottom before the New Year: CLICK.