BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Charmion
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 01:32 PM

I have just learned that the real post-Afghanistan clutter is still on its way, courtesy of Her Majesty, who knew that Edmund wouldn't be needing his arid-pattern combat clothing in snowbound Ottawa. So that is a nuisance for after New Year.

We now have to start planning Edmund's place in Kingston, packing up crockery and books -- kinda like sending him off to university but with money coming in, not going out. That's another thing I won't start thinking about until January.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 01:26 PM

Alas, when the cable installation guy came through the house I still had plenty of stuff to stumble over and around, but at least the kitchen still looks great. Time to flatten a bunch of boxes in the sun room. They may still get used for eBay stuff, but they don't need to be 3 dimensional while they await use.

Cable is fast, but now I need to reconfigure the wireless connection, and cancel the old DSL service. And I need to do income tax donation stuff today, and make another run over to the Goodwill. Anyone else planning to make one last big effort, my hat's off to you. Doing all of this with folks and new gifts under foot is a challenge, but it does feel nice in the evening when you're turning of the lights and can admire the room, not just wince at the thought of the work that awaits tomorrow. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:18 PM

Fixing lunch today was much easier because of all of the de-cluttering I've been doing! Easy to set the table, easy to find a good-sized counter to work on without having to clear it off first. Nice!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 01:45 AM

My kids knew (still know, actually) that whatever is in their stocking is theirs to open as soon as they get up. I always would put in some kind of Lego toy for each of them to build. I didn't think to look for one this year--we have all outgrown them, I guess.

I'm really turning the computer off this time. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 12:11 AM

That's really neat about the bottle, Maggie. Sounds as though you've been having a good day and evening.

My car battery died, yesterday, only we weren't sure it was terminal until this morning when it once again wouldn't start. So, yesterday, my dau. took me to the coumadin clinic and the docs where the osteo doc student did wonders on my feet! My brother took me to the store this morning as he was buying most of Christmas dinner and needed me with the list. Got that done and delivered to my dau.'s house because they are doing the cooking. I made pies, cranberries, and swedish tea ring for breakfast tomorrow and I am off t'bed, now. I know Morgan is going to be calling us early to come see what Santa brought! Have fun everyone! OH, so our Christmas present to each other basically is the new battery!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 12:04 AM

Just poking in my head before turning off the computer for the night. Still wrapping, and will bake after that. I expect the kids to be another hour or two. Modem arrived in the mail tonight along with a gift, so I'll be able to set up a much faster connection on Friday morning when the cable guy comes and attaches the house to that cable grid. About time! This slow DSL is only a few times faster than Dialup and it hangs all of the time.

Took at peek at the eBay listing--there seem to be a number of browsers this evening, I have a couple of more watchers in the last hour or two. Good!

I have a stack of last minute donation items over on one side of the living room. I will take those down to the Goodwill this weekend and finish my write up for my annual donations.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 03:50 PM

Charmion, sounds like a time when the mess shouldn't matter. Enjoy having Edmund home!

I've finished some more baking this morning, fed the kids and my daughter's boyfriend (blueberry buttermilk pancakes), cleaned the kitchen, and now I can finish wrapping and get ready to do the Santa thing once they come in from xmas eve at the ex's house. Santa doesn't fill stockings until the kids have gone to bed.

I'll have the evening to putter, and I'll probably list some eBay stuff but delay the start time until tomorrow or later. No point in listing an auction tonight only to have it end on New Year's Eve. Not many shoppers on that party night! I am happy that my little perfume bottle has two bids and the second one hit the reserve price, with four days left for more bidding. It's nice to think that I've put up an item that really is rare and that will bring real pleasure to the high bidder. It's a little work of art that will go to a person who will (one expects) know how to display it. One person's clutter can be someone else's treasure!

SRS

Subject: Hear a Lost Cat Calling
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 11:46 AM

Our new basement kitty seemed missing the first 3 days and we were worried-- she'd been totally friendly in the garage where we picked her up. She'd been up in the rafters, is all, watching us to make SURE we were the new Food Providers. Now she's all over Hardi when he steps thru the doorway with unbelievable treats.

But I did learn a cool thing for kitteh-finding. If they are stuck and weakened, you can hear them better by using an MP3 recorder with the recording function ON and headphones or earbuds. Acts as a sound amplifier. Turn it all the way up and you may hear a kitteh you hadn't heard.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 11:42 AM

Aw Charmion, this is not clutter, it's welcome-home normality-- a lot of freshly-received blessings to trip over. Don't be too hard on yourself-- it will all get put away before long.

Enjoy holiday-with-husband,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Charmion
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 10:04 AM

My house looks like the aftermath of a clutter bomb. Edmund's stuff from Afghanistan is still not entirely stowed and we now have computer boxes all over the study floor, the result of buying a laptop and a printer. There are clothes lying in heaps all over the place -- Edmund came home from Afghanistan as slim and fit as a young subaltern so all his jeans are too big; also, I never seem to find the time to put away all the laundry or go to the dry cleaner.

On top of all that is the Christmas clutter -- gifts, packing materials, wrapping. Yikes! No tree this year, because we're not hosting Christmas dinner and we're going away for New Year, but plenty of mess and ruckus without it.

I've said it for years, and I'm still convinced what we need is a wife.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 12:08 AM

Here's echoing that advice and sentiment about kitties.. I found my Raven kitty 12ft up a 20ft tree yesterday afternoon, trying to catch my tits. They're canny though, they'd already hopped it to a neighbouring bush... it took him 45mns to work out how to get down!

No more decluttering but I have managed to buy the rest of the fabric for my patchwork cushion covers so over the holidays that will get sorted and completed, hopefully in time for the New Year!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 10:09 PM

I think I finished most of my shopping this evening on the way home from the guitar lesson. I need to wrap a few things before my daughter gets here, around midnight.

I need to bake cookies, but the kids can help with that.

Let's hope the kitty has found a warm dry hidy-hole under a porch or something.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 01:28 PM

giggliggliggle...

I got the tree plugged in so good this year that it even has an off switch, AND I just pinned Hardi's surprises onto it. He's "warned" me to expect a "noting much under the tree" Christmas this year due to finances (he just paid off the van I drive that has been my handi-vehicle for several years), and I assured him that he'd find the same, from me. One special one will tide him over while I'm away next month for several days. [snaps fingers] Pefect prezzies and no bulk!

One year the kids were too old, they told us, to shop for. Teens.... So I rolled up a good amount of cash in very small bills, ONE bill per wrap, and hung 'em all on the tree. It took hours over several days-- they'd also told us that they were "too old to decorate the tree for geezers," thankyouverymuch. :~) They came down Crimmiss AM to see no packages, and really they were quite brave about it.

Then I told them where the "new" cheap, trashy-looking "ornaments" had come from-- that they would find a surprise inside each one, color coded for each kid with ribbon (some inside TP-roll cardboard tubes), LOL. Each kid also found a $20 and a $10 in their mix, which was quite exciting to them-- "WOW! What will the NEXT one hold!?!?!?!"

It took them about 2 minutes to strip that tree and count their cash.

So it's only fair Hardi get a similar jolt, I think. :~) No peeking, now, I sealed 'em up REEL GUDE.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 11:30 AM

{{{{{{MAG}}}}}

She may have found somewhere to hole up and will come out when she gets really,really hungry. A cat can go without food a long time as long as they have water which the snow would do for, I think. Or, are there any neighbours who might've taken her in or whose garage she might've gone in?

The stir-crazy ones might like a sock filled with newspaper and tied off at the end and a paper sack or two to play in...anything for a little exercise.:-)

I give thanks for the immediate and safe return of little Chin-chin. I give thanks for this or something better for the highest good of all concerned. So mote it be!

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: MAG
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 11:22 AM

I have a cinder block house and it is impossible to keep warm. I have been huddling under a blanket or three since Sunday.

The Solstice party happened but I did not stay around to socialize; worried about gettinghome. Fortunately I have 4-wheeldrive.

Unfortunately I seem to have lost one cat in the snow. I let them all out on the patio Sunday just so they would understand they did not want to be out there. Little chin Chin refused to come back in. I left her, thinking she just needed to think about it, and when I next checked she was not there. I do not know why she decided to head out into the deep deep snow but I do not think she has a chance of having survived.

That is a mistake I will not make again.

I am now in the house with 4 stir crazy cats, and more snow falling outside.

I am going to the Y before work, just so I can soak in the hot tub.

Not a happy day.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 09:44 AM

SRS that sounds wonderful. A de-clutteed Christmas lets the light shine all around, eh.

Our holidays are always insane in and of themselves, as well as involving our predictably-unpredictable, crazy-busy ministries to the dysfunctional family issues the hols tend to bring up all around us.

But this year I did finally figure out the perfect prezzie to keep in stock by the front door for the reciprocation of those unexpected gift deliveries. No, I don't have it READY for this year, but I can spend some time in the coming weeks working on it-- our own personal holiday CD burned right here on our own puder. I even have all or most of the labeling and packaging stuff already on hand, and working puders/printers to do them on, I think. I may actually be able to get it give-able by Groundhog Day as a thank-you CD.

Must plug in the all-year tabletop tree. It's actually Crimmiss week! :~) Right?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 02:14 AM

It's just me talking to myself this evening, but I polished the pieces on the mantle while watching a silly holiday movie, and it looks lovely. Photobucket is down for site maintenance, maybe I'll stick a photo up tomorrow.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 09:12 PM

I decided to try for a different look on my mantle this year, using the collectible things that I am keeping, not de-cluttering out of the house. I've put some crystal and silver and a few ornaments up so far, and I'll keep adding until it looks good and kind of old fashioned, but not too crowded.

Sounds like some of you are probably working just to stay warm, let alone clear out extra stuff. Unless maybe you're burning it to heat the house. We're due ice overnight. Take care, everyone!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 01:05 PM

This morning I got a copy of the original perfume ad--Easter, 1940! Several interested watchers. I should have listed this earlier, it would have been a great holiday gift for one of them! I'm trying to ask a reasonable price, but I'm not giving it away. It is a fascinating hobby, but not one I need to start (think high dollars and display cases).

Dog was curled up on lawn this morning (26 degrees) after coming out to pee (I checked to be sure she didn't spend the night outside. I didn't get much sleep last night). She still can't figure out door, but at least has a heavier coat to tolerate the cold. I escorted her back in. I've also seen the pit bull actually come out, walk around Poppy, and go back in, as if to say "follow me." Smart girl!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 12:58 AM

I know how you feel. I've been busy baking, and while I have cleaned the kitchen between each batch, I think this will keep me busy enough for the next day or two that at most I'll list a couple of eBay things, I won't manage a major push. I have put up a few decorations, it is modest, but very pretty.

I may not de-clutter, but I will sit down and make sure my taxable donations are all cataloged. This is a big piece of the income tax puzzle that I have tended all year. I have receipts and photos documented through November and I have made significant donations this month (I took a large box of maps in to the Special Collections in my university). They sent a letter acknowledging the gift, so I'm set. In this day and age I can track down my W-2 and other tax information very quickly online, I don't need to have a printout mailed to me by January 31. I need to race to do my taxes because it means my daughter is eligible sooner for scholarships (based upon my income) and grants. I think some of them, like the Bill and Melinda Gates funds, go away very quickly in the year.

(Did I tell you that a co-worker at the library where I work made a big discovery this year: she ran into an old librarian friend from a course they taught together. Turns out that old friend is the mother of Melinda Gates. Whoosh!)

I've been playing old movies this evening while I work. One not so old, but a hoot, is Independence Day. Now playing is the Monty Woolley classic The Man Who Came to Dinner. My son has seen it before, but probably didn't understand the punchline. I just now explained to him about the Lizzie Borden rhyme, so he gets that reference. The pumpkin bread will be out in a couple of minutes, in time for the end of the movie. It's a nice productive evening when I can both bake and enjoy old movies.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 12:02 AM

I had to ride herd on Rog, but we got all of our clean clothes put away, swept and mopped the house. I scrubbed the bathroom and had fun with Morgan. I don't think there will be much decluttering for a few days, now.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 03:14 PM

I started one--it's a good day to let folks "hang out" with the tree. :)

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 01:05 PM

I didn't see one yet, but the recovery ward is open, and is a good annex to the Tavern.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: MAG
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 10:41 AM

Postingfrom home again. Thankful for Sunday, even it it'sa deep freeze out there, near 0 and feets of snow on the ground.

Gotta find a way to dump the cat boxes today. I do have more litter, in the car.

More shovelling today, making hot stew, staying indoors as much as possible.

Haven't heard yet whether Solstice party is cancelled; too early.

I'm tempted to start a Tavern thread. What does anyone think? I could use a virtual song session right now.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 02:10 AM

You're right. She'll be down late on the 23rd and I'm going to ask if they want a tree. If I get one (I didn't last couple of years) I usually get one for next to nothing over at the local nursery on xmas eve. But I'll get it only if they'll decorate it. They decorated a couple of times in the past and did a lovely job.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 01:48 AM

Maybe they'll be the ones generating. They can do sometimes, I swear.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 01:45 AM

A bulky box of books will sell later today on eBay, and a very light but costly item has been listed and will begin showing tomorrow afternoon. I sent a heads-up to the collector who so kindly gave me some useful information about it.

My daughter (Moonglow) called and says she is cleaning her room in the house where she has lived for the last year and a half (first time she has initiated cleaning a room in her entire life). She tells me that she'll be bringing down some clothes she doesn't wear any more and a few items she doesn't need. She knows I'm doing a lot of donation and eBay, so this is good timing, to get it in during this tax year. (They learn a lot during these college years, and only so much of it has to do with higher education!)

I've cleared the decks and thawed the butter for holiday cookie baking tomorrow. And to put a few things out around the house by way of decoration. It's difficult to get into the mood this year. There have been a few glimmers, but I don't think I've ever been so late to make it a holiday season for my kids. There is so much to look forward to, to wish for in the coming administration, and while things are difficult, they haven't in actuality been much more difficult than usual. It seems to be a generalized sense of hard times that is taking its toll. I'll work to generate some holiday spirit tomorrow and make it look and smell right for my son (lights, ornaments, and christmas cookies) by the time he comes in from the weekend.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: CamiSu
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 12:40 AM

Did you eat the chair?!!!

CamiSu

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 08:36 PM

Stilly - we have a cat that after her 17 years with us STILL has to relearn every day how to open the catflap from outside... she sits there picking at it trying to get it to open towards her....

Got the house cleared, the cooking done, had a fabulous dinner and am now missing a chair....

LTS typing on her knees...

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 03:33 PM

Oh, we're doing OK MA, thanks for asking.

A Crimmiss box just came. It musta contained a nuclear bomb because it blew my mind.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 02:20 PM

Dog door satisfactorily installed. The pit (my brain surgeon) figured it out the second pass through, and happily came in, where I had a handful of treats, only to turn around and go out immediately and come back in for more treats. She did this about six times in the space of a minute, clearly showing the catahoula (our air head) how to do it. But Poppy is shy, and so far has to be pushed through or will travel that space on Cinnamon's heels, with Cinnamon pushing the flap for her. She'll forget to worry and figure it out eventually. This should make them a lot more comfortable in there now.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: maire-aine
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 12:17 PM

I just got back in the house after grocery shopping. If I hadn't needed cat food, I wouldn't have gone out. My street hasn't been plowed yet, so there's a real risk of getting stuck going in or out of my driveway. We got about 3 more inches of snow yesterday afternoon. For now, the sun is out and it looks beautiful. But we're supposed to get more snow over night.

Susan, how are you doing?

I'm fully supplied now, so I can stay in for the rest of the week if need be. I can walk to church on Christmas, because it's only about 5 blocks away. I'm not used to being cooped up, but I've got plenty to do around the house.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 10:50 AM

"I've got a little list,
I've got a little list."

No people on it, just stuff to do.

Stay healthy and comfortable, fellow de-clutterers, and report in when you get a chance. Maybe take a break and get a hot cuppa coffee or tea and peruse the 'cat for a few minutes.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 07:49 PM

Just so the child labor folks don't get a whiff of the jobs you're putting this small boy to. . . (if I use an ellpisis, will you mind if I end that sentence with a preposition? hahaha!)

Shopping online today, comparing. May not all be here on time, but I haven't had a chance to shop for this before now. I might wait till tomorrow and wade through traffic to go to the store where I usually buy this stuff. But I think the discounts, free shipping, and no tax will trump the crowded trip to the store perilously near the mall.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 06:10 PM

Toddlers need to learn their boundaries, anyway, LtS.

I thought about how hard it would be to get Rog motivated to move furniture in the office, so Morgan and I tackled it and we did it! Moved the library table, several heavy bins, books, chairs, etc. It was a LOT of work and he really did a big share of it! What a sense of accomplishment. He moved in his table and chair, we set up my old PC for him to use sparingly, and he was grinning from ear to ear.

katcontented

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 03:25 PM

I'm supposed to be toddler proofing the house today.... and cooking most of tomorrow... it's not working.

Then there's the tree decorating to do..... ARGH!!!!!!!! the tree is still in the garden and hasn't been de-snailed yet!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 01:00 PM

A friend has a set of de-cluttering skills he uses regularly in his NYC apartment. He's getting ready to do a dinner party on Sunday that sounds so elegant--and of course, in a NYC apartment using all of the space in clever ways is so important. I envy him all of the planning and decorating--it sounds like a lot of fun. I need to do something here soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 12:24 PM

Phew! Really glad to hear the kitty showed up! So good of you to let them all come inside, esp. considering your Original feeling put out. I suspect things will call down between them.

SRS, my house isn't getting too much in the way of holiday mess. It's just the usual piling up while I am off my foot - though that's much better today! We have very few gifts and what we do have are small. It's been that way, mostly by choice, the past few years. I don't cook much except a special Swedish Tea Ring for Christmas breakfast. I only have one large bin of decorations and I am going to whittle that down after the holidays before we put it away.

I am going to ask my Rog to help me rearrange some of the office this weekend. Put some of the bins in another closet or storage. I will have Morgan for more hours after next week, at least for a few weeks, so I want to set up his little table and chairs in here for his "school and craft works" esp. when I need to be working on the computer. He and I are both excited and I want the space to be welcoming and comfortable for him. So that should help declutter the office temporarily until he gets in here!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: GUEST,MAG at work
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 11:40 AM

Missing kitty showed up this a.m.; VERY hungry. Now I have 5 inside, and the original is not at all happy, especially since the 3 semi-kittens have discovered how nice it is to sleep with me on my bed.

Decluttering right now is a vague dream.

We got several (more) inches of snow last night too.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 10:24 AM

Don't let your breath out too much--I don't know if George is actually entitled to use the cash he's offering. I think there will be a lot of backroom discussions this week. I'm listening to the weekly news roundup on NPR (Diane Rehm) and am interested to hear what they have to say about it. I've had half an ear directed that way, but I'll pay attention now since this has come up.

So much to do. I've polled the kids on their favorite cookies--I may bake more, but I'll start with the favorites first. Spritz, krumkaka, snickerdoodles, christmas trees (almond flavored), peanut butter cookies, etc. I love to have the variety, but cookies are labor intensive. At least they freeze well.

Today is warm, so I'm going to go put some concentrated lights on a couple of shrubs in the front yard to really make eyes pop when people see them. I don't do the whole yard, I do a few features because the lights are pretty.

I didn't list any eBay stuff the last couple of days--they would have ended on xmas eve or the holiday itself, not good shopping days, one imagines. But the days after the holiday when people are home and on the computer--maybe a good time.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: maire-aine
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 09:56 AM

Whew! Just got in from running the snowblower along my driveway and sidewalk. We got about 6 inches of snow overnight, but there is almost always a drift about double that at the base of my driveway, just because of the angle of the house and the wind direction. This morning was no exception. But there is a certain feeling of triumph when you break through the drift and go sailing out the other side.
It is still snowing, but lightly, so we may pick up another inch or 2 before it stops.

But the best part is that, when I came inside and turned on the TV, they were announcing that the White House has come through with a bridge loan for GM and Chrysler. Some of you know that I live in a suburb north of Detroit, and the last couple of months have been absolute agony for the whole community, whether you work in the auto industry directly or not. I felt like I've been holding my breath the whole time, and now I can take a deep breath and exhale. What a relief, even if it is short-term. I never thought I'd say this but, Thanks George.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: CamiSu
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 01:18 AM

Well, due to the power company's mistake I get to declutter myself of several appliances, the TV, the printer and so on. Dang! What a waste! (though the fridge was pretty old and probably really inefficient. ut right now I seem to be going backwards. My neighbor is a HUGE help, and I am keeping him employed enough to keep the wolf from the door. He got the snow blower and chains on the tractor, and the rest of the lights up on the fence. I am trying to manage 3 or four jobs and really appreciate the fact that he is willing to be my "almost clone"! Perhaps tomorrow we can move the other doublepane pieces into the window spaces. They have been hanging around for a year or so.... And I really need to declutter the office stuff back up to the office space and keep it warm. No space for a tree or a family in the living room right now. Heck, there is barely room for the DOG!

Going to bed now though.

Cami

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 12:20 AM

It is an uphill battle anyway this time of year with all of the detritus of the holidays coming out of storage and arriving in the mail and from neighbors and friends. Paper, boxes, and calories on the march! At least you're aware of it and are holding a defensive line against it.

We have a couple of days of warm weather now, so hopefully I can get some stuff done outside, and that will help move a few obstacles off of the living room furniture.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 12:04 AM

Our house stinks, is a mess, and I hate the clutter at the moment. I have an Urge to just gather it ALL up and chuck in a dumpster!**bg** I've told Rog we have to stay home Saturday, screw errands, and clean. We need to mop and scrub and put stuff a-w-a-y!! Arrgghhh...this is what happens when I am not on my feet enough. It will be better I know.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: maire-aine
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 11:42 PM

Worked today, but not again until 30th. Finished the last of the laundry. Hunkering down for a big dumping of snow overnight. They're predicting 6 to 10 inches, with maybe 12" in some places. At least I don't have to leave the house. Made dough for 2 kinds of cookies; will bake them tomorrow. Might make more if I feel ambitious.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 08:42 PM

Two big boxes out the door and into the post office in the nick of time today--I handed it to the clerk who was standing beside the "closed" sign in the lobby. I'd paid for them via Click 'n ship, so all I needed to do was leave them there.

It has warmed up so much it is quite balmy. I need to do some outside stuff tomorrow before the next cold front slides down from Saskatchewan.

Now comes the delicate balancing act of getting out holiday stuff and putting other things away so it isn't cluttered and christmassy, just christmassy.

I'm going to list that perfume bottle at eBay. I haven't found it on the NYT web archive yet, but I'll let the woman at the collecting group know it is going online. I bet she'll spread the word.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 08:06 PM

I decluttered the table that sits beside my chair. DH had moved the table to make way for something large to come through the slider, dumped my table in the process and just piled stuff...which while I am very appreciative that he did pick it up, I can't stand piles. If there is a pile sitting nearby and I am trying to relax, I get up and fix it because I know I won't be able to relax until it's picked up. Now...piles behind closed doors? Well, that's an entirely different story!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: GUEST,MAG at work
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 07:24 PM

The severe weather started a week ago and will continue through at least Monday. I made it to Portland Monday in spite of it but have been beat all week.

Outside cats (3 0f 4) are inside; they are very happy but inside cat is not; he has taken up living on my lap and I haven't the heart to move him, he is so unhappy and I don't blame him.

House seems messier than ever; very closed in. Couldn't even empty the trash yesterday; carport snowed in, can frozen shut.

I'm going to spend free time over the next few days calling friends; that's what I do instead of cards. I'd rather chat than write any time.

It's hard even to do laundry in this kind of deep freeze; I'll just batten down and wait for better weather.

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 01:31 PM

The ONLY "bulky" Christmas present I got for anyone this year is a 2x3" envelope with a VERY personal gift card inside. I tucked it out of sight, so it isn't clutter. :~) At last night's dinner confab, Hardi reported much the same result, even including office staff.

These gift cards are cool (I also know about the usual cautions). It is actually possible to make them quite, quite customized to the person, the occasion, and the direction you want to aim the recipients' thinking-- about what item you want them to finally go get for themselves that they've been putting off for... years. The gift is so much more than "I'll send you$25 and you send me $25." It CAN be, "I WILL remind you to be good to yourself, and I HAVE been paying attention."

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-Cluttering De-Cember
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 12:07 PM

I think I've about finishing shopping for the distant family. It wasn't that much or that expensive, but I hadn't had time to go do it and couldn't think of what to give. I found a solid chain store with lots of stuff they can use and have some gift cards that should do the trick for the big kids. My sibs are getting modest, useful things (they always do, so nothing has really changed in that).

I have a couple of weeks off at the end of the year. I will make a big push to clear out some of these areas that have been purposely ignored during the declutter of the rest of the house. The sun room/craft area has gotten a bit fluffier with bulky lightweight stuff lately. Boxes brought home for eBay shipping, etc.

SRS