BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum

Subject: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Oct 08 - 10:20 PM

October is past (almost) and we're entering the re-cluttering time of year.

Will we be able to resist the holiday trappings that encroach on flat surfaces, will we be able to identify the traditional objects that we actually never, ever use, but have likewise never gotten around to redistributing through the family or community or to the wider collecting world? What can we recycle?

My holidays will be different this year. Credit cards are out. Gifts will be consumable or eminently practical. Recycling is a viable option, especially of family things that can be redistributed.

My goal is to not lose ground on the work I've done this year. And I'll continue to list things on eBay to move out more of the rest of it.

How long will it take to get ready for the Thanksgiving meal, and what kind of shape do you want your house to be in for the occasion? Will you have family and friends over? Will you be able to host the meal in a completely cleared up house?

Let's keep moving forward. Kat, keep writing, but drop us a line when you can. Maybe we'll inspire you.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 12:59 PM

I've been contemplating how to clear out some little pockets of paper in the kitchen. Most of them are phone lists and recipes. To house the recipes I pulled out a catalog box of my mother's that she put 3 x 5 recipe cards and folded magazine in. I thought about shoving mine in the back of it, or emptying out her old clippings and starting fresh, but I started reading them . . . wow!

She didn't cook all of these things when I was a kid, and some of the recipes are early multi-cultural adaptations that I have better and probably more authentic versions of now. But it dawns on me that an evening of cooking a few of Mom's recipes from this box would be a lot of fun. So I'm setting that box aside and instead I'll get myself a three-ring binder and some pages that hold different sized files (like photo pages) and stick my various printouts and cards in it.

I'm going to fix the dripping flapper in my back bathroom today, and if I get my act together, I'm going to put in the post for my martin house for next spring. My plan is to continue working on things that are less expensive or that I have the parts for already (I have the bird house, the post, and the concrete).

I wish I was writing a book.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 07:57 PM

I could have another bash at clearing some of the junk out of this room, but there are some apples in the kitchen that need making into pie....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 09:12 AM

Liz, one of the items I was looking for yesterday was a box for various sizes and shapes of recipes. I found one at the Container Store, a Swedish plastic box of some kind with lots of rivets, but that will hold this stuff and can be cleaned up if need be. My mom's old thick cardboard file boxes (with a black and gray patterned print, a standard kind of office file from the 1950s or 60s) is pretty grungy from exposure to kitchen splashes over the years.

I turned off the toilet tank water last night and let the insides air-dry. This morning I put in the new seat (with silicone gel) and will soon turn on the water in a small but important bathroom moment of victory--when I can stop listening to the tank give the rush of water refilling the top inch or so every few minutes. Night and day. Drives you nuts after a while and doesn't help the water bill.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 11:09 AM

New safety feature in the house: non-skid matting under three rugs in high-traffic areas.

Replaced expensive but non-operational central vacuum cleaner system (miles and miles of heavy hose) with equally expensive but thoroughly guaranteed canister vacuum cleaner (has HEPA filter and is actually not millstone heavy). Central vac listed on local for-sale website for parts.

Replaced three infuriatingly ineffectual lamps with much brighter ones from IKEA -- cheap, too. Rejects are handsome, if dim, so they will go on the White Elephant table at the up-coming church bazaar.

Turned back the clocks before going to bed -- first time I've managed that in about 20 years.

Actually arrived at church on time.

Go, me.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maeve
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 11:39 AM

Go, you, Charmoin :)

My True Love cut down a long plywood table so it will fit in the kitchen when I need a worksurface, yet will fold up and be stowed out of the way when I don't. He's also continuing to winterize and stabilize the exterior of this old house of ours. We have changed most of the clocks.

I've been sorting and putting away the various and sundry department in the kitchen, painting a child's easel and a lightweight child's chalkboard with several coats of chalkboard (blackboard) paint. The easel will become a signboard for the farmstand and for yard sales, while the little chalkboard will be fastened to the fridge with magnets for use as a grocery and To Do list.

When I sit here to check on email and such I have gradually made my through many of the files of correspondence, newspaper articles, and other treasures from my dad's estate. Today I was able to reduce the day's pile from eight files to one. I'll need to reduce and organize his records more thoroughly when time and tears allow, but some treasures tucked into the files make it a task of discovery more than lamentation.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 12:10 PM

Books for library sale in boxes by the door. Will check a few more shelves to see if there's anything else I can donate without re-reading.

I'll get them in the car to deliver on Tuesday -- my Tuesday (day off) rounds are 1-VOTE!!!, 2-Drop off books for library sale, 3-Get teeth cleaned at dentist, 4-Have a spinach & feta calzone at a place I haven't been able to stop at for almost 2 years, 5-Walk on the beach!!!

My boss is going to be working at the Bangor, ME store for the week, so the rest of MY week will be nutzoid. On Thursday I open at JCPenney Optical, then later in the afternoon, head to Sears Optical to close there at 8:00. Loooong day. (Then open at Sears the next morning.)

One good thing about the job is I'm actually WEARING some of the clothes I stubbornly (frugally) refused to de-clutter over the years. I just knew I'd need them again!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maeve
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 12:50 PM

Sounds like a busy and fruitful time for you, Linn. How encouraging it is that not only can you wear those clothes you like so much but also be able to treat yourself to a meal out and to a walk on the beach!

"Moving, moving, moving, keep those dogies moving...Rawhide!"

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 08:40 PM

Goodonya, Linn, and you, too, maeve!

I cleared off my desk, again...clearing the decks of all distractions except the cats...I'll write better that way.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 10:01 PM

Having discovered voles or mice of some small roundish sort are living in the front yard compost pile, I let the dogs have a go at de-cluttering it this evening. They smelled all of the little paths and were kind of hard on the garden, but when I got them to the compost they dug and snorted and climbed and had a great time, though they didn't catch anything. But these two served notice--move out, or we'll dig you out! We'll try it again tomorrow. ;)

I'm so proud of myself for my inexpensive little fixes around here. The toilet runs no more and the microwave lights up again. All of those smoke detector batteries were replaced and the units tested. And the piece de resistance: I reorganized all of the cables that plug into the various players and television in the front room. Somehow things got out of order after I turned off the Dish Network. I finally realized that the television programed to tune in to channel 3 was the only thing missing. My HD digital converter box now plugs into the VCR, and the VCR, the DVD, and the Dish DVR (I can't record with it now, but I can watch the stuff on the hard drive) plug into the RF box and that plugs into the TV. If it sounds tangled, it was.

The kitchen is a bit messy after dinner, but I'll clear up before I head to bed.

Oh--I've also been laying my Secret Santa/Santee groundwork!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:19 AM

Peter (the man who "does") is coming this morning to start building me a cupboard around my gas boiler, which will also have storage under for some stuff. If he will finish off my wardrobe for me before he starts, I can start to de-clutter the small bedroom at last.

Today will be a bit of a trial, as I have a storming headache. I will go stick a 4Head gel patch on, and take some strong painkillers shortly. Hopefully the tidying up will take my mind off it!

Have decided to cut down the younger apple tree in the garden - the kids grew it from a pip, and it does fruit, giving very crisp eaters/cookers, which are quite small if not thinned out. It's too high for me to do that, and so most of the apples are fairly useless or unreachable, given my neck and shoulder problems. It is also going to grow too big for the garden, as it is not grafted onto any dwarfing rootstock.

I will try and carve some of the apples from it to make little heads, and will keep them as stock, if they work.
Now I just need a willing bloke to come and fell it!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 08:56 AM

Ya gotta do little nice things for yourself (and for other people) so you don't slit your wrists.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 09:23 AM

If I had decluttered more, better, sooner, more ruthlessly-- I would not now be sitting in a pile of STUFF that accumulated over the crazy-busy weekend just ended. But in the middle of that weekend I
"saw" where a whole corner full of kids' books is going to go, plus the benchy shelf they sit on that I NEED to use at church for our music binders. I hope I didn't declut all the shipping boxes I saved....

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: MAG
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 11:54 AM

I forgot to measure the gasket, SRS -- sorry, sorry; I promise I will do it tomorrow.

With help, I decluttered yard trash until the trash can was full. I decluttered most of the dishes out of the sink. I decluttered most of that box of shat on clothes through the wash machine; they actually smell OK, with the help of odormute.

I wish I could declutter to wherever my cell phone is hiding. I need to declutter my desk to the point I can find the cord to my digital camera.

I think I need to declutter one kitten to the vet; I think she is preggers -- just what I was trying to avoid. I hope none of you have strong feelings about aborting a cat.

I have been using my new SAD light for two days. Wow! I see spots after a half hour. I'm supposed to use it in the morning, but I don't know if that is before or after it gets light. Today is a gray rainy day, and after my half hour, it looked so dark in here I ran around and turned on all the lamps.

I hope to declutter the knot out of my neck at the physical therapists' this afternoon.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 01:01 PM

declutter one kitten to the vet; I think she is preggers

Our SPCA had a policy that if you bring in a momcat with all babies, they'll place the babies and give you a spay certificate for the mom. They just needed to see the full teats to be sure the kittens were all there and not a hoaxy fraud to get a free spay. You might look into that in your area and let her bear them if you know the whole litter will go where it needs to go. Kittens are so much more adoptable than adult cats, so it offers a little more hopeful outcome. Or you can let her bear them and just surrender them to the shelter, if it's a tad late to abort them.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 01:11 PM

This just in-- SO COOL. I Freecycle less and less these days, but sometimes I get a "nudge" to look into particular requests and so I just found a GREAT fit-- like the chainlink I surprisingly got that I needed SO badly. I think we just FCed Hardi's used road bike to exactly the right person, and a hockey fan at that-- in other words, another potential FRIEND not related to church stuff, and someone Hardi can cycle with when we are in his area. We hadn't found the good spots for cycling there, yet.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:28 PM

MAG, it's difficult to avoid that state once a kitten gets to be a certain age. We had a stray who had the same thing happen when we took her in to be spayed. There was no way we were going to go through the whole have kittens/give them away route. This cat was so lucky to find a home herself, she was a stray out in the apartment parking log. (Now, several years later as a fat fat fat calico, she's on a strict diet, trying to take a few pounds off, and it is beginning to work, but it isn't easy!)

I'm taking extra garden produce over to the office this afternoon, if I can get out of the house. A bucket full of eggplants for a few of my "regulars," and some carrots for the friend who, when I asked if he wanted an eggplant said "well, I guess you can steam just about any vegetable, right?" I'll save the second-tier veggies for good cooks, and let this friend deal with carrots and onions. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:51 AM

I offloaded produce, picked up two of Sam's Club great rotisserie chickens for dinner, swung by my ex's house to pick up my son--and he was in a lot of abdominal pain. Ended up putting the chickens in that fridge and taking son to ER (a trip to my house was out of the way). The pain passed (this happened once before) and I think it is, to put it delicately, not enough roughage in his diet. Imagine that occasional really painful shifting in the gut--fast moving material behind slow moving--you get the drift--lasting for several hours.

However, it cleared up before we got in to the doctor, so we left (after three hours of waiting). But I was hoping someone would see us while it was happening to confirm my diagnosis. An apple a day--at least!

I'll pick up the birds tomorrow and we'll reheat for dinner and have great leftovers. I can kick back and enjoy the election returns without having to cook dinner.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: freda underhill
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 08:31 AM

spent the evening de-cluttering AND mending .. but hope to wake up to the biggest declutter of all.....











bye bye George!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-)

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 09:44 AM

Here here! or Hear Hear! whatever!

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:21 PM

HOT TIP

I discovered today that there is a perfection of "how much stuff to have," for each of us I think, where it works like this.

You've had a crazy-busy [insert time frame for your situation], and you have neither emptied nor reloaded the dishwasher. You didn't put away the clean clothes, nor load the washing machine with the pile of dirty ones. Dirty dishes from the snack you had just before you crashed (the last 4 nights in a row) are all over the LR, kitchen, everywhere-- along with other crap you unloaded from the car. Get the picture?

But because you have JUST as much of it ALL as you NEED, you find what you need (clean) before you run out of stuff, and before you can put it all away properly you have worn it, eaten off it, etc., obviating the need to have put it away at all.

Then when things calm down you just wash the dirty stuff and THEN put it all away, nice.


The trick is having enough and no more, and balance in your life that allows for the catch-up between crazy-busy cycles. For me the linchpin is the laundry-- I MUST WASH THE CLOTHES, even if they never do get folded, so I can keep putting on fresh/appropriate stuff for the next round of the day.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:10 PM

Yeah, freda!!!

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:26 PM

She's just described my kitchen!

Got some stuff transferred into the new wardrobe this afternoon, but the downstairs cupboard won't be done until this time next week, as we decided to put louvre doors on it, and Peter's had to order them. He said it would be better to leave off building the frame until we get the doors, just to make sure things fit. at least I am starting to see the floor in the small bedroom again!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:26 AM

Had a great boost this evening watching the election results. I didn't wash a dish or de-clutter a thing. I sipped a glass of sparkling wine and toasted the new President.

I have done a little de-cluttering in the last 24 hours, though. I've enjoyed the opportunity to help out a little behind the scenes at Mudcat--one thread only, but it is nice to be able to pitch in to help sort out some of the networking that was necessary when Mudcatters learned of the death of an old friend.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 03:51 AM

Guess what... still haven't tidied this room, still haven't made that pie. Those apples will be worthless soon.

It would help a great deal if a certain Limpit wouldn't keep bringing stuff upstairs that belongs downstairs, or taking stuff downstairs that belongs upstairs... either that or we need to buy another set of big headphones for upstairs.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maire-aine
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:29 AM

Took 5 bags of newspapers & magazines to the recycling center yesterday. Also took my snowblower to the repair shop for a tune-up.

Not only did we de-clutter the White House of Bush (and the threat of McCain), Michigan Dems decluttered the House of Reps of an 8-term Republican Joe Knollenberg, and elected the first Democrat from Oakland County since 1933, Gary Peters. Whoo-hoo!

I didn't get to sleep until almost 2 am, so I'm going back to bed now.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:01 AM

I feel the need for a little nap also. It was a late night, but for all the right reasons. And what a headline and front page photo on the paper this morning!

Cash-strapped as usual, time to list more eBay stuff. There is so much, it's a matter of choosing what. I had a happy note from the woman who bought a collectible platter last week. She's from the town where the pottery is and has a collection. And the fact that it has "crazing," or a crackled finish, is perfectly normal. She was pleased to get it for the price she did, so we're both happy, because I didn't know if I'd be able to sell it at all!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 05:03 PM

Moved a bit more stuff out of the small bedroom.
Spent afternoon going through the box of old photos that were bagged up in their appropriate years - starting to put them into albums. Trouble is, there are still lots left, and I have got to steel myself to ditch them...and I will try to.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 05:08 PM

Brain-dead from election and other highfalutin cool stuff, I choose to work out at the pool tonight instead of veg out with TV or nap.

My rule is: Body tired? Work the brain. And vice versa. There lies balance.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:10 PM

I think we may have just de-cluttered a bankrupt and useless administration. I don't think any part of it can be recycled.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:28 PM

Miserable day... I tidied a pile of craft stuff into a bag, that was it. And it wasn't even a big pile.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:07 PM

I'm going to pull together some particularly attractive collectible items and go to the trouble to measure and find a few gift boxes, and see if listing them as gifts helps on eBay. "Modestly priced items to surprise the collector in your life," or something like that. I've dabbled with free shipping. It has it's drawbacks, but for some things you're not sure if they'll sell, it can make the difference if you really just want it out of the house. ;-)

I have several ornamental costumed dolls, authentic type costumes that came from my Mom's estate. I'll keep one or two but they're not a set, that I can tell, so the rest can go one at a time.

I did the dishes this morning to get caught up after last night's lounging. We all need to get to work, don't we?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 12:31 AM

I have been doing nothing but smiling ear to ear and reading news and listening to news and playing with Morgan, as well as writing, so no de-cluttering for me. I think I may be out for the count, maybe through December; start anew in Jan. We'll see...there's still stuff I can do. I haven't spent much time writing, yet, and have two appts. tomorrow, but I do have almost 3000 words, so I guess I've decluttered my brain a bit; only 47,000 to go!**bg** Now that WE have cleaned out the White House, I will be able to give myself over to the writing, for real, and get going!

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:07 AM

So it's agreed, we're taking December off from de-cluttering then?

LTS - desperately trying to find excuses...

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: mouldy
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:40 AM

I can use the excuse at the moment that I still have to produce the goods for my one fair this year, in 9 days' time....no excuse after that, really!

Got up to 1992 sorted through last night! There are so many left over, though. They won't mean a lot to anyone else but me, so I will have to be firm, but it's very hard throwing those memory aids away.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 06:08 AM

A success!!

Whilst loitering up here with the intent to not have to keep running up and down stairs (not been well the last couple of days.. nuff sed), I've managed to excavate the sewing table again! There's just one small tin of odd but useful crap, a box of fancy craft papers and a cat infested bean-bag left on it now. There may even be enough room to bring the sewing machine back up here - which would be a major coup as it's been living in front of the gin cupboard for the last 8 months.

I put Limpit's stuff in her room and put a few books away too, finding a shelf under them that has long been missing, presumed filled with stuff... Now that is nicely tidied and I know where my CDRoms are! The cat is very confused at the wide open spaces.

A small battle, but a major victory!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: CamiSu
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:11 AM

Is this a de-cluttering club? May I join? Truly I need to. The office up here is cluttered with YEARS of piles. Last year I moved a table into the living room and brought just the files I needed to start cleaning up David's business mess (he did great at selling the stone and getting it to the customer, but the billing just never happened...for YEARS! Piles of paper. I just realized that I can actually move myself to the other side of the desk now (where he used to sit). It is closer to the stove, and I wouldn't have to fight my way through the jungle I moved indoors when frost threatened. Then there is his clothes....and the barn (I DID manage to declutter that to the point of being able to run a cart from one end to the other. I found parts of the floor I had not seen in years. Also got the inside of the chicken house sheathed in HDPE sheets. Replace the awful fibreboard with all the holes. Of course, with no holes, there is no place to put eggshells from eggs the chickens eat...

My mother says "just spend 10 minutes every night putting stuff away" and I say "There IS NO AWAY!!!"

Is there a market for mens' clothes? He had some nice stuff.

And if anyone is running through Vermont, I would trade tea and scones for some conversation and decluttering.

Yeah, it's lonely.

CamiSu

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 11:03 AM

Oh, CamiSu, I wish I were still living back there! {{{{{{hugs}}}}}

SRS might be able to advise you on the men's clothing...she's been selling clothing on ebay.

Andrea, I shudder when I hear of folks throwing away old photos; you never know what kid, grandkid, or other relative might find them of interest some day. I have a few from my dad's family and maybe five from my mom's. I'd give anything to have a few more of her family. Please don't beat yourself up if you just can't let them go...someone may really cherish them some day.

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 11:22 AM

CamiSu, I have seen you greeted on a couple of threads--looks like you're getting back to Mudcat after an absence? And you are dealing with the loss of a spouse? You're not the only one in that category here.

It's not a club, and it's not a mutual admiration society (though it has aspects of both). After the folks who are working on losing weight started listing their daily accomplishments kat realized we should list our de-cluttering progress in a similar way. These would run too long to have it continual, so we change to a new thread each month.

I am finding I have more and more cleared up "zones" around the house as I work on it. I can't do it full-time, but I use this as a way to attempt to look around through someone else's eyes. Breaking it down to discreet tasks to work on with a beginning and end make this easier. I have a house full of stuff that came from a lot of estates over the years. I've realized that there are a lot of things I can't do because of the clutter, or things I can't find that I want, so I'm de-cluttering in the way I can best afford, by documenting and donating to Goodwill and other agencies for a tax deduction, or by selling on eBay.

I think if we quit during November and/or December we'll miss identifying both stuff that can go and spaces where stuff can be placed. Smaller goals or really targeted tasks are probably what we need to work on.

Liz, that is great work, clearing out the sewing room! Keep the momentum going by actually moving the machine upstairs. You might want to take the vacuum up first and remove some of the embedded cat hair. The cats will manage to lay down another layer of hair soon. I love to get sewing before the holidays. I'm considering making a fleece jacket for my son this year. It depends on what the patterns look like and if the jackets they sell at LLBean end up costing less than the fabric, pattern, and notions.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maire-aine
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 12:14 PM

Welcome, CamiSu. I think of this as more of a cluster of 'catters, with a common problem-- too much stuff and too little space. It seems like we have this little thread all to ourselves, and it's nice to get to know folks a little better.

Anyway, I took 3 bags of plastic bottles back to the store (we've got a 10-cent deposit on soda bottles). This morning I washed the kitchen and bathroom floors. The handyman just left, after fixing the leaky bathroom faucet.

Meeting a friend for lunch, then more work on the kitchen in the afternoon.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 10:51 PM

I left the dishes stacked neatly in soapy water in the sink, mulling the book I've been reading today. I've been trying to finish the last in the Harry Potter series. I've paced myself, reading it when I had time during a weekly appointment when I have to sit in the waiting room. But it's just too exciting now to let it wait week to week. I read for a while today and hope to finish it over the weekend. Then maybe I'll get to something else.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: CamiSu
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 11:42 PM

SRS--I always was working on a stage set for a theatre camp when the books came out so I would have my youngest read to me as I worked. I did NOT want to wait for the show to be done before I got the book read!

Yes, I am back after an about 8 year hiatus. I started taking on AFS (exchange ) students and then became the support person for a 4 state area, had a fire, a wedding (the daughter who got me onto mudcat)and the illness and death of my husband. I have been aware (and supportive of) several many of the folks here that have lost spouses, parents, friends, and children, but I am sometimes a bit insular and it seemed a bit much to say "I am back and please give me hugs". But I was cold all last winter, and I don't think it had to do with the weather (tho I was not the one who was good at keeping the fires going)My house is so cluttered that I think it might take a year of nothing but cleaning, but I also have to build sets, a bar in a local restaurant, keep animals fed & watered and eggs gathered and cleaned, keep a stone sales business running, and do 2 church services a week--Sunday and Wednesday. I know I have forgotten something...

I deeply appreciate the company here even if I cannot be on so much. And I WILL check in. I did get the vacuuming done today (and the dog will shed a whole nother dog tomorrow. 3 people have picked up their lamb, so stuff IS getting done. Just not enough of it. End of rant.

Kat --

I wish you were here too. I WAS in CO last summer, but only for 10 days. Maybe next time. (This was my first time at the ranch without David. Really hard. My mother in law has been SO helpful. We talk about every 10 days. She's walked the same path, but always had one of her kids around. Wavestar (Jessica) is in CT, Josh is in CO and baby(!) Ben is in high school in western MA. The sheep are not good company, though the dog and cats do try to take up the slack. But if you ever want a place to land out here I don't intend to go anywhere soon. *hug* to you as well!

CamiSu

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 12:34 AM

Cami-Sue, thanks for the invite! We'll have to do some catching up by PMs or something; a lot has happened around here, too. When you come out, next time, give me a holler!

I think I would miss these threads if we just didn't have them this month and next. I may not get much done to post, but it's fun to read what the rest of you are working on...almost like having a coffer klatch.:-) Wouldn't it be fun if we could meet at each other's houses and help en masse?!

I will be sending out some books this weekend, at least. I decluttered my brain of another 2000 words or so, today.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 03:38 AM

Yo, CamiSu good to see you back here! Sorry to hear you've had such a troubled time recently, you are not alone!

Child wanted to know where we bought the new table from, as she hadn't seen it for a few months. I told her, I just moved her crap and there it was!

Today it's going to be one shelf, I've decided... then perhaps I can get the chair in that's needed to sit at the table for sewing. Ho hum...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 05:13 AM

Trouble is, both child and cat have now filled said table with stuff again! I may decide to declutter my house of bipedal and quadrapedal impediments... or at least shut them in the same room together...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 06:45 AM

Found a shelf, a space for the stool and 3 yards of black needlecord fabric to make trousers! Another good day!

Mind you, any day you're still breathing is a good day!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: CamiSu
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 09:38 AM

These may have been expressed before:

Horizontal surface Law: Any horizontal surface will collect junk.

Bell's corollary: The horizontal Surface Law is in effect even when you think it isn't.

I swear I put more stuff in the recycle bin than come in the house and it STILL collects on any horizontal surface! I wonder about a corollary involving cats...

Cami

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 10:09 AM

Wouldn't it be fun if we could meet at each other's houses and help en masse?!

Now that would be a kick in the back-side to get at least part of the house de-cluttered in time for company, wouldn't it? Or would we all assume that everyone has seen it before and just move the junk off of a few chairs?   ;-D

CamiSu, I think there must also be a corollary about remote controls seeking the lowest level on a horizontal surface. It may also apply to cordless phones, cell phones, and the book you're now reading.

This is a long day, working at home for a while then getting dressed up to go photograph a Friends of the Library meeting this evening. I'll set up the VCR to tape a couple of programs I'll miss (since I can no longer use the DVR on the satellite--one thing I do miss, but I still don't miss the cost). Last month I programmed it but forgot to put the tape back in the machine. :-/ I realized this week that you need to re-scan those HD channels periodically because more are coming online. I picked up several new ones this week when I brought the last couple of converter boxes in for the last two (of four) TVs in the house. No way I am going to buy new HD TVs but I will probably put up an antenna on the chimney. I have a reflective barrier on the attic ceiling and that messes up the signal on rabbit ears in the house.

This weekend will be the last time I mow the lawn for the season, unless we have a warm spell long enough to tease out more tall weeds. Then the mower gets winterized. I also have to winterize the dogs' stall soon--set up their oil heater and get more hay to fill in their houses and around the stall in general.

I suppose I could keep this thread going on my own for the next couple of months--I am amazed how cluttered it still is here despite my best efforts. It is better, no doubt about it, but it isn't finished. I recognize that the governing factor on speed of clearing is this balance I've tried to achieve--the time it takes to sell things versus the wasteful throwing out of stuff. Environmentally speaking, I want to see as much of this reused or reapplied as possible, so I stick with it.

Time to go de-clutter the sinuses, I think. It feels like a bad allergy day. I think I'll be picking up a few neti pots as holiday gifts. May not be elegant, but they certainly do the trick!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 10:42 AM

Oh, Maggie, I don't think we'll leave you in here all alone! Even if we just say Hi! and Good Job! I know I will still check in here, regardless. And, if we all could meet at one another's houses, it would require NO clean-up...that would come when we all got there and started helping going through stuff!{g}

I know what you mean. Despite working on it, off and on, for months, all i see, right now, is more stuff piled up!

Subject: RE: BS: De-cluttering November; sustain momentum
From: maire-aine
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 11:51 AM

Well, I'll be here with ya', Maggie. I've got some de-cluttering to make up, since I slacked off last month.

Maryanne