2021 MISSION DECLUTTER and CLEAN

florianatwobob

Frozen carrots are meant to help with teething puppies. The cold is supposed to help with any inflammation and gives some resistance for chewing 

nannywindow

Vasco and Bala my what stories you have to tell, my heart goes out to both of you. My memory has always been sketchy even in school I would have trouble remembering information, especially dates and names and I used to go to pieces in exams even though I had revised. DH says I have a butterfly mind as I flit from one thing to another or go off in a tangent. I have come to terms with my memory issues, I tend to write lots of lists ( and then try not to lose them 😂 ) but it is my wonky walking and my shaky hands that are causing me problems. I think my Dad ( 92 ) has a problem with some sort of ADHD, which has reared itself even more since my DM passed away 7 years ago. Some days he's a nightmare to deal with, but thank heavens for DH, he's my rock and lets me rip when I need to offload about Dad. Anyway I'm not going to dwell on the negatives, life's too short and who knows how long we have left.

MrsSD take as many hugs as you need the hug bucket always refills itself like the porridge pot 😁 Our gov (the WAG) will be bringing back 2m social distancing, although to be fair most people never stopped that. After xmas it seems that we will be back to queues and a one way system in shops too although I have been doing online sm shopping for the past 18 months. I've realised I was spending too much money when doing it in person so now I try to make a list and only buy what I need.

Out today my last 3 xmas cards, 2 were hand posted locally and one in the postbox, I was waiting for the address so had to put a 1st class stamp on that as it's a bit late 😕. I sorted out the xmas presents into piles and had 2 cardboard boxes to put into the recycling. I have to get myself going this afternoon and start wrapping. There's not many as we are a small family, 7 in total and SiL always has money and some chocs. We had to give the builder the next installment for the drive today too as he has to order the concrete for next week 😢. Our poor, poor bank account, I'll be round with the begging bowl soon 🤣

Mehefin Hi, hope you and Mrs M are keeping well.

Take care all, stay safe. Hugs to anyone in need

nan

mothernerd

Hugs Bala xxx

mothernerd

Lots more out but not yet away and not counted yet. One of the cleaners was more inclined to bin things rather than clean them - some I agreed to like pans and roast tins with high levels of grease or melted butter (I wasn't going to clean them and my pans, like most of my kitchen are 17.5 years old - so wasn't worried that they couldn't find the top to one of the small burners). It all needs replacing at some point before I get too old to be bothered with the upheaval required and I still have a 10l stock pot and one pan (plus the 2 le creusets I lent to DS2 and which he's obviously returned at some point).
Told Beloved they're hers because they're too heavy for me now (bought them when our co-op was closing down, reduced by 50% and then a bit extra, the only way I could have afforded them and I have had many years of pleasure from them.

Some pots awaiting their turn in the dishwasher went and I think some of Beloved's gadgets (I   rescued a little bit that I think is used to push things down into the food processor in stages - at least 3 times). By the time the cleaners finished I sat on the sofa surrounded by bags of 'keepers' and many more had been taken to the finished rooms (mostly hidden in wardrobes) - can take them out one at a time as we feel like it so we don't get overwhelmed.

It's been agreed I will stay here today, most of me isn't working (holding onto wardrobe handles to get across the room, swaying when sitting upright, Bambi legged and dizzy when standing). I do want to get on but it will do DS3 and Beloved good to have time to decompress. The cleaner working with Beloved was very kind and gentle and I asked them to clean the bathroom and small bedroom (most sorted room thanks to my efforts) so that she had a refuge if things got too much. All the washed and bagged bedding was put in there o she had sorting to do if she cracked, but she held up throughout the day (DS3 was poised to swoop if things got too much). 

Will do my best to round up some figures tomorrow. Keep up the good work everyone, Will go and attempt to wrest a few things from the freezer (really want to get hold of a man and van this week and transport the big things). Checked food deliveries earlier and I can have a delivery from the 27th onwards (there were 2 spots for this evening but they were £7.50 each and we have some lots of food (just not Christmas food) but can stay on the bus as far as Morries one day (might get an all day ticket and hop back and forth with perhaps a suitcase full of stuff at a time) or nip into little arseda and look for closing time bargains.

vulpix

 Thank you bala and vascoda. xx

 I did nowt,I fell asleep and was woken by the phone at 1;30. 

 Proofread100 I think it was vascoda who said if you have several frogs, eat the noisiest and ugliest one first!

 bit by bit I wish I could buy my own presents from DH. Even when I show him things that I like he goes with his own ideas. Last year electric scissors, previously a plug in electric gillet, before that a radio alarm clock, the list goes on. Does he actually know me? To me Christmas gifts should be all about giving someone a little luxury that they would not treat them selves to. Oh ,he got that bit right ! I am all about the aesthetics of things. Doesn't matter if it is impractical or uncomfortable ,it has to look nice. It is a standing joke now that I will open a parcel and be bemused at its contents. I am very grateful though that he has gone to the trouble. He must have inherited his skill from his Mother. I had pan scrubs from her last year!

 I have decided to donate the painting to a local charity which supports needy families in Manchester. I have found the artist online and browsed his gallery but there are no prices to be found.

 VX

 

EnergyShifter

EnergyShifter said:

1061 - 64 - 4x used tins of paint
1065 - rusted screwdriver
1066 - Bag
1067- (old primary school )lunch box (my DS is 21 now !) 

25 items to meet 2021 target 

1068. bikini top
1069 & 70 - 2 x pairs sports bra inserts
1071 - hand blender (bought it when DS was being weaned (he's now 21 )
1072 - chair

20 items to meet 2021 target

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all, well I should have been at my sisters now but she was not comfortable with me visiting right now as the numbers in her area are quite high and I have been to a football match this week, even though I said I would do a test this morning. I was disappointed but I know if she is stressed about my visit it won't go well. My niece and nephew laughed before my last visit as OH couldn't go and said I was brave going without a buffer It actually went quite well but I know the risks having had some spectacular arguments in the past . So today I have had to parcel up the presents and get them in the post and would you believe it I had to buy a box to post them in as I had decluttered all the suitably sized ones a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't sure of the size I would need so got 2 but managed to use the smaller one. I did manage to use a small amount of packaging to pad it out but really minimal as I decided not to include the Christmas cake I had only finished icing on Wed as it was heavy enough already.
So having a little time I have read through the posts properly
@Siebrie belated happy birthday, sounds as if you had a lovely time.
@bit_by_bit, you have a craft stock? This made me laugh as I have never thought of it as "stock", just lots of lovely things that I will use one day
@mothernerd, you have done so much and you do have so much to cope with please make sure you take care of yourself. I am not sure I would be happy with cleaners who just throw things away rather than cleaning them, especially if you then have to rescue something useful 3 times but if you are happy that is what really matters
@nannywindow have you had a blood test for the thyroid stimulating hormone? This is not the normal thyroid test but it is used in a lot of european countries. My OHs nephew is married to a GP in Germany and she told us this is the way thyroid problems are diagnosed in Germany as the range on the test we use here is very large and everybody is different so you could fall into the" normal " range but it could still be wrong for you iyswim. I have a friend with thyroid problems who says we should all have a test when we are young and well to determine our individual base line. It might be worth asking for it when it is tested next if your symptoms persist. Hugs though as I know how ill thyroid problems can make you.
@balabooberlies well done on getting things posted on the bay of e, I must take the plunge in the new year  
On the subject of ADHD and AS after working in a special school for over 25 years I can say that I think there are a lot of people who have these but have never been diagnosed. Likewise with dyspraxia. Lots of people learn coping strategies when young to enable them to get through the day without knowing or understanding why everything is so difficult. Women are especially good at masking their problems which is why there are less diagnosed. Did you happen to see the programme about Paddy McGuinness and his family? He has 3 children with AS and honestly I could tell his wife also had AS before it was diagnosed, both ADHD and AS cause such anxiety it can be very difficult to cope with every day life. It is only recently that any but the seriously affected have been diagnosed but it is getting better and there are coping strategies that can be employed to help and the more information we can get the better, not just for the people living with these but the general population who can help by having a bit more awareness and understanding. Off my soapbox now
@Proofread100, when I started on my Dakar rally of decluttering I started in my bedroom so I would have a calm and tidy place to be at the end and start of the day.. There were times when I was almost overwhelmed with all I had to do but it really helps me to have a calm , tidy room and spurs me on to sort out the rest but I think we all do things differently and you will find what works for you with the help of all the lovely people here. 
@Mrs SD My decluttering journey will definitely be continued next year so please book my seat on whatever form of transport you choose.
Sorry for the long ramble
Take care everyone

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. KITCHEN WILL CONTINUE TO BE LEFT CLEAN & TIDY EVERY NIGHT

2. JUST DO ONE THING EVERY DAY (courtesy of bit_by_bit) OTHER THAN DAY TO DAY CLEANING & DECLUTTERING 

3. ONCE A WEEK LEAVE THE HOUSE (e.g. Go into city centre for bank & butcher;  go to local town for cs dropping off or buying; visit the pub with DH 😉

4. CLEAN & EMPTY SURFACE AREAS - DAILY

Friday has been a dry day & for me a complete slob day 😉 Spent the entire day in my fluffy dressing gown watching TV 😂 DH fed the worms. DH & I finished the hm soup for lunch. One of our neighbours brought round a Christmas card & a box of fancy biscuits 🙂👏 Dinner was salmon fillets for DH & me, lo chicken for DSis with boiled potatoes & peas. Wudupa.

2284 - 2286 Kitchen recycling, newspaper, glass bottle - recycled 

2287 Kitchen detritus - binned 

You are welcome Proofread100 🙂 & I am pleased that my brief guide has proved useful. Also thank you so much for sharing the information about perimenopause 👏 Good luck with clearing the kitchen island & getting the other members of the household on board 🍀 I see a couple of our fellow declutterers have already explained ‘frogs’ 

Thanks for the printing information wort 👏

Hope you can catch up on your sleep vulpix 🤞 As to your family gathering, good for you 👏 as you say if it is good enough for the ‘muppets’ then it is good enough for you 😉 Well done on the decluttering & I see more £s in the pot 👏 Hopefully your ‘nap’ has replenished your energy levels 🤞I am keeping everything crossed that your DH will surprise you this year with thoughtful & wanted luxuries 🤞

Oh balabooberlies how very sad for both you & your brother plus your nephew 😞 I would like to thank you very much for sharing with us. Hopefully the rose hip tip will work 🤞

Lovely post accidentalglixch & I like the explanation of ‘frogs’ 👏 Well done on the electronic decluttering & Remi’s ongoing training 👏 Sending get well wishes to you, hubs & Remi. 

Must say I am enjoying the conversation about teething & still on topic - decluttering pain for both children & puppies 🙂👏

Another excellent explanation of frogs, bit_by_bit 👏 Did smile at the thought of you buying your Christmas presents from your husband 😁 at least you know you will get something you love/want 😉

What a beautiful post nannywindow 😊 and thank you for also sharing your experiences with us 👏 Thanks for the hugs 🤗 Re the rinse & repeat of Covid regulations not sure the muppets understand that is probably not the working in an office that spreads the virus but more likely partying & dropping inhibitions due to copious consumption of alcohol 🙄 Oh well, it is what it is 😔 Well done on getting started with the cards & wrapping 👏 Any chance of replenishing the bank account - sell a kidney 🙃😉😉

mothernerd, sounds like you had one experienced cleaner & one declutterer rather than 2 cleaners 🤔 However it does sound like you got a lot done 👏  Medals all round - 🏅for you, 🏅for DS3 & 🏅for Beloved. So sorry to hear that your body is rebelling & I am sending get well wishes & gentle hugs 🤗 

Good work EnergyShifter 👏 so close 🙂

Liverpool_Anne sorry to hear that your pre Christmas plans have been scuppered 😢 Well done on sending the Christmas presents 👏 & I hope that the boxes weren’t too expensive 🤞I have to confess to a wry grin 🙃 - it was a struggle finding the correct size boxes for DSis to post her gifts to her son - most of the ones I had kept were either too large or too small 😔 As to the rest of your post what a wonderful, caring & thoughtful post it is 👏 I can confirm that you have a seat aboard the ‘Electric Decluttering Train’ 🙂 Btw you didn’t ramble & I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post 🙂

MrsSD   🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🥇🥇🏅   ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Decluttering Target: 2021    2287/2021

2021 Savings Pot:  £675.00 to end of December 

TC77

Morning, caught up on posts, but having very poor memory (undiagnosed ADD/ dyslexia ?) forgetting the points I want to respond to , mostly

Bala, like with like is really helpful but I struggle with it, and never sure to put all like with like or have a couple of places (spread over 3 floors so a trek if need something 2 floors down and the liklihood of returning it low). I hope you are being gentle with yourself, and being a good friend to yourself.

Love hearing how everyone is getting on and so much is. Hugs and positive thoughts to anyone struggling - a difficult time of year I think for many. I am usually want to get 'sorted' for the new year but just focusing on day to day life. Going away for a few days with both DDs - hasn't happened for about 6/7 years and having to organise and get documentation all of which I'm unused to, and meant to be off work now so will spend weekend finishing a few bits.

Do other people find you declutter bedroom for example, to make it calm but then things migrate there again - maybe this is more tidying and showing up my natural struggle to keep tidy  - I work so hard at it

Petfeeder arrived but battery doesn't fit it

BG did a service but now can't turn a radiator off and few similar things

A few things - box of books sent to my dad (consultant told him to read rather than watch TV) and signed him up for library delivery by volunteers so hopefully can get large print (says doesn't need it) but had the perfect size box  - vast selection to choose from (1)

Bulbs planted and garden debris (2)

Cards sent (1)

2229 - 2233 - don't think I will get to the 2500 which I think I increased by target.

Liverpool Anne - have you come across APD - auditory processing disorder? my 17 year old referred - dyslexic but struggles to hear and hearing test 'normal' but still struggles. Audiologist was very terse and just said its not a hearing problem you have a listening problem. She works really hard to concentrate so was quite upset. GP failed to send referral so had to check with hospital /GP a couple of time (def a frog) 2234

Hopefully more frogs today - have written a list of major frogs to resolve next year (involve multiple frog eating to get there)

Mrs SD please count me in next year and will go for 2022.

balabooberlies

Tc77

gotta be quick, but there are a few things I want to say.  Just Tiggy needs walking before I start my mad day.

But for me the like for like has been a godsend.  So all stationary stuff in a box with label.  All old pillow cases, all remotes wires etc.  You get the picture.  Find a corner where you can stack them.  Not too many because it becomes overwhelming (and heavy work).  You have now cleared space.  When you are feeling a little relaxed and have time grab ONE BOX ONLY and put it in front of you.  Create the need/beautiful pile (as per William Morris) and the rest into bag/s for recycling or charity shop.

Eh Woila (as my brother would say) !

 

big kiss

X