On Wednesday I totally forgot to take any shreddables to work with me, so none of that got done. I don't think I did much in the way of decluttering when I got home either.
Thursday: I went to Thanksgiving dinner at the home of some friends. It was amazing! Many courses, all delicious, and good company. It was just what I needed :)
Friday: I paid a couple of bills online, and recycled the envelope and inserts for one of them. The other doesn't come in the mail, so nothing to recycle. Also cleaned the catbox. I did a few hours of work (and got paid) and then went out for dinner and a trek to a musical singalong bar! Quite fun!
Saturday: Paid another bill and recycled the envelope. Then did dishes so I could make surprise pies for my friends'/neighbors' annual Thanksgiving get-together. Big party this year, really fun, and delicious food as always! I stayed up soooo late!
Sunday: I did NOTHING all day. Oh wait, I recycled three post-its. But I didn't take a shower or even put my contact lenses on. I watched a couple movies, took a nap during a football game, and went to bed early, where I developed a horrific case of heartburn that kept me awake long enough to make me extremely cranky about having to go to work Monday, haha! That was really weird - I think I've had heartburn once in my life before last night.
Monday: Today I forgot my shreddables again! But this morning I cleaned the catbox, and I did some dishes when I got home. Also weeded out the deadest roses to toss and mixed those that still have life with the alstromeria I got on sale last week. Work turned out to be very productive today - got a lot of loose ends taken care of.
Results: I was really cranky yesterday and today. I forgot how much I need alone time, and evidently when I don't get it it's really hard for me to deal with being crowded on the subway! So I was really irritated with every bump into my elbow, or leg pushing over into my seat. Luckily, my honey came back from Thanksgiving and came over for awhile, and that made me feel better cuz I was really missing him over the weekend.
Despite the cranky mood, I got a lot done at work today - surprising amounts of stuff. Unfortunately much of it was brand-new stuff that just became an issue today, but at least I crossed a couple things off my list, and should have time tomorrow for some others that are much-needed.
I also got a free coffee this morning just because they had to refill the milks! That was at Pret a Manger, a great place to eat - they use organic milk and chemical free meats, and free trade coffee, and the food is really good! They are always doing nice things for me there - it's a great place!
Finally, I am feeling so much happier! I guess if you can't have alone time, the next best thing is time with your sweetheart :) He also brought me some really good beer and dark chocolate that he knows I like.
Time for bed! Tomorrow is another busy day. This time I'm shredding stuff!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday/Tuesday
Monday's declutter: I shredded 22 pieces of paper at work. When I got home, I did the dishes and cleaned the catbox.
Tuesday's declutter: I recycled two envelopes and a post-it, paid a bill, and shredded 82 pieces of paper at work. And I've done the dishes and am about to clean the catbox.
Results: I got paid yesterday :) And there is so much to do at work that I am increasing my hours on the days I'm there, which will help me make ends meet a little more easily.
Tuesday's declutter: I recycled two envelopes and a post-it, paid a bill, and shredded 82 pieces of paper at work. And I've done the dishes and am about to clean the catbox.
Results: I got paid yesterday :) And there is so much to do at work that I am increasing my hours on the days I'm there, which will help me make ends meet a little more easily.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday
Today I changed the cat litter, took out the garbage, and got those dishes washed.
Forgot that I put the laundry away Friday night. This doesn't always happen the day the wash gets done, so it counts :)
Results: My remote-work friend deposited my check into my account for me so I wouldn't have to wait for the mail :)
Forgot that I put the laundry away Friday night. This doesn't always happen the day the wash gets done, so it counts :)
Results: My remote-work friend deposited my check into my account for me so I wouldn't have to wait for the mail :)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Saturday
Today I have deleted 15 emails, and emptied my email trash (334 previously deleted emails). I have lots more to do but am feeling curiously lazy after an excessively hectic week during which I felt under the weather the entire time. So it's quite possible the dishes will sit and the catbox will not get changed till tomorrow, to say nothing of the vast dust bunnies which need to be swept up. I can think of nothing other than how little I want to move.
Maybe I'll put the time to use in catching up on missed internet marketing webinars.
Maybe I'll put the time to use in catching up on missed internet marketing webinars.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday - Friday
Thursday's Declutter: I shredded 33 or 35 papers at work. It's 33 or 35 because two of the papers were more like leaflets, so they were double-size papers. So they were single papers, but as big as two. I couldn't decide.
Friday's Declutter: I did TWO LOADS of laundry this morning before going in to clean up the mess I left at work last night, haha! Seriously, I need to work more hours there cuz I can't keep up with the stuff that has to get done. This week my desk looked like a paper explosion had occurred, both the days I worked. I HAD to go in for three hours just to get it all filed away in preparation for Monday. The fun part of the chaos is that I've gotten a lot of stuff done.
Back to my decluttering. I shredded 16 papers today. I thought I'd put more than that in the folder. C'est la vie.
I thought there was more, but not yet I guess. Oh, wait, yes there is. I paid one bill and made a payment on another bill!
Friday's Declutter: I did TWO LOADS of laundry this morning before going in to clean up the mess I left at work last night, haha! Seriously, I need to work more hours there cuz I can't keep up with the stuff that has to get done. This week my desk looked like a paper explosion had occurred, both the days I worked. I HAD to go in for three hours just to get it all filed away in preparation for Monday. The fun part of the chaos is that I've gotten a lot of stuff done.
Back to my decluttering. I shredded 16 papers today. I thought I'd put more than that in the folder. C'est la vie.
I thought there was more, but not yet I guess. Oh, wait, yes there is. I paid one bill and made a payment on another bill!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday/Wednesday
Tuesday: I had a surprise day off, so I spent another hour or so completing my Quicken updating. I got all the checking info entered through this week. I also recycled an envelope and receipt, and paid a bill and recycled the envelope and insert. Finally, I did the dishes.
Wednesday: I shredded 14 more papers. Could have done more but I was on my way out the door and felt funny about shredding my personal stuff at work. Since getting home I have cleaned the catbox and am waiting on the hot water to do the dishes.
I think I recycled two newspapers on Sunday or Monday also.
Wednesday: I shredded 14 more papers. Could have done more but I was on my way out the door and felt funny about shredding my personal stuff at work. Since getting home I have cleaned the catbox and am waiting on the hot water to do the dishes.
I think I recycled two newspapers on Sunday or Monday also.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday
On Monday I shredded 33 more papers from the pile. Also paid two bills and recycled the envelopes and inserts.
Results: I'm getting work offers right and left the last couple weeks! It's amazing how it's feast or famine with work sometimes...
I had a great day at work, very chaotic and busy and I loved it! I had to crank out a bunch of stuff in a couple of hours, and I got it done :) It's hard sometimes to do ten things at once, but the feeling of getting stuff done is so satisfying!
Results: I'm getting work offers right and left the last couple weeks! It's amazing how it's feast or famine with work sometimes...
I had a great day at work, very chaotic and busy and I loved it! I had to crank out a bunch of stuff in a couple of hours, and I got it done :) It's hard sometimes to do ten things at once, but the feeling of getting stuff done is so satisfying!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday
Woohoo! It's a gorgeous Indian summer day, and I went to buy slippers and found the exact style I wanted for TEN BUCKS! Not only that, but I decided to put my November expenses into Quicken so I'll have a spending record.
Once I did that, I updated all my cash expenditures since the last time I entered them - from July on - and as a result have recycled 67 receipts, two post-its, and two pieces of paper!
Next is updating checking. This takes longer cuz of deposit breakdowns and such. But I'm on a roll so I'm doing it!
The windows are wide open, the sun is shining in, and I feel good!
Addendum: Caught up on the checking account through August and recycled two more receipts.
Once I did that, I updated all my cash expenditures since the last time I entered them - from July on - and as a result have recycled 67 receipts, two post-its, and two pieces of paper!
Next is updating checking. This takes longer cuz of deposit breakdowns and such. But I'm on a roll so I'm doing it!
The windows are wide open, the sun is shining in, and I feel good!
Addendum: Caught up on the checking account through August and recycled two more receipts.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Saturday Update
I have cleaned the catbox, deleted 278 emails, and washed the dishes. There were surprisingly few dishes - it looked worse than it was. Now I'm gonna go dirty some up again :)
Additional update: I recycled a post-it and a library receipt, and froze all the meat I got on sale before cooking. Then after cooking, I opened my mail, and recycled an envelope, a sales letter, five inserts, and a pet food sale postcard.
Results: Got a pet food sale coupon for one of the brands I use, YAY!
Additional update: I recycled a post-it and a library receipt, and froze all the meat I got on sale before cooking. Then after cooking, I opened my mail, and recycled an envelope, a sales letter, five inserts, and a pet food sale postcard.
Results: Got a pet food sale coupon for one of the brands I use, YAY!
Friday/Saturday
I don't think I decluttered anything Friday. I did take the garbage out on my way to do some work for a new client. But after the busy and emotional week, I collapsed when I got home.
Today I slept in and have done nothing except an hour of remote work to finish up my friend's project. Going forward I'll be her bookkeeper :)
I need to do some things around the house today: Dishes, catbox, freezing the meat I bought the other day. But I'm still feeling a bit wiped out. I am going to have to employ the "owns my time" trick for these chores. It doesn't help that I have noxious paint fumes mixed with natural gas permeating my apartment for the last four days. My landlord clearly buys the cheapest paint he can find, and I suffer every time, but for some reason, it is much, much worse this time. I thought I had a gas leak and when Con Ed's repairman got here he told me the pilot lights draw the paint aldehydes to them, so that's why it's so gross in here. Whatever the reason, it's pretty sickening. I've had windows cracked open, but the only thing that seems to work is cooking - running the gas. Guess it clears it out.
Just more chaos to add to the other declutter chaos. I guess it's good in the end cuz it means I'm making progress :)
Time to get back to it.
Today I slept in and have done nothing except an hour of remote work to finish up my friend's project. Going forward I'll be her bookkeeper :)
I need to do some things around the house today: Dishes, catbox, freezing the meat I bought the other day. But I'm still feeling a bit wiped out. I am going to have to employ the "owns my time" trick for these chores. It doesn't help that I have noxious paint fumes mixed with natural gas permeating my apartment for the last four days. My landlord clearly buys the cheapest paint he can find, and I suffer every time, but for some reason, it is much, much worse this time. I thought I had a gas leak and when Con Ed's repairman got here he told me the pilot lights draw the paint aldehydes to them, so that's why it's so gross in here. Whatever the reason, it's pretty sickening. I've had windows cracked open, but the only thing that seems to work is cooking - running the gas. Guess it clears it out.
Just more chaos to add to the other declutter chaos. I guess it's good in the end cuz it means I'm making progress :)
Time to get back to it.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Decluttering Gets Good
Thursday's declutter: I shredded 17 pages of the three-ream pile. Notice how the number of pages is shrinking daily, haha! I never intended to do 80 pages the first day, but 17 is a bit on the low side. My plan was about 30 pages each time. I think if I do 50 I'll get through it faster.
Results: This week in my life has been what decluttering is all about. From all I've read and the segments on hoarders I've seen on TV, clutter stems from emotional issues. Each story is different, but the basic, bottom-line issue seems to be one of security or feeling safe.
I've also found that when I reach a certain level of unclutteredness, I stop decluttering and stay at that level or let the clutter build up again. There's a comfort zone for me and going beyond it has been very tough. I think this is also common with clutterers. I have found on the few occasions that I've done massive decluttering, that things tend to get chaotic for a bit afterward, which brings me to this week.
This week I've been on the most intense emotional roller-coaster I've experienced in a long time. On Monday I saw my boyfriend for the first time since returning from my vacation. I had decided to break it off because things weren't moving forward and I had been feeling hopeless about my dreams. But when we talked about it, he said some things that made me realize just how much he loves me and how committed he is to me. I didn't get that right away - first I reconsidered breaking up, then freaked out about it and told him, and THEN I thought about what he had said and finally GOT IT.
So for the next two days, I was flying on a cloud. Nothing bothered me, I had great days at work, everything went according to plan, I had job offers coming in - I was in the zone. Then Wednesday he told me something I hadn't known about him that brought up all these feelings of being the loser that no one had ever wanted to marry. I was right back into the despair of dreams unfulfilled. I was also very upset that he hadn't mentioned it before because it was important. Oh, the places we go...
So I went into a spiral of intense hurt feelings, which were really mostly about being the one no one ever wanted to marry rather than about my guy not telling me this thing about his life. It's a place I haven't visited for awhile, and while there I discovered something had changed. In the past, when I went there I'd go into the despair of being unlovable, worthless, a loser, and anything else bad I could feel about myself. But this time, in the middle of crying over what a loser I was, I knew that I was NOT a loser. I knew I was NOT worthless. And I knew I AM lovable. I was able to feel this enormous hurt from years and years of zero self-esteem, while having self-esteem. For the first time in my life, I was hurt but not broken.
On Thursday I started to get my equilibrium back. I remembered two men who had been crazy about me when I was young, and thought they probably would have married me if I'd been in love with them. So I wasn't the loser no one wanted, I was just the loser who didn't want the ones who wanted me :) And, I still knew I wasn't a loser, I just have had commitment issues of my own. My guy told me more about his past, and said it was so long ago he hardly ever thinks about it.
So today, I'm just marveling at having my self-esteem back. It took a very long time, but it's amazing to be able to look at events in my past, feel the old feelings, and yet know it was not about me.
I credit this crazy, amazing week to the big paper declutter I did last weekend. The EFT exercises are a part of this as well - appropriately, this week involves feelings of hurt! Best of all, I don't need to hide from these feelings any more, so I bet I'll be able to get past my clutter comfort zone now! YAY!
Results: This week in my life has been what decluttering is all about. From all I've read and the segments on hoarders I've seen on TV, clutter stems from emotional issues. Each story is different, but the basic, bottom-line issue seems to be one of security or feeling safe.
I've also found that when I reach a certain level of unclutteredness, I stop decluttering and stay at that level or let the clutter build up again. There's a comfort zone for me and going beyond it has been very tough. I think this is also common with clutterers. I have found on the few occasions that I've done massive decluttering, that things tend to get chaotic for a bit afterward, which brings me to this week.
This week I've been on the most intense emotional roller-coaster I've experienced in a long time. On Monday I saw my boyfriend for the first time since returning from my vacation. I had decided to break it off because things weren't moving forward and I had been feeling hopeless about my dreams. But when we talked about it, he said some things that made me realize just how much he loves me and how committed he is to me. I didn't get that right away - first I reconsidered breaking up, then freaked out about it and told him, and THEN I thought about what he had said and finally GOT IT.
So for the next two days, I was flying on a cloud. Nothing bothered me, I had great days at work, everything went according to plan, I had job offers coming in - I was in the zone. Then Wednesday he told me something I hadn't known about him that brought up all these feelings of being the loser that no one had ever wanted to marry. I was right back into the despair of dreams unfulfilled. I was also very upset that he hadn't mentioned it before because it was important. Oh, the places we go...
So I went into a spiral of intense hurt feelings, which were really mostly about being the one no one ever wanted to marry rather than about my guy not telling me this thing about his life. It's a place I haven't visited for awhile, and while there I discovered something had changed. In the past, when I went there I'd go into the despair of being unlovable, worthless, a loser, and anything else bad I could feel about myself. But this time, in the middle of crying over what a loser I was, I knew that I was NOT a loser. I knew I was NOT worthless. And I knew I AM lovable. I was able to feel this enormous hurt from years and years of zero self-esteem, while having self-esteem. For the first time in my life, I was hurt but not broken.
On Thursday I started to get my equilibrium back. I remembered two men who had been crazy about me when I was young, and thought they probably would have married me if I'd been in love with them. So I wasn't the loser no one wanted, I was just the loser who didn't want the ones who wanted me :) And, I still knew I wasn't a loser, I just have had commitment issues of my own. My guy told me more about his past, and said it was so long ago he hardly ever thinks about it.
So today, I'm just marveling at having my self-esteem back. It took a very long time, but it's amazing to be able to look at events in my past, feel the old feelings, and yet know it was not about me.
I credit this crazy, amazing week to the big paper declutter I did last weekend. The EFT exercises are a part of this as well - appropriately, this week involves feelings of hurt! Best of all, I don't need to hide from these feelings any more, so I bet I'll be able to get past my clutter comfort zone now! YAY!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday
Today I shredded 28 pages of the three-ream pile :)
Results: Holy cow. Well, first of all I forgot that last night I got a terrific one-day deal on hamburger at Whole Foods! I bought several pounds.
So today, I worked almost 5 hours and could have done more but had to race home to help my friend I've been working for. Anyway, the upshot is I'll be getting a large paycheck next week, much larger than I've gotten in months. Things are definitely picking up there!
I also talked with the second referral that I got this week, and I'm going to do two or three or four hours for her on Friday!
Finally, I'm getting a check from the friend for whom I'm doing the remote work. I should get paid on Monday for my other job, so I'll have plenty of cash for all the bills that are due next week :)
I also felt really really good all day again. Then tonight I found out something that threw me for a big loop, but I called my sister and freaked out on her shoulder, and I feel better now. I want to get back to that good-feeling place as fast as possible, because everything just flows when I'm in that space. Goodnight!
Results: Holy cow. Well, first of all I forgot that last night I got a terrific one-day deal on hamburger at Whole Foods! I bought several pounds.
So today, I worked almost 5 hours and could have done more but had to race home to help my friend I've been working for. Anyway, the upshot is I'll be getting a large paycheck next week, much larger than I've gotten in months. Things are definitely picking up there!
I also talked with the second referral that I got this week, and I'm going to do two or three or four hours for her on Friday!
Finally, I'm getting a check from the friend for whom I'm doing the remote work. I should get paid on Monday for my other job, so I'll have plenty of cash for all the bills that are due next week :)
I also felt really really good all day again. Then tonight I found out something that threw me for a big loop, but I called my sister and freaked out on her shoulder, and I feel better now. I want to get back to that good-feeling place as fast as possible, because everything just flows when I'm in that space. Goodnight!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday Night
Today I shredded 80 pieces of paper! I didn't know it was that much!
When I got home I did the chores I had written down this morning - I am saying they own my time instead of calling them chores (thank you, Lisa Nichols and Lisa Garr!). I cleaned the catbox, scanned my purchases for the previous week and transmitted them (I'm in the Nielsen program), and did the dishes. Then I attempted to duplicate the yummy sample of pasta bolognese I had at the grocery store. It came out good, not quite the same, but still good!
Results: Great day at work! I got another job referral today. And I had a meeting about a job one day a week. My cash flow is looking up!
OH! I got a free product at Whole Foods cuz the barcode wasn't scanning! That's the second time that's happened - love it!
Best of all, I just feel GOOD! Everything is flowing well, I'm happy, life is great :)
When I got home I did the chores I had written down this morning - I am saying they own my time instead of calling them chores (thank you, Lisa Nichols and Lisa Garr!). I cleaned the catbox, scanned my purchases for the previous week and transmitted them (I'm in the Nielsen program), and did the dishes. Then I attempted to duplicate the yummy sample of pasta bolognese I had at the grocery store. It came out good, not quite the same, but still good!
Results: Great day at work! I got another job referral today. And I had a meeting about a job one day a week. My cash flow is looking up!
OH! I got a free product at Whole Foods cuz the barcode wasn't scanning! That's the second time that's happened - love it!
Best of all, I just feel GOOD! Everything is flowing well, I'm happy, life is great :)
I Forgot! And Tuesday Morning
I totally forgot about this, and I think it happened Saturday. I took a catalog and sale flyer with coupons down to the lobby.
Today I am taking shreddables to work. Just a few, don't want to overload any shredders :)
Results: My sweetheart brought me roses last night! We had a talk about things that had been on my mind, and at the end of the evening when I was lying in bed thinking about him, I could feel how much he loves me. It is wonderful to be able to see that you are deeply loved. He wants to give so much to me. I feel grateful.
In other news, I have a meeting about work this evening! Hopefully I'll be able to get started this week. This is another recommendation from my wonderful colleague Debbie, who has gotten me so much work this year, and for whom I'm very grateful as well!
Gotta go!
Today I am taking shreddables to work. Just a few, don't want to overload any shredders :)
Results: My sweetheart brought me roses last night! We had a talk about things that had been on my mind, and at the end of the evening when I was lying in bed thinking about him, I could feel how much he loves me. It is wonderful to be able to see that you are deeply loved. He wants to give so much to me. I feel grateful.
In other news, I have a meeting about work this evening! Hopefully I'll be able to get started this week. This is another recommendation from my wonderful colleague Debbie, who has gotten me so much work this year, and for whom I'm very grateful as well!
Gotta go!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday Continued
So I realized that instead of doing laundry, I could simply iron the 15 shirts that had been sitting on the ironing board for a month or more, and I'd have stuff to wear. So I did :) It was really only 13 shirts and a light cover-up. But it's done :)
In addition, I recycled 14 papers, two brochures, 10 post-its, an envelope, and two receipts. And I'm putting 26 papers/post-its in a folder for the work I'm doing for my friend, and notes for my webinars and stock classes in folders. Finally, I have put all my bills in a pretty box so they look friendly :)
Interestingly, one of the post-its I recycled had a note about my recycling 45 receipts and a piece of paper. I have no idea when this happened or if I noted it down, so I'm doing it now!
In addition, I recycled 14 papers, two brochures, 10 post-its, an envelope, and two receipts. And I'm putting 26 papers/post-its in a folder for the work I'm doing for my friend, and notes for my webinars and stock classes in folders. Finally, I have put all my bills in a pretty box so they look friendly :)
Interestingly, one of the post-its I recycled had a note about my recycling 45 receipts and a piece of paper. I have no idea when this happened or if I noted it down, so I'm doing it now!
Monday
I started early this morning and set up a Facebook business page tab that I meant to do yesterday. Take a look! http://on.fb.me/FBMake4K
So far, I have decluttered 19 emails. Today I plan to clean up the paper mess on my table. It is deceptively messy, but really will entail very little work - tossing about 50 post-its about sums it up :)
Also will have to do laundry. Not really liking this as it's rainy and sleety out. But I have to do it or there will be no clean clothes tomorrow. And I'll feel better having accomplished it.
So far, I have decluttered 19 emails. Today I plan to clean up the paper mess on my table. It is deceptively messy, but really will entail very little work - tossing about 50 post-its about sums it up :)
Also will have to do laundry. Not really liking this as it's rainy and sleety out. But I have to do it or there will be no clean clothes tomorrow. And I'll feel better having accomplished it.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday
Today I had a lot of plans and by 3pm I was so sleepy that some of them didn't get done. But a bunch still did:
I took two dead plants out to the empty yard next door, and threw out the garbage. Also picked up some stuff at the store, and did dishes.
Results: I used my FREE MOVIE CARD that my brother sent me! Got to see "Let Me In." The acting is brilliant. Story is slow but good - a little gory - not at all a horror story, more about two lonely kids. Very moving and deeply unsatisfying. Which is actually a good thing in this case :)
I took two dead plants out to the empty yard next door, and threw out the garbage. Also picked up some stuff at the store, and did dishes.
Results: I used my FREE MOVIE CARD that my brother sent me! Got to see "Let Me In." The acting is brilliant. Story is slow but good - a little gory - not at all a horror story, more about two lonely kids. Very moving and deeply unsatisfying. Which is actually a good thing in this case :)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Saturday, and More
I forgot that I also recycled a paper bag on Thursday.
And, last night I recycled one more newspaper, making the total for the night 28.
Today: I decided to go through the boxes of papers in my closet, cuz I knew I was keeping old bills and such that I didn't need anymore. After going through three boxes, I have about three reams of old bills and bank statements to shred. I also went through a couple of the bill folders in my file cabinet and took out some old stuff, and went through my user manuals and warranties to see what was expired.
Apart from the stuff to shred, I recycled: 72 info booklets, 24 envelopes, 202 pieces of paper, 5 prospectuses (which are thick booklets and account for probably another 150 pieces of paper), 10 pieces of cardboard, 2 small boxes, and 1 receipt. It took about three and a half hours. I took the bag of paper to the recycling bin, then recycled another envelope and insert after checking the mail, caught up on the filing, and recycled two more envelopes and inserts, and a voting brochure I just saw as I typed this. Plus another envelope!
Results: I feel like I accomplished something. By putting all these old files in the shred pile, I was able to put the old credit card statements, and my 2008 taxes, in the box that held the old files. There is still room, too, for when I need to put away 2009 taxes. The place is still far from done, but the paper is reduced to post-its scattered all over my table. Most of them have to do with work I'm doing for a friend, so a folder will take care of them.
Other results: I went to the Farmers' Market this morning and while I didn't find much of what I wanted to buy, there was a special FREE clambake going on, so I got in line and had some delicious mussels and clams, and even shot a raw clam! My, that was a yummy breakfast!
I also decided I'd buy a bottle of wine from the Finger Lakes wine booth, because that book I'm reading is in part about enjoying your life while also being responsible for your debt, and I realized that my life has been very low on enjoyment in recent years. I've been so focused on just getting the bills paid that I haven't saved anything or spent any money on entertainment or decor or much of ANYTHING. I've been living a very, very deprived life and it's time for that to change. I have to do it within my income, of course, which is going to mean closing credit accounts and negotiating significantly lower payments for awhile, but I can do that.
So tomorrow I am going to make use of my free movie card and go see something fun!
And, last night I recycled one more newspaper, making the total for the night 28.
Today: I decided to go through the boxes of papers in my closet, cuz I knew I was keeping old bills and such that I didn't need anymore. After going through three boxes, I have about three reams of old bills and bank statements to shred. I also went through a couple of the bill folders in my file cabinet and took out some old stuff, and went through my user manuals and warranties to see what was expired.
Apart from the stuff to shred, I recycled: 72 info booklets, 24 envelopes, 202 pieces of paper, 5 prospectuses (which are thick booklets and account for probably another 150 pieces of paper), 10 pieces of cardboard, 2 small boxes, and 1 receipt. It took about three and a half hours. I took the bag of paper to the recycling bin, then recycled another envelope and insert after checking the mail, caught up on the filing, and recycled two more envelopes and inserts, and a voting brochure I just saw as I typed this. Plus another envelope!
Results: I feel like I accomplished something. By putting all these old files in the shred pile, I was able to put the old credit card statements, and my 2008 taxes, in the box that held the old files. There is still room, too, for when I need to put away 2009 taxes. The place is still far from done, but the paper is reduced to post-its scattered all over my table. Most of them have to do with work I'm doing for a friend, so a folder will take care of them.
Other results: I went to the Farmers' Market this morning and while I didn't find much of what I wanted to buy, there was a special FREE clambake going on, so I got in line and had some delicious mussels and clams, and even shot a raw clam! My, that was a yummy breakfast!
I also decided I'd buy a bottle of wine from the Finger Lakes wine booth, because that book I'm reading is in part about enjoying your life while also being responsible for your debt, and I realized that my life has been very low on enjoyment in recent years. I've been so focused on just getting the bills paid that I haven't saved anything or spent any money on entertainment or decor or much of ANYTHING. I've been living a very, very deprived life and it's time for that to change. I have to do it within my income, of course, which is going to mean closing credit accounts and negotiating significantly lower payments for awhile, but I can do that.
So tomorrow I am going to make use of my free movie card and go see something fun!
Friday, November 5, 2010
This Week
Monday: I got home and did some work for my friend. Oh, and cleaned the catbox.
Tuesday: I did more work for my friend after getting home from work.
Wednesday: I did dishes, cleaned the catbox, cleaned the toilet, and got the garbage ready to go out. Also recycled a box.
Thursday: Took the garbage out on the way to work. Also recycled some papers, I don't remember exactly what.
Friday: Declutter bonanza! I paid three bills and recycled the envelopes and inserts. Later, I went through old bills to see about getting rid of them. To shred: Old storage bills and many old balance transfer offers from credit cards. Recycled: 12 envelopes, 2 post-its, 1 program, 20 pieces of paper, 1 price list, 1 flyer, 32 brochures/info pamphlets, 1 receipt, 27 newspapers, and 1 cardboard CD sleeve. The pile is undented but the couch and table are newspaper-free. I am going to have to work at this awhile :)
Results: I got a book at the library that I put on hold so long ago I'd forgotten about it. It's about getting out of debt and I am thinking I'm going to follow the program. It requires closing all one's accounts, but if I do that I can get on several hardship programs and get my payments reduced. On the other hand, the book recommends creating your own payment schedule after examining your expenses to see what you can actually afford without sacrificing quality of life. It can be a drastically lower amount, but usually holds up in court if you're paying as much as you can. It beats bankruptcy for me, since I do want to pay all my creditors, however long it takes. But what happens with this system is people start to find their incomes increasing. I think it's from Debtors' Anonymous. Pretty cool :)
Oh, yeah, I also have been finding pennies every day since I got back from my vacation, and several dimes as well - today it was 22c altogether! It's really fun to find money :)
Finally, Monday was free pizza night at the gym, and yesterday I got an email from my bookkeeping friend, referring me to another potential job! So the money crunch may be abating at last.
Tuesday: I did more work for my friend after getting home from work.
Wednesday: I did dishes, cleaned the catbox, cleaned the toilet, and got the garbage ready to go out. Also recycled a box.
Thursday: Took the garbage out on the way to work. Also recycled some papers, I don't remember exactly what.
Friday: Declutter bonanza! I paid three bills and recycled the envelopes and inserts. Later, I went through old bills to see about getting rid of them. To shred: Old storage bills and many old balance transfer offers from credit cards. Recycled: 12 envelopes, 2 post-its, 1 program, 20 pieces of paper, 1 price list, 1 flyer, 32 brochures/info pamphlets, 1 receipt, 27 newspapers, and 1 cardboard CD sleeve. The pile is undented but the couch and table are newspaper-free. I am going to have to work at this awhile :)
Results: I got a book at the library that I put on hold so long ago I'd forgotten about it. It's about getting out of debt and I am thinking I'm going to follow the program. It requires closing all one's accounts, but if I do that I can get on several hardship programs and get my payments reduced. On the other hand, the book recommends creating your own payment schedule after examining your expenses to see what you can actually afford without sacrificing quality of life. It can be a drastically lower amount, but usually holds up in court if you're paying as much as you can. It beats bankruptcy for me, since I do want to pay all my creditors, however long it takes. But what happens with this system is people start to find their incomes increasing. I think it's from Debtors' Anonymous. Pretty cool :)
Oh, yeah, I also have been finding pennies every day since I got back from my vacation, and several dimes as well - today it was 22c altogether! It's really fun to find money :)
Finally, Monday was free pizza night at the gym, and yesterday I got an email from my bookkeeping friend, referring me to another potential job! So the money crunch may be abating at last.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Weekend
I was at my folks' place this weekend, so no declutters per se, but I did get my empty unit clean with their and my sister's help. Only took two hours! My tenant in the other unit also did some work on the door jamb, which was making the door stick. So those issues are solved. The inspection didn't happen because the electric was turned off and there was no way to know when it would be back on. But it will get done soon.
I also got some advice on how to declutter my paper - my mom is VERY organized and I'm going to start with what she suggested! It was a wonderful mini-vacation: I got to see my parents, sister, and niece, and my dad drove down for a day as well. Also got to sing a Beatles song with my sis and a family friend who I hadn't yet met, and enjoyed Halloween with my sister and niece :) My mom even gave me a haircut! I came home feeling good and even ready to get back in the gym!
I also got some advice on how to declutter my paper - my mom is VERY organized and I'm going to start with what she suggested! It was a wonderful mini-vacation: I got to see my parents, sister, and niece, and my dad drove down for a day as well. Also got to sing a Beatles song with my sis and a family friend who I hadn't yet met, and enjoyed Halloween with my sister and niece :) My mom even gave me a haircut! I came home feeling good and even ready to get back in the gym!
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