Daily Project Round 4

[SpiritOfEdna]

Here’s the last thread: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/4722070-daily-project-round-3?page=40&reply=129305044
@peridot1
@ThunderclapCloud
@petalpower
@autumnangel

@RunningKatie
@LateSummerLobelia
@Aria999
@Mumtobabyhavoc

and anyone else who would like to join us, whatever your daily tasks are.

I joined after procrastinating putting up some curtain tie backs and now I am flying through a massive decluttering exercise. (I need to tackle the loft next, but I may need to sit down (a lot) before I do that 😄).

Hope the tagging works, SoE.

Ooh @RunningKatie ive got that Good Housekeeping magazine sat on the side in the kitchen waiting for an appropriate moment to settle down with it. I love a good magazine!
Glad you managed a good chat @Thunderinglightly - friends are brilliant to just offload to even if they can’t change the situation.
Congratulations to your DS @Peridot1 . What a fabulous achievement!
Still impressed by what you achieve everyday @SpiritOfEdna .
How’s the drip situation @SingleThreadJoiner ?
I identify with your list totally @OrangePumpkinLobelia 😂
Today I’ve baked two fruit loaves, been to the sad memorial event, entertained family friends, made an passion fruit ice cream cake in preparation for weekend visitors and added to online grocery order. SIL is staying and has offered to make the new curtains for the two rooms in our new extension so have done some measuring with her. Now relaxing with naughty non-weekend wine which I can justify because of visiting SIL!

Hi everyone

🤣🤣🤣 @OrangePumpkinLobelia love it, same here!

Congratulations @Peridot1 and @petalpower for not strangling your respective DHs.

@SpiritOfEdna if you could bottle and sell your organization superpowers you could probably quit your day job

I didn't get the big project but neither did either of the others. Apparently I kind of talked myself out of it by making the client realize they should look for more specific industry experience. What they are trying to do is quite specialized and technical so it's probably the right call for them.

Not feeling very well today so am currently lying in bed checking Mumsnet in desultory fashion. Just sent a quote to a prospective client which I suspect will give him a minor seizure, despite me halving the number I first thought of. I am bad at quotes.

Managed to get DH to send his online form to HMRC telling them we shouldn't have to do uk tax returns any more.

Otherwise took DH to the airport and in a bit need to get the kids and help them make pumpkin lanterns.

Morning all!

I am most glad to see that it is not only I who is a bit of a procrastinator!

I need to get into the habit of 'this is what I need to do... does it'. But to be fair I am a very great deal better than I was when the threads started!

Good luck with the tax stuff @Aria999 !
I hope everyone is well. I am very sorry about your sad memorial event @petalpower . That is a hard thing.

Glad your DH and DS got out for a climb. I hope they are well and your DS is well. @RunningKatie
I hear you @SingleThreadJoiner about the stresses of owning a lovely home. I really love ours but the upkeep is something to behold (and it's just a bog standard Victorian at the end of the day!). We still have things like the original sash windows and when the ropes and weights in those snap it can be a task to fix. It looks like our ceiling flood is very fixable though but DH needs to do impressive things with tar and a blow torch when it all dries out.

[waves] to @Thunderinglightly and @Peridot1 and @Mumtobabyhavoc@autumnangel and anyone else who I have missed!

DH surprised me with the news that he has booked the carpet fitters (another thing we procrastinated on for months). They arrive 4 days after I return from my trip so I am starting to panic a bit. We need some serious decluttering before they can get into some rooms. So today I will sit the DCs down in their junk play room and we will try and start the charity shop process. It's sad saying goodbye to their stuff but alot of the toys are in excellent condition so I will console myself with the thought they will have lovely new homes in time for Christmas.

So that will be today's focus! We have to go into town later this afternoon for a hot chocolate date so it's a good time to dump some charity shop bags! This will have to be the primary focus until carpet day i think. I need to mentally focus on the joy lovely new carpets will bring. Ours are the very definition of moth eaten as they were installed in 1997.

I hope everyone has a lovely lovely day. ❤If there are any lurkers out there we'd love to 'meet' you!

Hello everyone! I'm reading everyone's updates for inspiration. I've fallen off my blitz of diy. I think that I did a lot last month and now that the floors are done I'm wiped. Also, still have a lot in storage and I like that I have way less clutter because of it. However, it also means that I have a closet full of boxes and crap that needs to be sorted. Being 7 mos pregnant is not a motivating factor either....
I managed to do a very thorough clean of the bathroom tonight, including washing the floor. Took a bath then gave Havoc a bath. Now in bed and listening to Youtube vids while I peruse MN.

Morning all

Some impressive jobs being tackled.

@petalpower - a visiting SIL who volunteers to make curtains is a treasure! And your passion fruit ice cream cake sounds yummy!

I need to pop out today and will be picking up the December Good Housekeeping too. Love that every Christmas. I used to buy loads of magazines especially Christmas ones but have cut back a lot but still love the December Good Housekeeping.

I had flu and covid jabs on Wednesday and started to feel the effects last night so was in bed by 8. Great nights sleep and feeling ok today except for a sore arm.

Today’s list:

• start DS’s washing (I know he should do it but I know I will)
• nip into town to pick up some meds and a few other bits
• vacuum (dog is moulting like crazy)
• brush said dog
• ironing
• take some photos of a few things I want to sell
• do selling posts

Have a great day all.

Morning! I started a second post yesterday then got sidetracked. So much for having all this extra time!

@SpiritOfEdna I had a little Google and the Karaoke hut looks like fun!
@Peridot1 well done on getting the jabs out of the way. Hope the arm settles down. Sounds like another busy day!

@RunningKatie hope the holiday is just what you all needed. Nothing like walking a big hill to put roses in cheeks. I have fond memories of flying kites on our local big hill.

I am sightly behind everyone with my November Good Housekeeping. My mum passes hers on to me. And i haven't actually picked it up yet. It tends to cost me money as my favourite bit is the book review section 😂 Does anyone here use the recipes? I may start doing one new recipe a month, as they are meant to be foolproof and my cooking skills are simple ones.

Sending a hug to @petalpower for the sad day, and hoping you are having a nice time with SIL 💐

@Aria999 sorry about not getting the project, and well done for showing integrity 😊 I hope you are feeling better and had fun doing the lanterns!

Best wishes with the decluttering @OrangePumpkinLobelia We have a similar time critical decluttering project here, and we're procrastinating about it quite a lot. Have a lovely time on your hot chocolate date! And I agree it would be lovely to 'meet' anyone else who's lurking 😊

👋 @SingleThreadJoiner frustating about dripping window. We had a similar problem, only the water travelled and caused a drip in our kitchen ceiling. Once it all dried out, that putty stuff around the frame did the trick. There's always something, isn't there?

So far today I've washed a cat bed, changed sheets on my bed and written a menu plan and shopping list for next week. As I have been up since 6am that isn't a lot really. I am glad Lobelia pointed out the discombobulation that goes with being newly 'retired' as I am really feeling it! Despite there being a lot to do around the place, I keep finding myself looking at job websites.

I think I'm going to go for a walk to reset my brain and then crack on with some more jobs.

Best wishes to you all 💕

😄I am not young young, but not old old either - thread adult 😄

I think lockdown gave me a boot up the backside in terms of I was wfh, contracting and my finances were a shambles, IR35 regulations were looming and everything suddenly felt a bit precarious and it didn't matter if the house was untidy etc because who was going to see it? Anyway, I started with a 'do ten things a day' tidying in a scattergun approach and have carried on, alongside sorting out finances. I do need a list though, otherwise, 'I'll do that tomorrow'.

Speaking of which, today:

• walk spiritdoggo (she has just wandered up to remind me she is here)
• clean up after this morning's new sander trial
• order sibling birthday present
• 5k on bike, 10K steps
• already prepped tonight's dinner I just need to clear up after myself
• empty dishwasher and clear worktops of the oven 'innards'

That will do for now, have a good day all, SoE

I'm going for mid 30s @SpiritOfEdna (but don't worry i don't expect you to confirm or deny 😂)

I thought i was active but I'm not sure I've ever achieved 5km on a bike and 10k steps all before lunch, ever! Deeply impressed!

I enjoyed my walk. I think i may step out first thing every morning while I recover my wits. I need some structure as that is what my days are lacking.

I have prepped our dinner now, and made smug soup.

Trying to think of datey things to do with DH as it's Friday. We'll probably watch old 80s videos on TV with dinner on our laps otherwise. I think there may be a new All Creatures Great And Small to watch as well. I do enjoy leering over Samuel West. And the scenery is lovely!

Can't believe it's Friday already!

Morning!

Don't look at job websites @Thunderinglightly !! You need to enjoy yourself for a bit. You have so much on your plate generally! I was with a newly retired friend this very week and at the risk of doling out unwanted advice I will repeat what i said to her.... make no plans about anything for now. Maybe around easter think about 'what next' if indeed you even WANT a 'what next' by then!

I love the idea of Friday date nights with good tv. last night I man-handled my family into a candelit dinner with a 3 course meal. They secretly loved it I am sure.

I like the ten things a day scattergun approach @SpiritOfEdna !

I managed to unload a large charity shop bag yesterday. Another one today. And the hot chocolate playdate went well but was pretty intense (it was with another kid that DS used to go to school with) and it was chaotic with alot of gaming and noise and roblox. Afterwards DS put his hand on my arm and said; 'I bet you need a glass of wine after that, mum' so I agreed I did and I carried him off to our favourite local and gave him cheesy chips while i had a lovely calming glass of wine. So all in all a pretty good day!

Today I bowling with the DCs and decluttering and then I really need to pack for my trip!

Morning all

@SpiritOfEdna - I like your ‘do ten things a day’ approach. Although even one is sometimes a effort here! I suppose I do ten if I include the basics of dishwasher/kitchen tidying, vacuuming and keeping on top of laundry, beds etc.

@Thunderinglightly - I would agree not to look at job adverts! You need adjustment time. I get what you mean about lack of structure though. Even though I’m always up early I often just waste a lot of time sitting around in the mornings. Going to the gym has helped that some days. I should add in a walk on the days I don’t do that. But I feel guilty going without the dog and she can’t manage it any more really.

@OrangePumpkinLobelia - love that your DS knew just what you would want!

I made a start on DS’s washing yesterday. Two more loads to go.
Went to the gym.
Collected my medication.
Bought December Good Housekeeping.

Today:

• DS washing
• dog to vet for monthly jab
• kitchen /dishwasher
• Vacuum
• finish planting plants from last week
• take photos of things I want to sell
• post items for sale

Have a great day all.

Morning! Ok, I'll give it till Easter, thread mums 💐 That's actually good advice - thank you!
I think I'd cope better if DH wasn't wfh as i feel guilty. Daft really as he swears he doesn't mind.

That sounds like a lovely though chaotic day @OrangePumpkinLobelia Happy packing! How's the back?
@Peridot1 i think i forgot to congratulate DS on his award! That is great news! You have a good list for today. I too have a pet who needs a monthly injection. She's on solensia for arthritis. Does wonders but it is expensive! But she's worth it 💕

Right, I'm off out for a rainy walk. According to Michael Mosley of Just One Thing, walking in the rain has big health benefits and gives mental health a boost, which I could do with I think!

Then I shall be back to right a to do list, and post again when I have done something useful. I've accidentally abandoned my boiling the kettle jobs so I'm going to get back to that today.

Enjoy your weekend everyone. Think it's party time @petalpower ? 💐 🎉

It was a short walk ☔ Half an hour can do wonders though.
I will write my list here:

Clean bathroom
Dismantle spare bed
Clear and clean kitchen counters.
Check desk drawers for grot that shouldn't be there

Brb xx

@OrangePumpkinLobelia your DS sounds lovely, what a nice end to the day! Did the carpets get fitted yet?

@Thunderinglightly smug soup, I need to do that before my veggies die! I can't find your post about looking for jobs but I sympathize with the itch to look for work after a few unstructured weeks! Have you tried making a plan for the next day on the day before (or even a plan for the whole week?). I did this for a bit a while ago when I had CBT (and should possibly try it again actually).

A bit of progress to report! 😀
Did very thorough vacuum and then steam cleaned floors;
did extra thorough vacuum of two area rugs (one from storage closet to put back in Havoc's room) and small one at front door then went over them with steam cleaner;
folder and put away some laundry; steamed cleaned couches;
did a bit of organizing of Havoc's closet; and
then put another load of laundry in washer.
Washed bedding earlier. 😅
Was a bit of a blitz and I'm glad I did it!

I can report back that the passion fruit ice cream cake with caramel coconut sauce was a huge success - very easy, would recommend! It’s from Nigella’s ‘At my table’ book. We still have a houseful of 9 but I’m still in bed (DH has got up with Petaldog) making the most of the extra hour. Guests go home this morning and then we’re going to a 90th birthday celebration.
Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend.

That is a good suggestion @Aria999 I had become very used to my life being structured for me, for a good part of the day. Thank you 💐

Your home sounds very clean @Mumtobabyhavoc! You are very committed and organised and I am impressed!

Pleased the ice cream cake was a success @petalpower!

Good morning all 😎☀️
The gorgeous weather is holding out here. 😊
I'm feeling quite happy still about my cleaning blitz last night. It's so nice to wake up to a clean and tidy environment. After taking the area rug out of the storage closet I saw the bins with the Christmas lights. I felt relieved they were closer to the front than I thought. So, pulling those bins out to sort has moved back up the list. I want to discard to recycling old lights. I've noticed they don't last as long and looking for replacement bulbs is difficult and ends up costing as much or more as a new string of lights. Really infuriates me as it forces one to keep buying unnecessary parts.... rant over.

Petal, that ice cream cake sounds delicious! 😋 You've got quite a houseful, too!
Thunder, it does take time to relax and shift gears.

Hi everyone 👋 @Mumtobabyhavoc I know what you mean about waking up to a blitzed house!

I have had a lovely day today. Not overly productive as there were various appointments, but I was showered, dressed and preparing breakfast before DH was up, which made a big difference to my get up and go 😊
And I swept and mopped floor and made sure dinner was prepped before i went out so I'm feeling quite smug really 😇

Dinner's in the oven and I have my feet up and I have a cup of tea in my hand.

We seem to be in the firing line for the incoming storm Ciarán. I suppose it's our turn!

Hello all!
Despite appearances, I have not drowned under the dripping skylight :D though I am no further forward with figuring it out - but it seems more likely to be a small damage than condensation, as it only happens when there is very heavy rain...in happier news, Friday morning the new dishwasher was installed, and we are still celebrating! It was a long four weeks without! The rest of the day, and the weekend, was spent doing various PIL-friendly activities and cooking and playing with the D. They left this morning and I should have at least put their sheets in the wash but only got as far as stripping the bed and taking the towels out of the bathroom...sigh. I have a big deadline this Wednesday which I might not meet so that has been taking up most of my mental and practical energy.

Will try harder next week!

@Thunderinglightly I do hope the storm is not as bad as they are saying xx

Hi everyone!

Congratulations on the new dishwasher @SingleThreadJoiner and on the blitzed house @Mumtobabyhavoc !

Hope the storm isn't too bad @Thunderinglightly

Today took the car in rather urgently to get its front lightbulb replaced (a friendly chap at the supermarket flagged me down to tell me it was out on Sunday, just in time for our weekend road trip!).

Otherwise spent the day working, did not go to Kung fu as still feeling a bit rough.

Thanks, Aria. I did another rush around this evening: a load of laundry washed and hung up; more org of Havoc's room; cleared two storage bins and put them away. Seem to get a bit of energy in the evening after dinner so as long as that continues I will take advantage.

Morning all!

Apologies for silence- yesterday was mad finalising day and also a day when one of DS1's teeth snapped and I had to get an emergency dentist appointment so I was not online. I am heading to the airport hotel in a few hours (hopefully flying ahead of Storm Ciaran which seems to be coming in tomorrow afternoon now).

We were lucky to get an appointment for Ds1. Just a recommendation for anyone who might find it useful... he attends the Special Dentist via our medical centre as he has SEN and additional needs. Our GP very kindly referred him a couple of years back when i was struggling to find a dentist who could cope with his sensory issues (and after one started shouting at him and left him terrified and cowering). It's been a total gamechanger and I am thankful every time we have to go there. if you have a family member who has any sort of additional need including dementia then it might be worth asking for a referral to your local Special Dentist. I first heard about them on Mumsnet so just passing the word on!

Thanks @Thunderinglightly my back seems to be holding up, so hopefully the flight will be okay. I have anti inflammatories and painkillers and thankfully do not need to travel far at the other end so am hoping I can manage it without too much pain. I need to carefully manage how I move and pull suitcases though.

Hope everyone is well. I really am in awe of both @SpiritOfEdna and@Mumtobabyhavoc to everything they achieve! Carpets not yet fitted @Aria999 - they are scheduled for about 5 days after i get back and i am honestly dreading it. We have super heavy Victorian mahogany furniture (along with all our other crap clutter) and I am totally at a loss as to how we can shift everything. I have suggested we put as much in storage temporarily as we can and get proper furniture movers in but DH thinks we can do it ourselves.

Right- I need to stop for now... it will be a few days until i am online again. In the meantime I wish everyone well and hope so much that you all have a wonderful peaceful few days.

Hello all

Safe travels @OrangePumpkinLobelia. Hope your back holds up ok.

Re the carpets and furniture moving getting movers in is a great plan. Especially with your back. Hope you can make your DH see sense. (In this house a tantrum would be thrown and I would have threatened to cancel the new carpets by now but that’s possibly not the best approach!)

Happy new dishwasher @SingleThreadJoiner!

I am travelling too this week. Off to the US tomorrow. I fly to Dublin early in the morning and then a connecting flight out of Dublin at noon. Hoping we miss the storm.

Busy day today.

• gym/PT
• post a return
• pick up a watch in for repair
• buy DH a pie from the pie shop
• Co-ordinate check in for flight with sister so we sit together
• washing
• ironing
• packing
• tidy DS’s room - he left yesterday

Have a great day all.

Hi all! Calm before the storm here. Glorious sunshine today.
Best wishes to all you travellers! Busy days all round. @OrangePumpkinLobelia that is interesting about the dentist. Thank you for sharing!
I have managed a trip to the tip already, and a very thorough hoover round the house. Next up, sorting out coats and shoes, and I've promised myself I'll sort out a bookcase too!