October-fest: a fledgling (at best) might spruce up its nest (then take a rest?).

[strictlycaballine]

Welcome to the October 2012 Fledgling Flyers thread. Park your mops, buckets, microfibre cloths, golden dusters and spiders-web-removing-implements here!

A huge "thank you" to Whoknows and Pushme for leading us throughout September!! (Hope you are recovering well Whoknows - take it steady!)

If your house is a mess and you are strugging with C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (something that undermines family fun) then this is the thread where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of chat, support and along the way.

This little-and-often system is designed so that you can follow a series of steps and routines each day (which gradually become second nature) in weekly designated zones of the house; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with more time to do other more interesting things instead! At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. No problem if you miss a day or two; just jump right back in and it will all come around next month again anyway!

We advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated! All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's steps and routines using a three-pronged approach (dependent on the stage everyone is at):

• start or repeat baby steps

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.

[And if you are really enthusiastic and have finished decluttering - you can go on to detailed deep cleaning in each zone.]

More info here on getting started, and the flylady system here and here Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound.

All welcome!!

I'm back. Feeling rather small for ranting about other people looking after me when I should be bloody grateful as there are many people out there coping with far worse with no support. . Just getting frustrated with lack of ability to do anything myself, when I am normally very self sufficient.

I did manage to shine the sink a bit earlier

Pressed post too soon. Sorry for not doing more personals. I still can't sit at the computer so posting from a phone but I am reading it all. Hope you all have a good weekend.

Well I thought I would have time for flying after getting my nails done...it took 2 and a half hours in fairness she is just starting out but I got bored haha! I also noticed lots of cleaning that I need to do in my kitchen!

It's not my birthday til Monday but thank you sc

BB probably Monday!

Good evening everyone. Encouraging waves to everyone feeling stressed by life in general. Thank heavens it's the w/e!

Hope burns not serious JGOWI and that you are ok

Wishing you courage with it all Gossip

Going to dump links and run with only cursory personals I'm afraid as it's been a very long day and I managed to fall over at the end of it (clutching a rabbit on grassy slope in the dark ) and have knackered my coccyx and hit back of head - rabbit was fine (thought I was fine too then discovered an hour later that I was wandering around with a tea bag and a lump of sugar in a mug without any water in it ) but no lasting damage! Irony is that dsis is now out of hosp having had minor orthopedic op and I am meant to be nursing her but we are both crawling around together now as feeble as each other!!

Today's baby-step, no 13, for Sat 13th Oct is here consolidating steps already covered and introducing missions (which is a bit bad timing on a Saturday because there aren't any zones or missions at the weekend) but I guess you could get a head start on next week's tasks when we will be in Zone 3: here bathroom + one extra room.

Saturday is family fun day

We are still meant to be doing 15 mins of paper decluttering a day I think

Any questions, here is the flight plan

Oh and posting reminders because it's the end of the week.

Have as good a weekend as possible everyone!

*

Blue you are in our thoughts this weekend!

And of course you are too Trazzle (will check on your thread before bed)

Perfectly understandable for you to feel frustrated in the circs Whoknows and you definitely deserve a bit of a rant so don't feel badly about it!

PA how are you?

Today's TaDa

• Assembly at school
• Shopping done
• S & S
• DW emptied
• Washing in, out and hung to dry
• Kitchen bin emptied
• Dinners made - DH washed up (but it was only 3 pots and a colander!)

Major trauma with money tonight. Both DH and I had our joint credit cards declined today. Gave them a call and we'd gone over the credit limit (oops!) but not all our fault as they hadn't taken last months payment . Tried to pay the balance but was declined by the bank. Gave them a call and as they thought it might be a fraudulent transaction had put a block on. Transferred to the fraud team who asked for details of the new DD set up on the account. This is with our new phone provider but because the "trading name" we gave them didn't match with the "company name" they had they've blocked the account totally . So now we have to go to the bank in the morning with photo ID and proof of address so the bank can then call the fraud office to (hopefully) get it unblocked. Then we can call back the credit company and get that sorted.

Think I need to crawl into the naughty corner to see if there are any dregs of left - and I don't drink!!!

Morning all, judging from the state of the naughty corner I suspect we are all glad it is the weekend!

I was supposed to be going to the Trafford Centre today with dsis for a girlie day of retail therapy, lunch and a film as dbil is going to some computer geek convention nearby. However DH has the most horrendous toothache and is so unbelievably foul that I couldn't leave him with the dc's. Now don't get me wrong, I know toothache is the worst pain in the world but he is such a bloody drama queen and is taking it out on anyone who comes near. I have had this day planned for ages so am a bit pissed off.

So my day will now consist of avoiding DH, at least until he has been to the dentist later on. I am going to potter around this morning (actually did Food shop and tidying last night as was anticipating being out today) and then take dc's out for lunch, a spot of shopping and to the cinema to see the new Madagascar film.

sc fall sounds painful. Hope it is not too sore this morning.

whoknows it must be very frustrating not being able to do stuff. When DH does stuff, i try to be appreciative but he doesn't do them right.

Sorry for no more personals but i need to get cracking!

Well, town didn't flood last night thank god, so we're off there as a family to do a bit of weekend shopping.

Then I must try to organise the house. We have DBIL back again in two weeks and I'm working next weekend, so really need to get my arse in gear.

Off to shower, dress and find warm clothes!

Beautiful rare sunny morning here!

Must get a few bits done today though as my horse is running in another point-to-point tomorrow and the day will be a write-off flying-wise...

To do:

-morning routine
-some school work
-tidy bedroom
-dry cleaning drop-off which involved going to town (25 mins drive [hmmm]
-grocery shop while in town
possibly iron bedlinen and make up bed for Dad (he will come racing, and stay the night with us)
-should really tackle paper clutter
-send some emails and cards (thank you/new baby)
-think I may have to stand in for DH in the pub later on

Happy Saturdays fledglings!

Hello all, I'm feeling much better today, dp has said that he'll be tidying up today which is fine, because the kids helped themselves to breakfast and have scattered rice crispies all over the kitchen floor. Also he made me feel better by suggesting we watch a film in bed with chocolate, so we watched an american haunting, but then we were going to dtd, but neither of us felt like it after that film, so we put rhinestone on and fell asleep. So now dp's on about doing things I'm not sure what I'll do, I think I'll just mooch around and try to improve things.

Hope everyone has a nice day.

Big news: I am decluttering the bathroom cupboard today. It's a large, understair cupboard and nobody has sorted it since DS2 was born nearly seven years ago (apart from an impromtu moment, when DS2 and his friend dragged all the bags out and littered the landing).

I have a cup of tea on standby and the DC are being distracted by DH. Bin bags at the ready...

If I don't find my way out again, it's been nice knowing you all

Hello everyone [creaks in to naughty corner, collects empties and pulls quilt up around Issima, sits down very gingerly, admires shiny sink.]

Blue hope funeral goes as well as these things can

Am dead dead jealous of your weekend ahead Castlelough (we were hoping to go to Boekelo 3 day event this w/e in NL but never mind) Hope your horse wins tomorrow and that you have a great day!! [has virtual flutter] Happy Saturday to you too!

Glad you are not feeling so overwhelmed by it all today Gossip and well done for getting so much done yesterday despite all the clutter trauma. Tbh, I think a lot of clutter problems occur when two households join together (dh and I have still got duplicates of things from when we married 18 yrs ago!) Can you negotiate with him and tell him there will have be some compromising as there are only so many things that fit in a designated space? Maybe show willing yourself (to set the tone) and jettison a couple of pairs of shoes and ask him to get rid of more than a couple do the same? Take each room in turn ...perhaps?? Good luck with it all. [oops - sorry - have just seen down thread that he has sorted out some bin bags of clothes] I guess more of the same required ....

Carpe hadn't realised your area was under threat from flooding - thank heavens it didn't. Good luck with your list today.

Elliepac Dommage! re: missing your shopping day with your dsis! We all need a few of those sorts of days from time to time and hope dh toothache improves sufficiently to allow you to go another time soon. Was a bit dizzy in the night/achy this morning and am sitting down very very carefully but nowt serious thank you. Rabbit now very wary of me though ...

Sorry about bank traumas Dizzy what a lot of hassle! At least they are open on Saturdays to sort it out. Banks must be hyper-vigilant atm as I know quite a few people this has happened to recently. Hope all resolved quickly. Great news about your son coming home tomorrow! Hope you all have a great time and phew that your dd is OK.

at Lauren's 2.5 hr manicure!! Bet the talons are looking good!

Whoknows hope you are feeling a bit better today. As I said below - no need AT ALL to feel guilty about being frustrated - more than understandable in circs. You've had quite a big op you know...a g/a is a shock to the system in itself never mind actual procedure ...and it takes time to recover from both. Also it must be SO frustrating seeing all your careful work being dismantled under your own eyes!! I love my own space too and I must admit I wouldn't relish the idea of my mil visiting for that long. Totally understandable that you are dreading it. Agree with Swan's v. good suggestions about setting up some personal boundaries ie personal study between 10-12 , or 2-4 etc etc - or similar - anything so you feel you can have more control over the situation. On a different note, could you perhaps get a cleaner in for a couple of weeks just so that the dust doesn't build up too much or alternatively would your mil be prepared to clean?

Glad mud receding Shifty and enjoy the party! (Well done with the list/decluttering yesterday too)

[proffers for Justgettingonwithit] Congrats on mega swim but 5 hr rant sounds absolutely awful. Hope whoever concerned apologises. Sorry you had such a truly horrible day yesterday and hope that you didn't burn yourself too badly. Here's to a better day today!

Mercury/Swan (and Gossip fyi) couldn't agree more about driving an automatic esp with dc who are bent on distraction! (To be fair, my dd is pretty good at telling me when I am going the wrong way!!) The road signage here is so busy, and zebra crossings are placed in such odd places, and other cars drive so erratically, it is a real bonus to have both hands on the steering wheel and eyes staring directly ahead and full focus on whats in front of you rather than having to think about changing gear.

Swan you did loads yesterday and everything does take much longer than anticipated so don't be so hard on yourself!

Swan/Whoknows So agree about hating it when people praise men for doing exceptionally the same thing that women do day in and day out with no praise whatsover!! (My late mother was guilty of this!) Used to drive me bonkers!

Mercury enjoy your child-free w/e and hope you manage to fit in a tiny bit of "me" time alongside the cleaning (working nights must be knackering)

Right, I am going to (gingerly) start picking things up off my bedroom floor with the aid of a long handled grabber (purloined from dsis!)

Huge wing flaps to Trazzles Bitchy MrsOnatopp PA Mymums Feetheart Madwoman Honu Pushme Nicknacks Maggie Lplate Ricecrispy and eveyrone else I've forgotten!

Justgettingonwithit's flowers didn't work so "sending" again !! Truly hope today is better x

xpost

hello Toffee!! Sorry - managed to leave you off the list yet again!!! Excuse my hopeless name-ticking!

Good luck with bathroom cupboard of doom!

Don't worry, if you're not back out by 5pm, we'll send in the terriers ...

[Assembles large lamp, hard hat, crampons, space blanket and Kendal Mint Cake]

Hello all, the lounge is bearable again !!!! dp cleaned it, I haven't set foot in the kitchen yet, so I dont know if he's done that either, I have busied myself with the sorting of the dvd cabinets/shelves and I've moved all the kids dvd's downstairs and all adult ones are yet to go upstairs, and as the downstairs cabinet is emptyish due to broken discs and empty cases, I have just ordered 14 new dvd's (family favourites) for less than £30 inc delivery, gotta love amazon!!. So now I'm going to pop off upstairs and put more dvds away and see if i can find spare discs etc.

bbl

Bank all sorted and credit card now paid off. Phew!

We are off to my Dsis in a bit, as she is having a Quiz with her Ladies Circle tonight so that should be a giggle. She has organised a babysitter for DD so she will be kept amused by a film, popcorn and Monopoly .

Back home tomorrow in time to collect The Boy, then DD is entered into her first swimming gala. Fingers crossed she enjoys it.

Hope you all have a great weekend. See you tomorrow x

Wow. Been for a walk with DH and DS down the beach before and after shopping in town and it is lovely - wild and windy with huge amounts of spray and froth. DS was quite impressed

Have dropped off three skirts to be taken in and also to get lining put in one of those so I can wear it without an underskirt.

Nipping off to make a stew for dinner; beef, beer, carrots, onions, sweet potato etc which will be great as it is a bit windy still.

Then I'd like to fall asleep

It's ok, I'm out, SC . There are several bags to go to the dump/charity shop, but, weirdly, the cupboard is just as full as before . Will have to have another bash at it another day. Still, it feels good to be getting rid of stuff.

Carpe - mmm, any of that stew going spare?

Blue - sorry to hear you are at a funeral.

Well done toffee! glad to see you out in one piece.

carpe your stew sounds delicious... can't be arsed to cook tonight.

Ta da:-
Tidy kitchen
Tidy dining room
Tidy living room
Polish/hoover/mop all of the above
Washing x 2
Dryer on
Quick tidy in all bedrooms
S/s bathroom
Manage to not divorce mardy DH (just)

Dc's and I have escaped the house and DH and are currently sitting in the cinema waiting for Madagascar 3 to start. We are then going to do some shopping and going to BF's for a cuppa.

Enjoy the rest of your day everyone!

Carpe getting windswept at the beach sounds blissful! :)

I haven't made it into town yet...going to go for my run first, shower, check in with dmil in case she needs groceries (she's housbound ) go to school and then on into town for groceries.

BUT....
I did lots of flying today!
Tidied bedroom and cleared the massive hotspot in there!
Did heaps of laundry.....and did the ironing pile too...
Dressed bed for Dad visiting, found out he isn't going to stay over, so at least it is now ready for the next visitor!

SC That's disappointing you aren't going to get to the three day event . Hope you will do something else nice instead? Mind yourself and your poor head. Feeling nervous about tomorrow, but the unexpected side-effect of that has been a very productive morning burning off the nervous energy!!!

Right off out the door - must run! Am just a quarter of a pound off my MFP starting weight of 14 months ago...then I can hopefully start to post actual losses hopefully!

Oh could kill for some of that stew Carpe sounds delicious - just the weather for it here - pouring with rain, cold, dank - hardly got light today. Love the idea of a walk on the beach in this weather.
Congrats on weight loss too! I am doing the opposite of you and seeking expanding trousers

Have handed over cooking duty to dh with the strict instructions to use mainly vegetables ...a concept with which he is not overly familiar

We are safely in our burrows. I was telling dd to finish her hwk today and not procrastinate (off to playdate tomorrow) when it occurred to me that I can't in all honestly ask that of her and not do my chores/tackle the boudoir too. So am slowly working my way through a long, tedious list ... Good to be getting some things done though at last.

Yay on making it out safely and tackling the worst of it Toffee [stands down emergency services]

Well done on getting through that list Ellie enjoy your afternoon

And well done for persisting Gossip

Have a lovely evening Dizzy

Right, heading straight back to clutter zone ...

xposts Castlelough

Well done on the Flying front. I have taken to ironing earlier in the day too - not as painful when tired! Respect for running in this weather and ditto about hoping to post weight losses soon!

Yes, bit of a shame about Boekelo but weather hideous and get to spend time with dsis instead so not too bad really. Fingers and toes crossed for tomorrow!

Enjoy your afternoon, Ellie, and well done on all that Flying this morning.

Thanks for having the emergency services on standby, SC. I may need them again when I go back in, but I'm ok for now. I did wonder if I was going to discover Narnia the deeper into the cupboard I went, but no such luck. Good for you on getting your chores done and providing a good role model for your DD (isn't it a pain when we have to do that? ).

Dreadful weather here too. We meant to go out, but DS1 couldn't manage it (anxiety issues, as usual), so we ended up cancelling. But we have actually had a nice day, with a good balance between spending time with the DC and getting jobs done in the house. Decluttering is having some unexpected benefits too. I decluttered a load of Lego from the bathroom toy box yesterday and put it all back in DS2's Lego box in his bedroom. He discovered it this afternoon and has spent the last hour immersed in a game with the 'new' pieces .

bummer on missing out on your day with Dsis ellie - glad you managed to salvage something.

carpe where are you? I really miss the sea

castle I am still 0.4kg off my MFP starting weight. Everytime I log on it taunts me with "0 kgs lost". I've stopped going on except to weigh in because a) it depresses me and b) I can't be arsed to work it all out and c) have actually stopped stuffing my face in the evenings over the last 2 weeks (last Friday I actually refused crisps and DH almost called an ambulance because he thought I must be seriously ill to turn down Lay's

House is spick and span (downstairs anyway) in preparation for DS bday party tomorrow and ILs invasion. All I need to to do is blow up balloons and finish photo collage to put up. Other than than, cream cake is bought (thank you HEMA), apple pie is made by DH but I did help honest , party bags for 2nd cousins ready, coffee machine dusted off, Dutch party fare ready to go and tiny lounge rearranged to make room for hordes of relatives.

When we moved the sofa earlier (only gets moved once a year as 2 person job - very heavy coffee table is in the way) we found a pen, a coaster, 2 of DS's socks, a bib, a newspaper and lots and lots of dust!

wow engles I move mine monthly and there is a hell of a lot more than that, usually cars, batteries pens pencils half a dozen socks, a million missing toy bits etc etc!!!