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Housekeeping

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August is when the fledglings party, and perhaps do a bit of flying, maybe.

746 replies

BitchytheGreat · 01/08/2013 00:54

Roll up, roll up to this special birthday month for the fledglings...

We are going to attempt to keep the dc happy, whilst flying. No mean feat in the month of holidays and adventures.

Rule 1. yes even in a birthday month we have rules
It is not about perfection. A little is enough, no really.
Rule 2.
You are aloud to spend time doing fun things, don't regret them or feel guilty.
Rule 3. This one is a fat fairy rule.
you are never behind, jump in where you are

So newbies if you are reading this you are probably thinking wtf?! This is a wonderful system designed by the fly lady. in days gone olde one fledgling had a dream about the fly lady in which she was a fat fairy, thus the thread nickname fat fairy was born. Just so we don't confuse you like Wink
Anyhows, this month it is Bitchy's turn to lead, and perhaps this should come with a warning. She has her own unique style of leading but don't let that scare you off, the fledglings are luffsly and generally far more sane then the bitchy one Grin just be aware of bitchy's special brew. Terribly high in caffine and can sometimes be found in the naughty corner. Which reminds me, the naughty corner if for those who are struggling for whatever reason or those just in need of a stiff drink.

So this flying thing. It has three stages:
stage one: the babysteps. these build a routine. some of them are contriversial, and some a little wishy washy seem a little less significant. But most are really good.
Stage two: babysteps and missions one the routines are in place the missions are designed to help you tackle tasks room by room. These room by room approach is helpfully referred to as zones.
stage three: the mythical deep cleaning stage yeah lets just ignore that, none of us have got to the point where we have not only decluttered but got in control of the chaos Grin

Oh yeah CHAOS - what the fat fairy calls "Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome"

That clear as mud? good. Let's Begin....

OP posts:
NickNacks · 26/08/2013 19:00

Knock knock.....

I'm sorry I've not read the thread but popped in to ask if you'd have me back for September?

I need you ......

Pretty please? :)

BitchytheGreat · 26/08/2013 19:42

Hello NickNacks of course we will have you back. Things have calmed down again around here so hopefully you will find it a little more chilled out again.

Today has been a pretty good day. Took ds to a zoo with my mother. After the initial, offs stop controlling everything, get a grip and will you just stop finding things to complain/worry about rant or 10 it was a very pleasant day and we are all dead from fresh air, sunshine/heat and miles and miles of walking.

Fuck all flying done, fuck all flying will get down. Winding down for bedtimes. No coffee except 1 decaff today and already slowly starting to feel slightly less fuzzy headed and functioning. Will be interesting to see how I am when I have completely cleared the caffine from my system. I am already significantly less confident/gobby and increasely calmer and more stable of my mood. Any hows, Another busy day out kinda day planned for tomo.

Tuesday is planning day

Missions

Babystep

OP posts:
Engelsemama · 26/08/2013 19:58

Just it sounds like you?re dealing with so much.

Saturn your post about packing and airport parking made me laugh Grin (and yes, it is entirely possible to read 14 books in a week on holiday ? just make sure you leave DCs at home!)

Welcome back trazzles and nn

Have had a good day working through my list. DH just told that I look super relaxed. He sounded surprised because he is very on edge at the mo, particular because of DS?s hospital appt tomorrow (nothing to worry about) and his own appt with company doctor. Maybe I?m relaxed because I don?t have to go to work tomorrow?

Ta da
Half an hour reading Agatha Christie (my culture for the day)
30 mins decluttering lounge hotspot
Online banking/finances
Copy work emailed to repro for school
Emailed colleagues about department social (at my house!)
Online registration/feedback that?s been waiting around for a few weeks
Booked campsite for DM and DF when they come over in a few weeks
Supermarket and errands
Half an hour outside in the sunshine picking tomatoes and salvaging plants and trying to persuade DS NOT to eat green tomatoes
Dinner
Washingup
10 minutes outside time with DH and DS just watching the world go by (am forcing DH to get outside for 5 minutes every day. He is glued to the sofa and I really do have to force him off)
Watered garden
Short run
Bins out for collection tomorrow, emptied bathroom and kitchen bins
Arranged meet up with friend on Friday who I haven?t seen for ages

Right now watching Superman Returns and getting annoyed with Kate Bosworth

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 26/08/2013 21:21

Evening all,

Welcome back Trazzles, Nick and Just.

Well done on the decaff-ing Bitchy

Saturn - downloading books is never time wasted, have a good holiday.

Toffee - beach hut sounds fabulous, I would love one.

Quiet day here, DH and DD both stayed in bed till about 10.30. Then DH got up and took the DCs fruit picking while I got on with my OU work (have got a bit behind and got a deadline coming up). I then went round to see if I could get into school to water the gardens, but it was all locked up. On the way back I passed the allotment site (I have just been offered one, did I mention that?), a friend was there so I went in for a chat and another look at what I am going to need to do with mine. Then home and dinner in the garden, and rearrange all the stuff on the patio, it looks nice. Not much Flying, a mountain of clean clothes to put away still.

Did I volunteer for September thread leading? I think so. I could do with the boot up the bum that it brings if I'm honest. The clutter seems to be creeping back in.

ZingWantsCake · 26/08/2013 21:35

evening all!

ta da

-listed 100 things on Ebay to sell (been zero insertion fee weekend)
-filled 2 albums with photos

  • got rid of some videos, but kept some good ones which DH will transfer to discs so we can watch them as DVDs
  • started sleep training DD so she falls asleep in her cot . it's going well!
I downloaded a click counter app to see how many times I pick her up, it was 7 last night, 4 at lunch time nap today, and only 3 tonight! she stopped crying while still awake, but seems to be asleep now! hooya!

(I'm doing the pick up/put down method & stay in the room for first phase. I fold clothes in between picking up, so not too much waste of time)

I won't count washing, t drying and putting clothes away anyomre as "ta da"as I do that every day twice already...

I planned to do loads of sewing tomorrow but hurt my finger so annoyingly I can't do that now.

I think I'll sort my beads and sewing paraphernalia while DH is out with kids.

well done with all your efforts!

GoingGoingGoth · 27/08/2013 09:16

You know when you've done a long post and then your battery goes flat just as you're about to press post... That's what happened to me last night.

All I can remember is being impressed with Zing's stars. Grin

ZingWantsCake · 27/08/2013 10:38

goth

that is the stuff sweary threads are made of!
shall I pm you the one I'm on?Grin

ZingWantsCake · 27/08/2013 10:39

I meant your battery running out.
not the stars!Grin

NickNacks · 27/08/2013 10:54

Thanks for the welcome back!

I'm off work this week so determind to make some headway with decluttering. Dh is also e-baying things so we are making some progress.

Today's list then,

Clear top of fridge
Declutter mugs and glasses
Declutter my shoes
Cook dinner for DH's family I've never met who he's invited round at the last minute before going out for the day
Get house presentable
Change dds sheets
Chuck out old bathroom bin
Put up new bathroom bin

BitchytheGreat · 27/08/2013 11:37

Shitty news today. Not happy, really not happy. having a fuck the flying kinda attitude to life atm. Going out in about 10mins for the day!

OP posts:
ZingWantsCake · 27/08/2013 13:27

bitchy Thanks

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 27/08/2013 13:51

Bitchy

GoingGoingGoth · 27/08/2013 14:11

Bitchy Cake

Zing don't know if I dare do sweary threads, I may never leave.

Done
Morning routine
Laundry hung out
Little walk
Paperwork -early anti-procrastination
Laundry dragged in during heavy rain shower Angry
Printed out Student Control Journal for DD - it may help!

Off to make coleslaw, jacket potatoes for dinner tonight

PositiveAttitude · 27/08/2013 15:35

I need a sweary thread right now, too!!! I am furious. It looks as if DS wont be able to go to college next week. Apparently funding for the course is not available for him because we have been out of the country......we have paid taxes for 32 years, we have paid everything we should have done to keep us a s"residents of the UK" over the past year....even when we have been earning absolutely zilch... we went abroad to help people, no gain for us financially at all, in fact it cost us a massive amount andall our life savings and good jobs...........bugger I am mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Engelsemama · 27/08/2013 16:37

PA that's awful.

Bitchy Thanks

Have had a fairly unproductive day. Took DS for hospital appt - all good - and then took him back to nursery when done.

Ta da
Dinner (made sweet and sour chx from scratch for 1st time and it was delish...thank you hairy bikers!)
Washing up
One hour school work this morning

To do
30 mins out in garden in a minute
DS bath and bed
Run with friend
Get school bag and clothes ready
Make packed lunch
Do ironing in front of TV

That's

BlueEyeshadow · 27/08/2013 16:41

Oh no, PA!

Bitchy too, hope things improve. Cake and Wine for you both, and anything else that might help.

JustGettingOnWithIt · 27/08/2013 17:05

Hang on in there Bitchy. Hope your day's got better.

PA it stinks, but as far as I know I'm afraid that's fairly standard re funding, but shouldn't your church/diocese/parish/bishop's fund (excuse me if I have the wrong terms) be prepared to fund your son's course? I know we've put our hands in our pockets for similar (and for temporary education for a clergy member from abroad's teenager)
I know it will sting, but I think you have to approach them and tell them that your son is now in urgent need of help as a direct result of your voluntary work.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 27/08/2013 17:29

Oh no PA - how infuriating. I haven't any advice I'm afraid. What about deferring for a year and working (I know, easier said than done, but his experience in Cambodia must make his CV stand out from the crowd a bit). Would he then become eligible again?

NickNacks · 27/08/2013 17:50

That's horrible pa I hope he gets something sorted. :(

bitchy I hope your day got better Cake

I got everything except sorting on top of the fridge down. That involved takin some decorating bits out to the shed which I'll save for dh. Just waiting for him and his family to arrive for dinner. I'm a shit cook so this is truly my worst nightmare. :(

Cleaner is coming in the morning and everywhere is lovely and tidy :) I wonder if it will stay that way for the rest of the evening.

PositiveAttitude · 27/08/2013 18:15

Phew I can breath again!!! Just had a phone call and there is a loophole which we can use. He is in and happy!!!

My anger and frustration did spur me on to tidy out a load of clothes in my bedroom, though, so not all bad! Wink

In need of Cake and Wine now. Anyone joining me yet????

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 27/08/2013 18:39

Yay! That's good news PA, don't mind if I do .

BitchytheGreat · 27/08/2013 18:59

Glad you found a loop hole PA

Day get better? I was out with ds and the mother again. It was stressful again. The words no one likes a smart arse were uttered more then once too many fucking times. It is totally soul destroying being out with ds. Part of it is the age I think, part of it is because actually he is a smart arse who has never been challenged enough to realise he can't to everything first time (educationally, sports wise he knows this) and part is because he has the issues he has. Apparently he has had a good day. I am ready for bed already. And facebook is not working and totally pissing me off atm. On a plus note. Tomo's plans have become easier and more laid back which is a definite bonus. And everything always feels better after a good night's sleep.

OP posts:
GoingGoingGoth · 27/08/2013 19:40

YAY PA brilliant news.

Bitchy Wine? Or vodka/gin/meths which ever gets you through. Hope tomorrow is better.

BlueEyeshadow · 27/08/2013 21:12

Great news, PA and glad to hear plans for tomorrow are more laid back, Bitchy.

The boys are back from weekend at MIL's so the peace is shattered but I have a ta-da list:

Work finished and sent off
Invoices done
Inbox whittled down
Various other odds and ends on computer
Returned DS1's library book to avoid fine - for 6yo, grr!
Hoovered
Mopped
Listed the stuff the charity shop wouldn't take on freegle
Got rid of 2 shelves
Come up with storage idea for the clothes DH always chucks on the floor...
Been to the park for bike riding
Cooked dinner including banana pancakes
Watched GBBO

Feeling very virtuous about the banana pancakes as my standard method of using up spotty bananas is to make cake, which masks the taste. Then I end up eating it, so found a recipe that wouldn't tempt me. [smug]

feetheart · 28/08/2013 07:50

Sorry you had such stressful days PA and Bitchy, hope today is calm and serene Hmm

Whoknows - yes, we were in the Witterings and loved it, want to go back for longer next year. Met up with my aunt and uncle a few times, they live close too and rarely go for the same reasons you mentioned :)

Three things for today:

  • WORK whilst everyone else is sleeping
  • Get DC to try on school shoes and decide if they need new ones (fingers-crossed)
  • Get a move on with sponsorship for Great North Run

I will be back with more if necessary.
Have a good day everyone.