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Housekeeping

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Remember, remember to Fly through November, but Fledglings will chatter a lot

900 replies

BlueEyeshadow · 31/10/2013 11:06

If 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 Wine and Cake 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 zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do someting more interesting 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!

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 Flying lessons. Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings. Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound!

Humungous thanks to SlimChance for leading us through October and such a copy-and-pasteable OP.... Thanks

All welcome!!

OP posts:
ToffeeWhirl · 13/11/2013 12:00

I know, Feet, but I was in control when I was home educating DS1. When you work for other people, they are in control. I'm not used to it. And will be so out of my comfort zone. But, as my best friend has just advised me, you don't get to know what you want to do in life by just thinking about it - you have to try new things.

I don't know how our boys have become eight, but mine is still my baby - and I bet yours is too.

Funnily enough, there is a forcefield around my DH's laundry basket too... (I have my own as I couldn't bear his mess).

Jesstryinghard · 13/11/2013 12:09

Hey guys :) boy it's cold today !

Carrying on from cleaning my washing machine I'm doing more random
Jobs today like washing my son's coat and generally avoiding the pile of dishes dirty floors and more mundane crap !!

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 13/11/2013 12:35

Flowers Toffee, you will be fine I'm sure, but nerves are only natural.

AliceinWinterWonderland · 13/11/2013 12:38

Toffee congrats!!!

I'm sitting down to relax for lunch, and I took a little "me" time and practised piano for about 30 minutes (Christmas music of course Grin).

ToffeeWhirl · 13/11/2013 13:28

Thanks, Alice and WhoKnows. Am trying to remember everything about coping with anxiety which I've learned from DS1's CBT therapist.

BogStandardOldWoman · 13/11/2013 13:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NickNacks · 13/11/2013 13:34

toffee fab news! Grin Be kind to yourself though, life is probably quite different to just a few months ago so just make sure it's not too much too soon. :)

BitchytheGreat · 13/11/2013 13:43

Take a bucket with you Bogs it is rather pink and fluffy over there unless you encounter miltant fat fairy on the wearing of shoes at which point she is a tad err scary?

I have a cracking head ache. Urgh. Meetings this afternoon. I just want to curl up and pretend i don't exist. Remind me why last night was a good idea?

ToffeeWhirl · 13/11/2013 13:46

Because you had fun, Bitchy Grin - 'all work and no play...' etc.

NickNacks - am a bit worried I'm taking on too much (OU course, voluntary work, working with DH and looking after the boys), but want to catch up on lost time. Not sure how I'm going to fit Flying in.

Bog - welcome!

Slimchance · 13/11/2013 15:56

A very warm welcome to Rollermum and many congratulations on your new baby! (Flying with a small person isn't easy though so don't be too hard on yourself!) I personally do get dressed to shoes (because when I work, I do so from home, and it stops me curling on on the sofa and reading a bk instead and because parts of our house have stone floors/floors with nails sticking up out of them/rough floor boards etc. Also like to be able to rush out in and out of garden at will.) However I think I am in the minority here. This is the theory behind it if you are interested! Slippers fine (or bare feet, or whatever suits!).

Good luck!

Welcome back Rowingboat. Sounds as if you have a lot on your plate! Suggest filtering out all the barftastic pointless baby-steps and just keep the essential ones going (thread leader usually highlights the important six/seven out of 31):
-shine sink ie leave kitchen in decent state after each use
-laying out clothes for next day the night before
-declutter for 5 mins or 15 mins, or whatever suits, every day

  • one load laundry per day at least
(ie morning and afternoon routines) -swish and swipe bathroom daily -meal planning (ie think about what's for supper before 6pm daily)
  • home bleugh once a week (not strictly a baby-step I think but a mission)

Important but not always essential:

  • maybe set bed-time?
-maybe daily bed-making? -maybe hotspots? -maybe missions? -maybe the one about looking after ourselves in terms of sleep, drinking water, exercising etc?

Flylady eleven commandments are actually quite helpful too although not the ones about computer use or smiling obviously Wink

I find the routines and the daily focus very helpful too info here

HTH! Good luck!

Many congratulations on the new job Toffee! If it something you find enjoyable/fulfilling then you will find it much easier to squeeze in but agree with Nicknacks take it steady! (Don't want you succumbing to pneumonia again.)

Toffee and Feetheart Arf at your dhs force fields!! Grin

A belated "happy birthday" to your ds Feetheart. Sorry to hear he is unwell [tis the season unfortunately]. (I know I should be swapping tray-bake recipe for diet one Smile... . Lost 6kg recently but now have put 1.5 kg back on .... so frustrating. Need to get back on board with body clutter.)

[Hands extra-strong painkillers over to Bitchy]

Waves to Bogstandard!

Alice¨you are frightening me with all this talk of C**! Grin Good luck tomorrow at the dentist!

Brass monkey weather all of a sudden here too Jess!

Goth still intrigued by your cabbages ... !

Waves to AngryBuddha and everyone else!

Feeling rather frustrated here today. Same old story. Dh had arranged to travel to one part of UK next week (so I have made plans accordingly, inc childcare because I am working) and he has now informed me that he is travelling somewhere else this week instead and is postponing next wk's trip until following week (which basically means that I have to undo all previous arrangements and start again). Grrrrrr... .

Everyone a bit tetchy and grumpy here (think after-effects of busy w/e are still lingering). DD has already lost computer privileges for this weekend (on top of the one's she lost for previous incident).

Had better go (dd having stitches taken out at dermatologists at 5.20 pm, had completely forgotten ...

Slimchance · 13/11/2013 16:02

Sorry, just trying to repeat previous link that didn't work but can't find it.

Sorry Rowingboat Think this is close here and I also find daily focus helpful.

Slimchance · 13/11/2013 16:05

Also Rowingboat (argh!) just in case you had forgotten, we call home blessing, the "home bleugh". Hope that all makes sense!

Sorry rushing!

more details here

ToffeeWhirl · 13/11/2013 19:02

Alice - I am going to the dentist tomorrow too. Best of luck to both of us!

Rollermum - welcome and many congratulations on the new baby . I don't wear shoes in the house, just slippers.

rowingboat - I just pick out the Babysteps that will be most useful to me. But don't tell the other fledglings.

SC - sorry for the general tetchiness in your household. Thanks for your encouragement about the new voluntary job. Am not sure if I will find it enjoyable/fulfilling, but that's why I have to try it!

No mystery about the job really: I'm going to be helping run activities in a residential home for the elderly (a third with dementia). To apply for an OT degree, you have to be able to demonstrate that you have done relevant and recent voluntary work. I'm apprehensive because it is out of my comfort zone, but that is part of the challenge.

AliceinWinterWonderland · 13/11/2013 20:46

Toffee thanks - best of luck to you too! I'm nervous. Sad

GoingGoingGoth · 13/11/2013 21:03

Toffee congratulations on the new job. Hope dentist goes well tomorrow, and for you too Alice

SC the cabbage saga isn't that interesting, but here goes:
1st cabbage, was a white one -I always have one to make coleslaw
Then we went to Locavore to set up our veg bag (Sunday) and I bought cabbage no 2 (January King -very tasty) however as I hadn't been feeling to good I hadn't used it by the Friday when we got our veg bag! This contained cabbage no 3 (red one). Then DH went out to tesco's that night and came back with unasked for cabbage no 4 (Savoy), and then we got another Savoy last Friday cabbage number 5
Pleased to report all cabbages are cooked and partly eaten and or frozen. Thank god DH loves cabbage he's going to get it with every cooked dinner from now on
Got to tackle the carrots next Grin

Swanhilda · 13/11/2013 21:57

Toffee I think you are more masterful than you realise, and very good at empathizing with the needs of others, so it sounds like a job you will do very well.

SC grr on your behalf over change of plans. Maybe he should organise the childcare when he travels! Oh yes, and I've worked out the Bob Dylan album, it must have been Greatest Hits 1967 Grin amazing he had so many hits by that stage Confused My favourite was Like A Rolling Stone.

done
carbonara
Beavers helping - this is the sixth year I've rehearsed the same Nativity play - I am enjoying it more every year as it seems to get shorter Confused as the children get smaller
uniform
Maths homework
various snacks
nap
cleared out the scarves and hats and gloves from under the stairs, and found my nice leather boots
chatted a friend

Otherwise ZILCH.. Smile

AngryBuddha · 13/11/2013 22:16

(Waves wearily at everyone)

Another hectic non stop day.
Cleaned shower
3x s&s
Cleaned kitchen
2 hr school run
Made /mouthwateringvegan.com/2010/12/17/easy-spinach-lime-ginger-soup/
Roast dinner
Sorted ds2 wardrobe
Hoover whole house
Planned weekly food
Online shopping
Sorted bills
Visited another open evening at a different middle school.
Organised next week food and ordered
Help draw up 3x wish lists for Xmas with dcs
Bottle bank
Sweet shop

Ran out of steam, so no evening routine done tonight. Not cleared up from dinner and haven't put away washing. Hiding in the corner.... With my sore throat and mouth full of ulcers.
Ironing pile is getting bigger and bigger!

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 13/11/2013 22:16

Evening all,

Well, DH has been a star today. Water pipe men turned up at 7.30 to start work, so I kept the DCs out of the way while they got on with it. I then scooted off to work as soon as I got back from school, Dh then had to spend till about 1.30 shifting furniture and making cups of coffee for the men, then move everything back again once they were gone. The pipes have been replaced all the way from the water meter to the kitchen sink now, if that hasn't sorted it I don't know what will, but I will be checking the meter again (nervously) tomorrow. DH also picked the DCs up from school so I could have a couple of extra hours at work, which was handy, I have had to stay home for the previous 5 or so visits by the water men so a bit behind. He also cooked dinner and washed up. Oh and he vacuumed all the corners before putting the furniture back. Cats stayed shut in our bedroom quite happily.

So, not much Flying from me, but quite a bit from DH.

Toffee - how may hours a week will you be working? One of my friends is an OT, she doesn't work at the moment as she is SAHM, but she has always found it very rewarding. What OU course is it that you will be doing? Someone said to me once if you need someone doing ask a busy person, in other words if the will is there you can make time for things. I tend to agree. I work 10 hours (two school hour days) per week and manage to fit in OU work, plus a couple of voluntary roles, as well as all the usual family stuff. It's exercise that tends to fall off my to do list, followed by housework, but I usually catch up in the end. It will be a big change for you, but I'm sure you will cope.

Slimchance · 13/11/2013 22:25

Ta da (which has worked out rather differently to original 'to do' list):

prep cold white wash done
three lots of washing, hanging up or dried in td and folded done
piece of writing for office NOT FINISHED
edit last bit of e-book (hurray!) done
keep clearing/sorting remains of clothes sale - did 3 x 15 mins but yet more to do [sob]
as much boudoir as poss NOPE, NONE
quick supermarket shop done and wasn't quick
bank done
made vegetable soup done
school run (half day today) done
lunch for dd done
hwk supervision done (tortuous dictées in French and Flemish)
supervised guitar practice
helped dd sort 'farde de transport' and sharpen all pencils and crayons
wrote and translated letter to teacher
make mixed berry tray bake with dd - postponed until tomorrow
bit of Christmas prep with dd NOPE, NONE
sausages and stoemp for supper with broccoli - turned out to be sausages with potato, parsnip and carrot layer thing
evening routine done

Also:
bought cartridges for computer
sorted out computer twice when it wouldn't connect with server
took dd to have her stitches out
cleaned fridge
did two bits of Christmas on-line shopping
delivered cleaning materials to office
sorted laundry room a bit
and watched Tudor farm prog (which made me want to run into the garden and build a wattle and daub structure)

Toffee Ditto what Swan said. You will be fab working with the elderly!

Swan scroll down and look at these tour dates ... a living example of a rolling stone ... not bad for 72!

On the contrary Goth cabbage saga hugely entertaining Grin. Very healthy too! Grin

G'night all!

Slimchance · 13/11/2013 22:27

x posts

[Hands extract of cabbage juice over to AngryBuddha for mouth ulcers] Wink

Glad the worst of the plumbing work over Whoknows [and top marks to your dh]

BlueEyeshadow · 13/11/2013 22:57

Evening all.

Just dumping links and running away again. Could somebody take over the thread for a while please? RL is absolutely manic as there is all the school campaigning to be done - got the MP coming in tomorrow, and press, which is brill! - and I have 2 days in London coming up, as well as a ton of appointments here. And now I've got 2 major work jobs on too. So I just can't keep up with the thread as well. Sorry.

The babystep is to read an essay on using a calendar. Always a bit Hmm about that.

Mission is an inventory in the bathroom and RR in the kids' room(s).

OP posts:
rowingboat · 13/11/2013 23:58

Hi all,
So nice to see lots of familiar names here from last time. Who knows, Toffee and Blue eyeshadow I remember from last foray into flying.
Slim and Toffee, thank you for the tips, excellent! Now I feel less overwhelmed by the fly lady website
I did used to have hotspots in the home so will revisit those.
Decluttering is the biggest challenge for me. Do you guys feel you have got rid of the clutter now after all this time, or does it just keep coming?
I will print out that list at work tomorrow Slim. My colleagues will think I have lost the plot, but I need something.
I thought one of your possibles said something about planning daily lovemaking, but then reread and saw that it said bedmaking! Smile
Are any of you guys planning Christmas and beyond?
I am hosting this year and also need to book a holiday for next July, which strikes fear into my heart.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 14/11/2013 00:05

Rowing - I am vey gradually getting on top of the clutter but it does tend to creep back, nature abhors a vacuum. I am well underway with Christmas (about half my shopping done, cake and mincemeat made, turkey ordered). Oh and I just booked a holiday for next July. As for the daily love bedmaking, well, as someone else said, pick and choose your babysteps!

BitchytheGreat · 14/11/2013 00:11

I think that In terms of the clutter it is something that continually breeds if you turn your back on it. Still drowning under clutter here but have reduced the amount of clutter in storage and have methods for dealing with the clutter as it arrives. Eg empty letter box, sort junk mail straight into recycling bin, bring rest of mail in - a simple thing that reduces the amount of paper clutter that builds up.

Also Rowing there is fuck fun friday aka date night And yes it is a bit of a thread in joke/story. Amazing what a typo will result in....

Slimchance · 14/11/2013 07:55

I don't mind doing thread Blue if no one else has a burning desire to. Owing to travel plans, I can't do Dec or Jan, and I'm reasonably up-to-speed with everyone from last month anyway.
Good luck with MP today!

And good luck at dentist Toffee and Alice!

Rowingboat I'm afraid the clutter is an ongoing battle. It does keep coming back and I'm not consistent about getting rid of stuff every day. However, there is far less clutter in my house now than when I started. I'm reasonably up to speed with Christmas shopping (always organised when it comes to on-line purchasing Wink) but still have loads to do in terms of overseas parcels and baking a cake. Sorry to disappoint re bed-making Grin!

Ta da:
final check/printed out letter to dd's teacher
morning routine inc wm, dw, rabbits and s&s
prepped laundry room for fortnightly ironing lady (who is coming weekly atm)
packed lunch for 2
paired a load of socks

To do:
writing for office
make tomato sauce for veggie Thurs supper
make berry tray bake postponed from yesterday
loads of various errands + shopping for Christmas/St Nicolas!
sort rest of sale clothes (again) and take to recycling bins/children's charity
school run
hwk supervision
evening routine
loads more I can't think about right now.

Have a good day everyone!