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Housekeeping

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September 2015 fledglings shine their sink and their lace up shoes and prepare for the new academic year ahead

575 replies

standclear · 31/08/2015 13:00

Welcome to the September 2015 Fledgling Flying thread! Hang up your microfibre cloths and park your buckets here!!

[Sorry - I've namechanged again - but remain SC]

This is where from the 1st of the month, we attempt to declutter and follow the 30-step wisdom of Flylady (minus cutesy language and a surfeit of e-mails) with lots of chat and support and mutual motivation (and Wine of course) along the way. (More info available here and here ) and here.

Humungous thanks to our previous thread leaders (nns relating to a planet and to a colour) for guiding us through the summer and keeping us sane throughout the holidays! Thanks Thanks

As usual we will be following a three-pronged approach - and don't worry - we are all at different stages. Some of us (SC stares at feet) -are stuck at the decluttering stage after an embarrassingly long number of years Blush:

  • repeat or start baby steps (again!)
  • repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

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

And those of you who have decluttered and are really enthusiastic can throw some detailed cleaning in to the mix as well!

This is a very long-running thread so we may appear cliquey but we really aren't! All newcomers, long-termers, lurkers and intermittent returnees not only welcome to join in but positively encouraged to do so!

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Good luck!

OP posts:
Toffeewhirl · 14/09/2015 11:00

Sorry, haven't had time to keep up with the thread. DS1 still struggling with the adjustment to his new school: we let him stay in all weekend and doing whatever he wanted. He did manage to do some homework on Sunday. He is being very difficult about taking his meds, which isn't helping his mood, and was up at 3am this morning. HOWEVER, he has gone to school this morning Shock!

DS2 is on a school trip today and I'm helping out from midday, so about to have an early lunch, doing a quick clean up in the house, then rush off.

Still not keeping up with Flying Sad.

Toffeewhirl · 14/09/2015 11:01

do a quick clean up

Greymalkin · 14/09/2015 11:07

Morning all

Shock horror: DS (and consequently me and DH) slept in until 08:20 this morning!! Absolutely incredible...

Ta da:
Fed cats and DS
Sorted out EIGHT loads of laundry
One wash load in the machine, the rest forming an orderly queue
Loaded DW, put on
Hand washing up

To do:
Laundry... Lots and lots of laundry
Wrap and post eBay parcels
Buy another clothes dryer to help get through Mount Washmore
Online shop
Change bed sheets
Expedition up to the loft to put away: suitcases, high chair, old push chair

Dogs - DS and I did baby massage on a similar free programme when he was about 6months old. I can't say we used the massage much, but it was a great way of providing structure to the week, and got me going, out and about and getting some adult interaction.

standclear · 14/09/2015 13:50

Hi all, lunch break - terrible start to diet today as office ordered pizza and they sent me a special delivery down the road - oh dear - I have the willpower of a slug on mogadon

Did my best Flying this morning (trying to stick to a stricter regime and not fritter away time) and although I knew what needed doing, when and how, I still felt totally demotivated. Forced myself to do about half Blush.

[Sorry - that was not very inspirational for a thread leader was it - Grin]

So should probably say "At least I did half and that is better than nothing!" Wink

Greymalkin great that you had a much-needed lie-in (you must have all needed it!!). Hope you feel better for it anyway!

I'm with you with the stacks of laundry waiting in rows for the machine (and I don't have a little 'un). This is what happens when I pick up all the laundry from the boudoir floor tidy up.

Toffee great that your ds1 made it in to school today, despite struggling a bit. Hope the trip goes well too.

Poor you Can'tsee no central heating sounds like a bugger and then for the freezer to go too is particularly unfair after all the batch cooking you did. In addition to building works too! Hope you have hot water at least.
[passes over sustaining Brew ]

Thanks for much needed coffee Mummy and I'm very sorry to hear about your aunt Sad. Hope you have now recovered from your busy week.

Think this is the first time we have ever had "contact Morris Dancers" on a "to do" list!!! Grin Grin Grin Definitely a fledgling first!! Grin

I've got typing to do [boring] which almost makes the prospect of tackling the boudoir look inviting. Had better get on with it.

Have a good afternoon everyone.

OP posts:
Dogsbumhair · 14/09/2015 15:42

Thanks Blue, SC, Knitting and Grey for all the input on baby massage course, I like the idea of something that is set up to make mums happy and is good for adult interaction so I shall look forward to Wednesday. It's only one hour a week for 5 weeks but as some people have said sometimes it is good to have something you have to go to for some structure. It's also good for me to practise being on time for things Blush which I was excellent at before Meerkitten and I now find very difficult! Hmm

Another Red Dwarf fan here who can remember the Crichton Smeg Head episode all too clearly Grin

Droitwich I'm fascinated about what yarnbombing might be.... in my head I'm imagining an episode of Wallace and Grommit and them flying an old style plane and dropping balls of wool on their enemies..... must be that over active imagination of mine again Blush

Dogsbumhair · 14/09/2015 15:45

Just got back from a walk with Meerkitten in the pram and she has fallen asleep so I am taking the opportunity to catch up on the thread and post but I expect her to wake and demand food very loudly any moment now.... will just sit on the sofa for a few minutes with my feet up watching tv and loving the silence..... heaven.... Smile

Dogsbumhair · 14/09/2015 16:04

Meerkitten still asleep so I'm now really pushing by luck and have made myself a hot chocolate and have sat down with a chocolate muffin that I bought today (forgot this morning's plan to join in with SC in losing a few pounds, or at least lowering my cake and chocolate intake Hmm)

No real flying here but I have:

stripped bed and washed bedding
Been out and bought tea and had a walk
Washed up

That's about it, but technically it is still a ta dah list, so shall settle down on sofa smugly and enjoy hot chocolate and muffin....

Dogsbumhair · 14/09/2015 16:10

....the cracken is stirring......

droitwichmummy · 14/09/2015 17:34

This is yarnbombing Dogs

September 2015 fledglings shine their sink and their lace up shoes and prepare for the new academic year ahead
standclear · 14/09/2015 18:22

Hi all

Sorry to keep moaning but bit of a crappy day here all in all. Raining and dark. DD has said something to me that is true but nonetheless very hurtful, out of the mouths of babes and all of that. Found out that acquaintance has done something rather sneaky/cheeky which makes you doubt one's ability to judge people correctly and to cap it all, dropped something off at volunteering project today to find that a whole section of it (that had been cleared by us) has been trashed again Sad

All a bit demoralising

Sorry, none of that is to do with Flying as usual! Managed to do about half of my list.

Dogsbum Arf at the kraken!! Grin

I do love hearing about your walks with Meerkitten in the pram! I so miss doing that! Smile

And that yarn-bombing pic reminds me of when people put black heart shaped surrounds on the red traffic lights here on Feb 14th (leaving red hearts to shine through) - authorities turn a blind eye - happens over 24 hrs every year and then magically disappears again!

I like things that seem, at first sight, frivolous or pointless but in fact are incredibly cheering!

Dropping off dd now with friends as we are off to school meeting tonight so posting links for tomorrow herewith. G'night all! BB in the morning!

*

The baby-step for tomorrow, Tues 15 Sept, is here continue previous baby-steps and add daily bed-making to your routines.

We are in Zone 3 this week (September 13 to 19): The Bathroom plus One Extra Room here.

If you have finished decluttering in Zone 3 and want do to some detailed cleaning, here is the detailed cleaning list.

Tuesday's mission can be found : here. Cleaning the bathroom bin and 5 min dash and stash in 'other' area.

The daily focus for Tuesday is: planning here med appts, wardrobes, menus, holidays. Anything you can do to make the next couple of weeks a little easier.

The habit for September is developing a before-bed routine here: www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/september/ .

A summary of the above (which should update itself daily) can be found here: www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=-120.

We are half way through the month everyone - keep going - 15 mins at a time!

*

OP posts:
knittingwithnettles · 14/09/2015 20:22

SC that does sound dispiriting and the volunteer setback just Shock why do people do these things?
Toffee hope sleep rejigs soon re: taking meds

Funeral today for my close relative (in very large extended family) heartbreaking but a very warm celebratory atmosphere. Just want to do nothing much now (well continue doing nothing much as I have since getting back) Cooked horrid stirfry (why are my stirfrys so cr**p - I blame the wok and the year old Hoisin sauce Blush luckily everyone ate it.

And the GOOD NEWS IS THAT DS1 (15 okay a bit old for that grade but still) got a Merit in his Violin Grade 4! I was only expecting him to scrape a pass especially since he forgot his shoulder rest and some of his scalesso very chuffed. One of comments was about his "eloquent" playing. I asked him what he thought eloquent meant and he said, eeurgh.. lazy? relaxed? I dunno..

Now I am going to watch Whiplash at ds1's suggestion (he said he watched it twice on plane to ski-ing and it was unforgettable) and it has just come out on dvd.

done
washing
recycling
dw
supper
took some clothes upstairs
chatted to ds2 for a bit

BlueEyeshadow · 14/09/2015 20:30

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

At the moment, I'm waiting for DH and DS1 to come back from an evening with Cressida Cowell, plus book signing. They've been waiting for the last How to Train Your Dragon book for ages too!

And waiting for any kind of news on the house.

Waiting for the people to take the skip away.

Waiting for inspiration and drive to do anything else! Sick of waiting.

fuzzpig · 14/09/2015 20:59

Argh sounds mega frustrating Blue! :(

My wait is to feel better as I have a bug or sinus thing, feel like crud. Hoping fervently that I am less sniffly tomorrow as I have pupils 3 days in a row this week! Somehow need to tidy up again too.

But managed some proper home ed today on top of our usual core subjects - talked about myths in art and did some painting, yay! :o So feeling like we are starting to get in the swing of it.

Also achieved lots at the GP, had a list of 5 things I needed to talk about and made headway on most. Not sure about work still though, in the long term I mean. Blah.

BlueEyeshadow · 14/09/2015 22:16

Well, they had a great time. DS1 now has a book and a hat, and lots of other things.

AsTimeGoesBy · 14/09/2015 22:42

Evening all, sorry for going AWOL, have been a bit overwhelmed by the whole DS starting secondary school thing. He is doing well and on the whole enjoying it, although there was a bit of a meltdown on Fri eve following a misunderstanding at pick up time.

Didn't do much Flying over the weekend as we were out a lot, intended to catch up today but events have conspired against me, I'm having allergy patch tests for my eczema, had patches applied all over my shoulders and back today and was told to keep as still as possible not to disturb them. They come off on Weds.

Nettles and Grey, sorry to hear about the deaths of your loved ones.

SC - sorry you've had a bad run of things today, hope tomorrow is better.

Dogs - my dad had a stroke about 18 months ago, it was very frightening but he had excellent care and made a good recovery, he tires easily now though, hope your DH.

Talking of excellent care, I walked out of the hospital with my patches on today at exactly the time my appointment was given as, don't think I've ever been seen early in Outpatients before.

CantSee4Looking · 14/09/2015 23:47

sc we have hot water, and a cooker, and we lit the wood burner today to heat the lounge. I had put on hold this month's batch cooking until i had energy so not too bad and it has been nice to not have to cook atm as not much energy.

Today i have sat on my bum with a blankie and the tv and ripped back a jumper to turn into something else.

standclear · 15/09/2015 07:12

Good morning fledglings! Hope you are all well!

Today I must do a quick supermarket shop, prep supper, visit art materials shop, pack up some parcels, sew on more name tapes, do lots of washing and continue to finish my Flying list from yesterday!

And continue diet which went wrong yesterday.

Knitting I'm sorry, I completely forgot it was your relative's funeral yesterday. How very Sad for you and your family. Thanks

So many funerals on here at the moment Sad

Congratulations though to your ds1 on his excellent violin exam result! Yay! That must be such a filip!

Blue how deeply frustrating when you can't get on with things!! I know the feeling. Pat yourself on the back for filling the skip though and sending some Flying fairy inspiration your way! Thanks

Sorry to hear you have succumbed to a virus Fuzzpig there is a lot of it about atm. Take it steady! Glad visit to GP was positive. [Hands over hot lemon and honey drink].

And sorry to hear about your eczema Astimegoesby which sounds very full on; I hope the testing results in some effective treatment for you. (And glad they didn't keep you waiting!) Good to hear your dfather has made a good recovery from his stroke too.

Can'tsee relieved to hear you have hot water at least! And that you are taking advantage of having to eat up frozen provisions - profitez as they say over here - and take it steady!

Right, I had better get my rear end in to action!

Have a good day everyone!

OP posts:
CantSee4Looking · 15/09/2015 09:08

I changed my work days thinking it was the day that was the issue. It appears not. different day same complete lack of motivation Hmm Guess that just proves it is time to look into moving on.

AsTimeGoesBy · 15/09/2015 09:23

Ironically SC my eczema has completely cleared up of it's own accord over the last couple of weeks! I have had it off and on all my adult life, but had a really bad, long lasting flare up start last winter hence the testing, but it has just gone away again now.

Can't - yes, I know how you feel. My second job, the one at DH's company, fills me with no great enthusiasm and I am really struggling with it on the motivation front (should be doing it now Blush).

Sorry, ran out of steam last night but also meant to say to Blue - hope things get going with the house move again ASAP and to Fuzzpig hope you feel better soon.

Also my post to Dogs went wrong (I was tired), I meant to say hope your DF also makes a full recovery from this stroke.

BlueEyeshadow · 15/09/2015 10:43

Hope the eczema testing proves helpful AsTime

Well done to your DS on the violin exam Knitting

There is a faint glimmer of movement on the house this morning, but not holding my breath after past cock ups. Better get back to work, but the text I'm doing sounds OKish in German, but faintly racist and sexist in English so far. Oh dear!

Greymalkin · 15/09/2015 12:19

Morning everyone,

Knitting well done to your DS re his music exam. Of all the instruments I think strings are the hardest. You must be so proud.

Blue - everything crossed for the house move

AsTime - hope you get some relief sorted for the eczema.

Sorry to hear about your dad Dogs, hope meerkitten is behaving herself

SC Sad re the trashing of your volunteer work. And Angry too.

< wing flaps to everyone else >

I'm having a bit of a 'meh' day too Cs4L but DS is getting bored and fractious so I am going to have to get off of my arse and do something with him.

I managed six wash loads yesterday and hung them all up to dry on my new, six foot tall clothes dryer, it's a beast of a thing! No more excuses now for not keeping up with laundry.

standclear · 15/09/2015 13:01

Lunch break (No S Diet)

How'r'you'all' doin? [said in strong Bronx accent

OP posts:
standclear · 15/09/2015 13:25

No, I'm not drunk Grin I just posted too soon then Blush

Fantastic drying day today (my very favourite weather) sunny, but only about 17°c, blustery winds, v bright Grin I love it!

Have two machine loads out on terrace blowing away! Third one is in.

Thanks Knitting and Greymalkin about the trashing of volunteer space. Fortunately, it wasn't all of it (just one area) but it is galling that we are going to have to repeat work already done tomorrow.

Greymalkin Star for your six loads of washing yesterday! Your dryer must indeed be mammoth to take that lot!!

Thanks for Brew Blue and don't want to jeopardise glimmer but hope something comes of it!!

[Wafts combined scents of inspiration and motivation towards Blue and Can'tSee]!

(Although I wonder what that would smell of, lemons and freshly cut grass, or fried onions and sausages, or Toffee's knob polish and my industrial vinegar or arome des lace-up shoes?? Grin Grin)

That's interesting Astimegoesby I wonder if it got better in response to holiday sunshine, or do you think it could be related to something you are eating during the holidays, and not during term time (such as wine, or coffee or some such). Doesn't eczema get worse with stress too? You'd think it would be worse at the beginning of term wouldn't you? [Btw, you have my full and total sympathy with regard to sheer boredom of dh office work!!! Tortuous here!]

Encouraging wing flaps to everyone else

Ta da:
bath + hair washing and routine personal grooming
found earrings (or as dd calls them, owing to linguistic confusion, "ear bells" Grin
emptied dw
took dh shirts in to be laundered
quick flit to art shop
quick supermarket shop
prepped collars and cuffs - white wash
tidied play room (10 mins)
morning routine inc dw, wm, animals, s&s, dining room table hot spots
carried a load of stuff upstairs
carried a load of stuff downstairs
did mission Shock and chucked out old medicines and hung up old epi-pen in bag on front door to take to chemist
on-line admin
investigated no S diet a bit more
3 loads of washing (2 hung up to dry)
carried empty washing paniers downstairs
sorted vet's appt
e-mailed baby-sitter
quick lunch with dh

To do:
third dog walk of day (dh kindly did first two)
iron gym & ballet kit for week ahead + shirt for tomorrow
on-line supermarket order
on-line pet supplies order
on-line electrics order
evening routine
iron spare school jumper and skirt
final name tapes and ballet sewing
sort boudoir
put clean laundry away
art class (?) depending on my back, dh's hair appt and poss vet appt Confused

OP posts:
standclear · 15/09/2015 13:31

Meant to say, have more time today because dd is starting etudes surveillees tonight (hwk club) thank the Lord!!! We signed her up for twice a week, and now I wish we signed up for three! (She still hadn't finished her hwk when dh and I got back from school meeting at 9.50pm last night, and she'd has since 3.50pm to do it Confused and she is supposed to be asleep by 9.30pm. [sigh]

OP posts:
standclear · 15/09/2015 17:43

Quiet on here this afternoon ... .

Rushing around now until late tongith so posting links for tomorrow now

Waves to all!

***
The baby-step for tomorrow, Wed 16 Sept, is here. Continue previous baby-steps and routines and look at Morning Musing, a testimonial, or an Ask FlyLady Question on the website.

We are in Zone 3 this week (September 13 to 19): The Bathroom plus One Extra Room here.

If you have finished decluttering in Zone 3 and want do to some detailed cleaning, here is the detailed cleaning list.

Wednesday's mission is : here. Sort and toss any medicines that are out of date and take 5 mins to put away things that have a home and have been lingering somewhere else!

The daily focus for Wednesday is: anti-procrastination. Do something that has been filling you with dread!

The habit for September is developing a before-bed routine here: www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/september/ .

A summary of the above (which should update itself daily) can be found here: www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=-120.

Remember, no perfectionism allowed everyone! Good enough is good enough!

*

OP posts: