Autumn leaves flutter as October Fledglings Fly!

[standclear]

Welcome to the October 2015 Fledgling Flying thread!

Park your broomsticks and cauldrons here!! Or is that just me ?

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 of course) along the way.

More info available here and here and here.

As usual we will be following a three-pronged approach - and don't worry - we are all at different stages. (Some of us are still stuck at the decluttering stage after quite a few years ):

• 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!

The idea is that we focus on short, ring-fenced, daily steps and routines that will help our homes run (more or less!) on "automatic pilot" allowing us to do far more interesting things instead!

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!

Helpful pointers: No perfectionism allowed! If it took a while to create the current C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) in your home, then it will probably take a while to reverse the situation (you can't clean clutter!). Small steps are the key! And you are never behind: just jump in where you are at!

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Good luck!

Sorry a couple of crossed posts at the end there -but just about to serve supper - bakc later!

I have achieved further

Swept floor throughout downstairs
put some more books away in new places
shook out rug
put shoes away in shoe cupboard
made semolina pudding
made roast dinner, including boiling some potatoes to roast
topped and tailed green beans - to do
lay table - to do
more washing in and out

DF is a dual resident as step-mother is French, so they divide their time. Operations has been carried out, artery unblocked and a stent put in. I've spoken to him; he's sore but okay.

Does mean I need a trip up to his UK home to collect stuff and sort insurance out for him so that'll be a fun two day trip!

On the upside, DBIL now has a very clean house as I cleaned while waiting for the call after the op... poor bugger!

I'm feeling much calmer now, thanks everyone.

Ta das:

Trip to town:
*eyebrows threaded, makes me look instantly more presentable
*post office
*stationary bought
*DS fell asleep so I stopped for a cheeky muffin and coffee
Garden swept and flower beds weeded (SC we have articifical lawn, so no mowing, sweeping/garden vacuum instead!)
Food shop delivered and put away
Bins put out for collection
Cats and DS fed
15 minutes in the kitchen, ruthlessly chucking clutter, especially paper, included all the odds and sods on the front of the fridge
Fermenting bucket and demijohn extracted from garage and filled with hot soapy water for a thorough clean later

To do:
Clean home brew stuff
Get nursery bag ready for tomorrow
My dinner
Maybe some book keeping unlikely

Glad your DCs had good days SC and Knitting

Carpe so glad your DF is doing ok. Lots of stress for you, take care of yourself

More ta das
Hung out washed bags and bras
Washed dressing up clothes and hung out
Put a normal wash on
Put a few random bits and bobs away
Art with DCs (making components of blood out of clay :o)
Got more stuff out of freezer (first bag was indeed what I thought, but got soup out for DH as my bolognese isn't gluten free)

I will not let today defeat me! I will not!

But DH is doing dinner when he gets in, and I've also delegated the reading of DD's book club story to DH - full of toilet humour :o I'll stick to Alice in Wonderland at bedtime thanks very much! :o Moving on to Stig of the Dump after which I'm really excited about (they'd started reading it at school before DD left and she wants to know the rest).

SC I'm loving the image of your DD dancing around to Peer Gynt! My favourite is Anitra's Dance. I was wondering about trying to teach my DD ITHOTMK too, but it's very early days in her piano 'lessons'. It's funny though, she's been stalling for months and not really wanted to do anything challenging - so I haven't pushed it because I REALLY don't want to put her off - and then suddenly she picked up this 'easy classics' type book and was desperate to play from it. So I guess that's the way forward for her rather than plodding through the tuition book.

Ludicrously excited as DH is off tomorrow. It's only because he had to swap from Thursday but tomorrow DCs are with the CM as planned so we actually have a few hours to ourselves for the first time in months. :)

Well done everyone you've all been very productive!
I managed to semi-declutter two of my kitchen messy areas, I wouldn't call them hot spots as they're not regular dumping grounds just piles of crap (think 'messy drawer' stuff) that have followed me through two house moves. Anyway I've sorted them and chucked loads of old papers.
I did some laundry, cleaned the kitchen surfaces and the hob, washed up the glasses (they get grainy deposit in the dishwasher, any ideas? Rinse aid and salt all present and correct), got my paperwork signed, changed our bed, cooked dinner, booked dentist, but despite a few rounds of phone tennis I didn't manage to get through to plumber. Very annoying.
Tonight before bed I'll mop the floor and wipe surfaces again.

SC they're both mongrel rescue dogs, one is a Husky/Lab/GSD mix with GSD and husky coat, a lab temperament and Husky face markings and the other is a Staffie/god knows what.
Thanks for explaining things, I hope to keep up with it, I've just begun a career break and so suddenly have lots more time to be doing the cleaning I never had time to do! (Dammit!)
Hope all the people with bad news have a better day tomorrow, it all sounded quite bleak today.

Carpe so great that you have spoken to your dad and he is OK xxx Good that he is (sort of) on home turf too!

Passes the gin to Scatty

Knitting Great that your ds1 is getting motivated, always best on their own terms! You are Flying very high today! Glad to hear all calm at tuition centre.

Ditto re 'own terms' thing wrt piano playing too Fuzzpig! Well done wrt your list too Fuzzpig and I hope you and your dh enjoy your child-free time tomorrow!!

Greymalkin I remember now about the artificial lawn! [Pls forgive middle-aged brain ] And well done for achieving so much despite today's upsets!

Bit of a disappointing day here in terms of Flying. I don't know, my energy levels are evidently not what they used to be!

Did morning routine, 3 dog walks, school run, 3 loads of washing, made lots of garlic mash (still eating up roast pork from w/e), on-line supermarket order, hwk supervision and a tiny bit of tidying in boudoir and a bit of ironing + couple of phone calls and e-mails and that was it.

Big paper declutter FAILURE again!!

Not helped by the fact that dh, when dropping dd off to school this morning, told her that she could absent herself from hwk club tonight (already paid for incidentally). He then blithely drove to the airport, got on his plane, and forgot to tell me about the new arrangement (and didnt inform the school either). Cue a text from school at 3.40pm saying dd was absent from 'etudes' followed by another call from an indignant dd on a friend's phone asking where I was. Had to rush and sort it all out. Men! Honestly!

Just about to do evening routine and get in to bed early!

Hope everyone has a lovely evening!

And that your ds1 had a lovely day Toffee!

[Leaves bottle of champagne out for Dogsbum in bucket of ice]

Enjoy your child-free time, Fuzz

Glad to hear good news, carpe

SC I think the buyers are serious but all these delays just sow seeds of anxiety. The latest thing might just be because they're not from the UK so confused by the system (can hardly blame them if so!). DH is currently composing an epic email of complaint!

x posts

[snaffles ]

Y Y, Don'tbuy agree everyone has done really well today against the odds! And that includes your good self! Congrats on kitchen decluttering and for ploughing on through the rest of your list!

As for dw issue: I found the salty deposit prob lessened when I changed to all-inclusive tabs rather than separate salt/rinse aid etc and that it also depends on how glasses are stacked. Other than that, how about putting a ramekin of industrial vinegar in machine while it is running?? I am sure others on here will have better advice though!

Goodness, what an interesting mix of dogs you have (their skills must be incredibly diverse!!)! Ours is also a rescue (well adopted anyway). Shot for you here ...

x posts

Well that's good they are serious Blue hope your dh's e-mail has a catalyzing effect!! [more ]

**

Baby-step no. 7 for tomorrow, Wed 7th Oct, is here. The all important 'laying out of clothes the night before' step! Highly recommended!

We are in Zone 2 this week (October 4-10): Kitchen/ back porch/laundry room/pantry. Here!.

Declutter for 15 mins in Zone 2 (or do a mission!).

If you are at that stage, the detailed cleaning list for Zone 2 is here.

Wednesday's mission can be found here. Cleaning the cooker hood or vent (this may take longer than 15 mins). Vinegar + bicarb of soda a good combo if very greasy.

Wednesday's daily focus is anti-procrastination. Do something that you have been avoiding!

The habit for October is: www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/october/ decluttering paper clutter!

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

Small steps everyone! And no perfectionism allowed!

**

G'night all!

So since I posted a list of three and a bit, i have completed that plus:

ta da
hoovered walls, door frames, floor, shelves and light fitting in landing
washed all the towels and mats in the bathroom
cleaned the toilet,
hoovered the bath and the walls in the bathroom, plus a pot of paint and a tub of toiletories

I am about to wash the floor, clean the bath and sink. Remove plants for some tlc tomo and then in theory tackle the shelves and windowsil. In practise the shelves and window sill will probably end up being done tomo. There is one more load of washing to be put on tonight though.

Somehow I found magic powers in chocolate. Pondering on the wisdom of the vodka though

after a bit of screaming over FIFA, we had two charming sons this evening (not simultaneously mind you ) ds1 was chatting away about his plans, and then ds2 told us about HIS day, and the other students

Supper went down well, dd had hers in bed (always a recipe for peace and quiet)

Now have to wash up

Fuzzenjoy your day tomorrow and don't do too many chores when you are with dh! Unless they are very companionable ones.

Thanks SC I already use the all in 1 Finish tablets. Do you mean a ramikin of vinegar in with a wash, or whilst it's empty to clear it out? Sorry if that's a stupid question.
The glasses are usually pint glasses on the top shelf, turned upside down. I have two large Emma Bridgewater mugs that it happens to sometimes, but usually only down the outside of them, whereas the pint glasses go inside too unless I just don't see the inside of the mugs as clearly and then the hot drinks are washing it all away Oh God what a can of worms. Maybe I should put a can of worms to sort it all out
Here is a pic of my two

Yours looks lovely, can't tell what breed? Almost like a small red setter!
Gnight all!

Ohhh now I'm dog-broody. But then I'm also cat-broody thanks to a random video mash-up on facebook. I want a pet preferably a cuddly one.

Not planning much flying tomorrow although I need to do some laundry in order to not fall behind. DH is doing the kitchen and he's doing the CM drop off/pick up instead of me. We need to do a panic tidy in the living room as I have a pupil coming in the evening but that can wait til the DCs are home. DH and I are going on a date courtesy of Pizza Express clubcard vouchers :o I do need to phone my mum (birthday) and arrange a weekend meeting with the author whose book I'm typing up.

More ta das
Put away loads of DVDs, reorganising them a bit as we went.
Towel wash - ok I haven't done that yet but I will as soon as I've posted.

Didn't do any reading with DCs in the end, and haven't done any typing today which is probably stupid but my hands aren't up to it and I figured a day's rest would help. After dinner was done we all snuggled up and watched Strictly on iplayer. 2 flipping hours, good grief I will be happy when a few couples have departed and it won't be such a marathon!

Good night all, I'm going to sort the laundry and then go to bed although probably won't do the latter for ages

Yes, I find Strictly hard going in the first few weeks too Fuzz. Disappointment in our house already as DS's favourite went out first.

Well, Flying. Not a very long list today, as it's been school, work, ballet for DD and pilates for me, plus lots of homework for both DCs. Which got a bit fraught. So, one lot of washing done and dried and that was about it.

Just googled it as we haven't watched results show and don't really plan to, since the Saturday shows take long enough! The DCs just enjoy the dancing really. I think DS would really enjoy dance lessons but from what I hear it's a very pricey hobby, especially ballroom stuff, with all the costumes etc.

Hmm, not surprised who went out though although it's a shame, think that person would be better sticking to their day job at which they are brilliant!

I actually did stick a towel wash on after my last post so feeling quite productive. I actually have achieved a reasonable amount today. Living room is a disgrace though!

Tired. Having real trouble sleeping lately but that's partly my own fault for never taking my pills at a decent time (amitriptyline has a sedative effect) so I'm just getting into a vicious cycle of staying up late and watching too many DVDs to help me sleep.

Goodnight all xx

DS likes the dancing to some extent (likes the "fun" ones, jive, charleston etc, hates the slow ones). He is mainly into the scoring though, he loves league tables and is constantly creating them. He chose that person to follow because their job is what he wants to do when he grows up.

OOoh are we talking about Strictly now?

Good morning all!

[SC dons sequinned apron, quicksteps in to thread and does a fleckle]

DD loves watching it but agree, it is a bit of a "flask and sandwiches" job in the early weeks.

Can see the power of three worked for you yesterday Can't - it is hard having to constantly hoover up building dust.

Don'tbuy I meant in the wash (although do do a full run through when the dw is empty with a big bowl of vinegar in there from time to time - we have bad limescale). Think it is really a drainage issue though so re-positioning might help?? Not sure.

Your furries are gorgeous btw!! Lovely they evidently get along so well too! Sorry should have said, ours is a lh daschund. Totally driven by his nose!!

Waves to Whoknows Knitting Fuzzpig and everyone else!

Off to (old) volunteering slot now ... piles of old clothes here we come ...

Carpe - so sorry to hear about your father. I'm sure your DF will be in good hands - as SC says, French healthcare is excellent.

Grey - your DH needs a reality check . Hope you can manage a (reasonably calm) discussion about it.

Scatty - what nice thing are you going to do for yourself today?

Dogs - hope you had a happy birthday.

Flying fail yesterday: hung the washing out, only for it to start pouring with rain whilst I was out doing the school run. Decided to leave the washing out as it was soaked by the time we arrived home and thought I might as well leave it to dry out. Forgot that soaking wet towels become very, very heavy... An hour or so later, the washing line snapped and all the washing ended up on the ground.

And one of the cats managed to smash an ornamental cup I've had for years . Was very amused by his reaction, though: when I asked the two cats which one was responsible, he lowered his head in shame and slunk away .

DS1 had a happy birthday, I think. It was very low key, as he wanted, but he seemed to really love the bagful of little presents I'd given him and enjoyed opening all his cards. DS2 kept looking up at him, starry eyed, saying, "I can't believe I have a brother who's 16!"

Second interview today, this time with the MD. Have mixed feelings about the job and the pay, but will go anyway, as it's all good practice and it might lead to something in the long run.

ta da
be the most embarrassing mum eva
child to school on time
Fear of heights/anxiety therapy work
1st duvet in washer waiting for dryer to finish with the towels
3 cups of coffee and breakfast.
Discover get up and go got up went at thought of carpet cleaning today

To do
wash landing carpet
sort big pile stuff on floor
dentist
wash 2nd duvet
Do 2 loads of pillows washing
1 load of clothes washing
and a load of sheets
next town
Not kill anyone
encourage homework

Lots to do, but I think the first job will be to make carrot cake. It might give me some get up an go. Or not.

Today I'm waiting... giving them a chance to sort out yesterday's mess...

I have also swept the floor, and done two loads of laundry, so that's something.

Toffee - good luck for the interview. :( at laundry and cup mishaps and at cat reaction!

Re Strictly, I only ever watch it on catch up so I can skip through the tedious bits - particularly vital at this point in the series. Was away on Sat. so just watched the results show for edited highlights and to know who went out. Seemed to work.

Had interview today and am now exhausted!!! Was over an hour and it has taken it out of me!!! What a lightweight. Not used to engaging brain - but I weirdly enjoyed it (and reeeeally want the job). Good luck with yours toffee
Flying will have to fit in between bedtimes and Dr Foster.