Lost the plot with clutter? Want sparkle(r)s in your sink? Come Fly with flare on the November Fledgling thread!

[Sludgecolours]

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 and along the way.

This is where, from the first of the month (seriously, HOW is it November already?!), we follow – loosely – the rules of FlyLady [see website here ]. (Pls ignore the barftastic language, and we suggest NOT signing up to the emails as there are rather a lot of them. All the info you need will be posted here on a daily basis.)

Helpful info on getting started here!.

We adopt a three-pronged approach:

-start or repeat baby steps

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone or area (yes, just 15 mins focused work a day makes a difference!)

and/or

• 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.]

NB
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!

Another NB
Start where you are. There is no need to worry about being perfect – perfectionism = paralysis! There is no such thing as ‘falling behind’ with FlyLady, if you miss anything, just move on and continue as normal the next day.

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Good luck!

foxes
You are amazing to have managed to speak.
Treat the family and your self this weekend. Sometimes we had a fairy picnic. Finger food and treats on a rug, lights off and candles and lamp on. If children not too tini perhaps something you could do. Relaxing and they would remember later also watch an old favourite film.
If dry a walk out and hot chocolate somewhere. Have an hour of peace for everyone to do there on thing and just sit and relax. Just some suggestions to re -fuel yourselves.

cag oh sorry to hear that. They discovered I had gallstones when I was pregnant. One was size of a duck egg! I had to go on waiting list. It was agony at times. Don't eat spicy food. I ended up on very restricted diet. Eventually when DD was seven months and at New Year 4th Jan they took me in. I had been so I'll at Christmas that I cooked dinner but couldn't face eating any. Don't put it off because I had septicaemia when I went to surgery. Very poorly. DD was being Breast fed and I had never been away from her. She would take a bottle as well thank goodness. DH had to bring her in morning and night so I could feed her.

Thank you bower lovely ideas

Hope you're ok cag that sounds awful!

Not sure flying wise what to do today I think just the basics daily routine and I need to get a few things from the shop. Maybe ten minutes decluttering if I can fit it in.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Plan for today

Get up( having lie in and cup of tea just now. Sorry mums)
My bedroom :Archers or play on and remove any washing, put away clothes( dump during week)make bed, hang curtain lining to make room warmer. 30-45mins
Bathroom : Swish and swipe, clean loo, wash floor, shower doors. 30mins
Kitchen : sink, worktops , hob, dishwasher on. Maybe wash floor. Check fridge.clear table ( looks around to see who put that stuff on there.) 45mins
Dining room: finish what I started last Sat. Clear and put away table junk. Vacuum. 30mins
Sitting room: quick tidy,stack logs, coal and clean hearth, vacuum, dust.30mins
Going to put timer on so make me speed up. I do seem to take a long time yet at work I am quick. So should be able to sit down for lunch at 1pm then go into town for some ink cartridge, watch fixed, maybe some Christmas shopping. Then home to catch up on notes and do planning and now I have extra planning due to another timetable change to cover someone off with stress which has now added more stress to my work load. That will mean catch up so no lunch breaks next week!
Sunday : Mass, choir, choir and make cake x2 for school.
Any chance I will get all that done. Hhmm! No flying Thurs or Fri because I was too knackered and was out at something both evenings so extra to do. Happy flying everyone.

Foxes I wouldn't worry. I think even Fly lady would say not to bother. Just essentials like feed the family. You need to re-charge your batteries. You can fly next weekend. Just wrap the love of your family around you.

Agree with Bowerbird foxes. Sod the flying and just be. It is encouraged if needed.

ta da
Sleep in
Eat cake for breakfast

to do
everything i should have done yesterday
The stuff i planned to do today

Ha ha! Hills love your to do list.
Bedroom done and half bathroom done toilet letting it be.
Discovered a little beaded bag I had hanging on mirror had dropped off onto floor minute beads everywhere so been picking them up with a view to mending it sometime. Might be a bit shorter as over shoulder. Beads were on bag but also three twisted strings of them so you can imagine all the beads. I had bare feet and that is how I discovered them. So upstairs to do nearly done then off downstairs. Fire first as house is now getting cold presume it has gone out.

I meant Ta Dah list but your to do too as it sounds like mine yesterday's...and Thursday's.
Although I no longer have children at home spending 6 plus hours with other people's children can be exhausting especially the behavioural ones whom I have a lot of.
I do feel a bit of a fraud here when you have children and littlest and babes in arms but I do appreciate how hard it is to keep things tidy and clean with them. Like my fridge magnet from years ago says " it's like shovelling snow when it keeps snowing."
So good luck today ladies.

Personally I doubt I will see ds apart from to throw food at him. He is in teen mode which appears to require staying in pjs and moping in his bedroom all weekend. And I am not saying anything as this is normal

Oh and quiet

Thanks all I am ok today just been in bed so far and trying to figure out what's safe to eat as if it's gallstones I have to be super careful. Got to bed at 6am so somewhat failed babystep 17!

Pfft babystep 17 is over rated imho cag

old timers will understand more than is obvious in that statement

ta da
Rewash a load of washing which have hoover explode over it
evict things from lounge that should not be there
make shopping list for missing bits for tea (and milk for drinks because if no milk=grumpy people)
convince ds to eat breakfast
provide mother with lunch - she is poorly sick (dizzy) and as she has a tendancy to falls she is playing safe thank fuck no one wants a weekend trip to a&e
put hoover together
drink more coffee than is probably wise

Gallstones are so painful - my DH had these, super-low-fat diet required! We lived on chicken breast, prawns, turkey, dessert-wise jelly is low fat or fat free yoghurt. Cag I hope you are doing OK today. Well done for taking the whole family out at once!

As well as Cag, waves to fresh, Rosabella, bowerbird, foxes and hills

Suit fitting has taken most of the day ! Traffic was horrendous!
To do
Bag up things to return to various stores
Sort through the toys in the living room to evict to the bin or to the playroom where all toys are meant to live
Find something for tea
Pop a wash on

We’re having a family cinema night tonight because there is no football match tomorrow so the older 2 can stay up a little later. Would like to relax knowing I’ve got everything I wanted to get done, finished - put.the.phone.down

cag hope you feeling bit better.well done on clubs by yourself!!

I did read other stuff and plznned yo comment but forgotten what wanted yo say as dd2 whining in my ear(another restless night last might.losing will to live)

Takes up residence in naughty corner with tub heroes and fluffy blankie. ...

Oh no Cag, that is not what you need at all . foxes, sounds as if your speech was lovely . Flylady talks about taking care of yourself and I agree with PPs, I’m sure she would say to do the bare minimum.

Bowerbird, I’ll forgive you for being able to stay in bed until after 9 for your fairy picnic idea which I may use one day . I love that saying about shovelling snow .

Big wing flaps to all.

Ta da:-
DDs dance classes
Went to a little church Xmas fair which was terrible! You know when you walk in, see the stalls and think ‘oh no’ and realise you are going to have to spend money on complete tat. But it was for a good cause, talked DDs out of getting yet more soft toys and instead they chose a small Xmas decoration each. They got a bag of sweets each but DD1’s had hardly any in so the mood was not good!

Got a present for my parents who are coming up to babysit in a few weeks for DH’s work Xmas do. Some Christmassy teas and chutney. I am terrible for putting off shopping until I have the time to do it perfectly which of course never comes so I am trying to buy as and when now.
Fish and chip tea.

DD2 particularly challenging today . Apparently she is really well behaved at school which I know I should be grateful for (and I am) but it just makes me feel bad sometimes that she is so different at home. Oh well, we have just had a lovely snuggly bedtime. She started complaining of earache at tea time so that may explain some of the bad mood, bless her. She’s had some calpol and asked to go to bed so she is just falling asleep now.
Spanish homework

To do:-
Check on DD1 who is watching Strictly
Have a glass of
Before bed routine
Order school photos

If time:-
Calendar check
Emails
Xmas present investigating

Just realised PPs sounded really cold, sorry. I’m used to writing it on MN but of course you lovely people who I like to think of as friends if that is not too stalkerish .

Rosa, we also love family cinema night

Glad you forgive me. Was best part of my day and you might agree in a minute.
Bedroom TaDa except vacuuming, bathroom except floor washing. Moved downstairs load of washing and dishwasher done then had a coffee. Got in big load of logs( wheelbarrow ) and kindling and lit fire some tidying of kitchen and let out hen. Felt a bit hungry and started clearing fridge when thought and counted whether left overs could be eaten when I received phone call.

Now wish to warn you. I had a call from HMRC saying I had committed a fraud. The guy was really convincing saying someone had tried to submit papers twice to me and a card had been left but because I hadn't responded I was now de faulting and was liable. I questioned a scam. Now usually when I have done this re Microsoft they hang up. He gave me name , number and had information about me so sounded very convincing. He said there had been a de fault now unfortunately DH looks after my tax with HMRC because he is good at that sort of stuff and I am not. I was threatened with being arrested today and all accounts and assists frozen. If you can imagine I was shaken to the core. He knew where I lived and answered several questions ( me trying to catch him out and say scam) but he answered every one. Finally he asked for payment on producing paperwork by someone visiting my house. Here I wondered again about scamming anyone agreed to do what he said and stalled for time. I emailed DH but he didn't reply straight away so I knew he must be busy and I checked on line and yes there was scammers. I then rang 101 and a lovely man talked to me. Was glad I hadn't given money and said lots of people had been caught.
Now I think how did I nearly fall for this scam. Believe me he was so convincing. I have had them before but this guy could get an Oscar. I was shaking afterwards and feel uneasy in my own home. Been up at best friends for tea but she has gone to her sisters for the night.
Please, please be careful. He was so convincing. I had written stuff he said down as he was speaking which I will pass to police/ fraud.
I can't believe I was nearly convinced but it was when I said can't I go to the local office and sort it out and he said no that I smelt a rat.
I was then really annoyed that he had taken up lots of my time so flying not finished my list. Really shaken and was crying on phone when he said I was going to be arrested. Feel really stupid now but can I just say what a bastard. ( sorry!) think of all the old and vulnerable people they have conned. Police advised if they ring again just put phone down on them. I said I won't answer the phone. He phoned three times including when friend came to get me cause policeman advised I had cup of tea or something stronger so I had a whiskey 10 yr old malt then couldn't drive. Was at friends from 5:30 - 7:30 he has phoned 32 times! Friends husband and son have both had letters in past week. Husband had had a refund for paying too much tax the week before so knew it was a scam. Guess targeting this postcode. Be aware very aware! He was on the phone for ages too. Usually they hang up when not getting anywhere or you mention scam. He sounded so so genuine. Thank God I rang the police.

Oh my goodness bower, hope you’re ok!! Thanks for the warning!!

Ta da
Went through all of our cds, dvds and books that have been boxed up in the playroom for over a year , we packed them up when we decorated and I never got round to unpacking them. I threw quite a lot of them out/popped into charity bags so quite a bit of decluttering this afternoon - yay!!
Cinema night with the kids, phones and any technology was switched off, lots of chatting and giggles, it was fab!
Got a wash done
Got the items bagged up ready to return on Monday.

To do
Go to bed ready for the night shift with the insomniac toddler !!

Gosh that's terrifying :( x

bowerbird I had a similar call recently, either it was a recorded message or I just put the phone down - I can't remember - it does give you a fright, they are quite threatening!

stressy we also went to a Church Christmas fair tonight and it wasn't as good as usual either! Must be the year for it.

We always watch Strictly but for some reason we forgot to vote tonight! Online voting is free and you get three votes so that's one each - very handy.

Better get those links for tomorrow done, back shortly.

The daily summary for Sunday (also available on the Flylady website at flight plan which should update automatically each day.

Baby-step no 19 - read the testimonials

We are starting in Zone 4 this week: the master bedroom

Spend 15 mins decluttering the current zone.

When you have finished decluttering, the detailed cleaning list (if you are at that stage) for Zone 4 is here

No mission on Sunday because it is the weekend! Yay!

The daily focus for Sunday is renewing our spirits doing something for ourselves which helps us to feel rejuvenated!

The monthly habit for November is menu planning here!

Flykid's challenge: here (hopefully continually renewing itself).

Daily reminders (which should also update themselves automatically)
here

Holiday missions here!

Thanks I was hoping someone would reply. I' m quite shaken up by it he was very official sounding quoted me his name and number, my case file number another file number, the dates that they had tried to hand me papers, the document number on the papers. The fraud I was supposed to have committed the Act 1938 that I had committed the violation/fraud against and that I was to be arrested for in one and a half hours. My accounts would be frozen and as I only have £1:50 in my pocket I was shitting myself. He never hesitated he never sounded like he was reading a script. I have tonight searched the local paper and found in August there were reports of scamming in the county. We were on holiday in the south then. I'm on my own and they not only told me my postcode but where I lived, the exact house yet there are other people with the same name in our village. Police said they have used either the phone book or Internet. They know I am at work on Monday so now worried they might burgle us. There are only five houses and one elderly couple in, the rest at work. I stupidly told them I was at work because they were sending official papers for court on Monday also told me I was to appear in court on Monday. I was told if I lost my case it would be £25,000 I was about to say about solicitor but he started on about other info that I didn't get a chance, he told me not to interrupt. I guess that was so he didn't lose his thread for his speech. I feel such a fool now but at least I didn't part with money an eighty old lady lost thousands. DH has always said I was gullible but I have never fallen for other scams. We have had loads of the computer scammers where they tell you that you have a virus and you must do something on your computer. I have either told them it was a scam or put phone down but admit twice that I let them go through all the actions with me playing the really dumb blonde/ old person needing step by step instructions lots of times. I tell them I have done it and then they can't see whatever they expect so we do it all again several times and then I say something about Mac and they are really really pissed off. The last one swore at me and I said" that's not very nice young man " in my best Last of the summer wine voice! I told the policeman he was chuckling. I think I was off sick and bored at the time and had time on my hands. We have put numbers in to block calls but we still get them. Loads for boilers, windows( I used to say do you make bespoke wooden ) that got rid of them. Now we have new windows I just tell them that. Solar bloody panelling I started saying it's listed. This house isn't but the one in town is that I own and the kids live in is, this one funnily enough is older.
Anyway feeling slightly better after half bottle of red with friend so washing on and vacuumed now. Going off to shine my sink and cook the mince before it turns. Good flying Rosa and Cotswold. Give baby big cuddle from me Cags.hmm I can just smell her...I'm up top end!

Haven't posted for a while. Hope you are ok Bower :(

Feeling slightly better thanks jelly. Just shaken up that some people can be so horrible. I'm a glass full kinda girl and like to believe the best in people so finding it hard to think someone can keep that vindictiveness up for that length of time. He could be an actor. I just worried about all the frail, older than me ladies or gents that he might scam in the future.😰

Are you ok jelly? I'm going to bed soon but don't think I'll be sleeping for a while.

hugs for bower blimey lovely.that wouldve scared me silly too.hope you bit calmer today.i dont bother answering landline(part of net package).only ever ppi or sales crap(anyone needs me ring mobile as i not reliably in all the time)i did get one on my phone saying had computer virus.sounded african.i told them i didnt have computer.he got very angry with me and i turned on my amgry mum voice and said "dont take that tone with me young man" and hung up.did frighten me a bit tho.anyhoo.sending HUGE hugs.xx

stressy hope little ones ears are better today.we may be heading gp tomorrow rate dd2 going with hers....

Tada
Cat/kits fed
Waah on
Lav bleached
Dh ment be around today so need get some chores sorted