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!

Thanks for the warm welcome SC.

I think the previous poster - think it was zoo - who said something about getting time to myself hit the nail on the head. With DS being ill, and DH scheduling unavoidable stuff on his days off, it's been in short supply recently. Lots of social things this weekend, so I'm sure I'll get over this hump by then.

First month flying done. Thank you!

Thanks fro running the thread this month despite all levels of crazy your end SC. I will set up the new thread tomo.

Got in at 3pm thought I would just lie on the bed in the dark and be still for half hour and promptly fell asleep. Clearly i needed the rest because I am only going to go grab some tea before officially going to bed after having checked on ds. I have a cloudy thought that i might have had a conversation with ds whilst mostly asleep so need to check he has eaten and is ok.

I am good for thread leading in January. Thanks so much for this month SC.

Just back now with two tired children (result!), doubt much flying will take place but must start and try to achieve something while DH puts DD2 to bed.

Thanks for the masterly thread running this month SC, most motivating.

I'm always happy to do a month of the thread she says, having hung back long enough to avoid the next couple of months so will do one next year (or sooner if life crops up for any other volunteer, it has a way of doing that sometimes )

[SC staggers back in to thread after rather long and testing but enjoyable evening]

So lovely to see all of your very kind messages! Thanks so much for them!

Actually just realised that I got a bit ahead of myself and that there is still one day on this month's thread to go!! Oops!! (Nothing like a long exit speech and then creeping sheepishly back on to say "helloooo, back again" )

CallmeCordelia ring-fencing some time for yourself to retain one's sanity and peace of mind is really important I think. I used to be terrible at this and didn't really believe Flylady when she kept harping on about it. But it really is more productive in the long run, as well as being more enjoyable of course, to take time out for yourself.

You are a hero for doing January Toostressy and many thanks again for volunteering Cotswold!

My thoughts entirely Foxes I simply cannot believe the rate at which this month has sped by, it is truly shocking! I hope the dc are feeling well tomorrow; attending weddings and all the logistics around looking after little 'uns (or arranging for them to be looked after) at the same time is v stressful .

Zoo ta for delicious virtual grub (with linen napkin no less!) Nah, won't be leaving totally , will still be checking in from time to time, just need to focus on various projects in rl in the NY!

Huge wing flaps to Hills and to everyone else!

G'night all!

Morning all

Ty for the thread sc

This month and this year has gone ridiculously fast

Had a bad night with ds3. Tired. Much needed.

or three for Afreshstart sorry your night was so disturbed

All a bit tired and grumpy here this morning but it's snowing! Yay!

Huge amounts to do today; passive aggressive window cleaner coming tomorrow so need to make sure his route around the house route is clear and move boxes which builders have stacked in all the wrong places.

I’m in

Started clearing out the attic last night, think previous 2 owners leaving crap and lots of old baby stuff. To the extent there was no free space up there! I’m surprised the ceilings haven’t given way.

The plan is to spend half an hour bringing stuff we’ve not used in a year down, get the kids to drag it to the front door, then dh takes it to the car. Only enough to fill the large estate car we have. I take it to the tip during the day - and repeat (for at least 4 days by my reckoning). Then start on the garage

Hope your dd3 is ok btw Afreshstart?

How are your dc today Foxes?

Hope parents evening goes ok tonight Zoo (saying this now because I know I will forget this eve)

Have a good day everyone!

Sounds like a plan Thebluedog! A warm welcome to the thread.

Btw Hills did you hear the news this morning about migraine treatment breakthrough using antibodies?

Ta da:
played hunt the towel
animals
dd lunch (easy - tomato pasta from last night in flask)
empty dw
load wms
furry walk 1
s&s
coffee builders
wrapped 2 wedding presents/wrote 2 cards/packed up parcels
off out now to supermarket/PO/chemist

To do:
move boxes
stop procrastinating over juice label and ruddy well finish it
more laundry
clear up from builders
cook veggie supper and soup for weekend
pick dd up from school for orthodontist appt
order spices on-line
tidy up office desk and office floor

probably won't touch boudoir today (will be v v embarrassing when window cleaner has to get in there tomorrow)

OOhh we are at 913 posts ... not sure we will make it to 1000 by end of tonight ... but we came close this month!

Morning all. Managed to all get out the house for half 8 after figuring out new sling (sort of - don't think I did it quite right) as I was worried the bus would be too crowded for the buggy. Also started sorting through the next size clothes as she is outgrowing stuff. DH went on to work and I had a doctor appointment which was OK, we are leaving the meds for now as most days I am coping. Seeing her again for 6 week check so will review then. With the gallbladder stuff they will leave it for now but any more attacks and they will reconsider.

Really want a nap today as sleep went to hell last night!

Ds3 is not too bad just grumpy and snotty. He had an hour in the pram while we were out so happier now than he was

Ta da

Dryer on
Recycling out
Me and 4dc up fed dressed and out for 840
Actually remembered to take dds costume for nativity
Picked up click and collect from tesco and argos
Picked up bits for 1st december boxes
Booked shopping slot
Ordered ds3 a snowsuit because its fucking freezing

Have a bit more gumption this morning.

Ta da
Delicates wash done
Bills paid
Lovely Skype catch up with a friend on the other side of the country
Bought what feels like our 600th car seat
Tidied kitchen, dishwasher on

To do
Meal plan for next week
Wash kitchen floor
Put away laundry from yesterday
Change DD's bed
Iron clothes!!!! I never iron but want to wear something specific on Saturday.

for all!

No I didn't SC.

You will all have to send calming thoughts I have having technical issues here. So far today I have sworn as the power lead has snapped for the old laptop, the printer has been an arse for more than an hour, ds' laptop has gone missing and I am trying to work with a laptop that the makers decided wasn't a laptop but some steroid overloaded tablet type thing. I swear i will put the thing through the window unless I can change the fucking mouse settings. Bastard cunting thing!

So I am going to try to create tomo's thread whilst the laptop is still functioning and I have some vague will to live wrt technology. Thankfully I have a box of chocolate biscuits to munch on but is it too much to ask to have technology that does what is needs to rather than pretending to do everything and not actually doing anything weill

Also which sodding idiot thought it was a good idea to put the power button NEXT to the end of the row button?! I swear things are not going to end well I might have to consider saving up for a mac, but I like to boss windows around via vba.

December thread here

hills

Thanks afresh

i found ds' laptop but it won't talk to the monitor it needs to because aparantly new laptops only have fancy connections

Passive aggressive window cleaner has made me laugh!

Not a bad day here. Bit more general cleaning and tidying completed, also found a Christmas-related book that I couldn't find last year. It was exactly in the right place, I think I'd forgotten what it looked like and was looking for a different book Winning at life as usual here

Some detail vacuuming done today, some laundry, some shopping - posted a card and collected a prescription. Also squeezed in coffee with a friend. Quite a productive day for me really better than some

Excited about eating opening all the advent calendars tomorrow too!

Softly, softly creeps into naughty corner again.
Yesterday didn't pan out as expected due to " other people" so home Bleugh ended up being bathroom, some of kitchen then over to Son 2 and lunch out then over to kitchen specialist to look and change plans for possible kitchen but worked out if I don't live to 90 then I won't get as much use of pricey, bespoke kitchen as I have of medium priced base units and cheapo tempory shelving. Is it worth the money hmmm? Guy very helpful and must be short of work as he talked about dropping price of worktops.
Made Roast Pork plus two courses and Son 2 came over then I stayed with him and left at silly o'clock for station. Went to course, very interesting and worthwhile. Watched large snowflakes coming down thick and fast. Ended up coming home straight after course as I was a bit frightened I might get stuck over there. So no Christmas shopping achieved. Harrogate better be good on Saturday! Not feeling great as medical problem flared up days ago and still playing up so may have to go to GP for anti bi's. No snow here but very cold. Minus 2 this morning at 6:30am and no heating on train brrr! See you have been a busy lot. Cags well done for 8:30 out of house with Caglitini.
Cotswold my window cleaner was here apparently and left our first Christmas card.
Can't be bothered to do any jobs other than plate up and zap dinner.

Evening all
Excellent leadershipsc your personals always make me smile
Tadas
Cat/kits n zoolets sorted
School run
Tip run for church
Bit shop
A day with dp(11-3 just the two of us) was rare but much needed!!
Beef casserole in oven
Pick up lil zoo freeze arse off
Hot choc
Jacket potatoes in oven
Out to dd2 parents eve.went well.all teachers pleased progress couple comments bout her chatting (no surprise) all in all excellent

Was try snow on return.wind bite right thru us was lovely come in To tea ready

hills i repel technology so am of no help whatsoever just wanted share commiseration

Good evening all

Thank you Zoo 'twas a pleasure So great that the parents evening went well! Congrats to your dd2!

Hey Cag glad you got to see the doc and well done for managing to get out with just a sling (I tried one and could never get it right; used Babybjorn carrier thing in the end but think that's for slightly older passengers!). Great that Cagletini is growing so well and glad you are managing without medication for now too x

Afreshstart hope you have a better night's sleep tonight! Lovely that your dd is in a nativity play (they don't have them over here). Fab list achieved there!

Wow Bowerbird5 you have been very busy indeed on your "rest" days!! Sorry to hear that you are not feeling very well; I hope you recover speedily and/or can get a doctor's appt soon!

Cotswold arf at "winning at life" (I feel exactly the same atm! ) I am an officially a horrible mother because I have blindly continued with the usual tradition of buying a Nativity scene advent calendar (without chocolates) and of course dd is a little too grown up for that now so she persuaded dh to take her to the supermarket to buy a chocolate filled one tonight and she and a friend are doing swapsies at school tomorrow [utterly woeful mother emoticon].

Has anyone seen the L'Occitane advent calendars btw? I drool over them every year but too £££££ unfortunately.

Sorry to hear about tech troubles Hills don't hesitate to ask if you need back up this month.

CallmeCordelia I like the word "gumption"! I may be dreaming this but I am sure my late ma used to use a cleaning product of the same name (I think it was a scouring cream sort of thing)? Glad you are feeling a bit stronger today anyway and well done re: your lists!

Humungously mahoosive wing flaps to everyone else!