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Housekeeping

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Darkness drawing in, Fledgling flying through November

598 replies

HillsBesideTheSea · 31/10/2021 12:13

So another month another thread.

first things first: Naughty corner is over there ----> stocked with comfy chairs, blankies, cupboard of comfort food of your desire, something strong if you require and a nice warming fire.

Right next up the formalities.
We loosely follow the fly lady system. It does work if you follow it, but many of us have found that it works better if you combine it with an additional decluttering system to speed up that process. Flylady is more of a maintence system and build routines to prevent system

This is a loooooong running thread. We seem clicky but welcome new blood to the brood, and you will soon catch up. We don't leave fledglings behind. But also we would like to remind you that perfectionism and comparison can be thieves of joy.

This year has been hard, this winter looks like it will also be hard. So remember to be kind to yourselves. We are all juggling a lot. The house, work, kids, animals, partners, bills, being the family brain. This thread is here to support. So if it looks like sometimes we chat more than we fly, then that is ok. Life is more than living in a show home, and real life is chaotic, messy and loud and that is just what it is.

So welcome to November's thread

OP posts:
Thread gallery
16
THATlittleBANGER · 13/11/2021 10:51

zoo that is amazing re lilzoo my bigger two are looking at 5s maybe 6s!

Stilllivinginazoo · 13/11/2021 11:03

She was so surprised that as she was dreading getting results thinking she had fluffed it..

I'm on a super go slow
Everyone's fed
No one's dead
Dd2 put her bedding into wash as planning a chilled day in fresh bed(currently doing but coursework then we ment be go a walk so it's dry and ready go back on bed by time return from that)

Today's plan
Not much

StillUp · 13/11/2021 12:13

. I’ve been reading along with you all over the week but just been concentrating on dragging my myself through work and various pregnancy related appointments. My usual day off was packed with them so flying hasn’t been great, although I did do the home bleurgh downstairs the other day for the HV visit.

We have bedroom furniture now, yay! Well, some, but we still need a wardrobe and are currently living with a bulky and rather ugly dress rail. I’ve spent a surprisingly enjoyable half hour this morning pottering and arranging things in drawers and on my new dressing table.

Other ta Das this morning include:
✅ beds aired and made
✅ shower and well overdue defrosting of legs
✅ DW emptied and bacon sarnie (provided by DH) stuff washed up
✅ last night’s LOL on line, another in and the rest sorted into loads. Clean stuff away.
✅ ironed some t shirts for DH while he deliberated on what to wear Hmm. He’s out in town with friends all day and will likely be no use to man nor beast tomorrow but he’s decided this his last day in the beer for the foreseeable so I shall turn a blind eye.
✅ played with building blocks with DD and did some reading. She’s now happy in front of Ben and holly and I’m enjoying a peaceful sit down.

I missed most of the homework stuff, but it’s a funny one isn’t it. There’s probably some kids that do really benefit from it while for others it’s counter productive. I was a bit weird and quite like homework (I loved my homework diary as part of my lifelong list and stationary obsession, and liked the sense of achievement when it was done). There were many meltdowns from my DSis though who found it far too stressful. DD’s primary have said only regular reading and a maths app throughout (they like 4 reading diary entries per week and a certain number of points on the app). That’s seems reasonable to me although the app is sometimes a last minute Sunday panic Grin. It’s a shame schools can’t have a more personal approach to it for each child but I understand that’s not really feasible in a class of 30 and the ones who get it will likely feel most hard done by! I like your approach Honey. It’s available.

HauntingHazel · 13/11/2021 16:14

Honey, hills, Sing & anybody else with horrible teens right now. Don't they realise they can actually do something to help, although I know your teen does help sometimes hills I know my DS isn't a teen yet (12), but he actually does the lions share of laundry, doing one load a day 4 days a week. We'll just ignore the fact that he only knows how to use the washer because DD taught him so she wouldn't have to do it 🙄 but to give her credit, she is working a lot as well as lots of school work with her doing dual credit classes and graduating early.

Anyway, I haven't done any flying yet today, just finishing my 2nd cup of coffee. I do need to go bulk shopping today (which I'm dreading because of how much money it'll cost). But I have decided on an Italian style dinner for tonight: chicken Alfredo (fake chicken for DD), pasta (for those who can eat it), cabbage (for me mostly), roasted butternut squash and garlic bread (homemade rolls with garlic butter melted on top). I'm thinking Italian Margaritas and Italian soda (although haven't fully thought about that part yet). I would love to try making a keto cheesecake for dessert, but that might be too much to do. It's just gone 9am, so do have time, but not sure if I have that much time. 🤔

I'll try to get back on here later, but not sure, looking at my to do list.
🍒👋 to everyone

Stilllivinginazoo · 13/11/2021 16:47

Menu sounds lush hazel
My days peaked with epic panic attack try walk out with D's and dd2 so bad I had come home.feel so unwell all the bloody time these days,but it's all vague stuff so g.p won't bother

SingToTheSky · 13/11/2021 22:19

Sorry zoo that sounds rubbish :(

Thankfully my pain in the arse teen is fairly decent at helping with chores, doing own laundry etc, it’s more the stressiness that’s getting to me TBH, and a bit of “not quite understanding that we do actually have other stuff going on and can’t devote every waking moment to whatever is on your mind” IYSWIM. Dance show stress (costume faff) hasn’t helped but we seem to be all ok now.

I was pleased that the local pub I buggered off to in a huff was very quiet late last night - to the point that I’m actually considering making that a study location when I start my degree. If my brain works reasonably well at that time of night, then why not.

I have achieved precisely nothing today other than getting Cagletini to dance club (she got her first ballroom shoes - they loan them at this age thank goodness - SOOOO cute!). I am absolutely shattered and in epic pain since this minor errand - hip feels WRONG and various muscles and joints are angry at me. All I did was a bit of walking and browse a charity shop while she had her class (bargains to be had!). So annoyed. And quite worried that tomorrow won’t give me enough time to recover before the early start on Monday for work - I really want to be on good form when I meet many of my colleagues for the first time, not to mention my line manager! 😩

Lots I should be doing to prepare for it all tonight. But I’m just writing off the day.

In better news though, DD1 got her ballroom exam results - all 3 graded Highly Commended 🥰

brambleon · 13/11/2021 23:05

Hi sorry I dropped off for a few days. Thursday morning we had to take DS to A&E because of his fever and it turns out he had an ear infection. He’s had some ear drops and has perked up a bit but he was so poorly😢. I haven’t been able to do much because of it so I don’t have anything real to report other than keeping us all alive. DH has took DD to the park and the beach a couple of times to get her out the flat but DS is still too poorly to and he only wants me so I’ve been stuck in and I’m getting a bit cabin fevery. I’m trying to convince DH to put the decs up tomorrow to cheer DS up🤪. I’m not holding my breath but I’m hoping DS feels well enough for a walk along the beach tomorrow.
hazel a Harry Potter Christmas tree sounds so cool
wooly I’m really struggling to find the energy to get out with the kids but then I go insane being stuck in the flat. I might have to get myself a Christmas stamp😱🎄
dancing it really isn’t good is it. We’re all still coughing on the night but done loads of tests defo not COVID. Feels like every time I think it’s going it comes back again!.
Hi med!
I hope the application goes well honey
hills I have a bit of a plant addiction too😳
Well done to your DD zoo that’s a brilliant grade!!
Sorry to everyone with annoying teens/tweens💐.

Stilllivinginazoo · 14/11/2021 07:54

bramble hope D's us well enough you can escape out today for a bit
Sing well done DD on dancing exam!(and is as charity shop so close cagletini dance class going to become your viceGrin

Stilllivinginazoo · 14/11/2021 09:27

Well my days already peaked
Kids dad was ment be helping shop todaybut has eaten half box alpen as CBA prep anything else yesterday and isn't coming as has got IBS...
Cue drag all zoolets to shops on main Street(Asda,Waitrose and heron foods) in hope between us we can carry most of it..then walk co op for rest stuffto balance the weight a bit.im not impressed as still have joint pain,which go love lugging shopping about,and not going to lie still on edge so bit stressed in case another panic attack kicks off
Arsebiscuits and Barbie pooAngry

THATlittleBANGER · 14/11/2021 09:51

zoo he is a properly selfish manchild 😡

IWillWearThatGlitteryWoolly · 14/11/2021 10:17

Oh zoo what an utter arse kids' dad is. Can he honestly not reason from cause to effect and see how his stupid behaviour affects others? Like it or not, he is a father of 3 and has the responsibility that comes with that! 🤬

Bumble very sorry to hear about DS's poorly ear, hope he is better soon and you can out again. Tickly night coughs are a pain too - my Mum used to swear by Tixylix, right up until I left home!

Apologies for dropping of the thread, have had a few very busy days and my brain has been full.

Welcome, @Mediocrates, loving the name. How are you getting on with building routines?

I know there were lots of other personals, but they've all fallen out of my head. So here are 🍒👋 for a Spirit-Renewing Sunday for everyone!

Trying to think of a few tadas from the last few days!

❤️ Saw the cardiologist on Friday. He says my scans were much better than he was expecting and I will make a full recovery to 100% fitness, but am likely to have to stay on blood thinners for life. There is no damage to my heart at all, which is massive relief. Also, I'm to get blood tests for anaemia and thyroid function in case they are contributing to exhaustion. We are all very relieved.
🧡 Menu planning and Tesco shop achieved
💛 Butchers and milkman lists written and communicated
💚 Christmas planning with DH - we now have a diary structure sketched in place
💙 Sorted out DD's birthday presents
💜 Lots of embroidery - I may even finish the tapestry stocking for Christmas!

And now, my Christmas Conundrum:
DS1 and his GF will be staying with us for actual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On the one hand, yippee! On the other hand, it means veggie meals for two for the duration, and a stocking and gifts for someone I didn't give birth to. I am "concerned".

SingToTheSky · 14/11/2021 11:25

What a cockwomble zoo! (I do like the barbie poo phrase btw!) 🤬

Hope DS feels better soon. Lot of ear infections around atm, it’s bizarre!

Today is going to be crazy but I’m feeling a bit better now the plans are finally sorted. It’s not been the most organised of shows but I do have some sympathy for the teacher with all the covid changes etc. Anyway DH has gone to drop her off (he does need to keep mobile) and come back, then I have to get the train just before 3 to be there on time to see the actual show.

In the meantime I need to make sure everything is prepped for tomorrow as I have an early start!

po3.1
❗️Check train times for tomorrow
❗️Print surveys and find empty folder for them
❗️Shower and hair

Stilllivinginazoo · 14/11/2021 14:24

Thanks for the sympathy guys
Willow whoo hoo to consultant diagnosis
Food I could handle,gifts...erm..
Singare your ears better now?🍀🍀🍀🍀for tom
That did I'll child keep tummy bug to themselves,and how are you?

Stilllivinginazoo · 14/11/2021 14:27

With not too much grumbling zoolets help drag shop back
Took dd2(strongest) to co op as couldn't get caprisun or flavoured water from any shops we triedsadly no flavoured water in anything but 1l bottles,which isn't acceptable and won't drink decanted into smaller oneI may have bought a large bar dark chocolate and a Victoria sandwich...
Shop put away haphazardly
Lunch

I now need properly sort cupboards
Also need bag up rubbish for dd2 pop in big bins and make sure littertrays are disinfected and recycling a sorted as collections tom
Really need a nap,but heyho

HillsBesideTheSea · 14/11/2021 17:27

When covid is over i am becoming a hermit.

fucking people.

We have homemade bacon cheeseburgers for tea with homemade buns.

I just want to make them

I have told the people to take a nice long drive in the hills with a picnic tomo. Whether it happens or not is one question. But i need to get cracking and i need there to be no drama and NO ONE under foot.

OP posts:
Stilllivinginazoo · 14/11/2021 17:49

That is my idea of heaven hills(hermit life)
I hope the people heed the advice as I don't fancy their chances otherwise....

YesIReallyHave · 14/11/2021 20:21

I want to be a hermit too in my tiny house, with an open vista full of green.

Haven't posted or read for days. I'm not feeling my happy cheerful self (ha!) plus funeral plus DP not doing great plus attempting to get my income and expenses (for the whole year -yikes, why do I do this to myself, every single year?) into a spreadsheet so accountant can file my taxes (still a long way to go) means I've been doing the basics and not a lot of mumsnet.

Anyway, hope to be officially back tomorrow.

IWillWearThatGlitteryWoolly · 14/11/2021 20:27

Yes, Hills if the people know what's good for them they will definitely go for A Long Day Out tomorrow. Can I join you in being a hermit afterwards, or does that defeat the purpose? Perhaps we could have a Fledglings silent retreat with blankets, cushions, hot drinks etc and TOTAL SILENCE. Bliss. (But also space for those who wish to chat, to chat, of course. I just want to be in the quiet bit).

Today has been rather pleasant. Ta da:
❤️ Our bed changed
🧡 DD changed her bed
💛 Gardening with DH - cut back the lavender and swept up 4 weeks worth of leaf fall
💚 DS2 came to visit
💙 Lots more embroidery
💜 Christmas Discussions (see below)
❤️ Take away pizza for tea 😋
🧡 Kitchen cleaned and closed down

I have more Christmas news: DS2 will not be here on Christmas morning. He and the GF will have their own Christmas in their own flat, then go to her family for lunch and come to us for dinner. It is lovely that they have thought of everyone, but I have made his last stocking and I didn't know 😭. I am quite sad about this but also pleased he is excited to have his own Christmas and make his own traditions. They have happy plans for an 8' tree and homemade decorations etc and it makes me think of our first Christmas as a couple when we were definitely completely grown up and knew everything. But he is my little tiny boy.

Stilllivinginazoo · 14/11/2021 22:57

willowFlowers
And where so I sign up for this retreat?
Yup you don't need to be flying merely checking over with a death in thefamilyFlowers

HauntingHazel · 15/11/2021 02:31

I'm sorry if my comment about teens came across as harsh. I meant no ill feelings towards any teens. I just happened to reread my comment earlier and it came across as harsh to me, not my intention.

Ta Das this weekend:
🍁 bulk shopping done
🍁 rolls made (garlic bread rolls)
🍁 Alfredo, penne, cabbage and butternut squash, prepped and cooked
🍁 dinner was a success, along with the drinks, although I'm thinking I had a little too much as I'm not feeling the greatest
🍁 6 LOLs washed Sunday (&everything put away)
🍁 painted wood outside to seal it before wet weather
🍁 cooked homemade meatballs tonight for dinner

I'm falling asleep on the couch, so 🍒👋 to everyone

Stilllivinginazoo · 15/11/2021 03:19

Glad it went well hazel
Been awake since 130
Not impressed....

HauntingHazel · 15/11/2021 03:58

Oh no zoo I'm hoping you've made it back to sleep 🤞

Stilllivinginazoo · 15/11/2021 05:01

Alas no...
Might give up soon and then try little nap later

THATlittleBANGER · 15/11/2021 05:26

Up for the day at 430. Thank you THATbaby!

Zoo poorly dc has so far not shared the germs 🤞 that this remains the case. He is however still really unwell with it

Hills sorry to hear people aren't helpful

Ordered more Xmas presents. Ordered food shop. Sold more bits on Vinted (£250 now!) Spent time on Ikea website planning wall storage so things can be stored in the small ones bedroom without the toddler being on a free for all getting things out.

Have an essay due mid week so need to make a start on that but for now Brew

Stilllivinginazoo · 15/11/2021 05:53

that gosh,taking a while to pick up.poor thing glad the germs are contained!

Gave up and got up

Cats are fed
Wash on
Harpic lav
Written huge to do...