May's Fledgling Flyers: shed that clout May Flyers are out

[elliepac]

Welcome to the May edition of the fledgling flyers where we are going to merrily fly around the maypole, dusting as we go.

Here you can do any of the following:

• 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

For those who are curious, these are the Babysteps, which we all hope will restore order in our homes and make our lives a little bit easier with lots of support (and chat, and wine, and a little more chat )

So please come and join us, old and new, from May 1st.

Evening everyone

Here's my list i've almost accomplished

Dw -done
wm-done
ironing away-done
sweeping-done
mop living room floor-nope
clean sofas-nope well if I sweep my gigantiuan ass over it that might work a little
find my way back to missions-nope although I did dejunk my booze cupboard- no I didn't drink it I poured stuff that went out of date 2005 and 2008 down the sink. Made room for board games that were sitting gathering dust on top of dresser!

Now sitting down on aforementioned gigantiuan ass eating after eights I found in alcohol cupboard

om glad exams went ok ish depending who you talking to have fun washing
ellie hope you get to chill out soon thx I thought it encompassed some of what others were suggesting

as I stoopidly signed up to email fir fly lady I will do dome deleting without reading!! Average 12 emails a day!!!!

But on that note I am not perfect, my house my husband my cat my kids are not perfect either but they are all pretty special and I'm gonna sit me pretty special me on the couch and chill

Nite all xx

OK, very little flying done again, and have read all your posts but haven't really got time for individual comments as that ironing mountain still awaits....

Have been very pre-occupied this week because a homeless person has decided to live on our doorstep. Literally. He has been around since Sunday, sleeping on the grassy area opposite our house, wandering in and out of people's garden's and drives, not causing any trouble but generally it's a bit weird. Last night he decided to sleep in the passageway between our house and next door. He is (apparently, as he speaks very little English) very happy "living" here and does not want to go to a shelter, however the neighbours and ourselves are very uneasy. He is managing to get hold of food and water and blankets. So most of my spare time this week has been taken up discussing this with the neighbours, double checking all windows and doors are shut at all times, talking to the police, etc etc. Although I am very sympathetic, I could kind of do without this?

Congratulation Minimarmite

Half term in two sleeps, away for two weeks in two sleeps, to do list from hell to be completed in two sleeps.

Waves to everyone. Hope to see you in June!

nettie what a find, I love after eights .

mrsd that would worry me too but not entirely sure what I would do though?

unifying good luck with list from hell. Hope to see you too in June .

Forgot to mention chairmum earlier, you're not in labour are you?

Evening Ladies and thanks for all your good wishes. Morning sickness has pretty much gone now thanks, although I was a bit rough for the first 11 weeks!

MrsD that sounds like a bit of a tricky problem without an easy answer. What are the authorities saying about it?

OM sounds like exams are going fine - keep up the good morale keeping up!

SC oh, shredding, I hate shredding (which is why my paperwork is never done!

Not much flying here today - DS and I had a lovely day out with my parents while building work continued in the house. I am assured they will finish this week...I really hope so!

Must go and get everything ready for tomorrow (work, CM, forgotten what I was planning for dinner). Goodnight x

Sink cleanish
uniform washing again [sigh]
helped at Beavers
did piano lesson x 2
errands

v.tiring tearful day (to do with losing things), and decided to give up helping as catechist as I can't organise my poor children's lives let alone tell anyone else to organise theirs

Ellie I can't imagine you not being a whirlwind in your own home, organising everything brilliantly
MissB my dsis has had labyrinthitis, it is horrid, nausea, dizzyness
MrsD I think what you are saying is that it is a sanitary issue and a security issue, and I agree on both points that the police should help you.
Nettie we are so cold in our house it was difficult to chill! Dh has gone to bed shivering. I pointed out it wsa not illegal to put heating on in summer, but I knew what he meant.
Optimistic textiles sounds fascinating, history on the other hand gives me horrid flashbacks. I got D the first time I took the A-level, and an F the secondtime.

It's just knowing that someone is wandering up to your windows and peering in, sleeping in your garden, and where will it end? The kids are not too sure what to make of it, I just feel a bit, well, invaded. Police are being as helpful as they can be and neighbours are all watching out for each other, we have arranged for a gate to be put up across the passage ASAP (it's not a public path or anything, it is our rear access only). Frittered yet another hour talking to the neighbours just now, but have managed about half the ironing pile in between. Oh well.

quick hello!
all going well, but manic today - am organised to get dd1 to the hosp tomorrow, but has been logistical marathon lol. give it another hour and we'll be on the road

have managed to keep up with everything today (kitchen still looks clean!) and got more ironing done last night. not added anything new in though - too busy!

am looking forward to the evening off though (well, once i've driven to the city lol - 2 1/2 hours ugh. but at least i remembered to fill up with petrol on the way home...). i'm definitely not taking my ironing with me! it turned out to be only the 'final round' of american idol last night, so the results show is tonight. if i'm lucky we'll get there in time to get dd2 asleep and then put the tv on quietly (the joys of sharing a hotel room with a 6yo lol)

pondering your dilemma mrsd - how strange! what have the police said?

will be back late tomorrow, so happy flying!

Good morning,

Work is piling up and flying is falling by the wayside. Also feeling quite tired as DH was up at an ungodly hour to catch a flight and I couldn't get back to sleep afterwards - I need coffee!

Longer morning and shorter list today, so hopefully I'll have more chance of getting everything done:

Work
Routines
Invoices
Decluttering
Thank you note
Work out how to use scanner to send in forms (think I might have to wait until DH is back)

DWM I like the sound of 15 mins flying every hour - I need to find some way of combining paid work and housework, as I'm failing miserably at the moment.

MrsD Sounds quite worrying, especially if he's peering in at your windows - I'm surprised the police aren't quicker in doing something about it. Hope the situation gets sorted out soon, anyway.

Nick Hope you have a good trip and that your DD's hospital appointment goes well. We can now virtually drive to another country in the time it used to take us to drive to the nearest city in the USA!

A bit of a long shot, but I was wondering whether anyone's DC would be interested in a postcard exchange. We joined the MN postcard exchange and the DC have sent quite a few cards but haven't received any at all. The DDs (8 and nearly 6) love writing and receiving post, but DD1's spelling in English isn't great so I thought this would be a fun way for her to get more writing practice.

Work and coffee call - will be back later. Have a good day everyone!

Morning! Coffee brewing for those who need it.

Quick post before I dash off.

Yesterday didn't go to plan but I did get my ironing done
Already been to vet today. was hoping stitches would come out so Daisy can go outside (& I can open the doors and windows) but no. Vet bit worried about the wound being a bit weepy so back on the anti-biotics and back on Tuesday (good job I'd booked the day off).

Got to nip out to get some money to go back to the vet to pay for the pills then need to try to get her to take them. Need to do 2 pieces of work today & send out an evaluation questionnaire (after I have written it!).
Also
WM
DW
put washing away
finish cottage pie (did mince yesterday)
pick up DS & DNeice
have bath
bed on time

Have a good day everyone

Morning all,

quick post in free period!

Lots to do today and am determined to get on top of things at home today!

List posting in the vain hope I might get something done! .

WM on
DW on
Dinner to cook
living room to tidy
Kitchen to rescue
bathroom s/s
sort washing

Will see how we do!

See you later!

BTW linzer we will do postcard exchange if you want, DS loves getting post and will love doing it if I explain it to him. Message me on facebook and we will sort it out!

Morning - we will do postcard exchange if you like too Linzer.

Rushing around trying to catch up today (been out a lot this week)

Need to do

Wash kitchen floor
Hoover
Sainsburys
Help at school
Put away clothes mountains that have appeared again. How does that keep happening?

See you later

Hi just checking in during lunch break - I need a strong coffee - thanks Mummy (and well done with your ironing)

In the midst of a six hour declutter which I know goes against all Flylady 15 mins principles but I need - yet another- jump start here. Home office could currently feature in one of those Clean House/ decluttering TV shows where tottering piles of paper are threatening to fall and squash the inhabitants ... well not quite .. but nearly ....

Managed to make a bit of progress yesterday (thanks for asking Ellie but not as much as I had hoped). Sounds as though you had a very busy day with much achieved (more important stuff than Flying)

Yesterday I did:
a fair bit of tidying
four loads of washing,
some advance cooking so that we are all set food-wise today (veggie night tonight)
guinea pig spa day (bathing, pedicture, tooth check etc) they smell of herbal shampoo now

MrsDinky - that does sound rather worrying -for his sake as well as yours. Could you perhaps ring the local branch of the Salvation Army or another homeless charity and ask their advice?

Good luck at hospital today Nick

Good luck with your list Linzer wishing you power to your elbow and a good night's sleep tonight. I'll ask dd (nearly 7) about postcards (she also needs practice writing in English)

Waves to Swan Nettie Optimistic Uni and everyone else

PA- you are missed - hope all ok!

I have not abandoned you all!!

CONGRATULATIONS to MM!! Fantastic news

No amount of stroking ernest worked, so he has been returned and I am waiting for the arrival of Wappy the happy Lappy for some serious stroking as soon as he arrives!

Very difficult for me to get on laptop at the moment with DD2 in the middle of her AS level exams.

Life has been a bit busy here. Computer literally blew up (spectacular indoor firework display) which left us with no electricity for 24 hours and a disgusting smell of burning.
DD2 has had her heart broken right in the middle of her exams. at stupid male for doing this to her.
DS, on the other hand, has a female admirer who he has been trying to disuade, by making himself look a horrible person whenever she is around. Lots of testosterone fueled disgusting body noises and smells. I have been trying to tell him that a simple "I like you as a friend, but that is all" would be a far better way forward, but he has yet to be convinced. Oh where did I go wrong with a 14 year old. He used to be so sweet and innocent!!!

Day off today, so I am trying to catch up with a bit of the housework.
Already done:
Ironing
Washing
Popped into office to do something that I should have done yesterday
Dishwasher on
Bread made
Shopping done
Sorted out some bills
made some work phonecalls
S&S
Beds done

To do later:
Hoovering (why oh why is that just never-ending)
Cook dinner
Out for evening meeting
relax and read book - Little stranger - I seem to remember you reading this MissB.

Thanks for asking about the meeting on Monday, everyone. It went better than they ahve done in the past, although that is not a great starting point!! I had to get very assertive stroppy to get a man to do the job my taxes are paying him to do!!! [grrrr] and have been left with loads of chasing up that I have now taken responsibility of, because nobody else seems to do anything. But basically I am not in prison for murder, so you could call it a sort of successful meeting!!

Sorry for lack of personal messages. I will try to get back on later na dhave a better catch up with everyone.

Have a good day and dont get too wet. (foul, wet day here).

x-posted SC.
You say I am missed and within 4 minutes I post!!! WOWW

Telepathy PA!!

Relieved to know you are not 'doing bird' (well apart from yr usual pigeon-sticking activities of course ). We would have all baked you a cake with a file in it!!

Seriously - sorry to hear meeting wasn't more productive - but good to know it wasn't as bad as last time at least ....

Good luck coping with the teenage angst ..

Little Stranger fantastic. Wish I could write like that Bit scary in places ....be warned ....

Yes, I know ....

Time to re-tie my lace-up shoes and get back to it ....

'afternoon all.

MM - Congratulations!!

Not in labour yet, although all my energy seems to have fled. Am keeping on top of basic cleaning and washing but I'm not at all tidy really. Its enough though.

Am very tired and DS and I are now going down with a cold, so I probably won't be updating much for a while, but I will let you all know when something actually happens!

Evening everyone

chairmum glad ur ok
pa am of your stroking laptop. Hope it turns up soon
sc well done 6hr declutter
mrsd how's ur new lodger? Police taking any action yet? That would totally freak me out! Hope it gets sorted soon
dwm sorry daisy still not well hope anti b work and clear it all up
ellie one more day
linzer would love to do postcard exchange but DS bit too young can't write yet
nick hope hosp visit goes well
swan gosh I've put my heading back on!! Can't stand being cold
mm glad you doing ok

today o have

morning routines
dc nurseried
me worked
dc bathed
dw
wm

still to do
gym
dejunk my nightstand (very posh way of saying bedside cabinet)
evening routine
bed early

have lovely night! X

DC finally all in bed and quiet (ish) so I need a list to stop myself spending the evening on MN getting sidetracked.

5 min room rescues downstairs
15 min decluttering
Make bed
Discreetly release DS's "pet" snails
Invoices
Thank you note
Early night with good book

Thanks so much for the offer ellie and MrsD - I will message both of you. DD1 has already said how excited she is and DD2 wanted to write a card straight away!
SC Just let me know if your DD would be interested and we can put a card in the post to her too - I bought a pile of PCs of our home town a few weeks ago.
nettie If you think your DS would like a card from Austria, I'd be quite happy to send him one on behalf of DS (who's 3, so can't write yet either).

SC I'm very impressed with your 6 hours of decluttering - it's what our house could do with... I think I need to concentrate on the decluttering a bit more, as I just seem to be constantly tidying up/around the clutter at the moment.

PA Hope your new laptop arrives soon. Poor DD2 - the timing could hardly have been worse. Interesting powers of dissuasion from your DS - is this what I have to look forward to in 10 years' time?

Evenin' all

Feeling a wee bit smug today as have made a modicum of progress and dh, dd and myself have just completed a 27 item fling boogie in the kitchen (it's rubbish night tonight). Had the timer on and made it in to a game - was effective - although dh a bit grumpy as we threw away some of his ancient dried up pots of twigs out of date by 7 years herbs!!

Chairmum - listen to your body and rest - you will need every ounce of energy v soon!!!! [Can't wait!!!! So excited for you!!!! ]

Good to hear you are feeling well MiniM - take it steady!!

Hope Daisy feeling a bit better Mummy

Hope your day wasn't too exhausting Ellie (sounded like it was going to be)

Nettie to be strictly honest, it ended up as probably 2hr 45 min declutter if you take in to account all my Mnsetting procrastinating on - line shopping coffee breaks .....but better than nowt. Even that amount makes visible difference.
Well done on going to gym tonight.

Still to do tonight:

evening routine
clean up kitchen
sort and put out rubbish
sort more laundry
dry stuff I've washed
dead-head hydrangea
tie string around runner bean wig-wam
do another 27 fling boogie in home office
start making two papier mache volcanoes (don't ask)

Keep flying high [waves microfibre cloth] everyone

See you tomorrow ....

x posts SC - still v. impressed by almost 3 hours of decluttering though. AND a 27 fling boogie. I am going to step away from the computer now...

Wash kitchen floor - done
Hoover - middles of floors only, done
Sainsburys - done
Help at school - done
Put away clothes mountains that have appeared again - done, but then did 3 load of washing so they are back again .

DH is out at a friend's house discussing optimal loudspeaker cabling or something equally "interesting", so I am about to go and make myself a bacon sandwich.

Tramp update - still around, not so worried now as he is obviously taking reasonable care of himself (has been spotted buying food in Sainsbury's). Not sure where he slept last night but don't think it was here, am less worried now we're getting the gate put up. He hasn't approached the house for a couple of days (that I've seen anyway). All the neighbours have exchanged phone nos, never bothered before, just go round, but we kept finding he would wander up every time we were at each other's doorsteps, also feel happier when DH is out that I can ring the others if necessary. Might ring Salvation Army tomorrow, thank you whoever suggested that.

I'm starving, so not going to stop and give individual mentions tonight but am still reading all your posts.

Night night.

Evening one and all,

Finally I have a successful flying evening to report:

WM on donex2
DW on done
Dinner to cook done
living room to tidy done
Kitchen to rescue done
bathroom s/s done
sort washing sortof

Go me!

One other momentous thing to report, DD did a poo on the toilet . Woohoo!

sc what a day! You may go straight to the top of the class, gold star for you today lady . Thanks for reminding me of pa and her pigeons, brought a smile to my face .

linzer at discreetly releasing pet snails, i remeber releasing several ladybirds once and then having to feign shock next morning that they had 'escaped'. Look forward to having postcard swap!

nettie impressive list. I second the 'well done' from sc on the gym, i can never find the energy!

chairmum feet up, relax and breathe. Plenty of time for flying later .

pa, sc is right we do miss you when you are not here. I will never know how you cope with so many teenagers, you should be nominated for some kind of supermum award i do believe. Glad the meeting was not a disaster. Long list today. Well Done you!

mrsd don't rush around too much will you, you'll put the rest of us to shame? Any progress on the man in the garden?

dwm did you manage to get Daisy to take the tablets? I hope so, am sure she will be up and about in no time.

nick I hope the hospital appt went ok and that you managed to catch the idol final. Usually watch it myself but never managed to catch this series.

Hope everyone else is ok (that means you om missb pmpy unify sr and mm).

Am going to retreat to my bed and watch the final episode of ashes to ashes on i-player having successfully managed to swerve all reviews etc.

Back for step posting in a minute.

Hello my lovelies,

Today's babystep is meal planning. Out of the many babysteps that I ignore do, this is one I do regularly. Nothing major, I know there are people out there who meal plan down to the last pea and type of condiment (no offence intended if that's you ) I do however meal plan on my way round the supermarket and count how many I have my trolley. Meal planning elliepac styleee. .

Today's mission is here.