Weekly Flylady Thread 21st January 2008

ashbart

Hello everyone,
I've only read a few pages on this post so far but am very excited about looking through the rest at some point. I have a de-clutter head on this week and was wondering if anyone could give me any help. (I hope I am posting in the right thread)
I am Miss 'I might need that one day' and this normally applies to almost everything. I have loads of keepsakes, handbags and shoes for a small country, enough stationary to keep me writing for a year, more random electrical cable/extension leads than a BT man, buttons coming out of my ears - the list goes on. I even found myself keeping a rubber the other day, in case I might need to erase something soon....?!? I really want to learn how to de-clutter but, please be gentle as I think this will take time for me to get in to. I am a generally clean person and do housework every day, around my busy schedule so I hope I will fit in well here.
I also have a problem with paperwork - I have ALL paperwork filed for the last 8 or so years. I am originally an American, have lived in the UK for 12 years, and I keep all of my paperwork just in case I have to prove my work status, living status, etc, etc. Is this necessary?? What paperwork is essential to keep and for how long?
I should also mention I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which is probably where most of my clutter problems come from!
Thanks in advance for any help!!

Pink_Fairy_2

Good morning all!

Hugs to anyone still suffering, or just wanting a hug! I'm off to doc's at 11. I'm exhausted with coughing.

Kaz and Mudbath - DDs are a nightmare, but they do get better. Mine is 23 now and has caused a lot of grief over the years. Just in the last 12 months, she split with her fiance (he was doing drugs behind her back) and he left quite a bit of debt (it definitely wasn't all hers), and we had to bale her out before any court action could be taken. She's learned that lesson well now. Then she started going out with another chap, but he was quite manipulative. They were out some weeks ago and she had her drink spiked, but despite the fact that I was at the hospital with her and never left her side while they did tests etc, he didn't believe her and wanted proof (Sorry? Is this a Criminal Investigation?) Anyway, between Christmas and New Year, she told him to take a hike. Then.................best one yet.......................she started going out with my best friend's brother!!!:eek: Not that I have a problem with the age gap, but my friend was really angry with both of them. He does have some baggage with a psycho ex and 2.5 children (stepson and 2 of theirs), but I was also concerned that they'd both moved too quickly. Anyway, at the end of the day, I'd rather keep a daughter and lose a friend. My daughter (and son) cost too much heartache to have (Lilo will be able to relate to that). At the end of the day, if they can make each other happy, I'm happy. He even came to hospital with us yesterday. :AHe's also offered to do a lot of jobs around the house (OH is no DIYer), so I've told her to hang on to him.:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Polly_Pod - It was to commemorate Rorke's Drift. OH is Platoon Commander, Cwmbran ACF, after 17 years Blues & Royals, then TA. Dress codes have gone right down hill - Trousers:eek::eek::eek: I wore a long dress, as per formal code, after all, some of the men were in mess kit. We had a half sized Zulu shield behind us and one of the original rifles used in the campaign. The food was lovely.

Lilo - (((((big hugs))))) You'll get through this, Yes, count your blessings, which helps, but never give in. I proved the medics wrong twice.:p

Lil_me - hope the wolfies get back in touch soon. At least you'll know what you're looking at. If you make it, it will be an experience you'll never forget. My OH said it;s the best birthday present he's ever had.

And to everyone else - have a good day and thanks for your friendship.

AnW'sMum

Hi guys

Am still here just. Transferred the phone to tiscali on monday and since then have had the net (if I have been able to get online) for no more than 10 seconds at a time :mad: :mad: Phone calls are so crackly I can barely hear people. Found a 0800 number to call and complain on. Was DH's birthday yesterday so was feeling very fed up and not wanting to sort things out.

Will catch up eventually with the thread!

Hopefully be with you all soon.

xxx

Pink_Fairy_2

Hi Ashbart and welcome from another recent newcomer

jjef

Morning All,

I have company this morning hence why I am not working DD2 was up most of the night she was not a happy bunny – stuffed nose, sore throat etc and a high temp and is complaining of having a very sore head (its not normal for her to complain so will keep a close watch on her today). So to all who normally have interrupted sleeps late nights and early starts I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU MANAGE I am knackered today from just one late night/early start.

So I am going to post a huge catch up list and make the most of it –

[STRIKE]
Manic Monday - Kitchen and Dining Room
Level One
Clean floors
Level Two
Clean cupboard door fronts and the kick boards
Wipe dining table (clean table cloth if necessary)
Level Three
Dust any extra furniture in dining room, checking for cobwebs on way round
Wash the washer drawer out if it's gunky
[/STRIKE]
Tuesday Living Room, Hall
Level 1
Vacuum floors and sofas
Level 2
Dusting, even if around everything
Clean TV, other electricals and cabinets
Level 3
Wipe light switches and banister
Clean any other glass like mirrors etc

Wonderful Wednesdays - Master Bedroom

Level 1
[STRIKE]Remove and wash bed linen[/STRIKE].
Level 2
Dust surfaces & make sure no cobwebs..
Vacuum mattress before replacing with fresh linen, air the bed if possible
15 minutes floordrobe clearance
Level 3
Vacuum floors in bedroom
Extra tasks list, as usual choose one or more

• Ebay/Amazon/Car boot search, anything that can be sold which is no longer used? Cheaper listing day on Ebay this Thursday
• 27 fling boogie time, time for that midweek fling, go on grab a bag and clear that clutter

I have my own list as well which includes my dailies and some ironing.

I also forgot to add last night that I am going to be moving at the end of April, we have had an offer accepted on a house yesterday :j so it means that I have two weeks to get mine ready for viewing, so another job for today is to make a list of all things which may need fixing, [strike]hiding[/strike] painting and tidying,:eek: would appreciate any tips for moving from any recent movers/sellers.

Off to get started think I will do a HHC 10-10.30 to get the morning started.
jen

shell2001

Hugs AnW, I guess every day it tough hun, but I can only imagine that those "special days" make the pain unbearable. Sending you huge hugs 'cos your super special, super strong and a super mum.

Well its now 10am so I am gonna put some music on and crack on with it.

jjef - We sold last year and found the flylady thread such a blessing. It made me seriously declutter (thanks to freecycle cost nothing to get rid off). It also meant that if the EA phone and someone wanted to come straight round it was never a problem the house was 90% ready to go. I work in an EA at the weekends and the most annoying thing i find is people call in wanting to view properties that day and the vendors state they need 2 days notice. If your serious about selling you get them in the door asap. Plus decluttering means less packing and unpacking at the other end.

witchypoo

Wow - I can't even begin to attempt to read all the posts over the past day or so!
Hugs to anyone who needs them (((HUGS))) and congrats and good luck wishes for anyone who needs those! I'm sorry I haven't been able to find out everyone's news and be more personal.

I've got to embark on a mission this morning to sort out my ScottishPower payments. They started me off in Sept at £33 and at the start of the week they contacted me and said I'd forgotten to update my meter readings (drat) and had estimated a bill and put my monthly payment up to £53 which I thought sounded fair since I had thought the £33 was a bit too little for gas and electricity, and the 53 was more in line with what I used to pay BT. However, I inputted my actual meter readings and had £136 to pay, which I paid. Then yesterday (a few days after they put it up once already) they wrote and said they were putting it up to £83! This seems a bit wrong - I would much rather do monthly readings and pay back anything I owe than them take £83 in advance. Especially as winter will not last forever and we use far less electricity in spring, summer and autumn.
Does anyone have any advice or experience as to what I should say to them? I've not told hubby yet cos he'd be livid!

lil_me

ashbart welcome.

:rotfl: @ all the rebels, I'm sure I'd prefer to do my room than a teenagers bedroom, ewww!

witchypoo, I've just had a similar letter from BT, they dropped payments to £11 last month then have put them up to £20 this month. We hardly use the phone now but did quite a bit when we first moved in. What I am tempted to do is cancel the DD all together and pay it when the bill comes in, we were on £35 a month at one point in the last house and ended up £80 overpaid even when I cancelled the DD 2 months before we moved. With gas & electric people used to pay the same all year so the difference between winter and summer months wasn't as much of a shock, but now they all seem to hike DDs up in the winter. I think I am going to just put the DD money away each month, then pay it when it's due when ours changes over. To be honet with the £33 a month, that seems like it was set very low so that you end up in debt and have to stay with them. My DDs are £85 and I am looking at bills of £490 for Nov and Dec in gas & elec charges, so I've got a chunk to pay out when the final bill comes in.

jjef congratulations on the offer and very best of luck with the move. My biggest tip is make yourself pack and fling a bag/ box a day, oh and label the box well with a list of what is inside!! It really helped me. By fling that can be rubbish, clutter for ebay or freecycle etc etc.

AnWsMum ((huge hugs)) I've been wondering where you were. I can imagine this time of year not being easy at the best of times, last thing you need is hassle. Hope you get it sorted soon, I know you use the internet a lot for your business etc so the last thing you need is problems with it.

Well the letter came through this morning, I was expecting a 12 month award like DS1s was, nope, until 2012! One less thing to worry about. Say they're making the payment into my account (which has already gone in) forgot about the Xmas bonus entitlement, that explains the extra £10 then.

Mattress delivery between 10.15 and 2.15pm so pretty much stuck in until it arrives, will do bedroom after then as DP still in bed. I'm sat here trying to remember what I needed to do today....ok first things first, health visitor, see if I can get in touch with her!

tiamai_d

Well fine, I ernr doing my bedroom neither! I will change the bed though, it's itchy.

ashbart Keep, last 1 years payslips, all your P60's, last 3 months bank statements, all mortgage statements, last years council tax bill and water bill if you have any. Your medical certificates etc. But shred everything you don't need. Do it a little at a time and you will get through it.

Pink_Fairy_2

Hi Witchypoo

I was with Swalec for gas and electric and they kept trying to put up my electric DD. I stuck to my guns and said "No" because I was in credit with the gas for more than I was in debt for the electric. They gave in quite graciousl. I then switched just before Christmas (big mistake, maybe) to a capped deal with British Gas which takes effect in a couple of weeks, but have since had an even better offer from Scottish Power, which will kick in in about 8 weeks.

I think you should be able to hold off increasing payments and just pay any outstanding quarterly, (or monthly). After all, paying by DD, you effectively pay in advance anyway, so they're getting the benefit of your money in their bank. It's a pity you would be penalised if you stopped the DD and went to quarterly bills.