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Archive through January 22, 2007

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Jan. 2007 ~ Mar. 2007: Home and Garden: TVCH's Home & Life Organization (ARCHIVES): Archive through January 22, 2007 users admin

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Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 2:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Is that how you get the hubby to put stuff away, Serenity? Most of my clutter problem is Darren. He will go out to the garage and find the tool he needs. He will go use said tool. Then he will walk into the kitchen and put the damn thing on my kitchen counter...TWO FREAKING FEET AWAY FROM THE GARAGE DOOR!

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 2:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
Urgrace, because the door sticks and I would always miss something down at the bottom going through the small door, I use the built-in hamper for storage also. The toilet paper I prefer only comes in the tall 12-pack and it fits very nicely. I think there's a rug and a few other things at the bottom that I threw in there. If I still have the energy after tackling the laundry area, I will venture into that area.

Actually my washer is in my kitchen next to the cabinet but because my ex bought a fridge that was about 1/2 inch too tall it would not fit under the overhead cabinet where it belongs so there is about 6 inches between the side of the fridge and the front of my washer with about 8 inches of space between the washer and the wall. So, I will have to pull out my fridge to journey into that space. I also need to pull out the washer to clean underneath.

Isn't it pitiful that I have to be told to do this.

Serenity
Member

06-28-2005

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 2:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Serenity a private message Print Post    
Yup! My DH is the king of not putting stuff away when he is done with it. After 10 years I am finally fed up enough to threaten to put stuff 'away' myself. DH is smart enough to know that if I perceive that an item is not being useful that it goes 'away' with the charity donations. The only way he can ensure that I now don't touch his precious stuff is if he helps me purge and organize it!

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 2:58 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
LOL, Darrens been doing it for about that long too. I tend to wait til I get fed up with it then go put it away myself, of course I'm not as funny as he is about it and will put whatever tool it is down in the first place I find. When he goes to find it he has to really look cuz it may be in the tool box, on the work bench or maybe on the freezer.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 6:52 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
Dear Friends:

Well, you had to know that this mission was coming!

It is time to clear off the flat surfaces in the bathroom. This means the edge of the tub, the counter tops and the back of the toilets. We have a tendency to let things pile up on these areas and usually it is just clutter. Toss what you can toss and put away the rest! Those shampoo bottles, hair scrunchies and cosmetics. You know the stuff that I am speaking of! Have fun with this!

~Kelly


This seems too easy since I do all this every morning as part of Swish and Swipe and clearing hotspots.

Got to tell you about a suggestion that Jimmer had for filing. He was talking about filing photos, I believe. It was very similar to Filing Pointer 2 in my last post. Start each file heading with a noun. For example, "insurance, house" instead of "house insurance." He said to file picture folders according to year, month, date...2006-10-12, which translated is October 12, 2006. I did this with all my picture files last night and what an immediate difference. Now I can easily find what I need for copying onto a disk and for uploading to Shutterfly.com for printing.

You Flybabies are doing so good. NT, you had me nervous there for a while because I was afraid you'd burn out. But when you said that you were having fun with this, I relaxed. LOL!

Mamebee, there's never any condemnation here. Flylady says that no one is ever behind because you can start right where you are. If you miss a zone this time, you can pick it up next.

One last thing, I hope that no one thinks that you can clean a home in just 15 minutes a day. I discovered that that was what my mother was thinking. Boy, was she feeling defeated. Ha! Not 15 minutes a day, but 15 minutes at a time. My home is small so I am lucky in that I can get it shipshape in just about 30 minutes if I have been doing my zone work and following my routines.

Oh, Grace, I wonder about storing blankets in the hamper. This is located in the bathroom? I would wonder about humidity levels...For towels or things that would be regularly used...yup, but not sure about the blankets. Blankets is one of the first things I boogied. Way too many of them and I haven't regretted sending them along...yet.

Don't forget to shine those sinks!


Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 10:17 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
I accomplished my missions last night with the built-in hamper (a whole 5 minutes) and cleaning out from under the washer, refrigerator and microwave table (I had to pull out the fridge and table to get to the washer so I figured might as well do it all). I even wiped down the walls (I have a sponge mop just for my walls which makes it a snap).

Today's mission will take me all of 10 minutes, if that, so I think tonight I will sit down with my Flylady stuff I got in the mail yesterday!

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 6:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
Those times are sounding more like it, NT! What Flylady stuff did you get? I'm soooooo nosy!!

This is a good one! As soon as I post it, I'm running off to get it done.

Dear Friends:

As we are headed in to cold and flu season I want you to take 15 minutes to wipe down your door knobs, light switches and phones in your home. As many of them as you can accomplish in 15 minutes. If you need more time, take a break and go back for another 15. Use plain rubbing alcohol on a rag or something that is anti-bacterial to get rid of all of the germs and handprints that have built up. Also, when wiping down the phone make sure you wipe down the mouthpiece as well.

Don't obsess and have fun with this.

~Kelly


Mameblanche
Member

08-24-2002

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 8:33 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Well Vee and Co., I am making mucho progress. I've done everything on my list up there except strip the bed(s) and change the bedding on our Queensized bed. I definitely need to tackle our bed. It's a quick job, no hassles, but the down quilt which my mom made, is so heavy I usually ask dh to lift it. Yep it's that huge and heavy! I wouldn't believe that my tiny mom made this huge monstrosity, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Sadly, even she is amazed she made it herself. She only has a vague memory of making it. But she also made throw pillows with the extra material, and I remember, years ago when she made it and she was so proud of her accomplishment, even though she was a professional seamstress at home and worked on a sewingmachine in a factory sweat shop. Its an amazing piece of work. (I find the pattern and especially the colours butt-ugly, LOL, but its the warmest, largest, heaviest, quilt on planet earth. GRIN. And my mom made it all by herself. Proud smile. I guess I should take a pic, right?

And I aso need to do the double bed in the den too. But since its a double bed wedged in by the wall in a tiny overstuffed and carpeted room, so I have to crawl over it to make it and I am too fat, old, and creaky to do it gracefully or easily - so I am dreading it.

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 9:01 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
Mame, yes, we have to see a picture of your quilt.

Vee, I received the calendar/sticker combo, which came with stickers, the "Body Clutter"/Body Clutter Control Journal combo, "My Control Journal" and "Sink Reflections."

I had every intention of relaxing last night and going over all this stuff but while I was fixing dinner, I looked at the top of my fridge and, next thing you know, it's completely cleared and clean (10 minutes at most). Then while reading my digest e-mail and clicking on links, I starting going over the instructions for standing at your front door and looking for a Hot Spot. Well, mine is a 4-tiered wire basket on wheels which sits in the kitchen. When you walk in my front door you can see straight ahead to the door of my kitchen and the basket is right there. It is my catch-all for almost everything including stuff I don't have room for in the kitchen cabinets. It is now completely empty and in my extra room to be used for storage in a the closet. The stuff that wouldn't fit in the cabinets has now found a home in the almost empty cabinet I cleaned out a couple of days ago. I fold laundry on my kitchen table and the socks whose mate was eaten by the dryer monster went into that basket so that the next time one like it came out of the dryer alone I could match them up. I matched up 5 pairs of socks and threw out at least 10 orphans. This took me about 30 minutes and I have cleared so much out of my kitchen that this morning I noticed that there is a slight sound reverberation.

I have developed the "one-touch rule" and since I have a rather small home it works great for me. While decluttering, instead of dividing stuff into piles and then putting them in their place, when I pick up an item it goes straight to its new home. And sometimes if the items are small enough, I will hold those items with one hand while sifting through with the other. It may take more footsteps (which is also a bit of extra exercise) but with the stuff being put away immediately, I feel like I'm making more progress.

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 9:15 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
wipe down your door knobs, light switches and phones in your home.

Gee, I've already done this once a week since November and I use Lysol Disinfectant Spray with a crisp linen scent. I also wipe down extra used doors, like the front entry, main bath, and certain cupboards like the ones that hide the trash, because so many people have their hands on the door itself when opening or closing them.

Check out the TIPS AND HINTS thread for today.

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 9:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
Oh! I'd love to see a picture of the quilt, too, Mameblanche. I envy Native-Texan for getting some things done that I've got on my list to-do. The "one-touch rule" is an accomplishment in itself, since I tend to go off on tangents myself.

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 7:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dipo a private message Print Post    
I finally finished my baking cabinet, only was able to get rid of two things but it is more organized. But the best thing that happened was I found a really nice skillet and lid that I had totally forgotten about which I will use all the time now. The one that I have been using was too small and this is one is just perfect!!

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 8:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
Dipo, that's great. What really got to me the other day when I was doing the same thing was throwing away my $100+ Pampered Chef skillet that was scarred beyond use. I tried several times to get it replaced but since I didn't have the receipt it never happened. I will never buy from them again.

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 8:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dipo a private message Print Post    
man, thats a bummer!!

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Friday, January 19, 2007 - 6:53 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
Dear Friends:

Today you get to grab those old toothbrushes and start scrubbing! LOL! OK seriously! Grab the toothbrushes and scrub those bathroom faucets. You will not believe the gunk that manages to gather in that area. Use a general purpose cleaner or some soap and go to town! Have fun! This is a quick mission that takes less then 5
minutes.

~Kelly


Good time to rev up the Scunci, if you have one. I don't know why this is a separate mission. Doesn't everyone do this anyway when scrubbing the sink?

Grace, you're doing it just right, but I have had a more relaxed approach about doorknobs. I think that I will add it to my list of things to be done on a weekly basis year round and assign it a day.

BBL...running late this morning.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Friday, January 19, 2007 - 8:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
Back...

NT, you'll have to give us a critique of your items. I have always wondered about the control journal and if it would be worth purchasing. I do love my feather dusters from FlyLady (and just gave one as a Christmas gift...LOL!) and the timer. I don't know what I'd do without either one.

I love before and after photos so if any of you are brave and want to share.

Dipo, great that you found something that you can use! I love it when things like that happen to me. It's like finding lost treasure. Half the battle with reorganizing is to have a home for everything. Is *This* anything that any of us can use in reorganizing our pantry or pots and pans? I thought it was a cool idea.

I am still working on the one-touch rule. I started by having the paper shredder set up in a convenient place so that it can be used daily when the mail comes in. All the incoming paper can just be a killer. This is something that might help all of us... Ask to be removed. Write to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735. Be sure to provide your name, street address and zip code. Request that they instruct their members to remove you from their mailing lists. Once you write, you'll remain on the opt-out list for 5 years, at which time you'll have to write again. The Direct Marketing Association estimates that listing with their mail preference service will stop 75% of all national mailings. You should notice a reduction of your junk mail within 6 months. *Source*

Keep up the good work, Mamebee, but don't overdo it. No fibro flares for you!

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Friday, January 19, 2007 - 8:58 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
I did today's mission a couple of nights ago. My faucet knobs are very very close to the faucet and therefore it's very very hard to clean down in there. Normally I just wedge my rag between the knob and faucet and work it back and forth and it seemed to do the trick, but this time I was using a smaller toothbrush and decided to see if I could get it in there. I still couldn't reach all the way in and I really couldn't tell that I was getting much, but when I used the rag-wedging method this time I was amazed at how much gunk came out.

So, tonight, instead of the faucet, I'm going to take the toothbrush to the corners and edges of the bathroom floor.

I have to admit I hate cleaning the bathroom more than anything in the world. The reason: I have a 12-yr-old son who never lifts the seat and still has a hard time aiming, especially in the morning when he has just woke up. For those who complain about the seat not being put back down, you don't know how good you've got it.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 7:43 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
Dear Friends,

We are getting back to basics.

Here is a simple set of BabySteps to start you on a FLY Foot
everyday!!

1. Go Shine Your Sink: Do not wait till later! Do it Now!

2. Get dressed to lace up shoes!

3. Fix your hair and face!

4. Make your bed.

5. Set your timer for 5 minutes and start clearing off and putting away some items in one Hot Spot.

6. Each hour, sit down and rest for 10 minutes. Set a timer!

7. Limit your computer, telephone, and TV time.

8. Put on some perky music.

9. Do a very small Before Bed Routine. (lay out clothes, check calendar, brush teeth) Write it down!

10. Go to bed at a decent hour!

11. Keep repeating to yourself; I am not behind! My home did not get dirty in a day and it will not get clean over night. ~FlyLady


No missions for today because it's *Family Fun Day* and tomorrow is Feed Your Spirit Day. Have an excellent weekend, everybody! I'll catch back up with you Monday.

You're doing great!!!! C

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 7:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vacanick a private message Print Post    
I love reading your tips Vee. Would you believe I just finished "shining" my bathtub? It's 7 am on Saturday morning and I'm cleaning. I say ... do it when you've got the urge!

Love Family Fun Day!!!

Karuuna
Board Administrator

08-31-2000

Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 9:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karuuna a private message Print Post    
Limit your computer time? thud

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 8:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
I finished the bathroom this morning before Travis got up. I then went and had myself beautified from head to toe - hair, hands and feet after which we took our weekly trip Walmart. This evening I went through 3 large cans and sorted out nails, screws, washers and junk. I'm still trying to figure out why there were 5 nail clippers and two tweezers in this stuff.

I also changed bedsheets.

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 11:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dipo a private message Print Post    
LOL, isn't it amazing how you find so many duplicates of the same thing. I found that issue with scizzors, LOL. I now have a pair for every room in my house, they never leave their room.

Funny, today I am finishing the bathroom, need to take everything out, the kitty boxes, kitty poop holder, scale, etc; then it will only take a about 10 minutes to sweep and mop it. I just hate taking everything out, LOL.

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Monday, January 22, 2007 - 6:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
Today is the Weekly Home Blessing hour: No detailed cleaning required; vacuum the middle of the floors only!

FlyLady sets her timer for 10 minutes to work on each of 7 ways to bless your home:

Vacuum
Dust
Mop
Polish Mirrors and Doors
Purge magazines
Change Sheets
Empty all trash

This takes approximately one hour; some tasks take less than 10 minutes.

"Don't obsess, set your timer for 10 minutes for each task, then QUIT!" ~ Kelly


As always, this can be tailored to suit your needs. Sheet changing in my house is ALWAYS Saturday morning, but work it the way that works for you. (I am adding washing the doorknobs to this list at my house.)

I will return Wednesday morning...I am nonni sitting with my grandson until his parents and new baby brother arrive home tomorrow afternoon. Perhaps someone who receives the digest (NT? Dipo?) will post Tuesday's mission, if you get the chance. Otherwise, I'll post it along with Wednesday's.

Happy Fluttering all! C

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Monday, January 22, 2007 - 11:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dipo a private message Print Post    
Vee, I will put it on my calendar! What are you using to clean the doorknobs? 409? Pinesol? I was thinking I should do this as well.

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Monday, January 22, 2007 - 5:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
Dipo, I'll share the job with you. Whoever gets here first will post Tuesday's mission.

I used Clorox spray to wash my doorknobs last week but after I looked at the big white spots on the blue rag from the bleach, I think I'm going to start using my Lysol wipes so as not to chance damaging my carpet.

I have decided on Friday night or Saturday morning before Travis gets up for my Weekly Home Blessing.

I completed today's mission and my bedroom already looks 100% better.

I've only been FLYing for 3 weeks now and it really dawned on me this weekend how much more free time I'm going to have once I have completed my decluttering. Normally, I spend half my Saturday cleaning house and doing laundry but this past weekend I found that I had extra time to do fun stuff like my beautifying.

I have started reading "Body Clutter" and let me tell you it's scary. At first I thought this was not going to work for me but as these ladies starting talking about themselves, I felt like I was reading my biography. I am going through my house looking for the hidden cameras. You know those things you do and think that you don't think anyone else does or thinks. Well, your're not alone. They pull no punches discussing very intimate details of their lives, even talking about how weight can affect toilet hygiene.

I'm not even halfway through the book and I don't know if this is a plan that will work for me, but I can say that what I've read has confirmed my suspicions about why I can't get serious about losing weight. It started as rebellion against my second ex's drinking and now it's protection from men. Hopefully now I will be able to do something about it.