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Combining April showers with Fledgling powers (2016)

385 replies

SpareCrust · 31/03/2016 11:05

Humungous thanks to Greymalkin for leading us so professionally and capably through March! Thanks

And thank you in advance to Einstein for covering the first four days of this thread (while I sidle off)!

If you are struggling 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 support and chat along the way.

Flylady link here.

Don't let the somewhat sickly and barftastic language of the site put you off: the underlying system is sound!

This little-and-often system is designed so that you can follow a series of steps and routines each day (which gradually become second nature) in zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework; which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do something more interesting instead!

At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. No problem if you miss a day or two; just jump right back in and it will all come around next month again!

It's up to you, but we advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be swamped with masses of bumph. All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's steps and routines using a three-pronged approach (dependent on the stage everyone is at):

  • start or repeat baby steps
  • repeat baby steps + do 15 minutes a day decluttering in the current zone
  • 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.

    There are three key points to keep in mind throughout:

  • No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine and many of us on this thread struggle with this one.
  • You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
  • It didn't get into a mess overnight - it won't get tidy over night - accept it will take time to get on top of things.

    If you are new; then trying to spend 15mins decluttering daily and doing the babysteps is a good way to start. Some of us (mentioning no names!) can have scary looking ‘ta-da’ lists but don't let that worry you. Do what you can, anything is better than nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

    If all else fails, a brew + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders!

    Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings

    Oh and don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t! . Some of us have been on here for years and some of us natter rather a lot – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers are very, very welcome!
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YesEinsteinsMumDid · 31/03/2016 12:35

Natter alot? Don't know what you are talking about SC WinkGrin

Sometimes flying even happens Shock

Speaking of which I have set myself a challenge and it is going to take some effort so must grab more coffee and actually get going I don't wanna

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BlueEyeshadow · 31/03/2016 13:14

Thanks SC - have a good trip! Thanks

And Thanks to Grey for March too.

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SpareCrust · 31/03/2016 15:20

Waves to Blue and Einstein! Grin



OK lovely fledglings here we go again - and please forgive me for writing out everything in full the long boring way - it helps me get my thick head around the system!

I've added in extra info for any newcomers - so don't let all the links put you off - it looks much harder than it actually is!

Tomorrow's baby-step no 1, for Fri 1st April 2016 is here. Shine your sink + loads of info for newcomers!

The following links explain about the zones here and here.

So tomorrow, we will be starting in Zone 1: The Entrance, Front Porch and Dining Room here .

Beginners please note: the idea is that all you need to do is spend 15 mins focusing on the current zone per day. At first, focus on clearing the clutter (you can't clean clutter). Then, when the clutter is gone, you can focus on detailed cleaning.

Consistency is the key here. Don't burn out - just do the 15 mins 5 days a wk. It's amazing how much gets done in that time if you keep it up!

You can find Friday's mission here if you scroll down! Rather unhelpfully, Flylady reports that it may in this exceptional instance take longer than 15 mins as it is a multi-room mission. It involves tackling your "hot" spots ie getting rid of the pile of shoes by the front door, the pile of junk mail in the hall and the school papers on the dining room table.

The daily focus for Friday is decluttering our purses, handbags and cars.

The habit for April is making your bed!

The daily flight plan here will update itself and if you click on it tomorrow will provide a quick summary of the above.

Good luck everyone!

And newcomers/beginners - don't worry if you feel overwhelmed reading all of that - you don't have to understand the entire system at the beginning - it will start to make sense as you do it. Just focus on the baby-steps for now ...and all will become clear ... promise!

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SpareCrust · 31/03/2016 15:20

Right, I'm off ... ! I leave you in the capable hands of Einstein

"See you" on Tues! Have a great weekend fledglings!

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celeste83 · 31/03/2016 15:58

This is going to be my first proper full month on Flylady so hopefully if i get into the groove of it from day 1 then i won't be playing catch up Thats the plan anyway

This morning we went down on the train the beach and had a nice walk and an ice cream and a spot of lunch. First trip to the beach this year!

Ta da:
made beds
washed dishes
dettol'd kitchen work surfaces
bleached ds loo
dettol'd ds loo basin

Need to make tea now. Spag bol tonight. Will give the house a tidy whilst thats cooking. Will try and clean the upstairs bathroom whilst bathing ds this evening. Slowly but surely banishing all the bugs and germs in the house Grin

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Lucked · 31/03/2016 20:57

I have read a bit of fly lady but haven't committed before as I find the website really irritating but we are a messy household and I need to get a routine going. I think I will try April so will report back tomorrow after day 1. I work full time so only have evenings but a little every night would be good.

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Cagliostro · 31/03/2016 23:35

Signing in! Thank you SC, Einstein and Grey for this month and the last! Cake

Welcome Lucked I really don't like the website either. This thread on the other hand is fabulous :o

Celeste please don't worry about playing catch up! You never need to with FlyLady, that's the beauty of it :o you're never behind, just jump in where you are.

I had an entirely unproductive day (other than one lesson = earning) but it was lovely, some friends visited.

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CotswoldStrife · 01/04/2016 09:10

Ugh, I was missing for most of last night with stomach cramps - don't know what happened there, but I'm hoping no-one else catches it.

Onwards with the tidying today, getting on well with the laundry backlog as we have had some nice outdoor drying days (it makes such a difference).

To do
Defrost tea
Laundry
Tidying
Vacuuming

Have a good one, see you later.

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HerdofAntilop · 01/04/2016 10:02

Nervous new recruit signing in for duty. I stalked most of March to get a feel for things and I think (hope) I'm ready to go. Also KMing at the same thing but that's going to take a while and I want a clean house too. My aim is to be organised before I return to work from mat leave (cue hysterical laughter).

So if I've understood right I now have to go and clean my sink and do 15 minutes in today's zone and that's it right?

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celeste83 · 01/04/2016 10:41

Morning,

I hope you don't have what we had CS. I have only just got rid of it myself. Think there are one or two bugs going round at the moment.

Today i have so far:
*made beds
*washed dishes

I will go and sort out my hangbag in a min as per the babystep. Did this last week so its not too bad. Just a few receipts and tissues Blush

Today i need to as minimum hoover all rooms and mop the kitchen and bathrooms.

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MercuryRising · 01/04/2016 11:02

Hello fledglings. I was on this thread about a year ago. I recently had dc3 who is now a month old and like HerdofAntilop would like to get organised while on mat leave. We moved the week before my flybaby was born so there are still bits to organise around the house. Have a good trip SC

Ta da
Dc1 and 2 bathed
Washload on
Washload hung out
Washing up done
Shopping list and meal plan completed - dp and ds sent to Aldi

To do
Get washed and dressed
Declutter and dust porch
Declutter dining table - condense down dc easter eggs which are all half eaten in different boxes
Dust living room
Ask dp to hoover (still recovering from c section)
Clean bathroom
Dry washing and put away

If I get all of that done I will have made good progress. I will be back to update.

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YesEinsteinsMumDid · 01/04/2016 12:07

Herd yep that is it. But cleaning your sink the flylady way included bleaching (where possible) and polishing it to a shine. Technically the babystep is to shine the kitchen sink. If you chose to do more be careful of burnout. This is more about babystepping into good habits rather than major sort outs. So KM is a good option to combine.

Burnout from yesterday. So much dust that today my lung are in rebellion and breathing hurts. Blooming dust allergy. Will try to put a load of washing on but I am going to be a bad fledgling and not bother getting out of bed for anything other than food and comfort reasons until later.

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BlueEyeshadow · 01/04/2016 12:32

Hi to Herd and Lucked, and welcome back to Mercury. Hope you're taking it easy post-CS.

Have been weeding and digging up nasty conifers in the sunshine this morning. :) Feel that I've earnt a Brew!

Also Ta da!
Survived Easter with in-laws
Survived post-Easter at home with parents
Survived visit from friend with 2 extra boisterous DSs
Stripped spare room
Laundry
Grocery shopping with boys
Planted out primroses
Swept floor
S&S x loads

Pondering a trip to the garden centre this afternoon...

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Greymalkin · 01/04/2016 14:17

Hello fledglings!

Welcome to Lucked Herd and Mercury (good to see you again)

I'm having a very chilled day after my frantic month of Flying in March. I had breakfast out with DH after dropping DS at nursery and then have spent a few hours getting to grips with my new sewing machine (new in that it was my Christmas pressie from DH) Its amazing!!!

I now need to catch the cats and take them to the cat hotel as we are away this weekend. Then I plan to read until it is time to go to archery.

See you all on Monday

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celeste83 · 01/04/2016 14:26

Good luck catching the cats Grey and have a nice weekend away.

Done:

  • Made beds
  • washed dishes
  • decluttered my handbag
  • bleached kitchen sink
  • hoovered all rooms
  • put a washing load on

    Still need to mop the kitchen and bathroom floors. I've just used my laser vision eyes to look through my bleach bottle and i'm optimistically judging i have enough bleach to also do another raid on any lingering flu germs in the loos Grin Must stock up this weekend however. Gone through a bottle this week with this bug!
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needastrongone · 01/04/2016 15:03

Smile

I've just realised where you all are!! Doh...

I'll get stuck into the thread from now on.

ta da
Tidy up for cleaner.
Walk dogs x 2.
Drop car off at garage for slow puncture repair, walk a mile back, vice versa to collect.
Pick up veg from farm shop.
Take returns back to Next (I hard;y keep anything!)
Ironing.
Put shopping away.
Chickens.
Washing.

to do
Put ironing away.
Swap over washing.
Make tea.
Menu plan.
15 minute focus (might include cleaning shutters left from living room as my hall is pretty decent, as is the dining room).
Accounts for small consultancy business we have.

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MercuryRising · 01/04/2016 16:05

Waves to Blue, Grey and all the other fledglings.

I have had a productive afternoon. DS2 had a long nap, DD went out with my sister and DS1 played out so I was able to get on, which helped.

Ta da
Washing brought in off the line, folded and put away.
Airer emptied and washing put away.
Tumble drier on.
Washing up done.
Downstairs hoovered.
Living room dusted.
Mirrors cleaned.
Porch decluttered.
Shoe rack tidied.
Dining table cleared of empty easter egg boxes.

Dp has said dd can have a friend sleep over so I don't think I will be getting much more done today. We have decided to have a takeaway so at least there won't be lots of washing up😊

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knittingwithnettles · 01/04/2016 16:37

Today I have:

sent an important letter by registered post
made meatballs
taught ds2 a bit about . Napoleon's school days Confused

dh played Monopoly with the three teens for about two hours

so all in all a rather relaxing day. A certain amount of shouting from ds2, but dd spent a nice little hour with dh doing errands (she is buying her idea of a diet plan from Morrisons - tuna and grapefruit and green beans and chicken breast - does this mean I now don't have to cook so often?) and I am delighted to lure them off screens even if it just to play monopoly.

Otherwise..well cleaning lady tidied the kitchen did some (unnecessary ironing but that was all I could manage to cope with delegating), and then I sent her home, I couldn't face dealing with the rest of the house and its unending clutter/squalor.

mercury how lovely you have a new baby, congratulations, it sounds such a serene home, everything polished and a sweetly sleeping baby. Don't do too much after a C section, (it hits you about 2 months in), although I know it is a joy just to potter setting things to rights with a new baby, somehow it is right side of "nesting". I think I must have moved into the migrating stage of family life Hmm

Really suffering from total seized up skeleton feeling atm! Is this just old age or related to my cricked neck? Yesterday in pool seems to have made things worse, or else I am just detoxified!!! Dd wants to go swimming again, so I think I will try another effort in the hot spa bit.

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YesEinsteinsMumDid · 02/04/2016 01:23

Ok so it is Saturday already (just got in ooopsies) why is the weather trying sooo hard to snow?! wtf weather?!

There are no missions because it is the weekend. Yay. But it is family fun day. So go do something fun with the family. pst fat fairy is basically telling you to do something other than cleaning Saturday's daily focus info

Decluttering in the zone - you can still do this. Never really figured out whether this was continued over the weekend or not, but 15mins is totally managable so do it anyway.

And the babystep. Babystep 2 is, erm, is. Nope can't remember anymore. I think my brain is on strike. One mo. Ah yes that's right Babystep 2 is the controversial dressed to shoes Imo this means get up and ready to go out of the house up, the shoes are more figurative than literal iyswim. Basically you deserve to be sudden guest ready as much as the house. could be talking bollocks it is known to happen

And because it is gone 1am, I have been out, had a near miss with A&E and am totally ready to crash safe in the knowledge that tomo (today?) is going to hurt. The launch pad is a useful tool for getting the information on which zone we are in, missions, daily focus etc (and babysteps are right at the bottom in some writing under a dooby do bar thingy. Launch pad Cos like chances are sense has long gone.

Have a good 2nd of April folks!

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MercuryRising · 02/04/2016 03:35

Hope you are ok Einstein

Don't be fooled Knitting there are moments of serenity but having the older dc at home bickering is definitely limiting those moments this week! We are usually out and about during school holidays but the combination of a new baby and me being unable to drive at the moment has meant having to stay closer to home and them having to entertain themselves more - oh well normal service will have resumed by May half term!

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Cagliostro · 02/04/2016 08:50

Hey all :) just passing through, nothing to see here, in the Flying sense anyway! Have somewhat stalled. I made it out of the house two days in a row :o but it's caught up with me now! All I did yesterday was a bit of laundry. Am getting worried about losing momentum. But the DCs and I are staying at mum's for a couple of days (DH is doing a run for charity today and working tomorrow) so will hopefully return refreshed and ready to tackle some more next week!

Saw the rheumatologist yesterday who officially diagnosed fibromyalgia - not a big deal TBH as we pretty much knew that, and nothing changes re: treatment (or lack of!) but it's good to know I can say it without any doubt. :)

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Lucked · 02/04/2016 15:49

Working full time I don't think I will get away without doing stuff over the weekend, so I will clean the bathroom today.

I managed my 15min yesterday and cleared the dining table which included taking off the Christmas pvc table cloth Shock, in my defence it was a subtle design but still!!

Sink kinda shining ( the sink and tap are about 30 years old) and yes I got dressed but to my slippers Smile

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knittingwithnettles · 02/04/2016 20:45

today I have done

slept late
sat in garden
looked at the weeds
dropped dd to stay the night with her friend
cooked spanish omelette
wiped worktops
swept floor
put a wash in
hung a wash out
carted washing upstairs
hot shower - cricked neck still very lowering

and nothing whatsoever else, except lie down, read a book, and feel most annoyed at the untidy boys' rooms..told them so, but could not face actually tidying it for them OR forcing them to tidy it (requires enthusiasm and determination, which I seem to lack today)

Fuzz I so sorry about the Fibro, I know another ex home educating mum who has had it, and seems to have a drastic change due to diet (the old gluten dairy free theory) Einstein hope you manage next few days too

Have amused myself researching documents on SEN funding policy from DfE. My goodness the complexity of the ideas and the way they are worded really leaves you
none the wiser, unless you are a civil servant probably. Or have a masters in understanding public policy documents. Does anyone have the feeling that so much money is spent researching and coming up with consultations and yet NOthing eVER GETS DONE?? At the coal face I mean.

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BlueEyeshadow · 02/04/2016 21:32

I have spent most of today gardening and grocery shopping one way and another. Very tired and achey now.

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CotswoldStrife · 02/04/2016 23:11

Mercury congrats on the new arrival! Cagliostro sorry to hear about the Fibro diagnosis but sometimes it is helpful to know just what you are fighting (even if the treatment hasn't changed in your case).

Welcome to all the newbies - I need to read these threads with a pen and paper to take notes!

Gorgeous day weather-wise here, DD out with friends this morning and while I had a couple of hours to myself I bought a Swingball set from the chazza (charity shop). It's a good workout for my legs, bending to get the low balls that DD hits!

No progress on the house Blush and will be out for a bit tomorrow, then have to fit in DD's planned activities (which now include swingball depending on the weather) before the unwelcome announcement of 'I'm bored'. This has only started this half-term, we have a few things booked for this week to keep her happy.

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