Signet i will do my best to give you a rough guide to CM and all that jazz!!
After AF has departed, you should be relatively dry up there, this will soon start to change and your CM will start to become sticky and will break easily if you try and stretch it. The next CM stage is creamy, again this will not stretch too much. These stages should take you up to the coveted fertile CM, which can be watery or EWCM (called so because it should resemble eggwhites) - the EWCM is like the holy grail of CM!! SWI should definitely be had when your CM turns watery - as this is the start of your most fertile period (usually around 3-4 days of your cycle). Once ov has taken place, your CM will start to dry up again until your next AF is due.
The best way to check your CM is to insert your middle finger into your hoo-ha and have a good rummage (you can also check your CP at the same time) and then exam the contents when your finger is removed. I know i don't need to say this but make sure you have thoroughly cleaned your hands before to prevent infection!!!! The best position I have found to do this is whilst on the toilet, but you can squat or stick one leg on the bath! Whatever is easiest!! If you are uncomfortable checking this way, then a you can use a piece of tissue to wipe the vulva and see what's happening on there (best done following a bowel movement to ensure that you get a good sample - or you could try doing those exercises, the ones you do when you want to hold your pee mid stream!!).
If you are considering checking your CP as a fertile sign, then the things to look out for are position, texture and opening. When the cervix is , soft (like your lips), high (can barely reach it) open (will feel like a slit) and wet (says it all) then you are about to ov. When it returns to a low (easily reached), firm (like the tip of your nose) and closed (like a little bump) position you are no longer in your fertile period.
With regards to temping, you are checking your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) which is the bodies resting temperature. This should be taken at the same time every morning before you do anything, and I mean anything - don't get up, don't have a drink, don't go to the loo - literally grab your thermometer from the bedside table, stick it in your mouth (or your hoo-ha if that's your thing) and after x amount of seconds, take the reading (some BBT thermometers will beep when done, mine doesn't so I have to count). BBT also needs to be taken after at least 3 hours sleep and things like heavy drinking the night before will lead to an inaccurate temp. BBT is good for identifying when you have ov'd - but it can only tell you after ov has happened so not useful for determining fertile periods - FF is good as after you have recorded 3 high temps it will indicate the day you ov. It is also useful in the 2ww as temps need to remain biphasic and if pg go triphasic.
Erm.....i think i have rambled on enough, i hope this helps a little but if i have missed anything please ask!!! 