Fledglings Fly into July!

[BlueEyeshadow]

Welcome to the July 2012 Fledgling Flyers thread. Park your mops, buckets and microfibre cloths here!!

A huge "thank you" to SanguineChompa for leading us throughout June!!

If your house is a mess and you are strugging 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 chat, support and wine along the way.

We advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated! 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 tips on restoring order to our homes, and as we are all at different stages we will be using one of the following methods:

• repeat or start baby steps

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.

All welcome!!

Apologies for starting the thread so late - it took SC lobbing the duster at me to make me remember it's July tomorrow (and I've blatantly cut and pasted her OP too)!

The first baby step is to shine your sink! See here for the Fat Fairy's tutorial...

No mission because it's Sunday. But here's the flight plan for established flyers

Today is a bit up the spout as have DD off sick. She was actually sick last night but I think it was through severe overtiredness - very late night at the zoo on Saturday and long day at Chessington with Brownies on Sunday as she is much brighter and eating well now. A day in front of the TV won't do her any harm and I'll see how much better she is later on by how much she whinges when I insist on watching the tennis :)

Ta da:

• S&S
• Wash in, hung out, brought in and hung up inside (bl**dy rain )
• Fed DD at intervals
• Buckled down and done a load of work. This is GOOD as I have been struck by CBA regarding work recently and would like to be as caught up as possible before the school holidays when things can get a bit random.

To do:

• Minutes for School assoc meeting
• Write list of what needs to be done for School Assoc re upcoming events
• Phone calls re School Assoc stuff
• Lots of filing for work - will do whilst watching tennis as can use living room floor
• Hoover stairs
• Feed DS (friend is dropping him off from school) and DH so they can go on Beavers hike :)
• List with DD as to who she wants to give presents/cards to for end of term. She is on residential trip last week of term so need stuff sorted out for Next Week - eek!
• Ironing

Thanks kiwi and carpe - Makes a change that I'm the one with a huge list

over you have 6 DC!!!! I'm, just coping with the one! Mucho respecto. Glad you had a good day and well done on the run.

carpe I also finished the day with a glass of vino in my hand - well, it was the last glass and just had to be used up before it went bad. Good idea to see GP if you're worried - you know your body better than anyone, so I always think it's good to listen to your instincts.

sanguine the first year I was living abroad my mum gave me a box of Walkers s&v as my Christmas present I tidied our downstaoirs bookshelves at the weekend and it's amazing the difference it makes. We also "minimalised our window sills/dressers as they had so much crap on them. MIL even noticed when she popped round earlier and I proudly showed her our tidied hallway

Good luck with the bedroom sanguine . One step at a time!

honu I HATE pigeons. We have 2 neighbours who keep them and the bastards are always swooping over our garden in the evening and shitting on my washing during the day.

So today...ta da...

washed 2 winter coats
white wash done and drying outside (sans pigeon poop)
sorted DSs clothes and boxed up things that are too small
made half hearted trip to shopping centre - didn't buy ANYTHING on my list
Shred and shower
washing-up
hoovered lounge

I think that my be it for today! DH is heading to dentist this aft for a filling and then we're going to say goodbye to BIL and family before they head off on holiday tomorrow.

enjoy the rest of your day everyone

This is going to be a quick one, and only one for a while I think.

Sorry I haven't been on, had a horrendous weekend. I found out why I've been getting ill all the time recently - I have an infection but they don't know where So I've been given lots of lovely tablets to make me unconscious better so not really managing much and been told to stay in bed. So no cleaning from me and the diet is going down the pan!

I hope to restart in a week or two, depending on what my test results say. Thank you everyone for being here and helping me I hope to be back really soon and good luck! I might pop in for a natter when I can.

afternoon all
carpe Hope your surviving sleep deprivation - poor you
Likeluck oh no. hope tablets help. make sure you rest
engels yep, I am truly mad enough to have had 6DC!!!
feet hope dd is feeling better (but hope she still let you watch tennis!)
honu well done with no gain! Id settle for that at the moment tbh!
whoknows hope you enjoyed shopping
sc hope your still surviving holidays!
nicknacks Im rubbish at adult films, but ok with kiddy ones!

right...have survived day so far...
work was chaos but hey ho!

Ta da:
up
6 dc up and breakfasted etc
rebooted laundry
bathroom s&S
tidied littlies room
stripped littlies beds
bedding in wash
tidied kitchen
loaded dw
hoovered bedrooms lounge and stairs
sorted dds rucksack for trip
school run - remembered photo for DS2
work
school pick up
home
snack for dc
made dinner - sausage casserole
dc now eating dinner

still need to:
re-make littlies beds
sort clean clothes
put away clean clothes
tidy kitchen
reading with dc
go to bed early - read book!

ok...must go attend to tea time LOL
BBL

Not much flying done, work of the paying kind. Back late, dh out playing hockey, managed to get dd in bed on time, fx she stays asleep tonight. Last bunch of teeth coming thru-thank the lord!
Might just manage to make some tea, then take a book to bed I think!

Night all!

Hockey Kiwi? Ball kind? or puck kind?

Unproductive day. Computer issues took over. Currently killing green chopping things on the wii with ds. well he is away this weekend so family fun day is brought forward I will just have to be uber productive at the weekend yeah it won't happen

Sorry to hear you've been so unwell LikeLuck - hope the tablets sort you out quickly.

OFM - that's quite a list!

Bitchy - quite reasonable, most people with young DCs do seem to have watched all the films. My DCs and I are resolute non film watchers though, we all prefer telly to films. We drag ourselves to the cinema about twice a year and rarely watch them at home (probably also twice a year). With the notable exception of Horrid Henry the Movie which they love and I quite like too. No one has twigged have they?

I got lots of shopping done, all the odds and ends that you can't get locally, took hours, and I'm tired out, plus all the regular Tuesday activities, which start winding down for the term now. Not much actual Flying though.

OFM glad trip with ds2 was so reviving, this morning you sounded like a whirlwind, I don't think I have ever turned the hoover on before 10am

I have been Running today, with ds2, great fun, twice round the park we managed...I'm getting better at it, must be the tennis shoes..

SC my boudoir had a brief interlude as a haven but is back to being a dumping ground...why does that happen I wonder? Hope you managed the first of the 42 (was it?) steps.

Whoknows I forgot to comment on the torch bearing, that sounded so great, truly a day to remember for dcs, and worth travelling up for.

Like hope they find source of infection soon.

Ds2 has been at home today, not because he was ill but refuseniking again, and I had to take him to my pyschiatrist's appt, which all worked out amazingly well (I think ds2 must be my lucky mascot to ward off evil spirits - and I had a good day with some resolution in that quarter, plus some new pills

Have been cooking like crazy since going on this diet, it seems to be as good a way to pass those idle moments when I fancy a biscuit as any other.
Last night Dad came to supper, and I cooked a tasty casserole, and some delightful fudgey banana pudding, all most unlike me.
That went well too.

waves to all, sorry can't remember anything else
Ellie hope you are alright.

x-posted with Swan - the torch bearing was good, I'm glad we went. We also found that if you go to the coverage of it on the BBC website and find the right day and time on the video you can see DD very clearly sitting on her Dad's shoulders waving her Union flag, awww. Sounds as though you had a good day with DS2, well done on the running!

Good evening!

Thanks for concern SC and others. Still not feeling great, but not too bad either so just got to plod on. Hey ho.

Welcome to the madhouse thread Chuckeyegg Some good advice already given about getting started with the ways of the FlyLady.

Glad the pigeons have quietened down, Honu!

Hope your DD is feeling better feet - what did she make of the tennis?

That doesn?t sound much fun LLL - hope they can figure out what?s wrong soon and that the tablets help.

Re Ice Age - I?ve never liked those as much as some of the current kids? films. I?m not much of a film buff either - never seem to have the mental stamina for a film, much to DH?s frustration?

Well done on the running Swan - cooking as a way to beat snacking would never work for me - way too much temptation to nibble, lick spoons etc!

*
Links:
Babystep 4 is the beginnings of the control journal. Personally I?d rather not have post-its all over to the house, but each to their own!

Tomorrow is anti-procrastination day - a day for doing the things you put off. I try to use it to get the filing done, though it doesn?t often always work. The mission is to tackle spots on the walls and windows in the dining room. Flight Plan is here?
*

The mission is further proof of the Fat Fairy?s all-seeing eye as we have all kinds of mysterious wall spots at the moment! Tomorrow is my house bleugh day, so we?ll see what else gets done.

Big waves to all, especially anyone I missed out above! Night?

Sounds not. Been continue to kill chopping things after ds went to bed so have have a totally unproductive day and won't even get an early night.

So the plan for tomo
make ds' lunch
ds up and to school on time
brain functioning
Laundry
tackle my room
or sewing
or something.

Know what. Actually I am going to see what happens with the day as tbh. It won't be what i think it will be tonight.

Am not getting time to get on here at the moment and CHAOS is creeping back . My kitchen looks in need of a good clearout - where does all the STUFF come from?

Have been visiting schools for DS2, but none of the alternatives appeal. Booked him in for a taster morning at one, but when I picked him up with his best friend and heard them chatting happily all the way home, I realised that he is actually fine and he is likely to be fine with the teacher next year too. It is me who has issues with her, not him. So I will probably leave him where he is. I think I just needed to feel I had options.

What have I done today?

Cobbled together packed lunch (had run out of everything)
School run (late )
Home to check that DS1 was doing his online lesson
Made b/fast for DS1
Unloaded and reloaded d/w
Wiped kitchen surfaces (those that I could see)
Visit to prospective school
Walked home
B/fast
Emptied kitchen bin
Swished and swiped in bathroom
Replaced bathroom towel
Helped DS1 with homework
Loooong chat with friend who came round for tea
Set DS1 up on his next online lesson
Phone call with LEA ed dept because DS1 misbehaving in online lesson again
Ocado delivery
Cleared out-of-date stuff from fridge
Wiped fridge shelves
Put Ocado shopping away
Pointedly ignored overflowing ironing basket
School run
Brought DS2 and his friend back home for tea
Checked and answered emails
Made dinner
DS2's friend went home
Took delivery of new laundry basket for bedroom - whoohoo
Bath
Hairwash - new system working and no screaming so far
Bedtimes

MN at last

I feel as if I need a day to tackle the house, but the motivation has left me. It's so boring. Doing 15 minutes a room helps break up the monotony.

Will try to do better tomorrow.

Night all.

morning all
toffee school decisions are so hard arent they. Do youhave issues with this teacher because of DS1? I have found that what works well for one doesnt for another and vice versa, so ds2 may be just fine with her.

swan dinner with your dad sounds nice. I actualy lthink I do most of my FLYing before 8.30 am!

bitchy hope day is pleasently surprising

eye-shadow thanks for links

right....drum roll.....I have actually plucked up courage and weighed myself....(sob!)
I am 1stone 1 pound heavier than when I reached my goal weight 4 months ago...sob,sob,sob!
So I now weigh in at 10stone 1 pound. However I am going to use this to motivate me. I will NOT be beaten. Have had healthy breakfast and am running tonight. I will be weighing weekly and watching those pounds come flying off (optomisitic!) Let the battle of the body clutter commence!

ok...back to morning routines and chaos...
BBL

oh dear, this morning the NHS family therapy lady is coming to visit (a year after I first contacted the dept that's how long it has taken to access
I'm torn between letting house reveal the true state of affairs and making an effort to throw things in cupboards

I suppose I had better get dressed...that would be good...

All three children went to school this morning, ds2 nearly had another last minute cliffhanger refusenik scene because there was hole in his trouser gusset and we wanted him to change them...but luckily dh managed to get him into a new pair just in the nick of time before the tantrum/parental panic set in..

Right, just take those clothes upstairs and hide them, and shut kitchen door firmly, find a clean cup for lady and some milk that is not sour. Deep breath

Toffee I think you are making right decision, to stay atm. I remember with Secondary School applications how long it took me to come back to the beginning again, but feeling like I had explored every avenue was necessary and therapeutic. Hope today the worst of the housework boredom/dragon is vanquished by yesterday's efforts, food in the cupboards being a big plus!

I just asked children what they thought would improve life in this house, and dd said More Friends Round. Ds2 said Go To Park More, but as that sllghtly contradicts itself

Dh is of course refusing to have any truck with the family therapist. For now.

Good luck Swan.

Pass coffee...
Am going to say fuck off to the house work and go find my favourite place and then attempted to get everything done that I should have done monday but wasn't in the right town to do.
feel pretty rough and can't figure out if it is because I am actually ill or just been burning the candles all ends and the middle and I am wore out.

carpe hope you have a better day today.

hope all plagued by teething woes have less issues today.

Right off to play with some knives

So I logged back on to mumsnet last night with the sole intention of catching up and posting ta da and I was distracted by the spy hole thread so just a list for now and I'll catch up tonight!

My new mindees were supposed to come sign contracts and permissions today, I got all my paperwork ready and they text late last night saying they've changed their mind and their children are too young for childcare so they are going to hold off what a waste of time!

To do;
Wash kitchen floor
Shower the dog (after his walk)
Take DD to feed ducks (take dog too)
Kitchen hotspot
Put DD laundry away
Routines
Shred- must get back doing this
Clean kitchen window
Cut grass if it dries out enough
school run
Tidy up after DD and this afternoons mindees as and when needed

BBL!

Hi everyone,
Sorry I've not been posting for a bit -RL got a bit complicated (have a thread in employment issues) but I have been doing a bit of flying on my own. Spent the weekend decluttering DS's bedrooms and they now have tidy, clean, organised bedrooms and can actually find and play with their toys. Have also sorted out my clothes and the 'cupboard of doom' in the lounge

MFP has also gone by the wayside - comfort eating - although plan to get back on it tomorrow. Since the declutter I now have a very meagre wardrobe of clothes that fit, a big bag for the loft labelled 'Super skinnies' and an even bigger bag of stuff for the charity shop of clothes that made me look like my mother

Will catch up on the thread later but to ellie

Ta da's
Made beds
Loaded washing machine
Loaded dishwasher
Fed dog

To do's
Clean bathrooms
Dry washing, iron and put away
Go to sport's day Cancelled - bloomin' rain
Beaver run
Cook supper - chicken curry
Sweep hard floors

oh Lauren I am so sorry, that must be infuriating. Still, when kids older, perhaps they will still have you at the back of their mind. Better they should decide now, rather than get cold feet in middle.

Maggie the bedrooms are a pickme up aren't they. I was discussing tidying children's bedroom (dd in particular) with family therapist - made for very interesting "task" in next two weeks. Tidying dd bedroom With Her, With Her permission, and With Her involvement, When She decides. A difficult task indeed But dd is 10 so I think this is quite an important thing to sort out, or I can forsee "teenage bedroom rage" setting in. Also in our house it is part of dd playing in her bedroom with her friends/getting ready in morning without stress/self esteem (needing bedroom to be tidy, finding clean clothes, finding stuff when she wants it, bedroom haven etc) so I think to leave it as a pigsty doesn't really help, nor to tidy up after her all the time.

So todo
I am going to connect radio in kitchen and do loads and loads of ironing till lunch, as a therapeutic activity - all the washing is lovely and dampish, and there is so much of it draped over bannisters that it is perfect opportunity to iron, fold and put away.

done
washing up in sink
breakfast table
general kitchen tidy
date in diary

Life in the way of posting. Hopefully BBL to catch up and post properly, but didn't want to lose thread!

Maggie I have a bag in the loft from at least 14 years ago marked
"Very Nice Clothes Size 12". I have given up worrying about them, as it is clear that amazonian dd will very soon fit into them (she is already Ladies size 8, and shooting up heightwise)

OFM I forgot to say, such is life that 10.5 stone would be my perfect, dreamed for weight, although I am very tall at 5ft 10in. I am aiming for 11 stone/71 kg as my" good enough" weight, the weight I was in my twenties to thirties.

List update:
washed kitchen floor
took dd and dog to feed ducks
put my laundry on to wash
kitchen hotspot
Wash kitchen window
Shred
School run
Tidy up after DD and mindees- no mess as yet as we have been out- this will change
Tonight I need to do more paper work
Put DD laundry away
Try to put new wall art sticker thing on wall

BBL

Morning all.

I'm still feeling yuk today, so don't expect much flying although have managed a little exercise. Will be a very quiet Wimbledonny sort of day.

How frustrating Lauren!

Waves back to Maggie - well done on the declutter. :)

anyone?

That was a massive x-post as forgot to actually press the "post message" button!

Waves to swan as well. I don't remember the last time I fitted into any clothes smaller than a 14 - must have been early teens.

Yay! Done half the ironing. Not going to get sidetracked.
also ensuite loo and basin upstairs

knot of anxiety remains though, hope I can defeat it today! More running methinks, and more productive tidying.

Blue sorry you are feeling yuk, and I like the Wimbledonny atmosphere as long as I don't have to be on Centre Court. [admires gentle drizzle, very calming - and strawberries in plastic cups with long life cream)

Dd has a impromptu school concert tonight; she has baffled me by entering herself playing a Grade 1 piece Vampire Blues. She only started piano two terms ago, it is amazing how she has taken to it and clearly likes tinkling away I feel very proud that she just likes it, and it gives her satisfaction; I can now see how different that is from wanting your child to do well just for your own pride.