February Fledglings FLYing High

[BlueEyeshadow]

Welcome to the February Fledgling FLYers thread

... where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of and chatting along the way.

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

At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling we get when we are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once.

To avoid being inundated with details, we advise not signing up to the Big Tent

We are in the process of 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 mins 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.]

Flylady site here

Don't worry if you are behind; just jump right back in and it will all come around next month again anyway!

All the links for the babysteps and missions will be posted here every day and we'll all be here to cheer each other on.

to SC for leading us through January and for the brilliant OP I've just cut and pasted .

So come along in and park your dusters ready for Feb!

Hello everyone,

I fell off the Flywagon... But I'm hauling myself back on. I'm about to dash to the supermarket so can't catch up with everybody at the moment but I will do later. (Get the general impression people are doing very well.... I can't believe that I've not been working for a month and I still haven't made much headway on the clutter...)

Ok, so, so far list is:

Ta da
Children, up, dressed, kit together for Forest School
School run
Jogging for 35 minutes non-stop! (quite pleased with that one)
Shower AND hair wash AND dry (pleased with the drying bit - rarely happens)
Tidy kitchen
Tidy playroom (aimed to have 15 minute start on de-clutter but needed tidying first...)
Washing folded
Another wash on
Litter train cleaned out

Sink not being shined... Cleaner coming today!

To do
Supermarket dash
Collect children
Hot spot
Admin jobs to keep DH happy (while children have 20 minute unwind in front of Cbeebeesitter)
Washing put away
Washing hang up
Put clothes out for DCs and me
Cook supper for DCs
Cook supper for me and DH
Tidy kitchen
Shine sink

Where does the time go!? I swear I don't sit around all day drinking tea and have only met up for coffee twice in 4 weeks! Must. get. hugely. more. efficient. Seem to be dashing around just to maintain status quo...!

Hi. I'm still here just had a busy few days. Still keeping on top of things and routines. Did yesterday's mission but not 15 min zone work. Planning on that todaythough. Might clean out the cutlery drawer.
Hope everyone's Ok. Will bbl to catch up

OMG. Just had the biggest fright, I'll tell you what, I'm gonna kill my Grandad myself!
I get a call from my cousin saying that Grandad's neighbour called him to say she hasn't seen GD since Saturday, his lights have been off, no answer on the phone or door.
My cousin lives a long way away (but I'm in London and GD is Essex), so called to say he's asked the police to go round.
I'm sitting here thinking the worst, cousin asked me to tell my mum (is maternal GD), but I called my dad (they are separated but close) coz he'd know what to do. He's had a word with my mum and told her it doesn't look good. No one drives, so can't just get over there quick, and even if could, then what?
Police and ambulance break in to GD's. He's not there.
Turns up half hour later wanting to know what all these people are doing in his house!
Policeman said he is certainly a character!

Thank God he's ok. I've not seen him in 4 years. Think I'm going to need to make more of an effort before he actually does go.

Oh god Silvery I bet you were a wreck. So pleased he's alright. It's nice that his neighbour is keeping an eye for him.

Quick update
Dd to school
Windows
S&S
Beds
Change DD's bedding
Put laundry on x2
Put away dry clothing
Completed 2 applications
Filled bird feeders
Washed up
Lunch
Cuddled cat
Collect Dd
Point her in direction of homework -not done, she's a bit under the weather and very tired
Dinner (easy, baked potatoes & I made coleslaw yesterday)
Wash up, SS, clean sides
Ironing
Almost completed 2 sleeves to DD's latest jumper.

And finally mopped up bathroom, Dd has been doing natural disasters at school and it looks like she's tried to recreate a tsunami! Hopefully got it all, before it started running down downstairs walls.

I know Im always popping in quickly, but Im having to do it again. Perhaps I should put read thread on my list

tada

• Turn on Washing Machine
• make beds
• 2nd load
• Dry Laundry
• Put laundry away
• Wash up 3X
• Shine Sink
• Tidy up room after DCs are in bed
• Get tomorrows clothes ready
• tomorrow's list
• Fill out form for voluntary work
• Fill Washing machine ready for Wed
• Kitchen tops and a cupboard

tomorrow's list

• make beds
• Turn on washing machine
• Dry laundry
• put laundry away
• fill washing machine for Thurs
• Wash up 3X
• Shine Sink
• Cupboard room rescue
• read thread so I can update on everyone
• Thurs list
• Tidy up front room after DCs are in bed
• Get tomorrow's clothes ready
• go to skip

See ya tomorrow.

[Waves from saggy armchair in naughty corner]

A swimming through treacle sort of day. I have done absolutely naff all tbh aside from most basic of routines. DD was still at home ill - but not ill enough to not need entertaining ifyswim - she's back at school tomorrow. Playmobil all over dining room table put an end to my crafting ambitions and didn't have energy to protest. Should have Flown, cooked or done something productive but er, didn't ....so only have myself to blame.

Realised I am absolutely desperate for some time alone but school half day tomorrow, followed by Thurs/Fri then half term ....gaaaaahhhh!

Anyway, enough of my constant whinging...!!

Silvery glad your grandfather is OK ... you must have been v. worried

Just so sorry you are still in such pain and so restricted in your movements - must be so frustrating for you - hope you feel better soon And hope you are able to get the proper medical support you deserve too.

Hope you survived your long day at school and start to feel better soon Ellie

Toffee sorry your ds2 is finding it such tough going at school

Right, if I can get off my can't-be-arse-(d!) I'm going to force myself to shine sink, then for a bit of therapeutic bunny brushing ...

Feetheart arf at apple tree fleece retrieval

Big wing flaps to everyone else!!!

Sorry only had time to do a quick scan - Toffee I'd be hugely concerned re: DS's school and you don't sound like an over fussy parent. Silver yikes about your grandad but massive relief that he's ok.

Quick list dump...
ta da
Morning routine
Work - blah blah
Washed floors downstairs and in bathrooms
Cleaned one bathroom
Took DD to/from Brownies
Learned how to download stuff onto Kindle
bins/ kitchen / shone my sink
Got DD's bag ready for tomorrow's school trip
Now off to bed at a vaguely decent hour -

Hope all are well.

Good evening!

I?ve done very little flying today, but have managed some work and am feeling marginally less grotty which is a bonus.

One ta da! though ? put up some more hooks in the understairs cupboard so boys can reach their own aprons and got somewhere for the dustpan.

Just - hope today has been better.

Ellie - likewise, and that the options evening went well.

Bitchy - hope being snowed in means you?ve taken it easy!

Lileth - glad the volunteering interview/chat went well.

Toffee - sorry to hear DS2 is having a hard time at school. Hope you can manage to talk to the teacher.

Feet - at fleece-retrieval!

Jdub - Whoop! Well done on clearing paper clutter

Going - well done on doing stuff too. :)

Beginner - it is indeed a mystery where the time goes. Sounds like you?re doing pretty well to me, though.

Silvery - so pleased everything?s OK, must have been such a worry!

SC - hope the treacle has receded now. Ill-but-not-that-ill kids are the worst, IMHO, which is why I pack them off to school if I possibly can. [mean mummy]

Anyway, here come tomorrow?s links:

Babystep 6 is all about hotspots and putting out thereof ? very important.

Wednesday is anti-procrastination day which means doing the things you?ve been putting off.

Mission is scrubbing the taps.

I have a list as long as my arm of things I?ve been procrastinating over, but not prepared to bet that any of them will have been done tomorrow evening either. Sigh.

Big waves to all ? I really am going to get an early night tonight!

Thanks for links Blue And sorry - I somehow missed yesterday that you were feeling ill - glad you are on the mend now though!!

Silvery - that must have been such a scare for you all, but it did make me giggle to think of your GD turning up, demanding what everyone was doing in his house! I think you're right - you need to go and see him.

Thanks for reassuring words about DS2 and school. It's so hard to know when it's right to make a fuss. I will certainly raise the matter with the teacher at the parents' evening, although I'm not sure how much good that will do. Also, DH and I have booked ourselves in to an open day at another local school on Friday.

DS2 didn't see his teacher today (another supply teacher this morning, then a PE teacher this afternoon), but he seemed stoic about it and we had a lovely time making apple muffins together when he got home.

Downstairs is looking surprisingly tidy at the moment. Not quite sure how that happened . Will try and keep it this way for as long as possible .

Night all.

Blue I hope you're feeling better today, I think putting up hooks yesterday sounds like a major achievement. (Thats the sort of thing I procrastinate over!)
Toffee I do hope DS has a better day at school. Is it worth flagging this constant use of supply teachers to the authorities.? Good idea to look at another school.
Today is Anti procrastination day - which has become my favourite day because I feel SO happy when I get to cross off things on my anti procrastination list. (I procrastinate so much I even have a special list for today!!) My big thing today is returning an electric guitar and speakers to my work colleague who lent them to me 18 months ago- this declutters the attic!. I started learning but gave up.

Have a good day everyone.

Day will need to be rearranged as I have DS home with headache, cold, generally feeling grotty. He is currently back in his beloved onesie, curled up on sofa and has found Africa Cup of Nations to watch.

Toffee - I will PM you about our experience with DD and school as I may go on a bit have a lot to say.

Silvery - hope you have recovered from events with your Grandad (bet you haven't though!) Hope he didn't give emergency services too much of a hard time :)

Quick, revised list:

• Posters for School Assoc events - done
• Tickets created for School Assoc disco - done
• DH, DD up and out - done
• Washing on - done
• S&S - done
• DS ministered to - done for the moment
• Work - in fits and starts I feel
• Missions
• Read 'How to Train Your Dragon' book to DS - Toffee has your DS found those ones - we all love them. There is a lot of David Walliams/Dragon book swapping going on between all four of us at the moment :)
• Sweep and mop kitchen floor
• Clear out at least one kitchen cupboard
• Various anti-procrastinating jobs instead of concentrated working day

Should be back later.
have a good day everyone.

Feet - DS1 absolutely loves those Dragon books! I have just ordered him the last two, as he forgot about them for a bit. You are right - I must pass them on to DS2 as well. We are a bit stuck now he's finished the Walliams ones and, if I'm not careful, he'll go back to 'Horrid Henry' (have had enough Horrid Henry to last me a lifetime). Thanks for saying you'll PM me.

CuddledUp - the teacher was back today, but I think I should start making notes on how often supply teachers or other teachers at the school are teaching her class, so I get an accurate picture. Am not planning to take it any further at the moment.

Thanks for reminding me it's anti-procrastination day. I really need one of those - I have so many things I have shelved because they are boring/too much effort. Have made a list and will try to get some done today.

Blue - hope you are on the mend.
Just - you too.
Trazzle - thinking of you and Joe as he starts chemo.

So far today...

Up and dressed on time
Before-school routine
Put washing on
School run
Shop
Breakfasts for me and DS1
Swish and swipe

To do :
Home ed till lunchtime
Tackle things on anti-procrastination list
Deal with washing
Prepare house for cleaner tomorrow
Lunch
What's for dinner? Make something up out of what's in freezer/cupboards

Ds is refusing school. Massive temper here this morning. Got to bottom of it. He is currently in the bath calming down. He will be back at school tomo and there will be a letter novel going into school.

Morning all

Done
Dd to school
Beds
Windows
S&S
Litter tray
Washing up
5 min tidy in DD's bedroom
Ironing

Currently sewing together DD's jumper as the the sun is shining and the light is perfect

To do
Bins & recycling out
Dry washing away
Sign on still no news on last's weeks interview, so I guess I wasn't successful
Dinner
Wash up, scrub taps & SS

Argh - DS has started to watch the BBC Olympic DVDs we got for Christmas - I have already cried once and we are only 10mins into the Opening Ceremony

It is going to be a very very very very long day! Ds is throwing another temper.

Some days counting to ten just isn't enough!

Not doing too well today. My temperature has gone right up & I've just had DS2 delivered back from the childminder with a high temp, crying wanting to sleep. Now got to decide what to do about DS1, whether CM will bring him back here after school or if someone's got to get him at the normal time.

So sorry for all of you having stressful days .

Blue - do you want me to take over the thread for a bit till you and your DS feel better?

Thanks, Toffee - that would be great. DS2 is currently asleep on the sitting room floor having refused to go to bed. :(

Oh dear, you poor thing, Blue. I'm very happy to take over for now. I hope you and DS2 get well soon.

I've got a job!!!!

Doesn't start till Easter, and not got all the details yet, but be nice not to sign on.

Congratulations Goth!!!

Right I have just put foot down and will be pulling ds out of swimming. I am fed up of the battles. There are some that are worth fighting and some that just aren't. The battle to get him in school is far more important right now.

Evening

tada

• make beds
• Turn on washing machine
• Dry laundry
• put laundry away
• fill washing machine for Thurs
• Wash up 3X
• Shine Sink
• read thread so I can update on everyone
• Thurs list
• Tidy up front room after DCs are in bed
• Get tomorrow's clothes ready
• go to skip

tomorrow's list

• make beds
• Turn on washing machine
• Dry laundry
• put laundry away
• fill washing machine for Fri
• Wash up 3X
• Shine Sink
• Fri list
• Tidy up front room after DCs are in bed
• Get tomorrow's clothes ready
• go to AAT course.
• Ring airline with a quick question about payments.

So I was on the phone to my parents today and we were talking about a family we know. Like my parents this couple go on holiday the same time of year each year (its actually how they know each other as its the same destination). My mum told me today that they might not be going at the same time this year as their DD2 is pregnant with her first child and its due the same time they go away. Fair enough none of that bothers me, but what did is the way my mum told me as though she was mocking this couple for even thinking that. What also annoyed me was that my DC3 was due at the same time and it never even occured to my parents to even think about going at a different time of year. That on its own didn't bother me, but Im just bothered why my mum seems to think its such a bad thing to do something a little different due to some such occurance. No wonder Im not close to them. Then again they (especially my mum) are very much the type who is happy to do you a favour as long as it is on their terms. Also if they want a favour it still has to be on their terms. Anyway rant over.

sorry to hear that there have been some trying times for people on here.
Toffee Good idea about looking round another school. Hope something gets sorted soon.
Bitchy Well today is nearly over, hope tomorrow is a better one for you. Get your feet up
Feet Hope your DS gets better soon
Blue Hope you get better soon.

There must be something in the air. Ive had a bit of a deflation day regarding a couple of things. Ive done my normal daily things, but nothing extra (apart from the skip, but that wasn't something I could avoid). Im feeling a bit umph due to lack of exercise and lack of will power to eat sensibly. I need to get back into a routine, but right now I just CBA. Maybe when the weather gets a bit nicer I might get the bug again (well i certainly hope so)

Yey Goth Congratulations. Easter will soon be here.

Waaaaaaaaaaah. Have smashed my iphone screen and bearing in mind i love my iphone a little more than DH this is a bad day.

goth yay Well Done!

blue hope you're all feeling better soon.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh.