August is when the fledglings party, and perhaps do a bit of flying, maybe.

[BitchytheGreat]

Roll up, roll up to this special birthday month for the fledglings...

We are going to attempt to keep the dc happy, whilst flying. No mean feat in the month of holidays and adventures.

Rule 1. yes even in a birthday month we have rules
It is not about perfection. A little is enough, no really.
Rule 2.
You are aloud to spend time doing fun things, don't regret them or feel guilty.
Rule 3. This one is a fat fairy rule.
you are never behind, jump in where you are

So newbies if you are reading this you are probably thinking wtf?! This is a wonderful system designed by the fly lady. in days gone olde one fledgling had a dream about the fly lady in which she was a fat fairy, thus the thread nickname fat fairy was born. Just so we don't confuse you like
Anyhows, this month it is Bitchy's turn to lead, and perhaps this should come with a warning. She has her own unique style of leading but don't let that scare you off, the fledglings are luffsly and generally far more sane then the bitchy one just be aware of bitchy's special brew. Terribly high in caffine and can sometimes be found in the naughty corner. Which reminds me, the naughty corner if for those who are struggling for whatever reason or those just in need of a stiff drink.

So this flying thing. It has three stages:
stage one: the babysteps. these build a routine. some of them are contriversial, and some a little wishy washy seem a little less significant. But most are really good.
Stage two: babysteps and missions one the routines are in place the missions are designed to help you tackle tasks room by room. These room by room approach is helpfully referred to as zones.
stage three: the mythical deep cleaning stage yeah lets just ignore that, none of us have got to the point where we have not only decluttered but got in control of the chaos

Oh yeah CHAOS - what the fat fairy calls "Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome"

That clear as mud? good. Let's Begin....

Glad you had such a lovely time on the work trip, saturn. Enjoy your lunch out today.

Engels - I'm so sorry your MIL said such a hurtful thing. I have experienced the same thing with relatives in public - it is incredibly upsetting. I remember turning up at a family party once, having made a big effort to look nice, and two family members went on and on about how thin I was in front of everyone (that was in my skinny days - long gone!). I was mortified and it really embarrassed me and knocked my confidence. No idea why people do it unless it is to put you in your place because they feel threatened for some reason.

Any chance your MIL is jealous or envious of you? Maybe she noticed how nice you were looking and had to put you down to boost her own self esteem. But I may be projecting, as you say it is probably just her being thoughtless.

Had a lovely evening out with friends last night and we are going out to a family party today. Must stop MN-ing and start getting ready. The older I get, the longer it takes!

Hope you all have a good 'renewing your spirit' day .

Thanks Toffee, enjoy your family party today

Glad you had a nice evening out with friends last night.

Engels - obviously don't know your mil, but I agree with Toffee - she may just be thoughtless, but people tend to say hurtful things to make them feel better about themselves. If you think of it like that, it's actually a compliment that you looked so nice she felt the need to be hurtful to make herself feel better

Well I've done 45 minutes in DDs room, a hot spot and e-mails. Taking my 15 minute break, but actually 20 minutes now...so will have to carry on now...

I'm really not sure why she says these things toffee. She would never ask her other DIL (BIL's wife) if she had eaten something which had made her overweight! I think I will sit down with her next week and let her know explicitly that when she asks something like that it is hurtful, makes me feel unattractive and insecure (especially since I don't even have bad skin at the moment!).

Sometimes she just doesn't think before she speaks. When we started talking about bringing DS up bilingually she asked why we would bother as we only go to England/see my parents a few times a year I think she realised in hindsight that this was a bti of a daft comment (and I know that she now has something to lord over her older sister that HER grandchild is being brought up speaking 2 languages - her older sister is very competitive and likes to boast about how clever her grandhcildren are all the time, how DH and I must speak Dutch, how running is bad for me blah blah blah).

Anyway, sun is gone here. Rain all round so a bit cooler as well. Have lots ot get on with (I know I should be renewing my spirit...I'll come to that later!).

Ta da
Sit down brekkie of scrambled egg on toast for us all (a rare occurrence in our house!)
1 load washing out td, folded and upstairs
1 load washing in td

To do
Hand wash that has been laying around for ages
Plan lessons for next week while DS is sleeping this afternoon
15 mins on each of hot spots (bedside table/floor, kitchen, dining table)
Hoover
Skype DM (waiting for her now)
polish shoes

saturn I was planning on a 15 break and MN is taking over so I really should set the timer and get craking!

Well I can safely declare you all SHIT

Babystep link is broken. Did any of you ACUTALLY click on the link? or are you like me muddling through without the nagging?

Actual link www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-18/

No but I enjoyed the rhythmic gymnastics

Right today is going to be a massive get done and sorted in the name of spirit renew day. My room is really starting to annoy me now! So that is my focus.

ta da
lie in until 11:30am
my bedding into wash
take table cloth off dining table
put sewing machine on table
move coffee table to its normal live position
eat cake for breakfast
play hunt the shampoo
shower to soak the hair spray that was put on it for going out last night
figure out how to organise my notice board so that i know what the master plan is at all times
physio exercise x1
discover now that i have lost some more weight that now i need to start some more toning exercises.
water plants
fold a load of washing
put my clothes away
tip sock pile onto bed with every intention of dealing with
fold socks - removing odd pair of obviously dead and deciding black socks with coloured heels and toes leads to muddy colours
contimplate throwing the remaining odd socks
wonder while there is a whole heap of odd gloves in with the odd socks

I'm with you on the boudoir sorting ¨Bitchy - good luck with your lsit

Welcome back Saturn and enjoy your lunch

Enjoy your family party Toffee

at your mil's comment on bilingualism Engels

Having very quiet day here. DD trying out new bike ...dh resting ... I'm tottering about ...

Big wing flaps to all!

Afternoon,

Engels that's awful! If she does it agin, maybe you should channel MN and say "Do you mean to be so rude?"

On a roll today, done Sunday Lunch at lunchtime! So now have the afternoon free (ish)

Done
Morning routines
Laundry out
2nd load in
Defrosted freezer & 'sorted drawers'
Made a list of what we now need to fill freezer
Made lunch
Washing up
Laundry in

Now relaxing with , and considering hanging put 2nd load laundry, as we've just had a heavy shower, but the sun is shining now.

Afternoon all. Back from holiday. Had the most lovely week. Weather was kind to us and wall to wall family fun. Sounds cheesy but we are so busy normally that it was so nice to be away from it all and connect as a family, properly.

Ta da:-
Unpacked car
Unpacked everything bar suitcase which is full of laundry
Started washing
Cleaned car out

To do:-
Food shop
Dsis's for pre birthday party for DS (it's his 10th on Thursday but she will be away)
collapse and spend the evening wishing I was back on holiday
Avoid the scales like the plague...they are staring at me in a 'i dare you,' kind of way but i don't dare...yet.

Will try and catch up later. Going to get some food in.

I only ever seem to be flying through atm

ta da
lie in until 11:30am
my bedding into wash
take table cloth off dining table
put sewing machine on table
move coffee table to its normal live position
eat for breakfast
play hunt the shampoo
shower to soak the hair spray that was put on it for going out last night
figure out how to organise my notice board so that i know what the master plan is at all times
physio exercise x1
discover now that i have lost some more weight that now i need to start some more toning exercises.
water plants
fold a load of washing
put my clothes away
tip sock pile onto bed with every intention of dealing with
fold socks - removing odd pair of obviously dead and deciding black socks with coloured heels and toes leads to muddy colours
contimplate throwing the remaining odd socks
wonder while there is a whole heap of odd gloves in with the odd socks
speak nicely to my favourite hair dressor dmum and get my hair cut
put loo cleaner into loo
put laundry baskets back where they live in bathroom
eat more
collect washing up for where it has been abandoned
realise that the furniture that has been in use since i was a kid is finally starting to give up the ghost.
take bed apart to retrieve glasses
rebuild bed
evict stuff that is ds' and should be in his room
get pissed off with the layour of the room and the complete lack of sufficent space for storage.
Decide on a solution but realise it is going to result in the disassembling of the bed again :(
make brian hurt trying to figure out how to get furniture to fit room in less frustraiting manner and give up to deal with the mess first!

That made me chuckle bitchy!!! Hope you didn't hurt Brian too much!

Can I hand in a sick note???

Had a stupid accident and now I can't move! Tripped up a kerb, fell into a wall and have done something to my back. - I was on the way to clean out the rabbits while the sun was shining. I am lying still and hoping its just shock and nothing that is going to have me incapacitated for any longer than a few hours very long. - I am the most impatient patient ever!!

Yet another ta da list

ta da
lie in until 11:30am
my bedding into wash
take table cloth off dining table
put sewing machine on table
move coffee table to its normal live position
eat for breakfast
play hunt the shampoo
shower to soak the hair spray that was put on it for going out last night
figure out how to organise my notice board so that i know what the master plan is at all times
physio exercise x1
discover now that i have lost some more weight that now i need to start some more toning exercises.
water plants
fold a load of washing
put my clothes away
tip sock pile onto bed with every intention of dealing with
fold socks - removing odd pair of obviously dead and deciding black socks with coloured heels and toes leads to muddy colours
contimplate throwing the remaining odd socks
wonder while there is a whole heap of odd gloves in with the odd socks
speak nicely to my favourite hair dressor dmum and get my hair cut
put loo cleaner into loo
put laundry baskets back where they live in bathroom
eat more
collect washing up for where it has been abandoned
realise that the furniture that has been in use since i was a kid is finally starting to give up the ghost.
take bed apart to retrieve glasses
rebuild bed
evict stuff that is ds' and should be in his room
get pissed off with the layour of the room and the complete lack of sufficent space for storage.
Decide on a solution but realise it is going to result in the disassembling of the bed again :(
make brian hurt trying to figure out how to get furniture to fit room in less frustraiting manner and give up to deal with the mess first!
fstart sorting out the contents of the box that was tipped out to accommendate the photo albums for storage
discover 1001 dividers that need label maker labels remove and start that job
find some science resources that will come in very handy with ds this year.
try to get information about what is being done around the house when in terms of food, people movements and deocrating.
still be confused what the decorating plan is
check emails, and various internet stuff
find a load of lists that should be in my control joural.
wonder wtaf my control journal is
decide junk food is the only solution for the rest of today.
sort through a box of random stamps that have been given
chuck dried out stamps
put another load of washing on
sucessfully survive day and be productive on NO coffee and only 500ml diet coke
Decide that actually am tired and really cba to do anymore, clear bed by the dump back on floor method and curl up with a craft project.

Ouch, hope it is nothing major and you are ok.

Soooo everyone seems to have been insanely busy since the last round up, but it was a lovely party.

Swan returned from Ireland, got a few days by herself to do some essential sorting out with the builder, hopefully she has also managed a bit of R&R time for herself.

just has been through the traumas that is A'level results, still dealing with the chaos but seems a little more positive, perhaps it is the hormones?

Saturn was concerned about Brian's welfare, and has been busy

Zing got all miltant and demanded we were allowed cake!

SC has been concerning us all as she seems to have been under the weather for a significantly long time.

Goth's dd has returned to school and thus Goth is on a mission to get her routines nailed, including the body clutter one.

Jess has been scruggling a little bit but trying to keep plodding on

Blue had to launch a proper rescue mission for the car but enjoyed a little bit of dc free time with DH as a result.

Jdub gently pottered through quietly.

Iamadoozer joined us and is worried about achieveing everything that needs to be done with a DH who doesn't seem to understand the issue

trazzles popped into to join us for the thread's Official birthday rather then the actual birthday. She has been flying as life permits.

PA has been learning to live with periods of quiet empty house, but has had a bit of a painful bump today.

Engelsemama returned from holiday and has been falling out with her MIL who has had a case of mouth open first brain engaged second.

mercury has done some fun stuff with the dc, quite right too.

Ellie enjoyed her hols but is now back to reality

toffee made her head hurt a little trying to understand the complete and utter contridiction that is ds1, wise words from just were there when needed.

Honu popped back in. FFS woman respite = don't forget to do some nice stuff for you! Don't try and burn yourself out getting everything done that needs doing!

whoknows is off on holiday.

Fingers crossed that the specialist managed to give some answers and hope to castle

bitchy's week went nothing like it was supposed to and completely drained her. she is already curled up in bed early. crap tv is the way forward.

Ta da:-
Washing x 3
Hanging out x 3
Putting away
Food shop
Dc's in bedrooms for evening out of my hair
Realise i am getting old by actually looking forward to Countryfile and Antiques Roadshow
Visited dsis for birthday tea party. She gave ds a telescope. It is v cool.
Well deserved wine on comfy sofa with TV to myself...bliss

Am definitely going to catch up with the thread now.

I missed the party. I am going to drink wine and eat cake anyway as am back on diet tomorrow. After being here since just about the beginning I have to say this thread is an integral part of my life now....shame flying isn't.

engels sounds like a difficult situation with MIL. I agree that a chat with her is probably the best way to go if you normally get on ok.

just congrats to your DS. What a marvellous achievement for him and what a credit to you he is.

whoknows enjoy scotland. I love scotland, haven't been for years though.

sc . I too suspect the problem may be stress but please go and see your GP. Too many recent posts saying you are not feeling well recently. Sorry to join the nagging but tis only because we care.

My brain is still in holiday mode so I can't remember anything else so big waves to everyone else.

Now for Countryfile, because I like to live life on the edge.

Welcome back ellie sounds like you had a good time. Like you I am also a fan of Countryfile.

Done
Morning routines
Laundry out
2nd load in
Defrosted freezer & 'sorted drawers'
Made a list of what we now need to fill freezer
Made lunch
Washing up
Laundry in
Knitting while watching Tinkerbell
Walk
Dinner
Wash up &SS
Oven Prided the oven

To do
Ironing & watch Once Uon A Time
Check everything is ready for the morning

Ellie welcome back! Your holiday sounds fab. I love Adam's Gloucestershire Old Spots. You've provided us with the perfect excuse to have another party next weekend!! Thanks for kind words - honestly am going to doc this week - I'm getting very fed up with this now and need to be on top form for dh (whose op is at beginning Sept).

Goth knitting whilst watching Tinkerbell made me imagines moss stitch fairy wings

Fab round up Bitchy and well done re: completion of long list. Love to Brian Btw, I've lost my cj too ...it's completely disappeared ..

Poor you PA I hope you are ok! A fall like that is always a bit of a shock. Hope you can rest and recuperate x

Big feathery wing flaps to eveyrone else ... going to try to get back to some proper Flying tomorrow ....

G'night all

Morning all.

No rest for the wicked today.

Ta da:-
Beds made (apart from ds as he is still fast asleep in his)
S/s bathroom
Washing on
Washing on line
Washing up
General maintenance tidy downstairs
Got on scales (3lb up - not too bad considering i lived off pub meals cake and picnic food for the last week or so)

To do:-
Post office to pick up parcels
Tesco to pick up uniform order
Washing x lots (rest of holiday washing plus the pile I hid before we went away)
Mow lawn
Tidy garden
Putting away x lots
Gym
DS bday presents to buy
Evening routine
Try and ignore the impending panic of gCSE results

Ditto here

Ta da:
rude awakening thanks to drilling from down the street (angle grinders at dawn anywone?) quickly followed by early morning metre readers at 7am
morning routine inc wm, dw, rabbits
spoken to dsis x2
cleaned kitchen
dd bath and hair wash
long discussion negotiation (worthy of a UN summit) with dd about the whys and whens and wherefores of going out and about cycling in the neighbourhood with boy from down the road (whom we seem to have partially adopted for the summer)- finally reached hopefully safe compromise we are both happy with
answered door to boy down the road x3 times and explained results of negotiation
crossed all fingers and toes while dd went out and about around block with boy from down the road (within safe parameters)
juice and biscuits for bicyclists when they came back

To do:
dining room table hotspot
make doc appt
collapse tent in sitting room
more laundry
healthy lunch for dh
start name taping linen
start name taping dd's school winter uniform
buy at least half of dreaded school supplies list
buy some cartridges for Brother P-touch labelling machine
15 mins AT LEAST in boudoir
15 mins AT LEAST in home office
prep healthy support
sort fridge
recycling
evening routine

If I manage to even get 60% of all that done I'll be happy!

Have a good start to the week eveyrone!

Btw, if any of your dc are obsessed with making camps or tents like dd this product has been a life-safer during the summer this year. We bought it for dd's party but it has never been out of use since : inside the house and out. Very easy for dc to assemble and take down themselves!

forgot to add extra long ss to list!

Waves to all!

That looks amazing SC, ds would love that, but there is no where for it to go here. :(

Got distracted in the getting up phase this morning. But had a very civilised morning involving coffee and a natter and the fixing of hair which was misbehaving when it was cut yesterday

got around 14hrs sleep last night and forgot the links.

monday is home bleurgh day

missions oh shit the fat fairy has decided that we need an anti-procrastination week AND we are in the master bedroom zone.

babystep