Remember, remember to Fly through November, but Fledglings will chatter a lot

[BlueEyeshadow]

If 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 and along the way.

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 someting 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!

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 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.]

More info here on getting started and Flying lessons. Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings. Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound!

Humungous thanks to SlimChance for leading us through October and such a copy-and-pasteable OP....

All welcome!!

Engels so sorry you have to get through all this..So frustrating not to know what is happening and hope against hope

Toffee endless demands endless love. I liked hearing about your OT training idea - didn't realise, as you say, that all previous efforts in the academic dept are now past their sell by date! Help!

SC I hope dd has managed to bring your email back to life, or that you found a IT person to sort it out. I hate computers when they go wrong, utterly baffling. At least most other thing can be done by proxy (hot water, washing machines, cars, lights) but with computers they just lock you out and you are completely stuck.

DizzyAliceGoth admiration.

Bitchy hope time with friend was restorative

I am quite pleased with my tiny bit of productiveness today:

done
cleared out dd's room again (yes I do this on regular basis sadly) completely dusted, sorted and decluttered, hoovered, removed dirty clothes from wardrobe, sorted out bookshelves, drawers, changed sheets and hoovered. She was so thrilled, she started doing some art, and was looking at a sewing book, and admiring her Jacqueline Wilson's in a neat row, and school shirts in same part of the wardrobe instead of scattered in different places, so that was my reward..also to have found a spare pair of uniform socks so I don't have to wash everything so often
sorted out stationery drawer in kitchen, sharpened coloured pencils, threw away loads of spent felttips and rationalised everything.
Rationalised bits of paper in the hall.

Well it is something.

Cooked supper
Homework with ds2, How To Takeover England
endless snacks endless love
car journey this morning
chatted to DH about family history
chatted to children
picked up ds2 from tube on foot
Fireworks organised by DH in garden

I am shattered!!

Well, fireworks night was ruined for us by DS1. We were going out with friends to attend the local fireworks event. DS1 wanted to go out on his own (14, but with a mental and physical age of about 12), but we told him he had to stick with us because of the crowds. Instead, Ds1 decided to secretly drink some of the beer in the fridge and then, full of Dutch courage, did a runner out of the house. As a result, our relaxed chat with friends round the table turned into DH and me chasing after DS1 through the crowds, then me bringing him home, taking one look at him and putting him to bed. Am furious with DS1, but tomorrow is the time for discussion and sanctions, not tonight.

And I had some awful news today. One of my best friends may well have cancer. She has been very ill for several months and lost a lot of weight. She is a single mum of two boys, one of whom has SNs. She has always said, "I can't get ill" - and now this .

So, there hasn't been a lot of Flying today.

Toffee what a crap day/evening. I hope your friend will be ok and that it's not cancer (or anything else as bad)

Swan sounds like a very productive day, I find I have to attack DD's room every couple of months. She keeps it brilliant for a while but then entropy takes over and it just goes down hill fast. Disclaimer: her books are always tidy. She has so many I've had to stack some -she was not impressed.

AngryBuddha feel free to use the recipe.
I just use ground ginger (don't use ginger enough to make fresh worthwhile) although I would guess that finely grated would be good. To be honest, I just tend to bung everything in together. You cook it until the apples have broken down, but the beetroot is still visible, so it's nice and thick. It's great with cheese and crackers.

Re the Flying we all overdo it to start off with. The 15 minute rule is a good one (can't find link) but the joy of Flylady is that you are not expected to tidy years of clutter away, but that it takes time to sort things out. Better to do a little every day than do too much and lose interest. I find this thread helps me keep on top of stuff and slowly chip away at the accumulated clutter.

Evening all.

Chutney sounds great, Going - may well try that out as I often end up with more beetroot in the veg box than I know what to do with. Wise words re Flying and the power of 15 mins, too.

Toffee - sorry to hear about bad evening and bad news. ((hugs))

Swan - sounds like a very productive day.

Glad you're feeling a bit better, NickNacks.

Angry - definitely focus on the positives - hence the ta-da! list in the first place.

Bitchy - hope washing machine situation resolved and that the evening improved.

Engels - sorry to hear about the frustration etc but glad it's not molar. Definitely time to take it easy.

SC - really hope computer situation resolved.

Alice - split school pick-ups sounds complicated. Hope you did manage to rest a little!

Waves to dizzy, Baba and Lauren and anyone else lurking or that I've missed.

Also, bonus points to anyone who can suggest where I might have put my needle book. Have checked all 3 sewing boxes 3 times each and everywhere else I can think of too...

I did end up doing quite a bit of cleaning/dusting in the kitchen after lunch, which is something. Also sorted out DS1's new (well, second hand) coat after the zip completely broke on the old one.

Back in a sec with links.

Washing machine sparkles. Didn't get the laundry done but at least i know that there is no issue of anything bacteria growing inside the machine that shouldn't be

*
Links: Babystep 6 is all about hotspots. This is a really important one!

Wednesday is anti-procrastination day and the mission is to declutter the plastic pots.

The Fat Fairy's all-seeing eye has definitely been looking into my cupboards this week!
*

Oh no Toffee - on both counts. Hope you are able to have a calm discussion with DS1 in the morning, good idea not to try tackling him tonight. Sorry to hear about your friend too.

Engels - sorry your problems are continuing too

Bitchy - well done on the clean kitchen floor .

SC - hope you got the computer sorted and an adequate explanation from DD.

Goth - I'm going to save that recipe in case I get beetroot in my fruit and veg box again. We're on about our 4th week now and beetroot is the only things so far that has ended up chucked away, none of us are very keen on it and it's so messy. I am enjoying cooking with these veg, trying things we wouldn't have bought otherwise like chard and curly kale.

Well I had a fairly lazy morning, did an hour or so of OU work and a few admin jobs before going to pilates, then went straight to the allotment, a friend/neighbouring allotment holder told me at school yesterday that all our black membrane had come loose in the strong winds last week, so re-did all that.

After lunch did some cooking with the fruit and veg box contents, got DD from school took her to ballet and tap and that was the early evening all gone. No Cubs this week as Ds is away, so we were able to have a leisurely three course dinner (unheard of in this house). Then tonight I have cleared the ironing basket.

Got the water company man coming out again in the morning, our water meter is still whizzing round even when we're not using any, despite last week's repairs, I suspect it's going to be carpet and floorboards up next .

Morning all. Busy day yesterday hence no time to post. Full teaching day and very heavy meeting after work. After saying we weren't going to bother with fireworks in any way, we decided yesterday morning to have a few in the back garden. Ended up inviting some friends round and a lovely evening was had by all.

toffee ((hugs)). Sorry about your evening being ruined and about your friend. Hope today is better.

engels it sounds so tough just having to wait it out ((hugs)) to you too.

nicknacks glad you are feeling a bit more positive.

I think I overdid it yesterday. I'm absolutely exhausted today and feel quite ill (and can barely talk).

Going to dose up on meds and go back to bed once the DCs are in school. I debated ringing surgery, but it's generally a virus and I just need to wait it out, I suppose.

Morning. My aim today is to get back on tonight to catch up with the thread and show off a ta da list!

Quick dump before work this morning!

DD and mindees to butterfly world
Clean out plastic pots cupboard
Clean out DD cupboard of doom
Dust
Clean windows and mirrors
Routines

Be back later!

Hope you feel better soon Alice!

Good luck with sanctions and DS today toffee! I'm not looking forward to DD hitting the teen years!

Ill catch up properly soon

I can't do it. I have to get some things done. (it's a sickness, I tell you!)

But I'll do easy stuff, including the stuff I didn't get to yesterday. And no painting the ceiling today - makes my head and neck ache too much. (not to mention my balance on a chair - not so good )

to do

washing up
vacuum living room (I don't know about everyone else, but this seems to be something that needs to be done at least once, often twice a day in our house!)
sweep hallway/entryway
clean out two craft drawers (didn't get to this yesterday)
make chili and let cook in slow cooker for supper tonight (I like spicy foods when I'm ill)
organise Christmas boxes and toss out anything that can't be repaired (I tend to throw it all in after New Years and pack it away, to be sorted the next Christmas )

Still playing the "ironing? what ironing?" game.

oh... and listening to my Michael Buble Christmas CD. What can I say?

Engels good news its not a molar. Bad news you still haven't any real answers. I assume they have ruled out an ectopic?

Toffee sorry to hear of your ruined evening. I bet it was worrying with him running off as well as annoying

Goth thanks for the recipe. Will let you know how I get on!

Not much of a Ta Da list from yesterday

• Spent most of the day making 2 pillowcases for my mum out of some fabric I used to make her a quilt
• cooked dinner
• scooped up some recycling that was all over the front lawn as our bin blew over!
• DD to Brownies
• washed up pots and shined sink
• D/W emptied

Aim to do better today! Hugs to all as it's sounding like a challenging week already. Have some too x

NickNacks - I'm so pleased you are feeling a bit better.

Engels - so sorry you are having such a frustrating and upsetting time. Good that you are having two days off work. Looking after yourself, not Flying, should be your priority.

Swan - well done on all your 'rationalising' . And yes, it's a bit of a shock to discover academic achievements have a sell-by date...

SC - oh no! Poor you! I hope you managed to get the computer sorted.

AngryBuddha - I agree with Goth that we all get carried away and overdo the Flying at the beginning. Actually, I think it's good to have a burst of energy and get loads done at first. But the important thing is to know that it won't last and you will burn out, so the long-term routine of 'little and often' is more sustainable. Well done on focusing on what you've done, not what you haven't!

Bitchy - I like your combined machine and floor wash .

Blue - re needle book: hotspot? Washing basket? Child's bedroom?

WhoKnows - OU work, gardening, three-course dinner and clearing the ironing basket . I'm impressed! I hope the water issues turn out not to be as bad as you expect.

ellie - glad you had a lovely firework evening

lauren - the trip to Butterfly World sounds lovely. Hope you have a great time. Enjoy the pre-teen years .

Alice - you won't get better unless you rest .

DS1 very contrite this morning. He said, "Thank you for keeping me safe." However, from what he said, he still doesn't quite 'get' that we are in charge and he has to do what we say even if he doesn't like it. His newfound freedom has gone to his head and now he thinks he can do anything.

Am looking after my friend's children whilst she has a scan at hospital this afternoon. It is all so awful. She thought she had pneumonia, but now it might be so much worse.

Was up most of the night with DS2, who felt ill. Ended up sleeping with him, as it was easier than going back and forth between beds. He hugged me this morning and said, "Best night ever!" He is all perky now, whereas I am a zombie.

Speaking of which, DH and I cheered ourselves up by watching the latest 'Walking Dead' episode last night. Is anyone else following it?

To do list:

Morning routine
Order stuff for DS2's birthday party
Nap (if Dh gets back from work early enough)
Lunch
Babysitting

Sorry to miss you out, Dizzy. Spent so long doing that message that I missed yours. Yes, it was really worrying when DS1 ran off, as our town was overrun with thousands of people, many drunk, and he had no idea what he was getting himself into. And don't put yourself down about your 'ta da' list - you made two pillowcases!

Toffee ((hugs)) - take your pick! Poor you on both counts.

Only a quick post for now......

Plan for today was:
Swish and swipe
Take DS to college
Quick shop on way home
Home and enjoy a LAzzzzzzyyyyyyy day!!! Perhaps some peaceful baking this afternoon.............

TODAY ACTUALLY SO FAR:
Swish and swipe - wooohoooooo
Took DS to college -
While in shop on way home DS jumped out from behind a shelf......no college today......inset day!!!!! Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!
DS in very annoying energetic but bored mood........so much for my lazy day!!!

Oh and to top it all, in my hurry to get out the door in time for college I managed to grab the spray starch instead of hairspray.......I smell like a Chinese laundry!! Hair feels sticky and wont bend or do anything remotely that I want it to!!!

PA if it makes you feel any better DH's hair gel has a blue tinge and so turns his blond hair green. Have to ask, doe the starch keep your hair in place?

Toffee at least he realises that your concern was his safety. How did he explain the drinking?

Alice why don't you join me in the naughty career, I'm fully medicated, with a nice warm cat asleep on my feet. Just deciding what film to watch this morning. I may feel like crap, but there has to be a positive side to this.

To do at some point
Washing up
Knitting
Collect DD from school (DH has to go out)

BBL

LOL at the green hair!! At the moment hair is sticky, feels awful and will do nothing!!! Just heading for a second shower of the morning!!

I was just about to come on and pretty much say what Toffee has said below - so herewith is a big "ditto" to everyone plus to Engels (sorry the hospital weren't able to offer you more clarity but good you are taking a break).

Glad you are feeling more positive Nicknacks

Good to hear your ds1 OK Toffee after last night's excitement and so sorry to hear about your friend. (Similar situation here.) Occupational therapy degree sounds v. interesting.

[More hot lemon drinks to Lauren and Alice]

Swan hats off to your whopper of a day yesterday!

Goth I still want to know more about your cabbage-tastic collection!

Glad all is going OK so far Mercury!!

Arf at shiny washing machine Bitchy

Big wing flaps to everyone else!

Thanks for all your sympathetic words about the computer. Technician has fixed it (took him 45 mins) and I am Euros 160 down and behind with all my deadlines .

There is a funny side to all of this though (and Bitchy you/your suspicions were spot on!). Had to undergo the dual embarrassment of (a) technician being admitted to the scum pond of doom that is my home office and (b) him saying "you might like to look at your daughter's history" which were three Youtube searches titled "how to exercise your vagina", "I need a poo" and "I need a pee" . She had reconfigured the whole thing to stop me finding out what she had been doing!

On the one hand I was mortified/horrified because God knows what those YOutube searches threw up (and we do have full parental controls - or so I thought). On the other hand I couldn't help laughing (and dh had hysterics on the concourse of Vienna airport when I phoned him about it last night). Thank heavens I know the technician fairly well and he's an understanding bloke and has dc ...

Had a bit of a talk with dd last night and she turned bright purple and denied everything and got terribly upset. She was so embarrassed I didn't have the heart to pursue it any further then and there but the matter is definitely not over. She is going to have to earn some of the money back and it is definitely the time to discuss and hand over one of the books about puberty I have hanging around in the present cupboard. [She very deliberately handed back the last one I gave her when she was about 9, which I took to be a sign that she wasn't ready yet. She obviously is now !!]

Ta da:
morning routine, inc s&s, dw, wm, rabbits
bits of washing up
dining room table hot spot
prepped laundry for lovely ironing lady
re-booted laundry
played with rabbits
dd to consultant to examine stitches - all OK
sorted post

Have dd at home with me all day because of post-op check-up this morning and no school this pm, so work opportunities limited. Huge amounts of decluttering to do though and after yesterday's shenanigans, dd is definitely going to be helping me ... .

Have a good day everyone!

Goth That sounds so tempting! I've found though that as long I keep moving somewhat and don't sit still for too horribly long, I feel a little better. I'm going to finish the washing up, pop a load of laundry in, get the chili cooking in the slow cooker (for tonight's tea) and then relax with a and go through the Christmas ornaments and decorations for awhile. I just got back from running up to DS2's school to give him his antibiotics - dear lord with all the screaming from him (he hates these as they taste horrible), you'd think I was killing him in the school hallway. The teacher offered to give it to him for that dose each school day and I'm embarrassed to say I agreed, although I did feel a bit guilty about it. Sort of. (she DID offer, so I shouldn't feel guilty, right?)

PA Oh heavens!! Maybe you'll start a new hair trend - does it work well? Sounds like you're having a bit of a "it can only get better" day. Hope it improves soon!

Toffee I'd have panicked - DS1 is a runner and it makes for some "heart in the mouth" moments. Sorry it was such an eventful night for you. And yes, I'm TRYING to rest... just not doing very well at it. But at least you know I've rested a little, as I'm here on MN.

dizzy seriously impressed with the sewing! Not sure I could sort very good looking pillowcases, much less a quilt!! (although I'd love to be able to make quilts! very jealous!!) My sewing machine is being tempermental right now and is only working at a crawl. Took me ages just to stitch together some curtains for the bathroom - just straight seams and hemming. I just wanted to kick it into gear. I'm not quite sure what's wrong with it.

x posts

PA treble arf at spray starch incident ... the "shocked mullet" is very fashionable don't you know

Yes, I thought how lovely it was that you made pillow cases for your ma too Dizzy

Sorry Goth someone managed to miss that you were feeling ill too- hope you feel much better soon.

Hope your ds feels better soon Alice and the horrid antibiotics go down ok.

Hi folks

I've had good intentions the last two months - I was all ready to embrace Seotember being the new January, but fell off the wagon

So back to baby steps.

Last night I shined my sink (& the whole kitchen instantly looked better). I've always dressed to shoes anyway. This morning I made time in between getting ds ready for school to also a bit of moisturiser on my face & put make up on for work.

I even hot spotted my dressing table!

Thank you for all the wonderful support

Ta da
DS to nursery
1st wash done
2nd wash on
Chatted to best friend
Started ironing

To do
Finish ironing while watching series 4 of Downton
Delicates wash that has been sitting under the bathroom cabinet for at least a month
Pack for trip to UK (including C** presents for friends' children as we are seing them all on Saturday - mustn't forget to wrap!)
Set cover for tomorrow's classes
Get soup out of freezer for dinner

DH wants me to come with him to his hospital appt with him this afternoon but honestly I can't face it. I just need this time to myself and he didn't come with me yesterday or Friday

Hope this doesn't make me a bad person, but trying to put myself first for a change.

dizzy not ectopic - nothing on scan.

sc Laughing at your DD!

PA Also laughing at hair!

Toffee sorry to hear about your friend. fx everything is clear. Sympathies on lack of sleep. DS had to be put back in his bed 3 times last night and had a little party in our bed netween 2 and 4 so I am yawning away in a zombie like fashion.

Alice don't over do it.

And dd who has to be up at 6.30am to leave for school at 7.25am & doesn't get home until 7.45pm has decided to use the children's control journal to help her organise herself.

It has to he adapted as she has minimal time in the evenings so homework & stretching has to have priority. I helped herctonour her school bag & dance bag together the night before ( I often have to was her leotards through by hand overnight anyway)

This morning she was ready ahead if time & waiting for dh.