Fledglings don't makes resolutions in January, they fly through the babysteps.

[BitchytheGreat]

So here it is the dreaded January thread. The thread of resolutions and good intentions for the year that you are lucky if you see through to the end. Welcome to the start of 2014!!

A quick note for newbies, this is a long running thread. We do like new blood around here. However, we do ask you to be respectful that for a lot of us just getting off our arses is not going to help and to avoid suggesting this. We all know life is more complicated then this. So here we do things a little differently. A little bit of flying and a lot of chatter and moral support. Feel free to jump on board and join us in flying.

For those who are new to fly lady she recommends a three step program:

1. Get those babysteps into a habbit
2. Get rid of the clutter.
3. Get that deep cleaning done.

Don't worry if you think you not doing it right but not getting up to it. Some of us have been here for years and we are still decluttering. Because clutter has a nasty way of multiplying if you take you eye off it, especailly if you have kids.

Fly lady ethos tells us a few things that I want you to remember:
No perfectism this is harder then you would imagine
You are never behind just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy over night accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

So jump on board and lets get started.

Oh and I forgot the proper introductions. "I'm Bitchy and I shall be your guide to the fly lady system for January" better buckle up as things normally get a little crazy when it is my turn to take control. good luck

Sorry I'm a bit AWOL lately. Domestic issues (and I don't mean cleaners ) and then car troubles, and now my washing machine has broken down. I am about ready to crawl under the table and not come out.

Hope everyone is doing okay! Will pop back in when things are less crazy.

Evening all!

Survived the party. It went surprisingly well! After last year's efforts at organising games being more like herding cats, this year we lowered our sights and got things set up so they could build towers of boxes and lob beanbags at them (aka live action Angry Birds) and stuck pictures of piggies on empty mineral water bottles for skittles. Add some bubble wrap to jump on, a huge space to run around and just sit back and let them get on with it.

DS1 really appreciated his Angry Birds cake too, so that made it worth yesterday's efforts.

Also at respect of God, merry, and at tactless comments, SC. Sorry to hear about the toe, too.

Just - sorry to hear about A&E etc.

Time to collapse!

Just - what a horrible day, glad you have spent today in bed, sounds like you need it. Very tough with a friend with such high needs in addition to your own.

SC - What a bitch!! That is a really horrible thing for her to say :( Then not helped by your DH as well Also hope your toe is better soon!

Engels - about the cellar! we could do with one of those to keep shit random stuff in.

Toffee - that's a brilliant at da list after a slow start :o

Alice - disaster about the washing machine! It would push me over the edge if we were without one for more than a day or two as it really begins to pile up if I don't do a load or two per day.

I have made excellent progress today :o The house is 'company ready' as the FF herself would say, even though we are not due to have any company :o That is the first time that has happened in years and years :) well, I say company, it would be fine for close friends, my mum, ILs. Possibly not for friends I needed to impress, my stepmum or the queen! Definitely getting there now :) The only bit letting it down is a couple of hot spots in the living room, but they are annoyingly DH's piles, so I will just get moaned at if I move them or put them away, so not sure it's worth the bother unless we actually have company
The hall could do with a bit of a tidy too, but at least I cleared the stairs of all the crap earlier :)

Off to collect a curry from the takeaway in a minute, it's been ages since we had one, can't wait :o

Bugger, cross posted with Blue! Glad your DS had a good party, it sounds brilliant :o

for Just, SC and anyone else who need it.

I'm aware that I am not the most tactful of people, but it amazes me what people think they can get away with saying to their friends and families. (MH issues excluding)

Whispers well done on being company ready! we've friends coming tomorrow, so a quick tidy up should do it (especially as I'll hide the laundry in the bedroom)

I've finished DD 's scarf today, and am quite happy with it, it's got a paw print pattern on pockets, which are lined in the contrasting colour, and is the best sewing up on wool I've ever done. (I've put a picture on my profile if anyone is interested)

About to start on some squares for the latest woolly hug, it's nice to do some crotchet after knitting.

No missions
renew your spirit
you can skip this babystep if you want

night

Yesterday started well enough with DD and I getting up to go training. The pool has had problems with the water temperature so session was cancelled but as her coach was there she went in. The only one there and she ended up swimming sets totalling 1.5k in 45 minutes! Whilst having a bit of breakfast afterwards she suddenly complained of a bit of stomach ache but I took her to school anyway hoping it would pass once she had warned up (insert bad mummy emoticon). I pottered about the house afterwards and as there had been no phone call by lunch nipped out to the supermarket. Bad move as I got a call as I was about to checkout from the school asking me to pick her up as she was still feeling unwell . We missed afternoon training and she did seem to pick up and seemed to ok to go to today's gala. She came 7th with a slightly slower time but it was against strong competition and we can use the time she has to apply for the County championships.

Since we've been home I've put a load of laundry on but nothing else. DH has cooked (2 versions of lasagne) and the kitchen it a tip but I am under orders NOT to wash the pots as he will do it in the morning . I am grateful he has offered but just wish he could have done them tonight instead of sitting watching dross on the TV!

Luckily our guests are not coming until next weekend so I have all week to plan beds, menus, get supplies in and make the place look respectable.

Leaving and a for those who need it - or if the situation is dire ( Just !)

Toffee yes, need to learn to pace and organise it all better too. Your dh got of lightly, I think I’d have been hugely tempted to demonstrate what happens when an old boiler explodes!

Well done Engels, Whispers, and Goth.

*Bitchy hope you’re getting well earned rest.

Alice hang on in there. Life can be tough at times and it does all seem to come at once.

Snaffle’s virtual 4am wine like crazy lady! Thanks Goth and Dizzy, sorry DD’s unwell.

I’m awake again in too much ruddy pain to sleep, with a headscarf tied over one eye like the worst pirate in the world!
Have been mentally rather beating myself up about how far ‘behind’ I feel and a lot is because the ruddy Christmas tree’s still up and I’m unable to get it down.

I’ve realised because things have been going so wrong it’s really getting me mentally too and making me feel I’m totally failing, so I thought I’d at least stick a ta da up to remind me I am achieving things, even if arse about face!

Ta da
Organised taxi for Monday for hateful PIP assessment
Managed to arrange borrowing the fare, weight off mind.
Meal planned magic food from nowhere incredibly tight week around lost taxi fare from food money from yesterday and the £55 for Monday.
Thanked the lord for the last Halloween pumpkin still lurking and Christmas pud glut!
Convinced ds that Christmas pud meatloaf could actually be successful and a saleable recipie!
Emailed court and managed to get temporary stop on parking eye sneaking expensive fine case through.
Renewed most books successfully by phone.
one card’s expired, which is racking up fines. Managed to negotiate no more fines on it at least, until I’m well enough to renew it.
Re read some of DS’s books needed for English
Created structure for how we’re going to catch up English
Ditto DT
Patched ds’s jeans and repaired my skirt.
Sorted dinner from bed
Called friend and manage civilised conversation on both sides.
Actually managed to drink water! (not involving caffiene) I really am ill!

Just - sorry you were up in the night because of the pain. Could you see the GP on Monday, maybe after the PIP assessment, using the same taxi firm to get you there? Or even cancel the PIP assessment (tell them you are too ill!) and go to your GP instead?

You got loads done, by the way. Amazing, especially considering how ill you are.

Yes, DH did get off lightly - I hadn't thought of the 'old boiler' exploding . To be fair to him, he really doesn't think I'm an old boiler, but the other guests didn't know that.

This morning, I need to do a crisis clean and prepare lunch ready for MIL's visit at midday. Hopefully, I'll be able to sneak off and browse MN do some OU preparation at my new desk after lunch.

Hello all
This is such a lovely and encouraging thread! I went on the flylady website about seven or eight years ago and have the sink reflections book. It's a great system but I am guilty of falling off the wagon for months at a time! I used the system when I was single and living on my own flat.
I am now married with one 5 month old DS and a two bedroom house with a nice garden. I am house proud but being a perfectionist I sit on my bottom far too much with DS rather than half start a job and not finish it.
This year I would really like to achieve:-

• taking DS out each day, even if it's just a walk to the post box
• keeping some semblance of order in the house
• take DS swimming
• get more exercise and lose my extra three stone of baby weight
• finish my final law exams, due in June. I have four, two of which are coursework based so this is really going to take some baby stepping!

That said, I'm going to switch off the television and do some housework and studying while DH and DS are napping! Have a lovely Sunday all

Welcome, scantily. We all fall off the Flying wagon regularly, so it sounds as if you'll fit right in .

Hello to Scantily, good luck with getting back on the wagon.

Toffee I can’t get appointments that fast, it’s more like 3/4 days time for appointments, and I couldn’t afford them to take me there and back.
If you cancel being called in for PIP, unless you’re in hospital or custody, you’re deemed non-disabled automatically, it’s not a re-arrangeable thing.
They’ve actually agreed to taxi me in because I can’t access public transport and am unable to guarantee getting there on time under my own steam, and in theory will refund the taxi fare in a couple of weeks, you just have to be able to pay it up front, but adding trips to it would be unwise.

It's been a long night but I did do more than I thought, and need to keep seeing that.

Oh, FFS, that is unbelievable, Just! Let me get this right, if you are incredibly ill at home so can't get to the PIP appointment, they will deem you non-disabled automatically? And, in your case, you can't go back to hospital because you have caring responsibilities at home (which aren't recognised by the state because you can't officially care for someone if you are disabled yourself).

We are lucky with our surgery, as you can get an appointment the same day provided you are prepared to ring repeatedly from 8.30am until you get through (just at the time I am taking DC to school, so not ideal, but better than nothing).

I hope you can get some rest today, Just

Am trying to unglue myself from the sofa...

Hello!

A very warm welcome to Scantily (love the nn!) Good luck with all your NY objectives. Lots of us on here are trying to lose weight too (well, I'm trying (in more ways than three ) others are actually doing it!!) A lot of us are on MFP - (well, I'm starting back on it today!!)

Agree with what others have said Just it doesn't sound like you are in any fit state to go to the assessment but thank heavens they have at least a taxi arranged for you. Don't want to scaremonger and I know it's a bad idea consulting Dr Google, but look at this. (A sinus infection can spread from nasal passages to behind eye in other words. Needs sorting!!!!) And congrats on your long ta da list: that's a more than respectable list if you weren't ill but bloody miraculous considering you are!!!

Thanks for everyone's kind words about guest and dh's comment! To be fair to him, for a bloke who rarely says 'sorry', he was unusually apologetic and I have since received two pot plants full of narcissi and a bouquet of lilies!! [And he is having to erect dd's Ikea desk this afternoon too - there are 58 steps apparently - which is one of his least favourite tasks in the entire world.]

Sorry to hear you have had to dodge similar arrow from your dh Toffee!!! (And good luck with OU work!) And congrats on very long 'ta da' list - and for beating procrastination. (And thanks for your kind words - house is a bummer to look after - but I could work harder at it if I'm really honest with myself )

Wow and double wow Goth your knitting is wonderful - really professional looking!! Love the design too! Bet your dd will love it!!!

Dizzy sorry your dd has been unwell but congrats to her for so stalwartly carrying on nonetheless!!

Whispers that is brilliant - well done you - it really is my ambition to have the house 'company ready' when company isn't coming!

Blue your ds's party sounds fab! NOthing like a good bubble wrap bounce!

Sorry to hear rl proving very testing atm Alice

Engels hope you had a really great evening out (and sending similar outrage/sympathies in rtn for your dh's comments!!) Great that you have the shelving up in the basement - you have been working so hard on it - will be great to be finally able to use it!

Hope you had a good bit of quality shut-eye Bitchy!

Congrats on the running miles MerryBuddha! Arf at respect of God for breakfast!!

Big waves to Eustacia Swan Hemlock and everyone else I've missed!

Well even before dh's comment I had resolved to re-start my diet and exercise plans today. Lost 6kg last year but have since plateaued and can't seem to lose next 6. Really must get down to it properly.

House in chaos and we are focusing on DIY and tidying today rather than Sunday lunch. Dh has to travel tonight so we haven't got that long anyway, plus dd has a friend coming over to do a joint project.

Ta da:
rabbits
church
bought papers
help dd ice biscuits
made cooked breakfast

To do:
polish dd boots
hang up latest cotton wash to dry
finish uniform wash
darks wash x 2
clear sideboard/fresh tablecloth etc
arrange flowers
make healthy soup/veggie casserole thing
make biscuits?
sort tutoring tomorrow
cover three school books (really do it this time!)
wrap final present
label Christmas dec boxes and finally take up to roof! (finally)
sort clothes for tomorrow night
dye Barnet Fair?
evening routine
early bed

Got to go - dd has tooth hanging by a thread of gum which needs attention!!

Enjoy your Sundays everyone!

Just/Toffee meant to say - thanks for toe-strapping info - have done exactly that with bit of micropore and cotton wool!! It throbbed during night but can walk on it today which is just as well as even simplest task involves lots of stairs in this house!

Just ">yesterdays chap telling me my wheelchair was a sign of me failing to accept the Lords healing" just utterly gob-smacked at this - words fail me except perhaps 'what an utter wanker'!!!

Goth - love the hat and scarf! One of my aims this year is to learn to crochet. I can already knit, but not a massive amount of experience. I would like to get involved in Woolly Hugs, I just don't want to commit to it if I then can't fulfill what's needed. Maybe if I can stay in control of the house this year, I will feel like I can move onto more craft projects without everything slipping next year :)

Dizzy - sorry your DD's not well

Just - it all sounds like such a stressful situation, I don't know what to say Your ta da list is brilliant though, well done!

Toffee - hope you manage to get some mning studying done today :o

Welcome to Scantily :)

I have done my routines and a little bit of extra hotspot clearing, just watching Beauty and the Beast now with the DC :)

Argh, I took that long to post that I cross posted with SC!

Glad that your DH is trying to make up for his comment!! 6kg is brilliant, a great achievement :)
Good luck with DD's tooth, I have all that to come as DC are 4 and 2 :)

done
Mass. a special one where we sat with children we are teaching catechism to. Very long. Quite jolly though, a social occasion if ever there was one as I saw loads of people I knew afterwards - post Christmas slump seemed to be replaced with serial cheeriness.
DH took ds2 to Drama, cue a lot of the usual Sunday all over the placeness re: lunch, other children, homework. But it is all fine. They all went out in varying stages. I met ds1 in the street setting off to meet DH, wearing a thin shirt and a pair of ripped jeans, apparently none the worse for this. I suppose this is typical of some teenagers some I know are very smart Was obscurely pleased to notice several of teenage girls at Mass had variants on dd's dip dyed hair, it must be the current craze.

I'm at home now. Knackered by having to dress smartly for Mass, be kind and cheerful to my charges. Did some grocery shopping on way home and ate leftovers for lunch.

So many hotspots in house to sort out. Cannot face any of them. Kitchen is obvious culprit but our bedroom is dreadful too. SO much washing to do.

More homework when they return [sigh] and more grumpy husband no doubt!

Afternoon all. Had a lovely social evening yesterday. Dh agreed it's good to get out.

ta da
3 hours marking
1 hour gardening with ds in tow
split pea soup on hob - dh started it and I'm finishing it while he works in the garage

now mooching in front of telly with ds.

Wrote a massive post last night but somehow forgot to post it .

Will read back through today's thread and then report back.

Managed a 7 1/2 mile run this morning, so feeling very proud of myself.

Just I am angry on your behalf! life seems to be serve you a right load of sh*t at the moment. But you're amazing, I am in awe of what you do and who you are.

Goth very of you knitting and crocheting skills. Something I would like to learn... Sometime in the future when I can get more time.

Scantily Welcome.

Waves to everyone else.

Ta da
Breakfast
DS ready for rugby
Run
Rugby
Lunch
Sorted garage
Homework
Now boiling in bath!

To do
Endless but happy to worry about that later

Just - that link of SCs is worth reading although bloody terrifying. I hope you are getting the proper treatment.

SC - DS2 also has a troublesome baby tooth. It was wobbling before Christmas and it's still there, just sliding lower and lower from the front gum. It looks most odd and rather alarming. I asked the dentist about it and she said that he should eat crunchy things to help it come out. Hope your toe continues to improve, by the way.

Whispers - well done on your Flying routines and spending time with DC .

Swan - sounds like a very busy day for the Swan family!

Engels - glad you enjoyed your night out.

Merry - well done on the run

Goth - the hat and scarf are really good

ta da

Unglued backside from sofa
Unloaded and reloaded d/w
Wiped down kitchen surfaces
Emptied bins
Put recycling out and cleared clutter by kitchen door
Room rescue in dining room (redistributing clutter to proper places in house)
Excavated dining-room table from piles of family debris
Hoovered downstairs
Mopped floors
Warmed oven
Dispatched DH to local shop
Delegated putting empty boxes in car boot to DH
Tidied hall
Put several pairs of shoes on shoe rack
Room rescue in sitting room
Put chicken in oven
Got dressed to stripey socks
Prepared roast potatoes, mini sausages, kale, carrots
Hid yesterday's washing in our bedroom
Made DS2's bed
Swished and swiped in bathroom
DH picked up MIL
Made gravy and breadsauce
Finished preparing lunch and had it on the table by 1pm
Tried (and failed) not to mind when nobody wanted any of the fruit platter I'd prepared
Finished off the washing up DH had started
Remembered to put remains of chicken in the fridge to make soup/stock
May have eaten some leftover potatoes and sausages
Made tea for MIL and DH
Left MIL and DH watching an old b&w film, whilst I started OU study
Planned OU timetable and did two 30-minute 'activities' (skim reading and note taking)
DS1 brought me
Phoned for taxi for MIL
MN!

About to do some ironing and prepare uniforms, shoes, etc for next week.

Sorry for all the grammar mistakes, accidentally sent before proof reading .

Extra ta das
tidied car, filled up washer fluid, adjusted car seat
did another 90 mins of marking
dinner
wash7ng up
ds to bed
chat with dsis

now settling down for some tv with a glass of

more ta das

ironing
hung ironed clothes up
attempted to discuss tomorrow with DS1
laid out school uniforms
established school sweatshirt is at school
put vests in w/m
phoned aunt for long catch-up chat
made pizzas with DS2
found mini bottle of wine at back of fridge
drank