Feisty Fledgling Flyers flutter through Feb with flair, finesse, flaws, failures, fortitude, feedback, fiascos, fabulousness, friendship and fun!

[sanschocolat]

[The fiascos are all mine btw !!]

And just for Just, February is the new January that was the new January before

If you are struggling 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 and cake 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 something 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!

It’s up to you, but 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!

Points to keep in mind:
(1)No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine
(2)You are never behind just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
(3) 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.

Humungous thanks to Bitchy for steering us through the hectic January thread and for the wise three-line mantra above.

All regulars, lurkers and newcomers welcome!!

Sorry you have been so unwell, Swan. That sounds worrying. Hope you are feeling better now.

You were spot on about the adrenalin and DS2. I dosed him up on Calpol, followed by Nurofen a couple of hours later. Then he spent some time breathing in Vicks vapours in hot water. And then we set off.

We saw 'Emil and the Detectives' at the National. DS2 was entranced (actually, so was I). It was wonderful to see him enjoy it so much. He has just finished reading the book, so knew the plot already.

He fell apart on the journey home (medication and adrenalin wearing off by then) and needed a lot of cuddling, but was so happy that he'd managed to see the play.

DH spent the day at home with DS1. I was struck by how many things DS2 and I did today (travel, theatre) that DS1 just just couldn't have coped with. It was one of those days that brought home to me how different he is.

It's very quiet on this thread. Where are you all? Is it because it's half term?

Yes, Toffee half term is chaos here. I don't get nearly what I'd like to get done, although I managed to put together a flat pack radiator cover yesterday as well as rearrange furniture in two rooms yesterday and today. Just about killed myself in the process, so tomorrow is designated rest day.

Hope everyone is okay. Will be back posting and getting things done more regularly once half term is over.

EVening! Tired but happy tonight! Hosted lovely birthday tea for littlies this afternoon which all went really well and ten mins after waving them all off, lovely friend from down road walked past with her dc just as dh was coming home and they came in and stayed for pasta supper - great fun had by all - so achieved entertaining join up!

Hope you are all enjoying your half terms!

Go steady Alice (v impressed by DIY self assembly!)

Toffee oh so happy to hear that you and ds2 made it in to London - was worried that you were going to have to cancel! I absolutely loved reading 'Emil and the Detectives' as a child -re-read with dd recently and still loved it!!

Swan That sounds awful - kidney pain is meant to be excruciating -I hope you are seeing the doctor about it [stern look over pince nez]!

It's terribly difficult with dd's and keeping up with the in-crowd isn't it? DD in a class with some pupils two to three years older - so have huge sympathies - very difficult balance to keep re: encouraging dc not to be sheep, but not wanting them to be outsiders either! Hope you manage to arrive at happy balance (and will be asking for advice in a couple of years time).

whoknows so glad furries on the mend! Another one watching Sewing Bee here? Thought choice of winner of wool skirt alteration a bit of a surprising choice hwr; would anyone actually wear that? Much preferred 'history of Bradford' conversion!

Hope you caught up on shut eye Bitchy!

Waves to Eustacia and eveyrone else!

Just going to post links and crash. My stumps are killing me!

**

Tomorrow's baby-step, no 20 for Thurs 20th Feb is a useful one about including laundry in your morning and evening routines.

This week we are in Zone 4: The Master Bedroom (Feb 16 – 22) here.

Declutter for 15 mins a day in this zone!

Once you have decluttered, you can if you wish go on to detailed cleaning.

Thursday's mission can be found here. Decluttering and clearing surfaces of bedroom furniture, such as dressing tables and tops of chests of drawers etc.

The daily focus for Thursday is: running errands.

The monthly habit for February is still : decluttering 15 mins a day.

A summary of the above plus reminders can be found here in the flight plan which updates itself daily.

G'night!

***

Hahahahahahahahah nope. not even fucking close. Utter utter utter insanity here!

DD wanted to bake today so out came her new cookbook and an hour later we had shortbread biscuits! She then proceeded do do her own washing up, then tidy and hoover her playroom .

We then went swimming and I managed to get in around 30 lengths before it was time for her to do swim club.

Very small Ta Da list

• Olympic curling watching
• Washing load in and hung to dry
• Watched/read Week 1 of online course - thought I better had as the 6 weeks are already up

Tomorrow DD has a couple of friends coming over (late made plans) so will need todo a quick sweep and hoover in the morning to try to make the place semi respectable!

Morning all
Glad theatre trip wet well
Swan - if kidney pain you should get checked as it can deteriorate quickly if infection.
How old is your dd. dd1 is nearl ten and we havent got to the 'in crowd' stage yet but I sense it is coming....

Vet for cat and hairdressers for kids today so will do some sorting in interim.

Morning.

Yesterday had my old school friend over. So a quick clean downstairs. dS5 had explode during the night, and ds3 had rugby so the w/m was on all day.
My surrogate son (ds2 best friend who practically lives here) was here all day and ended up staying the night. They made a camp in the games room and watched films all evening. Oh life great when you're 11.

Poor Dh worked Tuesday day, then night and the all day yesterday so was in bed by 7 last night, I spent the evening catching up with friends on the phone, while pottering in the kitchen.

Currently still in bed but have a busy day ahead.

Plans to do
Mounting of ironing.
Make biscuits with ds4 I doubt ds4 will be a helpful at clearing up as Dizzy's dd
Visiting wood with dc and friends (am)
Have a friend visiting this afternoon (who is having cope with a lot the moment. Her fil was diagnosed with cancer last week and was immediately admitted into hospital for surgery. Fil is full time carer for his mentally disabled son. Her Dh has spent the week at hospital with his dd. And my friend has spent the week at home with her 3 young dc and her confused bil. I don't know how best to help her - I have offered to have the children for her, but at moment she is trying to carry on but I can see she emotionally exhausted I would be).
Ds2 is taking his first gf to the cinema tomorrow, so I will be making arrangements for that too.
And all the HW.

Hi, can I come and join you again?

I've started the babysteps again (yet again!) and really need to get some routines...my head is in chaos, my life is in chaos never mind the house!

On day 8 of the babysteps, but really need motivation to keep at it this time

Morning everyone!

Have only managed the basic necessities last couple of days such as S&S, laundry, loading/unloading DW, feeding the minis, exercising the minis (including get soaked through when out and about and then dealing with the aftermath indoors such as yucky mucky floors and wet mucky clothes - it's never ending).

My to do list is not getting any shorter and I could get things done in the evening but I have zero motivation once I've had my dinner.

My ironing teeny tiny pile is now taking over the kitchen, however our bedroom is pretty clutter free at the moment. One box of filing I need to put away but if I put it away I know I will forget that I actually need to sort the filing. So I have a habit of leaving stuff out as a reminder. Anyone else do that?

I'm about to take the minis out shortly to burn off some steam and then when we get back it will be lunchtime then nap time and then instead of mn'ing/reading with mini1 I will crack on with the ironing.

The end of half term is in sight Flyers!

Hi I would also like to sneak back in. As it is half term I actually have a reasonably tidy house (even if it is only because it has given me an excuse to procrastinate instead of doing any coursework )
Each of the dcs has a friend coming to play this afternoon so I plan to:
Get dcs washed and dressed
Wipe kitchen over
Unload dw
Hoover
Dust
Clean the bathroom
Finish the reading and notemaking I started last night.
Start some science reading and note making.
Write up the phonics task I did before half term.
Make cakes with dd and her friend.
Pop to supermarket for dinner bits.
Ds to his swimming lesson.
Dinner for dcs and friends.
Small pile of ironing.
Catch up with all the fledgling chat

Ta da:
Dw
Wm on and washing hung out
Beds made

I must get motivated - I am fed up of feeling out of control!!

Merry - sorry to hear about your friend. Could you cook for her? Either deliver a home-cooked meal or cook it at her home and serve it to her, whichever is most suitable. I have done both for friends having difficult times recently. You can't change the situation for your friend, but you can relieve the stress a little.

saturn - don't worry, I think a lot of fledglings dip in and out. Welcome back!

Swan - listen to Eustacia's wise advice about your kidney pain.

Hope your cat is ok, Eustacia.

dizzy - well done to your DD on her cooking and clearing up . (And you should go to bed earlier! ).

Spent half the night with DS1 and the other half with DS2. First one needed support with OCD stuff, second needed cuddles and Calpol. Suprisingly, I feel like I've had quite a good night's sleep . Must be the contrast with the three hours I had the night before.

DS2's cold is making him miserable. However, he is still on a bit of a high after seeing the show yesterday. He told me, "It was much better than television!" clearly hasn't watched 'Breaking Bad'.

Today, I have a massive clearing up operation ahead of me, particularly in the kitchen, washing-machine repairman is coming and then MIL is here for tea this afternoon.

And need to catch up with OU work as I am now behind.

X-posted, Mercury and Peanut. Good luck with both your 'to do' lists!

cat fine thanks toffee. neutered the other day so just a check up

I'm feeling much better today, but still a bit sniffly.

Yesterday was much much better; I feel irrationally thrilled that ds1 managed to go to a film with a friend and have him back for a visit [sad pfb emoticon] Ds1 looked soo handsome, and is so sweet, I think anyone should be glad to have him as a friend. They were singing in the car...friend sang Grade 5 Handel, ds1 sang Russell Crowe version of Stars from Les Mis.. Then they spent a long time (after Robocop) playing on Scaletrix (not ds1's thing really) and listening to mobile phone downloads
Dd had a friend round to do baking, they made the most horrid cupcakes from a packet mix but washed up..

Dh took ds2 off to see HMS Belfast and they had a very good day too.

Slight deterioation as evening wore on in manners and mood, but the difference between everyone getting out and not getting out is marked! Dd gave me a big hug at bedtime and said she was very happy with everything in her life The mood swings of adolescence!

I had a friend round for a cup of tea last night. But I think we both felt a bit groggy and defeated by family life..still worth it though.

Today is backing up a bit, lots of homework to do, still feel not v energetic. Dh has been heroic suspending his work schedule but we will try and jointly despatch me (where i will observe from side) to the swimming pool so he gets a clear day without children.

Toffee So glad you got to Emil and Detectives. If you get a chance to book tickets for Matilda ever it is amazing (dh says..and the children too)

My lack of planning this holidays really showed when I was ill as there was no food in the house. Yesterday I went to Morrisons, unusually for me by car, but could only bring myself to buy one meal's worth. Fed visitor though, so feel pleased with myself I was able to muster up a normal meal.

done
flywise
washed dd's windows with window wipes inside and out (sashes)
dd earned money tidying up laundry cupboard
driving to and from various pickups and drop offs as friend had no oyster card
4 loads of washing
remade bed with clean sheets
put some clothes away
cooked chicken and rice dinner last night
bin
food compost
dw
new tablecloth
bought loo paper
emptied dd's bin

Eustacia dd is 12 in a fortnight's time.

Hello and bum! Just written long post and managed to lose it somehow - so here is slimline version ... .

Lovely to have you back Saturn and Mercury! (And no need to worry or sneak back in - you are firm fledgling family members!! )
Hope this thread helps provide motivation to keep the C.H.A.O.S. at bay!

Hope you can ring-fence some time just for yourself this half term Mercury (even if just a couple of hrs)

Saturn Hope you are ok x

Consolatory for Bitchy!

Dizzy funnily enough, dd decided to bake biscuits entirely by herself for the first time last weekend. (She bakes a lot but usually needs a bit of help/input.) I thought she was watching a film with dh when I heard the Kenwood mixer thing going and thought 'what on earth is that'? and found her in the kitchen in a pinny, standing on a step, baking away. They are definitely growing up!! My dd didn't tidy up quite as effectively as yours though!!

Peanut what you describe as 'basic necessities' sounds like full blown Flying to me!! I have to admit to having lots of things all of the house that are lying around 'to remind me to put them away' that are, in reality, just lying around !! Good luck with ironing pile!

Sorry to hear about your friend Merry. Toffees idea about cooking is a good one. Aw at your 'surrogate' son and indoor camping! Sounds great fun at your house!

Sorry you've had another disturbed night Toffee and good luck with operation clean-up!

Big waves to Eustacia and everyone else!

Ta da:
morning routine inc dw, wm, rabbits, s&s
final tidying up from yesterday
2.5 hrs office work
2 emails to friends
2 organisational e-mails re: office cleaning/supplies

To do:
yet another on-line parcel return
on-line shopping x 2
make rock cakes
more washing
brisk walk
one hour sorting in playroom
one hour sorting in boudoir
and (if time) one hour sorting kitchen unit

Just dashing out but waves to Swan lovely to hear about ds1 and friend and dd and feeling happy!! Alos that your dh and ds2 had good day out . Your chore lists still looks a bit on the heavy side for one who is recuperating. Don't want to intrude but hope you have taken time to get yourself checked out x

Swan - glad you and your family had such a happy day yesterday. Thanks for the recommendation of 'Matilda', the musical (actually a book DS2 loved so much he read it in a day).

Eustacia - glad your cat is ok.

SC - well done to your DD on her cake baking.

ta da

Phoned man to arrange washing-machine repair
Reloaded d/w
Finished washing up by hand, dried and put away crockery, etc.
Wiped down surfaces
Shined sink
Put rest of shopping away
Emptied kitchen bin
Swept and mopped kitchen floor
Admired clean and tidy kitchen
Made DS2's bed
Tidied up his bedroom floor (Lego)
Swished and swiped in bathroom
Changed bathroom towel
Room rescue in dining room
Room rescue in hallway
Washing machine repaired
Lunch

DS2 is talking non-stop with DH. Think he is on the mend! DH is looking a bit frazzled.

To do

Take DS2 to the playground to burn off some of his energy
Persuade DS1 to come with us
Have MIL here for tea
OU reading

We're back from our little half-term break (boys at MIL's while DH and I snuck across the Channel for a little booze cruise + night in a hotel with lovely dinner )

Since then have done (over 2 days and in no particular order):
Washing x loads
Meeting with Cllr re school (not v helpful)
Work
Swimming with DS2
Lunch out
Aldi shopping & putting away
General lobbying
Unpacking
Suitcases away
Zumba to work off French cooking

Toffee - glad theatre trip went well. What was the dialogue like? Emil is a bit of a bugbear of mine because it was written in edgy Berlin street slang but the 1950s translation makes it sound like Enid Blyton!

Big waves to everyone else.

Off to put the kettle on. anyone?

I would love a blue both of the dcs have had a friend over this afternoon. It has been good fun but I'm shattered now!

Evening. Hope everyone OK.

Tired tonight so going to post links early and then crash and watch telly!

Ran out of energy around 5pm tonight and paltry ta da list reflects that. Tomorrow is another day and all that.

Ta da (cont'd) pm:
yet another on-line parcel return NOPE
on-line shopping x 2 done
make rock cakes ¨done
more washing done
brisk walk ¨done
one hour sorting in playroom done
one hour sorting in boudoir NOPE
and (if time) one hour sorting kitchen unit NOPE

Also:
served post-tennis snack to dd and friend
hwk supervision
more laundry
served soup/baked spuds/salad supper

[Pushes reclining armchair towards Mercury with glass of )

So glad to hear you had a lovely, much-deserved trip away Blue

Congrats on your productive day Toffee and glad to hear ds2 on the mend

*

Baby-step no. 21 for Friday 21st Feb is one you can ignore about looking up Flylady q & a s.

We are in Zone 4: The Master Bedroom (Feb 16 – 22) here.

Declutter for 15 mins a day in this zone!

Once you have decluttered, you can if you wish go on to detailed cleaning.

The last mission of the week can be found here. Change your bed sheets!

The daily focus for Friday is: decluttering cars and handbags.

The monthly habit for February is still : decluttering 15 mins a day.

A summary of the above plus reminders can be found here in the flight plan which updates itself daily.

here on the naughty corner bar for everyone who is finding half term tough going!

Thank you for the sc I am also shattered now. Dp is staying away with work tonight so I am planning to get the dc into bed and then slump infront of the telly. I had planned on reading for my course, but that is not going to happen.

I managed all of the chores on my list except the ironing and reading, so a reasonably productive day and we all had fun.

Im going to unload and reload the dw then that will do for tonight.

I hope everybody else has had a good day.

Evening Flyers,

Today's Ta Da's:
One load of washing - on now, essentially more muddy clothing
DW load and reload
Clothed and fed everyone - reminds me I need to wipe down the hob
Pooch walked
Toys tidied away
Dirt/mud cleaned off floors

I should mop the floors but I don't have the energy. I should do the ironing but I cannot be bothered. It's still going to be there tomorrow and I could make a start on the ironing whilst the minis do an activity. In theory. Of course the activity will go horrifically wrong with mess, stress and a lot of yelling probably.

I still need to call British Gas. I reckon they call you back once and if you miss the call or whatever then that is it, you are considered called. Fat lot of use that is.

I need chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

Crappy day here and house is now a tip. :(
Kids have squabbled a lot.

swan - dd1 is 2 yrs younger so I have it all to come

My friend is amazing and is taking it all in her stride. Her bil has the mental age of 4, but he couldn't have a better person to look after him. She ended up stay for the whole afternoon.

Brilliant idea Toffee, I will definitely make extra portions of shepherd pies etc which can go in the freeze for her.