June 2014: half way through the Flying year, fledglings get themselves in gear!

[slackcabbage]

Heartfelt and huuuumungous thanks to Goth for being such a superlative, consistent and professional thread leader throughout May (and wow to all those fantastic round-ups every night).

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.

Flylady link here.

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):

1. start or repeat baby steps

1. repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

1. 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!

Three key 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.

If you are new then trying to spend 15mins decluttering and the babysteps is the most. Some of us (mentioning no names!) can have scary looking lists but don't let that worry you! Do what you can, anything is better then nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

If all else fails, a + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders!

Oh and don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey – some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, oldies and newcomers very very welcome!

Well my bedtime tonight was as soon as ds went to bed. He has just gone down and i am just sorting out and shutting the computer down ready for sleep. I need to sort this sleep pattern out.

Tomo I have some stuff I mustn't forget so if i put it down here i might remember it:
Request more sleep meds
sort out taking delivery of large expense item that was necessary this month
chase up hospital appointment
ring office wrt incorrect paperwork
laundry now that the water is reconnected
keep eye on hopefully now fixed leak
find important paperwork
empty car of junk
wash up ds' lunch box
sort out ds' lunch
decluttering in my room... one day, one day it will be tidy!!!

I am a fickle football fan (you can't argue with 5-1). And they're retrospective! Will they all just disappear when it finishes?

Big yawns! I feel exhausted so Im off to bed shortly.

SC so sorry to hear about your awful day. Your poor dd I bet you can't wait for the next two weeks to be over so she can relax. I hope your fil improves soon.

Well done on the early night Bitchy Im jealous. I feel like I needed to be in bed an hour ago.

Ta da
School survived (just) I was really disorganised after doing hardly any schoolwork over the weekend, but I think I am back in control now.
Dd to dancing (I planned in the car whilst she did her lesson -I am trying to make the most of my time)
Searched the shops for loom bands and finally got some from Toys R Us when the manager took pity on dd and I and searched the warehouse for split bags (craziness!)
Dc into bed and Paddington Bear read
Dw loaded
Planning completed for tomorrow and started for Wednesday
Got ds to finish his homework
Helped ds write his birthday list
Bath

Dm also did a pile of ironing, made dinner, cleared up, got the washing in and got the dc to tidy their room - I am so lucky she is now looking after dc after school

well the house is still totally disorganised but on the bright side I

managed
to meet friend at BM, and have a nice chat after a long time never quite getting together (we missed the Viking exhibition though - however someone else told me it was a bit dry so that was a lucky escape)
count money
ds2 walked home 2 miles and was very pleased with himself (he forgot his Oyster card)
dd waited half an hour on the doorstep but survived as her favourite pin up walked past (the boy further down the road she used to go to school with)
ds1 survived lack of Maths book and a fight Sure we haven't heard the last of that I daren't check my answer phone in case I hear the solemn tones of the Year 9 HOY..
tutor turned up unexpectedly, and we changed it round from Sat, so that is over and done with
dd and I did Geography homework on settlements
and more DOLMIO sauce just to keep things on an even keel

Dd now wants a blender. She seems to be obsessed by buying clutter as fast I get rid of it. We have a blender, in form of magimix but she wants a "smoothie blender"

SC that is very hard to be worrying about his father, dd's exams and a business. Hope your poor head feels better now, nothing like a nasty whack to ruin the day

engels I can still remember the utter frustration of trying to paint a hall with dd "helping me".

another lovely thing that has happened is that I overheard ds1 singing Carmen to himself..in between playing Fantasy Football and not doing his homework.. I feel like that BT lady saying my grandson has an 'ology. He likes Opera [tears]

Fleeting flying glimpse of the thread, a mad three days, DH toilet training DD1 (almost four - we're at our wits end) so I have done a trult unbelievable amount of washing. DH on leave this week to finish off building work on the house so I've been rushing around trying to finish painting of the last lot we had plastered!

We're having a freezer food week so all eating very random things, I have a friend coming tomorrow and my one aim is to clean the bathroom don't let me back until I've done it.

n'night - peaceful night to all!

Oh dear, creeping in.
On the flying front all I can claim to have achieved is a half-hearted attempt at shining the bathroom sink and prepping dinner unless horse hugs, cat cuddles or plant planting count?

But I have started my school summer reports.....a lot to do before Wed morning when they are due in though...

swan that2 so sweet! I had music on pretty loud during the drive back yesterday and ds was a sleep most of the way. However, just before home I was listening to an old Basement Jaxx song and heard him singing along, "Shakking that ass, shaking that ass" Turned it down after that (he's 2 and a half)

Btw, anyone have any matchsticks? I may need them to get me through today! that and a vat of bitchy's special brew

So I went to bed early-ish and have been up since 5:30am for now reason. Decided to get started on washing ds' bedding to discover that he has no school shirts for today. Bollocks. Guess will have to send him to school in a wet top. Not the best plans ever.

Cake for breakfast this morning. It is one of those kinda parenting days.

Engels Those parenting moments are the best

Urgh... this is my day before the manic cleaning day, so I need to iron, preliminary tidy & clean, dust & hoover the "other" rooms and generally get organised. With DS in tow. And I have absolutely no desire to do any of it, so I'm prevaricating in the office by copying audio books onto a pen drive for the car.

I know what I need to do. But it feels like it's pointless trying to do it with DS about as he'll just get in the way.

Slap me please? Or come do it for me?!

Whitewashing the fireplace today. Eeeeeeek! Fingers crossed it looks good when I'm done!

Wow!! Fabulous Flyers indeed!! Think you all deserve a medal for all the collective tasks you achieved yesterday and this morning!

(And yes Castle horse hugging definitely counts in my book!!)

Well done everyone!!!!!!!!!!

So ...

Engels's ds has been "shakin his ass" in the back seat! That's hilarious!! . (Reminds me of when dd, at the age of 3 or 4, sang in a wierd base tone on loop "gotta go to rehab, but I said no no no" )

Swan's ds has been channelling Don José and all three of Swan's dc did her proud yesterday and she had a much deserved relax/ chat with a friend. Dolmio sauce is still featuring on the menu!

(And thanks btw - yes dh permanently stressed atm - really hoping he can have a decent holiday this yr.)

Castle is up to her eyes in summer reports (and gardening, and cat cuddles)

Bitchy has resorted to cake for breakfast whilst dealing with a laundry crisis and sorting out her sleep patterns

Goth on the other hand has gone continental, and resorted to an afternoon nap, which didn't stop her completing a serious amount of Flying. (I envy you the 2 hrs spent at croft - such a lovely thing to be able to include in list.)

Eyelet is also up to her eyes in laundry, while potty training ds while her dh is carrying out home improvements! (Sounds like a stressful combination - good luck with it! I don't suppose you can "borrow" a potty trained child to assist can you? Peer-led training can sometimes work wonders!) waiting for you on naughty corner bar for tonight as I think you'll need it!

Mercury was, as ever, with the support of her lovely ma, channelling superwoman; juggling school work and lesson planning with extra curricular chauffering duties and bedtime stories, yet still managed to go on the offensive in search of loom bands

(Thanks for your kind words btw - hoping today will be more up-beat!!)

Big waves to any lurkers/anyone I have missed!!

Ta da:
rabbits
school run (on foot because of traffic diversion)
bank run
quick supermarket dive in and out

To do:
hang up laundry washed overnight
morning routine, inc dw, wm, s&s
quick tidy up downstairs inc dining room table hot-spot
bone up on plant germination and human skeleton for tonight's revision session [sigh]
parish vestiare
school meeting from yesterday
revision supervision
healthy supper
early bed

Have a good day one and all!

x posts

Poor you Carpe it's so frustrating when you need to get on. I don't suppose a bit of a tiring walk followed by CBeebies would do any good?
If not, power of 3 with timer... ?? [proffers fortifying ]

Good luck with the white wash Alice!!

Forgot to say ...

Engels [proffersmatchsticks!] Hope you can catch up on sleep tonight! And no, you definitely can't argue with 5-1!!!

Alice don't be tempted to add red cross in middle

No sc it wouldn't. It's just a mental thing, I don't pack well until I'm under pressure - I know I should get on, but I need the kick up the arse to do it IYSWIM.

Still, have found a disc drive DH was hunting to take with us (don't ask!).

Carpe - I'm the same, I detest packing and getting ready to go on holiday for this reason. No suggestions I'm afraid, but you are not alone!

Spoke to DH and he's not worried - direct quote was "just bung it in a suitcase and we'll go and mum can iron it for us". Erm, no... but the thought was there. I think it's just because I don't quite know what to take - it was boiling last week, it's cold this week, so who knows!

Ah well...

Yes Carpe/Whoknows - understood- I have unhelpful combination of sometimes avoiding things which cause pressure, whilst at the same time needing it to get me going!! [administers kick up rear instead]

oooooooh it looks so cool, if I do say so myself. Very "country" looking. Love it love it! (and no red cross in the middle ) Lovely whitewashed fireplace.

Any Bitchy special brew left? [hopeful]

Well done on the fireplace, Alice.

Am still here, not getting much done, not feeling very motivated, just drained.

Just brewed up a fresh pot blues thought it might be needed

Struggling today. ds is off school in the end but goes back tomo long story I might have been up at 5:30am but i crashed out at 9:30 sleeping til 12noon and struggling to get going really badly. Burn out is a bitch. Otoh ds is very calm atm which is unusually nice. Productivity is non existant. Going to stick head in sink as shower is still broken following a leak. which is rather annoying because i would love a nice cold shower to wake me up right now. Later will have to do.

DH has cleaned the bathroom (not quite to my standard but its so much better than it was), PT is winning more than losing but still the poo hurdle to overcome. Unsure about whether to send her to nursery tomorrow (day 3) or keep her home. Interestingly sc it was peer pressure from her friends at nursery who have been dry 12-18months now which I think pushed her into finally wanting to be dry. Shes almost four. Sigh.

I've pulled rank ans heading for a nap. Exhausted!

Hope you managed a nap, Eyelet. Daytime naps kept me sane in the baby years.

Actually, I still like them. Have just woken up from one whilst I was sitting with DS1 during his online lesson .

This week: DS2 is having a week of art activities for home ed. DH is working flat out. DS1 seems cheery, but still refuses to set foot outside the house. I'm still waiting for the draft statement to arrive . Minimal Flying going on.

Tomorrow is my friend's funeral . Not looking forward to that at all. Met her sister for tea today: she is going to bring up both boys, in addition to her own children.