July 2014: fledglings follow Flylady's tuition (don't forget your pamper mission)

[ToffeeWhirl]

A big thank you to slackcabbage for superb thread leadership throughout June, as well as a great intro which I am going to shamelessly borrow from now.

Struggling with C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (something that undermines family fun)? In that case, you need Flylady.

Flylady is a system for managing housework. Starting with babysteps, it builds up into a routine which becomes second nature. In theory, once you are used to the system, you will have a tidy house you are not embarrassed by and plenty of time to get on with more interesting things.

Flylady banishes the panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. If you fall off the Flylady bandwagon, it’s no problem: you just jump back in where you are and carry on.

Don't sign up for the Flylady emails as you will be inundated! All the information you need will be linked here on this thread on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, Flylady's steps and routines will be listed here on this thread.

Flylady uses 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 detailed deep cleaning in each zone for those who have made real progress – not sure if anyone has reached this pinnacle yet…? I certainly haven’t).

More info here on getting started (but ignore step one!) and Flying lessons. Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.

Try to ignore Flylady’s purple prose (hard, I know) - the underlying system is sound!

Three key points to keep in mind:

1. No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine.

1. You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.

1. It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy overnight - accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

If you are new, then trying to spend 15 mins decluttering and doing the babysteps is the most you should expect of yourself. Lots of us here like posting our ‘to do’ or ‘ta da’ lists and they can look quite scary. Don’t be put off.

If all else fails, try the power of three – just pick three things that most need doing and focus on those.

And if you have visitors coming over this afternoon and need a quick fix NOW, try Flylady's crisis clean.

We all know each other pretty well on this thread and some of us have been around for a long time, but all lurkers, oldies and newcomers are very welcome!

toffee most of my ta da yesterday involved 1 hour unpacking, evening routine and moving washing from pile to machine to outside back to basket!

enjoy the peace and quiet blue

ta da
supermarket
long chat with best friend

to do
make quiche
do something outside - either wash car or a spot of light gardening
tidy pit downstairs...living and kitchen both hideous!
finish sorting washing from yesterday

I really have to think about potty training for ds. I keep putting it off. He has nursery for the next 2 days then 5 days straight at home. I think he's ready as he likes sitting on the potty, just not very good at telling us when he's done a wee or poo. Any tips?

So much to do, but one step at a time BBL

Morning all - sorry I'm been AWOL, but it's been that sort of an end of a week. Just lots of low level crap going on. DH didn't even get an interview for the job in Nottingham - it was a nice "sod off, you live too far away" response so m'eh. I'm actually really surprised how disappointed I am - so I've been job hunting for him; which is interesting as I don't know what he does... which sounds dreadful! I do know roughly - in the same way he knows I do admin, I know he does IT for oil & gas companies - but the specifics are a bit vague. Suspect I'd be better leaving him to it!

Still, DBIL arrives on Friday, so I have today at work, tomorrow doing a not-quite-a-crisis-but-still-panicking clean, then Wed/Thu at work, and finally he gets here and I can hand over DS

Now, I need to work. Someone administer a huge boot up the arse please?!

Sorry your DH didn't get the job, Carpe. I know you had started imagining the new possibilities and were feeling quite excited about it. At least your DBIL - who sounds lovely - is arriving soon and you can have a bit of a break from childcare.

Engels - ok, I'll let you off . It just sounded as if you were doing a lot more. When I potty trained DS2, I actually used a book by she who can't be mentioned on Mumsnet (GF) (link here). DS2 certainly wasn't potty trained in a week - it took a few - but I waited until he seemed ready, according to her guidelines, and I kept a diary, as she suggested. The diary was really helpful because it meant that, on days when I despaired, I could look back and see that he was actually improving.

Also, I waited until I had a clear week to start potty training so that I was really able to focus on it and not get stressed or distracted with other stuff.

Kia - it's good when anger is productive, isn't it? I managed to get loads done yesterday morning when I was annoyed with DS2.

Alice - hope you manage to get the hoover sorted today.

Blue - thanks for the croissants. Enjoy your peaceful house .

I woke up full of energy and determined to get loads done this morning. Now here I am, still in my dressing gown, and I still haven't done any of the housework I was going to do. Why? DS2!

ta da

Made and tiptoed upstairs so as not to wake DS2
DS2 woke up thanks to loud thunderstorm
Needing to distract DS2 from storm, we played Mastermind (remember that 70s game?)
Breakfasts for everyone
Helped DS2 look up the Sphinx on the internet
DS2 wanted to do a quiz on the Sphinx - helped him and printed it out (useful home ed evidence)
DS2 showed me his discovery that the cover of a book is made up of dots, using his mini-microscope
Remembered it was rubbish day and put all the rubbish out
Set DS2 up on ConquerMaths and started washing up
DS2 wanted help on ConquerMaths, so I stopped washing up to help him
When Maths session finished, suggested DS2 go upstairs and play on his DS
Went online to check emails
DS2 came downstairs and said he wanted a cuddle

Argh! This is why I wake up with a headful of ideas and then none of them get done. Obviously, DS2 is very lovely, but he is certainly having a high maintenance day today.

to dos (hopefully)

Walk to chemist to pick up DS1's prescription and exercise DS2 on the way
Buy bin bags
Do mission by decluttering sitting room
Use carpet cleaner on sitting-room carpet
Email caseworker about statement
Sort out fridge and meal plan
Do an online shopping order
OU stuff (tutorial tomorrow)

Thanks Toffee. I have been good and done work, but it's sooooo hard when the sun is shining.

Yep, DBIL is (to paraphrase DS) AWESOME, and we love having him up - that's why I think I was so enthusiastic about moving - an hour would mean spending way more time with family, and DS does love him so much. Guess we'll have to wait and see. At least the recruitment firm is keeping DH on the books. Now I have to wait to see what's happening with my job interviews...

At least the job possibility has helped focus your mind on what you want, Carpe, and helped you realise how important moving nearer to family is to you.

DS2 is finally leaving me alone. And now I'm on Mumsnet - argh!

Will log off now .

Ta da!
Sofa throws in the wash
Cleaned bathroom basin, shelf and mirror
S&S
Work
Dry throws
Clean ones on
Clean laundry away
Invoices

To do:
Hoover
Filing
Get some exercise!
Read book
Review for blog
Call Mum

at supportive cushion!

ta da

Made a start on paperwork to send to SEN caseworker today.

Still not dressed. And DC are mumbling about lunch .

I have a headache. Six children here today and youngest had a major tantrum within minutes of arriving this morning. I haven't recovered.

To do list is short due to paid working for 10 hours today.

Box files away
Pack car for tomorrow's outing
Give invoice out
Start accounts -fucking hate this
ANOTHER SHOWER -soooo hot!
Put a wash on

Ta da!
Sofa throws in the wash
Cleaned bathroom basin, shelf and mirror
S&S
Work
Dry throws
Clean ones on
Clean laundry away
Invoices
Hoover
Review for blog

To do:
Filing - discovered that there's no room in the filing cabinet so this has become a major job. [wail]
Get some exercise!
Read book
Call Mum

I'm melting nicknacks - everytime I think it's cooling down the heat ramps up again.

Ta da
supermarket
chat with best friend
quiche (went with bacon, peas, leek and a touch of blue cheese)
Washing up
hoovered downstairs
sorted yesterday's wash
one load of washing done and dried
Tidied away ds's puzzles with hishelp not that he was much real help
emailed friend about getting together this month

Didn't make it outside partly because itchucked it down this afternoon.

to do
shower and shower ds before bed
something useful from my to do list for the week that involves sitting on my backside

Soon tired! DS at nursery and a rare day at home to myself to get stuff done, so:

ta da
DS up, dressed taken to nursery
Collected bed guard for DS' bed
Took box of clutter to charity shop
Books back to library
Cheque and penny pot taken to bank
DW and WM x2
Made two beds
Online banking and bills paid
Sold a bunch of DSs old toys on Facebook
Poo picked cat trays
Put away laundry
Sterilised all DSs bottles
Had stern words with cleaner re sub standard job
Hoovered upstairs
Culled magazine stack
Put planet back on DSs ceiling
Took huge pile of 'might be useful' stuff into loft.

Flopped on arse now cuddling DS and watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates

ta da
shower and ds showered and in bed
did admin task I've been putting off for a month (email invite for best friend's hen do that I am organising) and met my criteria of sitting on my arse
prodded dh to call his aunt who is recovering from op (since MIL is away and she has been helping her with shopping/household stuff the last few weeks). It will make him feel better to reach out and have contact with someone, I know. He's having a good gas right now.

Now going to look for some films I would like to watch over the next few weeks. Am also going to message/call a few local friends tomorrow - I feel like everyone's gone "home" or away for the summer so am at a loose end but would love to meet up with a few people while the pressure's off.

Tomorrow = TODDLER FREE

Very exciting about toddler-free day tomorrow, Engels .

coffee - well done on your productive day. Hope you enjoyed 'Jake' .

Blue - looks like a busy Flying day for you.

NickNacks - not surprised you have a headache: six children and a 10-hour working day! I found childminding very, very hard work - I think people underestimate it.

Sadly, didn't get very much of my 'to do' list done today, as I felt ill this afternoon. Then DH came home early from work saying he felt ill too. Must be a bug. Had to have a nap later.

Babystep Number 29 is to plan your weekly pamper mission.

The Tuesday focus is to plan your week.

Missions are here: chuck out the trash in your living/sitting room.

Tuesday's flight plan is here.

We have three days till the next thread starts. I can't remember who, if anyone, has volunteered. Any takers?

Yay Engels. Am also child-free again tomorrow... In the end I got everything done on the list except filing and calling my mum who was out - how very dare she?!

Filing will have to become a major task involving culling older documents to make space. Sigh. How long is it you're supposed to keep things for?

Hope you're feeling better for a nap, Toffee. I think somebody volunteered for Aug, but can't remember who, either. I can't as we're away a lot of the time.

Tomorrow is my eleventh day in a row of no childcare. I'm a shadow of my former self, or at least I would have been had I not fallen into the cookie jar. The house is limping along, I've been Just a out managing to keep floors clean, dishes washed and Mt Washmore the size of a small hill rather than a mountain.

Managed to injure myself during cleaning the garage (a regrettable incident with heavy object and bare legs) and have a large slice through my shin which is bruised and sore. Flying can definitely be bad for your health. I do need to make a quick to do list for tomorrow as we're back to work on Wednesday and can then catch up on personals.

Parcels to post office
Nursery bags packed
Put box of spare grown out of clothes for nursery in car boot
Hang out dark wash
Put away light wash
Bleach loos
Get the Cot duvet out for dd2

Morning.

I ache. I have a cold. I'm feeling hormonal (and I'm hoping that my AF arrives soon as I've just worked out that I'll have to pee on a stick otherwise) and generally ick.

Sadly no child free day for me today. Won't have a day like that until the 13th. Counting down? Me?! ;-)

Other than that, I have to prep the room for DBIL, generally tidy, and start on Mount Washmore. The basket was EMPTY on Sunday, so lord knows what DH has been throwing into it. I'm umming and ahhing about hanging it out as the forecast is showers so... totally tempted to tumble it to get it out of the way

Right, shower and dress first...

Sure someone volunteered toffee but can't remember who. I'm away for quite a bit of August (11-15th and 28-31st) but if no one else pops up then I'm happy to start it off if someone else will cover my jollies very important absences.

Okay, DS is at nursery (why does he always need waking up on nursery days, but wander in at 7am on non-nursery days?). So, time to put radio 2 on and head up to my bedroom to pack away all the lovely clothes than I will be too pg to wear for at least the next year 6 months.

Ta da
bins out
changed outside bin
Hen do email admin

to do
go and sort wardrobe
sort wardrobes in ds's room
town for mindless wander and errands

Morning all, as a newbie to the flying threads, not sure if I'm allowed to, but [puts granola and heathy smoothies on the bar for flyers brekkie]

Carpe POAS? oo-er!

Engels have a lovely toddler free day

Sootball I think I'd go loopy lasting that long with no childcare. How old are your DC? Old enough to help, or to just to get under your feet?!

My SS is home with me today so I'm going to tackle the living room missions...

I still think of myself as a newbie sometimes coffee but sure I've been here 2 - or is it 3? - years!

Not oo-er - more like uh-oh!

Can't really aafford another kid, I'm already having to go back to work - part because I want to, but partly because we need the cash. Another baby (especially as we've sold the equipment!) would be tres expensive.

Logically I know it's the fact that my coil is now out, and I'm all to pit that's doing it, but it's still worrying. Especially as now my coil is out, I actually have a reason to worry!

Morning.

Carpe I'll hold your hand. I woke up this morning to realise I'm a couple of days late and so have been to the supermarket and will shortly POAS. Terrified. This would be a very bad thing.

This morning is my few hours a week to myself as both DC are at nursery. I need to achieve the following:
Put away clean clothes.
Wash up.
Clean sink.
Empty and reload dishwasher.
Invite potential new school friends to play later in the week.
Vacuum.
Start to declutter living room.
Call kitchen shop to arrange person to come and give us a quote.
Finish DS' wrap around care application forms and send them off.

There have clearly been a lot of Fuck Fridays going on amongst the Fledglings recently . Good luck Carpe and Trazzle.

Carpe - sorry you're feeling ick.

Thanks, coffee .

Engels - thanks for your offer, but it sounds tricky for you. I'm actually going to be at home all of August, so I can just carry on with the next thread if necessary. I have a feeling someone volunteered, but I don't know who it was.

Sootball - you have my sympathies. How old are your DC? I am trying to persuade my DS2 (8) to go to an art club this holiday, but he won't hear of it. Just wants to stay at home with me .

Next-door neighbour was on an early shift this morning, so he decided to put his radio on loud, which woke up DS2. It was 6am! Managed to get DS2 back to sleep by letting him sleep with us, but he then woke me up with this:

"Mum, open your eyes"
"They are open"
"Wider! They're not open enough!"

Have sneaked downstairs for a cup of tea and MN whilst he plays 'Animal Crossing' on his DS in his room. I'm very grateful for computer games sometimes.

Fx for you trazzles and carpe

Okay toffee but it must be my turn soon! Haven't run the thread yet and would like to do my bit as this thread has helped me so much the last few years, both in a house sense and in a social sense.

Have one weekend away in both September and October but other than that one of those might be a good month for me. November will be crazy finishing up work before ML and December will probably be okay, though I may disappear at the end of the month (start ML 1st December so will have lots of time, though due 28th December!).

ta da
Sorted my wardrobe and underwear/pyjama draws.

Now have 5 boxes of clothes to store Have stowed 2 of them in our room in (now) unused wardrobe space since I have so few clothes that are pg friendly!

Now going to tackle the wardrobe in DS's room which contains my excess stuff, seasonal stuff (e.g. ski trousers...mine only been worn on one trip!) and our bed linen. The I'll have a bit more storage space.

Cover can always be found, and there is no such thing as too newbie as having to post the links actually helps with finding the info and often forces you to really get your heading around the system or just look at the links cos you have been here so long you have got complacent

Come back to sort an important email, which hasn't arrived which is a complete and utter pain in the arse as will have to pop back tomo too. so much for a holiday