Fledglings polish their pumpkins and do their best, it's time for a Fling Boogie Octoberfest!

[Stewedcoot]

Heartfelt thanks to Engels (and Bitchy!) for leading the thread throughout September (Sept always being a busy one) despite feeling a bit poorly and despite being pregnant. Hope beneficial effects of injections kick in soon!

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 daily and doing the babysteps is a good way to start. 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 brew + 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, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome!

Yes I can understand why you are so upset Nicknacks I'm really sorry

Great news about ds1's new teacher Toffee! That sounds really positive!

Good luck with your list Alice

Waves to Goth (glad you found it!) and Blue and everyone else!

Bit of a boring morning at parish vestiare sorting clothes in almost total silence. Then off to collect dd from school where she insists she cooked chicken and rice in cookery (so far so good) and then did "Greco-Roman wrestling" in sport [eh?]

Quiet on here today. Hope you've all had a reasonably good 'un!

Hr ahead here so posting links prior to settling dd in to bed and checking on poorly rabbit; then GBBO final.

Had relatively successful Flying afternoon (compared to wk so far anyway ). Oh and made a cardboard top hat.

Lovely and calm with dh away!! And DD 10 times more cooperative and better behaved in his absence ... funny that!

*

Baby-step no. 9 for Thurs 9th Oct is learn about decluttering and five- minute room rescues.

We are in Zone 2: the kitchen here!. Declutter for 15 mins in this zone.

The detailed cleaning list (if you are at that stage) for Zone 2 is here.

Tomorrow's mission is : decluttering your plastic wraps and foil drawers, cabinets or shelves.

The daily focus for Thursday is: errand day shopping, doc's appts, hair appts, present-buying etc.

The monthly habit for October is getting rid of paper clutter: www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/october/ .

For a summary of the above, see the flight plan : www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=-120 which should update itself daily.

G'night all!

***

greco roman wrestling! Wow, DD just gets dodgeball a lot.

Done
Beds
Windows
Laundry
Baked 2nd Christmas cake
S&S
Laundry hung out
Washing up
Dry laundry away
Walk to local-ish cake decorating shop for fondant icing for DD's birthday cake. Really nice lady in shop, must have been there over an hour!
Collect DD
Laundry back in
Dinner
Washing up
Dd to WF, and ran Elfin group (14 6-9 year olds)

To do
Washing up from WF
Ironing

Think there definitely must have been something lost in translation there Goth ... . Well done wrt your productive day!

I got loads done yesterday, thanks to following my list. Today it's really just more of the same.

My biggest thing today is catching up on paperwork - I have some forms to complete, and my mealplan (which I didn't fully finish yesterday) to do.

I'm still mulling over whether or not to get ds2 a secondhand bed (with a new mattress) or not. He always gets hand-me-down clothing from his brother and books and toys (although he does get some new stuff as well, obviously). I'd like to get him a completely new bed, even if it is more expensive than second hand. Does that sound silly? To be fair, he probably wouldn't notice the difference, but I would. It doesn't have to be expensive.

A parent group starting at one of the dc's schools. I am going to be part of it, although just a member. A couple people have mentioned I would be good at doing specific roles in group (like helping organise and such) but it's too much of a time commitment and I am trying to keep things low key right now. I cannot do things like setting up or running stalls for fund raising events, due to childcare issues, but I can certain make things to sell (craft items, cakes, and so on). I'm even happy to help by contact local businesses to ask for donations to auctions or raffles, as that can be done during school hours. I kind of like the idea of being involved in a group that is more positive thinking and focused, as I think it pushes me to be that way too.

Has anyone here used the iphoto thing to order a picture off your iphone? How does it work and is it quick and affordable? I'm considering it.

urgh not having the best of starts to the morning.

ta da
school uniform into dryer
move furniture in order to get alarm
wake up with the heat on and it set to cook
send important emails.

Loads i need to do but have a headache and feeling bug eyed this morning. Suppose if i write a list that might help.

Set up sewing machine
mend trousers
run up 4 seams
turn 4 things right way around and handstitch seams
attach fastenings
folding
ironing
clothes away
parents evening
craft project
Hoover car
check fluids
wrap present and take to post office to get sent
Print out ds' homework
Lunch and ds to school

I am in danger of having a scary list and being disappointed if i don't get it all done so am going to leave the to do list there. Plenty more that can be done if that lot gets sorted.

alice i am no use to you as my phone won't take photos. or do internet I know a ex-sil uses an app to get a photo sent as a postcard. They always look good.

Taking DS1 to the drs for a blood test this morning as he's come out in a very curious rash. My heart skipped a beat when I did the glass test yesterday afternoon and the rash didn't fade, although the fact that he felt fine was encouraging. The doctor admitted to being "flummoxed" by it and has asked him to come back for blood tests. All very odd.

Apart from that, I'll be home educating and trying to fit in a bit of Flying too. More of the same, essentially.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Alice - I've done that with Iphoto on the Mac, made two photobooks that way, it was very easy, but not particularly cheap. I tend to take them on a memory stick into Boots and use their machines if I want one-off photos, not sure if you can connect a phone directly though.

The parent groups sounds good BTW, I'm on the PTA at the DCs school and we are always very glad of ad-hoc help for exactly the sort of thing you mentioned.

yesterday seemed very busy catching up, although I have to admit I didn't really catch up with any of the mess strewn rooms...

did yesterday
woken at 5.30 by ds2 on Vienna time
Tudors..more
literacy workbook
made ds2 write a note and deliver it by himself
had nap, ds2 sneaked into dd's room stole a sweetie, spat it out, causing a terrible scene when she returned [oops]
dealt with dd rage and cancelled her friends' coming round to paint her bedroom on Sat (she was deeply relieved actually) as punishment
went to Beavers to help
went to Bookclub (hadn't read book, still it was fun)
came back to lovely peaceful household
washed two loads of laundry and baked rather dry sugarless cake - note to self do not use golden syrup as substitute for sugar

did today
drove dd to school
read story of Walls of Jericho to ds2
spelling/phonics
handwriting practice
cooked self high protein breakfast
admired autumnal garden

ds2 is now playing in the front room with his planes, need to take him out
not sure whether just to ditch formal education for today and spend rest of today tidying up with his help as dh leaves for Berlin this weekend
he has appt to play football later with home edding acquaintance.

toffee hope teacher can tempt ds1 downstairs. My sister said that her son's first module at York University has been the Samurai (this is a history degree) and he started by watching The Last Samurai..

WhoKnows and Bitchy thanks .. I think I'll stick to the memory stick at Boots as well. Was thinking it might be easier but not sure if it's worth the hassle to get it set up.

Got some errands done this morning before an appointment. Now going to relax a bit while I work my way leisurely through some paperwork.

ta da (in no particular order)
school uniform into dryer
move furniture in order to get alarm
wake up with the heat on and it set to cook
send important emails.
Try to check balance on cash machine - error with account
3hr round trip to a branch
banking - faulty machine apparently
complete assessment of financial situation apart from student loan and that is head in sand atm
picked up some books from the works for ds' christmas present
ds to school with lunch
Set up sewing machine

Am currently sorting out things for lunch and pinning stuff so can run up the needed seams. Today is not going to plan, i will reserve judgement on whether this is a good or a bad thing for now.

ta da

Took boys to drs
Had flu jab myself
MIL round for tea
Snacks
Maths with DS2
Titanic project with DS2

Stopping for late lunch now.

just had a wonderful stirring walk in Kew Gardens (unfortunately the Evolution House was closed] but we beat our demons by walking round the Treetop Walkway which was swaying and clanking in the most suspicious way (I did not dare look down or out and had only the vaguest impression of treetops) School parties everywhere and ds2 said he had happy memories of a school trip there in Year 2

Now football.

and tidying

There is a treetop walk in Kew Gardens? well that places that memory. thanks Swan, it has been bugging me for years.

Hope everyone ok! Have been doing 'work' work all day. Usual story, have done absolutely no Flying other than usual routines, one load of laundry (plus next one on) and quick supermarket shop. Haven't even done my usual Thurs veggie cook-fest but on the positive side, have really enjoyed being out of the house most of the day and feeling like a normal human in regular work mode. Just having a quick before going to pick up dd from hwk club.

Must somehow get down to some serious decluttering but just the thought (and sight of it!!) makes me feel quite unwell! [I know, I know, power of 15 mins and all of that... .]

Btw I well and truly got my lack-of-decluttering-come-uppance this morning! As previously mentioned, today is the day that dd had to give a speech (in costume) on Winston Churchill for a school project. In the end bought a cheapo boys suit second hand (padded out in front with dolls cot mattress), doctored a gold compass to look like a pocket watch, bought a cigar (!), made a bow tie, and thought 'oh well the top hat is no problem because we'll use the plastic one from dd's magic set'. Only, we couldn't find the magic set anywhere, and we spent hrs searching the entire house. So spent 2.5 hrs yesterday afternoon making a top hat out of black cardboard and glue, and then (yes, you've guessed it) found the magician's set, including hat, in a bag in the main boudoir (of all places) this morning. Think someone up there is trying to tell me something ... .

BBL to catch up with personals! Big feathery waves to all fledglings!

Bitchy I don't think it has been there more than six years though..? Maybe there was one long ago, or maybe when you were small it seemed high up

further dones
cooked a pie
served pie
unloaded dw
took ds2 to football with two others
second batch of mince for another day

dd has an Inset day tomorrow, for which I am very grateful; however she has spoilt my plan (that she tidy her room peacefully all day) by insisting she is going to meet yet another friend. Which means she will yet again be tired and badtempered and need to catch up on everything by Sunday.

Ds1 is in a good mood but clearly has failed to comprehend most of his GSCE coursework.

Feel like I have spent the day walking in the country but now would appreciate a nice hot bath and telly, and not have to deal with anything.

Have a glass of Swan you deserve it after that lot!

Right, after an evening of pizza, salad, and Kung-Fu Panda (without dh) just on my way upstairs with dd who is exhausted and got away with murder at school today after preparing her speech at last minute and actually remembering most of it! Going to post a mini round up plus links while she is getting ready for bed ... .

How have you all been getting on?

Swan was swaying bravely on a tree-top walkway (I thought you were even braver to contemplate inviting your dd’s friends to paint her room!)

Toffee had a flu jab and did some Titanic home-edding (hope doc got to the bottom of ds1’s rash!)

Bitchy has been mending trousers and trying to iron out her financial affairs

Alice has been grappling with photo technology, bed buying and volunteering for a parent group

Whoknows has (as ever) been offering helping advice and is involved in her PTA

Goth has been channelling Hollywood & Berry and has finished baking two Christmas cakes and is now starting on her dd’s birthday offerings!

Can't believe it is Friday again tomorrow! Where did the week go?

G'night all!

***

Baby-step no. 10 for Friday 10 Oct is to learn the power of 15 mins.

We are in Zone 2: the kitchen here!. Declutter for 15 mins in this zone.

The detailed cleaning list (if you are at that stage) for Zone 2 is here.

Tomorrow's mission (last one in kitchen!) is : spending 5 mins sorting out cleaning materials that live under the kitchen sink.

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

The monthly habit for October is getting rid of paper clutter: www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/october/ .

For a summary of the above, see the flight plan : www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=-120 which should update itself daily.

Keep going everyone! Even 1 x 15min session of decluttering makes more of a difference than one would imagine!

*

*ta da( (in no particular order)
school uniform into dryer
move furniture in order to get alarm
wake up with the heat on and it set to cook
send important emails.
Try to check balance on cash machine - error with account confused
3hr round trip to a branch
banking - faulty machine apparently hmmconfused
complete assessment of financial situation apart from student loan and that is head in sand atm
picked up some books from the works for ds' christmas present
ds to school with lunch
Set up sewing machine
folding
ironing
realise can't find pedal for sew machine after setting everything else off.
30mins rummaging in the study for it but no luck :(
print ds' homework out
help ds with homework argh I hate this job
Parents evening

Most of my original to do list has been left undone It really has been one of those days! And ds is not being the most willing in the going to bed and sleeping stakes

Tomo is a new day but the to do list for tomo is long and there is a lot that needs to be achieved by Monday aka I have to find a load of important paper that I have filed or shredded as didn't know it was important until this week

I am hoping that the fledglings are all having a better ride through things atm.

Thanks for the welcome folks. I'm afraid I don't have an interesting story behind the name - it's just a reference to the Aquabats

Sorry to read about the video Nicknacks :(

Still getting to grips with this - in terms of flying, I'm on babysteps, though I'm fitting in some bits of other tasks when I can do them. I have a shiny sink for the third night in a row, and actually, it does make me feel good. Not done the getting dressed to shoes thing yet as I don't like wearing outside shoes in the house - I may have to buy myself a pair of "indoor" shoes - I can kind of see why it might be helpful.

Anyway - today's ta dah (hope I'm doing this right...)

Making packed lunch
School Run
Slimming World Meeting
Swimming
Supermarket shop - clothes for DD and some microfibre cloths!
unloading and reloading dishwasher
taking down dry laundry and putting away
Putting on new load of washing and hanging up
Cleaned toilets
Emptied bins
Washing up non dishwasher stuff
Shining sink
5 minutes or so picking up things to throw away

to do

Going to sit in front of the TV with some old Slimming World magazines, cut out any recipes I want, put them into labelled folders and put the magazines into the recycling.

Got a day at home while DD is at school tomorrow, so hoping that if I come on here, I'll get some stuff done, rather than the usual thing of feeling floored by just how horribly messy my house is (I struggle to walk across the rooms at the moment) and will feel a bit more focused. Feeling quite positive so far...!

Evening Cactus you're doing fine. I'm always amazed at how bad I feel if I don't get my sink shined, no matter how far or often I back slide I usually continue with my sink and the load of laundry each day. We don't have a dish washer, so if the pots aren't done in the evening I get to see them 1st thing in the morning and it always makes me feel like I'm behind.

Done
Packed lunch
Dd to school
Got Birthday present for DD's friend
Got bargain Quorn bacon from co-op
Picked up morning rolls
Fakon sandwiches when I got home!
Go to Croft - work on poly tunnel, harvest Kale
Go to shop, bag up kale (40 bags)
Collect DD (almost running in wellies)
Get birthday card with DD for her friend
Get home -collapse into bath with aching legs
Dinner
Washing up & SS
Litter tray
Wrap cakes for storage
Help DD wrap present
Skype friend

Tomorrow's list
Tidy EVERYWHERE
Vacuum
Wash kitchen floor
Make birthday cake
Collect Helium balloon.
Make flapjacks (for Woodcraft Folk walk on Saturday)
Meet parents at train station (offer Valium to Dad when he sees my purple hair )
Collect DD from school
Take DD to friend's party
Collect DD
Dinner
Plant bulbs /seeds Mum sent that I'd forgotton about

Tomorrow will be brought to you with the aid of chocolate & I may need a

I am going to need a list for tomo. Somehow i suspect that this is going to be an almost detailed repeat of today's list

Friday's to do
Set up sewing machine
mend trousers
run up 4 seams
turn 4 things right way around and hand stitch seams
attach fastenings
clothes away
craft project
Hoover car
check fluids
Lunch and ds to school
pack ds' stuff
work
mileage over hills

So a normal friday kinda thing then As normal tons of stuff that is not actually on the to do list here but is on the omg where is the fecking end of my to do list to do list One day, just perhaps one day, I will have a more realistic to do list and it won't be completely endless. It will actually have a beginning, middle and an end. Although i don't think this will be achieved this year. Might have to make it my target for next year...

Tired today. And that was before I read Goth's mammoth sized list! now I'm positively wiped out!

I've actually gotten a fair bit done, but flagging now, so just going to sleep.

Morning all! [[coffee][tea]

Just a few provisions there to aid the energetic fledglings along!

Very little by way of flying achieved here yesterday. Not much on the agenda for today either - I'm driving home this evening (3 hrs) to spend the weekend with DM.

To Do:
Reboot laundry
Go to work
Focus on healthy eating choices today
Pack a bag
Quick kitchen rescue before I leave
Long drive