Time for a bonfire of the clutter? Perhaps not but Fledglings are flying high with the fireworks through November...

[BlueEyeshadow]

Huge thanks to SC (and Bitchy!) for leading the thread throughout October (and to SC for such a copy and paste-able OP)

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.

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 + 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!

Morning,

Back to routine this morning, we've had a very busy but enjoyable half term and needless to say Flying has fallen a bit by the wayside. All laundry is clean and put away though, I find that makes the single biggest difference to the beginning of a week. Morning routine went smoothly today and I'm at work now though so the rest of the Flying will have to wait.

Welcome to all the new Fledglings, and also those returning. Ellie - so sorry to hear about your friend, it does put day to day problems into perspective. I won't suggest crochet, but have you thought about knitting?

This morning I have bought a touchtyping course for ds2 online, recommended by Speech therapist (TTRS)

Ds1 and dd off to school in respective puffs of green smoke. Ds1 so disorganised. Today he fell asleep again in his dressing gown after getting out of the shower He's broken his e string on violin (and that was before he did any practice) and this morning he announced he couldn't find his trousers (there were two clean pairs in his room but he hadn't put them away)

Not a very good night's sleep either - feel a bit like you SC though not so bad - but my sleep is definitely disturbed recently.

So onto touchtyping now.

I'd be interested to hear how he gets on with that course Swan, my DS's EP has suggested he should learn touch typing. In fact I ought to learn myself.

SC oh, for hot flashes. Seriously, I'll be 49 next week and no hot flashes to be found. I know I know, don't go looking for trouble, but I am FREEZING all the time. Dcs walk around in tshirts and I'm bundled up in a cardigan. Maybe a hot flash or two would finally warm me up a bit?

ta da
usual morning routine, school run x2
huge bag of outgrown children's clothing taken in to the school nursery and donated (they are always looking for extra clothing)
put petrol in car
picked up milk at petrol station as it was on sale and we were out
paid water bill
free latte at Waitrose while I browsed the wonderful candle and cookery section looking for something interesting to give to my mum for her birthday (no luck, but did buy something for myself with the money she gave me for my birthday!)
checked gas and electric meters
checked that bins were out for pick up

to do
laundry - one load
tidy up my bedroom in preparation to do more wallpapering tomorrow
tidy up dining room
paper shredding tonight
double check Christmas purchases so far and make sure everything is on the list accurately, so I can figure out what's left to get
get out first of two Christmas boxes that are not in the attic
make a list of what I need to get at the Range (this is SUCH a dangerous store for me now that all their Christmas stuff is in!), and buy new string of lights for tree there
double check Christmas organisation lists to make sure what I need to pick up this week in town
finish menu plan for this week (yes, lazy me, still haven't finished it!)
bring in bins

Ooh, yes, the Range, a branch opened near my work a couple of years ago, I go there for one thing and come out with a trolleyload if I'm not careful (no wonder I have clutter problems).

Still sink-shining as far as Fly Lady goes.
Dropped my DD off to school this morning for her first week away. Packing up her bags for just 5 days took up most of my weekend! It seemed she had to pack enough to last her a month!
And Bitchy good job you put that disclaimer up- that's one heck of a list!
Ooh NickNacks that reminds me I must pay for my school photo too! Such a bad memory!

6am that's some awful insomnia Bitchy :(

ta da
Got dressed when I got up rather than last minute :)
DCs to school on time with all necessary bits and pieces - no stress!
15 mins decluttering in kitchen (bit slow but still ditched some stuff)

to do
Wash new Tupperware and bobble bottle in clean sink
Decent lunch
Find Trofast tub for DCs' hangers and put in their wardrobe
Bath/hair - start reading new book
30 mins NaNoWriMo (eeeek! Not sure if I'll manage this)
One wash - stuff that goes on hangers
Hang out wash
Work (boooo)

Alice the wierd thing is that according to tests, I'm supposedly not menopausal l (my mother still had eggs in her 80s!!) ; the hormones are to stop me having month long periods (sorry for tmi) I do remember being constantly cold when I was thin though [distant memory]

Whoknows (left you off my 'wave' list also!!) I agree with you totally about the laundry. I find laundry being up to date is more essential to the smooth running of the house than (dare I say it) shiny sink!

Goth/Whoknows did either of you happen to see the bit about crocheted poppies on country file last night? Think they are lovely here.

Bitchy poor you re: the lack of sleep. Sympathies! And to Inadaydream and Swan too!

Goodness Nicknacks it should have occurred to me that you don't get breaks over school holidays - that must be tough going!

Swan re: dc and lack of organisation. Reminded dd around 4pm yesterday that it was time to check and organise her school back to prepare for return etc and she "found" the script for a Christmas play that she had to learn for this morning. Fortunately she only has small part but honestly! Not a good start ... .

Hope your dd has a good trip Terry

Very glad to hear you are taking it easy Engels

Have just checked out NanoWriMo website for first time Fuzzpig looks interesting

Not at my most energetic today but thank God (as usual) for this thread. It keeps me going:

Ta da:
rabbits
dishwasher filled and emptied
ditto wm
s&s
dining room table hot spots
made parsnip, carrot and potato soup
ironed ballet kit

We have high winds here atm. Rabbits are going a bit mental on the lawn atm. Ears like wind socks

SC oh, I'm not thin. So that's not it. My mum and my sisters all went through menopause very early - think 40+. And me? almost 49 and still like clockwork. Sooooo not fair. I mean, yes, pleased that it meant I was able to have ds1 at 40 and ds2 at 43. But still... I'm DONE now with the whole pregnancy/childbirth thing. I'd like the off button on that particular function please!

Alice joins you wishing it was over. When tested last year I didn't even register as peri-menopausal, but at the time I had monstrous mood swings plus other TMI symptoms. My Dr was sympathetic, and said I was probably at the start, it seems to have calmed down a bit this year (well DH is still alive and it's a close thing sometimes)

Done
Beds
Windows
Laundry out
Another load laundry in
Walk to the croft to assess for harvesting
Then to Locavore for veg

To do
Some mending
Collect DD
DD to Karate
Washing up & SS

OT question, there are a couple of boys that have been upsetting DD, it's not all the time but it's getting her down. DD has spoken to her teacher but it happens at lunchtime and I think the dinner ladies aren't up to much. So do I go marching into school, or should I write a letter to her teacher. The majority of the time she is happy at school, much happier than at her previous one.

I wouldn't necessarily march into school, but I would ask for a meeting with the teacher and discuss it with her. Perhaps suggest someone keep a closer eye, with a view to possible solutions? Are they bullying her or just irritating her? (I know that sounds awkward, but it's always a fine line, isn't it?)

I would speak to the teacher, and possibly follow up with an email so it is on the record. Ask what the process is for communicating this sort of thing to the lunchtime supervisors - our school has a list of children who they are supposed to keep a special eye out for at lunchtime, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. I agree it's a fine line between bullying and irritating but if it is upsetting her they ought to know.

Alice I totally get you with wishing there was a Menstruation 'off switch' I'm done with babies now, DH has had a vasectomy and I have piggin awful periods. I'm 31 so could have potentially another 20 years of them.
Stewedcoot at the image of your rabbit's wind-socked ears.
Yes, Going I would try and arrange a meeting with the teacher too. I think it can be a bit of a tough job for the dinner ladies sometimes as I think some children don't respect them. But if a teacher has a word it should hopefully put a stop to it.

Thanks, I'll try to collar the teacher tonight. The irritation thing is something I'd considered but she made a big deal over homework the other night because "she's stupid"! It's not something we say at home, one of these boys keep saying it to her. We done the avoid or ignore line, but it's not getting any better.

I've not actually even looked at the NaNoWriMo site yet I'm just going to try writing as much as I can. I didn't actually manage to start properly but I did spend about 25mins going through my notes (I came up with a plot a while ago and wrote loads about it, but never dared start) and writing a little more around them, taking bits out that no longer felt right etc.

Managed most of my list, tonight I need to hang the washing that hadn't finished when I left, will ask DH to do washing up and put clothes away. Also must pack DS' bag for yoga tomorrow, and shine my (bathroom) sink!

Just realised I finally several months after buying it cleaned and filled my new filter bottle and forgot to bring it with me to work!

ah, Goth no, the "stupid" thing is not on. If someone is saying that to her, then I would say that's more bullying. I only asked re the irritating because sometimes someone can do something completely innocent and for no logical reason (or at least that I can tell) it upsets ds1. That would be IMO irritating, but not intentional so ds1 needs support to deal with it or to be moved away from it. If someone is calling her stupid, then that's intentional, and bullying as far as I'm concerned, so the school need to step up quickly and definitively so it's nipped right now. They need to make a very clear stance on it that it's not acceptable.

re: the menstrtuation off button - just one word. Mirena. It gets a lot of bad press on here, but to me it's the best thing since sliced bread, no periods for 6 years, no unwanted pregnancies, no side effects.

On a plus note nobody has died or been murdered for annoying me on a minus note I am very tired and short fuse. Not bedtime yet and still have a few essential things to do before bed

Did however, get to see the doc and have new meds. Fingers crossed they do as they are hoped to. 3 weeks to find out.

NOt helped by feeling ill but why are Mondays always so horrible? Home bleugh, pre and post school narkiness, ballet runs in the rain, rubbish and recycling night, plus clearing up all crap from w/e? I shouldn't whinge. Most of you have done an 8+ hr day of work on top of that too or have home edding/small 'uns to contend with. I did do a bit of work today on website but nowt too onerous I must admit. But I still hate Mondays

Sorry your dd having tough time at school Goth ; that's not nice at all. Hope teacher sorts it properly.

Whoknows I couldn't do Mirena because of fibroids but have hormonal equiv in mini-pill form. It has worked brilliantly too up to now; but obviously not as healthy a solution but seems to suit me (set me free after years of gynae probs). Dreading the possibility that I might have to come off it.

Hope the meds effective Bitchy

Fuzzpig re: the writing - go for it!

Apparently it will make me worse before better. I hate it when meds are issued with warnings like that. Reassuringly it is supposed to be a short term blip and a few weeks should be enough to make sure that it has had the desired effect. Fingers crossed the migraines should bugger off now. It would be a great help.

Hello and I hope everyone's cycles get sorted and Goth sorry about your DD and those boys. I hope the school listens.

I'm at work full time, so weekdays is stuff I can cram in before work.....

Ta Da
washed back door mat
loaded and put on dishwasher
took out rubbish and recycling
sorted out washing on clothes horse
after work unloaded dishwasher and washing machine

Teacher was lovely, but it turns out DD hadn't told him about what had been going on. He's going to have a general word with the class about appropriate language and behaviour, and we've both stressed to her that if anything happens again that she is to tell him and that it's not telling tales. She also has the option of dropping a note in the class Worry Bag if she doesn't want to do to tell him in ear shot of the other pupils.

It's parent/teacher night on the 12th and he says to let him know whenever I think it's continuing. Am so pleased I've flagged it up, just see what happens now.

Generally it's been verbal but she had a football kicked at her a few weeks ago (and she wasn't in the football allowed area) and last Friday someone threw a lunch bag at her face. Have to admit that I also have it in the back of my mind that she may end up losing her temper and belting one of them. Although I think most of her class does know she has karate lessons. It has been good for her self control, but she is still only 10.

Alice DD is often irritated by people usually DH it's her most common complaint, but I'm sure that it's not the case this time. You never know if you're hearing the full story, I know she winds me up and as much as I love her sometimes she can say very hurtful things. But she is the smallest in the year and I'm not going to let her get picked on.

On a happier note I've published my Facebook page I've only invited a few people to like it so far (because I'm an insecure wuss) so feedback is welcome. It's ridiculous it's taken me 18 months to get this far but I've just not got the entrepreneurial spirit. I only became self employed as the JobCentre was pushing for it and my contribution based benefit was running out. I am starting to enjoy it now, as I'm building a local network and I'm changing the focus from a business to a blog. Not that I'm aiming to be another Moogly or Attic24.

Oh Goth having a football kicked in your face and a bag thrown at you is awful. Good that teacher was helpful though. Hope they sort it properly. And I like the sound of a "worry bag".

I've just come on here to whinge again in an attempt to stop myself shouting. I've run out of patience tonight. It's my fault dd was nearly late for ballet, that she hasn't finished her hwk and that she has lost half of her school books for tomorrow. She is in hysterical tears accusing everyone of moving her stuff but is not bothering to look properly herself. (The tears are because her teachers do not look kindly on year 6 pupils who lose text or exercise books.) I realise she has to adjust back from holidays to school (and they really do lay the schooling on thick here) but this is trying in the extreme. She's had all week to sort and find them. She shouldn't have left it until the night before etc etc etc [sigh] [sigh] [sigh] reaches for

Sorry that was all me, me, me.

Bitchy hope the meds work, and sooner rather than later.

Fuzzpig look forward to reading your work, just remember the rules