March of the Fledglings 2015

[Slingclutter]

Heartfelt thanks to Whoknows for running the February thread during such a stressful time for her (and to Toffee for helping out.)

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 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 on Flying lessons. Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.

Don't be put off by the purple prose and 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 might 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 15 mins 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, regulars, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome!

Out of curiosity does anyone know if when blocking out I need to block out before I attach the strips together or afterwards? I am making enough progress on the sampler throw to be considering this issue Can't wait until it is done and ready to go. Have really enjoyed knitting on this scale and with the variety of patterns. I have been bored by knitting in the past. I have knitting in the round as my next item on the to do list. I already know what pattern and have the wool. Just need to find a how to video on youtube and complete a few previous projects first

Toffee I only do poems for copy work! And to get ds2 to read them aloud for reading practice. I do occasionally try to explain them but mostly I tell him what they mean. He says he hates me asking him questions because he is sure to get the answers wrong! To my surprise he has enjoyed drawing illustrations to the poems. The first one was about a snake (Forest Snake) and the second one was Daffodils. LAST FOUR PAGES OF MOBY DICK TOMORROW. I want to read more seafaring books now. Rime of Ancient Mariner...perhaps

We went to Judo. I bought the food for supper (which the cats have just tried to eat but dh rescued it in time) Ds2 continues to astound me - he was telling another child about the electrified rails and how the train changed from one power source to another. How does he know all this stuff??

Exercise/chatting to people/driving/fresh air/public transport...even more knackered now....

And still have to tidy the blessed house and make dinner and look after ds2 before Bookclub. Feel a bit like I don't want to be part of the club anymore as my anxiety levels seem to go sky high everytime I have to do this. Seems ridiculous. They don't ask much. Will go and eat another banana!!! Lamb curry..what could go wrong?

I'm hoping to do poetry soon too. Found a children's book called 'paint me a poem' at the library which is full of poems based on pictures at the Tate galleries.

(Not caught up properly yet)

Toffee Arf at DS' "bored" response! Yep I've also read the Highly Sensitive Person, it was actually recommended by someone in my CFS/ME support group! Anyway I then saw the HSC one at the library and figured it must be worth a shot to help DD. I have often wondered if she has some ASD traits, as I do (not dxd as it's very hard round here as an adult, but virtually sure I have AS, as does my dad) but in any case we are definitely HSPs! The book was brilliant and DH is going to read it now. I just feel we've been going about discipline (well, handling meltdowns/stroppiness really, she isn't naughty IYSWIM) all wrong :( so I hope we can change our approach. I will probably buy the book as I feel we will need to refer to it often!

Oh also Toffee it may well still be lurking from the pneumonia. It was flu that triggered my first bout of CFS/ME, and it was actually initially started (but sort of 'dormant' IYSWIM) from a UTI - these illnesses can really mess with you for a long time. But it is way more likely to be a simple deficiency which will be easy to treat with supplements or injection.

Anyway I just realised I need to make a dr appt myself to discuss my meds so if I can make one for myself, so can you, mmkay? [stern] :o

I have the too loud, too bright, too fast, too tight book. Very telling though ds is walking around with just one sock on he is stressed about something just got to figure out what at least there is no shouting today yet

Thank you Bitchy - will have to copy your broccoli lunch - have done very poorly diet-wise today.

All quiet here at the moment. Hwk club on Thurs so that's taken care of (phew) and dd deeply in to Playmbobil house and stable currently. Can just hear the odd faint neigh and clatter of hooves ... . Amazing how these figures retain their popularity even for older dc.

I have just made an utter arse of myself and posted this list on BIWI's bootcamp thread

Ta da
Post letters
Ds to school
empty dishwasher and put on a cleaning run
put washing machine on a cleaning run with soda crystals
collect recycling together
5 mins decluttering frutility floor
clear out, clean and rearrange shelves in frutility room
rearrange furniture in lounge
collect washing up into kitchen
get rid of the dead flowers
put bathroom bin and my bin in to soak in disinfection liquid
empty on suit bathtub and clean it
put toilet in main bathroom to soak in cleaner
take tea for tomo out of freezer to defrost
Sort out the jam and find missing jars
Half fill in the paperwork for the school trip
Consider the issue of a play for ds to read - An inspector calls is clearly to grown up in material but I think it would probably need to be a similar level
Write shopping list
Collect stuff together for a tip run
Put hand washing in to soak
Air the house out - so nice to get some fresh air in. Will be glad when it warms up a bit though
Consider where the rake for sortingout the gravel drive would be likely to be stored and if I have the energy to play go hunt it
Update the master calendar and my calendar - consider sorting out ds'
Consider the order that things have to be done in and try to resist the stupid urge to wash the upolstery of my car...
Soak in an epsom salt bath
Deal with hand washing
Pop up to next town and do some shopping
Doctors for ds' prescription request
Pharmacist for some ibuprofen gel and paracetamol
2 loads of washing
fold socks
ds' lunch and bag for tomo
Drop scones for tomo's breakfast for ds
speak to ex re easter hols
take out the recycling
move crafting stuff being stored for the mother figure

And that is the end of that, I am ready for bed, ds heading towards bed. Early night is needed I think. night night

Oh dear, you will get drummed out, you have mentioned jam and dropped scones!

Ah but the scones are quantified for ds. Discussions have been had about not worrying about carb intake for children so much as they require them for sustaining growth. As for the jam, I sorted but did not eat. I am hoping i get away with it. If not I probably deserve a reminder from BIWI for the raw cake mix last week. Spoon licking when making cakes is apparently not bootcamp friendly Good job the new wheat allergy takes care of that then

How has your day been Whoknows are you hanging in there with everything and statements?

Playmobil is awesome SC - DCs got the pyramid for Xmas and are totally in love with it :)

Bitchy thanks for mentioning that other book, sounds useful (for me as well as DCs) so I'll see if the library has it! Just remembered I have to reserve some other books too (telling the time - did a bit more today)

Peg i also have "the out of sync child" ds is very sensory unbalanced and this really helps me to get to grips which him and how he processes life. I have only flicked but worth getting hold of if the library has a copy.

Thanks I'll have a look for that one too Bitchy :)

So sorry SC in my skimming the thread I'd not seen your question about my neighbours - they had SS intervention for about 5 years but they closed the case late last year (I know this because she's very open/forward about it all BTW I'm not nosy!), they did apparently visit recently because the school phoned SS again due to lateness, but they didn't do anything despite noticing the weed smell. I guess they are so overworked that if it's 'only' weed it's not a priority.

Pretty certain she's dealing though and the amount of dodgy blokes wandering in and out of her house makes me very nervous :(

ta da
As much laundry as possible turns out 'as much as possible' was... One load
Some home ed with DCs
Shower
Home ed form not done this as I found out we do need a separate one for each child so need to photocopy it tomorrow

Lots to try and do tomorrow, I'm working but need to do things like sort out meds/GP appt and message various people

(Isn't it weird how 'message' is now used as a verb?)

Had a lovely day though, took the DCs to a home ed gymnastics class for the first time and they enjoyed it, I chatted to some other parents too. DH took DD to the neighbouring town and happened to find a board game I've been wanting for months on sale, while I went home with DS and we snuggled up watching Fantasia (while thinking of lots of lovely music/art related home ed activities )... then spent the evening building the pieces for my game! Might try and hang the laundry out now... Meh

DS1 managed another trip to the school , then I went to an autism awareness workshop on motivation. Very interesting and helpful. Exhausted now, though. Night all.

*

The baby-step for Friday 13th (scary for some!) is here find a mission and do it!

We are still in Zone 2: the kitchen March 8-14.

If you want to, you can declutter 15 mins a day in this zone!

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

The last mission of the week is here wipe down the outside of your kitchen cabinets.

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

The monthly habit for March is the controversial one about getting dressed immediately and wearing lace up shoes indoors etc.

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

Small steps everyone!!

**

Good morning everyone!

Wow at your mega-list Bitchy and for posting it on the bootcamp thread!!! Shame you didn't mention the broccoli lunch !!

Oh dear PegLeg you've got to feel really really badly for that child Great that the home-ed gymnastics class went so well!!

Toffee that's so brilliant that your ds1 managed another school visit! Good on him!! Hope you caught up with sleep a bit last night!

Sorry to be posting links for today only this morning. I was hoping for a stress-free evening yesterday and all was going well until dh looked at his phone, turned white and then spent the next 2hrs on a frantic business call to Minneapolis. Then, in the middle of that, dd and I started having some wierd allergic reaction: eyes streaming, nose running, tongue feeling prickly, nausea etc. Was very odd. It couldn't have been anything we ate because we'd had that (veggie Thurs!) meal many times before and dh ate it and was fine. Can only assume it was something in the air (air quality very poor here and yesterday was very still) or we have inadvertently poisioned ourselves with anti-lice shampooing (unlikely as our heads didn't itch and surely we would have had a reaction yesterday which was the last time we used it). And again dh used it too and hasn't had a reaction. All very wierd and dd didn't get to bed until 11pm.

Just about to go and ascertain whether she is fit for school this morning.

Hope everyone has a good day!

Hi all,

Just wanted to check in and say I am flying along a little and really appreciate this thread. My DD is ill so it's been minimal but it's ticking over nicely.

Slingclutter thanks for all the links and hope you and your DD feel better soon.

Oh dear, that sounds alarming, SC.

Am phoning the dr this morning. Feel fine right now, though, which makes me feel like a charlatan .

Just back from the docs. Am booked in for blood tests next week. Thank you all for nagging me - that was the main reason I went!

Last night, I discovered that my delightful DSs had written 'mum is smelly' and doodled all over DS2's poster about teeth - the one we'd sweated blood and tears over . Raged at both of them and they were suitably contrite. I told DS2 that he would have to do it all over again, but this morning I think that was a bit of an overreaction on my part and I really can't face going through all that again. Ah well.

Toffee Argh, what a nightmare! And well done for going to the docs.

SC I hope the weird reaction has gone and never comes back!

No significant ta-da's for me this morning yet. Just about to go off to marriage counselling. I have received and put away a Tesco order and had a phone tutorial with my uni supervisor though.

Didn't get back on last night, but thank you for asking Bitchy -not much happening WRT statement at the moment, the school have implemented it as bestthey can but have not managed to get SALT and OT in yet. I have an appeal lodged over secondary school placement but the hearing is not till July, so while I'm not actually doing a lot at the moment, it is all very unsettling. His welcome pack from his proposed state secondary arrived yesterday, I feel very conflicted, I'm fighting to get him into special school, but part of me just wishes he could go to the local school with his friends.

Otherwise, yesterday was pretty hectic. School and work, then home and prepare packed teas for DD and I as we had a three hour dress rehearsal at her drama group (I'm helping backstage), also had to get DS's homework done and him ready for Scouts and despatched to friend's house for tea beforehand. Then after the rehearsal I had to go out and pick up 4 Scouts at 9.15 and return them all home. Needless to say not much Flying was done.

Today I am supposed to be doing OU work and am staying in for a delivery this afternoon, so I have the WM on and a pot of tea on the side. Managed to get 4 carrier bags of stuff to charity shop this morning. This evening will be another manic one of delivering DCs and friends all over town.

SC -hope the allergic reactions subside soon.

Toffee, not surprised you lost it at that. Glad to hear you've been to the dr.

SC hope you're feeling better today.

Sympathies re the coffee situation, Bitchy. I think I'd rather acquire a taste for it black than drink nasty milk, but I hope you find something that works for you!

Big waves to everyone else.

I'm still here, but still very busy with work. I've got a housework checklist app, which is helping a bit to keep me on track in the week at the moment. Going to try to use that as a kind of control journal.

This morning was a bit fraught as the boys wanted their faces painted for Comic Relief, which meant allowing time, so they needed to get dressed faster than usual, while putting their clothes on backwards, etc... so of course halfway to school we realised in all the fuss we'd forgotten DS1's lunch! Cycling up with it later counts as my exercise for the day...

Afternoon all

Feels like i haven't been on here for ages (off to the naughty corner).
First do nothing day for ages, between DH's 2 days off in teh week and me working the days go too fast. Work is going really well, did 4 days last week and have 4 days next week so am trying to sort out my schedules based on me working everyday so I at least get teh basics done without feeling overwhelmed.

Ta da

Washing done and put away
Downstairs swept and dusted
bathroom cleaned

To do

Mop bathroom and kitchen floor
Tesco delivery
School run *2 - ds has basketball until 4:30. Luckily they both have school dinners on Friday which makes tea much easier.

Sorry haven't kept up with thread will try and do better

Have a good afternoon and evening