Flylady's fledglings spring clean your nests! March '16

[Greymalkin]

First of all, a big thank you to Fuzzpig for leading us through the February thread, (you can hung up your duster for a bit now!)

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 support and chat along the way.

The FlyLady link is here Don't be put off by the twee language of the site – we all agree that the underlying system is very effective.

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 swamped with her marketing and testimonial nonsense. 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):

• start or repeat baby steps
• repeat baby steps + do 15 minutes a day decluttering in the current zone
• 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.

There are three key points to keep in mind throughout:

• No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine and many of us on this thread struggle with this one.
• You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
• 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.

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 ‘ta-da’ lists but don't let that worry you. Do what you can, anything is better than 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.

Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.

Don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t. Some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome.

Not much getting done here, DD is planning to go to an after-school club and DH is doing a few things after work so if I have a strong coffee (doable) and a strong work ethic (less likely) I may be able to get some stuff done this afternoon.

The Lidl version of Baileys was fine, bit thinner but tasted nice

Hello, I'm back! :o

I've changed my name as it was long overdue. You can probably work out who I am but please don't use my old name .

Our little holiday was fab, I managed to join in with a swim and other things while also getting plenty of rest. It was so quiet due to being term time - we had an archery lesson to ourselves :o (I did manage to bruise my boob with the bow string though [twannnng] [ouch] ).

Anyway we've got another week until DH starts his new job, so although the DCs have lots of activities this week (including the Harry Potter tour as we were lucky enough to get picked by MN :)) we also want to get as much decluttering done as we can in the next 8 days or so. I put a wash on within 5 minutes of getting home [proud] and hoping to have it all done so we can put it all away tomorrow. We're going to plan the week later.

Slowly catching up with the thread - SC you asked about picture permissions etc. The author is primarily a painter, she did all her own illustrations. :) I guess it's still a nightmare when dealing with photos and pictures done by others though, perhaps it's evolved due to internet etc.

Tumble dryer is on, 3rd load in washing machine. Thankfully not leaking as badly as we thought but have found a new door seal on amazon anyway.

Hi everyone,

Welcome Keepon, we have quite a few new 'fledglings' this month, so jump in with us all and we'll help you along the way. I will post some links in a bit, start with those, everything will come around again next month so you won't miss anything.

Caglio - glad you have a good break. Boob Bruising. Yes, as an archer myself (going tonight in fact) I can whole heartedly sympathise with you.

I've been in London all day, I went for an appointment regarding laser eye surgery, got to go back again in a month. I went to The British Library for a wander round and had a great time.

Hope you all have lovely weekends.

Have been sunk in a fit of education policy despair for the last couple of days. Can I just ask you all to sign the petition against academising all schools that's linked in the Nicky Morgan guest post?

No flying is happening but a nice meal is planned for later to try and boost morale a bit. Managed to go to Zumba yesterday for the first time since we moved, too.

Flightplan for Saturday 19th March

We are still in Zone 3: The Bathroom and one other room. The missions for the week say to pick the room in your house which is the worst in terms of clutter.

No missions as it is the weekend.

Our next baby step is to Read another testimonial Do so by all means, but I find it all a bit sickly…

Habit of the month is getting dressed to your shoes. A tad controversial on here, some do, some don’t… (I certainly don't)

The focus for Saturdays is Family Fun Spend time together renewing relationships and having quality time together.

Phew mopped kitchen floor did dishwasher and brought in laundry that had been on the line for 3 days! 🌝 sorted out 1 cupboard but didn't manage any other missions - went for a lovely dog walk in the sun! I like the 15 minutes missions as with a baby that's te longest he will sit without needing me! Also put all bins out, and a poop scoop.

May do something else or just veg out tonight!

Right, I've caught up with this thread, 4th wash is on, I've done a couple of things I was procrastinating over (though not everything) and the whiteboard has been filled in with next week's activities - with the understanding that any free time will be spent on decluttering!

Welcome Keep! I'm not really flying at all ATM but I'd say just jump in. The beauty of it is that you aren't behind so no matter if you start with babystep number 19! :)

I've got to rearrange one of my lessons for this week and I always get stupidly anxious over doing that sort of thing! [deep breath] Right, off I go.

Ah yes Grey I thought it was you who, erm, arches? Archers? Archeries? What's the verb? :o I thought I've seen some women wearing something across their chest to protect them, we had arm guards but no it was my enormous bosom that got the worst of it. Still, I didn't do too badly really considering it was quite an effort just to hold the bow. DD loved it too.

And now I really am going to rearrange that lesson.

LOL Caglio! As to a verb? Shoots?!

Men and women wear chest protectors, ugly 'half-bras' that keep the fabric of your clothing away from the string, and to protect sensitive bits! I am also large of boob and would never shoot without the extra protection!!

Evening - I spent a couple of hours washing up tonight. Unfortunately, I was not at home at the time so it hasn't helped I was helping out elsewhere.

We are out most of tomorrow (at the Big Bang Science Fair in Birmingham) and DD has a party later on so I might get some time late afternoon/tomorrow night to get stuff done.

Ooh have fun at the science fair! I meant to sign us up to the local one of those.

I did rearrange the lesson last night, all fine, and I'm also arranging to meet another family in the next couple of weeks with two DCs who want to start learning! Yay!

Currently curled up with DCs watching TV since it's the weekend and DH is having a lie in. It seems the DCs are no longer sleeping late, I guess that was just a reaction to the darker mornings rather than home ed IYSWIM - they've been waking up early again. DH got up with them every morning on holiday so I'm on duty this week.

DH is taking DD to dancing today so I'll get some time with DS, then we'll crack on when they get back, although I'm hoping they can put their clothes away before that. I managed to get all the washing dried last night, today I need to do a non-tumble-dry wash and hang it all out.

Morning all! So I actually have a full day at home today. Have been up for ages as DP stayed last night but the army in their wisdom decided he should be at work for 7.15 so early get up and 6am departure was necessary. Tried to get back to sleep but failed and tried to use time to fly...but failed. However, I am definitely going to post a to do list today. DS is going rock climbing for the day with Scouts so just DD and I although she slept at her cousin's last night so may actually have some alone time later!

To do:-
Washing on - done
Washing on radiators - done
Hoover and polish whole house
Clean bathrooms
Buy a mop
Mop floors
Possibly weed tiny front garden
Do something with DD
Friend coming round for coffee
Schoolwork
Pick DS up from Scouts
Drive to DP's for rest of weekend
Get excited about 2 and a bit weeks off work

blue i have signed that petition. Don't get me started on the Tory government and education. Teaching in a school which has steadfastly railed against academisation means this really affects me and is so wrong on every chuffing level. Ironically in our local authority the two best performing schools (one other and mine) are the only two that haven't become academies. What does that tell you about this marvellous academy programme...oh yes....it's bollocks.

Welcome to lovely new fledglings. Best advice I can give is just to jump in and get cracking.

Back later. Have a great day everyone!

Morning Ellie :)

I've signed that too, and the SATs one that was linked to. Neither affect my DCs now they are HE but I feel strongly about it nonetheless. What a fucking mess it all is. :( It just feels like every school age child is used as a guinea pig for endless new policies.

Absolutely cagliostro. As a teacher and with a management role, it feels like they are completely changing the goalposts continually without telling us what those bloody goalposts actually are and thereby working us into the ground when we already work bloody hard. And as a parent of a teenager, the uncertainty surrounding his gcse's in 3 years from now is ridiculous. The sheer amount if exams is scary for a start. Rant over...for now.

Couldn't agree more ellie rant away. It seems like every week there's some new thing you are told to do, or not do. Even my BFF who loves teaching - it was her dream career and she's doing brilliantly with management responsibility etc - is getting really disillusioned with it. :(

Anyway. On to more positive things!

Started sorting through the clean laundry while DH and DD are out at dancing. Then we will be starting The Big Tidy after lunch. I'm really feeling like I don't know where to start though! I guess having had a week off from decluttering I've lost my momentum.

Morning all! Just checking in, in somewhat jaded fashion.

Hope everyone ok.

Feeling a bit down and irritable atm tbh despite a good busy week. No decluttering done in house at all [save for one measly bag of papers from boudoir] despite being constantly flat out

Also, I'm hiding from a very stroppy dd. Every suggestion I make is dismissed contemptuously with "I already know that" well why don't you do it then. Every comment met with eye-rolling or rudeness. Every request to help is met with "I'll do it later". But then when she needs something (ie a need a Chinese costume and a "pudding" course of Chinese food to feed fifty for Friday - mentioned casually late on Tues eve - I'm expected to drop everything and do it.) She's changed almost overnight from mini-dynamo, always neat and quick with wicked sense of humour and interested in anything to a sort of slouching hair-all-over-the-place permanently-attached-to-Ipod angry grouch (who is in a semi-permanent dream). I've bloody well had enough!

[And yes, we do have strict screen time limits, but these in themselves have become constant source of tension]

To be accurate, she always had a quick temper but so do I. It just seems worse at the moment. And we seem to have more tense/angry interactions than pleasant ones

[I am saying all of this on this thread as a "safe place" in the knowledge that the long-term posters on here hopefully know by now that I love her to Jupiter and back!!]

Knitting I need to down a big glug from your capacious jar of patience

To be fair to her, dd is exhausted as she had very busy day at school yesterday (aforementioned International Fair) followed by rather punishing pointe class, constant tests at school and tons of hwk, but nonetheless ... I am getting thoroughly sick of being the punch-bag. And as dh is away travelling constantly, we are very much thrown together and it's all got a bit too intense.

Also feel pathetic that [unlike Whoknows and her dc ] I can't seem to get her to help with household chores. We reduced what she had to in order to make it "do-able". So now all she has to do is change and fill the dog's water bowl once a day and empty the dw once a week. Has she done that? Hell no. (Although to be strictly fair she did go and voluntarily tidy her bedroom last week.)

Sorry for whinge. Going to post lists (if everyone will forgive me for very boring nature of them) of what I have done this week in the hope that I won't feel quite so bad and to return the thread to the subject of Flying rather than my personal "ishews".

Waves to everyone and proffers a large and a piece of to everyone who has managed to read this far, and to everyone else too!

Blue/Ellie/Caglio I am out of the loop when it comes to UK ed but there does seem to be an awful lot of constantly changing gov interference which must be horribly stressful to have to cope with for both teachers and parents and virtually impossible on such limited budgets.

Ta da (Wed):
animals
dd packed lunch
hung up white wash
fed wm x 2
dining room table hot spots
school run + dog walk 1 + chicken shop on way back
volunteering 3 hrs
made chicken stock
school run (half day) + dog walk 2
make malt loaves x 2
make healthy lunch box bars x 2
ballet run + dog walk 3 in park + quick flit to Chinese supermarket on way back
prep veg for Nigella's double potato bake (without the halloumi)
roast 3 chicks
sneaked a look at Cheltenham
made gravy
labelled, packed and sorted food delivery to immobile friend
served/cleared up supper
clothes out for Thurs
quick final 10 min dog walk 4

Ta da (Thurs):
animals
dd packed lunch
school run + dog walk 1
dw x 2
cleaned kitchen sink and surfaces
dining room table hotspots
bin and rubbish
quick general tidy up downstairs
welcomed and paid dog walker who did dog walk no. 2
triaged clean washing
folded towels and pants and carried upstairs
fed wm x 2
put away some clean and ironed washing
spelt several hours sewing 23 Chinese emblem badges and decorating bowls with Chinese characters (made from white labels, red and black marker pen) whilst watching Cheltenham
contact with bank and estate agent
1recycling bag of papers decluttered from boudoir
made broccoli, garlic and mushroom soup with yesterday's chicken stock (an unlikely combo but found in recipe in Mnset cookery book and it tastes ok!)
made veggie pasta supper and cleared up
quick dog walk number 3
clothes out for Fri

Ta da (Fri):
animals
dd packed lunch
dw, wm, s&s, dining room table hots pots
school run + dog walk 1
got caught out and asked to "help" setting up International Fair at school for an hour and a bit when was just intending to drop things off; oh dear
contact with bank but no response from sodding estate agent, who it turns out, does not have mobile phone, [what?]
spent an hour wibbling and stressing and having full blown panic attack about forthcoming gynae appt
dragged myself reluctantly to gynae appt itself which turned out to be absolutely fine in the end despite long wait - issues haven't gone away - but much better outcome than anticipated (yay!)
dog walk x 2
watched Gold Cup with Irish friend
then confronted at home with dh (who had just returned) holding up bloody hand and dd saying "dh has just cut himself terribly making a fennel salad and I don't feel very well"
dealt with white and shaking dd (laid her on floor with pillow under her legs so they were higher than her head) then tended to dh's wound, disinfected it and bandaged it, and mopped up all the blood, then fed dd some "full fat" Coke and sat her up gradually until the colour returned to her cheeks
broke Lenten fast and had large glass of
served supper and cleared up
spoke to dsis 1 on phone
dh did last (third) dog walk of day thank heavens

All in all quite a stressful week despite lots of pleasant bits. Lots of and police and soldiers on streets, sirens etc, helicopters above and tense atmosphere owing to several security alerts and school evacuations etc. Thank heavens they have found one of the people they are looking for.

Done virtually nothing this morning despite having humungous list of "things that must get done this weekend". Dh off travelling again Sun eve

Going to catch up with rest of thread now! Waves to all!

Looking back at those lists, saying that I have done virtually no "official" paid work at all this week, why is it I have got so little done? (Despite having forgotten to note a school run and half a ballet run and loads of hwk supervision.) No decluttering. No chores other than maintenace. Deeply disappointing.

A very warm welcome to keeponkeepinon yes all the purply barf talk is wretched isn't it? And so many e-mails. Links to all the steps you need to know are posted here daily by esteemed thread leader without accompanying barftastic nonsense. More info about swish and swipe here: here I generally used a wrung out J-cloth with hot water and a bit of distilled white vinegar or Dettol wipes sometimes but not very- environmentally sound. Have separate cloth for lav. Kept in one of those cork topped seats which have storage room underneath ifyswim.

Great that you had a good holiday Caglio! Hope you get your Flying mo-jo back. Start with 15 mins? (I always find when I am totally demotivated that one very 15 min burst of activity - done however reluctantly - motivates one for the next one.)

Ellie enjoy your day at home and hope you do indeed get some time to yourself later

Fiz A belated happy St Pat's day (love colcannon!!) Enjoy the science fair and a huge for doing someone else's washing up!

Grey and Caglio am enjoying all the archery talk (but ouch at bruised norkage)

Midlife pat yourself on the back for sorting out an entire cupboard whilst having a wee baby in tow which is a real achievement!

Blue hope morale was indeed boosted by lovely meal but here's some and and just in case!

Whoknows hope your Friday friends appreciated your efforts on their behalf.

Safe and happy travelling Einstein

Grey well done for tackling "under the beds"

Purple hope your roof is now secure!

Waves to Knitting Toffee Feetheart Honu Shannara Nicknacks Pushme TheWoodenspoonofmischief PANeedastrongone and loads of others I am sure I have missed!

Hope all the newcomers are getting on ok too!

Knitting forgot to wish your twins a belated "happy birthday"! Hope you all had a lovely celebration (cake sounds lovely too!)

I'm lying down!

up early to get dd and ds1 off to Sat morning classes, after Concert on Wed, Concert on Thurs and Quiz Night last night. And no car as it is in garage.

Slimming looking at your list with a jaundiced eye, I would say bossily that you are cooking too many delicious things from scratch, and that is taking a lot of time that might otherwise be spent doing one/off "difficult" things that take a certain amount of steeling up to do. I think you cannot really ask dd to do more than she is doing, everyone needs some chillout time after her workload, which is probably considerably more than UK school children. The animals also are non-negotiable as is getting involved with school stuff (it goes so fast that I agree one cannot really avoid helping with projects and socialising especially if one chooses a particular type of school) The volunteering is important to you, too. The cooking really is the only thing you can pick and choose from that list. 2 nice meals a week only? You have a husband who cannot really help out either, as he is working too hard so you are having double whammy of sole care with dd (burnout)AND all his help in house missing. Also, are you being too conscientious over laundry? Might it be worth just having a few jumpers you sling over unironed stuff for a week or two, then return to being smart? I am exhausted doing only a quarter of your list, badly and dh does most early mornings for me, nor am I doing any volunteering any more or paid work.

Well, all is calm here, FOR NOW. Ds2 is looking forward to footie, dh is cooking hamburgers (homemade, his 10 min piece to resistance from scratch) with boiled potatoes. Dd is putting out sleeping bags for her friends. Ds1 has just played violin quite beautifully Grade 5 tunes just discernable.

Have just piled all landing mess on our bed so I don;t have to tidy downstairs for dd's guests.

It is lookign like another term of home ed (YAY!) as ds prospective school cannot offer him a place due to machinations of LA and their funding processes. So back to solicitors we trundle cap in hand..having thought we could sort this ourselves amicably with LA. Clearly not. Still, could be a silver lining. As dh can see it is not my fault ha!

SC please for goodness' sake stop criticizing yourself for lack of productivity! :( It makes me sad to see you play down all the stuff you do every day just to keep your family running, all the stuff you do for other people too, the school, volunteering, cooking for your friend etc. You are such a kind, selfless person and you do SO much. Please know that even if you aren't proud of yourself, and even if your DH and DD for some reason don't appreciate it, WE are proud of you. Very.

I'm sorry you're having such trouble with DD. It really sounds, especially since school does seem to be going well now, that adolescence is truly setting in with all its scary hormones and changes. :(