Fledglings Flying into June - In or Out we'll find out soon.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es]

Welcome all - and thanks to CotswoldStrife for leading us through May. It's going to be a momentous month on the political front, but this is where we can concentrate on the domestic front instead.

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.

Link to the Flylady website Flylady

Don't let the somewhat sickly and barftastic language of the site put you off: the underlying system is sound!

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 masses of bumph. 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 brew + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders!

Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings Launch Pad

Oh and 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 and some of us natter rather a lot – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers are very, very welcome!

Trips to tip excite at chez zoo too
Cheese and marmite an interesting crumpet combo.a local bakery ever home for marmite bread.makes fantacular cheese on toast
Waves to every gone

Decking phone

Phone, yeah, right I like fantacular cheese on toast - I'm seeing that as a combo of fabulous and fantastic. Fantacular. I'll be using that tomorrow at the tip

I find marmite and cucumber go together really well, but in sandwiches, not on a crumpet.
Back to work today, hopefully not going to be stressful.

To do
Washing, washing, washing.
General tidy.

Ugh, having a can't win type morning. Have kept DS1 at home, but he's flipping between death's door and bouncing off the walls in that annoying way children have that makes you feel a fraud if you keep them off, and worry all day if you send them in!

Can't win with the weather either as I don't know whether to put the washing on the line or in the drier, wear sandals or waterproof boots, etc etc.

Ta da:
ironed dd shirt
waved a tense dd off to her first exam (wereldoriëntatie)
animals
wm (to steal a line from Grey; my laundry room looks like several laundry baskets have thrown up in it currently )
dw
folded towels and pants
cleared a path for cleaner whom I have lured from office for an hour and a bit [desperate measures]

I think butter, marmite and lettuce sandwich is fantacular too! (Has to be good butter and good bread though!)

My dbrother went through about a six month phase of eating marmite and marmalade on toast together when we were young. He basically just did it for effect, but swore blind he loved it!

Argh musn't talk about food! Still trying to lose weight without much long term success. I am at the very very top of where I want to be. Beyond this, no clothes will fit me (and even some of the roomier items I bought last year, don't fit this year). I just about look respectable head on, but as I carry all my weight in front, I look pregnant very bulgy from the side. Finding weight loss terribly, terribly hard going though!

Particularly difficult now physical activity is limited with my back. Physio has recommended that I bend on one knee to pick up things which is fine! It is getting up again, without harrumphing, and hanging on to furniture that is the problem Crikey I'm so unfit! Time to find a pilates class I think (although generally I loathe organised activities like that!) but needs must!

Many congrats on your weight loss FoolandFitz I can really sympathise with the struggle! What methods are you using (if you don't mind me asking)?

Stilllivinginazoo I missed your mention of the 5 hr decluttering session down thread think you deserve a and a

Einstein so you being able to walk in the hills on way home!

Ouch at burn Cag

Blue Squeals with vicarious excitement at prospect of furry arriving on Sat!! Hope your ds feels better soon!

Cheery wing flaps to Whoknows and everyone else!

To do:
sort healthy lunch for dd (school = half day from now on because of exams)
s & s bathroom
sort and prep supper
check out elf and safety provision for dd activity summer camp
(and ask around ditto)
sort dd's activity camp inscription and payment
sort photo printing for wedding present
persuade dh to drive me to shop to buy frame (pathetic but trying not to drive currently)
sort t-shirt order
on-line returns
sort small card and token for dd form teacher
sort Mass cards
sort banking

All rather difficult to do without sitting down. Will have to do it in small stints!

Have a good day everyone!

SC I remember doing the 'bunny dip' (still do it sometimes) when my back was bad.

I have picked up a couple of exercise DVD's from the chazzer this morning as well as one book for DD which I have been after for ages. They are ballet-based ones. No doubt they will join the ever-growing pile of barely used chazzer fitness purchases. I am piling on weight (menopausal) and need to get a grip.

Got a whole day in until school pickup now - yay! DD normally has something on tonight but she has hurt herself and may not be able to go. Luxury!

I avoided buying crumpets this morning to stop me eating them, but the marmite talk is making me hungry!

So - today - been shopping, put some money on DD's dinner money account,

To-do - tidying/getting stuff together for a tip run today or tomorrow (or both, life on the edge of the sofa...) ironing, laundry.

Only got a moment to post so will contribute to most important aspect of thread, what to have on crumpets....

....me and DP have recently discovered that melted blue cheese on crumpets is fantastic but add a poached egg on top and let yolk fill up crumpet holes and you are in heaven!!!!!!

Oooh yes Dogsbum - that's a variation on that famous student dish we all used to live on - eggy, hammy, cheesy topside ie melted strong cheddar on crumpet, followed by slice of ham, with poached egg on top!! Served in student uni bar, accompanied with a couple of sticks of celery for some reason (probably to prevent scurvy or something).

Cotswold not entirely sure what a bunny dip is - looked it up on YouTube and only found bunny hops and slopes - but it sounds painful!! I'm with you re: the menopausal weight gain - I never used to have a belly [sob] - now it is enormous!!

Speaking of bunnies, vet has just left. She has a surgery for operations/procedures etc but visits rabbits at home so as not to stress them out bless her. So feeling relieved now that all the animals have been passed fit and have had their annual injections, their claws clipped, their teeth inspected, their anal glands squeezed [yurgh - horribly retch inducing that one and dog always yelps in very distressing manner] their eyes and ears examined ... etc etc. I'm far to squeamish to work as a vet's assistant. Doing it for your own animals is testing enough, never mind everyone else's!

Ground floor is back to looking reasonable again. Now need to tackle upstairs and paperwork. And I have no excuse because dd has her maths exam tomorrow - and is deeply engrossed in revision (after 4 hr exam this morning poor thing) so is skipping ballet tonight.

Apologies for very quick post this morning, suddenly realised the time, and had to leave!
I am feeling the same Blue about the whole washing in/out, what to wear, etc. We had a short storm and shower earlier, but the sun is really hot now it's out.

I forgot to put a really important ta da yesterday. I have a silver charm bracelet that had become tarnished, so I wasn't wearing it. I finally got round to buy silver cleaning cloths, and cleaned it. It doesn't seem like much, but it was something I was procrastinating about, so to do it was a personal achievement.

Still to do
Clear the hotspots and general tidy.
Washing on the line as it's supposed to be dry tomorrow.
Ask ds13 to unload the dishwasher.
Load the dishwasher.
Eat!
Sleep

I had what I hope was a mini brainwave last night. I haven't really managed to get on with the idea of a control journal exactly, but I really wanted to do something like that. So I've written down the hotspots that I've totally cleared (they do have stuff on them, but the things that are meant to live there IYSWIM like a lamp on the windowsill, metronome on the piano etc :o) under headings for the different rooms. I'm hoping to keep the list so that every night I will just look at THOSE particular hotspots and make sure they are clear. Rather than just sort of aimlessly trying to keep it tidy.

There are a few other hotspots that are NEARLY sorted, but I didn't write them down yet as I wanted to do it slowly. Then when we've properly sorted them I will add them to the list and gradually increase it all that way.

TBH it's like my entire house is a hotspot! That's the issue I think. We just have SO many surfaces that everything gets dumped on.

Yes, I know that feeling Caglio. It's that old saying of nature abhors a vacuum, wherever an empty space appears, some random crap is magically attracted out of thin air to land on it.

Whoever mentioned the secret lives of kittens thing the other night, thank you, I didn't know about it but DD has watched it tonight and really enjoyed it. She's feeling a bit fed up with all the football viewing that's going on so it was nice to have something just for her to watch.

Weightloss - yes, me as well . I can't even blame the menopause as I've been overweight since my 20s. It's not easy.

As for all the crumpet topping suggestions .

Well, today we have had showers too, so the laundry is piling up again. Not too bad as yet, but could really do with a dry day or two. Haven't done much Flying today, what with work, errands, tap class and quite a lot of time spend talking about life with DD, she has quite a lot on her plate at the moment.

Back in a minute with some links.

Links for Thursday

Babystep - look at some Flylady emails on the website - but don't get tempted to subscribe or you will have a cluttered inbox!

Mission - 27 Fling boogie

Thursday is also Errand Day

Cheers Who I really need to focus on errand day tomorrow! I've been putting off so much stuff.

DH is taking DD trampolining (DS, while now sans splint, still has to be careful for a while yet so not letting him bounce), we have to meet them later though as he will have to get to work and DD has gym after.

I have another book to edit (eek!) and have like a gazillion phone calls/emails etc to sort out. Argh.

Then I have a piano lesson - friend who normally takes DCs to St John is away but I really really can't cancel another lesson with this pupil (have had an unfortunate run of illness, other appts etc) so I'll have to take them with me. Must remember to text the parent in the morning, I know she doesn't mind but would rather let her know instead of just turning up with them!

Think I'll do more laundry as well before it builds up again. And maybe more decluttering/tidying, no idea where to go next with it though...

Still awake at half 3. FFS I'm a fool to meself!

Well I discovered why ds was such a fucking pain to get to go to bed last night. He hid his sleep med rather than take it

We are expecting building supplies and earliest delivery time was 7am so after being too tired to do it last night and not being able to sleep until 2am because of child I got up at 6am and have:

Ta da
put a load of towels in the dryer
put my bedding on to wash
remove mountains of stuff I was in process of sorting but life over took me from the lounge
folded 2 overflowing baskets of clothes/old towels/blankets
stripped one of the sofa of it's covers so can was it
started pairing and folding sock moutain of doom
sworn at the state the bathroom sink was left in
returned stuff to the car which was removed for MOT (think spare clothes/old towels/food supplies which are essential for having when you have a boy/small child/preteen)
Carried a box of stuff upstairs for sorting
sworn at the amount that has to be done for Monday but I have no energy thanks to child's nightly performances
Taken out the recycling
taken out the rubbish
played hunt the laundry basket
wondered why i bother ironing and hanging stuff in ds' wardrobe when he takes it off the hangers and screws it up at the bottom of the wardrobe still clean
resisted the urge to wake ds up just to scream at him over sleep med situation

Am about to go do a load of hand washing, put another load in the washing machine and generally drink too much coffee and swear during the course of being so tired I could cry but no opportunity to sleep. Fucking children who think they know better than their specialists and parennts

Einstein lots of for you.

Feeling like I've really fallen of the flylady wagon. We didn't even do the dishes last night. I so fed up of these children having opposite sleep schedules. One baby goes to sleep and the other wakes up. I can't do their meal times together or get any time to clean. Then after I've fed them at night and cleaned up that disaster the last thing I want to do if cook for me and OH.

Now I've had my rant on to my to do
Shine sink
Put away clean laundry from two days ago
One full load of washing
Print off Father's Day photo
Buy frame and card
Clean kitchen sides
Buy snacks for OINB sleepover
Stop using the word sleepover
Bath night for the boys

Oh Einstein how very sneaky of your DS is hiding it a regular thing do you think? Well done on getting so much done this morning. And on resisting the urge to wake him up and yell!

I'm having a wrong-side-of-the-bed day today, just managed to spill milk down my jeans. I really don't even want to think about all the crap I have to sort out today.

In the interest of trying to be more positive, here is my cleared hotspot list so far:
Living room:
Windowsill
Bottom of games unit
Top of craft drawers
Piano
Stairs (this is going to be the most difficult!)
Bathroom:
Sink

It has been. It is not the first time. He doesn't want to go to school so he is hoping that if he is so tired he is ill I will keep him home. He went to school disappointed today. I can't wait until he hits secondary school and there isn't this nonsense and 'fun' activities because he HATES change and doesn't find the fun activities fun just incredibly stressful. Only 5 1/2weeks left til summer... And. Counting!

Ah I see. Very logical of him! I forget how old he is, do you mean he's starting secondary this Sept? Either way I guess end of term madness means lots of the fun activities, even more than usual. :(

Hello everyone, I've not been very good for keeping up with there thread these last couple of weeks, and it seems to be moving so quickly at the moment!

Einstein - very resolute of you wrt your crafty DS. How much longer is the building work going on for?

SC hope your DDs exam went ok and that you are looking after your back.

Cag hope your hotspot system works; it sounds very organised

Kruck don't worry about falling off the wagon; it happens to all of us. I have days where I am unstoppable and purge and polish like a thing possessed. Then other days and don't bother to make the bed or unload the dishwasher...

WhoKnows - glad your DD liked the kittens programme - I was cooing and squealing with delight!

Mad - I also put off cleaning silver; it is a filthy job but amazingly satisfying when done. Enjoy your shiny baubles!

I am appalled that anyone would debase a crumpet with marmite or blue cheese < clutches pearls > The ONLY way to partake of crumpet is with great knobs of butter and lashings of Tiptree Jam (Little Scarlett variety if you want to be particular)

< Waves to Blue, Toffee, Dogs, Cotswold, Knitting, Honu, Ellie, Fool, Stillliving, 3perfect and all the new names on the thread which I haven't quite committed to memory yet >

I've had a semi productive day...
Cats fed
Beds made, including change of sheets for DS
One wash load
Another load of laundry folded
Dishwasher emptied and partial reload
Tidy up for cleaner
Swept the lawn and path

I did manage to spend about 90 minutes decluttering in the garage, filled a black sack with rubbish and sold loads of old gardening and DIY type bits on Facebook. Most of it has already been collected too.

Well thanks to weather we have more emergency building work to be done so how long is a piece of string?!
Yep highschool in September so extra extra fun leaver's activities
He has also been sulking this afternoon as we got a thunderstorm this afternoon just after I allowed him computer access and it affects our internet connection. About to chuck him into bed and physically watch him take the sleep med and eat tea

There is another ta da list coming but I had to give up on my to do list as was done in and I have too much to get done to burnout so rested this afternoon and will continue to do so until bedtime. Early one of course considering the late night/early night combo.

Opps not chucking ds into bed yet, he would really not be impressed (bedtime normally around 8:30-9pm). It is me that wants chucking into bed.

Can somebody come and cook us dinner, bathe the kids and shove them in bed please?

No?

Damn. I am so OVER the daily grind right now.

Also ta da
finish folding sock mountain of doom
hand wash woollens
fold old towels
fold car blankets
swear at people who leave wet washing on the bench so that it needs to be rewashed as it is so hard it is like it has had a bath in starch
Move plants from windowsil in bathroom to windowsil in lounge
figure out what needs to be moved to permit builders access where it will be needed
Remove cleaning things from bathroom
Consider whether ds still needs bath toys
wash duvet
wash sofa blankets (batch 1)
Spin woollens and hang to dry
start emptying the airing/linen cupboard
take a nap
agree to more overtime/shift changes at work
Work out a new crafting technique
Go through and list all projects planned including what materials are missing
Evict everything not screwed down from bathroom
Put duvet into the dryer (opps thank goodness it is pretty hot and stuff at night and it is going into storage until the weather turns)
sort out lunch box contents for tomo

At that they say is that. Goodnight folks.