Fledglings Fly back to school & work, September 2017, decluttering along the way ...

[Sandycarrots]

Hello, it's time to brush the sand off our feet, empty out the suitcases, sharpen our pencils, polish our lace-up shoes, and get stuck in to the September 2017 fledgling Fly thread!

This is where we attempt to declutter our homes and follow the 30-step wisdom of Flylady (minus cutesy barftastic language and a surfeit of e-mails) with lots of chat and support and mutual motivation (and of course) along the way.

Fly stands for Finally Loving Yourself (cheesy but there is merit to it). The general idea is that short bursts of tidying / organisation are more achievable than marathon efforts. Flylady advises 15 minute bursts of effort but you can tweak this to fit your own circumstances.

As usual we will be following a three-pronged approach - and don't worry - we are all at different stages. (Some of us are still stuck at the decluttering stage after quite a few years ):

1 - repeat or start baby steps (again!)

2 - repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

3 - reinforce babysteps and/or do daily missions

And those of you who have decluttered and are really enthusiastic can throw some detailed cleaning in to the mix as well!

More info available here, here and here.

Your choice whether or not you sign up to the Flylady e-mails, but we advise caution as there are lots of them!

Helpful pointers: No perfectionism allowed! If it took a while to create the current C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) in your home, then it will probably take a while to reverse the situation (you can't clean clutter!). Small steps are the key! And you are never behind: just jump in where you are at!

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Good luck!

Good evening everyone. Hope all those fatigued and feeling under par survived the day!

First major whinge of the month coming up so please feel free to ignore!! Reality of new "term" struck today. Dh informed me of his work and travel plans between now and Christmas and basically he will be away (starting tomorrow) every single week and at least half of nine weekends (and that's just the scheduled trips so far; never mind the ones still to be confirmed and the last minute ones). I also got turned down for a volunteer placement I really wanted to take up, because I can't commit to two overnights a month (didn't realise this was a requirement) and feel crap about it. And then I went and ate some chocolate on the first day of my diet [pathetic behaviour!]. I know in reality that I shouldn't complain, that I am very comfortable and blessed and I will find ways around it; it's just always hard after the holidays when I have been used to having dh around more and I can't up my work hours for tax reasons. Very worried for dh too and his stress levels.

On a positive note dd and I had a giggle tonight over her English text books. In the chapter on culture titled "A nice cup of tea" the conversation goes as follows:
"A What's the matter dear? You look awful!
B I lost my job yesterday, and the cat died this morning.
A I'll put the kettle on. You'll feel much better after a nice cup of tea."

So taking that advice, I am going to make a and see if I can access An Extra Slice somehow via the satellite here.

So going to post links for tomorrow now and hope you will all forgive me for revisiting personals tomorrow when I am in a less Eeyore-like state

Oh yes - Flying -

animals
walked furry
laundry [yawn]
cleaned kitchen and shined sink [yawn]
completed last of this week's missions [yawn]
dining room table hot spot [yawn]
carried clean and ironed laundry upstairs [yawn]
herded various bits of worn clothing left on floor by dh and dd in to a corner and placed in bathroom laundry basket [yawn]
picked up dd from school and completed first of many visits I am sure to stationery shop for this term's filing essentials
bought chicken from butcher's
bought bread from baker's
watched an amazing episode of Life on Earth while prepping supper (chicken and veg risotto)
completed failed at dieting

G'night all!

The summary for Friday 8th September is available on the Flylady website here under "Today" and via the flight plan which should update itself automatically on a daily basis.

Baby-step no. 8 for Fri 8th is here. A bit of a "take it or leave it" one about writing down preceding baby steps, dividing them in to morning and afternoon routines, placing them in a file etc, which is the beginnings of a control journal. Most of us feel this has been supplanted by housework apps now.

We are in Zone 2 this week: The Kitchen.

Spend 15 mins decluttering the current zone.

When you have finished decluttering, the detailed cleaning list for Zone 2 (if you are at that stage) is here.

Friday's mission is: here. Check under-sink cleaning supplies and put on shopping list if running low.

The daily focus for Friday is decluttering purses, handbags, cars + date night

The monthly habit for September: www.flylady.net/d/br/2017/09/01/september-habit-1-new-habit-before-bed-routine/.

Flykid's challenge: www.flylady.net/c/flykids.php?tzm=-120 which (hopefully!) updates itself!.

Daily reminders www.flylady.net/d/launch-pad/wednesdays-reminders/ (which should also update automatically)!

Keep going everyone!

Oh arse. It's not my day is it? The last three links don't work.

Trying again here:

The monthly habit for September:
here.

The Flykids' challenge here which (hopefully!) updates itself!

The Daily reminders here (which should also update automatically)!

Sorry about that!

SC that is brilliant about the tea. But also rather true, it is very sheldon ish (big bang theory).

Oh bum
Meant to say, sorry that your DH is away for work so much.

And about the volunteering slot.

Night

Ta Einstein sleep well!

Chin up to all - think transition back to autumn routines is hard going...

More done here than yesterday at least,

Sink shined
Floor swept
3 loads washing onto line and dry (not put away tho)
15 mins decluttering everyday jewellery box - found earring lost a few weeks ago in the tangle which was highly pleasing

Hello all, can't be bothered with lists but did a few bits today. ofazoo, sorry to hear your DS is struggling.

SC, I really get the frustration with fitting things around your DH's work. Although my DH is not away a lot he has to do long days and some shift type work. He does as many pick ups and drop offs for childcare as he can when he needs to but it is often not enough to cover when I need to work. I have turned down so much work as I can't do the hours. Most places are a fair commute from home which adds to it. Just spent half an hour going over the calendar looking at November which is very tight with my hours and his work. Will need to look again tomorrow to figure it out.

It really fucks me off when you then read on here or here in real life stuff like 'just get your DH to do half or get grandparents'. Not always possible . Rant over!

Big wing flaps to all.

Morning all! A good night's sleep last night so feeling more positive today!

Thanks Toostressy sorry you are facing similar issues - it isn't easy - especially without family in the immediate vicinity. I shouldn't complain because things are much easier now dd is older; but in a way that's also what is frustrating, because now’s the time I want to something more interesting, fulfilling and purposeful and I'm much more productive with a structure! And much more productive at Flying if I have other things to do outside the home! Anyway, speaking of Flying ... had better crack on!

Newchick yes, as you say, the Autumn transition is a tough one! It's tiring for everyone! Yay to finding earring!

Hope you got a decent night's sleep last night Einstein!

And that your nights weren't too interrupted Foxes and Afreshstart

Also, that you aren't too exhausted from your busy day yesterday Cag

Foxes well done for wielding the steam cleaner!

Zoo thanks for the virtual bacon butties which I managed somehow to miss yesterday! Much appreciated! Arf at shagpile comment (I know the feeling!) and aw, congratulations to your dd1 on moving in to her new home! No wonder you are proud! I hope she and her dp will be very happy there!

Big waves toMumofazoo and everyone else!

Have a good day everybody and TGIF!!

PS did anyone catch an extra slice last night? It was really funny!

Morning
I agrer kids sense tiredness
sc rant away.dp had a rare few days off and today reality of back to the coalface singlehanded aint appealing.i def finding managing harder alone esp dd2 epic meltdowns over everything that follow pattern of yelling over me try explain why xyz needs to happen and the classic you dont know what its like/parents are imbeciles etc.miss days ehen young enough that go to your room ended conflict as actally did as told(sigh)
Laying here telling myself to get up in mo since 530..i have very nasty case cba this morning

Xposts sc

Best don miners garb n hit coalface
Task one wake dd2 and feed kits!!

Morning everyone, DS got up at 5.15 today although managed to ignore him until nearly 6 as he was whinging then going quiet for a while , he wakes up so grumpy so we try and leave him until 6 but I think he gets hungry. He doesn't cheer up until he has had a banana and some weetabix.

Sorry everyone feeling a bit down at the moment. SC rant away, I feel like all I've done of late is rant! You're always very positive so you definitely deserve to let off some steam now and then and it sounds really hard your DH being away so much. Even though my children are still young I can still sympathise with the feeling of wanting to do something for yourself. I don't get much of a chance to do my work I just fit it in around the children and my DH , it isn't particularly exciting work and it doesn't pay much but I enjoy it because it's just mine and it allows me time away from everything else.

I was going to write more but DS is whinging yet again so I had better go. Goodness me he is hard work at the moment!

Morning all. I'm the only one awake! DD took herself off to bed last night, didn't even wait for DS to go first (normally he has to in her eyes, as he's younger) or ask me to walk up with her and tuck her in! I can hear her stirring now, I reckon she's had about 10 hours sleep. Yay!

DH off today, need to crack on with HE stuff as we've actually done less than the week before which was technically still the summer holidays . But main task is to attack the pit that is our bedroom. It's completely horrific! We are going to need a bed soon as I can't manage sleeping on the mattress on the floor anymore really - lovely pregnancy symptoms like cramp and achy joints are setting in now. We can afford it no problem thankfully but it's a case of there being no way of actually getting a bed in here!

Also have game night (properly this time as not everyone could make it last week thanks to DH forgetting to message all of his DCs [facepalm]) and really need to sort through the fridge and decide on dinner for 8 etc. Not sure if it'll involve heading to shops (DH not me). But hopefully will get plenty of tidying done.

Urgh this weather!

Major epic fail in planning and organisation and doing skills discovered this morning. TFIF (thank fuck it's friday)

TFIF indeedeinstein
Tadas
Cats fed
Littertray sorted
Bleach lav
Wash on
Quick tidy front room
Breakfasts n pack ups done
Clean bath n sink
Pixk up cat poo with hair in it trailing from litrertray half way to door(nice)as zoolets watch in horrified fascination after shouting like s major accident had happened for me to go upstairs.took stairs two at a time for THAT.gaaaaaah
Walk ds to meet friends girls.i walk then quarter way.so hes making slow progress.todays pe.he hatessport and has super thick very blond hair below shoulder blades wears ponytai l and getting bit issue kids teasing are you girl ir boy(not helped by his name which is beautiful but "gender neutral" and i didnt think about that at birth be problem in later years if he had long hair....anyone curious in that can om me as it has potential out me big time!!)and hes worrying bout changing too.at primary he woukdnt go lav as boys said wasnt boy n girls said wasnt a girl(sigh)hoping couple weeks in without biting back they will find someone else to tease
Wash in dryer.more on
Sort lil zoo
Walk her to school(well end school rd.shes way more independant and wants mobile phone and take herself to n fro but there few nightmare roads negotiate i not going there just yet clings tightly to my last little one for a little longer)
Home(wet.grrr)
Make some phone calls/appointments
Wash out dryer.fold.put away

Ugh why are some kids so mean still :( I remember you posting his name once, it's awesome. Can he shorten it to a nickname?

Morning all. Sorry people are having such a tough time. Both DDs at school (seems very strange writing that!) so this morning's to dos are:-
Morning routine
Look through calendar and identify clashes. I already know there are some .
Home bleugh (or as much as I can anyway)

Than have to pick up DD2, make packed teas then go back and pick up DD1. Stressing a bit as we have swimming after school which means need to be super organised and relies on DD2 cooperating with this . First time we have attempted it straight from school with DD2's lesson as well which means an earlier start time.

Think I'll just leave really early as I think we will have to park near the school which I normally avoid as it can be a challenge!

Later:-
DH on call so need to investigate what we will eat for tea.
Collapse

Thank you for all the very encouraging words everyone! This thread is always very cheering!

I need to physically draw out my "timetable" for this "term" in half hour increments; I am always more productive and feel better with a proper structure in place. Particularly helpful is strictly ring-fencing chore-time so that I don't feel they are continually looming even if they are.

Good luck with the school meeting today Mumofazoo

Positively autumnal here Einstein grey and cloudy, as if someone has pressed a switch saying "countdown to winter starts today" ...

Cag you sound hugely energised by this pregnancy - must be the nesting instinct kicking in - enjoy your games night! Also, I am with you in body and spirit today - doing our boudoir too - it's barely contained chaos!

Sorry you had another early waking Foxes but at least your ds likes his food bless him! I remember dd going through a gorgeous squidgy/chunky/hungry/ stage around one years of age. I think they need to pack the nutrition in to power the next walking, talking, exploration stage. Btw, you are very much entitled to rant (far more than me!) you are after all at that toughest "relentless" stage of child-rearing! Important that you can ring-fence some time to work and have a few hours doing something different.

A very gentle -----> for Zoo! Sympathies re: dd2 meltdowns. I can't quite believe I am writing this, having been whinging about dd's epic rages and dismissive put-downs only a few short months ago, but have faith, they do diminish At 14 yrs, DD seems mellower, and more amenable to listening now as if something has "clicked" over the summer. She also seems more aware of the fact that it is up to her to paddle her own boat ifsywim (and we are encouraging her to do so) and I think that always lessens frustration (I think at 12/13 yrs you want to paddle your own boat but sometimes haven't yet acquired the self confidence/right skills/direction). How did your ds get on at school yesterday? Did he have a better day?

Ta da:
animals
emptied dw
walked furry
carried a load of stuff upstairs to clear pathways for lovely cleaner who is home-bleughing atm
carried dirty clothes downstairs

To do:
sort yet more washing in to piles (again)
supper prep
walk furry again
chemist run
prep for weekend (a busy one)
SORT BOUDOIR
clear office desk
wash school uniform/gym kit as soon as dd steps back through door this afternoon!

Have a good day everyone!

I just got so fucking rained on

And morning was so chaotic and rushed

Must be more organised next week

Ah sc I'm sort of flipping between extremes at the moment I think! Very sleepy again (although sometimes can't sleep in the small hours) and getting the odd pain etc but also, yes a bit energised and thankfully the usual symptoms of my chronic conditions have eased off a lot (due to influx of the hormone relaxin I think). Possibly it is also fuelled by pure panic as to where we will actually put the baby, let alone any of her stuff!

Bit of a late start this morning as DH having a lie in! Must start the washing though (clothes already in there).

x posts!

Sorry Zoo [quickly withdraws -----> on the grounds that is it obviously not needed! ] Sorry your ds had to go through that this morning . He's ahead of the curve with an androgenous look atm but children of that age can be horrible sadly and wierdly traditional after the openness of the toddlers/infant stage (must be the influence of prejudiced adults filtering through ).. His blonde locks sound lovely!

Good luck with your after school/pre-swimming logistical and parking challenges this afternoon Toostressy!

more x posts!

Hot to Afreshstart (you always sound super-organised to me and anyway, start of term always fraught, it takes a while to ease in to it I think)

Cag that is great about the pain easing off temporarily! "Profitez!" (as they say over here) but hope you can get sufficient shut-eye too

Beds made
Laundry sorted into piles...but nit do third load til zoolets home and uniforms are added to the heaps....
Washed up breakfast stuff

What is this me time people are speaking of?.........

Atleast i sound organised

No clue on me time. Im either cleaning/tidying or have a baby half asleep on me

Ta da

Me and 4 dc up fed dressed and out for 845 (late)
3 uniforms ironed
2 packed lunches made
3 dc dropped at school
2 phonecalls made
Bottles in steriliser
Recycling out
Dryer on