Autumn leaves and a clean sweep: it's the October Fledgling Fly thread (2019)

[Slowchirp]

Welcome to the thread where we (loosely) follow the Flylady housekeeping system here to combat CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome) with a load of , chat and mutual support along the way. Quite a few of us have been on here for a while, so for that reason, we may seem cliquey, but we really aren't, and all newcomers, lurkers, returnees, regulars, and intermittent regulars are very welcome!

Every day I will post a link to the activities for "Today" which summarises everything you need on a daily basis if you want to follow the system strictly, but we tend to adapt it to suit our individual circumstances, homes, and energy-levels!

Please note that, athough Flylady is keen for us to check in to the website, we've recently had a few concerns wrt security, so although there is lots of useful info on the site, it's best not download it or put any of your personal details into the website for now, or sign up to the (many and frequent) e-mails (but your choice as some fledglings find the latter helpful).

More information on getting started available:
here (containing baby-steps!) but please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further qs.

There are 4 levels for Flying:
-Baby steps - good for starting a routine and overcoming the perfection crippling effect
-Baby steps and missions - basic routine + more in depth tasks
-Baby steps, missions, and deep cleaning (if you are at that stage).
You can't clean clutter so don't consider this one if you need the next level.
-Flying combined with a decluttering system (kondo/unfuck etc etc) let's be honest fly lady is good for routine but not so quick with the decluttering results sometimes.

There is NO wrong or right way of doing this, it is about adapting the system to suit your life circumstances, which will be different from someone else's, and don't be put off by the barftastically twee nature of the Flylady site, the underlying system is sound. Feel free to ignore any step or routine that doesn't suit you or your home! No perfectionism allowed!

And when it all gets too much: come and take a seat by the fire in our specially adapted "naughty" corner where you can enjoy virtual and and lots of support from fellow fledglings.

More info follows (but again, please note we advise only looking at the pdfs and not downloading them):

** launch pad (general info) here

** daily babysteps pdf (ignore the ones that don't suit you or your home) here

** week day missions (some fledglings find it easier to do them at weekends) here

** info about zones (explanation of how zones work) here

** weekly zones (a rough weekly guide to which area of the house we are tackling currently, again adapt to suit yourself) here and here

** daily focus (helpful guide to allocate a certain day for a certain task) here and here

** deep cleaning lists pdf (only attempt when you have decluttered as you can't clean clutter!) here

Good luck and happy Flying one and all!

*

Last but not least, a huge thank you to ChicCroissant for running such a lovely (and busy!) September thread [cake[

*

Small, small steps Laputa

Oh poor you Zoo. Could you put some Vicks or Tiger Balm just under your nostrils so that you don't have to smell it? Or alternatively unscrew the entire bristle section wearing rubber gloves and dump in bin. I have super menopausal sense of smell atm and retch at the slightest thing so I really feel for you. Or maybe put some diluted Dettol in the bath so that the overall aroma is antiseptic rather than barftastic?

Also feel for all of us (including Tidy) dealing with teenage angst! It is draining I tell you. I got it in the neck for washing the very pair of jeans that dd wanted to wear last night. (She is off on travels for half-term on Sat and I wanted to get all her favourites washed and ironed in time - thought I was doing the right thing.) But no - of course - I washed the only pair of jeans in the entire universe that were suitable for her to wear to an event last night and I am very much in the dog house!

Gosh, I am desperate for a cone of chips now

The desperate search through endless cardboard boxes for documents for my dossier continues ... gosh this is hellish ... I am so stressed about the vote in the HofP tonight... hardly dare watch the telly.

zoo -stuff of nightmares ( I'm not being funny due to name change. Sounds horrible)

🎃🍂🍃🥜🍂🎃🍃🥜🌰🎃🍂🍃🍃👻

Listening to 80s music. Twas a teenager then. Not 1680s by the way.

I've decided politics atm is like a bad box set that I've bought and feel compelled to sit through to the bitter end. < Shuffles off to make lasagne>

Well I went back in.commendeered dd2 to chat about school to distract a but.end up sacrificing a sharp knife for the hinge side(had I seen SC post about unscrewing is have done that,still might in a bit be sure no more manky bits fall as it dries out tomorrow)will remember for next time to add string nice smell to counter but sometimes even nice smells retch me up(some perfumes now if I behind someone in public places I have gasp and hold breath til out if their slip stream)I scrubbed warm soapy water,will zoflora tomorrow,but at least I cannot see anything revolting and that helps.a lot!
I proud of myself I completed it but totally exhausted from fear,anxiety and disgustingness of it all.
Dd2 strolled with me over the field to clear my nose and cool air eased nausea a bit as did Stunning autumnal trees- nature's beauty at its absolute best❤️
Clothes in hot wash
Me in hot shower
I feel human again
Netflix(call the midwife) on for relaxation purposes as dd2 on warpath (huge pile homework/found out today the work experience for Avon in hols will involve a presentation to senior staff AND to school senior staff on Friday.social anxiety breakdown could be imminent..
I did buy some makteser bars reduce to clear so may throw her one once homework done to pacify a littl

Next time clean it with his toothbrush ....

I'm not messing with you I've

On a dental note, tooth is acting up so probably heading towards root canal treatment. Initial consult next week to report increased sensitivity. B*gger.

Glad you got through it zoo
*
Sc* I've been having the news on in the background, but I don't want to pay full attention - ds (aged 8) summed it up when he commented that they all think they're at school shouting at each other and not letting anyone talk .

Tada
Tea
Dd1 off to dancing
Ds ready for football
Dd2 in pjs and nicely relaxing with her iPad

Not done much today.

Woke up then went back to bed after visit and felt a bit odd. Felt like I was going to have some sort of funny turn. Dozed back off and got up late. Felt ok but took things easy today. Might be meds.

Help DH in garden we cut back lots of shrubs, buddleia almost all as it has bent and broken at base and a rose which is gorgeous but got a bit out of hand.
DH has bagged it all up while I tidied green house and took tomatoes out. We have them on window sill ripening the last of them.
Vacuumed downstairs
Bed made, some clothes put away.

Lunch was rare beef sandwiches.
Supper just waiting for veg. Roast shoulder of lamb bargain offer.aubergine, courgettes, peppers, red onion, garlic and olives.

Oh dear Bower that doesn't sound good; do take it steady

I've I like your cunning mind

Tidy your ds has it right! Spot on in fact!

Well done for tackling the nasties Zoo hope you can relax a bit now!

Waves to all other fledglings!

Bower hoe you're feeling ok .

Tada

Time spent on clearing the playroom- started a major declutter, nearly sorted through all the toys now so I should be able to find homes for what we're keeping.
General tidy downstairs
Washing hung up
Another load put in , towels so I'll just pop them in the dryer in the morning

I'm ready to call it a day now , so a cuppa whilst snuggling with ds on the sofa before bed , I started a new Nora Roberts book last night and I've been waiting to read it all day

🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂 🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂

Baby step no. 23 for Wed 23rd is here

And launch pad link is here

🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂

Well done re: toy decluttering Tidy you've certainly earned a relaxing read tonight!

Mumsnet full of tech glitches tonight so posting this before it disappears! G'night all!

Typical! Just done a spooky name change and the Halloween NC competition has just gone and disappeared on me ... oh well... it's been one of those days!

I feel very tired and somewhat dispirited by all the Westminster shenanigans...do the politicians not get that they are playing with peoples lives here...the uncertainty is really scary

Feel fine now thanks. It was odd this morning. Was worried I was going to have a stroke or something.

Wide awake. It is actually too hot in our house. Never said that in thirty two years. DH has fire on every day and Everhot is on.

The lamb and roast med. veg was delicious and enough for tonight so won’t need to cook.
Need to sort some of the stuff in my room. Put it away.
Sounds a good out Tidy.😃

Did anyone see Love your garden? It was very moving. Beautiful garden and lots came to help. Watched Bake Off. So glad that Steph got through. I thought wouldn’t it be awful if she didn’t after she shone through all episodes. I hope she wins in. She has no confidence in herself.

Glad you are ok Bower! Maybe check out symptoms with your doc just in case? Anyway, hope it is just effects of meds; go gently .

How is your DH adapting to retirement by the way? And how are you adapting to him being retired? It's a big change. My DH and I currently spend so little time together (he travels eg currently in US for fortnight) that I think it will be a big shock when he finally stops working. Although he says he intends never to stop! And never to stop travelling either! So it looks like I will have goats , hens and dhorse for company

I am not watching Bake Off this year but maybe best not to put spoilers on here for those watching it on catch up! Only saying 'cos I did the very same thing once!

Ghoulette yes indeed, a very bad but utterly compelling box set ... I am dreading what the next few days will bring.

Right, need to get cracking. Fell asleep around twelve as soon as my head touched the pillow last night. Seemingly, 3 mins later, it is somehow 6.30 am and I must get up! So much to do today dossier admin wise (and generally) that I feel sick just thinking about it! Too outing to write it all down but trust me there is a long long list!

Right, up and at 'em! Have a good anti-procrastination day everyone!

I have pain low in groin keeping me awakeno idea why but it's annoying me v much!!

Ouch! That sounds painful Zoo. Hope you can nap later on in day

Ta da:
emptied dw
dd packed snacks and water bottle
made dd breakfast "to go"
washed up enormous frying pan from last night (escallopes)
other hand washing up
shone sink
wiped kitchen surfaces
wms on
dining room table hot spot

Just need to blow dry hair, drink and then can crack on ...
feel suddenly weary though... looks around for ----->

bower just noticed you were below par

Tada
Cats fed
Handwash dancewear
Soak whites in napisan that are manky
Sweep kitchen floor
Empty bins
Sort ingredients for "layered pasta salad"(lil zoo DT today)
Breakfasts and school snacks
Build and adjustable shower caddy I bought yesterday
Bastarding thing won't fit.aaaaargh
Message friend who is d.i.y savvy in hope she can spare me a few minutes at some point to work out why!!

To do
Mountains washing,quick tidy all rooms,lots recipe sorting(suspect multiple days worth)

Forgot to add hung dancewear out to dry(D's will be patrolling the garden at intervals in case spray the washing cat is doing his rounds)

Morning campers

I take your teen rages and give you toddler tantrums! Dc4 was in a great mood yesterday 😑 cannot count the amount of times he shouted "NO! I dont want to!" at me. Never usually like that! Hopefully a one off and not the theme now he is 3

Ta da

Washer on
Dryer on
Dry washing off rads

Started a thread about washer/dryers but didnt get any useful feedback. Dont know what to do. I need something else. But what?

Morning!
I have caught dd1s cold , eyes & nose are streaming although I don't feel like I have a temperature so that's a bonus! I have had to cancel my client this morning, she was booked in for a full body massage - I don't think she would find it very relaxing with me sneezing and coughing , I always feel guilty when cancelling appointments

Tada
Kids breakfast
Coffee

About to jump in the shower then ds has asked if he can help sort the playroom so that is our plan today (as well as having tissue permanently attached to my nose )

----> ps

I've- sounds like you need it!
Tidy I hate drippy nose cold symptom most of all,drives me nuts!

Tada
Sort all laundry into piles
Just put 3rd load wash on
Big pile ironing sorted and put away
Beds all made
S+s
Clear bathroom window sill completely,rehoming necessarys,ditch crap
Wash up
Wipe dining table
Wipe kitchen surfaces
Sweep living room floor

Now to begin sorting my recipes(a relaxing time consuming job that might inspire my currently mundane menu planning

Thank you for the good wishes. Feeling a lot better this morning. I took meds earlier and although I was awake for a chunk in the night I don't feel as groggy this morning. Have to try to remember to take them earlier. Still stressed although not as much as before. GP signed me off for another month. He has been great.

Ds1 came to get DH to go fell walking so I have the day to myself. Plan to get some decluttering paper done.

Have put away some clothes and have ironing to do.

Good point about Bake Off I never thought. I don't have catch up tv. We just have a regular telly no sky (DH would like it but it was going to cost a fortune as scaffolding needed and they were going to drill 12 holes in our house! I asked him what would happen to the holes. Nothing! So water would seep into the stone and cause damp. DH goes to sons or the pub for football.It means I get him out of the house for a bit and will help when we are both retired. Can't believe this might be happening. DH should have gone back today so he is off for walk to Celebrate. He is so pleased not to be going back. So today is really the first official day of retirement. I am a bit worried about him being home all the time. We don't usually see so much of each other.

Hope you feel better soon Tidy

Morning not going well at all.

Sorted and unpacked on-line supermarket order that I forgot was coming (bad planning!)
Tried on some new trousers as don't have any others clean and they are too loose (sob)
Wrote out entire notes from Mon night meeting, finished, pressed last button forgetting that I was in e-mail not Word and lost the whole lot.
That is an hour and a half lost that I just can't afford to lose today.
Will have to do the whole thing again but first have to cook lunch for guests/dd (half day)
Feel a bit stressed/ick and want to be left alone to get on with things but no chance of that ... .

Enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts Bower! Glad you are feeling better today!

It's so frustrating zoo, trying to get the chores done and I have to stop and wipe my nose every 2 minutes, or try to talk and end up in a sneezing fit instead 🤧 my nose and lips are getting quite sore now , may have to hunt down one of dd1s many tubs of lip balm.

Ps I hope your day is getting better

Tada
I've been battling on with the children's playroom, almost sorted all of dd2s stuff, next is to move around the furniture and go through ds's to put away - a task I wish I hadn't started but it'll be worth it when it's done .
Lunch
Lunch pots
Washing in dryer/on radiators

On a coffee break while ds is watching YouTube and dd2 is playing play doh (she's started coughing so I'm guessing the lurgy is spreading!) then I'll be back onto project playroom and need to also pop a darks wash in . Tea will be a healthy ....pizza for the kids and microwave curry for me & oh . My Fitbit reckons I've been in the fat burning zone all day today, hoping the chippy yesterday and curry won't have too much effect on the hips