Fledglings flying into the Roaring Twenties! January 2020 Flylady thread, all welcome.

[LaneBoy]

Welcome to the first Flylady thread of the decade! This is a friendly ongoing thread where we follow (loosely. In some cases, very loosely. ) the Flylady method for sorting out our homes and lives!

Newbies are always welcome here! It’s a long running thread so please don’t worry if we appear cliquey. There’s a lot of chatter and support for all sorts of things, alongside the housework stuff.

Over recent months we have agreed that big lists of daily links aren’t necessary - on a daily basis I will post (if I remember... it is maybe 18 months since I last hosted so please forgive any screw ups ) a link to the launch pad, which is where you can access the information for that day - babysteps, missions, daily focus etc. But if you’re confused about anything, please ask!

Check out the website too - but we suggest not signing up for the millions of emails.

Information on getting started here.

The great thing about Flylady is that you jump in where you are. Everything you do is progress. Don’t worry about not “keeping up”. Any achievement, however small, means progress.

Anyway, huge thank you to Stressy for running our very busy December thread!

And... HAPPY NEW YEAR FLEDGLINGS!!!

Welcome Rachel

Does anything help with joint pain SC?I've started to notice my shoulder is becoming quite stuff/painful and my knees and hips complain easily.my mum made spam fritters,beans and chips for us as kids.that takes me back!!

That did you even stop for breath yesterday??hope babythat is a little better

Bower I've still got mincemeat(sho bought).might use it for a cake

KT I too wondering what fruit butter is?

Dd1 birthday today.shes 25.how did that happen so fast?won't see her til Wednesday as fiance has plans for today and then she's working,but as was working yesterday she's got Wednesday off(and taking pup to be spayed) contemplating whether a trip to IKEA might be an option...

Today I need pop into town to wilko to replenish kibble for my furry overlords,I also need ick up few other bits and nip aldi.dp here so at least I get a lift!he's off home later as starts new job tomorrow and needs time by himself to prepare(and as call the midwife starts at 8pm I'm not complaining as he talk thru that)same workshifts still but better pay,better opportunities to advance/train further and have to be better working conditions as boss current project is a bully to both staff and clients...

Right,I need feed the indignant overlords(how dare I be awake and not deal with their desire for breakfast instantly)
Bbl
Have a good day everyone

Welcome newbies! I'm not that great with commenting on the thread and usually way behind (7 hrs behind GMT) so I apologise! I have read everything, but not sure who said what. I'm glad DPs are doing better with helping out KT and someone else (sorry I forgot who!). Hopefully they keep it up and let you have some down time.

As far as a control journal, I have thought about doing that recently, I love to be creative, but then I also think that I can do some of that on my phone using less stuff and having less clutter.. I'm so torn on what to do! Also I think I could spend hours on it, instead of actually doing what needs to be done as I'm a huge procrastinator.

Ta Das for today - grocery shopping, cooking a prime rib (which was daunting, but wasn't actually that bad to cook and turned out delicious), as well as the rest of dinner tonight - Brussels sprouts with bacon, roasted cauliflower and jacket potatoes cooked in the slow cooker.

I got some relaxing done today too (and slept in till 10:15am- far too late!). I did s+s the bathroom as well as dusted the living room before having ILS over. It was our turn to cook and I have drunk way too much wine, Bailey's and most recently a white Russian! We did play the game Sequence as well tonight, a fairly new game to us all (Christmas purchase by MIL) but we're really enjoying it so far.

Morning all

Another unsettled night here. Ended up with baby in our bed and now my back hurts because of how i slept.

Inset day here tomorrow except for dc1.

I didnt manage to finish my to do list yesterday, the batteries burnt out but managed to leave downstairs semi tidy so thats a step in right direction.

Need to sort uniforms really, have to name all of dc4s stuff as he starts nursery (school so has uniform) this week.

Dc1 and 2 still in bed so that needs sorting, had planned have them up at 7 but baby was asleep on me so that didnt happen

Good morning! I woke DD up about an hour ago so the return to school tomorrow is not too much of a shock to her system. I've been awake since just after 6.00am this morning so appear to be getting myself ready for tomorrow as well

Will start getting all the school and work stuff ready for DH and DD to return tomorrow. I am on tenterhooks waiting for another hospital appointment, I have things arranged already for Tues/Wed/Thurs this week so slightly hoping it's not at a time which clashes with anything else, but also hoping for next week so it doesn't clash with the training for my new (very part-time occasional) job. I don't have the date for that either yet. Nothing like starting the year with a challenge

This week I will make a difference Will tire DD out today so she goes to sleep early and iron clothes for tomorrow. Catch you later ladies.

Morning all! LAUNCH PAD

Sunday. Renew your spirit. Or if you’re like me, panic about everything that needs doing ready for tomorrow.

Back to school for DD1 so need to check everything is ready, and get a little work prepped for DS to ease us back into home ed gently (last term was a bit of a disaster). And then tomorrow I have some phone calls to make and emails to write, although I could do the emails today really.

Loads of laundry to do too and once again the clean stuff is building up. Caglets need a good wash and probably due a nit check TBH. DH is going to asda at some point so I’m hoping he will drag them out too and I can relax a bit.

Need to discuss bedtime/waking up/screen time rules for the term as well. It’s all got away from us really, DD1 just lives in her room on her phone. I guess being back at school will help a bit as she will have homework to do. I have no idea how much support she will need with that either.

I don’t talk to DH about Flylady. He does far more housework than me, as he’s better at just getting on with the main stuff like laundry, and when I first got ill (2012) he took over much of it. But he’s really struggling physically too now (osteoporosis and various other things) and it all needs a rethink. He’s much more “decide to do something and do it” whereas I like a plan.

Just lost post mainly to zoo. Haven’t time to write again.🤬

Basically zoo it was Mincemeat and Apple plait. Rectangle of pastry, fill middle third with mincemeat and chunky sliced apple then cut diagonal down lines and plait across. Seal each end. Wash with egg. Can do DF.
Or baked apples -stuff them!

Must go need a shower.

Waves to everyone.👋

Morning! (Cheery wave).

So, today is the end of the hols here. It's half past ten, I'm still in my pyjamas on my second coffee and only DS3, the dog and I are up. So much for my "get up and get on for back to school" plan.

DD and I had a lovely day out at the theatre yesterday, thank you. That, hope the baby is happier. SC hope your DD is doing exam prep - mine has a mock on Tuesday. Hope also your symptoms recede and you feel better soon.

DH knows all about flylady and there are morning and evening routines on the fridge, but I seem to be the only person doing them... DD and I came back from London to find the rest of them had managed to rotate the DW but that was all. I nearly lost it altogether when DS3 appeared at 7.15pm and asked if there was going to be any tea! When DH goes out with one of the DC, he concentrates on that and I deal with the others. When I go out, I... deal with the others, apparently.

Today, I not renewing my spirit, I am putting an A0 piece of paper on the kitchen table and brain-dumping everything that needs doing on to it. Hopefully I can then parcel jobs out to other people (fat chance).

The plan sounds good. Trying to envisage A0 size :o My own list dump is just on iPad notes. DH read it and took note of what he could get done. See he’s much better at just cracking on. I think the meds are helping me get a little more like that (I expect those of you with kids with SEN know about executive function... mine is ummmm lacking) but it’s a long road and 33 years of EF related anxiety and procrastination habits don’t just disappear overnight!

Not doing too well with getting up and about here either. Tomorrow will be a nasty shock.

A0 is blueprint size and handily folds into 16 A4 segments, so on reflection I think I'm only using A1. It means I can have a reasonable space for each heading (house & financial, school, my work, each child, DH) and it splits it up nicely. I can also then fold it to be able to see only the bit I'm dealing with!

Morning all
Visible routines on fridge /wall would defo be a good idea - I'll add doing that to this week's list.
God what a night. Dd up multiple times sore head sore tummy frightened can't sleep , random questions about my little pony.. after 3 am milk and oatcakes downstairs she ended up in with me and baby - her clinging to my back -- I think she's worried about going back to school ! Ever heard of 'highly sensitive person' counsellor mentioned it and man does she fit that box. It's worth a read for anyone who either feels things strongly themselves or has children who do.
Told her she can't go to party today due to lack of sleep.. feeling bad but the aftermath would be double horrendous.

Dh out for morning assisting grumpy elderly pa with his shopping. So Wish he could break out of his hard fast routines and shop a day other than Sundays. But as he was absent pt father himself I guess he doesn't see how this affects the rest of our family.
Minimal chores today and definitely lots of telly and cuddles... takeaway tonight!
Babes asleep for now and I can clear up breakfast . And give dd a big snuggle

God what a misery fest . So sorry.

It’s ok rachael venting always welcome here! Sorry you had a rough night.

ta da
✅got Caglets to move laundry on
✅put a wash on
✅both Caglets showered and routine-nit-checked
✅came up with shopping list for Asda
✅looked up bras that DD1 needs from Asda so DH can get the right ones (duplicates so no need for her to try on)

I hate how long those basic things have taken. I’m exhausted already.

Christmas stuff down. Downstairs hoovered. Huge argument with DS1 who, when asked if he was going to be in for dinner told me to "make it quick", then trod mud all over my carpet. We're paying for driving lessons, his phone, spotify, netflix, counselling and £500 a month to live on (per govt / university calculations) and he can't even do me the courtesy of telling me if he's eating with us. He asked yesterday why I hadn't washed the bag he broke a bottle of coffee in. He's now gone to a coffee shop to "work", which probably means actually meeting his mates and doing fuck all.

Perhaps it is better if he's just a guest.

Wowwww willow 😡😡😡 that’s so frustrating.

The others have gone to Asda so I’m playing the piano for a bit. Trying a new piece. It’s hard.

Sorry you had such a stressful night Rachael

Grrr Willow that's so frustrating. Could you write that to him in a text ie we are paying for x, y and z so please could you do us the courtesy of letting us know if you are in for dinner by x time every day please? If not, some of the funding streams may become a little dry.

I totally sympathise btw...

This morning> Dd is sprawled on sofa, head in phone.
Me: "have you finished reading Les Miserables for tomorrow?" (She has had weeks and weeks in which to read it.)
DD: (barely lifting head): "I've seen the film"
Me: "will you help me take all the lights down from the banisters today please as it's twelfth night"
DD: (ignoring me) "mmmm" (not sure if that's 's a yes or a no)
Me: also, do you know if you have enough clean uniform for tomorrow, there doesn't seem to be much in the wardrobe, but neither is there any in the wash room? I'm happy to wash it if you give it to me fairly early on but I don't want to be doing it late tonight.
DD: It's in my bedroom ...
Me: (deep, calm breath) ok well please will you bring it down as I won't go searching for it
DD: alright, alright (irritated)

I just know what is going to happen tomorrow morning ... .
And don't get me started on thank you letters/e-mails.

It's the energy required to get the most basic of things achieved that really grinds you down. Routines that ran fairly smoothly when she was eight when she did three times the amount of chores that she does now... !

Ta da:
boxes brought up from basement (with help of dh)
quick supermarket shop done (ditto)
brunch cooked (eggs, ham and fried potatoes)
long walk with dogs in forest and they were very well behaved (lovely
started taking baubles of tree [dabs eye with corner of handkerchief]
took lights off tree with help of dd
brought down all guest bedlinen (3 days late!) from third floor to laundry
x 2 wms on
made very last New Year cards (you can send them here until 31st)

New years cards what a good idea- where are u school?

I didn't manage any cards except for the most elderly relies this year. But would quite like to send off the cute festive photof kiddos to most far flung friends (I don't post kids on fb )
Maybe when I find a moment mid Jan !!!
Ta da!
Made lunch, cleared up usually mushy baby mess
Cleared up everything else
Tidied lounge
Finally brushed my teeth and put makeup on!
Got baby to sleep
And breathed 😊
Dd took herself back to bed first time in her whole little life lol . Hopefully she will be more pleasant when I get back.

Peaceful dog walk with baby asleep - feel much saner after a bit of fresh air.

Delivered casserole and crumble to bereaved buddy - made me feel great to make her smile. Ypu do get back what ypu give.

Telly and a cuppa now

Hi all, hope you’re having a lovely Sunday.

It’s fine to have a whinge here Rachael.

I’d be annoyed at that too Willow. Although I have vague memories of my DM telling me off for similar .

There hasn’t been much in the way of flying done today although I’ve done quite a bit of relaxing on the sofa so I think I can say my spirit is renewed.

Ya Da:

• Beds
• S & s
• Breakfast stuff washed up
• Laundry in
• Ironing mountain tackled - basket is no longer overflowing and there’s only a few bits we don’t wear often left. I’ll try and start with those next time so they don’t fester in there for months.
• DF’s birthday things sorted to hand over to him. His birthday is next week and I always end up late or a last minute rush after the busy Christmas period. No excuse as my birthday is only 2 days after. I’m so pleased it’s sorted and he has it early this year!

We had a walk with DF this morning, visited some relatives, and scoffed a quick lunch of leftovers. Have beef in the slow cooker for Sunday dinner later. Only other to dos are make soup for work lunches and pack work / nursery bags. DD has just fallen asleep on me though so I’m chilling here for a while longer.

I’m quite sad the festive period is officially over but I’m ready to get back into a routine.

*Ta Das. No idea what a Ya Da is

Oh and scrap the staying on the sofa. My new control journal has just arrived so I’m going to extract myself from underneath her and get to work on it!

Thread has moved too fast since my last post and too much to catch up on!

TaDa
Cats and DS fed at various points throughout the day
Litter trays cleaned
Checked on chickens, collected eggs
DW unloaded and reloaded
Washed up about six baking trays and four big pans
Washed up loads of food containers for recycling
Loaded four bags of charity shop donations into car
One hour of ironing and putting away laundry
Stripped sheets and mattress and pillow protectors off bed
Washload done
First load in TD
Packed up all Christmas decs - two trees, table centre pieces and various window displays.
Packed DS's PE kit ready for tomorrow

I am absolutely shattered, full of a cold and not planning on doing too much more today other than make up the bed with fresh sheets.

Wing flaps to all

Weary wing flaps! It’s been a stressful day for little reason other than my annoying brain not coping with change very well. Furniture moving instead of getting on with what I wanted to get on with . But oh well. DD1 is happy and did actually tidy up pretty well.

ta da
✅more laundry
✅played piano including trying a couple of new pieces
✅wrote journal
✅spoke to DS about clubs clashing and wrote another email
✅spoke to DS about selling toys (he’s on board)
✅started delegating the collecting of playmobil

Still feeling mega stressy but off to swim shortly which should help.

How's the new CJ going, KT? I am trying to roll my bullet journal over to 2020 and am totally paralysed by the wish to make it beautiful (a la DD) and the urgent need for it to be functional cos the shit hits the fan tomorrow morning at 7am.

Really great lists everyone!

Just do it Willow!!! although I am the very worst at perfection paralysis so should NOT be commenting!!

Ta da cont'd/...
deleted about 150 e-mails which had accumulated in in-box over holidays
collected all dried up holly, ivy, mistletoe, lilies, hyacinths, from top of
pictures, furniture, mantelpieces, side tables etc and put in green recycling bag ready for Wednesday's collection
took down all cards and removed blue tack
unscrambled tree lights X 2 and rolled around cardboard rectangles then put in boxes
gave the last scraps of the ham on bone to the dogs with their kibble - yay it's finally finished!
carried dirty laundry down to basement
bubble bath and pedicure
soaked all brushes and combs in dilute Dettol, rinsed and laid to dry on clean towel on radiator
hung up load of washing
td'd another
re-fed wms
found dd's clean gym kit and packed it
buried face in tree and inhaled lovely piney smell and thanked it for good service

Still desperately need to do something in boudoir as can hardly walk across floor!

Very well done wrt 4 bags for chazza Mog! No wonder you are tired after that humunguous list! Hope you feel better soon!

What type of dog do you have Rachael if you don't mind me asking? Really lovely of you to cook for bereaved friend. We are in Belgium.

Enjoy the swimming Lane very heroic of you to go on Sunday night I think!

Glad you had a bit of a relax today KTCluck and well done organising your df's birthday presents early!

Just about to eat a late supper (hour ahead UK here)

Hope you’re feeling better after the swim Lane.

Good work SC and Mog. You’ve both been busy bees.

The CJ is going well thanks Willow. It’s quite different to fly lady’s version. So far of the 10 sections I’ve got one for bills / savings which is complete, one for birthdays and present budgets where I’ll list what has been bought, a Christmas section, housework routines section, and a section on info about the house - insurance, mortgage etc. It’s occurred to me it’s more like an instruction manual for DH should I up and leave him . I’m adding in the routines at the minute. Mine certainly isn’t as pretty as i would have liked and I had to stop myself tearing out a page where there were a couple of scribbles. I’d have no pages left if I did that. I love the idea of your giant brain dump. Hope it helped.

Sunday dinner was lovely and is all cleared up, plus curried Swede, parsnip and carrot soup is made for through the week. DD helped me tidy her room and I’ve quickly done the living room while DH is doing bedtime. Early night I think.

Sweet dreams fledglings! Hope your DC’s are more settled tonight Rachael and That.