Mad March Fledglings Fly in to action 2020

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A warm welcome to the monthly thread where we (loosely) follow the Flylady housekeeping system here to combat CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) with lots of virtual wine, chat and mutual support along the way. The thread leader of the month will post a link to Flying activities daily. Quite a few of us have been on here for a while, so we may seem cliquey, but we really aren't, and all newcomers, lurkers, returnees, regulars, and intermittent regulars are very welcome!

Very simply, Flylady is a zone-based cleaning system which we follow to varying degrees, depending on our individual homes, circumstances and energy levels. There are five zones and at the beginning and the end of the month we usually straddle Zone 1 and Zone 5. When you first start decluttering, cleaning, and organizing your zones, Flylady encourages you to spend 15 minutes per day decluttering in the current zone.

Each week, we work in a different zone. Each month, we repeat all the zones. After a few months of following this system consistently, you should start to see an improvement in the main areas of your house.

Pop on to the Flylady website to have a closer look about how to get started here but signing up for emails will probably lead to very many landing in your inbox. Also there has been some concern about securely downloading pdfs from the site so proceed with caution.

The Babysteps system is a light 31-day introduction to the system which familiarises you with Flylady routines (such as dressing to shoes, shining your sink etc) and with her philosophy, which emphasises self-care, her abhorrence of perfectionism and the adage that you’re never behind - just jump in where you are at - even if you only do 5 mins work, that is so much better than doing nothing at all!

There is a morning routine and an evening routine to keep things ticking over and a weekly home cleaning hour (which most of us find tight!) to change bed sheets, mop, hoover, take out rubbish etc. We've found over the years that the system isn’t brilliant for major decluttering so you might want to supplement with Kondo or another decluttering system. Flylady doesn’t want us cleaning all day so she is very keen on using a timer. Clean and declutter with focus, then stop and do something more interesting instead!

In addition each day has a purpose, see the daily focus here:
Monday: weekly home cleaning hour (can be split into ten minute sections and spread over week)
Tuesday: plan and play (menu planning, family event planning, doc appts etc)
Wednesday: anti-procrastination day
Thursday: errand day
Friday: clear out purses, bags, cars, date night
Saturday: family fun
Sunday: lift your spirits.

Don't hesitate to ask if you have any qs. And remember, 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, so feel free to ignore any step or routine that doesn't suit you or your home! And don't be put off by the barftastically twee language of the Flylady site, as the underlying system is sound.

And if/when it all gets too much: come and take a seat by the fire in our candelit, specially adapted, virtual "naughty" corner where you can retreat and enjoy all manner of lovely things such as fluffy pillows warm blankets, fine teas, strong coffee, and platters of sumptuous foodstuffs offered with lashings of support from fellow fledglings.

There may be mention of Ned (and his cousins Ted and Fred) who started their lives as autocorrections, but who have morphed in to virtual helpers, and are borrowed by thread members from time-to-time when the going gets tough on Mount Washmore.

Most days we pop on to post our "to do" and "ta da" lists of what we’ve managed to do and have a bit of a natter. Please don't compare your list with someone else's as this is all about individual progress.

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

** launch pad (general guidance and 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) [[http://www.flylady.net/d/br/2017/09/02/please-explain-the-zones/

here]]

** weekly zones (a rough weekly guide to which area of the house we are tackling currently, again adapt to suit yourself) [[http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/zones/

here]] and here

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

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

Habit of the month: here

An explanation about the March habit of the month: Getting Dressed to Shoes here

Good luck and happy Flying one and all!

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Many thanks to Tinselette from whom I have stolen and adapted quite a bit of this introduction!

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And last, but definitely not least, a huge thank you to Expletive for running a really fast-moving February thread so splendidly

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toostressy I really appreciate all the work you and your colleagues are doing for the public 💐

Thank you Tinselette. That means a lot.

I’m not doing any work yet as my whole house is self isolating due to DD2 having a cough. So feel a bit of a fraud. Plus the hospital where I am is eerily calm. Lots of planning taking place. I fear I am about to work my arse off though and also work my arse off at home so DH can work .

Hope everyone is ok as they can be. Will have a quick catch up of thread now.

Have caught up but apologies as I bet I have missed something.

Big wing flaps and soothing for everyone first of all.

SC, thanks so much for carrying on leading the thread in these difficult times.

Bower .

Solidarity with anyone in quarantine .

zoo, I don’t want to get too much into politics here and I am no expert but one of the reasons schools are not shutting yet is what SC said.

The other reasons include:-
Unless you actually order people to maintain social distancing you end up with kids out on the street anyway.

Whatever your feelings on the subject and I know it is fashionable to say schools are not childcare... at the end of the day they DO provide childcare. There are huge implications for essential services if schools and nurseries shut. Saw on another thread people saying they couldn’t believe any healthcare staff worked around school / standard childcare hours... guess again. Real fear in the hospital that when the schools shut we are screwed for staff.

People will end up doing ad hoc childcare that might end up more dangerous than school.

Students relying on school to feed them will miss out on food.

Students who have school as their safe place (eg abusive homes) will struggle.

Plus other reasons. The schools round here are all now saying there will be no fines or implications if you do pull your kids out. I do realise that is not the case everywhere. There will be many situations where they simply can’t staff the schools.

Schools may well shut very soon but they are just some reasons why they are still open (from a non expert - I have no knowledge in this area so of course others might disagree).

Schools round here are starting to close anyway as so many staff are having to self isolate that it just isn't feasible for them to stay open.

Managed
✔️LOL
✔️ swept up downstairs
✔️ made dinner for me and DH and supper for DC
✔️ dishes
✔️ baths and beds for dc
✔️ drew up a quarantine schedule which the DC seem pretty excited about. They asked if they had to call me Mrs surname and wear their uniform 😂.

Didn't get ironing done but I guess I'll have time for that tomorrow.

Yes same round here We3.

It’s all terrifying really . Sorry, not helpful I know.

I have been busy with getting the house sorted today as its my day off.

Ta Das:

~ washed our mattress and pillow protectors.

~ washed sheets off my bed.

~ DS sheets in dryer.

~ my comforter about to go into dryer.

~ Washed towels, dried and put them away.

~ pulled oven away from wall, swept and wiped floor, sides of cabinets and oven and wall (was absolutely disgusting!)

~ s+s bathroom.

~ wrapped presents for niece and nephew.

~ cleared kitchen hotspot.

~ attempted getting a few things from shop, including tp (No go on tp)

~ handed in signed paperwork to DDs school to get chrome book, brought that home.

~ booked appt for DC eyes.

~ booked hotel for next month to see Jeff Dunham.

It's almost 5pm here now, hopefully tomorrow I'll find out about work situation after their big meeting.

I still need to do ironing which will take me a couple of hours - need to find a good movie I think.

Indeed stressy it’s not an easy thing at all. I like the idea of still letting children attend whose parents work in NHS etc. Some schools here are closing non exam years due to sickness/SI-ing teachers. One school nearby have ordered anyone with siblings to stay home?! Bizarre but oh well. DD1’s school still open as usual, but cancelled options evening.

Oh also some local schools are remaining open at lunchtimes so those on FSM can still be fed 💕

It’s scary how vulnerable abused children will be though 😣 DSD is in a tricky position, she’s a play worker at a council run adventure playground in a very deprived area with kids who really need the service. Open as usual for now but with extra hygiene.

ta da
✅asked friend to pick up calpol - only managed six plus for DS (he can’t swallow tablets at the best of times), luckily found some more infant calpol upstairs though. She dropped it off and I gave her the cash
✅wrapped birthday present for same friend to hand over
✅finished writing up therapy notes
✅discussed some ideas with DH for potential quarantine eg regular video chat chess for DS and FIL
✅messaged about St. John Ambulance
✅ordered MASSIVE Tesco shop. Earliest slot 2nd April! I’m under no illusions it will show up at all TBH let alone have half the stuff. We may well need all of it by then but the plan is to keep checking actual shops (we are very lucky to only live a 15min walk from a big Asda) and we can remove anything we don’t need
✅40min walk in the virtually empty park, by myself! I could get used to that.
✅tried phoning psych to change appt to phone consultation, didn’t get through though

Super stressed this evening, DD1 hormonal, DD2 has been a screamy madam since her nap, DS clingy due to having a sore throat, DH struggling after therapy and aaaaargh 🤬🤬🤬

Point taken stressy I'm in luxury position of being here to care for my kids.i do worry for free school dinners children without school

Those in front line keeping the country affloat(hospital/social care/shop workers etc)and generally on crappy wages are super heroes right now.

dp says not scared but he has to do face to face contact no matter of circs.mental health with learning difficulties cant just get random calls to check if they're ok

Foxes/stressy/that anyone else with preschool or primary dc activity village is good online resource for craft etc ideas.has puzzles like simple wordsearches etc too
There are lots free colouring pages of TV characters if you Google it

Oh and Smithsonian zoo and Houston zoo in u.s have live cams on various animals whilst closed,so if anyone has DC with particular favourite animals might be worth a look?

Sorry zoo, hadn’t meant to rant at you! Thanks for those resources, I shall take a look. The more ideas, the merrier .

No offense taken stressy.this threads great as someone has an opinion it's just that,no personal attacks,and other viewpoints than our own are a good thing
Right I've given up laying heretime start the day
I shall not spend so much time on my home and shall try a routine of sorts for zoolets or we may go crazy!!

Anyone want to write me an essay by noon tomorrow? I know you havent read the materials but neither have i

Morning everyone

I'm really hoping people calm down with the food shopping lane by then and you get your order!

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Baby-step no. 18 for Wed 18th is: here

Launch pad link containing detailed cleaning info, flight plan, reminders, etc etc is: here

Have a good anti-procrastination day everyone!

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KCC

Houston Zoo Webcams (totally brilliant suggestions, thank you Zoo!) are :
here

And Smithsonian Zoo Webcams (including Panda.cam!) are:
here

Going with a panda craft for littlies today (it's in French but fairly self-explanatory and we are a bit late for Chinese NY but never mind) : how to make a panda fan

And finally, one of my all time favourite adverts to soothe and amuse:

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Morning everyone

Zoo fab ideas for isolation, thanks! From advice I’ve seen it’s definitely ok to go outside into open space so you can still get your fresh air and exercise. Apparently national trust have opened up all their outdoor space for free if you have a property near you?

That it’s been a while since I last did an essay so I’d be no help but sending to get you through it.

Sorry to those of you quarantined. It’s still business as usual here at present. Nursery is still open for now, I’ll be at work for the foreseeable unless we have to self isolate of course and DH looks likely to still be going in too. I do have asthma which is currently playing up a bit but current advice on asthma.org is no need for total isolation but reducing contact where possible (difficult at work!)

Day off today, upstairs needs a good scrub, washing basket is filling up and got a few admin type things to do. Hoping to get DD out for some fresh air but will be avoiding people where possible.

Wing flaps to all, and to get us through the coming weeks.

Good morning fledglings!

Toostressy and KTCluck thank heavens for you and your colleagues

And good luck to anyone self-isolating today!

(It seems very strange to be writing this sort of thing on our house-keeping thread. How very surreal.)

I'll definitely give it a go That I'm sure we could all help you out between us - what's the subject?

Agree Zoo and Lane those of us who are lucky enough to (a) have a home and (b) can be at home to look after occupants (c) have enough food and (d) aren't living with deprivation or abuse (e) are not frail and alone, are very, very, very lucky indeed.

Great lists Hazel and We3kings and everyone who is carrying on Flying!

I'm convinced that small steps is the way to approach this crisis, one day at a time, one hour at a time, one task at a time. It's totally normal and understandable to be worried and afraid, it's what you DO with the fear that matters! (I know that sounds a bit cheer-leadery and it's easier said than done but anyway ....). And how we behave to others throughout (sorry that sounds headmistressy now, but rushing while writing so can't think of more subtle ways of putting it!).

Tinselette Structure is good! Yes, we are v busy this morning as we are going in to further "far-reaching" measures - more emphatic lock-down this explains it here here today from 12 noon until 5 April, with police enforcing compliance of social distancing. It's a bit scary tbh . Bit alot disappointed because we were hoping to go to wreck2 but dh has decreed there is too much fire-fighting to do at office so we are here. Maybe for the best as we don't want to be the townies who brought sickness to the village ifsywim. And obviously, with being self-employed these aren't exactly relaxing times ... .

Fantastic positive activities and coping strategies there Zoo! Thank you!

Bower I have fond memories as a child, getting washed with half a bucket of water in the back of horse trailer or transporter! We used to call it "pits and bits" . And how romantic about your first love (but not the philandering bit obviously!).

Foxes oh how lovely about your little girl and her performance and putting a positive spin on things, bless her!

Hope your dd2 feels better soon Toostressy!

Zoo I hope your brood are ok?
And anyone else, or dc, who are ailing?!

Good luck today everyone! I've speed-read all the posts so may have left out either individuals or important details! Apologies if so but must dash! At least it's lovely and bright and sunny out there which helps a lot (not that I am going out in it - well a very few steps to office and back and for odd dog-walk) but I think this would be even worse if were dark and gloomy outside!

very welcome indeed KTCluck

It’s so hard to know foxes people may have calmed down by then or they could be panic buying even more!!! Maybe suppliers will have caught up by then. It’s crazy.

Pasta is not even available! Luckily we are ok for now. But it’s one of the few carbs my big two will reliably eat. Last night I had some couscous (just one of the packet ones) with my dinner instead of pasta just so the pasta will last longer for them! I did open one of the two avocados in the fridge though and it was perfect. #countingmyblessings :o

Need to get up for Solihull. Will be asking WTF is happening with children’s centres and playgroup, and there is one more session of the course next week. I’m hoping they cancel as mentally I will struggle hugely if I have to miss out in the event of needing to SI, whereas if it’s all cancelled anyway I’ll manage. For that reason I’m glad they already postponed the last two ACEs, much as I missed it.

It does make me wonder what happens when this has peaked though. How do they decide what reopens first? Life can’t suddenly go to 100% normal again as it’ll spread even quicker than it is now surely?

Need to get up and showered. I did zero future friending last night and we were too tired to discuss lockdown plans either!

In case anyone missed it BTW it’s now official advice (in BMJ) to avoid ibuprofen (and I think other NSAIDs?) if you have symptoms.

lanedd2 predominantly eats bread,little else.co op had none yesterday
I went Waitrose(nearest bigger shop) today.they had some,but only half usual amount/variety.grateful their fave was there.we eat thru 11/2-2 loaves a day here given dd2 and fact D's like top up calories with buttered toast if hungry...
I trawl aisles.no tinned goods AT ALL bar couple cans anchovies!no pasta,rice,flour,eggs.
Only coconut and soy milk left.lil zoo won't drink coconut and can't have soy regular due to risk allergy to that as we high allergy family all milks need be constantly rotated
Cereals waning.no Weetabix(few own brand left) no oats
Obvs no kitchen or loo rolls.
At till was chat staff and she said had double loo roll delivery yesterday 1pm.1.11 all gone.FFS WHATS WRONG WITH PEOPLE.dont they get they are perpetuating panic buying if there's never any of a certain product?
I bought 2 loaves of bread,which if I'm lucky will last us thru breakfast tombut I would hate to be that twattish person snaffling it down depriving the old lady behind me of any bread as she ventures out fearfully for her weekly shop
So tomorrow I just got X fingers and hope for more supplies to be getting thru
I have emergency pack rolls that are part bake
Also DS eats tuna on a virtually daily basis and is very unhappy I have none left

I may pop local co op about 1030-11 in hope of a delivery

I had a laugh with lady on the till and she was saying how people are being so rude/aggressive like it's her personal fault.i said admit you guys hiding out back partying with huge amounts food and running round like Andrex puppies with loo paper.we both laughed as she said wish there was resources or time for that.i thanked her for the banter and told her I thought she's doing a fab job.she looked ready to cry...

I need temper posts with good news so as I've mentioned before our church runs as part of a group of three.the oldest of the three has a young go getter curate with ASD kids and she's incredibly funny,resourceful and able to think outside the box
She has account on FB and posted brick church will continue online issuing requests for certain structures and everyone list their efforts
She's also brazenly admitted stole idea another church arranging colouring mats/sheets of certain scriptures with mini pack pencils and will be deli seed via letterboxes to littlies whilst parents work thru worship.shes try rig WiFi to church to live stream(promising not to sing).if not will be all delivered on paper to worship alone,but together iyswim.gotta love her can do attitude❤️

I've no idea how delivered became deli seed

Ps I was traveling MN in night and bookmarked a post with whacking list of resources we could use for DC.anyone know how I can retrieve this post??

More good news
Sainsbury have from Thursday put first hour open only to over 70s and the vulnerable so they get a chance to buy food
From Monday these also have priority delivery slots
3items max of anything,2 if it's a basic(loo roll,soap,uht milk etc)
They saying basically if people won't stop panic buying we will stop you
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I’m afraid I find the bookmark function worse than useless zoo so can’t help you. Do wonder if I am doing it wrong though so will be interested to see if anyone has an answer for you!

How’s the essay That?