Fledglings prepare to fly their lockdown nests and jump into July - join us for the July FlyLady thread

[KTCluck]

Welcome all fledglings, newbies and lurkers to the July 2020 flylady thread, where we try and follow flylady’s system to keep our homes in order and our lives organised. We are a friendly bunch and like a bit of a natter, amongst posting our ‘To Do’ lists for accountability and celebrating our ‘Ta Da’ lists no matter how long or short. No fledgling is left behind, just jump in and join us wherever you are at - whether you are a lazy slattern living in chaos or a fully certified domestic goddess wanting to keep up the motivation. Most of us flit between the two depending on the day. The threads tends to be a supportive corner of MN, and we readily provide listening ears for woes and rants when needed.

Flylady is a system based around morning and evening routines, with babysteps to get you started and a daily focus, such as planning and family fun day. There’s a weekly home blessing (or ‘bleurgh’ as we prefer) which is a basic clean to keep the house ticking over, with short bursts of decluttering or deeper cleaning in weekly zones once you are ready. Flylady also suggests short missions each day. Feel free to adapt the system to make it fit in with your life.

Link to the launchpad is here (I hope) and the baby steps are here. From the launchpad I like the ‘flight plan’ for a reminder of the routines, and ‘sneak peek of the week’ for a list of the week‘a missions. You can sign up for emails, but be warned, you will need to regularly declutter your inbox!

As thread leader for July I have taken possession of the thread pointy stick —> for anyone in need of a sharp prod of motivation, but I’ve also set up a chilled quiet naughty corner, complete with comfortable day beds, a gentle sea breeze, and unlimited fruit platters, ice creams and cocktails to any fledgling who is in need of rest and recuperation or is just on strike. No partners or children allowed.

I’ll also try and keep the ‘keep calm corner’ (KCC) going. Originally introduced by our lovely SC, it’s a little daily dose of respite we’ve been using to help us get through these strange times.

I’ll do my best to keep us all motivated and flying throughout July. On work days I may appear with the larks, or not crawl in until the end of the day so apologies in advance if I’m late with links.

We start tomorrow in zone 1 (hall, porch, dining room). Here’s the missions. Habit of the month is ‘swish and swipe’ which is a daily 2 minute wipe of our toilets and sinks. Tomorrow is anti-procrastination day where we tackle those tasks we’ve been putting off.

Anyway, enough waffle, July we are coming for you! shortly, I’m just checking the naughty corner is ready

SC A macronutrient is protein or carbohydrates or fat. I used my fitness Pal app to log what I was eating and over time it showed that i eat roughly 50% carbs, 30 % fat and 20% protein. Might want to up protein in my case. I have gotten rid of some of my larger clothes so I am very slowly getting smaller. However my waist size is a bit larger than my usual size elsewhere on my body. Must just be my shape. I had to buy larger sizes last year and luckily saved my smaller clothes. I'm still running but only run walk 2.15 km three times per week. Also doing other mat exercises a bit too. Might lose more weight if I put my back into housework! Cleaned out a wardrobe yesterday in the spare room and got rid of extra furniture. Cherry waves to all fledglings!

Not caught up fully yet but just pasting yesterday’s list as I was too sleepy last night! Cagletini sort of slept 6pm-8am but with a LOT of waking up for feeds because she’d dropped off before dinner, and that started an hour after I’d finally dropped off. I don’t normally come back up to go to sleep again but I did manage a bit more dozing and although I’m awake now I am NOT moving :o

ta da from Wednesday
🏚sorted remaining handmedowns from stairs into correct bags
🏠home ed
🏚rehomed Caglets’ dirty laundry
🏠stash and dash from top of trofast units on the landing , put away a few toys but mostly shoved everything in a big bag
🏚quick tidy of bathroom stuff
🏠quick clean of bath/tiles and trofast
🏚hung up various coats
🏠quick hoover of spilled lentils I’d missed
🏚visit 1 - including discussing other possible adaptations
🏠visit 2 - that was quick though thankfully
🏚tried out comb binder :o
🏠exercise bike
🏚spoke to DD1’s lovely HOY who rang for a welfare check, and discussed various things
🏠walked to Asda to get t-shirt (and a bit of food, and two plastic baskets for the bathroom!)
🏚WALKED HOME FROM ASDA!!! First time I’ve tried in months - it’s not even that far, but it’s uphill and unless I’m doing really well physically I would usually avoid)
🏠rested and watched some Simpsons finally!
🏚had a lovely doorstep chat with friend who came to collect the handmedowns :)

Thank you Lisette and that's brilliant about throwing away smaller sizes! 🏆

Zoo ☕

I hope you are ok MrsTidy . I so agree about having to move as a natural part of the day, instead of it being something you have to impose on yoursef. Animals are v good at providing that motivation. Good luck with ruthless tidying today, I am going to be doing the same!

KTCluck sounds like a lovely day you had yesterday! Thanks for thread recommendation, will have a look.

Stayed up v late watching Netflix with DD last night as she wasn't feeling well. (I am ruddy well convinced she has endometriosis as she has lots of strange symptoms leading up to, and after, period. Really concerning as she goes very very white and half faints. We've had every scan possible to no avail but it's hard to detect apparently. And it's such a contrast to her usual active self that there is absolutely no doubting she is properly ill ifyswim. Anyway, it meant that I went to bed very late and overslept until 9.30 am which is something I never do so am all at sea this morning.

Plunging in to boudoir without any more faff and then ironing and cooking and packing again for tomorrow. A malt loaf is on the cards.

Tally-ho everybody! Have a good one!

X post Lane great list!

Woke up when DH was getting dressed for work this morning. I'm usually oblivious to him moving around but for some reason this morning I woke up and thought I'd slept in for work, despite having not been at work for nearly 4 months 🤷‍♀️

Decided to make the most of it and get up so have had a productive morning.

🟤 got cereal for DC for breakfast then they decided to help themselves to the remainder of the chocolate cake after
⚪️ has a bath then chucked DS4 in after me as he was covered in chocolate cake
⚫️ S&S
🟣 made all the beds
🔵 done all of the upstairs windows
🟢 polished upstairs
🟡 LOL x 2 and I'm just about to put the first lot on the line
🟠 ironing
🔴 put ironing including stuff from yesterday away
🔵 tidies upstairs
🟤 picked up rubbish and emptied bins upstairs
⚪️ put our bedroom curtains back up
⚫️ hoovered upstairs
🟣 have tried to encourage DS3 to do some schoolwork. He's being a little devil about it and I can see us still doing it in the holidays at this rate 🙄

More ta-da's
🟢 hoovered H/S/L
🟡 cleaned finger marks off radiator in hall
🟠 cleaned glass in front door
🔴 mopped hallway
🟤 cleaned windows in LR
⚪️ windows in LR
⚫️ sorted sofa after cleaning a load of crap shoved behind it
🟣 cleaned both tables
🔵polished LR
🟢 hoovered and mopped LR
🟡 made lunch for DC - tuna/chocolate spread sandwiches, carrot, cucumber, cheese, watermelon, yogurt and muffin

Now back to trying to get DS3 to finish this bloody worksheet and get little fella to have a nap then I'll tackle the kitchen

THE KIDS HAVE FINISHED ALL THEIR SCHOOL WORK AND THERE US ONLY ONE DAY LEFT 🤣😄👍🥳💃👯‍♀️

Yay that!

Just been catching up on the thread. Am rather late for this but the other day’s KCC - my perfect day would probably involve a few different things. Feel a bit bad for not immediately thinking of nice family activities but lockdown has basically been one long unavoidable family activity so maybe that’s why 😂 that said, a perfect family day would involve a cinema trip, something we could all really laugh at and quote for weeks after, or going somewhere interesting like a spacious, it’s-ok-to-run-around type museum. And an evening picnic with loads of sport equipment, and food we’d spent the afternoon cooking.

But for me individually, my perfect day would start with a yoga class and swim with a friend or two, followed by a pub lunch and hours of chat with them. I’d have some time completely on my own reading or watching something or drawing, preferably somewhere outdoors, and then I’d go see a concert or show with DH, and the DCs would be fast asleep by the time we got back :o

KT re 16:8 - I’m doing it every day for now, as it’s not difficult yet, it doesn’t feel restrictive as I’m not actually banning anything I’m just saying “not now, I can have it later/tomorrow if I still want it”. Also I have a lot to lose and being high risk for T2 I really want to maximise the benefits of reduced insulin production etc. Some people seem to not need to do it daily though so I’ll see how it goes! There’s a thread on the weight loss board which I’ve enjoyed reading.

MrsTidy I’m sorry you had a swirly memory sort of day. Sometimes it’s necessary for the brain to process things (even old things - I often feel there’s a reason for memories coming back, even if the connection isn’t obvious). Have you thought about keeping a journal? I find that really helpful on the swirly days, or when I’m struggling generally.

Sorry ur dd is having such a difficult time zoo

meg I’m nervous about returning 2 shops haven’t been since the start of lockdown it’ll be weird

Gud list lane

Hope u r ok tidy❤️

That’s gr8 that!!

ta da
❤️Morning routine
🧡S&s
💛LOL
💚Got shopping
💙Put it away
💜Flipped mattress in boys room

I hope the tuna and chocolate spread weren’t in the same sandwich awol :o

I need to check if DS is done for the day - I know he’s done some of tomorrow’s work already (doing extra pages so he can finish earlier tomorrow - when I made the plan I didn’t know DD1 finishes at 12 on the last day). But it is pointless if he doesn’t do the other stuff :o

I haven’t really achieved anything today, not sure I can even be arsed to do a power of 3 yet! DD1 will have to finish her art tonight so I don’t want to burn out as I’ll have to prod her through that (I’m not that fussed about the last dregs of English and history tbh, it seems like hardly any of her friends have done any work at all, but art is something she’s passionate about and her teacher likes her work it seems, so I think it would be a shame if she didn’t complete this project).

I was also thinking about the whole “having it all” thing... hmm. I don’t feel like I have half yet 😂 as I’m so disorganised. Something always has to give. For example when I wrote my long ta da list the other day I realised there was no laundry that day - no, it didn’t desperately need doing, but it just goes to show how easy it is to drop one thing that builds up quickly.

I know really though that one of the main reasons we don’t manage it all is clutter. Quick tasks like wiping the table or sweeping the floor or cleaning the windows are not quick when you have to move the random crap out of the way first! 🙈🤣

Very true about clutter Mummy but still haven't conquered it here! I get rid, but it somehow finds its way back in!

Lane that's a great dieting mindset/mantra; will definitely be employing that.

Pls forgive the indulgence everyone, but could you please give me a swift kick up the rear (and I mean a really sharp one please ) if I haven't reported doing this very "tense/loaded" administrative task, that I am dreading doing, in relation to my nationality dossier, in the next couple of days. I thought it was all done and dusted but it has to be revisited owing to Covid-19, because of delays and certain certificates expiring etc. I have to check it out and although it's a simple enough thing (or three) to do, I have been avoiding, procrastinating, putting my head in the sand etc, as it has such stressful, anxious vibes around it. I am very aware of this and yet still I procrastinate! Yaaaaarrrggggghhhhhhhh! Bloomin' well must get a grip! Ta all xxxxxx

sc I prefer leave large bar choc of your choice/indulgent treat in naughty corner as carrot dangled on stick approachthan poking you whilst you are so stressed..

I'm so tired!!

Out house for 715,everyone fed and watered,load wash on airers,lav harpicked andlittertrays poo picked
Walked town
Went home bargains,Poundland,wilko and savers
Walked home
Back 1105

Ate mini banana malt loafand multiple types birds and butterflies❤️
120 got home
Sat ins,hips seize up!
Make lunch

No lane not in the same sandwich I had to feed one tuna hater too and he wanted chocolate spread. I've argued with him so much over this bloody worksheet today that I wasn't getting into the healthy sandwich argument too 😂. Also zoo your tuna sandwiches sound way better than ours.

Final ta-da's (my house is actually clean and tidy WTF!)
🟠 dishes
🔴 cleaned hob
🟤 cleaned worktops
⚪️ hoovered and mopped kitchen
⚫️another LOL and 2nd one out on the line
🟣 ironed and put away first load

Now trying to get DS3 to do this worksheet again 😩😩😩 and watching DS4 drop biscuit crumbs all over the lovely clean floors 🤷‍♀️ it was cleaned for at least 15 minutes I swear.

I also need to add my calories into MFP before I forget what I've eaten.

mrstidy sympathies, I know the feeling! Such a good idea to write stuff down as lane says but for some reason I personally have a mental block when I try and write personal things down, I don't know if it's embarrassment or just not able to say what I feel on paper but I just can't seem to do it 🤔

This thread is the closest I come to it tbh, because I feel this is more of a comfortable chat so no pressure 😂😂

Ta das
Ds last day at nursery for the term, took his teacher presents in
Helped dd with some school work and making her teacher cards for tomorrow
Worked AM
Dishwasher on
Washing on X 2
Took kids to the garden centre as dd desperate to buy her teachers a plant each (I had already got them chocolate!)

Yesterday was very exciting because ds bunk beds finally arrived!! He's been sleeping on a mattress on the floor for so long. The kids have been playing in the bunk beds for ages this afternoon they are good entertainment! We also finally ordered Kallax storage from IKEA for both their rooms and a desk and chair for dd. And a lampshade. Their rooms are finally nearly done!

I seriously need to do some overtime to catch up with my work but every time I think of doing it j somehow think of something better to do

Maybe you should start putting dear diary at the start of your posts, just to ease in, foxes :o not that I do that on my actual diary mind you!

I have been very unproductive since a brief exercise session this morning. I keep thinking of things to do but do nothing instead :o DD1 is home from school, so officially 3 hours of school left of the year!

Best start making plans for the summer really, but that can wait too. :o

Things have gone well so far today. Pre-school wooden toys and jigsaws are away in a cupboard, where they'll take up much less space. The plastic toys are destined for the garage, where they won't be damaged by the damp. I'm not yet in the right frame of mind for decluttering; even if I make the correct decision, I'll worry that it was the wrong one. Next is the toddler-stage board books.

I like the look of the less crowded shelves, and the stuff that's left is less triggering, too. So that's a plus :-)

I've journalled in the past, which helped a lot for a while, but eventually it became too intense. What I do now is keep a notebook by my side, jot down a couple of sentences, then later on see what triggered that particular reaction. Quite frequently, it's a result of endless procrastination. Sometimes, it's frustration at my lack of stamina, so I try to factor that in. And there's always my atrocious eating habits, which need to be part of the Daily Routine too.

Good to have this place as a support. I'm away to sort out some books.

Well he finally did the worksheet thank god.
We sat in the garden for a bit after that I played candy crush and they hopefully wore themselves out 🤞
Then:
🔵 made dinner - sausages, bacon, mushrooms and beans with cheesecake stuffed strawberries for pudding
🟢 ironed stuff off the line and put away. Last load in dryer
🟡 washed dishes and sorted kitchen

Just bathed the DC. Was lying with DS4 waiting for DH to come up and put him to sleep. We'd already done story and still waiting so I thought I'd sing him a lullaby. He put his hand over my mouth and told me to stop 🤣🤣🤣

Now going to put DS3 to bed, get my pj's on, get my blanket out and watch killing Eve.

Also why are men so incompetent at life admin? Well mine is anyway. He's trying to renew his driving licence. I'm all set up on the sofa ready to hibernate for the rest of the evening.
1st 'which ones my license number'
'The one that starts with the first 5 letters of your surname'
'Can't find it'
So I get up and show him. Sit back down.
'Where's my passport'
'In the file with all of the stuff like that you know it is'
'I can't find it'
'It's there'
'It's not'
'It definitely is'
'None of them are here'
So I got up and found it exactly where I said it was, took me 3 secs. I went and sat back down.
'Which ones my passport number'
'The one that says passport number Lee' 😡
'Which ones the photo card number'
Showed him.
'It says that's wrong'
'Well it's not'
'Well look'
Checked he's typed it in wrong.
'Well what's it doing now it won't let me move on it just says previous'
'Well pick the option'
'There isn't one'
😡😡😡😡😡😡 FFS I picked it for him.
I should have just done it for him.

Sorry that was long but grrrrr he annoys me with shit like this.

Ah yes AWOL and Meg, the feigned incompetence. DH has a responsible job, overseeing various projects, requiring some decent organisational skills. He seems to leave these on the doorstep, as he’s basically a helpless child at home. It’s the arguing I can’t stand - “where is ?” So you answer with certainty... and immediately get “it’s not!” . I shouldn’t complain too much, he has made a very good cod and chorizo risotto tonight. I also shouted down to ask him stick the washing in the dryer and then went down to find he’d stuck a wash on too. Was amazed at this sudden display of initiative until I realised it was the clean towels I’d just taken out the dryer this morning .

I have no ta Das to add today, but it seems the rest of you have been flying the flag for me.

Tidy it sounds like you’re really doing well with the routines. Glad you find the thread as helpful as I do. It’s lovely to have you with us.

ta da
🐌made the decision to properly rest in the morning, dozed, caught up on threads, listened to audiobook
🐌workout
🐌read more about 16:8, completed 4th fast ✊
🐌home ed including some of tomorrow’s
🐌persuaded DD1 to do her drawing for art homework, although she’s still not coloured it 🙄
🐌finished my assignment questions
🐌emailed tutor as couldn’t actually submit the questions 🙄

Feels very unproductive today as I spent much of the time faffing on the iPad and staring into space. But I am glad I did the assignment and the workout.

Glad it's not just mine then.

Cod and chorizo risotto sounds delicious 😋

s&s x2
lol
jigsaw; H cleaned oven door
made lunch
brief menu plan
went shopping; H made biscuits and washed up
jigsaw; H cooked ham and reduced turkey for sandwich meat
froze meat
made start on dinner (toad in the hole)
did some washing up
made dinner, froze some of the cauliflower (bought it on Monday - it's done two full 4-portions and some stalk in the pasta bake, and there's a whole 4-portion left so I'll do a cauli cheese at some point)

I HAVE DONE NOTHING USEFUL TODAY

Probably because there is a set of emails I should have sent two weeks ago and as usual it has become the Looming Unfinished Task...

Guilt guilt guilt

ToDo Tomorrow

send emails
clean bathroom
ironing

I think that's quite enough. Planning on getting fish and chips so that can be my reward

The art work is finished. I’m so sick of being the bad guy. That is actually one area where DH does infuriate me TBH.

Anyway. Night fledglings! Hopefully I will be more motivated tomorrow. I have an email to send and I want to enjoy some time doing my other courses :)

Don't be so hard on yourself merry. If you read your post you have done a lot of useful things. And you didn't have to send the email it's not Wednesday so you can procrastinate all you want 😉