August already?! Time keeps flying like the Fledglings!

[SingToTheSky]

Hello and welcome to the (slightly early) August Fledgling Thread! Join us for housework chat and a ridiculous amount of non housework chat too.

We follow (supposedly) the FlyLady system, which helps you gradually build up a set of routines. This month I won’t be putting regular links on, but there will be regular references to whatever the current zone and daily focus is. Please ask if you need any further info!

Here are some links to get you started (but don’t sign up for the emails as you’ll get inundated!)

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/ - a set of little tasks to gradually add to your day - some are a bit twee so pick and choose what you want!

www.flylady.net/c/sp.php#missions - this updates weekly with a set of five specific tasks for the weekly zone - worth checking for ideas! I will try and remember to remind us what zone we are in. It changes on a Sunday and we will be starting with Zone 1, the entrance/porch/hallway, and dining room if you have one.

www.flylady.net/c/lp.php - this contains links for most other things so is a good place to check if you don’t know where to start

It looks like the focus of the month for August is LAUNDRY - getting into the habit of a full load washed, dried and away each day.

Also I was bored a while back so I put together a little glossary of the many weird and might-seem-a-bit-cliquey terms. We have been going a long time but we always love newbies - hopefully this list will help you settle in.
KCC - the Keep Calm Corner, invented by our lovely Fledgling SC back in March, where the OP posts nice diverting links, memes, questions etc to distract us from the pandemic.

Ta Da - instead of a to do list (which is of course welcome too) we often post our achievements, with accompanying jazz hands, in order to celebrate the positives, however small they seem! Sometimes if we want to share an embarrassed giggle/commiserations we also post a ta didn’t - the stuff we didn’t get done. Oops.

BRC - Bag/Box of Random Crap. These are usually formed when we are panic tidying and shove anything in “to sort later” which is also known as a stash and dash.

Power of Three or PO3 - the idea that if you’re feeling really unmotivated/overwhelmed by your to do list, you just choose three things to do, and then post when you’ve done them.

Cherry Waves - borne of a typo of “cheery waves” this is now - to the extent my autocorrect just changed it again - often how we sign off. You may also see it in emoji form! 🍒👋🙋🏻 (😷 for socially distanced waves!).

Haughty Corner - this is from a typo of the naughty corner - the virtual hangout spot where we hide from housework and eat virtual snacks.

Future Friend or FF - the idea (apparently coming from The Organised Mum Method) of doing something to make life easier for yourself in future. Includes things like choosing clothes for the next day, getting bags ready etc.

DLMS - didn’t lose my shit - in other words, somehow stayed relatively calm despite a stressful day!

SS/S&S - Swish and Swipe - this is one of the key parts of the morning routine, a quick once over of the bathroom.

And a few basics:
LOL - load of laundry
WM - washing machine
TD - tumble dryer
DW - dishwasher
HSL - hallway, stairs, landing

And finally, for any Fledglings old or new who are trying to lose weight in lockdown, here’s our new body clutter banishing thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat/3975886-Body-Clutter-Be-Gone-The-Fledglings-Weightloss-Thread?pg=1

I’ll stop waffling there. Welcome one and all, a huge thank you to KTCluck for steering us through July while also working, and away we go for August! 🍒👋

Welcome MC.

Unplanned decluttering today. First time back at gymnastics today for DD2. Thought we were organised. Forgot to try leotards on beforehand so have hurriedly identified ones that don’t fit! Luckily she has a dance one so has gone in that which will be fine. Have told DD1 she needs to try hers on tonight to avoid a similar experience tomorrow .

Ta da:-
Quick calendar check while waiting for DD2
Hoping DH has made shopping list as one of us needs to do a food shop today.

Standing now trying to figure out the correct socially distanced place I am meant to pick her up from. Learning experience for all I think! Very impressed with the gym though. Except for one area which is not brilliantly signposted it appears very organised.

Stressyhope she enjoys her class
Sing spotless beautiful hallway would take more than a week

Mc aaah wow first baby 😍

Ooh how exciting about gymnastics being back stressy! DS’ TKD classes are now being held outdoors including at the old location down the road, which is really exciting. Still offering zoom classes too but he is struggling without the face to face instruction. Luckily they have to wear their doboks 🥋 for zoom anyway so it’s readily available and we know it fits, phew!

I’ve managed a couple of little tasks today so far including giving DD1 some jobs to do before she goes to her friend’s. She seems to think she’s moving in 😂

DH has gone Pokemon huntin’ with the boy but when they get back we need to all discuss housework and plans over the holidays. The daily chore lists just aren’t practical when DD is staying with her friend (we basically bubbled with her friend’s family, single mum and they aren’t seeing others) because it’s not fair that she misses loads of hers, so I’m thinking of a different approach for the next five weeks, perhaps where she has a list that needs to be done when she is here but DS’ stays spread out?!

I also really want to (we NEED to) get a little evening routine going. Thinking of using Alexa to remind us. I think items like checking for laundry, rubbish, Hoover etc as well as the obvious teeth etc. And then maybe another reminder on Alexa to check we’ve done it? Which would also keep us on track if we’ve gotten distracted (we are an ADHD house after all! :o).

Speaking of distracted, I need to actually get on with stuff now!

PO3.1
❗️Start the mammoth task of organising the DVDs. Not vital but I’m itching to do it so may as well!
❗️Jot down some notes in advance of family discussion as detailed above
❗️Prepare nice lunch for myself (I have salmon en croute in the fridge so I’ll have it with loads of veg and share with the toddler)

Happy Sunday, everyone!
This thread moves fast ☺️

I really need to sort out photos on the wall in the hallway. Initially I put few of our wedding photos there (got married in October 2019), but I went cheap on the picture frames and 2 out of 4 frames fell off and broke. I usually use those non marking sticky things to put photos/pictures up as I don't like making holes in the walls unnecessarily. Usually works very well, but those frames don't sit flush to the wall. That was good few months ago, still didn't get around to sorting it... This week hopefully will be the week!

Was planning to poke around in the garden today, it desperately needs weeding again and grass needs cutting, but the rain (again) put a spanner in the works.

Yes, I am beyond excited about gymnastics . It is reduced sessions and some are still on zoom but great to be back.

My children are also excited I do not live through them in any way

That's exciting about gymnastics. Swimming club starts back this week too, we have all had to fill in lots of forms, attend zoom safety training, read risk assessments and pool time will be greatly reduced. But DD can't wait to be back in the pool.

So great that some children are going back to various clubs, hope they have a great time I signed my two up for swimming lessons just before all this started and they were on the waiting list so I don't expect to hear anything as they will probably stick with just the children who were already in lessons. I'm not complaining, no big deal but they would absolutely love to do a club right now, especially dd!

Dh had to cut a wall yesterday and the dust in the house was unbelievable. Red brick dust EVERYWHERE despite dust sheets and screens. We've managed to clean most of it up but it's by no means all gone yet.

We can't start our younger ones back at swimming Foxes as the parents aren't allowed in the centre so they've got to be completely independent, no help with hats, goggles etc. They will be supervised but in small bubbles.

We actually had a lovely evening on Friday, right up to the point where all three of them were trying to talk at the same time and one of them considered he was being unfairly treated...

It's taken years decades, but Saturday morning we finally got an admission that it just might benefit him to deal with the situation slightly differently. So.. overall positive?

I was going to go to a Back To Karate session on Saturday but late Friday my voice started sounding weird and I got a bit bunged. Feel fine now (once the hangover had gone) but voice is still slightly odd.

Did the ironing instead

S2 made brownies, entirely independently except for me holding the lining paper out of the way as he filled the tin. Decision on when to remove from oven almost exactly right - middle bits still sticky but not running, edge not dry.

I dealt with some emails and downloaded reports to put together for the meeting booklet. Still got a very heavy inbox...

We watched What we did on our holiday which is lovely and very funny.

This morning I put on a whites wash and dealt with the urgent email that was making me feel guilty, so that's progress. Also put the events involved into the family calendar.

Still haven't hoovered upstairs.

Thank u meg❤️

ED thank u so much! I’m glad u enjoyed stourport I’m from near brum 2 and I feel like it’s where most of us go when we want a day out!

Aww how lucky mc! I have 2 boys they’re great!!

Thank u zoo ur right that age doesn’t define parenting ability but I think a lot of ppl c me and judge. Sorry u had a hard day yday.

That’s great!!! upholder well dun DD. And thank you :)

I also thought it was Monday sing, ur plans 4 the month sound luvly!

mc have u found the sticky strips leave marks? I’ve been looking for sum but worried u may be able 2 see the marks after u take them off

Luvly 2 hear about the DC going back 2 clubs!

Also quick question how many lessons did it take for those of u who drive 2 pass ur test. Am looking in2 driving again 2 get back my independence. I had 7 lessons last yr and have practiced in DSD’s car. I can drive but I’m crap at the theory stuff. My auntie has said she will give me her car she wants 2 sell for a cheaper price (500 4 an old ford KA) so I can also practice in that. Just want 2 get driving ASAP.

ta da
❤️Logan awake at 6. 1 hour with him
🧡Woke up Sullivan
💛Gave Sullivan his milk
💚asthma and eczema routine
💙Breakfast made (scotch pancakes and blueberries)
💜Got dressed
❤️Got boys dressed
🧡Brushed teeth
💛Made beds
💚S&S
💙Washed up
💜Dried
❤️Put away
🧡LOL
💛Laundry out to dry
💚Ironed
💙Made snacks for me and Logan (banana)
💜Put Sullivan down for a nap
❤️Logan did fly kids challenge
🧡Exercise
💛Gave Sullivan his milk
💚Drank Sum water from my bottle
💙Planned dinner (eggy bread and cherry tomatoes)
💜Decluttered
❤️Sorted out my hotspot
🧡Made lunch (lamb roast)
💛Put both boys down for a nap
💚Planned Christmas presents
💙Washed up
💜Dried and put away
❤️Went 4 a walk
🧡Budgeted 4 a car
💛Fed Sullivan formula
💚Snack 4 me and Logan
💙Mowed grass

Oh and KCC I’m looking 4ward 2 hopefully being able 2 get sum driving lessons and maybe even go 2 the park wiv the boys

Erm, I passed my test in the 1980s so I can't quite remember . Took three attempts to pass. No theory test in those days. My DS will be 17 next year and has downloaded a driving theory test app that he says is helping him learn.

God that makes me feel old.

princes I use Command stickers and they haven't left any marks yet. I haven't tried them on anything other than 'normal' wall paint. They usually hold quite well, the two that fell I am blaming the frames as all the other pictures/photos are staying up just fine.

I passed my driving test approx 6 years ago when I moved to Scotland from London
I can't remember exactly how many lessons I needed to take, but I've done that 2 week intense course as I needed to drive asap.

Ta Da list for today:
🎉LOL - all of it done and dry, and even folded!
🎉Weekly maintenance and cleaning of 3 aquariums
🎉Quick bathroom clean

Now it's 'me time'. Ahhh.

Just having a read of the thread while I rest. I’ve not done anything physically demanding except lugging big DVD books around to sort them! Not the biggest priority on the list... one might call it productive procrastination as I was avoiding other stuff 😳

Mc I’ll look that film up, thanks! I am happy watching foreign films and particularly like finding foreign animation too.

Lovely reading about everyone’s achievements from July!

DD1 isn’t going anywhere today after all and we really should have been getting stuff done with her, but have we? No. Of course not. I’m delegating the maths to DH though. He doesn’t know this yet. :o Actually I did remind her to sort laundry and do her room so maybe it’s not so bad.

Argh right must do another list.

❗️Put DVDs away (sorted cases out of access for a while, the rest on shelf)
❗️See if I can find my new charger (panic bought just before lockdown but haven’t actually needed yet) so DD1 can have my old one, and check in on her room/laundry etc when I give her it
❗️Enjoy a guilt free browse of amazon to order moisturiser and body brush (I WILL improve at self care this month dammit!) and probably something else to add up to free delivery as we need a few things

Aaaargh why do people keep changing plans 😳🙄 DD1 can go tonight after all but now has a rush to get stuff done.

ED well done to DS on his new job! Hope he likes it!

Zoo I would love a pale green hallway too, I absolutely hate the wonky brown stripes that the previous tenant left! But with a similarly huge drop I really think we’d have to get someone in to do it. It’s a lovely big space but hard to decorate!

I still need to put the DVDs away 😳

Evening. Checking in from my relaxing bath

I didn’t manage any ironing but I did my uniform and most of DD’s stuff yesterday anyways so it doesn’t matter. I did all the family phone calls that were expected of me, and after a weekend of battling against toys everything is finally in its place with DD engrossed in something on Disney. We cooked the roast together and got the kitchen sorted straight away . We came up with a few ideas of activities/outings we can attempt over the next few week, including some we would manage if lockdown struck again. I’ll do a proper plan while DH is putting DD to bed when I’ll do my journal stuff too.

Princes it’s around 10 years since I passed my test. I think I had 30 hours in total as I’m sure I booked 3 sets of 10. I failed my first test after 20 so booked another 10 to make sure I passed the next time (only 2 minors don’t you know and one of those was because in my nervous state I wrongly identified the windscreen wash tank during the car maintenance bit at the start)

Sing we got rid of all of our CDs and DVDs when we decluttered and while I’ve never missed them for the intended purpose I do kind of miss organising them every now and then

Enjoy your me time Mc

Just leave the pimms in the naughty corner Merry, it’ll be safe there You’ve definitely earned a glass for dealing with the email.

Zoo that colour is gorgeous, I’m eyeing it up for my hallway when we can be arsed to take it on.

My thoughts are with you with the dust Foxes, I know how horrendous it is.

Meg I love that DH has a go at being house husband for over 2 months. He has definitely improved!

Hope DC enjoy the return of their clubs Too, ED and Sing.

KCC - like Sing I’m looking forward to a bit of normality in August, and hopefully embracing a summer that has been on hold (while staying safe obviously).

Ignore the random s on the end of anyway. Surely that isn’t an autocorrect?! Stupid strike through fail too

Aah see I could never get rid of DVDs for good. Music is fine as Spotify has everything but things get taken off Netflix etc so I wouldn’t part with things :o we are using them less now and definitely buying fewer new/used DVDs though. Getting rid is a step too far for me :o

DD1 got her stuff done. DH was clearing up from dinner when she asked to do maths so I did it with her but it was easy stuff so no dramatics. I feel like achieved bugger all today, but it’s because I spent so long on one task 😳

Ditto with the CDs and DVDs, the music can go as it's all on our computer system and we have Spotify but we are keeping quite a lot of DVDs as they disappear off Sky and Amazon. We have got rid of a lot but I think what's left will be staying now. We only stopped buying them about a year ago when we got Sky cinema.

We don’t even have a DVD player anymore! I’ve never been a massive film fan though, and rarely watch things more than once.

I forgot a huge ta da from earlier... Sorted my energy supplier switch! We use Martin Lewis’s cheap energy club so it’s fairly easy but I’d been procrastinating over it (for a change ) so I’m pleased it’s done.

Sing it doesn’t matter if you’ve achieved nothing today, that’s what Sundays are for. You definitely have a few ta Das though

I'm not a big film fan either but DD and DH are, we have our old blu-ray player upstairs and use the x-box to play them downstairs.

Back later when I've recharged my phone a bit.