Swooping into September - Flylady fledglings assemble!

[MogTheSleepyCat]

First of all, a big thank you to SingToTheSky for leading us through the August thread, (you can park your mop and hang up your duster now)

If you are struggling with C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (Something That Undermines Family Fun) then this is the thread where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of support and chatter along the way.

The FlyLady link is here . Don't be put off by the twee language of the site – we all agree that the underlying system is very effective.

This little-and-often system is designed so that you can follow a series of steps and routines each day (which gradually become second nature) in zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do something more interesting instead.

At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. No problem if you miss a day or two; just jump right back in and it will all come around again next month.

It's up to you, but we advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be swamped with marketing nonsense. All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's steps and routines using a three-pronged approach (dependent on the stage everyone is at):

• start or repeat baby steps
• repeat baby steps + do 15 minutes a day decluttering in the current zone
• reinforce baby steps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.
• And if you are really enthusiastic and have finished decluttering - you can go on to detailed deep cleaning in each zone.

There are three key points to keep in mind throughout:

• No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine and many of us on this thread struggle with this one.
• You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
• It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy over night - accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

If you are new; then trying to spend 15mins decluttering daily and doing the baby steps is a good way to start. Some of us (mentioning no names) can have scary looking ‘ta-da’ lists but don't let that worry you. Do what you can, anything is better than nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

If all else fails, a + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders.

Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.

Don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t. Some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome.

SingToTheSky put together a 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!

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.

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

Ta da!!
Before I went out to lunch I did 15 minutes focusing on bathroom and kids bedrooms,
Scrubbed sink and shelves
Tidied books in ds room
Changed dd bed sheets

Lovely lunch with my mum, bought myself some trousers and a top and a little pot plant

Now nearly time to start the school pick up and leg it from school to nursery so we aren't late

Sing the start times are staggered and also all at different doors, we got the furthest away door at the earliest time 🤦‍♀️ I think I need an electric scooter 😂

Sing Glad DDs school meeting went better. Hope everyone who is isolating is OK, the testing situation sounds like a nightmare. Bower Hope you are ok with the meeting and lovely that DH bought you a magazine to cheer you up.

I didn't even know what zone it is this week and it is Wednesday, oops. Have done some general tidying and getting on with the DIY. The decluttering is finally paying off, it's finally getting easier to tidy as I go along.

Mc That cake looks amazing!

Zoo so sorry the meeting was rubbish. Some of these people should step into your shoes for a couple of weeks. I have sat across SW in meetings that had no kids spouting a load of stuff. Afterwards I sometimes asked if they had kids. They didn't like it. They had all the answers a bit like NQT think they know it all! I wish I could come around and give you a hug.You are doing a brilliant job with children with different and difficult needs a bit like spinning plates and trying not to let one fall. On top of that you ace Flying!

Ta Da
bathroom floor washed
kitchen floor washed
pile of ironing done

Just need to get baking cupboard finished oh and have lunch oh I forgot about lunch and breakfast well I sort of had cake for breakfast. Not intently it was 11:00am.
I had two visitors as well. The veggie guy we had a short chat about the veg and how to not have something and how it was going since lockdown stopped.
Then DS1 arrived to get his veggie box and showed him about chickens. We going to Lakes for two nights. To self catering where I was helping previously so all super clean. DS1 stayed for cup of tea and cake then later found out it was past lunch and he hadn't had any either...bad mother! Off to make a sandwich and do cupboard. I might leave bottom shelf as I need some more storage from Lakeland.

The weather has changed quite a bit, was sunny this morning but got quite windy and cold at school run time. Not sure what’s going on. I’ve booked a trip to the Black Country museum for October half term which will be enjoyable.

DC’s are in bed now, I’m settling down with some jam tarts and a cuppa. NDN’s DS has had to be tested for COVID, bless him. Hope they’re okay.

zoo no worries! Sounds like you’re set. If you change your mind don’t hesitate to give me a shout.

bower that’s so scary about the car, I’m glad that everyone’s safe.

upholder thank you, I drifted off at about 4!. Kids were up at 5:30. Good news about the negative test, fingers crossed for the other.

Glad to hear you’re sorted lisette

That’s very annoying about the school times foxes our schools doing staggered times but it’s a nightmare for those with multiple kids.

I loved inspector calls sing, I still read it from time to time but I’d love to see it. That Macbeth play sounds great too, we live not too far from Stratford and I’ve always wanted to see Macbeth there.

I’m sorry the meeting wasn’t good zoo, that’s very frustrating.

ta da
💚Made beds
💚Dressed DC
💚Got ready
💚S&S
💚Fed animals
💚Made breakfast
💚LOL
💚Dropped DC off at nursery
💚Work
💚Picked DC up
💚Walked dog
💚Picked up poo
💚Made tea (spag bol)
💚Took washing off the line
💚Washed up
💚Wiped down kitchen
💚Bathed DC
💚Put DC to bed
💚Collapsed

Links for Thursday 17th September

We are in Zone 3: The main Bathroom and One Other Room The other room can be your spare room, study, even the garage.

Spend 15 minutes decluttering here before moving onto detailed cleaning.

Our missions for Thursday are deep clean your bathroom sink and countertops and continue decluttering your Other Room

Baby step 17 is setting yourself a sensible bedtime, and stick to it Helpful for some, not all.

Habit of the month is Before Bed Routine

Thursday focus is errand day Any task to be done outside of the home: grocery shopping, tip runs, dry cleaning, doctor appointments, that sort of thing.

Negative result - that was fast. Just under 12 hours.

Gosh Bower that was really scary about the car. What a near miss.

Yeah it was. I didn’t see the car DS rang and told me next morning. I think they had been busy speaking to the police afterwards and then went to bed because he is up at 5am for work. He said the car was a mess. The driver was lucky he wasn’t killed really. He ran off. I haven’t heard whether they got him or not.

Ta da
I finished the baking cupboard. Decanted some packets into Tupperware. I weighed out the ingredients and set the fruit to soak for Barm Brack.

I’m quite pleased with my efforts to day. Going to be awake

Barm brack - I should really make that Bower. Reminds me of home. The word for September in Irish means 'mid-harvest - Meán Fómhair. Are you putting a ring inside the cake?

ta da
🌀found envelope and wrapping paper for parcel (DH posted it for me after collecting Cagletini ❤️)
🌀finally finished and printed the HE plan for this week 😳
🌀emailed therapist asking for an appt
🌀walked to town
🌀read on the train
🌀lunch in London with parents - tried shaved truffle (meh) and scallop (euwww) for the first time, and lots of other lovely things (it was like an Italian tapas where they brought things as and when cooked, OMG, so much yum!!!)
🌀actually walked home from the station which I would normally not have attempted but it was fine! If rather hot once out of the shade.
🌀finally drew a picture I’ve been meaning to for weeks, even that is stressing me out ATM! I need to get my confidence back somehow (this is why I emailed therapist)
🌀sat in bed eating ice cream - work in progress!

Night all

Morning
Part 2 D's neuro assessment today
Dd2 has school photos so can be added to lanyards currently wearing

Bbl

Sing lunch sounds delicious. Glad it went well.

Zoo good luck with assessment I hope it goes well.

Wellies That is good news about the cake. I did remember someone else had cake for breakfast one morning. It did mean I could wash the tin and put it away. Guess what is on my cake tins?
DD must be pleased. My DD was never offered them . We changed to another and guess what they offered her at 25? He also said the previous dentist should not have removed the tooth where she now has a bit of a gap. It was taken out because of overcrowded mouth. New dentist said should have been left as she grew it would have gone into its place. DD was annoyed. We like the new dentist more. Much gentler too. I go to his wife she is lovely. The gentlest dentist I have ever had in my life.

Your right Wellies breaking it down to small steps for him shows it is more manageable. Maybe some cake after completed would go down well.

Right need to get up. Small amount of flying for me today.

Plan
Tea
Add flour to tea soaked fruit and an egg and bake Barm Brack.
Eat some cereal.
Feed hens and clean out.
Clean basin( again) and toilet.
Clean shower tray after my shower.
Pack bag.
Clean out car and pack.
Put vacuum over downstairs.
Wash up and wipe worktops.
Check hot spots in kitchen

Go for short break to Coniston. No hot water apparently so useful to everyone because I can let person in. Boiler under guarantee.
I will try and look in but signal is patchy.

Right up and at it.

🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋to everyone

Hello everyone (SC here). So sorry, not up-to-date with thread properly, but hope everyone is as ok as possible in these strange times.

Really sorry but I am dropping in to say that if things continue as they are doing currently in Sept, I may not be able to run thread in Oct or Nov as promised. Of course I will if I can, but half way through this month I am struggling a bit tbh (as I am sure many are here). Found myself saying "yes" when asked to take a volunteer position at school (meeting was on Zoom and I for some reason felt compelled to break tumbleweed silence when recruits were called for [aargh] and there's already quite a bit to do). DD is going through a lot of "stuff" and needs a lot of support in various ways - one school not far away from hers has already shut down owing to rising figures and we are all worried the same will happen at hers - DH still WFH and things not easy there tbh. In a practical way, I really need to focus on things to cram it all in (still doing 18-20 hrs admin, cleaning office and home and and lots going on at wreck2 building project wise). Apologies, I realise I have a lot less going on than many of you on here, but I don't appear to be coping very well with my particular bit ifyswim as I am always behind ATM! Much as I love this thread, I think it's more efficient to keep myself away from Mumsnet in general if that makes sense.

Foxes sorry to hear things are difficult for you too, especially with v demanding school run logistics. Not sure about motorised scooters but lots of parents here have those bikes with mini trailers behind or sort of rectangular carriers for DC in front! I always think it looks frightening as the infant is transported, at low level, straight in to a busy roundabout ahead of its parent , but the traffic is particularly mad here!

Bower I hope your meeting went well - I was thinking of you on the day - enjoy your mini-break! Give my greetings to The Old Man

Zoo I hope your ds's neuro assessment goes well today and elicits more support for you all X

Sing glad to hear your DD is keen on being back at school, despite things being difficult currently for all teens.

Last but not least, glad your DS is ok Lisette

Mahoosively enthusiastic but apologetic waves to everyone else and hugeapologies for bailing out of thread atm!

Take care fledglings and remember to look after yourselves while looking after everyone else 🍫🍇🌷💐🌈⭐🍐🍏🍰☕🍷🍒👋😷💓💓💓🐴🐾🐾

Gah, that should have read "look after yourselves as much as you look after everyone else - I hope you know what I meant! 💕 You are all so supportive of your families and maybe this is too much of a generalisation but I think in many instances, Covid-19 restrictions have not changed as many men's lives as radically as they have women's ifyswim

SC stop with the I don't have as many things going on but.... to YOU it's overwhelming,and that is enough of a reason to feel like you are drowning in things.you cant compare one life to another as expectations,resilience,lifestyle and circumstances mean we all view things differently.i really want to give you a shake sometimesand remind you how many plates are spinning at yours,you are plodding on and I think you need start being much much kinder to yourself esp as you do most of the home stuff,managing DD(sort things are tougher there) and dh can be rather focused and a bit selfish/unsupportive
Re schools I totally get worry.11in our county got kids self isolating,tests are hard to come by and it's all going tits up.rules mean if one kids has had contact with a positive case they isolate but siblings don't so if the drop chances are siblings go spread it further...
Sending huge hugsacross the pond

Meeting went ok.due to D's extremely high anxiety she cannot make a decision as can't see in person and it's too hard untangle potential ASD from anxiety.shes going speak member of team that did previous test in person and see if together they can make a final call as it were.meantime we wait....

Lil zoo first ballet class tonight,post lockdown.have be fed,bun in and out door in under an hour for brisk 90 Mon walk to drop her,make our way back in time dd1 drop her backfollowed by make tea and get everyone sorted ready for school again tom.
I tried a nap but Nellie's having nightmares/wobbles again and she spent 15 minutes stamping all over me and had massive jump awake with claws out just as I nodded off
Must go,need grab few bits at co op by school when get girls

Hope everyone's having a good day!

Thank you Zoo I just feel I should be achieving so much more ifyswim but energy levels not what they were, so I am indeed plodding along, but not seeing great results frankly! . [SC tracks dust bunny skipping across office skirting board]

Actually that sounds pretty good about DS - not that meeting is deferred of course and there is more waiting involved - but that they are taking care over the assessment.

That's so great that Lil 'Zoo is off to ballet! Yay! Long may it continue! 💕

Just off to walk the furries now before DD gets home, want to take advantage of last bit of sunshine of the day...the nights seem to be drawing in fast over here ...

What zoo said, sc!

We all need to be kinder to ourselves

I’m a bit blah today despite most of the day going well.

SC low energy levels can so relate.who knew lower hormones could make everything so much more of an effort.(and don't get me started on joint pain)

Report is printed out!

(I've been doing this for ten years. You'd think I'd have got it sussed by now.)

Some of the page numbers ended up being hand-drawn (before copying, fortunately) but it's fine. Photocopier had a bit of a sulk jamming duplex pages but we only wasted about a dozen sheets.

Photocopiers are so much better and cleverer than in 1987, but we still get annoyed and expect more of them. Like all tech, I suppose.

I have also had a haircut, and sewn a zip into S2's bag. His other zip has died now so I might take him to the market and look at the ones I saw a couple of days ago.

I was looking forward to a couple of days with the house to myself while H takes S1 back darn sarf, but if these threatened changes come in they might not be able to stay with MiL .

Boiler service engineer has just arrived.

SC - i will miss you being on here. You must do what is best for you. You honestly have got lots going on. You take care and see you when you do come back.

My DH got his covid result and thank goodness its negative. Phew. Thanks for the good wishes everyone.

I went cycling at park with kids to stop them bickering. It was soo beautiful to see the trees and grass.
Baked family grown tomatos

Cooked a bannana and frozen blueberry cake. Its worked!
Made cream cheese icing to go ontop.
We painted rocks- yay finally got to do it.
Cant think anymore...need a cuppa.

Big cherry wave to everyone.

Merryhouse weldone for doing report!

Zoo i understand the low energy levels. Hormones and catching the school lurgies for me great just what I need.

Thank you Dancing , so happy to hear your dh is ok!

Grrrrr to all photocopiers and printers Merryhouse the entire industry is a scam imho!

Hope your evening improves Sing!

Forgot to say hi to Mog earlier too! 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒