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

Hey that :)

Definitely get the positives when you can wellies :)

I took Cagletini to nursery this morning. Thankfully the buggy isn’t an issue thus far, she does go in it without a fight and it’s only once we get to the building that she gets worried (today she declared “I’ll never be happy again” which I can’t help but find a little amusing as she comes out beaming every day!).

Just waiting for a call from Homestart and then DSD will be here to discuss her masters course (psychology so I’m very excited on her behalf!) and then friend is picking me up for aqua fit - will need to get into my costume beforehand as you are only allowed in five minutes before!

DS is a bit run down and tired, he didn’t take to the new angles work like I thought 🤔 so he’s having a break watching some annoying kids show.

Actually got to have a chat with DH as well, about how DD1 is doing. He was keener to pull her out again but he’s seen my view on it and thankfully the fact that she’s raving about lessons now is helping. She’s still having the odd wobble (because her home ed friends are just plain NICER than most of the kids she goes to school with 🤭) but I think she will just have to accept that to get the benefits of school life she has to put up with the crowds/atmosphere. And it sounds mean but in a way there’s been an advantage of her being a bit disillusioned with the other kids - it’s given her more focus on her actual lessons and she’s starting to enjoy the work a lot more! So that’s a big bonus as it’s really increasing her self esteem.

sing not mean at all that her focus is sharper for work now less sociability!

Tada
Dining tables done
Chairs all wiped/scrubbed

Scrubbed bathroom sink of toothpaste
Wiped radiator,wall,window sill of blood

Chaos has descended here

We are now isolating and home schooling 2 dc due to covid at school

Hi all, sorry I didn’t pop on yesterday, I had a bit of a wobble with DD. When I went to pick her up yesterday from nursery I was told she was difficult to calm down after I had left and kept asking to see DS. She was crying throughout the day wanting to come home. So I spent last night making some plans on how to deal with the separation anxiety with her. She used to be fine with nursery before lockdown but I think being around me 24/7 has caused her to struggle more. So this morning she was sent off with a little heart drawn on her hand that she can kiss and remember me by and this weekend we will have a special treat day. If she manages not to cry today I’m going to take them for a McDonalds. I feel crap for not noticing she was struggling earlier, but hopefully this will sort it. She went off to nursery today a lot happier, so I’m feeling a bit positive. If it doesn’t improve after a few weeks I’ll take her to the Gp.

Great news about the negative tests everyone!

Well done for finishing the report merry!

You have to do what’s best for you sc❤️

That’s so frustrating up, can you still go to pubs? That’s how I’m meeting up with people here. Can’t go in houses but can meet up in pubs!

I hope lil zoo feels better soon zoo!

hazel I hope putting up the fence goes well for your in laws. That’s very scary about the wildfire! Your DH should really help out more.

THAT has the school shut? That’s so frustrating!

sing I’m glad the buggy is no longer a problem and DD’s school seems sorted!.

wellies I wish I could plan to get away, I couldn't do it though. I think I would get bored and lonely 😕

Thank you everyone for the support.

Sing it sounds great that cagletini seems to be settling back in to normality with nursery again.
that good to see you back on here, sorry to hear about having to home school again though
zoo Hopefully lil zoo's migraine will ease up soon

orange sorry to hear about your DD, hopefully with a little encouragement and positivity she will be happier leaving your side.

I should be going home to a spotless home tonight. DC didn't do ANY chores yesterday - there were literally 3 things to do, one was check the mail box outside of our house 🙄 DD got told last night that she better do more than the chores listed. We'll see.
I really want to start decorating for autumn, of course I'll need to clean everywhere first and probably declutter. I'll see if I am motivated enough to do it tonight. This morning I slept through my alarm (woke up over an hour late) but was only 15 minutes late to work, sacrificing one of my cups of coffee, so when one of the ladies at work suggested a coffee run I was all over that! I'm still sleepy though, should have had an extra shot added 😆

exercise class (still from poolside in Spain, but it was raining today - fortunately Steve didn't actually fall over)
did half the ironing (so S2 has gym kit and underwear)
did whites wash, hung outside for a couple of hours so smells lovely
did lights wash including gi (must go and hang that up now)
churned strawberry ice cream (tesco were selling masses of strawberries at less than half price yesterday)
washed up (H was in town picking up his hideously expensive new glasses)
prepared pizza toppings
put away my and H's laundry; made bed
washed up again

Need to hang up washing and set the next lot to be ready for the morning (this machine takes 4 hours for our standard wash...)

Tomorrow I must deal with emails. Also accompany S2 to town so that I can discuss possible new school bag. Should probably do some cleaning in the bathroom...

Thank you hazel, she did really well today. I’m very happy, as I felt so guilty. I hope DD has done her chores. I’ve started my autumn decs.

DD cried for 5 mins but settled so we went to maccies for tea. The DC can stay up later because it’s the weekend, so I’ve popped a film on in the playroom and tidied the house. Went to check on them and they’re both sat on their ride-ons😂

ta da
🍔Showered
🍟Made bed
🍔Dressed DC
🍟Got ready
🍔S&S
🍟Made breakfast
🍔Fed animals
🍟Dropped DC off to nursery
🍔Work
🍟Picked DC up
🍔Went to maccies
🍟Walked dog
🍔Picked up dog poo
🍟Washed up from breakfast
🍔Bathed DC and got them in pj’s
🍟Decluttered hotspot
🍔Mopped bathroom floor
🍟Washed shower door
🍔Washed all bedding
🍟Put new bedding on
🍔Cleaned cobwebs in DC’s rooms
🍟Made DC snacks (some fruit)
🍔Put out clothes for tomorrow
🍟Washed face and did nighttime skin care routine

Evening all,

Sorry I have been AWOL, sometimes the thread just runs away from me. I'm glad it's Friday. DD has been off school since yesterday with a bad cold but no covid symptoms, she was much better today though. I did look online for tests but of course none available, but probably shouldn't take one anyway as it stops someone else. This is all so unsettling. Sorry so many others have had to have tests, DCs off school etc.

SC - sorry you are leaving us, hopefully not forever but it sounds as though you need to make some more space in your life and of course real life takes precedence.

Bower - sorry to hear the meeting was so upsetting, also about the car incident. You'll be pleased to know we have booked in for an appointment at an Everhot showroom next weekend. I took a leaf out of your book and sat with Country Living in the garden this afternoon. But my cat took exception.

Orange sounds like DD is getting into this whole going to nursery thing. Loving the picture, they both look adorable!

Merry strawberry ice cream sounds delish!

Hazel did the state of the house live up to your expectations when you got home?

Ta Da:
🎉LOL X2: washed, dried, and folded
🎉Living room dusted, surfaces cleaned
🎉Downstairs windows washed (for utility room and living room)
🎉Floor downstairs hoovered
🎉Usual morning and evening routines

I have a questions for anyone who has roses, do you bring the miniature roses from outside indoors over the winter? Or would they be ok outside over winter? This is the first year I ventured into the rose territory, and the miniature ones are doing much better outside than inside (and I tend to know more about indoor plants than outdoor ones..). Photo of the roses in question attached. Please ignore the unweeded patio, I am loosing a battle with weeds at the moment.

ED your cat is such a cutie! What his/her name?
I hope your DD recovers back to her normal self soon.

mc yes the DC redeemed themselves with 4 LOLs, vacuumed the house, mopped the house, cleaned the bathroom, rotated DW and checked the mail box. My roses are in the ground, both mini and regular. It freezes hard here and they do okay every year. We always had them in the ground growing up too when I was over there. I don't know about pots or having them inside, my plants die in the house, most likely from the gas heat we have. Your roses look so pretty 😍

ED your cat is gorgeous, it looks so relaxing as well.
orange your DC look like they are sitting so nicely.

So things got interesting here, we had a short burst of a storm, high winds, blowing smoke our way, it's like a campfire right outside our door. Then we lost power 🤬 we had a slight bump, then lost it completely. It's looking likely that we have to eat out for dinner as it's that time. I'm thinking it might be a good night for a drink or two 🤣

Omg i am so glad its weekend 💜

Yes. The dcs school shut for two weeks. After being open less than two weeks. 🤦‍♀️

So i didn't get to go back to work. I haven't got a head start on uni work. I haven't done this weeks GCSE work. I haven't even picked up the pack of stuff because i can't leave the house when the place is open due to isolating smalls and DP working. And the peaceful couple of days a week just me and baby that i was looking forward to DID NOT HAPPEN. I don't even feel like they went back to school, we hadn't adjusted to new routines or anything. It feels like it has still been constant since March.

Blah.

Hazel I guess they should be fine outside all year then.
That's very scary with the power cut and smoke. Stay safe, lovely.

That I am sorry your plans got majorly derailed. It sounds very stressful. Hope you manage to catch a break this weekend.

Zoo for a second there my heart skipped a beat when I read you are wiping blood off your windowsills 😯 and then I read it was DD's nosebleed. Ta da lists turning into thrillers. I hope she is ok.

Sing that's very positive news that your DD is focused on her school work.

Thanks mc

I am not going to read the couple of pages of the thread that i missed because if i do i probably won't have time to post. Please fill me in on anything major! Hope everyone is well!

Is your shoulder better bower?

Ta da
💙 quick bath
🧡 all dc up and fed
💛 20 mins of gcse maths videos
💚 booked tesco slot for next week
💜 checked bank
❤ ordered a couple of games off amazon to try and entertain the dc during isolation

To do (PO3)
⚡get dressed
⚡washer on
⚡eat

That what a shitter

Wellies and Zoo, sorry you’re both feeling burnt out. You do so much

Hazel sorry you’ve felt burnt out too, but glad the DC redeemed themselves. Awful about the fires. Stay safe.

Mc I don’t have any roses in pots but ours have all survived some brutal winters and neglect

Orange the pubs are still open until 10pm but you aren’t allowed to meet anyone from another household anywhere, not even outdoors. We can’t even go as a couple as family aren’t even allowed to provide childcare! It’s a bit rubbish, but it’s not forever. We are lucky as all the necessary childcare for us to work is provided by a nursery. I have friends who are absolutely stuck without family help. Lovely idea about the heart on your DD’s hand. Hope she settles back in again soon.

Gorgeous cat ED. Hope DD feels better soon.

Today’s plans are downstairs home bleurgh, then a day in the garden with DD, DH and a barbecue tea. That’s when I can motivate myself to move from under my blanket on the sofa. Headache is gone and I’m less grumpy tanqueray Sevilla gin may have helped last night. Thanks all

Ta da
💙 quick bath
🧡 all dc up and fed and dressed
💛 20 mins of gcse maths videos
💚 booked tesco slot for next week
💜 checked bank
❤ ordered a couple of games off amazon to try and entertain the dc during isolation
💙 dressed
🧡 recycling out
💛 ate breakfast
💚 dryer emptied and defluffed
💜 wash on line / in dryer
💙 washer on

To do (PO3)
⚡sort dry washing
⚡strip bed
⚡round up all dirty washing

Welcome ello :)

That how frustrating :(

I could’ve sworn I posted my list last night:
ta da
🏊‍♀️took Cagletini to nursery
🏊‍♀️home ed
🏊‍♀️aqua fit class (and booked next week)
🏊‍♀️arranged therapy session for next week
🏊‍♀️autism support session - DS felt too unwell to talk (he didn’t do scouts either) so we discussed various ideas and then she gave me some career/study advice :o
🏊‍♀️encouraged DD1 to do laundry and start homework
🏊‍♀️LMS, mental health wise. Bugger. Was a very bad night.

Today DH is out working at an event which is really crap timing. DD1 is back to ballroom/street dance today and he was meant to at least see her most of the way and get cash out for fees, but then he arranged this 🤦‍♀️ so we are going to walk to town (I am irrationally nervous about this as I’ve not taken Cagletini there myself since lockdown), get cash out for fees, and just see her onto the bus (it’s in a weird location near where we used to live, and there are different buses to different nearby places, so just checking she remembers this time! After that she will go alone). Need to get a bit of food shopping for today and the girls need leggings. I don’t really fancy taking them on the bus so I’ll try and walk back via the park to tire Cagletini out.

I’ve got DD1 to put her laundry in the dryer and get a uniform wash ready but I will add my non-tumble stuff to that. She’s finished and submitted her sport studies homework - no strop over not knowing what to write, just happily got on with it when reminded 😱😱😱😱😱 she has history to do tomorrow and I’m just getting her to check the maths website too.

Must get dressed, ring DH and get him to transfer money for dance/shopping, and get the toddler dressed as she’s currently in nothing but socks.

Sorry you had a bad night Sing. Hope today is better and the trip to town goes ok.

Welcome Ello! I don’t quite follow the Flylady s&s rules perfectly but this is how I do mine (one bathroom and one downstairs loo):

• mine is more like every other day - they are both checked every morning and if they look ok I don’t bother, especially on days we are working and so will all be out the house.
• the bathroom sink is done every day, but quite often just a splash with water and wiped with the palm of my hand. That’s enough to get rid of toothpaste and water marks and makes it surprisingly shiny. If it’s looking a bit too grubby then I use a cloth and cleaning stuff, and it gets a more thorough clean when I do my home blessing.
• I don’t use a clean cloth each time if all it’s been used for is to wipe a sink. I would just rinse it out and put it on the radiator for the next day. I do have plenty of cloths though, and I have a small basket in the utility to collect the dirty (rinsed and dried) cloths to go in before washing.
• toilets I use an anti bac wipe. Not great for the environment but I only use one and I don’t use them anywhere else.

This morning’s ta das:
✅ heaved self off sofa, put blanket away and plumped cushions
✅ LOL in and another sorted ready to go
✅ clean washing away
✅ beds made, windows opened
✅ tidied DD’s room
✅ a & s x 2
✅ kitchen cleared of breakfast things

The sun is appearing so it looks like we might manage our garden day. Yay!

Hi ello

Orange- such cute picture

Ed - hope your DD feels better soon.
Lovely cat photo!

That- i am so sorry to hear the schools have closed already. You sound like you need a break. Sending you a hug.

Sing- how do you remember everything

that how the hell can you string a sentence together still?

I had less than 2hours sleep having had Britney spears toxic going round in my head some 10 pm aaaaaargh

Tada
Fed cats
Wash on
Harpic lav
Sew more of mask
Wash in dryer
Head town with dd2(7.25)
Gather few bits needed and headed out by 930- was start get busy as we left.
Walk home
Dump bags and pop co op
Didn't have all we wanted/needed FFS
TRAIL WAITROSE..
queue 15minutes to get in
Picked up needed stuff
Chilled stuff wiped and put away

I've been awake since 2am,not had food or drink so need go do that now...

Not had time to catch up in today/ yesterday's post. Massive clean happening here - can't list all the tadas but husband roped in. Upstairs under way...