Fledglings Flying Frightfully into October

[EerilyDeleted]

A huge thanks to Mogthesleepycat for steering us successfully through September

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 Flylady. 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 brew + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders.

Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings Launchpad.

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.

Home Bleugh - Flylady's Home Blessing routine

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

And finally "The Naughty Corner" - this is for Fledglings who perhaps didn't get done what they had planned for the day but are in need of a comfy seat, pile of cushions, tasty snacks, stiff drink and friends to chat to.

ta da
👾started Echo service sign up
🤖home ed
👾wrote end of half term quiz for DS
🤖paired learning
👾quick shower
🤖got DD1 to get ready and get back out the door to walk alone to dancing
👾helped DD1’s bestie with psychology revision
🤖started planning second half of term
👾decluttered/organised lots of home ed downloads including putting some (digitally) aside for when Cagletini is older
🤖LOL
👾threw away a few scrappy outgrown toddler clothes
🤖gathered rubbish
👾booked aqua fit for next week

hills liking the idea bingo board for food.hope you are fast asleep
Wellies what foods are still going in?we have bread products- sliced/rolls/wraps/crumpets,green beanscertain bland biscuits,plain crisps,salted pretzels,blueberriessometimes cheese, specific salad veg,Quorn ham,veggie sausages...from a child who ate a beautiful colourful array fruit and veg/variety it's very stressful.at this point we are being told once anxiety better managed things will improve.given our experience of camhs I'm not that hopeful.doing battle try get a multivitamin in...glad you resolved friend issue

Again lil zoo refuse eat/drink til afterschool.as I said at start,11- 330 was never going to work.today it's 830-1(comes home lunchtime) at least it's smaller gap without sustenance

Group was stressful.apparently I'm being overbearing trying help D's manage horrific panic attacks when she begs me to help her,she needs figure it out herself.so clearly pacing garden(which isn't secure and in less than safe neighborhood) in dark for multiple hours without intervening is what I should be doing

Sorry for not being around much the last couple of days, the PIP thing took over but it is all done for now.

Links for Thursday

Babystep - menu planning. Once again very timely!

I do a weekly Bingo, choose 6 main meals and then fit them in as we go, keeping an eye on use by dates. I have found having a fixed time for the planning / click and collect shopping really focuses my mind, my slot is Sun morning so I have to finalise the order on Saturday, usually do it early evening, whereas previously I would think, oh, I need to go to Sainsburys and slot in in between other stuff, go without a list or plan and end up having to go back throughout the week.

mission - declutter your dresser

Daily Focus declutter your purse and car.

And a little reminder for the weekend, UK clocks go back an hour on Saturday night, here is a useful guide

Love that ED the sundial one especially makes me laugh 🤣

I’ve been awake ages but not got up yet 😳 have a play date at the park and am quite grateful they’re running a bit late, especially as I cancelled my aqua class for today knowing I wasn’t up to it (it’s been over two weeks without any gym classes now though :() so no need to rush off. DS just has his end of half term “exam” to do at some point today - I’m not even sure if he’s awake!

Half term is not going to be terribly relaxing I think. DD1 is filming all day Tuesday for the dance show (since they can’t do the actual show they’re making a DVD - lovely but the owner’s studio is in a really awkward location and covid rules mean no waiting there etc). I feel like we have loads to sort out generally. I might need another brain-dump type list soon.

Must get up and scrabble together some breakfast - there is also a distinct lack of clean stuff in the kitchen as the strip light still needs sorting 😳 it’s insanely dark in there unless it’s very sunny outside.

Ugggghh so achy. Periods suck. Blah 🤬🤬🤬

Greek yoghurt is fab wellies plenty of protein there.

Ed cracking up at the sundial advice. So true about the oven.

wellies could you get away with a little cream/ice cream or powdered milk into the smoothie just to boost calories?at least the smoothies nutritious and noodles will give carb energy(any chance little butter added into that,again as a calorie thing?or cheese if that's accepted?)sorry if I'm trying teach you how to suck eggs.ds struggles gain weight,always has despite eating like a plague locusts(and when his I'll he won't eat,has no meat on his bones to manage on and gets really weak and wobbly very very fast so I end up spoonfeeding him rice pudding/custard like a baby)

Thanks clock reminder
I too love sundial one!

Tada
🍀Fed cats
🍀Wash on
🍀Harpic lav
🍀Wash 4smaller boxes acquired on travels to replace one crate in cupboard so items are separated and easy to access

DH🤬he is painting his room. He has bought curtains...first pair he has ever bought for this house. During my ...I might leave him time it did amuse me to go around the house thinking he might come back to the house with not much left in it. The thought of taking ALL the curtains used to amuse me when I was awake at night.

Slept well.
I am in the boudoir.

Ta Das
Vacuumed throughout downstairs.
Put two pairs of shoes away into boxes.
Moved things that DH stuffed down the side of the wardrobe( his) I don’t understand why he does this. I found one small suitcase mine. Back pack x2 his
Two skirts and two jumpers mine.
On top of those one fleece, two jackets, one large waterproof these were hiding my stuff. Told him he can have it in his room.
Vacuumed the boudoir
Dusted top of my wardrobe.
Sorted some magazines that were in a box. Rather chuffed as they have crosswords in. So will have an afternoon sorting them into recipes, crosswords etc and it means the rest will be thrown out. Going to try and take them to the summerhouse in their box. I love to go there and read. I sometimes do my menu planning which I seem to be getting control of more and more.

Found a pair of shorts I looked for in the summer in suitcase.
Everything that needs a new or better home on the bed.

Need to find new homes for stuff.
Dust under chest of drawers with mop.
Dust top of chests( instead of dresser).
Dust bedside tables.

Be careful with the DH and curtains combo Bower. DH took all ours down and washed them last year when we had the windows replaced. I ironed them and went to rehang them (DH has never done this in his life) and noticed that there were a few curtain hooks left on them. Thinking he must have missed some when he took them off I asked where he had put them. He replied that he didn't know you had to take them off before washing. Lo and behold when the washing machine started playing up they were all jammed into the filter.

Afternoon! Hope everyone well. Sorry about the food stresses wellies hope today has been better?

Been pretty busy today , have got home from collecting dd, made tea and toast for us all and now seem to be stuck on the sofa. I will finish this post and then try and get motivated 💪

Ta das
School run
Dishwasher
Washing hung up
Met with a couple of friends and their babies for a walk in the park, ds a little grumpy about more walking but cheered up when I bought him lunch at the café
Gave my friend her very late birthday present!
Collected dd from school, me and ds ran half of it so I feel like exercise can be ticked off today's list!
Made toast for the kids / tea for me

Thanks to dd my dresser is already decluttered! She did it last weekend for me 🌟 I think I will spend some time cleaning out under my bed though...

Ta das
Tidied both dc bedrooms
Changed ds bed sheets
Took stuff upstairs
Hoovered living room
Rubbish out to bins
Filled up charity bag
Paid veg box and milk man
Swish and swipe bathroom
Put laundry away
Ironed dress which came out of the wash like cardboard in attempt to soften it up a bit (seemed to work a little but but I fear it won't be the same again, I accidentally washed it on too high I think )
Agreed to kids having sleepover tonight in ds top bunk (what am I thinking?! It always ends in shouting 😂)

Losing my momentum now tbh! Haven't tackled the bedroom yet...final push?!

Afternoon folks. I’m lazing in the living room having swapped with DH so he could do DS’ penultimate therapy session on zoom. I find them tiring at the best of times but I feel pretty much useless this afternoon, I’m so sleepy 😳

In better news, my gift voucher came through so I can get my fancy art pencils, excited to try some more drawing with them although I have lapsed with Inktober this year.

Also I tried the chocolate orange buttons. They are dangerously nice. I might have to not buy them anymore! 😳😳😳

sing which pencils are you planning to buy.i HATE orange chocolate and everything seems to be chocolate orange at mo
Foxes you might regret it,but they'll love it.mine may be grumpy teens now but they talk fondly of sleepovers in each others rooms❤️

Tada
Finally got out my bedding I treated myself to-sherpa fleece,ultra soft little throws and shaggy fluffy grey cover.i bought it all on sale during lockdown and as I've discovered I am very much a texture person when it comes to self soothing this is right up my street.i sat on my bed running hands over it for a bit and chilled me right down after blazing row with dd2
also washed my hair and now in slouchy long sleeved t and thick joggers.i may dig out fluffy socks gets any cooler😁

Have a lovely evening fledglings!!

Probably polychromos zoo it feels horrifically frivolous as they are so pricey (£50 prize voucher = 36 pencils!!!). But. Normally even if I have birthday money or gift vouchers I’m still really anxious about spending it sensibly and can’t think of it as “free money” so to speak. This time fuck it I’m being super indulgent because I actually feel like I deserve it! 😅

Today’s been a bit lame other than a lovely meet up this morning, it’s been downhill from there tbh 😂 DH is working again tomorrow and then we have visitors - spaced out due to the rule of 6 and frankly I don’t want to actually see anyone 😂 can’t escape on Sunday either as it’s Cagletini’s birthday so by Monday I will be about ready to kill 🤦‍♀️🙈

I am ahead of you sing it has been a day. tbh it has been a week. I am ready to kill now. I have come to the conclusion i need a career change and to no longer work customer facing roles.

Going to wish you all good weekends. Hoping for sleep and productivity.

Hooray!! Last day done and now I’m off for a week. I’m so chuffed, it’s been the most difficult half term I’ve ever done since being a teacher and I am very looking forward for a week off. We have had spag bol for tea (see pic of spaghetti dog), went to the woods and are now watching a film. DS is very grouchy, I think he’s overtired but I’m going to try and keep him awake until his bedtime and then hopefully he will sleep through!. I’m feeling a lot better about isolating in the autumn than I did in the spring, the colder weather makes me want to be at home anyway!.

I’m sorry the group was stressful zoo!

Love the pic ED😂

sing hope DD’s dance goes well next week, and you manage to have at least some relaxing times

wellies I’m glad today has been slightly better with the food!

foxes sleepovers don’t go very well here either!

No flying really other than the basics I’ve dropped out of it really and need to get back in!

ED thanks taken note but DH has gone for the eyelet curtains. I just need to rescue the ones out of the curtains he removed.
He has second coat on so everything is to be moved then he will do ceiling and one wall. He surprisingly is going to leave DDs mural on the chimney breast. He was furious when she did it. 🤭I might have helped.

I got a fair bit done in my room. I do think Flylady works. I am beginning to find revisiting the rooms is improving each time. If I could find homes or get rid of the stuff in my bedroom then I think I could keep on top of the cleaning. I mostly keep on top of the kitchen and have started to resent people leaving stuff on the hotspot table. The fridge is keeping clear I would just like to find a nicer basket to house brushes, inhalers etc. Bathroom is pretty good since it was done. By next year
I might have a reasonable house...then DD will come home🤣 DS3 is extremely tidy how did that happen.

Pumpkin that picture made me laugh. Enjoy your half term. Two more of our old staff have gone now. There won’t be many left of the over twenty years staff. I got upset in church again tonight. I have been doing really well but I think the neighbour leaving has upset me this afternoon. She got some flowers and she was out tonight and she never goes out usually.
Foxes great list I am impressed you got all that done.
Sing you should spend it on the pencils because that is how you won it. By buying good art equipment you can enter more competitions and you never know what you might win next time😃so it is an investment.
Wellies That is a worry for you.
Zoo sounds cosy. I put a flannelette sheet on that was DDs and what a difference.

Wonders if Hazel will be along soon. Tidies up corner and leaves some goodies, hot chocolate and a cosy blanket.

I need to do the bathroom tomorrow. Night night👻🦇👻🦇👻🦇👻🦇👻🦇👻🦇

Hi everyone, hope you all are ok? Thanks to every who said hi, while i was away.

I found it tough walking both kids to school everyday, it leaves me out of breath. Then I cook at lunch time, So I can focus on the kids when they get home. Its been hard.
Worst part has been Dh being involved in a verbal dispute with another parent- nutter 1, who had blocked the pavement with thier car. The next day nutter 2 came looking for us and verbal and physically. (Felt like I was on the set of Eastenders.) It was horrible and it shook me up even though i stayed very calm and tried to diffuse the situation. (So glad my children were not there to witness this.)
Thankfully a lovely set of parents helped diffuse the situation too, by holding off nutter 2. I had to notify the police as I was concerned about the the safety of my children as they are very young as I was concerned nutter 2 would follow my children. It shook me up and its taken a few weeks to try and settle myself. I still get flashbacks. Cant go into detail as its very outing.
It took me a long time to get the confidence to go out and about. I try and be as cheerful as I can for my little ones when I do the school run. I just cant believe parents think its ok to behave like this infront of thier kids.

I have been doing alittle self care by going cycling to try and settle my mind. Seeing the trees and nature helps. Think peri-menopause is setting in so my body is all over the place, i have been awake for hours with anxiety feelings.

Ta das
Trying to stay ontop of little house chores.
Lots of lols
Trying to unearth kitchen bit by bit.
Actually got to shine my sink- miracle!

Made fraggles rooms pretty and they loved it.
Today i need to mount up unicorn wall stickers in frames- fraggle 2 was beaming with happiness when she saw it.

I have told myself to keep going with the house chores and find places for things. Must take stuff to charity shop today.

Sorry for the rambling post and no personals as I am still trying to catch up with the thread.
Cherry waves to you all. Wellies, sing, ED, lisette, zoo, foxes, that, bower, hazel, tidy, Mc, hills, apumpkin, witchy and all newbies. Hope I havent forgot anyone, apologies if I have.

Good morning my lovelies

I had to work extra shifts this week due to people isolating so have done even less than usual havent even ordered a food shop and way behind on uni work

But. Its half term and the santa hat faces are here!

I have woken with one incredibly sore and stiff shoulder

Dancing that is awful! for you

Bower you made me smile about the curtains, i have had similar thoughts before

Pumpkin your poor dog lol, we had spaghetti the other day and dc5 kept throwing it at the wall (ive been told this is how you check its cooked which is pretty clever for a one year old ) and i agree, atm i almost feel like isolating in winter is appealing but i think thats partly due to the fact there would be no more stress about phonecalls from school

I need to crack on with christmas buying 🌲

Achey waves to everyone else 👋

Good morning! Also pleased it's half term that
I need to get up as I have a couple of appointments plus quite a few errands to run. Dh will be staying at home with the kids so it might even be quite relaxing