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.

Last night I dreamed that half-term was over and I hadn't done any of my homework.

In entirely unrelated news, I have this afternoon filled in and sent off all the diocesan forms

Can I hop on? I’m finally getting my life together after a break up and my house has gone to shit because I was so down in the dumps. But now I want to get back on track.

Welcome on board flushi sorry about the break up. 💐

Merry I am no stranger to the dream based anti procrastination 😳😂

Takeaway this evening, going to be a late night because of Cagletini danger napping after her flu spray.

DD1 and I just watched two straight episodes of eat well for less. In some ways I relate too hard to these people 😳 DD1 is enthusiastic about trying new meals (we do eat more fruit and veg than the families on here!) but I suspect the reality will be different. 🙄 I always try the meal plans etc but they never last!

I can do November thread if still needed, sorry if I've missed a post and someone else volunteered? I've just got back from a very wet and windy day out!

I love eat well for less sing!! You've reminded me I've got an episode to watch hooray!!

You've also reminded me I need to do my meal plan 🤦‍♀️

I grew up in Bromley so it was fun spotting locations I knew :o

Not sure of the plan for the rest of the evening. Ideally I’d like to get the wardrobe done but I don’t think that’s likely as the Caglets want to carve pumpkins, they’re decorating ATM.

I need to get some more planning done, can’t believe half term is almost over. Also want to get some Christmas shopping done.

I really need to get a box for Halloween stuff to be stored after the weekend. It always ends up in random places! Then I can put once-a-year-use stuff like carving tools in if I buy them.

I just looked at my half term to do list and I have done so little of it! But at least the boodwa is more sorted than it was at the start.

I could really use another week of half term!

autumnal stew with squash for dinner tomorrow, spooky candles and costumes, assorted chocolates and halloween cakes and Halloween movies. lights down low for extra spookiness. Dark enough up here now so doesn't take much. Would be great if the sea haar (sea fog) made an appearance.

Thank you for my welcome sing

I do weekly meal plans but I rarely stick to them, that can be another goal of mine

Well today didn’t go as planned. I couldn’t get to sleep until after 2am.

Foxes that sounds delicious I will make it for DH next week. We had salmon and some crumbed prawns which were delicious slight coco nutty flavour.
Welcome flushi sorry about your break up💐 you’ll get lots of support in this corner. Small steps😀

Forgotten who said what now as I have had several interruptions including 2 yes I did say 2 texts from the errant builder. Now if I could just get his mate the joiner around we could have a party after my kitchen is finished( tiles and back door) and I could move onto another bit of the house.
Instead of completing jobs inside we moved outside at 11am as it was so sunny we sorted the rest of the tomato plants, tidied the summer house moved DD little cupboard down there. Switched the chairs around and thanks to the dyson I vacuumed it. House plants into the kitchen so I don’t kill them this year by leaving too long. I just left the succulents as in house leeks etc not the money plant.
Fed hens, lifted the poo which is easier on the shavings. Penelope was fine this morning then limping this afternoon. I think she is straining it
by running so fast for the bread.

Trying to work out a pattern for the tiles.
Plan to sort the hall tomorrow did downstairs so need to do upstairs which is a mess as halfway through sorting books.

Welcome aboard Flushi!

Hope the foot gets better soon Sing.

Ta Das:
✅ laundry hung up to dry
✅ bathroom cleaned inc. mould and mildew spray on tiles, shower screen viakaled, toothbrush pot cleaned out
✅ living room dusted
✅ all downstairs floors hoovered and mopped
✅ put the rest of DD’s summer stuff away (sorted into piles of ‘outgrown’ and ‘might get another summer out of’

That was all interspersed with regular tea and reading and mumsnetting

After collecting DD we watched some Halloween cartoons on Netflix while DH made a Chinese chicken dish, and I cleaned up while he did bedtime. Convinced him to watch Hamilton on Disney+ with me (and a bottle of wine). I loved it, but have come up to bed at the interval point leaving him who protested that it really wasn’t his thing absolutely glued to the rest of it .

Well done for making it through to Friday everyone

Woo, Halloween tomorrow! Can't believe it's almost November.

Goodness me, establishing breast feeding is a mission. I knew milk was likely to come in later due to section, but tomorrow is day 5 and I still can't say it's fully in. Now my days are all about nipples, and top ups, and expression 😬

I've managed some ta das today:
🎉Decluttered the handbag. It felt like there was a separate civilization starting in there.
🎉LOL X1 - Washed and dried, but not put away. That's for tomorrow.

This week made me realise how ingrained habits/cultural peculiarities are. Where I was brought up, it is unheard of outside shoes being worn inside the house (as to not to bring outside dirt into the house really). Had the midwife visits this week and my inner tidy obsessive was crying on the inside when I saw outside shoes being worn on my freshly shampooed carpets.
DH found my obsession with no shoes in s house a bit strange when we first moved in together as he comes from the society where shoes inside the house are completely fine (even on a bathroom mat 😰 but that one could be my DH's specificity..), but he, thankfully, humours me on this one.

So tomorrow to do: hoover all the carpets..

👻👋 to everyone!

Ah bless you Mc. Establishing breastfeeding was the hardest thing I ever did, I didn’t think my poor nipples would recover (they did). It got much easier. I also had a section and my milk never really felt like it came in - it did as I BF until nearly 2, but I never really got the engorged feeling or leaked until later, and I never felt a let down. The National breastfeeding helpline were brilliant when I had a bad day (also around day 5) and I cried down the phone to the poor lady. You’re doing great!

We are mostly a shoes off house but we have hard floors downstairs so we aren’t that strict. My DM was definitely shoes off but I remember frequently ignoring the rules as a lazy child . Hope by hoovering you mean directing DH!

I’m wide awake with DH snoring, squished between him and DD who seems to have climbed in with us. I feel a short ta da list is on the cards 😴

Up thank you, I needed to hear that.
I hope you managed to get some sleep!

I remember those early days too, it was hard establishing BF with both my two but we got there.

I woke up in a panic about half an hour ago, everything feels like it's getting on top if me a bit at the moment (mainly Covid related). Feeling very tired but can't get back to sleep.

MC we are shoes on,but also have no carpets.i couldn't copecarpets and shoes either if I'm honest!
I BF 4 zoolets and c sect 2.i never had engorged milk came in with either section but we managed ok and as with them all feeding stopped when they chose to(12-18mnths).I remember those early day with fondness now but at the time it was exhausting!
Wellies tip runs are epitome of rock n roll mum life!

I can't remember what else is planned to add to personal.hope everyone's ok

Had camhs for dd2.was ment be call at 1115.no word by 1230 I rang to be told doc had do emergency hospital admissions and would get to us asap.the one day I'd cajoled dd2 see a friend and go for a walk had cancel and call finally came at 430.i was tempted to ask how they handled it when app were still in person...

Dd1 has offered have zoolets fora while tom.would be first zoo free time in over 18 mnths,poss 2years so trying to convince them all to go.lil zoo on board as wants hair trim.ds will go If she does and in knowledge he has no school online Monday n can have a day with me.dd2 another ball if waxwill keep trying!

Everything getting to me again a bit.i try v hard lil zoo birthday and dad was ok with us all for few days before now be arse again not answering texts etc.plud this dark mornings don't help and I'm just so bloody tired.heyho!

Was going to dust today but ifeel current Cobwebs Situation adds to seasonal cekebrations
Halloween food today-stuffed peppers cut out as pumpkins at lunch(and can't remember dinner off tophead)have to watch hocus pocus and other films!

Have a lovely day fledglings!

Oh those early days are so tough! Lots of newborn snuggles but BF can be really difficult even when you’ve done it before. I hope the to do task is for DH and not you! Hope you’re healing up ok. 💐

I’m up and showered, had a bit of a lie in. Now booking some tesco slots - been meaning to do this for a while (at one point this year I was booking them in quite a structured way) but all the rumours of another lockdown has prodded me! I’m just hoping they don’t cut down to one a week again because with limited space, two small shops a week works much better than one big one.

PO3.1
❗️Attempt to get DD1 up again - she has homework to do or she’s not seeing friends later.
❗️Healthy breakfast for me (give some to Cagletini too).
❗️Decide plan for the day (not sure who is taking DD1 to dancing) and get Cagletini dressed.

I watched the news this morning. That was a bad move.

I now need motivation to get going. So i guess I will need to follow your lead and start with the power of 3.

Up, dressed and functioning
Bedding on to wash
start tackling brc

Depressing isn’t it.

My morning hasn’t gone too well, DD1 took ages to get up, then was supposed to quickly get some homework done (just writing out something, not taxing at all) before getting ready for dancing - found the right change for the bus so she can go alone. Granted I lost track of time a bit and should have reminded her to get dressed first. But when I came back down she hadn’t written a single word and was back on her phone. 🤦‍♀️🤬 Sent her up to get ready and she is likely missing the bus right now because she was faffing doing her Halloween makeup 🤦‍♀️🤬

So my morning can be summed up thus far with: TEENS. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Anyway.

ta da so far
🕷weigh in
🎃shower
👻put dryer on
🕷booked 2 Tesco deliveries
🎃LOL
👻got DD1 up and out... vaguely
🕷breakfast (NOT healthy as planned! I blame the state of the kitchen!)
🎃got DS to do some chores (he’s washing up as I write)

I was about to do another Power Of Three but I’ve not actually finished the last one since the chaos of trying to get a 13yo to actually get ready 🤦‍♀️ DS’ friend is coming round later but other than making body bit soup we will just leave them to it. Really CBA to go into town but might ask DH to pick up a few bits if he goes! 😳

Also wishing I hadn’t looked at the news hills. I feel I can cope with another lockdown if it’s for a set length of time, but it’s businesses I worry for.

ED . Hope you feel a bit better.

Zoo I really really hope the zoolets play ball and you get some much needed and very well deserved time alone.

Wellies can I come to you for Halloween please? Yours sounds lovely, and rather tasty.

I did get back to sleep at around 4am Mc, and then DH sent me back to bed for an hour after DD had me awake at 6:30, and brought me breakfast in bed.

Ta Das:
✅ DW emptied
✅ kitchen benches wiped and floor swept
✅ LOL on
✅ s & s
✅ beds made
✅ DD bathed and me showered, both of us dressed
✅ pen wiped from wall and DD . The mark on the wall was accidental when she was enthusiastically waving her arms about.
✅ oven heating for easy lunch of chicken dippers, waffles and beans.

Our Halloween plan involves a local pumpkin trail round the town to look at everyone’s decorations (possibly via car if the wind and rain don’t clear off), and a visit to my dad’s garden where he is lighting his fire pit and providing pumpkin soup/sweets (also weather dependant).

Waves to Sing, Tidy, Merry, Foxes, Hazel, Witchy, Ghosty, Flushi, Lisette, Chic, Stressy, Pumpkin, That, Bower and SC and usual apology to the fledglings that I’ve missed this time round.

Cross-post Sing. I’d consider body bit soup making to be the most important
aim for the day, and if nothing else is done you have still succeeded today.

Yes that’s true, up! That has to be done :o I did have an idea for cupcake decorating but it requires shopping so might not happen. My only achievement since my previous post is winning a Pokémon raid with DS :o