Fledglings assemble for the nurturing November thread!

[foxessocks]

Thank you to EerilyDeleted for being an excellent leader on the October thread! Time to put your feet up for a well earned rest now!

This is my first time running the thread so sorry if the links below don't work I'm learning as I go!! If they don't I'll come back and try again

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

Here's the launchpad 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

Oh bower that sounds like a rough morning. If she didn't specify when she needed an answer I would think that the next day is perfectly fine. Next time send her the email back at 2am (if you're awake) and if she has it on her phone and next to her bed, that's her problem, not yours.

mc I remember those days of having DS pee on himself, there's some good advice here already. I always had the new nappy underneath both my DC before opening the old one. I learnt very quickly with DD (oldest) that the black tar-like poop comes out any time and makes a mess 🤦‍♀️ Hopefully you'll be able to have an enjoyable day with your DS.

hills I hope you're feeling better today, don't overdo it.

zoo enjoy your walk in the fresh air.
freaky you sound busy with fixing up the house.

Well I'm having a hard time getting going today, woke up to snow on the ground, pic attached. I just want a lazy day now. I do need to get things done though. I'm going to try PO3 today:
❄ LOL
❄ HIIT workout
❄ Makeup on

OK can I have that snow please?

Might have drunk too much coffee. Just remember i needed to clear my car out for tomo, so going to go tackle that. TOday has not gone to plan and I has the tireds. Tomorrow is going to be a challenging day now. why do things never go smoothly?

Oh hazel⛄

Potty training...lil zoo could hold a wee forever and a day then would wet herself wash hands at 4pm on the dot everyday for snack.health visitor advice was pop her on the loo at 345 when got in from school and pour lukewarm water from a jug over the bits that matter.it worked and after a few days she started using the loo,albeit reluctantly.not sure that's helpful or not?!

Had walk
Now have numb/electric shock arm.nitable in shoulder,elbow and wrist.bugger

Tonight's tea
Pasta, crispy roasted chickpeas,pesto broccoli and cheese as I've got nasty case CBA now

hills if it's any help nothing runs smoothly here either...
I've been up since 230am and am tired
Just realised dd2 shopping tonight.must go write list as she leaves home at 6,needs list by 530 and at this point I've no menu plan or idea wtf I need

She delivers 830pm(ish)(yawns)

So I did PO3, but not what I had on the list!
☃️ LOL
☃️ HIIT workout
☃️ Bath and applied peel off face mask I'm currently waiting for it to completely dry before peeling it off. I didn't enjoy my bath as much as usual so cut it very short in the end.

Next PO3:
❄ Apply eye mask (I'm excited to try it out)
❄ See if mum wants to Skype
❄ Apply makeup

I love the snow, driving in it, not so much, but it's not too bad now I have my Jeep.
Take it easy hills can you get your teen to help?
zoo sorry to hear about your arm. I end up looking on my Pinterest board for meal ideas when I've hit a slump. I just have to stick to what I've already saved or I can easily waste a whole day on there, looking at random things.

Hills yes, both from the city before. Next door neighbour complained when she first came. “ What’s that terrible smell?It shouldn’t be allowed.” Muck spreading. I had to explain. She had thought about complaining to the parish council. I thought ‘ good luck with that most of them were farmers or connected to farming.’
Hazel gorgeous photo.
It was the friend that came to the door not the emailer. They come as a bit of a package. She is normally friendly. Doesn’t chat unless she wants to know something but always waves and shouts hello. They have been friends a long time I would say.
Feeling a bit better now thanks. DH says I am overthinking. I didn’t even know he knew that expression😁
I answered the next email promptly.✅🤣

zoo ouch sounds very painful. Do you have a bath you can soak in? We’ve only got a shower now. I miss a bath sometimes. If we go away I always try to get a room with a bath. I get a bath bomb beforehand.

Left over Cottage Pie for tonight.

Po3

Cleaned shower screen.
Washed bathroom floor.
Cleaned skirting.

Po3

Sorted a bit of the dining room pile of stuff.
Box of cups plates etc for church all washed and dried and put away so ready to take but I can’t get in because I no longer have a key.
RBC

Po3
Have ended up replying to a few other emails.
Completed guiding star for Guide Dogs.

Nice list woolly
Bower he must have been half listening at some point to have picked up that term!

I have shower over a bath,however given my hips very seized tonight should I sit in bath,high chance not be able to get out again....

PO3
❄ Eye mask applied
❄ Skyped mum
❄ Applied makeup

I'm currently sitting, waiting for my colour to set in my hair (at the hairdressers) it'll be lunchtime when I get done, and DH will be home to eat.
My plan is to do my nails again before picking the DC up from school. DD has her appt for her hair, then DS this evening.
I'm going to try to fit in a movie somewhere in there, wish me luck!

Hiya, just put DS to bed and I’m settling down watching some Netflix. I’ve just read through my posts and realised I’ve been calling DS by his name🤦🏻‍♀️. I’m not very good at the whole abbreviation thing, so if you don’t mind I’ll just call him his name on here (I’m not bothered about being outed). He’s been feeling a bit rubbish today, just very grouchy and clingy. He went to nursery today and perked up when he was there, but I don’t know if he was well enough to go really. I’ll see how he is tomorrow and if he’s still poorly I’ll see if my mum can have him for the day. We went to the park today to get him some fresh air I managed to catch the sunset which was lovely, I do love where we live (pics attached). I did manage to get some sleep last night! Hopefully they’ve got bored of the partying.

bower I enjoy ambulance too, my dad wants to be a paramedic but I do worry it’d be to emotionally draining. I take my hat off to them, I definitely couldn’t do it. The Oompa Loompa looks very cute!

Thanks hazel! I love his name. He’s Frederick Fox but we call him Freddie/Fred, I think Freddie Fox sounds like a cartoon character which is super cool. Good luck on your escape room, I hope you enjoy it!. I can’t do any physical scrubs I have to buy chemical ones.

I hope your day with your little one went well MC, boys and wee😂. I wasn’t prepared to be weed on so much, it’s mainly girls in my family and I just assumed boys would be the same, I was very wrong.

Thanks glittery I ended up sleeping on the floor in his room as he wasn’t sleeping. But he’s doing okay.

Thank you foxes, I hope you get the school you want for DS. How cute about DD’s tooth, I still remember my first wobbly tooth, my second fell out the day after but I lost it down a sink. I remember being very concerned the tooth fairy would be angry.

I’m sorry you’re not having a good week hills

That sounds really tough bower but you definitely weren’t in the wrong.

I love the snow hazel!

I’m sorry to hear about your arm zoo I hope it feels better soon.

I will be back with my ta da’s tonight

Teen will be at school where he needs to be. Everything that can be prepped for tomorrow has been. Well mostly. I forgot to email the boss but will do that from the office.

I am really tired but yeah. Still got stuffs to do. Like a bra wash. I would like a proper late victorian corsette. which supports properly. does not cause issues with back and shoulders and something you wear a shift underneath so it is not touching the skin. I swear if i ever find out who invented the bra I am going to wish sizable boobs on them so they can suffer the fun of bra's

Evening all,

Lovely sunset Isabelle. We had a lovely sunrise, I will post a photo from my phone later.

Hazel - snow already! How deep does it get in winter there?

Mc - my tips for changing baby nappies are to put a terry nappy or muslin square on the mat so if they do wee it absorbs onto that instead of running under their back. Then for boys, keep some flannels handy and drape one over their willy as soon as you take the nappy off.

Zoo - I get nervy arm/shoulder stuff. Something that helps mine is to stand in a doorway, put your arm out sideways and bent at right angles upwards (elbow level with shoulder, lower arm pointing up, hand facing forward and place it on the door frame) and then gradually lean into the door way to slowly stretch it.

Glittery well done on the accounts. I phoned the DWP and requested a copy of the PIP report today and opened the webpage for passport applications. So that's my anti-procrastination.

Bower - are you sure DH hasn't been on MN? I don't think you were at all unreasonable. If the email was time-critical they should have said please let me know by X time.

Hills - hope tomorrow goes OK.

I am so tech'd out. My work laptop went bang a couple of weeks so I have been using a new desktop which has been fine but I customise my computers quite heavily and it's really hard work using a new blank one. Now my hard drive in the laptop has been replaced and I got it back yesterday, but it has had a factory reset so I had loads of setting up to do and of course all my customisations are gone again. I did blag a new bigger monitor too though but had to set it all up myself. Then tonight we had three overlapping zoom activities between us (land training for swimming, Explorers and tap class) so of course the broadband didn't cope, my earphones went flat, not great. Needless to say not much housework done. Tomorrow I will have a list.

Sunrise and shoulder stretch

Links for tomorrow (sorry haven't caught up with this evening's chat yet!)
flight plan
Thursday is errand day
Mission is to clear our counter tops

Isabelle the sunset is lovely.
ED we have had snow the beginning of October before. It's been fairly mild, until now, so we've been lucky. The most snow we had was about a foot (I think), we do get drifting snow here, and it's those drifts you have to look out for. Usually it's about 6-8 inches with a big snow storm. It does seem to linger here though as normally there's a hard freeze. Most of it has gone already due to it being one of the first storms of the season. Beautiful sunset as well! I can never seem to get my sunset pictures to come out the way it actually looks with my eyes, it's always more vivid in person.

Lovely photo ED I am in awe of your ability to do all that tech stuff.

Woolly the email was from next door neighbour that doesn’t speak to us now. So was rather surprised. She sent one yesterday afternoon but I didn’t see it until after midnight so didn’t want to reply at that time and annoy her. The emails were fine. Her friend moved in about a year or two ago a few doors away and has always said hello but rarely wants to chat more than hello. It was her that turned up to the door and was quite rude then left abruptly and shouted at me from the gate. DH was inside and could here her. They do seem to shout quite a bit. They woke me up one morning when I was ill. Shouting across to each other.

Well I feel great now we had a surprise call from DD.

I’m off to bed now and determined to get an early-er night. I think I will have to give Freddie tomorrow off, he really doesn’t seem himself. I’ll give my mum a call in the morning and see if she can have him.

The sunrise looks lovely ED, sunrises this year can be gorgeous.

I’m glad you’re feeling better after the phone call bower

ta da
🦊Made bed
🦊Showered
🦊S&S
🦊Hair and makeup
🦊Nursed Freddie
🦊Changed Freddie
🦊Took meds
🦊Put dirty clothes in wash
🦊Made breakfast (weetabix and peach)
🦊Washed up
🦊Cleared litter tray
🦊Drove to nursery
🦊Work
🦊Nursed Freddie
🦊Wiped bags down
🦊Put washing to dry
🦊Sensory bags with Freddie
🦊Made tea (green veg pasta)
🦊Washed up
🦊Put away
🦊Played with Freddie
🦊Bathed Freddie
🦊Baby massage
🦊Read book, nursed, put Freddie to bed
🦊Put LOL away
🦊Cleaned microwave
🦊Cleaned oven
🦊Put away things in living room and dining room
🦊Shined sink
🦊Lay clothes out for tomorrow
🦊Nighttime skincare routine

Thank you for excellent advice, everyone! It is very much appreciated 🥰
Ta da:
🎉All involved parties are clean and fed
🎉Beds made
🎉LOL X2
🎉Indoor plants watered
🎉Went for a walk. It was raining, but I was determined 😬
🎉Evening routine

Beautiful photos Hazel ED
Bower what a pain re that email. You've done the right thing, the friend of a sender was being very unreasonable. I am a firm believer that truly urgent matters should not be sent primarily by email (and I am one of those people who has both work and personal emails synced to my phone with notifications enabled). Often sheer volume of emails received precludes an immediate response.
Zoo I am sorry to read about your arm. I hope you feel better soon 💐
ED I hope you managed to set up your computer as you want it. It's tedious fixing it all from scratch.
Apologies if I missed personals. Brain is like a sieve.
🍒👋 to all

How did your day go mc?

Isabelle it went pretty well! Little dude and I are getting used to each other now, there is even a beginning of a routine.

How is Freddie feeling?

Urgh.

Morning beautiful people.

The potential issue for the day is not an issue. So there is that peace of mind. Teen is struggling this morning. But I can hussle out of here kinda close to time ish maybe, not even. (should be leaving now but even close to ready)

Gotta love 2020. It is most certainly character building.

ED computer set up and personalisation is the worse to do [sigh] Hope you have no more problems!

Hills I’ve just thought I wonder what your teen will say when older and looking back on this time. Maybe reminiscing with friends in years to come about how they felt.

MC yes exactly. I didn’t want the emailer to be woken by it worry it was her daughter, son or grandchildren ill and then find out it was me. She already stopped speaking to me over something.
I could never get my first in a routine. He was a very sickly baby who the GP told me later that they didn’t expect to thrive. He was in SCUBA and screamed a lot. The second was much more settled as a baby. DS1 - you would never believe it now he is a healthy looking lad and very quiet. He has walked all the Wainwright’s and is on the second round with his dad sometimes.
Woolly yes it was good to see her. They are moving on to do cherry picking soon. They have been there for about six months so they will miss the people I think. She mentioned her phone isn’t working four times after she had told us. I think she was hinting re Christmas. I suddenly thought when talking to her and said “ Do you want to come for Christmas Dinner?” I told her she could facetime and we could turn the monitor around so she could be with us virtually throughout the meal. And see her brothers tucking into the turkey etc. She said, “ I don’t think so.” She is vegan😄 I thought she could do it briefly if they are here and speak to all of them at once. It would have been quite funny to set it up with her dinner out.🤣

Right must get off here and get cracking.

🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒🍒👋🍒👋🍒to everyone. I hope you have a good day.

Best wishes to SC, Chic and That who we haven’t seen for a while.

Isabelle I'm now wondering whether you're in my city. Are the students - erm - decidedly more privileged than the locals? And wherever you walk it's uphill?