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

Hey dancing nice to see you! Well done on doing the courses, sorry about the symptoms coming back and the unsupportive DH. 💐

Amazing truffles again hazel! I never did try the Halloween ones, I should really make a list of Christmas treats to try and make through December (although I had a sudden urge to watch Elf yesterday).

Love the look of the recipes, thank you for sharing!

ta da concluded for yesterday
👽Duolingo/brain training apps
👽very quick walk with DS for a Pokemon raid!
👽digital decluttering

Think that’s about it, I was falling asleep by 9 although of course couldn’t then sleep in bed for over an hour and then kept waking up. 🙄

Nothing is booked in for today, but my library books are ready to collect (some for me, and some for Cagletini using the staff select service) so I might take a walk down to town.

At home, I’d really like to sort all our bedding as I finally moved some of it into the new wardrobe drawers and we could definitely get rid of some - I need to collect any from DD1’s room and the landing cupboard.

Also, I want to finish clearing the small kallax in our room (it was housing some of our clothes, and had the printer on top, before the wardrobe arrived, and is now just a redundant clutter magnet). We haven’t figured out its new home yet but I realised for now it could be moved onto its end and house the Christmas presents in there instead of using some of the wardrobe drawers, which would mean said drawers could be freed up for other things. Cagletini isn’t actually in DD1’s room yet so I might move her clothes from the hallway trofast into there for now (after Christmas I think, she’s had such sleep issues we don’t want to disturb DD1 with that yet), which would mean those tubs are just for toys again... here we go again with the house storage Rubik’s cube!

We’ve also got a bookcase and a few other bits on order which will really help sort DS’ room (which is basically a Lego gallery 😂) and some kitchen/bathroom organisation too. Much as it’s been slow - I really don’t like rushing into buying storage as often it just ends up wrong and leading to more clutter - it is satisfying to gradually sort out the house. Such a long way to go though.

Morning all, feeling much better this morning , must have just been tired and worn out I think.

Hills I never have enough hair ties or pins and then a quick look round the house I find them everywhere! And now dd leaves hers everywhere too 🤦‍♀️

Welcome back dancing but sorry things are hard take it one step at a time sometimes things do feel so overwhelming don't they? I sometimes find if I can just get one room tidy so I have somewhere to sit and think without seeing mess that helps me and gives me a starting point. But a supportive dh is also what you need , ditto MC, they need to know how much you are doing and how hard it is.

Amazing truffles hazel!

Always room for another cup of tea glittery

Sing my dd room was a Lego gallery for a while but she has actually put it all away now although dh has some of it in his room now. It is very hard to clean with all the Lego in the way and it gathers dust! Mind you it's no better now as she has her little ornaments all over the place and also fairy lights

My ta das this morning
School run
Shop to pick up supplies of fruit and chocolate
Packed ds off (lovingly of course!) to mum and dad's for the day
Before he went I had to write down a couple of things on a Xmas list for him because he was very worried we'd forget later. He got me to write "pencil case with buttons and scout teddy" . Pencil case we've already got him (phew) but the scout teddy is one of those leapfrog ones for babies / toddlers. Dd has the violet one and has had it since she was a baby, I think that's why he has decided he wants one because she still listens to the bedtime music. But the toy says baby - 2 year olds and he is 4...what do you all think? Just get it anyway? I've no idea if he will make much use of it but if he has asked Santa does that mean I have to get it?! I'm never sure!!

I must get back to work! I'm feeling a bit jittery this morning you know when you feel like there's something on your mind bothering you but can't pinpoint it? I hate that feeling

Obviously that should say ds has the Lego in his room not dh 😂

I've tried to change my name to Tinselette but it's not appearing in the app 😜. Morning all.

House tidy, hoovering done. Have managed some self care and am listening to mindfulness podcasts which are helping mental health. About to head out for a walk and a stretch.

Tuesday is plan and play day so might meal plan later. Also need to plan nice mental health things to do like listening to music.

I had personals In my head and they've drained right out.bugger
Big waves to everyone!

High drama ongoing at zoo house,
Lil zoo no longer feels thirsty most time,won't drink if not thirsty.having palpitations last night.dizxy spells in the evening are now normal.she slept dreadfully(looked like zombie) naturally didn't want breakfast and was doubled up IBS pain...as only doing half days and you could argue self inflicted I felt had go in
I needed pop shops and normally take D's who hates be left here,whilst dd2 walks lil zoo and sees o er dodgy main road end street

Today lil zoo wanted accompany to school as felt so dizzy/unwell.dd2 refused as not in til pm.ds has lessons 9-15 onward so I had mad dash her to school then to shops
Near killed me.got in with 3mins to spare before lesson started gasp for air and a joints screaming in pain at me.bloofy marvellous
Finally got everything away and had something to eat
And rang doctor re lil zoo.app on phone scheduled next Friday,but only in emergency can I ring on the day triage team
Emails updating heads of year for dd2and lil zoo done

Already done 3loads laundry and morning basics

Today's list of four was-shop,clean behind sofas,clean fridge and clean cat bowls/feeding areas

Need leave 1220 to walk dd2 in,having fed her before hand,then wait lil zoo come out(leaving D's pack lunch as he's on call til 1230,back online 130 for maths) and bring her home to eat(be back about 130ish)
I already really really need a lay down
Fuckity fuck,go be a long slow day!

UNfortunately I did sleep Hazel passed out with the intention of a nap at 2am with alarm set for 5:30am. Slept through that one and the one for getting ds up for school at 8am.

Today is all levels of wrong because what needed doing didn't get done, pain levels high and so much that needs to be sorted. I have reached the point where i no longer care. It is too much for one person. Prescription pain killers are not taking the edge of the sickness from pain levels, I am having a music battle with the builders apparently and I can't even face coffee or breakfast this morning.

ta da
get teen out the door vaguely on time
deal with builder
clothed with hair washed
bed stripped
1st load of bedding in washing machine
gathered all paperwork for sorting/filing onto bed
open teen's door, swore and shut it again
discover my door has come off its hinges and in order to fix it it needs to be taken down, repairs made and then rehung
gather a collection of wires to try to sort later
Open door on main bathroom that has been out of action due to requiring repairs and being used as a storage area during building work for the last 18months and Remove stuffs awaiting being put away in my office
Deal with very very pushy salesman

going to be another long day.

Woolly seems such a good idea at the time doesn't it this getting old malarky is no fun.

Sorry you are having so much drama Zoo

Afternoon all. Have been for a walk down to the supermarket (mainly to get a coat for Cagletini... realised an all in one wasn’t such a good plan during potty training 🤦‍♀️ but it’s far too cold not to wear something. Then collected my books from the library and saw an old colleague so that was nice. Books include some inspiration for cooking/baking hopefully.

Really flagging energy wise - think all the ducks on my boxing game have worn my legs out 😂 🥊🦆 - glad I got a bit of the reorganising done this morning, as I now have to find the motivation to get through the rest of the HE day.

I have come up with some ideas to get DS working much more independently and in a way that will need a bit less planning time from me though. I will be making a weekly target list instead of daily, and then he can choose what to do each day and whether for example he wants to do all his chemistry in one go or space it out. He’s shown quite a lot of maturity and self motivation lately and I think he is ready to manage his own schedule a bit more. There will still be some small things he has to do daily anyway like Italian but it will also mean sooo much less effort needed from me trying to fit everything into the right days and then stressing over whether it’s getting done.

Ha, mc, when S1 was a few months old H walked in through the door and - without saying hello - exclaimed "oh, you haven't even washed up!"

I didn't say a word. I handed him the baby (before he'd taken his coat off ) and stalked - Stalked, I tell you - into the kitchen, where I washed up.

He has never said anything like that again!

Hi everybody! I'm also flagging energy wise sing , very glad I have a day off tomorrow! Hope you got through the rest of your day okay.

I won't bother with a ta da list as due to working today it's minimal but never mind. I'm also feeling very tired again so taking it a bit easy.

Tomorrow's links as follows in case I don't get back on later
flight plan
Tomorrow is of course anti procrastination day and our mission is to shine showers and baths

Talking of anti procrastination I explained to dd what it was earlier because we got on the subject when I was meant to be working but just had to find out the name of a song from an advert and then ended up watching the music video 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ i did work through lunch though so 🤷‍♀️

Right I'm off!

Hi everyone, hope you’re all well. I’m strongly considering putting our Christmas decorations up, I usually do it the 1st Sunday of December but I have nothing better to do. I’m trying to hold off though!. The kids have been nightmares today, DS didn’t sleep last night and I think he’s teething but it’s made him very irritable and DD is having tantrum after tantrum. We went to ASDA after nursery as I had to pick up a few bits and bobs to get me through the week and she has a huge tantrum because I wouldn’t buy her a book, she threw herself on the floor and screamed bloody murder, that set DS off so they were both screaming. I felt awful, everyone was looking at me and I just felt like a terrible mom. I was very glad for bedtime to come and have settled down with a large glass of wine.

Love the new Christmas name change ED

hazel I love the truffles! They look bril.

Hi dancing well done on the courses! I’m sorry to hear you aren’t feeling the best!.

Sorry you’re flagging sing I feel exactly the same today.

glittery an extra cup of tea is ALWAYS justified!

foxes with our lists I always say we won’t get everything, it’s just an idea. If you think he’ll play with the toy I’d get it, but if not I wouldn’t.

I’m sorry there’s so much drama in your home at the minute sing

I’ll be back later with my ta da

Flushii it is 2020 anything goes. If putting the tree and decorations up will bring you joy and happiness. Put it up. What ever can make 2020
feel better has got to be a good thing. any chance of a picture?

Only problem with putting trees up early would be kids getting wildly excited.
It is chaos here. I have stuff piled up all over my bedroom and now I can’t stop sneezing. I put some lavender about and now I am sneezing continually. I’ll have to get up and get some loo roll. Note to self buy a box of tissues for my room.
I made some biscuits tonight. While watching Bake Off. Sorry need to read thread but I need to sleep first.

🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋to all

🕸😀🖐🖐
Oh my goodness i have just discovered how to add emojis into my mn messages! Yay.

I have been in bed since 6pm, asleep from 8pm as kids would not go aleep.

Thank you for the lovely hello's everyone!

Hi Sing 🖐- i think its amazing you plan and deliver lessons for home learning.

Hi Wellies 🖐, hope someone helped you clean up the kitchen in the end.
I wanted to change my name for Halloween but I dont remember my mn password and i am worried i will get locked out forever.

Hi foxes i will try the one room focus. Sorry you are flagging. Did you figure out the jittery feeling?

Hills i am so sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Its not right. I wish I could do something to help you.

Flushi pls could we have pictures of the christmas tree?

Zoo- i am sorry things are soo busy. How do you remember it all!

Bower- hope you get some sleep. I bet your biscuits taste amazing.

Mc- hope you are getting the best snuggles in the world with baby Mc. 🐣

Cheery waves to Hazel, freaky, merryhouse, witch, sc, Ed and all newbiews that i havent met yet, anyone i have forgotton- sorry brain is like a sieve. And to any lurkers out there reading this to survive a messy house- hello.

Thank you all for the compliments on my truffles!
dancing is good to see you back. Sorry to hear that DH isn't noticing how busy you are, it's a lot to do with no time off when it comes to raising kids.
zoo I'm sorry you're having a tough time of it right now. On a lighter note I loved the typo bloofy and want to steal it!
Flushi I noticed a lot of homes have Christmas trees and decorations up already where I am, and we have Thanksgiving next week! I usually put mine up the weekend after Thanksgiving.

I know I missed a few of you, hills, bower, glittery, foxes, merry, sing, ED, freaky and anyone else I missed.

I was busy today, but also relaxed a lot. Here's my ta das:
🦊 7 LOLs
🦊 Wiped front of washer and dryer
🦊 Wrapped mums presents (I doubt she'll get them in time though)
🦊 Filled out self evaluation form for work
🦊 Skyped mum
🦊 Cleared hotspots in the kitchen and filed mail
🦊 Cleaned mirrors
🦊 Watched 3 Christmas movies!
🦊 Rotated DW x2

Ta didn't:
🤦‍♀️ Clean bathroom (I plan to do that today/ Wednesday, after work)
🤦‍♀️ vacuum or mop
🤦‍♀️ Didn't do my workout either 😒

Is getting late here and I have an early start as usual. Hopefully I'll be able to get back on tomorrow.

🍒👋 everyone!

Hi Hazel, 3 Christmas Movies sound great!
I love Christmas movies! I want to try and catch one called 'Shoe Addicts Christmas.'
My sister recommended it to me, I really want to see it. They make me feel happy.

Morning everyone!
Zoo sending you strength for your day ahead. I hope it gets better.
Dancing hello 👋 how are you feeling today?
Bower I can't believe it's a final next week with Bake Off! What will I watch at 8pm on Tuesdays once it finishes?!
Hazel those truffles are amazing, definitely inspiration material.
Sing your plan re DS sounds good. What does he think of it? Is he excited to get more flexibility/responsibility?
Flushi I will be putting up Christmas decorations this week. We got a new (plastic) Christmas tree, and I am just too excited to wait. It's bigger than the previous one, which looked more like a bonsai 😂

Ta da from yesterday:
🎉Lol
🎉Hoovered everywhere
🎉Dusted downstairs and upstairs
🎉Sorted out the kitchen

☕☕☕🥞🧇🥐 for the naughty corner

Thanks MC

Another difficult start.i was expecting it has lil zoo up n down all night dizzy spells and two rounds palpitations,seconds I measured and was 132 beats a minuteshe's unsurprisingly feeling rough so keeping her home and go try get more fluids in,even if it's more fruit n veg to counter lack thirst/wanting to drink.
Dd2 exhausted wreck having try manage school yesterday.think may be too early given she's still having so much exhaustion/ panic attacks/depression issues as side effects.peoud of her trying tho,!
DS pushing boundaries not showering and ice try 3x get him up today.no ps later will be consequences.thats going to be difficult!

My stupid joints still not happy and so tired I think depressions slithering over me.dark mornings are not my jam.dark nights are ok as it's cold it's kind of nice to pull curtains and be cosy,but mornings,erm.NO

Slow start so
Cats fed
Wash on
Three attempts wake D's
Inform via email head year dd2 not in
Ditto for lil zoo
At 8rang school as that's protocol and left absence messages on different lines
Vat toast for the girls made
Wash in drier

I want crawl back to bed...

Zoo

Dear god they have made getting a doctor's appointment complicated! All has to be done online but you have to register to do it. Not had doctors appointment in over 2 yrs because couldnt fact it. Bloody hell that was a faff! Hpefully ds is booked in to get sorted

Morning all! Hope things improve today zoo
That does sound a faff hills hope all goes okay

dancing no I didn't figure out the jittery feeling but it has passed now so I guess just one of those weird things (I blame hormones for this stuff usually!)

Day off today and I have so much I want to get done but the time just flies.

Ta das
School run / nursery run
Dishwasher on
Kitchen tidied
Sorted through Xmas presents for dh to check sizes, found I have ordered him a pair of jeans he already has 🤦‍♀️ and I think I need him to try a t shirt on to check sizing because they seem to vary so much in length and he's so tall

That took much longer than I was expecting so I've now stopped for a coffee and deciding how to best use the rest of my day

Ideally
To do
Make bean chilli and put in slow cooker for dinner, use up rest of veg in fridge in it
Get some home bleugh done
Today's and yesterday's bathroom missions because that needs doing
Put toothbrush holder in the dishwasher!!
Some decluttering in the dc bedrooms (an attempt to start getting things more organised before Christmas!)
And I had thought about making some ginger and pumpkin cakes 🤔

I'm not going to get all this done am I? Needless to say exercise is out the window today 😂 apart from the school run of course!

Catch you all later

Dark, miserable day here. Raining.

Had a good start this morning though haven’t got much to show for it.Yet!

Dancing lovely to see you again. My house is nowhere near tidy. I am sure there are elves coming during the night.

zoo sorry you are having another difficult week with the tweenagers. It is time they gave you a break. Channel 5 movie perhaps for all of you to sit down. Christmas ones now and as they are short might keep them occupied. Tea and biscuits for you at least.

MC You must be excited with Baby’s First Christmas. You must buy him a bauble. We had a handed over silver one for DS 1 it was pretty awful when I think back small and sparse. Two years ago we went back to an artificial one. DD was disgusted. It looks very realistic but ‘beady 👀 eyes” noticed it from the door of the dining room.

Hazel the truffles look very professional. I must get around to making mine. If it goes well I might make some for gifts. I know I loved getting them at school. Some mums put together little relax kits I loved those. Bag: tea bag, coffee sachet, chocolate sachet, biscuits and some truffles. Lovely message.
Bag: small bottle of white wine, red wine nibbles, truffles.
Sometimes I got a mug filled. There was a lot of thought went into them.

Flushi what did you decide?

Hallway covered in blue stabiliser. They are coming back today to plaster it.

Made bed
Put two boxes of card making stuff away. Haven’t got around to it but I want to tidy dining room.
Washed up breakfast porridge dishes and pan.

Made gingerbread for builders.
DH kindly washed up and I put away.
Wiped table, work top and stove.

Need to:-
Wipe window sill.
Put away anything out of place on hot spot.
Sort out the BRCs on the floor.

Foxes could it be coffee. I don’t usually drink coffee maybe one de-cafe around 11. DH bought the coffee and I think it isn’t de-cafe. My hands were shaking yesterday. It wore off later so I thought ah maybe coffee.

bower coffee does do that to me if I drink a lot but I usually only have one cup a day so don't think it was that in this case! Glad your day is going well 😊 it was beautiful here this morning but a bit gloomy now, just as I was thinking I could ditch the coat for the school run!

I actually did my list!
Ta das
Hoovered downstairs
Mopped bathroom
Cleaned bathroom including bath, sink and counter tops
Decluttered dd clothes baskets and put everything away neatly
Quick tidy of ds bedroom
Put laundry away
Made ginger and pumpkin traybake
Made bean chilli for tonight, in the slow cooker
Dishwasher on again
Put towels in the wash
Took rubbish out to bins
Wiped kitchen sides
Cleaned the fridge
Toothbrush mug is emptied and ready to go in dishwasher

Having a cup of tea now and a browse online at Christmas present ideas, then time for the school run soon.