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

[Flushi]

Hi all, sorry my ta da’s weren’t in list form yesterday but I was very tired!. I will be back later with my ta da’s but I haven’t finished today yet, I feel like I’m keeping up fairly well!. I have some stomach issues and am currently having a flare up so feeling a bit under the weather. But other than that I am okay! I also sorted through my big bag of bunting today.

hazel where in the world are you, if you don’t mind me asking?, I’m glad you had a nice anniversary!. Your Ds’s creation is really cute!.

Thank you mc, I’m feeling a bit better today. That’s really frustrating about the nursery, I hope it works out well for you and you do get a place though.

Sorry about the sleep foxes and ED

Sorry to hear about your flair up hills

bower I really need to get some Christmas stuff now. I’ve never cooked a Christmas tea before but I should have to this year.

Great news witch!

You’ve done loads today zoo I’m in awe.

[SingToTheSky]

I’ll be wearing my sports bra in lockdown for home workouts so will try and get my money’s worth :o I also want more of the sports leggings I like. I just feel better wearing them than jeans! I need to sort out the boodwa though as the way it is currently means I don’t have much room for my workout.

I need to set up a habit tracker - I don’t do bullet journaling but I like the tracker idea and 28 days of lockdown seems like a good defined amount of time (if we ignore the fact it could easily be extended 😨). Also need to set the routine for the family - will be nice to have the chance to try having dinner at the same time etc because no clubs. I decided that the family incentive for keeping to it for the 28 days will be that we get a takeaway from the local dessert house :o :o :o as they ask for that sometimes but it’s expensive so it’s definitely a treat.

[Flushi]

I’ve also done a daily routine plan which will hopefully make it easier to stick to the ta da’s

[Flushi]

Oh I’ve also created a daily routine plan, that I can hopefully stick to and it may make it a bit easier to stick to the ta da’s

[EasilyDepleted]

Zoo - yes, my nails, Hazel posted hers a week or so back too. Contrary to expectations mine have stayed intact so far.

Well, DD has not only been swimming at 6am but was there again tonight, she is packing the sessions in while she can, supposed to be back again at 6am tomorrow, we'll see what she feels like in the morning. Although it's an early start, I quite like it, I come home and get a few jobs done before picking her up again.

So, my PO3 for today was:

Phone DWP about PIP (found all the paperwork yesterday)
Get sourdough going for baking tomorrow
Email DS's teacher

All done plus 1 x LOL, helped at the second swimming session, bacon sarnies for dinner beforehand. I think I need an early night now, so I'm going to turn in. Night all.

[EasilyDepleted]

Zoo - yes, my nails, Hazel posted hers a week or so back too. Contrary to expectations mine have stayed intact so far.

Well, DD has not only been swimming at 6am but was there again tonight, she is packing the sessions in while she can, supposed to be back again at 6am tomorrow, we'll see what she feels like in the morning. Although it's an early start, I quite like it, I come home and get a few jobs done before picking her up again.

So, my PO3 for today was:

Phone DWP about PIP (found all the paperwork yesterday)
Get sourdough going for baking tomorrow
Email DS's teacher

All done plus 1 x LOL, helped at the second swimming session, bacon sarnies for dinner beforehand. I think I need an early night now, so I'm going to turn in. Night all.

[Flushi]

Here with my ta da’s!

Made beds
Washed DC’s faces and dressed
Washed my own face and dressed
Fed humans and animals
Brushed teeth
S&S
Dropped DC at nursery
Work
Got DC
Unpacked bags
Hung up coats, cleaned shoes
Cleared litter trays and picked up dog poo
Made tea
Washed up
Walked dog
Dried up and put away
Activities with DC
Bathed DC
Laid out clothes for tomorrow
Read to DS and put to bed
Read to DS and put to bed
Packed bags for tomorrow
Tidied playroom
Swept playroom floor
Cleared entryway (don’t really have one but there can be a build up of shoes)
Wiped down kitchen surfaces and dining table
Wiped down dining chairs
Swept doormats
Swept kitchen floor
Swept living room floor
Tidied sofa
Showered
Shined sink
Laid out clothes

[Bowerbird5]

Foxes on another note sports bra will last longer😁

That👏🏼 Good news. I wonder when I will get mine back. I filled in a longish questionnaire as well as the test.

Good list Zoo annoying that he wasn’t more careful.

So the trouble with plans is that if you live with other people they don’t always go to plan iyswim! DH!
So I didn’t get the cake made and I didn’t make a start on dining room or see BF. Instead we did post card and parcel for sis. I hope it gets there. Christmas card to DSis2 who complained last year and this year b’day card not arrived. So I have sent Xmas card a month early! Not a special homemade one but a tacky shop bought one. Picked up meds. They will be getting me a trolley soon.
Went to farm shop and bought chicken feed and smash. Bought some mash too.

We went to town south of us and DH wanted a coffee so went upstairs and very organised and hardly anyone. This was about 2:30 and I hadn’t had any lunch. Nothing but hot drinks and cakes. Chai latte is powder with milk in and not one cake or scone is DF. DH can’t have a fruit scone because sold out he can have any variety of cakeand he moans. He had a cheese scone and ate it in front of me.

Downstairs is a large butchers with produce and veg, fish counters etc.
So not only do we have our turkey but we have a fish platter too. Pricey. I wouldn’t have paid it but DH does.
Home
Feed hens mash but they were in bed and didn’t want it. Will attempt to catch them tomorrow and spread scaly leg ointment on them.
Fire lit and mug of tea made.
Then potatoes in stove then left over lamb. Some veg on.
Bed coming tomorrow.
Just watched an interesting programme about Trump’s mother. I knew she was from Lewis. I told her life story which was very interesting.
My BIL nephew and a few others were involved in making the programme. BIL nephew and niece helped produced Katie Morag. They are lovely my other sister was their nanny.

So tomorrow’s plan is bed arriving.
Trip out somewhere because last for a while.
Christmas Cake
Try to see BF

DH has also mucked up meal planning. Should have been fish today and veggie tomorrow. We had some breadcrumb bits of tasteless fish, then lamb leftovers from Sunday. We are having duck tomorrow. This why I do not plan meals.
Need to do a Zoo whizz around before bed arrives. DS2 has roped his lodger with a van to bring it around so I need to make coffee and cake for 11. DH told me this when we were coming upstairs to bed. The hall is full of stuff. It needs to be moved. Where I don’t know.

👋👋👋👋👋👋👋 to everyone.

[SingToTheSky]

ta da continued
🧘🏻Ordered more of various needed things - I’ve spent a bloody fortune today
🧘🏻Decided topics for tomorrow’s paired learning
🧘🏻Wrote list for my habit tracker
🧘🏻DLMS despite the fact I’m really pissed off with people not saying what they mean or meaning what they say. Can’t be arsed. 😖

tomorrow
🎯I do unfortunately need to go into town
🎯DS’ friend is coming round earlier than usual so I need to get that done
🎯wanted to swim but who knows

Argh

[Stilllivinginazoo]

[Flushi]

zoo I haven’t slept, I have been watching it and I’m very worried.

[Mc3209]

Morning everyone!
Oh don't get me started on the elections..

Bower very exciting about the bed, I hope you manage to sort out the hall before it gets delivered.
I think I've been lucky and escaped the brunt of baby blues. A little teary, but nothing significant. McTiny decided to cluster feed yesterday well into the night, which was a fun experience 🥴

That that's excellent news re rest results!
Flushi looks like you've been busy!
ED glad the nails are holding out!

[Mc3209]

Woolly cross post! That embroidery is gorgeous.
That's a tough one re DD. I hope you manage to find a solution with them.

[SingToTheSky]

TBH with the election I’m taking the “can’t do a damn thing about it so trying not to dwell on it” approach. Got enough to worry about in the immediate vicinity of me so that is taking up too much of my brain (although in a way I’d quite like to let the comparatively smaller things go!)

Still. Ugh indeed. 😖

I’m up, having come downstairs to see the latest. Not actually sure what’s happening because people are being woolly about their plans again (not you woolly :o) and it’s annoying me and I’m tempted to ignore the lot of them

Anyway.

PO3.1
❗️Sit down and do some calming puzzles for a bit while eating breakfast and drinking water
❗️Get DS through his token amount of maths and English for the day
❗️Print out stuff for when his friend arrives (meant to be soon)

[Stilllivinginazoo]

woolly that's lovely embroidery.feel free come on over to parents and carers with anxious kids board.even if it's just a dump and run
Bower oh a new bed,how lovely!(envious)
MC how's mini c coming along.dare I ask a peek of your latest addition?(won't be offended if rather keep offline/anonymous)

Glad not just me having a wibble.dd2 just texted me trump's declaring himself the winner and cancel rest of votes.if he was a child he would be told I'd you can't play nice stop bloody playing!

Tada
Try make sense D's new school timetable online
Apparently he's ment do everything despite be ks4.hoping it's less of a shitshow than last term of kids muting teacher/each other etc...
Breakfasts
Hot water bottle located and administered lil zoo how crippled IBS pain.period started up last night,so not unexpected...poor lamb has had painkillers and buscopan but no effect.yet
Kitchen sink scrub and disinfected
Plug hole disinfected with soda crystals,disinfect and hot water
Clean bath
Scrub sink and do plughole
Poo pick littertrays

Time to ring doc and see if a)I can get thru.b)if meds camhs prescribed are now available for collecting

[Stilllivinginazoo]

flushiI've just realised I don't think I welcomed you about!how embarrasinghope you have plans to keep mind busy and off world troubles im trying
Bright and bloody cold.iay venture out to blow away cobwebs in a bit
I took dd2 out for a dusk walk last night and we saw a fox over nature reserve near our home.her first and she was so excited

[Stilllivinginazoo]

Oh and I can't get back into sept thread for some reason...can anyone remind me how to play Scrabble online with friends etc.dd1 up for that during lockdown (and any other good online sharing games we could do)

[Bowerbird5]

Woolly That is beautiful. I did a bit of cross stitch. One for college years ago( I think we had to try something new and it was for part of our end of course display) but I can’t see well enough now for tiny ones.
DHs and DDs🙄 mine caves too. Never mind that you went to the bother of making a delicious pie. I would give him something else.

Flushi That is a huge list. If you can roast a chicken you can do a turkey. It is just a bit bigger and can dry out more so you need to put bacon on and baste it a bit more. If I were you I would get a good magazine ( treatyourself) and follow the plan. Good housekeeping is a great one but cheaper magazine will be coming out soon and lots have a plan in. I just like having Christmas mags. I often keep ( hoard) them for years then get to a point of “ Why have I kept this?” Then I pull out the best bits and chuck it. Even if you are not having some of it the plan for the turkey is good to have. The only time I buy gravy is Christmas. I recommend you do this as it stops a lot of faff on the day. I bought mine yesterday from our well known ( to me and SC) butcher as I think there might be a bit of panic buying locally. They ran out last year. M& S make a good one. It is in a pouch you just snip and pour. I have cooked forty Christmas dinners. I just calculated. So you can ask me anything. Oh and you usually forget something. We laugh about them afterwards.
Make the first course cold you can plate up and put it in the fridge. If you have one.

MC no not really it is for DH. I have a beautiful wrought iron 1880s black and brass bed with a memory foam mattress on it. DH is getting this from DS2 house as he has decided that it is too big for third bedroom. I could have told him that before he moved it.

The two eldest close in age are so so different. DS1 has a lovely terraced 1900 house which he plans, saves up for and furnishes like something out of a good magazine. He isn’t ambitious. He likes gardening but only has a small yard. He loves football.

DS2 has bought a lovely cottage in a posh village semi detached with a separate garden and lovely shrubs on the driveway which goes behind the house. He hasn’t decorated since he moved in three years ago and is getting someone in( DS1 does his own) including helping with colour. He doesn’t like or care about gardening. He made a wider path and patio for entertaining and has grass that DH goes and cuts for him with OUR mower. He is ambitious and has been a manager since 26 which was very young in the company and has 70-80 staff which he manages well. He loves football.

DS3 is a bit of both and loves music. He has all the latest sounds which he saves up for from a very low paid job. He is extremely tidy. He loves football.

DD is nothing like the others. Loves DS1 the best not even sure if she likes the other two. Is very artistic, decorates where she is living cross between a student and a hippy and hates football.

These are the long term observations of a mother.

Anti procrastination...get up!

Will pop in later and let you know about the bed I think they might have trouble getting it in. I am keeping out of it and making coffee and cake.🤣

[Stilllivinginazoo]

Aaaaaaarrrrgh


Doc don't have request for script(after phone lines cut me off 5x)
Rang camhs,medic hadn't type up notes so no notes saying she can have meds on system.they will ask secretary to sort it.i chew them out she NEEDS meds and staff at docs can get it dispense to pharmacy today if it's by 3pm.we will try,she said without conviction

FFS

[foxessocks]

Hi everyone just checking in quickly. Hope the bed went in ok bower

Oh zoo that sounds so stressful hope you manage to get meds today.

I have just got back from my opticians appointment , got some new contact lense solution as it seems I'm allergic my current one (I've had no symptoms they could just see marks left on my eyes and eyelids 😱 which sounds hideous but she didn't seem overly concerned just told me to switch and come back in a few weeks to check again...I never ever have an "easy" eye test

Hope everyone is holding up okay. I've had a quick lunch (shop bought as I couldn't even be bothered too make a sandwich for myself today!) and I'm giving myself until 1.30 and then I'm going to do as much as I can before school pick up time...

Ta das
School run
Nursery run
Dishwasher emptied
Rubbish out
Washing hung out
Picked up parcel from Next
Browsed online for dh Xmas presents, added to basket but haven't committed yet
Went to opticians
Went to Sainsbury's for couple of bits for dinner (cod in tomato sauce with bread and butter)
Lunch

Off I go!

[foxessocks]

Sorry for all those typos

[Bowerbird5]

Bloody hell Zoo these receptionist shouldn’t be allowed to make that decision. Maybe tell them you will -dump- / leave daughter there and they can deal with her and see how they like it. One of ours speels out a (learnt I suspect ) speech she doesn’t even stop if you interrupt she just repeats that sentence again. Last week she was actual helpful I have complained about her before. This was the girl who told me that I could not see the doctor without an appointment, really told me off despite me saying I had chest pains and I had previously had a heart attack. I was crying she did not care, she told me to wait 1 1/2 hrs for out of service or go to A&E it is nearly 2 1/2 miles away. I sat in the car did not feel fit enough to drive but did and my BP was on the ceiling and I was kept all night and after a bit had to be accompanied to toilet. I told them they were not happy. I complained when well enough( 3 visits to A&E one taken from work, one ambulance from home) when I told GP he looked at notes and very apologetic said he would include it on training that week. I could have passed out killed myself and someone else as six lane traffic. So when she was helpful I said “thank you. You have been very helpful ‘today’. “ I bet she hasn’t been told that very often. Another time I asked her something she disagreed so I asked her what medical qualifications she had to make that decision. I would ring back by 2 pm if you haven’t heard anything Zoo.

My meds have turned up with the BP capsules missing but the Amitriptyline that they can’t process with it until a fortnight later in it!😕😱

Beautiful day here chilly but sunny.
Bed has been delived and due to son being a strong( large) lad they got it up without much bothered. Included pillows and duvet. DH has gone to buy new one after he looked at it. Clean it was not!
So I am taking 10 minute break.
DS2 lodger seems very nice we took to him straight away he loves our Everhot. He lent himself and his van. So they had coffee and cake.

Ta bloody Da
I have finally put that basket of ironing away.
Bed made.

Vacuumed stairs, hallway and most of downstairs but now charging to do the rest.
Washed up.
Wiped table put clean runner and place mats on.
Made coffee and hot, toasted cake.
Stacked dishes, not washed will do with lunch.
Accepted parcel from Posty. Asked about deliveries, parcel priority.
Accepted veggie box checked about more unusual fruit and veg for Christmas box. Yes!
Emptied laundry basket. 1 LOL. 1 more load to go in.
Put stuff off hot spot table in bag for quick tidy now have BRC behind sofa. Turned around and DH had dumped and messed up the sitting room with stuff from hall. 🤯🤬 I was trying to tidy for DS2 lodger so he realises ( pinch Zoos ) humans live here.

Not sure what to do next so might make lunch and then start the Christmas Cake while DH out. Bet there are queues 😸 I am not smirking,no, I really am not smirking. DH hates queuing. Didn’t want to do it the other day when we went food shopping. He said “What do you think?” I told him, “Just go home then!” We had driven about 15 miles.😽
Should have bought paint for dining room.
I ‘ll be running out of steam soon.


Right I better crack on. Before I get too comfy.

Warning: Do not buy Honey coated peanuts and cashews from the CoOp!

[Bowerbird5]

🍒👋🍒👋😀to Foxes as she past!

[SingToTheSky]

Bower now I want honey coated peanuts and cashews 🤣

ta da so far
⏳up, weighed in etc in good time
⏱got DS started on work
⏳printed politics resources and briefed DH on the plan for the boys
⏱got cab to leisure centre and swam 500m
⏳collected library book DS is studying from Monday, and chose some more books - not sure how much reading I can realistically do in lockdown (plus I have a book club read to get through ASAP) but god knows they need all the issues they can get now so it all helps their stats
⏱sneaky lunch alone since that won’t be possible for weeks now
⏳bought charger cable, decided against an extra plug as £45!
⏱got home and cut up a load of fruit and veg for the boys to have with oven pizza

po3.2
❗️Print physics activity
❗️Get them through the actual work once they’ve finished lunch/Simpsons episode
❗️Chill, drink water and eat chocolate knowing I’m not responsible for anything else today.