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Housekeeping

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Fledglings are Marching into March (and tentatively inching closer to freedom): The March Flylady Thread

937 replies

StillUpholding · 28/02/2021 08:33

Welcome fledglings old and new, to March’s Flylady thread!

For any newbies who have stumbled across us, we are following Flylady’s housework system which is based around routines and short bursts of activity to try to keep our houses and lives in order. (Sometimes we follow it more loosely than others). Feel free to join us, the more the merrier! We post our ‘ta da’ lists for motivation (no matter how long or short), and enjoy some random chatter along the way.

The link to Flylady’s ‘flying lessons’ is here . Have a read, and if you have any questions, just ask. You can sign up for emails but be warned there are lots so most of us rapidly unsubscribed.

I’ll be posting links daily to keep us all on track. Jump in wherever you are, remember you are never behind.

This is a long running thread and we’ve developed some lingo along the way:
LOL = load of laundry
S&S = swish and swipe, a quick daily clean of the toilet and sink
PO3 = power of 3. When motivation is on the low side or you’re overwhelmed just pick 3 things at a time and do them
DNLMS = did not lose my shit
Ned = our mythical mate who helps with the laundry (hasn’t paid a visit to me for a while)
Pointy stick —-> = for when a fledgling needs a motivational prod (we can be gentle if required)
The naughty corner = a relaxing haven where we hang out when motivation is low, we are on strike, or we need a rest and some TLC

I’ve just realised that it’ll be around a year since our lovely SC came up with the idea of the Keep Calm Corner (KCC) to keep us going in these strange times. I’ll try and keep the tradition going with little snippets of happy stories, memes, questions and distractions. Any contributions welcome as we enter what could be the final stretch to some sort of normality.

Thanks to ED for being a lovely thread leader for February and keeping us (mostly) on the straight and narrow, despite being very busy herself.

Right, quiet at the back there, have we got everyone? Let’s head into March...

OP posts:
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27
HazelNuttyElf · 04/03/2021 06:13

Oh zoo I'm sorry you're dealing with that. I forgot, have you spoken to a doctor about that?

No ta das really, was just leftovers for dinner, we all helped clean up, DC did laundry, 2 loads I think too.
I got my lunch ready for tomorrow, as well as my clothes. I also did yoga before getting in bed 😍 something I haven't done in a while, but feel better when I do it.
Well I should get to sleep now so I can wake refreshed in the morning. It's still later than it should be, but I'm getting there.
🍒👋
That's it really.

Stilllivinginazoo · 04/03/2021 07:11

Night hazel
Given doc app these days rarer than hen's teeth I havent bothered them,and don't take over counter stuff as zoolets have tendancy wake in night needing mum with panic attacks when I'm at my most depleted(sighs)

Tada
Cats fed
Wash in
Harpic lav
Wipe kitchen surfaces
S+s
Clean mould my bedroom windows
Clean said windows
Clean big mirror
Try and sort bookcase
Dust
Wash in drier
More on

We have no milk so will need venture out for some soon...

foxessocks · 04/03/2021 10:35

hazel yoga sounds good, hope it helps you relax and sleep well!

Zoo it may be that you are ok constant alert for the dc waking (I'm probably stating the obvious there!) I know that I can never sleep when I think one of the dc is awake even if they are in their beds! And you are dealing with a lot more of a complex situation than that. I hope you start to get some more sleep though, or at least a decent nap today.

Ds safely deposited at nursery this morning in his Hulk costume for world book Day, I totally forgot about it so he had to put on the first thing we could find tbh! He was happy though so that's all that matters.

Dd collected by my parents, they came earlier than I expected and we weren't ready, dd still packing her many bags (despite only going for one day!!) my dad seemed very off, not sure what was up with him but my brain has decided to worry about it Sad

Oh and the first thing I came across when I started work today was a very cross email from someone who had chased me multiple times for something and I hadn't responded (I am snowed under and probably not responding to a lot of people very quickly tbh!) . So I did the work, sent a grovelling apology etc. But that's another thing playing on my mind now Sad I think I need the dc back to distract me!

As for flying, washing is done but needs hanging up, dishwasher is on, that's about it.

Coffee break over, best get back to work and see who else is now cross with me 😂 buries head in the sand quickly

foxessocks · 04/03/2021 10:37

That should obviously say zoo you are ON constant alert

IWasWantingThoseGreatWaders · 04/03/2021 11:07

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for personal reasons.

Stilllivinginazoo · 04/03/2021 11:22

waders nap is imminent!!
Foxes how rubbish a start to the day!

Shop done,wipe and put away
3 loads wash done,one dry,folded and put away
Kitchen surfaces wiped
But light exercise/stretching done

Rest of the day will be coasting I think...

Mc3209 · 04/03/2021 11:51

Morning (just about)!
Zoo ah no, that's exhausting. How do you even survive on so little sleep? Sleep deprivation is a form of torture. Please ignore me if I am overstepping my mark, have you tried Cognitive Based Therapy for zoolets to help them with their panic attacks?
Foxes sending strength. Today will get better.
Waders impressive list!

How would you clean this foam play mat (pic attached)? DS licks it sometimes during tummy time, hence I am a little reluctant to just spray antibac and wipe.

Fledglings are Marching into March (and tentatively inching closer to freedom): The March Flylady Thread
halfhope · 04/03/2021 11:53

MC baking soda, as suggested by this site? www.babyplaymats.ca/blogs/news/17900388-how-to-clean-foam-tiles-or-baby-play-mats

halfhope · 04/03/2021 11:55

Perhaps check on non conspicuous part of mat first! Also vinegar was mentioned.

halfhope · 04/03/2021 11:57

I'm in the living dining for next four days. I'm starting with a radiator clean, then general dusting, including lights and decobwebbing.

Stilllivinginazoo · 04/03/2021 11:59

If it's foam can you wipe it with soapy cloth and rinseMC?
We tried sleep right solutions.as I cannot give up my precious 11pm-2am sleep to chart what time DS goes to sleep they say I'm.not engaging...
I manage by talking rubbish most of the time,forgetting everything and falling asleep if I sit still more than 10 minutes!!zoolets time how long takes me to drop off on nap in day.averages 1-2minutes!a 20 minute timed nap keeps me upright.4hours is average.occasional 6hours is more tiring.think my body then craves more if that makes sense?

Must go.ds kicking off as teachers talking about how they will miss him next week when rest learners are back in school and it's freaking him out...

foxessocks · 04/03/2021 13:25

waders do you know I did try rolling the sleeves but I had to roll them so much she did look ridiculous bless her, it was just HUGE in all directions as well! Thing is, she has had her previous cardigans since reception, she's now in year 2!! So I thought considering those ones were so, so small that we'd need to jump up 2 sizes, seemed logical to me...but apparently she has only gone up one size.

The pie tin I have ordered is a loose-bottomed tin which I guess is actually more of a flan / tart tin although it's quite deep, I'm going to attempt a lemon meringue pie for the first time ever!

foxessocks · 04/03/2021 13:28

Hope ds is okay zoo Sad

waders we are getting an induction hob with the new kitchen, I'm quite excited about not having to clean the gas hob anymore but I do think cooking on gas is nicer (not that I have experience of an induction hob, I just think I will miss the gas hob Grin.
We have tried so many different veggie sausages and didn't like any of them so we gave up. I do try to have as many vegetarian meals as possible each week though.

SingToTheSky · 04/03/2021 13:29

Aw foxes I’m sorry about the work issue. It’s hard not to get avoidant when things are difficult!

I have managed a few little admin tasks. Looked into my next course, paid for dance, cancelled St. John direct debits.

HillsBesideTheSea · 04/03/2021 13:49

Just be aware that some induction hobs are often smart self thinking ones. I was sooooo glad to get rid of ours because the fucker couldn't do its one job. And it made jam making and anything that required a rolling boil to be sustained impossible. Would never have one again because of it. That said if you are not doing things like that you will probably love it.
Sorry.

I have the serious grumps today. I have ditched class. I am going to find proper clothes and run an errand. I really give no fucks atm.

THATbasicSNOWFLAKE · 04/03/2021 14:00

Grumpy here too

Really tired and achey

The dc appear to be on a mission to destroy the house Sad think i will have a massive clear out next week

Doublechins · 04/03/2021 14:46

ThanksCakeWinefor those having a bad day!

I've also started doing the hob as part of the daily kitchen clean up instead of ignoring it until it could no longer be ignored.

Ta-da's so far
☕️ up bathed dressed make up
☕️ DC up dressed beds made
☕️ S&S
☕️LOL
☕️ fed DC
☕️ Quick tidy and swept floors
☕️ dishes
☕️ dropped youngest off with my DGM
☕️ lessons for me and DC with a break for bagels for lunch and tidy up after.

They've finished now and are upstairs playing but I don't think I'm done until 4.30

Dancingtomusic · 04/03/2021 16:49

Foxes- 🤦‍♀️ on the fitting of your daughters uniform.

Zoo- sending you a hug and comfy chair to get some sleep.

Waders- super you are on a roll.

Sing- weldone for sorting direct debits

Half- hope the radiator clean goes quickly. How do you clean the radiators? Its something i need to do.

Hills- yay! Break the rules...get out and get fresh air.

That- sending you 🎂🍉🍊🍓☕ to keep your energy up.

Mc- i would scrub it with a cloth soaked in hot water. If any grubby bit i would put a bit of washing up liquid and scrub then wash off with hot water.

Red- hope you are feeling ok?

Hazel- great you did yoga. How do you get your dc to help you so much?

Nap- hope u are ok.

Lots of teas, coffees and hot chocolates for anyone with the grumps in the naughty corner.
🍒👋to everyone i have missed.

Dancingtomusic · 04/03/2021 16:57

I have been feeling really ill, achey muscles, sharp pains in joints. Its week 2 of this now and really sick of being ill. I need to eat healthy again.

Its heartening to hear its not just me that looks at a shoe mountain daily.🤦‍♀️ Sometimes I couldnt open my front door fully! 🏔⛰👟👟👟⛰⛰🏔

Forced myself to get out bed and get on with the kids. Breakfasts, dressed till shoes, shower ds, dressed dc for world book day, lunches. Then set to task making the new shoe holders. 👟👟👟👟👟

Dancingtomusic · 04/03/2021 17:01

I had assembled two of these to slide under the stairs. The bikes are banished to the downstairs loo.

Fledglings are Marching into March (and tentatively inching closer to freedom): The March Flylady Thread
halfhope · 04/03/2021 17:05

dancing hope you are feeling a little better. What is the shelving under the stairs for? I have cleaned the dining room. Now I have the other end of the room to do 😁

SingToTheSky · 04/03/2021 17:10

Ooh I like those shelves dancing sorry you feel crappy.

Double :o at the anatomical posters :o

Not caught up yet. Just nabbed the school laptop again for some studying - DD1 is trying out the zoom dance class (finally) on DH’s tablet so she wouldn’t be doing her work right now anyway. Thus she can’t use the “but mum was using it” excuse later :o anyway I really hope she likes it. It’ll be far better when classes go back properly but this will give her a bit more structure in the evenings.

Had a quick dash round putting a few bits away and chucking some rubbish/recycling, another towel wash is drying and I’ve dug out some more teddies to wash. I’m risking 40deg this time. My cuddly Pink Panther is super grubby. Cagletini has now been introduced to the cartoon and was in hysterics :)

Right best actually get on with my work now

Doublechins · 04/03/2021 17:17

Sorry you're not feeling too good dancing.

So I decided to get a sneaky bit of ironing to do while listening to my lecture...only went and tripped the electrics so obviously internet went off 🙊

Have been to pick youngest up and went to lidl and now I'm going to make a start on some pasta for dinner.

Oh and it's snowing 🌨 🙄

HillsBesideTheSea · 04/03/2021 17:43

I couldn't leave the house. no clean dry clothes :face palm:

I have figured out why I in such a grump though. And it is respite/carer responsibility vs personal welfare based.

I am going to wait for the washer/dryer, provide tea and then go to shop to buy a new note book or something healthy. I have been comfort eating and I am finally being pulled under entirely by the flare I have been fighting since Christmas. So i need to cut the crap and eat better. Which is hard when you are tired, grumpy and don't want to.

Dancing - i hope you are able to feel better soon!

foxessocks · 04/03/2021 17:43

That's ok hills it's good to have all the information! We are keeping our options open at this stage, unfortunately we can't have a gas hob anymore (for reasons that are a mystery to me but I believe dh! Grin

I really don't feel like I've made much headway with work today, I'm just counting on it being easier from next week when dd is back at school and ds is back on his usual hours for nursery. If I'm still struggling at that point then I'm not sure what I'll do!!

I have also not managed to do the bed sheets today and they really, really needed doing. I didn't have my trusty helper dd because she has only just got home from the grandparents and it's dinner time now. Oh well.

Some positives though - we have finally had someone round to quote for our new windows & back doors! We have been putting this off for ages, one of those nobody wants to actually make a phone call situations. Also, I managed to fit in one game of dirty dinos with ds so he was happy. And dd had a great day with my parents, nice for her to get some one to one time with them, my dad taught her how to solder Grin

So I'm trying to stay positive. Although I have just remembered I've got the dentist tomorrow and potentially a very early delivery of plasterboard. Not so good!