Fledglings bolt into Spring! Fresh air, fresh flowers, fresh sheets – No fledgling left behind…

[BeanAnTae]

Thread starts on 1 February, but you are welcome to land and say hello until then
Thank you to Hills who has given us a tour-de-force thread for the deepest, darkest days of January when we were all flagging. We all know you are really busy and appreciate the time you took to go in depth with the baby steps.
Welcome to Flylady if you are a newbie or a regular fledgling– it is a zone based cleaning system, spread out over 4-6 weeks (depending on how the month falls.) The zones cover different areas of the home so we concentrate on a particular zone in a given week. But there is also a weekly hour of cleaning (can be split into 10 min segments) to make sure the bins are emptied, main areas hoovered, sheets changed – you get the drift…
And each day of the week has a focus – Thursday is errand day for example.

So , today is Tuesday 1 February – the first day of Spring if you are joining us in the North Hemisphere or Happy Autumn to those in the South. This thread brings you right up to Pancake Tuesday which is 1 March 2022.
Flylady site
This week we are in 2 Zones:
Zone 5: The Living Room
Zone 1: The Entrance, Front Porch and Dining Room
February Habit: Decluttering for 15 Minutes a Day

Monday – Weekly Home Blessing
Tuesday – Plan and Play
Wednesday – Anti-Procrastination Day
Thursday – Errand Day
Friday – Clean-out your Purse and Car Day
Saturday – Family Fun Day
Sunday – Renew your Spirit Day

It is plan and play day on Tuesdays – I usually plan menus and things to do on Tuesdays but the system is customisable to what works for you and your life.
Feel free to jump onto the thread and post your To Do list of household and family stuff achieved and, if you like, post your Ta Da list when you’ve got stuff done. We all encourage each other along and we all have different lives, pressures etc and we are not at all precious about the system – it can be used as you see fit. For example I don’t clean my dining room in zone 1 as it’s part of my living area so I do it in zone 5.
There is a general mantra of ‘No fledgling left behind’ which basically means you can’t fall behind in the system – you just start up again. So there’s no need for a massive Spring Clean – you just jump in.
Some jargon has evolved over the years, for example – cherry waves was an autocorrect of cheery waves, the pointy stick ---> is sometimes requested if you are having particular problems with procrastination and the naughty corner which is where we collapse to take a break.
As well as ‘To Do’, I’m going to try ‘To Be’ because I’m a Human Being not just a Human Doing. So my aim is to be more present (on the thread and in my head!) and more positive. I live far north in the UK so it is pretty dark here at the moment and I am SO looking forward to more daylight. And a shiny sink!

[Exit stage left pursued by a child]

Bean I don't get scheduled much at my 2nd job, maybe once every 2 or 3 weeks, although I am working next Saturday as well.

Oh I love the menu planning baby step, also glad we're on living room so I have my butt kicked into 'let's siphon the unused toys to charity' action!

Todays weather has been lovely 🥰 so had an excellent afternoon in the garden, 4 LOL done and it's still hanging on the line and unlikely to blow away for the first time in weeks! Amazing how good I feel after a bit of sun, and no gale force winds. She'd had been emptied and sorted through fastidiously, loads recycled and more put up on giveaway site/app. Now there's no need to use the door to cram it all in 😃 grass cut, garden debris cleared out and terror dog behaved very well while we were all in the garden together!

Cleaned youngest dc car seat and seat it sits on, area feet and hands can reach and actually got a stunned compliment for my efforts when we went out to classes 🥰

Pet bedding laundry totally caught up on now (though it's still on the line) so feeling accomplished there.

Hope everyone's enjoying the weekend and hoping you all had the glorious weather I had 🍒👋 to all.

I wouldn't call it glorious Frankie but it wasn't wet or snowing 😁

Relaxing and listening to Pink Floyd - peace descends on the house.

ta da
👣LOL
👣park trip
👣swept hallway
👣hoovered stairs
👣sorted top corner of stairs to move folded bunny run there for now
👣gathered random stuff, rubbish etc
👣made a salad to have with dinner
👣uni work
👣rotated DW
👣LOL in dryer
👣cleaned planner board
👣Cagbunny care
👣swept LR floor
👣kitchen rescue
👣rubbish and recycling out from kitchen
👣cleaned kitchen bin
👣paid tap fees

A very good day especially considering I was out for a while, the park normally wears me out. I could’ve happily gone to bed about an hour ago and the later night isn’t ideal but the house looks much better thanks to the last few things I did, so the morning will feel better. Plus I’m much more tired now so hopefully that means I can actually get decent sleep.

Interestingly I am on day 3 off my meds - didn’t take them after being sick and decided to have a break (most ADHD meds leave the bloodstream quickly so are fine to do that with, in fact it’s recommended to avoid resistance type issues - it’s not like ADs for example, I’m still taking those). Maybe during the medicated months I’ve build up enough simple habits that help me get through the day now. I’ll be keeping a watchful eye especially as crazy times return next week, I will aim for at least a week off but not going to stress if I need to go back on sooner.

One day left of half term DD1 has been anxious (generally rather than about school) for a few days so not sure how that’ll pan out on Monday morning.

That's encouraging with the new habits meaning less meds Sing . I feel a bit too reliant on sleeping pills so hoping the same thing happens with me.

I love Pink Floyd Bean very relaxing. Although I listened to Lady Gaga this afternoon.

Glorious weather here too Frankie. Got my laundry line dried. I need to make more effort to get out into the sun, feel I've been a bit too cooped up indoors this winter.

I spent the afternoon making some curtains for a small window. I'm halfway through. Bought some more pretty boxes for bathroom storage.

I actually like sewing wild. Trousers still waiting to be fixed though!

Porridge for breakfast. Then some work to do. It finally feels like spring and we are in the last zone as well as the beginning of the next round of zones this week.

We’ve had a gorgeous few days too Frankie - cold but sunny and calm.

Ah, if you’re not eating or sleeping then you should be able to just opt out of adulting Hills, it’s not fair

Good list yesterday Sing

DD1 was a non-sleepying, tongue-tied, refluxy, constantly-feeding velcro baby bless her, hence it taking me a few years to pluck up the courage for a second one Red. This time round feels a breeze (for now, not counting my chickens just yet). Well done on the boudoir progress.

I totally need to read the meal planning baby step Bean. I know life is easier when we do it, but we rarely do.

We’ve had quite a nice few days. Trips to the park and relaxing at home. I’ve really got into the habit of quick regular tidies and it’s making a difference. I got the boudoir looking much better and it all got cleaned apart from the vacuuming as it needs emptying, de-hairing and the filter washed (back to Hills thoughts on what is stopping us progressing. Mine is definitely looking after the vacuum cleaner. It’s a cordless shark and I love it when it’s picking up well, but it does need a lot of TLC to keep it tip top). Today we have no plans at all and nothing that desperately needs done. I’ve stuck an LOL on, emptied the DW and washed up breakfast things. First morning I haven’t got showered and dressed in getting up so off to do it now.

Waves to Zoo if you’re around, hope all is well.

Morning all. Nice to hear of better weather making people feel a bit brighter - I’m sure the sunshine lifted my mood yesterday.

I’ve showered but that’s it so far, didn’t sleep well! But after breakfast I’ll get on with stuff.

po3.1
❗️Write the week up on the board and check with DH if there’s anything missing
❗️Towel LOL and possibly put last night’s drying back on
❗️Make sure Cagletini’s nursery bag is packed

Morning all! Beautiful day here today, and I've had a lovely half-hour walk with WassailHound, stopping to snuffle every daffodil and snail shell (him, not me!).

Sorry about silence yesterday, I went to a funeral for DD's friend's grandfather. I have learned that a Greek Orthodox Ecumenical funeral is very beautiful but very long; and that M&S tights either cut you in half or head for your knees. I have ordered some more from Snag instead.

All the personals have fallen out of my head (not enough ) so I shall content myself with a 🍒👋 to everyone and big wingflaps all round.

Before I take myself off to start moving bookshelves, I wanted to ask if we have someone to take over from Bean to run March? I can't remember, but I'm happy to volunteer.

Thanks wassail I’m happy to do April if that helps.

The week is busy, no major issues except I’ll have to rearrange or possibly cancel two maths lessons and I’ll also have to do the nursery run a couple of times rather than DH. Also found out DD1 has an inset day on Friday, might take the bigger two for breakfast or something while Cagletini is at nursery.

po3.2
❗️Tidy main home ed shelf and sort aims for the week
❗️Match a box and lid for Cagbunny’s sawdust, empty new pack into it, and rinse new scoop
❗️Read more of DS’ next book

Gah. Sleepy. Must get on with stuff.

po3.3
❗️Put towels in dryer and take dry laundry up to put away (I’ve decided to have one mostly-Cagletini-stuff wash between Tuesdays so she doesn’t run out!)
❗️Amalgamate some BRCs and try and sort a bit as I go (but not stressing myself over it)
❗️Collect and test more pens to put in the nicely sorted drawers

The key to the above being that I can do all three tasks in my room watching something on my phone :o

😂 Good work-around there, Sing.

The bookshelves are empty. The music room is full of stacks of books. I've found half a dozen things that were apparently "invisible" on bookshelves but need to go on my "must read ASAP" list 🤦‍♀️.

I'm going to hide in my BuJo for a bit, setting up next week, with Mr George Michael. The rest of the world is too hideous to engage with right now. I watched The King's Man with DH last night, it was billed as comedy but the bits about the realities of WW1 and political posturing leading to international strife were too close to now and very upsetting. Don't watch it if you're feeling fragile.

I am still catching up on work but feel more in control of things.i am wearing out though.

Have ordered news clothes for ds online - quickest way to do it. Bagged up old clothes for charity/recycling.

Did menu plan. Tesco shop arriving later.

Did my nails earlier.

Cleaned kitchen. Loads of laundry done.

No zone cleaning but hope to pick it up next week.

(Collapses in naughty corner - cup of tea and soft cushion to sit on)

wassailing it's amazing how things we see all the time blend into the scenery. It happens to me all the time. When I get really focused on working on a room, I start from one corner (the easiest one), removing everything from that surface, cleaning it, and putting back what I want on there. I actually haven't done that in a while and need to create a habit in each zone. I always find something I have been looking for or come across something I thought had already been thrown away!

Bean you have accomplished a lot, I'm glad to see you did some self care with doing your nails. I hope you're able to fully relax tonight though so you don't get burned out.

The only ta das I've done today is drank both cups of coffee, so no one will die today!
DH & I are about to file our taxes online (on an app on his phone) since the game on the Xbox he likes to play is reinstalling and will take 3 hours.
I do still need to create a meal plan for the week and put in an order for pickup today. We have lots of pork left over from last night so meals will consist of that all week!

I did remember this morning that zoo was talking about taking a break from all social media, but still hopeful everything is okay.

🍒👋 to everyone

Wassail 💐

Good lord I am sleepy. Housework feels like treacle today! But I am plodding onward - I’m not doing what I often do, being so overwhelmed I do nothing. I’ve tidied a bit and been more ruthless with some old toys etc. Even if it isn’t as much as I’d like, it’s still getting something done.

In fact to paraphrase Dr Seuss (Horton Hears A Who): “Progress is progress no matter how small!” :o

I have at last done my power of three (to the extent I’m able to today, eg no I haven’t sorted ALL the pens, but I have sorted some!) so onto the next. Came downstairs to find DH sweeping under and behind Cagbunny’s hutch.

po3.4
❗️Fully clear and scrub the table - it is genuinely gross
❗️Order replacement cleaning stuff
❗️Fill an almost empty BRC with other stuff from the kitchen so I can clean more surfaces (mainly top of microwave and windowsill!)

But first possibly a sofa nap 🧐🤣

I’m also very sleepy Sing.

I can relate to things becoming invisible when they are in plain sight Wassail. Hiding in your BuJo sounds like a plan.

Bean you’ve done loads!

Drinking coffee is an important ta da Hazel.

We’ve done nothing exciting today at all. DD1 went out with my Dad for a bit bit otherwise we’ve had a crafting and TV day.

TaDas:
✅ 20 minutes ironing
✅ budgeting
✅ sorted some baby clothes to sell
✅ hoovered the living room rug. It was pretty vile.
✅ quick tidy upstairs and down

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-28/ - tomorrow's Babystep is about pacing yourself.

Home bleurgh/clean hour www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0&d=1

I'm still catching up with February so I think I'll hop on at zone 1 this week. It's Pancake Tuesday this Tuesday 😋 and I'm making Buckwheat pancakes. My aim for Lent is to stop procrastinating and forgo sweet treats.

Ok, I think I have some semblance of a routine. Only took 5 months of being back at work to figure it out. I will have to modify the fly lady system as it doesn't really work anymore with daily tasks, please don't kick me off the thread 😳 My new and improved routine:

Daily: made beds, load/unload the dishwasher, quick tidy toys in living room.
Home bleugh 1: done by a cleaner mid week. Including usual
hoover/mop/dust/bathrooms/kitchen/bins
Home bleugh 2: done by me on a Sunday. Includes hoover downstairs/mop/zone work for that week/S&S bathrooms/bins.
Laundry: every other day

That way floors get sorted twice a week, bathrooms get a weekly proper clean and a quick once over in between, and other bits gets done. I naturally settled into it, so hoping I will be able to stick with it.

Wassail I agree the world is too awful at the moment. I've decided this year I'm only going to focus on my home, garden and family. Life has somehow gotten to be far too complicated.

Thanks for the pancake reminder Bean

Good quote Sing, I need to remember that on the days I'm failing in my housework duties.

I think I went into hibernation for a bit this winter Still. Constantly sleepy since about Christmas. I'm picking up with the lighter evenings though.

Had a good day in the garden, soaking up some sunlight and birdsong. A bit of decluttering. Everything done that needs to be done and in line for a much needed early night.

Bean I actually remembered pancake day and plan to make some for dessert Tuesday, not that I can eat any!

MC we wouldn't throw you off the thread! We've all modified Flylady in one way or another and would have to leave with you!

Ta Das:
🦥 taxes
🦥 meal planning
🦥 grocery pick-up order placed
🦥 makeup on
🦥 hair somewhat done
🦥 budget planner updated

Still need to get dressed (after 2pm here) 🤦‍♀️

Up I can't believe baby Up is big enough to have outgrown clothes already 😳
Sing well done on getting your PO3 done
Mc of course you won't get thrown off the thread, we're all about making systems work for you. If not, I would have been kicked off months ago 😆
Wild it sounds like you had a great day