Festive Fledglings are Flying into December

[EspeciallyD]

Welcome, everyone!

Here is the December 2022 Flylady thread. We use her system to get on top of our housekeeping and our lives and families and, mostly, it works. By all means have a look at her website - www.flylady.net/ but don't sign up for the emails if you value your sanity, she sends hundreds!

The system is very straightforward. Starting one thing at at time, you build up morning and evening routines to keep things on an even keel daily. Then you add a weekly structure to get various jobs done:
Monday - quick whizz round the house cleaning
Tuesday - planning day
Wednesday - anti-procrastination day
Thursday - errand day
Friday - clean out your car and handbag / date night
Saturday - family fun day
Sunday - renew your spirit
Then, through the month you have a weekly cleaning focus Zone so the whole house is mostly cleaned every month.

It can look overwhelming if you've never tried ot before (and even if you are 19 years in like me have), so go slowly, do what you can.

Two important things to remember are:

you are never behind. Just jump in where you are and do something
you can't clean clutter, so if you need to run round with a binnag once a day for the first week / month / year then it's ok to do that.

I'll be posting links to the Launch Pad every day, which you can click on to find basic tasks, Zone cleaning, daily focus etc.

There's also a Flylady app if you like ticking things off on your phone.

Although this is a long running thread with many regular posters, all are welcome, if you are curious about the Flylady system or just fancy joining in the chit chat while you go about your daily life please join in, also ask if you don’t understand anything.

I've been following the thread somewhat, but not recent enough to comment, sorry!
I have had a couple productive days, including getting some truffle orders finished and delivered, yay!
I still have more to make, but my focus first is our Christmas party! It's Saturday 😱
We had quiet moments at work today so spent some time figuring out what foods to do, mainly finger foods.
After work I stopped by the store, picked up some soup, tissues and cold medicine for DD, she's sick again and not sure what it is. She has been on and off sick for the past 2 months, it seems.
She stopped by the house and picked them up, chatted for a few minutes since we haven't seen her since last week.
I cooked dinner (chicken fajitas/ fajita bowl for me)
I wrapped 2 gifts up, both secret Santa's at each of my jobs. Of course I had a glass of Bailey's while wrapping, although DH hogged the TV so no Christmas movie.
Today felt like Friday (it's still Thursday here), this week feels so long, I'm ready for my long 4 day weekend!

Ooh exciting times ahead with the party hazel sorry DD is sick again though, poor thing.

I am feeling a little under the weather myself today and hoping it won’t develop into a cold. DH is out helping to cook a Christmas dinner for a large group of isolated elderly people. He was a chef for many years so it’s not as daunting for him as it would be for me!

I have been hanging out with Cagletini doing a jigsaw etc but I really really must do stuff now! I’ve just printed off some bits for a task I need* to do for uni. Just put the TV on for her (Superworm anyone? 🪱) so I can get a few bits done.

*Well, nothing except the actual assignments are compulsory on this course, but the forum posts we use for these “collaborative activities” only stay open for a short time and I don’t want to miss out! So I’m skipping ahead as I am REALLY behind on the course - starting this at the same time as increasing my hours in a new role was not the best plan but oh well. Luckily the next assignment is on content I have already covered so once I’ve sent it off (early - it’s due 3/1/23) I will go back and catch up over the holidays.

po3.1
❗️Collaborative activity (marking sample essays, justifying it etc… fun times)
❗️Work out what urgently needs doing today (last working day) write a list, and do it
❗️Make a decision about going out (garden centre/pet shop then town)

Ooops, I did it again

Today's link late again. www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0

Friday is declutter your handbag and car day, also our mission is a quick declutter of either bathroom or another cluttered room

Don’t worry ED December is just crazy all round! We appreciate you running the thread ✨💚

I have had a lovely relaxing morning while DH took Cagletini to dance club. I’ve just been listening to an audiobook and also played the piano for a little bit, it really is nicer having it in my room as DS has the telly to himself downstairs and I don’t need headphones. Hopefully will play again later as I ordered a jazzy Christmas songbook!

Yesterday I did manage to get to the garden centre/pet shop, and then went to town after, but that’s where it went to heck a bit as Cagletini was tired and overwhelmed. Even a Greggs sausage roll didn’t cheer her up 🤣 so DH met us once he’d finished his volunteering (it was around 50 isolated elderly people and veterans he helped cook for 💚) and took her home. I stayed on with DS and met a home ed friend so the boys could have a bit of time together, as could us mums.

I managed to get the uni task and my urgent work stuff done yesterday. I still have a couple of hours’ worth of work to do though I reckon - nothing with other people (actually must put my out of office on!) but just going through my task list, calendar etc and making sure I’ve got a clear plan for January 3rd. I’m not doing that (or studying) today though - first day of the holidays and I am enjoying not doing anything!!! I should possibly do some pre Christmas tidying TBH but I may not even get to that. Still a bit tickly-throatish and very tired so maybe I’ll put the electric blanket back on and read for a while.

Sounds lovely yesterday Perry. You sound fairly on top of things.Just chipping away each day will help get ahead for January.

Hazel that reminds me I was going to make truffles and fudge this year.Hope I find time.

ED don't worry you are busy and if anyone is desperate😷(cough, cough) they can scroll back. Not many here anyway but might be a few more reading along.

Hills hope you aren't buried under piles of paper.

I have been reading along but not able to stay logged in means lost posts or not even getting that far as refreshing. Aargh.On main computer as DH gone for a doze so seized and opportunity.

Had a busy week. Trying to get caught up in the house but failing.A bit more help wouldn't go amiss. Things been going wrong so plans get shelved but have achieved Icing a cake for friend of a friend and she is delighted because I stuck a few trees and snowflakes on it.Baked three more cakes.Women's Weekly(Australian) Golden Christmas Cake and it needs baking just before as isn't dark so doesn't keep as long and doesn't have alcohol. I just have one more to do and mince pies and shortbread to make.One lot of chutney done and hoping to make another.

Been to market x2 and picking up and taking to church boxes. Received a great amount from a small school ad the children were so enthusiastic.Pity they don't have a vacancy one day a week as I would be tempted. Headteacher is lovely.
Received some bags of beautiful knitting from a lady a bit older than me and parents of a girl with disabilities who happens to love knitting and has made some gorgeous scarves and a baby blanket.Just shows everyone can do something well.

Packing on Monday and it is going Monday night.

Went out for last Christmas dinner with ladies from church. Delicious and Secret Santa was a hoot.
Tree up. window painted. Lanterns made. Christmas cards still to do a few and then I think I will just write the rest. panicked whether I had sent DDs but think I have.
DS1 present is an experience. DS2 we are going to purchase crockery but DH hasn't mentioned it yet despite seeing him 3 x. He didn't want to do the experience. DS3 present ordered from Kenwood. Hope he likes it.I should have bought it when I saw it in JLewis. Says it will be here by Tuesday. DD bought at Farmer's Market. Need to get her partner something. Might buy Nordic socks for when they eventually get home.

Bathroom clean apart from shelves and floor.DH broke the mop! On the kitchen floor so it will be cloth and bucket.

Weather looks like snow but rained today after lots of very, very cold days and nights. Days down to -8 and nights who knows but -6 and -9 before going to bed. Looked like a Christmas Card so I went out with the camera on Tuesday and took lots of photos for next years x card.
Couldn't get warm after the market. No heating and i am not going back in January. Will pack one day a week and knit and crochet. Might be going to teach English. For free. Not sure yet as Head is off sick. He asked me in November.

Sorry long post but you get all the news in one nowadays😂Happy Holidays in case I can't get back on. Off to see DS@ now as he is ill( he is never ill) and GP still hasn't seen him. Oh and DS1 last night as he had a leak in outside toilet. Burst pipe. DH sent over the thing to turn off water and ended up needing to go over at 10pm as we couldn't get it turned off. He now has no water until Monday but DS3 is 5 minutes away so he can shower there and he has independent stoves. Cheeery bye.

Well having had a very relaxing day I’m now a bit bored and restless 🤣

po3.1
❗️Sort Xmas wrapping paper box as all the new rolls arrived
❗️Wrap some presents with Cagletini as she’s desperate to help
❗️Tidy the mostly empty decorations boxes, remove anything if broken etc and add bubble wrap to make packing easier after Xmas

Afternoon all, after a hectic week it has been a more relaxed day today. Had a little lie-in then got up and dressed and went to Sainsburys with DS (I fetched him home from uni on Thursday) for the last big shop before Christmas, we have a milkman and the meat comes with the veg box on Christmas Eve. Unpacked it all, pottered about a bit and then went into town with DH, had a late lunch in a new cafe, bought a few bits and bobs and have just got back.

We got our tree yesterday (had to wait for DS to get home) and put the lights and tinsel on last night, I am going to stick some Christmas music on and do the baubles next. Then it’s going to be Strictly with a little glass of something for the evening’s entertainment.

The temperature has risen dramatically here this afternoon to +3C (it was -3 this morning)and all the frost has finally melted. It has been beautiful but I am glad it’s warmer now.

I managed to wrap more presents last night. I have 4 more left to wrap, other than the presents due to arrive this week! I'm never on top of presents like this! I do want to buy one or two more things, but that's it!
Today is the party! Everything I'll be doing today will be in preparation for that.
I do need to buy the food for it and get that ready, as well as deep cleaning the bathrooms. DS did the home bleugh for me yesterday, apart from changing sheets, as normal.
I will need to grab a box and use it to clear surfaces. There's a lot around the house that's set down and forgotten about to the point of not seeing it anymore! 😕 so I will be boat with that while I put things away where they belong.

Red you've been busy! I hope the leak at DS1's place can be fixed soon. Water can be so damaging!
Perry taking a short break is a good idea. Just don't do what I do - procrastinate until the night before!

Right, best go grab my list so I can write what I need to get from the grocery store while I finish my 2nd cup of coffee.
🍒👋 to everyone, hopefully I'll get back on here soon with some ta das

ED that sounds like a nice relaxing rest of your day! It's due to warm up a bit here too, although it is nice to have a white Christmas, it doesn't look like we'll have one this year 😪

In the end I didn’t sort the wrapping paper or decoration boxes - I just wrapped a few presents with Cagletini. Then I met a friend in town for a wander round the shops (followed by bubble tea) as she was stuck for presents inspiration! I didn’t buy anything myself although did spot a few potential stocking fillers. I suspect I have overbought for stockings already though!

Really hope the party is a success hazel and that you have loads of fun!

Sunday will be a quiet day for me I think, DH has yet another voluntary thing although not sure how much time it’ll take. I’ll get some more presents wrapped and hopefully get the house a bit nicer as we have friends round on Monday, but my feet are absolutely killing after today, so I’m not really sure what I’ll manage.

Perry a few hours in town with a friend sounds really nice. I've never had bubble tea, it sounds really fancy!
The party was a success, everyone had a great time. I didn't make everything from scratch so it was less stressful than usual. Shopping for the things we needed took a lot longer than I was planning on, and we washed the Jeep while we were out as it was really bad. So I really didn't get started on food until after 2:30pm.
I did bleach both bathrooms before people showed up and cleared some surfaces.

DH helped me clean up and we discussed New Year's Eve, and the fact we will invite a handful of people over, but otherwise keep it quieter. Some of the kids who were here tonight were just a bit much!
It was Dobby's first experience with a house full of people - he was NOT impressed! Coco was okay with them, other than the kids getting rowdy. It's just not what we're used to!
I'm finishing the last of the the apple cider margarita I made for tonight, relaxing on the couch before bed.

Glad you had a great party hazel 🤩 bubble tea is available in many places round here now so the novelty has worn off a bit for me, but lots of different flavours to try still. Personally I would’ve gone for a hot chocolate last night but DD1 joined us and I was outvoted and too tired to go anywhere else 🤣

Thankfully DH is not volunteering today after all, as I woke up with a really sore throat. Then went back to sleep and had a good lie in, still can’t talk but at least I’ve had more sleep!

He will be going into town to collect his meds and I’ll send him a list of other bits and pieces (not got a tesco delivery till Tuesday)

Perry from looking it up, I would probably prefer hot chocolate too!

It ended up being a late night, I fell asleep on the couch, woke up at 1am, didn't fall back to sleep again until 2am.
I do need to vacuum and just do a general tidy up today. I also have laundry to do.
Most importantly though, I have to make more of my candy to finish orders. Once I've finished my orders I will be able to see what I have left for my gifts and make more accordingly!
Hopefully I'll be back with some ta das later

Just to let you know i am still alive.

Today has gone thus:
Sleep badly
deal with drama
get covid shot
feel like shit
Have ds supervise me sorting food as it involved cooking
check car lights ready for tomo's MOT
nap
about to cook tea whilst still feeling like death.
Figure out when ds wanted the lift to see his friends.

Hi @HillsBesideTheSea sorry you are feeling so rough. Fingers crossed for the MOT.

@HazelNuttyElf glad the party went well, we are never brave enough and don’t really have enough space.

@CurseYouPerryThePlatypus hope your throat has eased. I saw DIY bubble tea packs on sale somewhere the other day, I think it was one of the eye-wateringly expensive shops in the town where I work though, I went window shopping on Friday.

@Redsquirrel5 hope DS2 makes a speedy recovery. Your cake sounds lovely. I am toying with making a Nigella Yule log this year as I haven’t made a fruit cake.

Well, I have finished putting up the decorations, sorted those we aren’t using this year and put a box of ones we never use on FB for free. Done lots of laundry including our two heated throws, I was somewhat horrified as to how much lighter in colour they were post-wash . Also taxiied DS to and from work as it was chucking it down and done another quick supermarket trip for something I forgot yesterday. Oh and watched some football. Dinner shortly (lasagne) then off to the pub quiz.

ED I don't know if we are brave or stupid! We do enjoy hosting, but it's a bit much when kids are unruly. We're just not used to it.
hills sorry to hear you are unwell and still have a lot to do!

Ta Das:
🎄 vacuumed main floor and stairs
🎄 mopped hard floors
🎄 2nd LOL in washer
🎄 cleaned bedside tables in master bedroom
🎄 wiped down some walls from said unruly kids

I'm trying to drink plenty of water today. I didn't drink enough yesterday and my head started to hurt by the afternoon. I will get some caramels made after lunch and possibly finish wrapping presents (that are here anyway).

Morning all,

Well, what a change in the weather, hammering it down here and windy, but very mild. A good day to stay indoors if you can.

Today's flight plan www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0

We are moving into the master bedroom and the mission for today is a 27 fling boogie, a rather twee-tastic term for getting rid of any rubbish that's lying around in there, empty packets, socks with holes in, whatever.

Monday is weekly home blessing hours, so we are also supposed to be dusting, emptying the wastepaper bins, changing the sheets and vacuuming.

I think I need to do a million-thing boogie TBH 🤣

DH is leaving for the dentist soon. Later I’m going to a friend’s with DS which will be nice 😊

po3.1
❗️Shower and change into something warm
❗️Decide on some games/puzzles to take to friend’s (and while I’m in our room see if I can find some wool for a craft)
❗️Wrap some presents with Cagletini helping

Hmmm, actually I really need to change Cagbunny’s litter tray and give her some fresh water and greens. And make sure DS also has a shower and gets in to <horror of horrors> clean clothes 🙄🤣

YesTaDas:
🍬 made some caramels
🍬 washed a total of 4 LOLs
🍬 took a nap
🍬 watched a Christmas movie with DH & DS
🍬 rotated DW
🍬 handwashed dishes

To Dos:
🐧 start putting orders together
🐧 make Oreo truffles
🐧 go to the store to get more chocolate coating
🐧 make more caramels & Cashew clusters
🐧 wash blankets from couches
🐧 wrap some presents (I didn't wrap any yesterday)
🐧 video chat with mum

I may even try to deliver some orders, but if not I have tomorrow still.
Then I'll have more truffles and candy to make for my gifts!
I did the home bleugh yesterday, but I really should do S&S in both bathrooms and clean the mirrors.
I still need to take DS shopping as well so he can pick out his gifts.

The don't wannas are strong here.

Spent the morning planning, goal setting, year reviewing etc.
Then did a stupid thing and popped up to the big shopping centre in the City - OMFG the traffic and bat shit drivers
Since getting back i have sorted tea and warmed up.

There is a huge amount that needs to be done. But feeling more human now i have eaten tea and warmed up. I really do need to check the heating settings. It seems more than a little off.

Morning all, I’ve got the day off today so lists need to be made. Yesterday was quite productive in the end:

Tada!

🎄Work
🎄Clean bathroom with DS’s help
🎄Two loads of laundry
🎄27 fling boogie all around the house
🎄waste paper bins emptied
🎄de-pooped litter trays (need a total clean out this week)
🎄online yoga class
🎄ate dinner cooked by DS
🎄sorted and put away clean laundry
🎄sorted out my bra drawer and chucked out half a dozen old ones

Today’s list will include writing local cards and delivering, pick up click and collect in town, lunch with friends, doing my nails, clearing the dining table of clutter and taking DS to the orthodontist.

The Flight Plan for the day is here www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0

Tuesday is planning day and our mission is to declutter costume jewellery, scarves, belts etc. I don’t have much of any of this so might have to do something else.

Weds - Anti-procrastination day

Link www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0

Today’s mission is to get rid of anything that does not belong in your bedroom

That mission would take hours here 😳🤣 our room is the dumping ground for anything and everything.

In related news though I have decided this month that after years of basically just being here for the chat/support I am REALLY going to have to make more of an effort to actually do Flying next year. Coupled with more of a routine for study (which I am still waaaay behind on 😫) and work, it should help family life be a bit more proactive and less reactive!

I think the main aspect that would help me is the missions as they are usually things we just don’t get round to. I do sometimes follow the daily focus but we are gradually building up our own list for that. For example we’ve agreed on Fridge and Filter Friday where we will spot check the fridge for anything to chuck or wipe up, and do the fiddly cleaning of the WM/TD/DW.

I am currently sitting in bed with a flannel on my eye as it’s sore again for some reason. Psychiatrist calling at 11, I think this is for my annual ADHD review. Glad it’s been moved to phone call so I’m not trekking across town in the cold, and I am also glad it’s a different psychiatrist because the first one’s knowledge of ADHD was entirely built on male stereotypes. 🤔🙄

Really hoping my eye feels better soon so I can get on with stuff.

po3.1
❗️Listen to audiobook for a while as I want to finish everything I’m reading/listening to by December 31st (arbitrary rule, I realise!)
❗️Clean electric toothbrush handles and swap heads (on them, not me, although…)
❗️Try and get DD1 up and sorting the rest of her clothes to declutter

Yeah totally ignoring that mission right now. We have open house on friday. Which means everything downstairs needs to be immaculate fuck, fuck, fuckety, fuck

ta da
crap ton of washing up. - all the stuff that was covered in fibre glass that i was slowly working my way through, all the baking stuff, all the storage tubs that apparently no one but me thinks to give a wash if they are looking a smidge mucky, all the biscuits tins so can hold said baking
discover the sideboard
clean sideboard and put on christmas runner
put already made baking in its tupperware onto the side board.
discover dinning table
extend to full length
put on a smart table cloth
move sewing machine and computer that needs dealing with to be shipped off for recycling onto the far end
put smart looking christmas table ornement onto table to give illusion of giving fuck
ditto re other christmas decorations around the ceiling
mutter about the spider web that was missed when i cleaned that earlier
move furniture in the gaming dungeon
put childrens books away on the bottom shelf
remove the dead plant from the book shelf
hoover the dining room chairs as they are uncovered
hoover and clean under the table and chairs as possible
provide tea
swear under breathe about bank who have stupid ideas that will take time i dont have tomo
drink enough fluids to drown a fish
wash car blankets
puts training stuff back into car
put heel into sock and mark split stitch for repairing later (other side of heel and too far back to drop down to fix I am not ripping out half a sock
finish cleaning the shelves for the fridge
gather the food shopping from where it has been dropped all over the downstairs and start putting away
put away cookie cutters that will not be needed in the milk free round of baking that needs to happen
mutter dark dark words about people who put the kitchen roll in the bath room
deal with laundry on radiators
make birthday cake for friday - needs a day for the icing to set as will get royal icing
figure out which bins go out and make sure all stuffs which can go out does
Put butter in bowl in top oven to use heat from finished cake in bottom oven to melt soften the butter.
white wash

Currently in full swing of tidying and cleaning. Seriously over caffienated, which is fine because the to do list is seriously out of control. I need to figure out how to make the microwave accessible tomo, and removed to a different space for friday. But microwave location on friday can be tomo me's problem. People just need to be able to get breakfast because hangry is a thing in this house.