Fledgling Flyers - Mad as March Hares

[MiniMarmite]

Welcome to the spring(ish) edition of the fledgling flyers.

Some of us will be flapping falteringly and others flying faultlessly towards making our homes look perennially spring cleaned!

Here you can do any of the following:

• repeat or start baby steps (again!)

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering

This is what it's all about - Babysteps each day to try to get some order back into our home with LOADS of support from our regulars.

So join in! We start this thread on March 1st, but you are welcome to dive in at any point in the month.

Hop along to reserve your place...

I'll have tea and cake please, optimisticmumma. (I'm not normally one to turn down wine, but I need to work this evening.) The virtual roaring fire sounds good too - we had yet more snow here this afternoon.

Sorry to hear that a few of you haven't had the best of days; I hope things are looking up for everyone tomorrow.

I haven't even done my babysteps yet - today has been a bit of a disaster flying-wise, and about all I've managed to do is get the the DC to pick out their clothes for tomorrow. Flying tends to fall by the wayside as soon as I have some work to do, which I really need to do something about. Although it's great to have the flexibility of working from home, it also means I can never completely switch off from work. But I know that letting the house descend into chaos as soon as some work arrives isn't the way forward; taking 10 minutes to shine my sink, do an emergency tidy-up etc isn't really going to make any difference to my workload but would make me feel so much better psychologically. Just need to put the theory into practice now!

Shhh i am not here... I have been on review for my lack of planning ability last week. School pretty good as it is a section 5 after notice to improve. They had one 6 months ago and it was ok. First placement didnt have high enough expectations in the eyes of this one. They aim very high and have very high expectations. And it shows with the quality of the lessons. Hopefully now getting to point of behaviour and classroom management rather then lesson construction but knackered and have marking to finish. Choice between late night or early start. twas v early this mornining so might go v early again.

Keep smiling half way to easter.... EEEEEKK! half way to easter.

Evening All, you've all been busy today I see but it looks like it has been a bit stressful too so medicinal

all round to add to OM's much needed 'day survival pack' from earlier! Shiney sinks, daffodils and biscuits - definitely the way forward!

Welcome back MrsGok, climb back on! CP and D&V sounds like a bit of a challenge so pace yourself!

DWM - how was that dairy milk? Yummy I hope

TC loved the bit about DS holding out for an owl to come from hogwarts , not so keen on the bit about the mouse - hope that gets sorted soon!

SR I did love the image of your DD sliding around on the muddy floor and doing her music practice horizontally, she sounds very entertaining (although maybe less so if you are actually trying to get her on her way to school) !

PA - I think it is the entertaining bit that is key for me too. I always said to DH that I would love for people to be able to turn up on the doorstep and I'd be able to say "come in" and no-one would trip over a pile of washing in the hallway and then we would eat home made cake...ok it isn't like that very often but we're getting closer to it!

MissB how wonderful that you have just one cupboard to declutter in the kitchen - see, we told you you are FAB!

Oh SC, I just want to give you a big hug, that all sounds rather demoralising and poor DD, bronchitis is no fun at all. Sending lots of warm and well vibes your way x Thank you for posting re bodyclutter. I am managing to stay off the lard in a literal sense but DH is bringing a packet of biscuits back with him at my request .

Sounds like you have had a tough day too Ellie, get well soon x

Good idea to have a short list today aberita and well done on the tax return

Hey MrsD hope you had a good home blessing day and that your busy afternoon went smoothly

Swan78 you sound like you are really flying!

Rocking hope you are doing ok. Don't feel that you need to start your control journal just yet.

Hi DEM glad you could drop in, sounds like today went a bit better...hang on in there x

Waves to PMPY, Jas, QoD and anyone else I have missed.

Good morning everyone, happy Tuesday!

Today's babystep is to learn about decluttering a few minutes at a time by adding a 5 minute room rescue to your routine. Here are some tips about how to approach decluttering.

15 minute decluttering sessions and missions this week are in the current zone, the kitchen.

Have a good day everyone.

Evening all,

10 minutes in each of bathroom, bedrooms, front room, to include a middle of room only type hoovering of the entire house - sort of, only hoovered dwonstairs and only managed 1 bedroom, but never mind

Menu-planning/Sainsburys - done
Gym - done
Pre-school/School/ballet/Beavers run this afternoon - getting the hang of this now

Also sorted out some long overdue correspondence and hung new curtains in the front room. DD has been protesting vigorously at my plans to replace the old faded pink floral curtains with nice tasteful cream/leaf pattern ones - did she notice? No. Not even when she lifted one up to look out and see if it was dark yet.

DEM - shh, I ain't seen you.

MM - you're doing a brilliant job with the thread, thank you!

Aberita - hello, not sure if we've spoken yet, sounds like you've got the right idea, a little bit at a time makes a big difference. I've been here since November and am still not doing all the babysteps but my house is much improved and easier to maintain now.

MrsGok - welcome back, hope the lurgies clear up soon.

Waves to everyone else. See you all tomorrow.

Evening all. SC glad the day improved - sounds like you achieved loads and hopefully DD will be feeling better soon too....
OM offers of cake, fire, tea etc all gratefully received. It sounds as though lots of us have had 'those' days. Well, tomorrow is another one and hopefully better for all. Lots of supportive waving to all from me

minim thank you for all your links and lovely comments

I started well, but headache that threatened this am just got worse and worse so came home early and went to bed for an hour . Did the trick and although i feel a bit wiped out I managed to ferry DD2 round, get to church meeting and pop to supermarket. Routines all done but not a lot else; did the mission on Saturday so that will suffice! Now trying to get early(ish) bed.

Night night sleep tight etc to all

Good Morning everyone!
Didn't have laptop yesterday, apparently DH's work has first call on it as his is old and cranky and not up to the job
I haven't got time to catch up at the moment but will try later.
Still have a 'sick' boy at home though the spots are scabbing over nicely and he is sleeping through the night again thankfully. Back to pre-school on Wednesday I think. Now taking bets on when DD gets spotty!
Managed routines and a bit more yesterday, including an attempt at making Hot Cross Buns, in between many games of Twister and feel it will be more of the same today

So I will attempt:
Morning routine
School run with DS again - he will be like a puppy let off the lead so will probably spend most of the morning in the park
2 mins Hotspot
Hoover downstairs
Mission - good one this and I nearly did it last night
15 Mins sorting paperwork
Work - whilst DS is crashed out in front of video after run round park (fingers-crossed)
Newsletter for School Assoc.
Repair banners for School Assoc.
Afternoon routine
DD to/from Brownies
Evening routine
Bed by 10.30pm

Have a good day.

Morning!
Early ish start for me as off to Cambridge today - quite looking forward to it though!
So far I've done the following:
-morning routine
-towels in washing machine
-Moroccan quorn mince and chick pea stew made for tea later
-1 packed lunch (I get mine - hooray and it is at fancy college conference place so will be nice! )
-drink glass of water

So for later that leaves:
-swimming
-start on kitchen cupboard declutter
-and drink more throughout the day - am sure that's why I had a headache yesterday

and that might be it. Have realised that trying to do too much in the week doesn't work but as long as I keep doing a little bit I will get there.......

Have a good day everybody!

Morning all, thanks for the links MM

Still doing minimum at the moment. Need to get back on top of things and out of the mountain of washing up and washing.

morning routine
washing up
washing
15 hotspots

Again anything extra will be a bonus.

Hi all

Sorry I haven't been around the last few days. Had/having a chemical pregnancy and feeling a bit rubbish waiting for it all to be over

Wasn't rally trying because of work stress, but not preventing either iyswim. Probably for the best at the moment circumstances wise, but mentally I'm ready for another baby, so feel quite about it anyway.

Haven't caught up with the thread, but reasonable on top of flying (amazingly!). Hope you're all doing well, and a big general group wave

Sod it, I've got too much to do, I'm posting a list anyway!

Dishwasher
Washing
Throw out moldy veg and recycle box (this organic box scheme thingy is not going well)
Phone organic box scheme and cancel
Strip chicken and make stock
Paid work!
Pick up DD from parents
Supermarket
park or similar with DD for a run around

Good morning! Another short list today as I'm working again this morning. I finally feel like I'm making progress with the translation though, so no excuse today for not fitting in some flying!

Write out morning and evening routines
2 min hot spot
Put washing away
5 min room rescue
Mission
Before bed routine

I'll be spending most of the afternoon after the school/Kindergarten run ferrying the children round and DD1 has a friend over to play who won't be picked up until quite late, so I really need to get organised this morning.

Hello MrsDinky and thanks for the welcome, and waves to everyone else!

Just dropping by and noticed your post PMPY, I'm so sorry to hear your sad news . I still pop in to the MC threads from time to time and there's a lot of support there if you think that might help.

Take care of yourself xxx

PMPY sending good wishes, that's awfully sad - just do anything to make life easier.

I also agree Veg boxes can be wearing, specially when there are too many swedes. We've got today's and I haven't finished last week's . Perhaps try with it in Summer again.

Mini-Marmite how are you? In your round-up you forgot to mention (very unselfish) yourself?

The barometer is dropping, and there trouble ahead this week Dh away and ds2 party this weekend. Trying to think how best to prepare rather than let the gale hit the mainsail.
So in the next hour (not that it helps much need to

re-tidy kitchen (out all morning at Pizza workshop with dd's class)
piano
washing away
find some more invites for dd'sparty as old ones have to be rewritten (she can help me later)
what's for dinner, chicken gratin in cheese sauce with rice on side (mental note to buy cheese later)

then I need to take ds1 to physio, and possibly sneak visit to bank with him as it's same direction, but then he will object as he'll be late back

Afternoon all,

thought I was doing quite well thie morning, got washing on the line nice and early, all worktops wiped, general tidying, then DD's friend arrived to play at 10.30 which was nice but now they've gone (friend home and DD to pre-school) the house looks like a mini-tornado has hit. So, back to tidying later.

PMPY - sorry to hear your news [sympathy emoticon] have had three of these myself and remember how miserable it was.

Everybody's dinners sound nice, esp SR, cheese gratin, drool, this giving up cheese for Lent business is proving very tough! Kids are having leftover sausage and bean caserole, DH and I are having Chinese chicken and cashew nuts (from that programme Chinese Food made quickly or whatever it's called on Ch5) - highly recommend her cookery books, brilliant for a zero cheese diet.....

MrsD Can't remember what I gave up for Lent..oh dear I think it was shouting not been entirely successful with that one

yes cheese..most of the time it is omnipresent isn't it

Kitchen tidied
new blank invites (theydon'tmatch but who will know)found
now piano for 2 mins (just to stop myself panicking tomorrow)

Evening Ladies

Sorry to hear your news PMPY
I think I might have to go and buy that book MrsD. I gave up cheese for Lent last year, I hadn't really realised how much of the stuff I ate until then! This year I gave up 'brown tea', as DD calls it. I am allowed green tea though.

I have been working today, so have done very little around the house. Luckily I got everything done yesterday.
Not much on my list for this evening

Cook dinner doing
Help DD with homework doing
Put clothes on drying rack
Sweep floors downstairs
Dishes
Sink
Clothes laid out for tomorrow
Early night

Evening all,

ANother crazy day at work here. Am a little annoyed because I bought tickets for DH to see a comedian (Rhod Gilbert from Mock the Week) for xmas and then I am so busy that I have had to send him with his friend instead .

No time to check in with everybody but pmpy . Hope you are as ok as can be.

om after a truly crappy day your post yesterday made me smile. Thank you for the flowers .

Very little done today, no list worth posting though have managed to do a quick tidy-up downstairs, put some washing on, wash-up and order takeaway. Nose is now going firmly back to the grindstone.

Felt a bit fed-up with everyone this afternoon (I am really turning into a crabby mother)but managed to

cook stirfry (instead of chicken gratin)using up some of 1000s of veg in veg box
vaguely menu-plan and 4 day shop whilst taking ds to physio (didn't manage bank though)
he can do PE again so I will have tomorrow morning free for the first time in months, NOT to go swimming (lovely as swimming is - I NEED to sort out second son's party arrangements)
help in school this morning - feeling guilty about not being there much recently

music practice dcs x 2
homework x 3 (just a bit)
lay out clothes for tomorrow
shine sink
clear supper
snuggle up with dd before bed
sort out dirty laundry routine before 9pm

dh off on business tomorrow, so will have to fly harder

Evening Fledgings,

As it has been a very sad day for PMPY I'd like to skip the round up today. We're all thinking of you and we're here if you need us.

Night All x

Morning All

Wednesday's babystep is to do anything for 15 minutes - I think the caveat is that it should be related to flying ! This is a good way to get into the habit of using your timer for your decluttering sessions.

If you are already onto the decluttering, we are in Zone 2, the kitchen and today's mission is here.

Have a good day.

Evening. I know, it's late and I should be in bed but having caught up just wanted to send hugs and sympathy to pmpy. Make sure you take care of yourself.

Off to bed now - did the mission at the weekend as bought new tubs to keep things in! Cleared out my cupboard under the sink tonight and found all sorts of wonderful cleaning products, including one called -- you've guessed - 'shiny sink' . No excuses now!

See you all tomorrow.

Morning ladies.

PMPY I am very sorry to hear your news an dI wish you all the best.

Yesterday I managed
morning routine DONE
washing up X3 DONE
washing X3 DONE
15min hotspots 1xENSUITE 1XLANDING 1XSTAIRS 1XHALL

I also did the babystep and mission and managed to go to bed for 10.30

Today we are going with

morning routine
babystep
mission
washing up
washing
15 min hotspots
evening routine

Have a good day every one.

Morning everyone,

So sorry to hear your sad news pushmepullyou - and apologies for not saying anything earlier, but I must have been writing my last post when you posted so didn't see your post till much later. Thinking of you and sending lots of tea, sympathy and biscuits (or whatever else you'd like...), anyway.

It's a big day for DD2 today as it's school enrolment this afternoon. She's quite excited and already has her school bag - they have so much to cart around and it's about half the size that she is! It means I get a bit of extra time this morning too, as DD1's class is helping to prepare for the event so their English lesson has been cancelled this morning.

I'm not sure I'll get everything done on my list today (we have two piano lessons to fit in this afternoon as well), but I'm feeling a bit more optimistic than I was yesterday so here goes:

Morning routine doing
Washing
Mission
Babystep
15 min declutter in kitchen
Before bed routine

Hope everyone has a good day!

Good morning.

Off to work in a minute, having turned a load of washing round and done usual routines etc.

This evening:
-weightwatchers (as won't be here on Saturday morning and need to keep on track!)
-evening routines
-tackle DD1's bedroom and get it ready for the weekend
-get DD2 to do something in hers! She has got a driving lesson tonight - in the dark So feeling a bit anxious about that!)

Waves to all as she flaps off to work.....