Fighting Fibro with the Flylady

I've had a long-term, on again-off again relationship with the Flylady. This relationship predates my Fibromyalgia. But now that I've come to accept that Fibro is a permanent part of my life, I'm beginning to fully appreciate the life management system offered by the Flylady.

Have you heard of her? Have you tried it? The basic premise is that you can do anything for 15 minutes, including things you'd rather not do. Like housework, for instance. Check out her website for details on how to reclaim your life from CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). I know when I'm in the midst of a flare, it is very easy to feel bad about what I can't do to maintain my home. Setting a timer for 15 minutes and tackling a room always makes me feel better about myself, which in turn helps me feel better in general.

I've been rereading Sink Reflections with a few buddies on Twitter. After finishing the first chapter, I've decided to focus on:

• Clean counters: these make my small kitchen feel bigger. And organized.
• BBR (Before Bed Routine): This includes getting my gym bag ready, as well as preparing breakfast/lunch/snacks. This usually happens as soon as I get home from work so it is finished before I exhaust all my energy for the evening. When this is done, I can get out the door and have time for a good workout before getting to school.
• Going to bed at a decent hour: Ha! Going to bed at a decent hour sometimes means staying awake until AFTER I put Turtle to bed. The trick is to stay in bed (asleep) until my alarm goes off the next morning. Exercise helps me sleep through the night. But, in order to have enough time to exercise, I need to have completed my BBR (see point above).
• Doing something everyday that helps me feel special: This is a tough one! Right now, I make sure to indulge with my Body Shop Satsuma Body Oil with my post-workout shower. I've also unearthed my Satsuma Parfum Oil. I can't help but smile when I get a whiff of that orangey goodness!

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Crazy weekend

What kind of shenanigans were you up to this weekend?

Inspired by Ms. Caboo, I cleaned my living room ceiling fan. Then, I swept my ceiling and my walls. Yup. I'm crazy like that.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

I kid you not, my living room feels bigger now that I've finished that task! I'm considering it the first task completed in getting my home ready for the holidays.

Do you have heavily textured walls and ceilings that require the occasional sweep?

Flybaby's Day Before Christmas

Sorry, but I just can't resist subjecting you to another round of..........

A Flybaby's Day Before Christmas

Twas the day before Christmas
And all through the home
All surfaces were gleaming
From hardwood to chrome.
I remember how dreadful it was last year,
Before I learned habits, CHAOS lived here.

The stockings were hung in early December with care
Knowing that FLYLADY presents soon would be there
The children were off all making their beds
While visions of feather dusters danced in their heads.
And me with my tea had just Royal Ragged the last tap
Decided I would be pampered with a well-deserved nap.

When out on the porch there arose such a clatter
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the clean window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutter and threw up the sash.

The sun on the breast of the freshly shoveled snow
Gave a luster of paradise to the objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature cooper decorated with reindeer.
With a little old driver so lively and aware
I knew in a moment it was Great Aunty Adair!

More rapid than timers my children I found
And handed out duties to all around
Now Janey,you swish and Tommy, you swipe,
Petey, you dust then the counters you'll wipe!
Jenny will sweep the stairs and the front hall,
Max will finally put away his football!
You've got your orders no need to stall -
Now Declutter Away, Declutter Away, Declutter Away ALL!

As luck would have it, my weekly home blessing was done
But I wasn't expecting to entertain anyone.
A quick crisis clean was all we could do
But the routines we had made would pull us through.
And then in a instant I heard the front bell
And the familiar voice of my Great Aunty yell.
As I opened the door and turned around,
In come Great Aunty with a leap and a bound.

She was dressed in all purple, with lace-on shoes to boot,
And her clothes were all pressed, a lovely new suit
She seemed quite surprised we let her in the front door
For CHAOS had kept her from visiting before.
Her eyes searched for clutter, but none did she find
She was welcome to look for I did not mind.
A gleam in her eye and a twist of her head,
But my kids had done well, there was nothing to dread.

She spoke not a word but looked high and low,
Nary a speck of dust found on any objects, you know.
Laying a clean finger aside of her nose,
She gave me a nod and produced a red rose.
I sprang to the door, to my kids gave a shout
They all rushed right in for they loved having Aunty about.
And I heard Aunty exclaim with great Holiday cheer
I can see that you all follow the Flylady here!

Many thanks to @flybabymoni who was a wonderful collaborator in this Work of Classical Poetry - I know I couldn't have done it without ya, babe :D


BTW, If I had an Aunty Adair, it would take a bit more than a few minutes' crisis cleaning to get her thru my door right now  :-P







And a picture just because I think DianeDenmark will get a kick out of this,






Tivoli Gardens During Christmas Season at Night