Hand Washing

I’ve developed a new theory for washing dishes.  I used to think it was easier to do a large load of dishes at once.  The problem was the bigger the pile became, the more I avoided doing dishes.  I usually ended up needing to fill multiple sinks full of water to get the job done. 

I’m hand washing dishes when I have 3-4 dishes that need to be done.  I let a few items soak while I work on a different chore. I wash the dishes until they are done or the water gets dirty.   When the water is dirty, I wash off the first layer of dirt off the dirtiest pots and pans.  Then I save what are left of the dishes for another day.

The plan is nothing spectacular, but it’s happening.   I know I should wash dishes the moment they get dirty and wash all of them until they are done, but that is not happening at this point.  Babty steps.   Now I have to put all of these little tricks together to make a clean house. 

Home and Away

I’ve found that I like having a day at home and a day away. Yesterday, I had a day of organizing and laundry. I did not have an agenda. I did not accomplish everything, but I made a good start.

Today I’m hoping for a day of shopping and groceries and out and about. Had I thought about it, I would have picked the rainy day to be out and about. Luckily I am washable.

Here is what I’m hoping to get (in no particular order):

• birthday presents  ( At least a start for 2 presents I needed to buy–one is done)
• groceries
• book for book club
• trip supplies
• crafts
• batteries
• plastic totes
• school supplies (not done, but a dent)
• sports bra    (Found the one I wanted on sale—bought 3)
• Whatever else falls in the cart   (movie for tonight)

Update:

Errands went well.   I will make the last few stops later in the weekend.  Nice day out about.  Now to pick up the children.

About the kids

I have decided that today is all about the kids. Playing with them and getting them involved in activities. I am still doing the basics on house work and spending time on my own, but the main focus is engaging with them.

Since last night, we have . . . .

• made strawberries sundaes
• went to the splash pad  (me too)
• played a phonics and letter game
• played with indoor snow
• had lunch outside

Nothing horribly fancy, just simple joys.  It’s nice to have a focus and get to other stuff as time allows.  The other part that is nice is that I have learned that I can’t completely take off from housework.  I make my life harder later if I avoid dishes and laundry and basic cleaning for another day.  I snuck in the dishes before going to the splash pad and am on my way to put in a load of laundry.

Have a great day!

Clean Car!

My car is clean. Not just free from toys and books for work. Free from dirt and grim and spills. It looks so much better.

This chore was not on my list of things to do, but my husband suggested it. I’m so glad we did it.

Kitchen

Last night I tackled the kitchen.  Washed dishes and tidied the counter. Emptied and loaded the dishwasher.  It looks much better.  Now to maintain it. 

Below are my long term goals for my kitchen:

• Sort through cups (get rid of broken and old cups)
• Find a way to organize coffee and water bottles
• Reduce/organize storage containers
• Consistently organize and file mail
• Develop a schedule/routine to clean fridge, microwave, etc

Today is a cleaning and grocery day.  Off to visit with the kids and drink some coffee.