tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post3592710217057122053..comments2023-11-05T04:23:41.143-08:00Comments on Further Up and Further In: Questioning SanitySusannah Forsheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00789037705502234165noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post-88827297162665464272009-07-28T14:39:37.275-07:002009-07-28T14:39:37.275-07:00I really appreciate the different takes on time ma...I really appreciate the different takes on time management/sanity. Laurie, in response to your advice, I realized I don't have *any* time standards when it comes to housework, and I know I need to work on that. I saw how the dishwasher first thing in the morning worked for your household, and I'm going to institute that in mine, even if it means washing a half-full dishwasher at night....got to draw some lines somewhere. <br /><br />Lisi, I know I have a tendency to OVER prioritize, or constantly re-prioritize based on whatever's happening so that I break away from tasks and end up in the middle of 5 with none of them done, because this was more important than that, and the other was more important than this. Just yesterday, Ben walked in the minute I turned on the vacuum. I realized what was about to happen: I was going to quit vacuuming, because HE was more important than clean floors, but then leave it out so I'd do it "later." Then, the entire time I spent with him would be nagged by the thought of an un-vacuumed living room full of grass clippings. So, instead, I said hello, and just took 2 minutes to finish up. It wasn't as long as I thought it would be, and I was happy about the clean carpet. I sat down carefree, and enjoyed the afternoon with him home!<br /><br />I know that just becoming more steady and working on focusing on one task at a time will help me through the day.<br /><br />I asked Ben how he felt about making some "house rules", too, to help eliminate some of the unnecessary tasks, like picking up shoes (him) and toys (Violet). He graciously agreed. Lovely man. :)Susannah Forsheyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00789037705502234165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post-34103090945830649432009-07-28T11:15:27.024-07:002009-07-28T11:15:27.024-07:00I had so much to say... I just emailed. But I love...I had so much to say... I just emailed. But I love what Lisi shared, about deciding what is a priority and what isn't. I have had to employ that one when it comes to having dinner amidst tons of toys lying around... and then being joyful enough to cheerfully clean up dinner's mess AND that one and give J some post-work chill time. :)Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15325492689515460829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post-79051350156038290142009-07-28T08:27:27.659-07:002009-07-28T08:27:27.659-07:00Sorry you had such an awful day, awful time lately...Sorry you had such an awful day, awful time lately!! Isn't life a doozy? You can be sure I'll say a prayer for you today. I have the same days...where nothing goes right. Either that, or I'm simply a total grump and can't fix my attitude. You are not alone!! Here's to looking UP :D If you'd like we can meet up in Tacoma sometime again. I know you're busy prepping though...I'm pretending you're not actually leaving soon...:)Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08759183232341630247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post-14936661877512549802009-07-28T02:34:12.572-07:002009-07-28T02:34:12.572-07:00Sweetheart, you are in EXCELLENT company:)
We all ...Sweetheart, you are in EXCELLENT company:)<br />We all have days, weeks, months, years like that! And the vicious cycle of stress about not getting stuff done leading to more stress and not getting more stuff done just makes everything SO much worse! And it's really not a discipline issue (though I think it's easy to target it as such!). I think a lot of it comes down to enslavement...that's a word I've been dwelling on a lot lately. If you become enslaved to your schedule, life becomes less joyful and more opressive. If you become enslaved to your mess, life becomes less productive and more depressive. There is a balance we all have to find. Some days, you just resign yourself to not getting much (or anything) done -- so that on other days, you can be amazing:) Some days, the child needs attention alllllll daaaaayyyy. Others, she's fine playing by herself. You're the mom, so you recognize her needs and do your best to meet them. I have days where I hear myself getting crazy (talking not-so-nice and yelling) -- then I know I have to take a time-out WITH Evie and sit and read a book or just rock and hug... usually that solves a LOT:) Hugs tend to do that! Sending you one now!!!Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12641734420055203960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post-89373401140054714882009-07-27T18:30:50.679-07:002009-07-27T18:30:50.679-07:00Love the quote, Hos!
Sue, you've just descri...Love the quote, Hos! <br /><br />Sue, you've just described the life of every mommy in this country! It's totally normal, and although this probably won't help (I know, 'cause I tell it to myself all the time, and it only helps about 50% of the time), you will MISS these days in 30 years when the house is empty of kids and you have more time on your hands than you know what to do with.<br /><br />I actually have some opposite advice from Laurie (well, sort of). I have to constantly re-prioritize my tasks. So, which is more important; clean carpet, or relaxed dinner together? If I spend 30 minutes outside in the wading pool with Judah instead of rushing around with household tasks, he's more likely to feel relaxed and settled and be able to play by himself while I cook dinner. So, we have a cluttery house, but i got to make dinner in peace! Priorities! <br /><br />And relax about <i>"themaid, picking up, cleaning up, fixing, cooking, and wiping"</i>--- in fifty years the only thing that any one will remember fondly about you is <i>"the Wife and Mom, loving, nurturing, teaching"</i><br /><br />And one more thing to (hopefully) encourage you-- when the second one comes, things get easier. Honestly! They entertain each other and depend somewhat on each other for comfort and reassurance.lislynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10226221709279544399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post-82440406821508777222009-07-27T16:52:25.760-07:002009-07-27T16:52:25.760-07:00Oh Susi, I know how that is; even without a child....Oh Susi, I know how that is; even without a child. Sometimes, I wonder out loud "why does the simplest thing have to be so difficult?!!!!"<br />Sometimes I just let some things slide just to take the pressure off of. <br />I think it is good to get some alone time, too. Just for an hour or so.... it does wonders for you sanity.<br />I recall something you wrote to me in a card once..... "Blessed are they that can laugh at themselves, for they will never cease to be amused."Hosannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08410674663475994132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8831164461333348108.post-18172673525432799722009-07-27T15:56:03.292-07:002009-07-27T15:56:03.292-07:00LOL - Susi, thanks for sharing! It's nice to ...LOL - Susi, thanks for sharing! It's nice to know that you're not perfect otherwise all of us other women/wives/mommies would feel terrible that we can't keep up with our errands/husbands/children/houses, etc. <br /><br />You've definitely still got it! Here's a little suggestion.... (I had to figure this one out to keep myself under control and attempt to help Matt keep up with stuff) You could make some hard and fast rules for yourself like.... Can't take Violet out of her room unless we both clean it up first, or can't eat breakfast until dishwasher is unloaded (that's my favorite!). Maybe don't leave the kitchen until it is clean, or if there is laundry to be done always have a load in the washing machine when you go to bed (that way it's easy to throw it in the dryer first thing in the morning). <br /><br />Ok, those are just some ideas. I definitely share the same frustration most of the time though. Especially now! Good luck!Matt and Laurie Beardsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02547447858791282784noreply@blogger.com