I usually write my blogs on Saturdays because it’s the only time I don’t immediately have another obligation once I’m freed up from routine caregiving. Today is beautiful outside-the sun is shining, the air is warm, no clouds on the horizon. I see a few bees buzzing around and there are daffodils peeking out of the stems that survived the late season snows we had this year. As I look around, I yearn to go outside and create hanging baskets of bright colored flowers and set out other flowers bordering my house but as I think of indulging myself in those activities, I look at the clock on my computer…it’s already 1:11 p.m. Lynn will be up from his nap soon and need to eat. I have clothes washing that will soon need to go into the dryer. I have “x” number of reports to write for work, this blog to get out today, and I need to put away several boxes of supplies that arrived this week before my grandson visits in the morning. I also wonder if I’ll have time to get to the library before it closes at 2 and I have a DVD to drop off (that is already on day five of late rentals). Oh well, maybe another day I’ll be able to get outside.
Unfortunately, that’s how most days go for me. I find it almost impossible to participate in the non-essential but normal routines of life. If it were not for the kindness of one of our friends, our yard would likely only get mowed once a summer when it absolutely had to be mowed in order for us to find the driveway. I don’t actually plant flowers anymore because live plants require watering, feeding, and other care. I don’t have time for that so I sit out artificial ones. Artificial plants may be tacky by some people’s standards, but for me, it makes the place look cheery so I don’t really care if it’s tacky.
Another normal I don’t have time for is cleaning the house. I wipe down space based on where I am when I have a fairly clean damp cloth. I don’t vacuum or dust and spring cleaning…forget about it! Fortunately, I have found someone who will clean my home for a price I can currently afford and she comes every other week. However, what she doesn’t touch; doesn’t get cleaned. I just don’t have time to deal with what is not essential so I clean to prevent food poisoning; not to make my home look good.
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“I clean to prevent food poisoning; not to make my home look good.” Sounds practical to me!
Sounds normal to wish we had time to spring clean & find there is NO time to remove dust bunnies that live on back of dressers, under bed skirts & those ones who find hiding spots we don’t see. U doing Great Job to keep ahead of stacked up stuff; U know the everyday things like laundry, dishes, turning couch cushions & etc…….Stand Tall
Thanks Sandra, I just keep plugging along.