Simplifying Life

S

My last post wasn't very well thought out, and was basically a stream of consciousness.  That is pretty much how it's going to be for a little while.  I'm trying to figure out what I really want to accomplish, and how that fits in with the rest of the family.  

I know a few things that I want out of life.  I want things to be simple.  I want to be happy.  I want to have small adventures.  These seem like such simple statements, but each one will require a change in my own thinking and habits.  I'll start with wanting for things to be more simple:

I started my new year by focusing on my home.  I'm one of five people living there, and I feel like I do most of the housework.  Whether or not this is true, I can't' say - I've only my own viewpoint to look through.  FlyLady is helping me out a bit - she's all about starting habits and "blessing your home".  So, first order of business is getting me to look at housework a little differently.  I enjoy a clean home.  I love cooking in a clean kitchen.  How do I not get angry at all the messes?

Establish a few routines:

Morning routine:

1. Wipe off counters, sinks, and shower
2. Get dressed
3. Load of laundry into the wash (set on delay so by the time I come home it's ready for the dryer)
4. Water
5. Empty Dishwasher
6. Make bed (assuming everyone is out of it)
7. Make myself a cup of coffee and some breakfast

This is not done in any particular order.  It takes about 30 minutes (mostly because our coffee pot died and now I'm making an americano with our old espresso machine).

After work routine:

1. Start dinner (pressure cooker, leftovers, or oven meals are the BEST!)
2. Clean clothes into dryer

This is where I am trying to get the children responsible for more chores.  Right now it's 15 minutes cleaning your room (I check for the floor at least to be clean, and if we get that straightened out, will work on the dresser tops and *gasp* closet and drawers).  We're also starting with the bathroom – wiping down sinks and counters. Dinner takes 30 minutes usually, and the kids and set the table.  

After Dinner Routine:

1. Get the laundry and fold/put away 
2. Put dishes in the dishwasher (Family Chore - everyone is responsible for their own dishes)
3. Clean kitchen (Hand wash all dishes that need it, wipe off counters)
4. Pick out what to wear tomorrow

The Time Between

The week between Christmas and New Years has always been a bit of a challenge for me.  There is a feeling of gluttony – from all the presents and eating.  There is also a little bit of a “oh, I just need that one thing” feeling.  There are also gift cards and presents that I don’t really want/need that should be exchanged.  So many obligations!  This is the week to use those gift cards and exchange presents…but it’s been SO COLD I don’t want to go out to do ANYTHING!

We started New Year’s Eve sending off our exchange student back to her own home.  I’m grateful for the experience, delighted that my children were able to experience having someone they weren’t related to in their home.  I’m grateful for having my family introduced to another culture.  I am also saddened that my eldest is experiencing feeling loss at her leaving.  Watching children grow up is a crazy roller-coaster of ride sometimes.

The rest of the day was pretty laid back.  We hung out with family, had some champagne and dinner, and went home way before midnight.   We then lit a fire and just lay there, as a family, for a while.  It has been really cold, and not shivering was a great way to end the night. 

So, New Year is now here, and resolutions are in order…I suppose.  As a family, we’ve been on the simplifying journey for about 12 years or so.  It’s a struggle, and we adjust pretty often.  Sometimes life just gets non-simple on you.  So, what goals do I have this year?

1. Get the children responsible for 1 chore every day.  This is beyond clean up your room and be responsible for your stuff.  We are starting the young kids with the bathroom – sinks and counters.  I want them to establish some good habits.
2. Keeping the house presentable.  I’m using the FlyLady method.  This is also helping with goal #1.  Do  little bit every day, establish habits, and don’t stress. 
3. Health – I cook a lot.  I’m going to continue that.  I’ve not been as good at the consistent exercise routine.  I’m working on establishing that habit.  Walking, running, and biking are my preferred methods of exercise.  However, -10ᴼ F is not ideal for me to be outside for any extended period of time.  I’m working on finding alternative ways besides mall walking. 

That’s enough for now.  I am trying to further simplify my life.  I’ll try to document my hacks as I get to them, but I won’t go too much out of my way.  That wouldn’t be very simple.