A while back I wrote a blog post, I’d Rather Be Blogging Than , because there are so many things I would love to avoid doing, and blogging is a great way to put off those tasks. However, it doesn’t make for a very neat or organized home. It can make a hubby grumpy, kids grumble, and Momma grouch. And that definitely doesn’t make home a happy place to be. I don’t want that for my family, or my home.
I really enjoy blogging, and interacting with my online friends. However, I have learned that anything over two baskets of laundry waiting to be folded and put away is completely unacceptable anymore. It’s actually a bigger time waster and space robber than if I would just take a few minutes to fold them and put them away. How do I know this? I’ve timed myself. Marla Cilley, aka The Flylady, advocates using a timer set for 15 minutes. Well, I’ve done this with my laundry, and it takes a little less than 15 minutes to fold and put away two loads. Yes, two loads! And it makes life much easier, because you are not wasting your time pawing through baskets looking for a particular shirt, or for a pair of matching socks.
As some of my followers know, I am a FT working Mom(at least for now. I am planning on going PT very soon!). My days off are supposed to be spent taking care of the house, cooking, and helping the kids. But lately, all I’ve done is blog, comment, and tweet. And the house reflects it. And I don’t want things to be like that anymore. I want my husband to look forward to coming home, not dreading it because he may or may not have to do laundry or load and unload the dishwasher. So then I came up with what I consider the most important things that I have to get done.
So after I decided that I am going to make a list called “My Have To Get Done’s”, I took a look around at what is the most obvious. It is a list of 5 things that I must do even before I turn on the computer on my days off. And 3 of the 5 have to be done when I get home from work before I can allow myself to read and comment on other blogs. So without further ado, I give you my list:
- Make the beds! Or, if the sheets need to be washed, then I have to strip the beds and toss them in the washer.
- Swish and swipe the bathrooms. Again, it’s a Flylady principle, but one that makes the bathroom look and smell clean. It doesn’t take that long to clear stuff off the counters, and take a Lysol wipe and swipe the grime away. And, a quick swish with a toilet brush to the inside of the toilet, and the stains and crud are history.
- Unload the dishwasher(or reload it if it’s empty) and wipe down the counters. Again, it’s makes the house look much neater, and smell much better.
- Fold and put away 1 load of laundry. Or start a load if something is overflowing. It really doesn’t take that long.
- Check for bills that are due. This one is self-explanatory. Hubby is even more busy than me, so it’s much easier to see what’s due, and pay them!
I figure that if I can do those 5 things each day, then I will have plenty of time the rest of the day to blog, comment, tweet, and friend. So do you have things that you do everyday? A daily routine? What are your have to get dones? I would love it if you shared yours!
Twitter: shari_lynne
says:
I LOVE FLYLADY! I’ve using her techniques on and off for years..I figure some day they will stick LOL
You blog looks great!
Blessings
Twitter: MOLM2011
says:
Yeah, I have epically FAILED, thanks to moving my blog!
I really like this. Great info. I used to do
flylady years ago. Good reminder to get back
into it. Found you on Blogelina.
I really dislike washing the floors!
Tania @momandbabybeautiful recently posted..The Best Of Tuesday’s: Best Blog Post’s Of All Time
Laundry is my enemy – my husband goes through clothes like I go through water (thanks to his job), so I feel like I am constantly playing catch up.
Found you via @momandbabybeautiful’s Best Of Link Up – great blog! Looking forward to your posts!
Amanda K. recently posted..18 Weeks… time is flying!
I have no issues at all doing the laundry, however when it comes time to actually put it away I’ll do anything else.
Are you ready for the Flyers to beat the Penguins tonight?
Natalie recently posted..The Return of Zombie Mom
Twitter: MOLM2011
says:
@Natalie: I am trying really hard not to think about it
Twitter: K6art
says:
You are one impressive lady, balancing FT work with kids/blogging. You are inspiring me to be more disciplined with my online time – maybe I should set a timer for blogging.
Rina recently posted..‘Under the Sea’ Repouseé
Twitter: momsandmunchkin
says:
Great idea – I’m terrible for doing work around the house. My husband does most of the cleaning while I take care of our little one and do the majority of the cooking, bill paying and other household items.
Happy SITS Day!
Cheryl recently posted..Ideas For Streamers
Twitter: Secretsofamom
says:
Going to make a morning must do list…starting tomorrow since its already too late today!!
Tara @ secretsofamomaholic.com recently posted..You can take the girl out of Brooklyn
Twitter: fiercedivablog
says:
You are getting me on task today! Lately my blog has been taking over my life too – and the expense of laundry, getting bills paid on time, etc. Thanks for the fierce reminder that I need to schedule time for all responsibilities – even the ones I’d rather not have to attend to. happy SITS day!
Ilene recently posted..Welcome to My Midlife Crisis
I love the idea of having a few “have to”s. Sometimes I just get so overwhelmed with all there is to be done that I can’t seem to start. Tiny bites would help.
misssrobin recently posted..Noticing Progress
Twitter: anotherjenb
says:
I apparently need to check out Flylady. Maybe I can find some good tips. I fall into the same trap. I’d rather be blogging and commenting.
Happy SITS Day!
another jennifer recently posted..Most Popular Baby Names of 2011: Sophia and Jacob
Twitter: Luna
says:
My biggest distraction is WORK. I guess that’s common to most moms who work from home, like me. With the laundry, I’ve delegated that task to the laundry service just down our street!
Oops. You’re completely right.
Maggie S recently posted..If It Were That Simple; Everyone Would Do It
Twitter: Experbadmom
says:
I’ve got a weekly schedule. Thursdays are my daughter’s laundry, Friday’s my son’s, Sat is shopping, etc. I clean on an as-needed basis! But I’m always amazed at how I sit down to check an email and 20 minutes later I’m blurried eyed and confused after being sucked into the Twitter/Facebook/Blogosphere!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..Chicken, Licorice, Money, and Lollipops
Twitter: shinewithjl
says:
What a great list! I think I’ll borrow it! Making the beds, having clean counter tops and bathrooms, go a long way to making a happy home. Thanks!
Jennifer recently posted..Burlap Banner Tutorial | DIY
You just gave me the stiletto to the behind that I needed. Lately, I’ve been needing a refresher course in the Flylady principle and think it’s time to get back to putting those principles (and timers) into place
So happy I found you via SITS!!!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos recently posted..Secret Recipe Club: Sesame Ginger Chicken
Twitter: PardonMyPoppet
says:
Awesome list! I feel I blog too much with the house showing it too! Will have to put this into practice! Love the timer idea!
Warmest regards,
Joy
http://www.PardonMyPoppet.com
Twitter: homejobsbymom
says:
I don’t mind laundry too much but I agree putting up things is a pain. And I really hate vaccuming. I save that for the hubby.
krystle recently posted..7 on a Shoestring 10K Facebook Fans & 1 Year Blogiversary Giveaway
Your “Have to get done” list sounds like a great idea. It reminds me of one of my 8th grade teachers. She taught us to always do at least one ‘chore’ before allowing ourselves to do the ‘fun’ thing we wanted to do. Unfortunately, it’s hard to stick to that good advice.
Hannah P.S.