GRATEFUL
“Make yourself at home”
My sister-in-law has a little magnet on the extra refrigerator in her laundry room that says “make yourself at home.” (I tried to grab a quick picture of it on Thanksgiving Day, but the picture turned out blurry, so no visuals — just trust me!)..
The reason I took that picture, though, was because that’s exactly how she makes us all feel. (And be assured this was a micro-gathering — two married couples — plenty of social distancing.)
I’ve been really struggling with my lack of domestic capabilities recently.
It’s a little difficult to put words to that struggle. Usually, I remind myself that I have other strengths — writing, advocacy, empathy, social engagement, etc. — and that we can’t all do everything.
And yet …
I did have someone come to clean the house, something that was one of the goals of downsizing — to have enough budget to have it professionally cleaned. That relationship with the cleaner is going to take work, though! I walked through the process with the company’s owner, essentially explaining that I am not great at directing housecleaners. She assured me the person would have a checklist; we discussed some specifics, such as making sure the baseboards were done since animal-owning families especially need that.
The person who showed up was very nice, but said, “What do you want me to do?” AS IF I KNEW! But we’ll get there — and it’s just another communications situation to work through.
But lacking much of a domestic bent, I’d be grateful to have some domesticity fairy clean and decorate all of this, then whip up some delectable treats for any company that shows up.
I love my new house (with its lower mortgage payment), but I need help making myself (and others) at home in my own home.
Welcome to this week’s Five Minute Friday. Our instructions, via creator Kate Motaung: “Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation.” (But I can’t resist spell checking, as you can imagine.)
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Come on in and rest your feet,
but I should tell you that
before you plant your bum on seat,
watch for Barb’s new cat.
She’s kinda not too social,
so sitting on her back
will result in vocal
and multi-clawed attack.
Her best bud is a Labrador
without a lick of sense,
but he will break down a door
to come to her defense,
so maybe it might just be best
to give the social call a rest.
Oh our cats would be able to relate to each other! (As much as cats will deign to relate to anyone else LOL). Thanks for this!
Paula, I appreciated your sense of humor. I agree that being grateful for our strengths and abilities requires intentionality in those seasons when the ability we seem to need the most is not one we possess. 🙂 Visiting from FMF. Blessings.
Hi! Thanks for seeing the humor in it – I guess it’s a silly thing to have angst about in the long run!
Cleaning has never been my forte either! Having a cleaning expert come in weekly is a lifesaver – at least the basics get done regularly. That makes it a little easier to tackle stuff she can’t reach (she’s like 5′) and deeper projects now and then, too. It’s easier with an empty nest (though I miss the kids!!!) to keep it up at least a little.
Oh yes, the nest being empty makes a huge difference!
Been using a cleaning service for years and they’re wonderful. I only have them come once a month since we’re all adults now and not so messy. If they make your life easier, do it.
I shall! It’s going to be a bit of process to find someone who’s a good fit, but I know I’ll be glad.
I’m with you about the domestic talents. I don’t care anymore if anyone judges me for that. I care more about the words and works in progress than the dust on my shelves.
That’s the way to go about this, for sure.