Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Chores after Hemingway

This morning I tried to read a chapter of "A Moveable Feast" while Asher explored each shrub and corner in Willowglen park. I only read a few paragraphs in forty minutes because Asher kept running far away from where I was. I guess the single tunnel and slide in the play area couldn't hold his attention, so I was distracted. But I suppose this is not a bad way to read Hemingway.

I've been thinking about chores. I don't like them. Well, I suppose there are a few chores I don't mind: laundry, changing Asher's diapers, and taking out the trash. (I told you, few.)

I'm ok with laundry because it is easy with a machine, and the fruits of your efforts last for a while. You don't have to do laundry every day. The fact that laundry pays off for a week or more makes it one of my favorite chores. As for Asher's diapers... I think I just get a kick out of physically taking care of him. Also, it doesn't take much time. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort (he squiggles), but it never takes longer than 2 minutes. And it makes a big difference. I think that is what I like about the trash too. It doesn't take a lot of time, but taking it out sometimes really improves the air quality, and always helps my peace of mind. Also, trash is a measurable chore. You know just when you have to take care of it: when it gets full or when it smells bad. Other chores are more subjective I think. Take wiping down the sink. When do you do it? Every day whether it needs it or not? When you can see water splashes in a certain light on the tile? When you see a hair in the sink? I usually wait until I can see a little ring forming around the drain. You may think that is gross, but I just don't notice it is getting dirty until then. And I think a daily swipe is a waste of time. I realize that it wouldn't take much time to wipe down the sink, but all those little minutes of daily chores add up. I'd rather be reading, blogging, or just about anything else.

I like doing things that stay done, at least for a little while. But, if I'm being honest, I guess that doesn't apply to much.

6 comments:

Michael + Anna Costa said...

you crack me up! I can't say that i hate any certain chore - I just don't like doing them in general. Although, when I do do chores I always feel better - like my life is in order. Especially dishes - because those stack up and having a clean kitchen is very soothing to me! haha

Tracy said...

So true. I don't have to change diapers or anything... but I agree that I like those types of chores more. But I am also a neat freak... and like things to look and smell clean often, so I guess that is what gets me to do the rest of the chores.

Sara said...

laundry has changed over the years for me...it seems like it always needs to be done. On laundry day i just want everyone to be naked all day so, at least, for one day all the clothes in the house are clean and the bins aren't getting filled while the wash is getting done.

David said...

Sara's house sounds more fun than mine.

Rachel said...

i hate laundry. you can come do mine.

jamie hixon said...

I wouldn't do the underwear, but if you want to switch me for cleaning the bathroom or something it is a deal.