A Sunday Short
With the awesome weather we have been having, I spend every minute possible outside. I enjoy it so much! The problem is, the inside of my house is falling apart. Dusting, laundry, mopping…everywhere I look something is imperfect. This is what happens when I spend my free time outside. And it happens every summer – summeritis.
Time Management
Time management is a key to getting all necessary tasks completed each day. I always try to arise early in the morning so I can enjoy my coffee and have the “me time” I need. That way, I can move on to household chores with a positive frame of mind. When I look outside and see bright sunshine and blue sky, however, I become distracted and trip over myself to get outdoors! Also, it stays light until 9:00 PM now, so I don’t usually come in for the evening until 9:05.
Don’t get me wrong, I make sure the important things are done inside, like clean kitchens and baths. I cook and clean up the kitchen (usually this is minimal because we use our gas grill almost daily).
Today, I am trying to break that cycle. I started laundry this morning before my coffee. I have a list of things to do before I head outdoors today. Things that have to be done. Important things. I am also delegating chores. Divide and conquer!
Contributing Factors
Other factors contributing to the messiness of my house right now: The kids are on break from school. It’s summertime. They are home full-time. While I am enjoying them, I don’t care for the mess they leave. The house gets messy fast. My boys have chores that need to be completed each day, but they aren’t always done in a timely manner.
My college student is taking a class this summer and works doing odd jobs for people in his spare time. He is home a lot, and the condition of the house reflects that. I love having him back, but the chaos he leaves behind is insane. We have a finished basement that is the hang-out space for him and his friends. I am glad they want to spend their time here, but I wish they would clean up after themselves. The situation has improved, though, and the boys are getting better about it.
Additional factors:
- Work. When I work during the day, I can’t wait to get home and bask in the sunshine. Whether it’s mowing the lawn or working in the garden, I look forward to it.
- Social Events. There are so many things to do in the summer! Between gatherings, picnics, and parties, we have a pretty full calendar! I also spend a lot of time visiting with friends and neighbors that are outside.
- Lack of motivation. Honestly, since we spend so much time inside during the winter, getting outside to do yard work is a welcome change. I am less motivated to do the inside housework this time of year.
Back On Track
Sometimes, I need a good rainy day to get caught up inside. Days like that take the house from “appearance of clean” to actually clean. Then, I don’t feel so guilty about spending time outside for the next stretch of nice days because I am back on track inside. That’s just how it works here.
Making the most of the nice weather while it’s here is a priority for me. There will be plenty of time to deep clean my house this fall and winter. I am taking note of the painting that needs to be done when I am back to being stuck inside again. The sign (pictured), is what I refer guests to during this sunny season.
For now, I am thankful for the great weather and the time spent outside. The sun is coming out now. I am going to go fold two loads of laundry and then head out to wash my car. Hope you are enjoying the summer!
Until Next Time,
April
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