New Year, new routines.

I recently read a blog about a woman who did what she called "The 50's Housewife Experiment." It's a very interesting and funny read, and if you've got a little time, I highly recommend it. The author has a quirky personality and is a great writer. And actually, I've taken quite a few ideas from it myself. I don't need to be the subservient little housewife who's sole purpose in life is to make my husband happy and comfortable, but there are things to be learned from the experiment that can enrich our family and our home. I've been working on implementing a few practices into my daily routine, and can already see that things are running a bit smoother and I feel better about myself.

This is what I look like

My normal morning routine usually consists of getting up whenever John does, throwing on a robe and throwing John's lunch together. Usually I let him toast a few waffles for himself, fix whatever is handy for Fiona, and make myself a few cups of coffee. Then I usually get on my computer for a while while Fiona watches cartoons. I get things done that need to get done, but don't usually go above and beyond. Fiona is fed and played with, but watches more TV than she should. About an hour before John is due home, I rush around and get the dishes done and make the bed, bare minimum stuff. Dinner isn't really a problem for us, that's one area that I've got a handle on. I plan the menu for the week in advance and do all the shopping needed for the week. Dinner is usually ready shortly after John gets home. Dishes don't usually get done until the next day though.

This is what I want to look like

 Now when I get up - before John - I get dressed. Not like I'm going out or anything, but I make an effort to put on something nice (not sweats and a tank top) and put on some jewelry, pull my hair back. John's lunch gets made first, and is ready in the fridge for him when he leaves for work. I make breakfast for the three of us, and have it ready all at the same time, so that we can all sit and eat breakfast together - without the TV on. That's a bit tricky since we usually all have different meals for breakfast. John gets oatmeal, eggs, sausage, toast, waffles, pancakes, etc. Fiona usually prefers cereal and juice. I'm trying to eat healthier, so I've been having plain nonfat yogurt, half a grapefruit and a cup of black coffee. John leaves for work and I tidy the house, do the dishes, plus one deeper cleaning type job. Yesterday I vacuumed the dust and dead bugs from the windowsills, and today I vacuumed and mopped the whole house. Fiona either helps me or plays in her newly organized, sorted, and clean room. She's finally getting into a routine with her toys, even if I do have to constantly remind her. Every toy has a place, and gets put away before another toy comes out. It's so nice to go into her room and see everything neatly put away and her playing pretend with her dolls, and using her imagination instead of watching TV. Morning is also the best time for going on walks and to the park and stuff. She gets snacks at 10 am and 3 pm - a piece of cheese, an apple, carrots and dip - that sort of stuff. After lunch, sometimes Fiona naps, or she just has some quiet time with a movie. At that point, I actually feel ok about spending some time on the internet, or watching a little tv myself, or reading a book. It's great to have a little free time in the afternoon, with the house already being clean and not having to worry about running around like crazy to pick up before John gets home. I can just relax in my clean house, and only worry about getting stuff prepped for dinner. The TV is no longer on during meals. I think John is more relaxed, coming home to a clean house and a hot dinner. Fiona seems to be happier to play with her toys now, than to watch TV.  Playing must be more fun when everything is organized and she can find what she wants, and not just strewn about her bedroom.

These aren't huge changes, but I think it's good for us. Now I just need to keep it up!