Putting Simplicity to the Test
It’s time for me to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. I talk a great game about simplicity, but in truth, it’s easy to be simple at this point in my life. This week, the real test starts.
My husband is going in for surgery (nothing life-threatening, just corrective), and I’ll be picking up a lot of extra work as a result. My amazing spouse handles most of the household chores, like cooking, shopping, and all maintenance. I do the laundry, cleaning, and drink mixing.
So for the next few months, as B recuperates and is largely immobile, I’ll be:
- Taking care of B
- Taking care of all household chores
- Taking care of the yards
- Cooking (not my strong suit, so we’ll see how this goes)
- Driving
- Shopping
- Taking care of our beloved (and highly energetic) dog Roo
- Working my regular job
- Working on On Simplicity
- Taking on extra freelance writing work (to help defray the cost of surgery and make up a portion of B’s lost wages from being away from work)
I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of folks look at this list and say, “So what? I’ve been doing this for 20 years. Whaddya want, a cookie?”
That’s fair.
But it’s a big change for me, and I’m taking it as a challenge. It’s a call to make life as simple as possible, for my own sanity. I look forward to learning new ways to streamline and be happy with less.
If you’ve got any advice for me, I would very much welcome it in the comments. Have a great week, everybody, and thanks for reading!
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This post has 25 comments
August 18th, 2008
You sound as if you are certainly going to be busy, Sara.
I guess I’d say that at sometime, somewhere grab some quiet time for yourself amidst the busyness.
While it may seem easier to focus all your attention on other things, you need to be mindful of your own wellbeing. B and Roo need you fit
Please pass on my wishes to your husband for a speedy recovery.
August 18th, 2008
Wow, I’m impressed! If I had one piece of advice it would be to take a little time out each day to do one thing for yourself, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. That, and remind yourself (constantly if need be) that nothing is urgent. “Trust the process, let it work.” That’s my mantra. =) You can do it! I’ll be rooting for you!
August 18th, 2008
Girl, I seriously have a post in draft form: My Simplicity Being Tested. We’re like, twins
Seriously though, good luck to your hubby and to you for taking over more than the drink mixing LOL!
I’ll be thinking of you! I actually go tomorrow to find out about the lump in my neck so my testing simplicity post is along the same lines as yours.
Hugs!
August 18th, 2008
Sounds like the beginning of our summer when my wife took a nasty spill and tore ligaments in her foot. She spent six weeks in an AirCast and a couple of those weeks on crutches. I was left to handle all cooking and cleaning duties, in addition to my FT job, Frugal Dad, freelance work, and keeping up with our two kids. Needless to say, frugality took a backseat. We ate a few more pizzas than normal, and I took less brown-bag meals to work and ate out more than normal, but we made it through.
Best advice: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Taking care of you and yours is priority one–frugality, simplicity, and all things related will take care of themselves. Hang in there!
August 18th, 2008
If you can afford to pay for the chores that B usually does, DO IT! This should simplify things.
August 18th, 2008
I would recommend writing things down, keeping lists, and assigning priorities to various tasks. It looks like you’ve already started to do that though from what I can see in this post above.
Also I agree with Frugal Dad to occasionally reward yourself with take out meals.
A few months may sound like a long time but it really isn’t if you and your husband take it one day at a time and step by step. Easy for me to say but that’s how I would approach it. I hope your husband has a speedy recovery.
August 18th, 2008
Be prepared to let some things slide. You’re not going to get everything done all of the time, so it’s important to be at peace with that reality. Otherwise you’ll just end up stressing yourself out—and you still won’t get everything done to your satisfaction.
For the record, I’m still working at this…
August 18th, 2008
Wow. Good luck with everything. I hope he makes a speedy recovery!
If you don’t like cooking, I personally wouldn’t bother with that. Take out, or simple food such as a sandwich and salad are fine.
August 18th, 2008
Oh and as for tips, try out some batch cooking. There’s a great post at Small Notebook on how to do it and I just tried it yesterday. You get a lot done at once and then all week, you just heat up the yummy dishes at dinnertime.
August 18th, 2008
Sara: It certainly sounds like your plate is full. I guess you’ll be learning a lot about true simplicity during the next couple of months, and that you’ll be passing on everything that you learn to us
All the best to your husband.
August 18th, 2008
You’re certainly going to be put to the test. I’m a list maker and I’d figure out the best times and days to do these chores. They all don’t have to be done on one day right? Compromise on the days when you have more chores to do and order dinner for a treat.
Depending on your budget, you could have someone do the cleaning every week or every second week, or have someone walk the dog or take care of the yard on other chore heavy days. Maybe things won’t be as perfect as you’re used to, but you’re only one person.
Definitely find time for yourself each day, that’s for sure!
August 18th, 2008
PS, are you just testing us to see how well we’ve paid attention to your posts? I bet you already have all of this figured out
August 18th, 2008
Don’t overextend yourself Sara. If some things don’t happen, well then they just don’t happen. Making sure your husband is well cared for is the most important. And on that note, here’s to a speedy recovery.
August 18th, 2008
Thanks to everybody for the kind words! I know this isn’t a life-and-death situation as so many others face, so I really appreciate your support.
Scott: Quiet time sounds ideal. It’s something that really renews me, and is definitely important to remember.
Rachel: Yeah, I’m totally stealing your mantra!
Emily: Didn’t I ask if we were separated at birth at one point? But seriously, you’ve got all my best wishes and my deepest support.
Frugal Dad: Bingo! You’ve been and there and back with two kids, so I’m definitely taking your advice! (Any excuse for pizza, right?)
Chris: That’s one of the things I would love to do. I think I can handle it, but that will probably be the first thing to happen if there simply aren’t enough hours in the week.
Mark: I will do my best to take it day by day. And you’re right: a few months isn’t so bad.
Aaron: Whether you’re following your own advice 100 percent or not, I’m taking it! Some of our frugal habits are going to slide a bit. And hey, this might be my chance to sneak some healthy food into my husband!
Vered: I wish we had more takeout options in my small town… Sandwiches will be the likely fallback. Fortunately, I love sandwiches. I mean, are there any that don’t taste good with bacon?
Emily: I’ll be checking that out!
Marelisa: You bet! I’ll be passing on any tricks I pick up or tips that folks share.
Davina: Haha! I promise it’s not a test! I really like your plan. Balance is the answer to so many of life’s challenges.
Lance: “Making sure your husband is well cared for is the most important.” My husband gives this comment two thumbs up!
August 19th, 2008
Hi Sara,
Take time to care for yourself and your husband. Run errands in circles (to avoid backtracking), use a crock pot for meals, walk the dog to give yourself time outside of the house, don’t get too hung up on all of the chores (they wait), and once a day, use those cocktail mixing skills of yours and relax.
August 19th, 2008
It sure sounds like you are going to be really busy. I don’t think I can add any more advice here. There are already very good ones in the comments above.
Do take care!!
August 19th, 2008
Hi Sara!
Here’s to an action packed week! Sounds like you two have a great partnership. I can relate, my amazing husband helps me so much at home so I would really be testing myself if he were not available! Best of luck, I’m sure you’ll be empowered by the end of it!
August 20th, 2008
Two words: “Frozen Dinner”
hehe…
In all seriousness, I hope ‘B’ gets better very soon! And I wish you well on the challenge (though we all know you’ll be great, I mean c’mon you’re Sara at OnSimplicity ya know!?) Oh, and carry a notebook around with you at all times. Why? Because when you’re busy working and aren’t connected to the net and on your blog, inspiration for a post might strike…ya gotta write it down
August 20th, 2008
If cooking isn’t your thing, I think becoming confident with yourself will help. Cooking requires confidence and once you start cooking you may enjoy it. It’s also something that I think everyone should learn to do at least a little bit.
August 20th, 2008
Barbara: Wait, this is about spending time with the pooch and the hooch? I had it all wrong–this is going to be fabulous!
Evelyn: Thanks for the kind words!
Monica: That’s the kind of positive energy I need! I know I used to do this all when I was single. What happened?
Ricardo: I really am hoping to get a lot of ideas out of this, so I’ll certainly be putting your advice to work! And your confidence in me is appreciated… if misplaced.
Zack: I know what you’re saying. I used to be confident in my cooking in my single days, but my husband and I have totally different tastes. I’ve become a kitchen slacker and to be honest, I’m kind of excited to see what I can do!
August 21st, 2008
That’s awesome. I’m glad you’re at least giving it a shot. Good luck
September 2nd, 2008
Advice, don´t try to do it his way, do it your way. Maybe, he will have learned new better ways to do his work when he get well again.
September 2nd, 2008
Simple Zack: It’s been okay, too! There’s been a very clear learning curve, but I think it’s going to turn out to be a great experience–at least in the kitchen.
Spiritlight: Thanks–I appreciate that idea a lot!
September 30th, 2008
Pretend he’s pregnant and you’re sympathetically pregnant - therefore both at times incapacitated. You should heal him with your presence and love and let the chores pile up as they will. Work doubly hard on the chores you do so they last twice as long. If you prune the plants down more than usual and lower the blades on the motor mower, it will last longer. If he is sensitive to such brutality, he may heal quicker himself
September 30th, 2008
Somone: I was about to object to lowering the blades (so bad for the lawn!) but your rationale has merit… I do love the idea of healing with love, not busyness–thank you.
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