Housework is a funny old thing

I'm having a half hour day today.  Well at least that is the theory.  It's not working well in practice. Every time I get to my "me" half hour Rosie gets really restless and wants to go out. It's not too difficult getting her down the stairs as you just have to hang on to her collar so she doesn't fall. Getting her back up is a nightmare. If I am lucky and she is having a good day it is a matter of holding her back legs up clear of the stairs and she will walk up with her front legs.  I sort of hold her under her tummy.  It's awkward. 

On a bad day like today she just collapses at the foot of the stairs and you have to pick her up and carry her.  I can only just about manage this and I am out of puff by the time I get her in her basket.  My back is killing me.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not moaning, just saying.  It makes me wonder how people cope when they have to care for disabled relatives at home.  I know there are parents out there who have to do back breaking work in caring for disabled children.  They get little support.  

Anyway...... I have managed to fill my working half hours with lots of housework.  Everything's clean and most of the hoovering is done.  Just have the bottom level left.

I've been thinking about it as I work.  I know I sort of moan about it but it's only because it takes so much time and there's other stuff I want to do.  I don't really mind it.  There is a sort of sense of achievement when it's all done.  Trouble is it doesn't stay done.

No.  It's a funny old thing housework, it multiplies!  You do it today and then it needs doing again tomorrow.  Well, if not tomorrow in a few days.  Most jobs you can do and tick them off when they are done and that's that.  Not house work. It's ongoing.  Never ending.

It is however my job and I do realise how lucky I am in this respect.  Think about it.......how many jobs can you choose your own hours?   How many jobs can you have as many coffee breaks as you like?   How many jobs can you do exactly as you please in your own way with no rules?  How many jobs allow you to simply say " I can' be bothered today so I won't be coming in"?  On the other hand how many jobs give you zero holidays and no pay what so ever?  On balance, I'm happy with my job and appreciate the many perks.

It's funny too how we all do things differently and how what is important to me may not be important to you.   I''ve noticed recently different people talking about how they do things. Mama Bear said today how she is always dusting, can't bear even a speck of dust.  Now you all know my and my attitude to dusting.  Life's too short to dust!  See how different we are? I dust only when it is essential which might be twice a year!  

I have things that are important to me.  The kitchen and bathroom must be clean.  I do them every day.  My toilets are cleaned every day.  My cooker hob is cleaned every morning. Unless I have just finished cooking a meal and have split something  you will never see my cooker hob anything less than pristine.  The oven itself is a different matter.  That doesn't get cleaned anywhere near as often.  I'm not fussed if beds are made or not.  That maybe a reaction to my childhood where my Mum was always nagging at me to make my bed!  

I like to think that if you visit me you won't look too closely at the state of my house.  If the dust bothers you I can probably find you a duster.  What I do hope you would find is a warm welcome and happy atmosphere.  I can offer you a drink and a proper home cooked meal along with a cosy bed for the night.  The sheets and bedding will be clean and fresh just don't disturb the dust on the furniture!!!

That's it, the "me" half hour is over and it is time to crack on and get that bottom level hoovered.  I'm hoping to get some sewing done this afternoon plus look out some photos of my grandparents for the DPT.