In need of motivation to stay OS

artichoke

yes, i agree having one room that is ok makes me feel so much better.

and yes, meal plan, meal plan meal plan, i used to do it and have a whole month of meals written on the calendar.... i just need to get back into the habit...

over the summer with kids at home it all went to pot...

right back to the utility room surfaces - it looks much better already with all the veg plants thrown out..

art

bluebag

artichoke wrote: »

yes, i agree having one room that is ok makes me feel so much better.

and yes, meal plan, meal plan meal plan, i used to do it and have a whole month of meals written on the calendar.... i just need to get back into the habit...

over the summer with kids at home it all went to pot...

right back to the utility room surfaces - it looks much better already with all the veg plants thrown out..

art

Goodness me, you are trying to do a double business launch, raise kids, keep a home and you want to stay sane as well? You don't wan't much do you?

Sort the biggies out first,you, food, laundry,WC and dishes, Oh and I forgot to say you twice.

You have a lot on and you may not be able to fit in all you did before or even do things the way you did before. Before the business your energies were focused on doing things old style, which while is very MSE is very time expensive.

You have to take a fresh look at what you do now and find a way to do less, do things faster and smarter. It will probably feel very odd, but what exactly is wrong with ready meals occasionally? It gives you a little time for you, worth the 'e' numbers and the cost in my book.

This is no dress rehearsal, this is your life. Go gently with yourself set goals you can manage, you can't get 48 hours out of one day no matter how hard you try.
Peace.

JulieGeorgiana

((hugs))

first thing first, don't have unrealistic expectations. you cannot be a FT OS SAHM and work! you're not superwoman x

I know how you feel though, after being so poorly for 5 months, as I started to get better I realised that although DH had kept the house 'ticking' it was a state. so much needed doing, our budget was out the window, i had to give up my job I was so poorly, no meal plans, no OS... it was overwhelming.

first I made a list... chores which NEEDED doing and focused on them, chores which should be done... over 5 weeks DH has been knocking them off, and today we have 1 large chore left, and I feel better. notice how its over weeks, not days. we paced ourselves and we got there... well nearly... 1 more week to go.

when I was very sick my DH decided to buy bread instead of make it, quiche and chips were a staple. Slowely I've tried cooking again, always making too much and freezing. first week I managed 2 meals, but now I manage 6 meals and once a week they still have a tin (yuk) because I didn't manage it. my freezer stocks are building, and I hope to get back to budget in a few more weeks.

my point is that it can't be done overnight. and most doesn't need doing today, pace yourself, set realistic expectations and work towards your goal xxx

6 weeks ago, I looked at my house and cried. today I am over the moon that another week and it'll be on track.

hope that helps x

ps. DS9 has done loads (washing, animals, washing up and floors) and earned himself bonus pocket money (£20 on top of normal pocket money in 6 weeks) you'll be suprised how much they can do.

artichoke

thanks everyone for your support...

I have just spent the last few hours curled up with my kids having "movie night" ......after the kids helped me cook tea and then they stacked the dishwasher and DS brought all the washing down and put in the machine ready to go on tomorrow.

The kitchen and utility look ok (both have one messy surface) but the rest looks ok (as long as you don't look in the cupboards)...

tomorrow we will try and tackle the living room.....

i know it can not be done overnight..... but now we have started and the kids are helping so i feel much better...

thanks again

art

sophistica

Sounds like you need a break. I felt the same way when snowed under with work. You need to spend a day of so chilling on your sofa in your PJs when you feely under less pressure you will feel like sorting out your house and your cooking. Do less!

MummyEm

This may not please everyone one, but please don't shoot me down!!

Whilst I love being OS, I too am a SAHM and do pretty much everything in the house. If I were to go back to work something would have to give. There is no way that the house would be as tidy/clean as it is now. We would occasionally be eating shop bought bread and probably the odd ready made meal or sauce at least. I'm sure it must take a while to find a balance between working and keeping a home. I think lists and organisation must be key but also not being too hard on yourself and accepting that you will not be physically able to fit everything into the day that you used to!!

Now for the controversial bit - If I were you, I would get a cleaner. They don't always have to cost loads and you don't have to get one for hours and hours. In most homes, 2 hours is enough for a hoover / floor clean / bathrooms / cloakroom / kitchen S&S. This can cost less than £20.

Just having this done every week would enable you to concentrate you free time on the batch cooking, washing, shopping etc. Another thought, is that maybe now you are working and contributing to the household financially, maybe it is time to reallocate the household chores with your husband so to even the load a bit more?

Good luck with it. I will follow this thread with interest as this may well be me in a couple of years when DS starts school.

lutzi1

I sympathise, I have got some serious house sorting to do this autumn after DD goes off to Uni. A couple of ideas to motivate you, and maybe make things more fun.

First of all, play a game with the kids - race to be the first person to put 20, or 50, or 100 things away, or you can challenge yourself against the clock. Secondly, sit down and watch a good television programme (Downton Abbey starts again tonight if you like that?). then get up and rush round like lunatic in the adverts, loading the dishwasher, putting things away, wiping the surfaces , whatever needs doing. Gets the blood pumping, can be quite amusing and is surprisingly effective.

notjustlaura

I hope you're feeling a bit better today, artichoke.

For what they're worth, here are my thoughts:

1. You had routines for your old life and things were good. Then life changed dramatically when you started the businesses and your routines couldn't cope and fell apart. You therefore need new routines which suit your new life.

2. From what you've said it seems the new businesses are a higher priority than cleaning at the moment so why not use some of the money they bring in on a cleaner? As someone else has said it doesn't need to cost the earth and could just cover the basics for you.

Laura

artichoke

HI all

Well it felt a lot better to walk down stairs to the kitchen in the middle of the night to get a drink for dd and see a clean (ish) kitchen and a shiny sink and a clear kitchen table....

i felt calm rather than chaotic ....

I do understand those who say get a cleaner BUT at the moment i feel the house i too cluttered / messy to get a cleaner.....

What type of jobs does a cleaner do?

When the place is clear i used to cope with Swish and swiping the sinks, bathroom etc, its just the clutter pilled in the corners attracts other clutter and so over time the mess takes over...

at the moment the cleaner could not clean in some rooms...as there is stuff piled up..... maybe it would be better to get someone to help sort / sell the clutter...


I have make a list of what jobs i thought were my essentials and have tried to factor them in on a daily / weekly / monthly basis as appropriate to the job....


I know my priority has to be with the clutter..
I would love to find someone who would ebay stuff for me and take a percentage:o...

art

Gingerbiscuit_2

Cleaners have seen it all! I know on gumtree they advertise themselves even for a one off big clean, or can you as friend/family to give you a few hours? Its better to have someone to clean with you. If your house is really in such a state then paying someone £20-30 for few hours then its sorted will make it much easier to carry on money saving old style after.

Cleaners will normal do basics like floors, work tops, bathrooms etc they will put other things in piles so you will still have to sort out where you want kids toys, clothers piles etc So many people would be greatful for few hours work you would be doing them a favour if it makes you feel better!!!