The Daily Post prompt: are you too lazy or too busy?
Interesting question. It seems like I’m always doing something, often two or three things at the same time. I’m not one of those people who falls asleep when their head hits the pillow; my mind is still going long after that moment. I hate to sound repetitive, but there’s always something…being sound asleep is the only time I truly at rest.
I don’t have a ‘real’ job. I take care of a house, husband, five kids, and two dogs. A while ago I tried to come up with a list of what I actually do, so here it is, in no particular order:
-clean bathrooms (toilets, tub, sinks, mirrors, floor, garbage)
-plan meals and a grocery list for seven people
-do all grocery shopping, going to three grocery stores and the dollar store for best prices
-pay bills
-vacuum (floors, stairs, furniture)
-dust
-change bedding
-schedule kids chores
-try to spend at least a few minutes alone with each of the kids every day
-keep family calendar up to date
-clean kitchen (clean counters, sink, dishes, floor, stove top, toaster oven, microwave, table; garbage & recyclables out)
-take care of dogs (shop for food, toys, treats; feed; brush; bathe)
-laundry
-help with homework, school schedules & projects; check Edline daily; SSL arrangements for four kids
-drive kids to activities, library, sports, etc
-online freebies and points for gift cards; check Craigslist & Freecycle daily
-shop for kids’ clothes, shoes, school supplies, etc
-take care of birthdays and holidays (shop for gifts, decorate, cook, etc)
-schedule kids’ doctor appointments, get prescriptions, etc
-all the other little stuff: change lightbulbs, go thru the mail, sew on a button or fix a stuffed animal, make sure oldest son’s fish tank is full, candles in the kids’ rooms that have them, deposit misc checks & change in the bank, water plants, deal with ex, trim kids’ hair, iron, drive kids to visit their father, be a shoulder or nurse when necessary
There’s probably more that I can’t think of right now…I make sure any friend on Facebook celebrating is wished a happy birthday, I email my mother in law once a week, cook a late night snack for one of the boys, pictures are always Photoshopped as soon as possible, send someone in the house an ecard for no reason…yes, I’m busy but I have fun and laugh, often with a lot of things I do I have music to keep me company.
Sometimes I wish I was more appreciated for what I do. This is my life though and who I am…taking care of other people makes me happy. And busy 😉
Back Seat View 
a woman’s work is never done. I often feel women’s energy reservoir never depletes and man’s will dry up at the first heat (pressure).
Damn, when DO you relax?
Most relaxing for me are my computer time and our weekend rides.
No job is more “real” than wife and mother. Long ago I got in the habit of asking other women “do you work outside the home?”, as opposed to “do you work?” – most work damn hard!
Oh no, you forgot blogging and taking great pictures on your list! That should keep you a little busy too, in case you’re not busy enough. I think most of us are greatly unappreciated for what we do. Sometimes I think we should go away for the day and let others fend for themselves, to see what they’re missing…
You’re right, maybe I file those in my mind as ‘fun’ things. I’ve read about moms going on strike, I’m kind of afraid of what the house would look like on my return though 😉
Just like any other strike, you wouldn’t go back to your job until improved conditions were agreed upon, and it should include a clean house. 😉
I hear you, I’d be weary to do it too!
It’s a lot. I think it helps sometimes to make a list like that and reflect on it – to help yourself realize just how much you do every day and give yourself a pat on the back. Definitely not lazy!
I enjoyed the list!
as i suffer from aspergers i find it difficult to relax and do things and could really see what you mean dont fall asleep when head touches pillow and know i will ne ver have a husband or kids like you do but still seem to be busy in my own way !!