Managing a house

"Being a housewife is like managing a factory. I think of my kids as the product. If I can get them out on the market without being returned 'defective,' then I did my job."
~ the character, Roseanne Connor

This made me laugh, but it is so true! LOL

So many people think housewives sit around and watch soap operas and eat Bon-bons like Peg Bundy, and maybe some actually do this, but the majority don't. I'd put my money on it.

Most of us are busy.

Sure, I sometimes get to sit down, but it is always when I'm nursing the baby. Other than that, I'm busy. Yesterday I was on my hands and knees cleaning the kitchen floor and baseboards. I did dishes, cleaned the aquarium, vacuumed, couponed, did laundry, cleaned out the liquor cabinet (used for storage, not liquor), and planned meals for the week.

I'll admit that this isn't much of a list and without the baby, I'd be able to do this in just a couple of hours, but WITH the baby, this list is worked on around feedings, diaper changes, cuddles, playtime, and a much needed shower.

I say, if you do your job well, a housewife shouldn't be sitting much more than anyone else at work. I don't sit much more than I did as a teacher. Then, I sat between classes and for lunch. Now I sit for feedings and playtime. I'm busy most of the time.

Today I'm planning to make more burp cloths for my little spitter. The picture below is explanation enough.

I realized yesterday that my daughter has far more style than me right now. Yesterday she had on the cutest little outfit, complete with a bow, and I had on paint-splattered yoga pants, my Ireland t-shirt, and house slippers. At least I actually had a bra on.

I didn't feel very well yesterday, but I do acknowledge that I'm sort of letting myself go. I think a lot of moms do this, especially stay-at-home moms. I rationalize it with,"I'm not going anywhere, so who cares what I look like."

Well, that sentiment implies that I only dress "up" to show off for others. However, this isn't right. I think I need to do this for myself. I used to always wear cute clothes, whether I was going out or not. I used to paint my nails, straighten my hair, and wear makeup, and it didn't matter if I was sitting at home, or going out with friends.

Maybe I need to give myself some of the care that I'm giving my daughter.

Soooooo, today's list looks like this:

1. Vacuum upstairs
2. Dust the whole house
3. Clean basement
4. Shower
5. Blow dry hair (instead of leaving it to air dry and never doing anything to it but running a comb through it)
6. Straighten hair
7. Put on makeup
8. Put together a cute outfit...and not just in my head, but actually WEAR it, even though it'll probably end up getting spit-up on.
9. Bundle up Bebe and go for a power walk in the neighborhood, despite the loathesome cold temperatures
10. Make dinner

I like that 5 out of 10 are for me. Who knows how long it'll take for me to actually manage to get through all 5 of my items. Lol. It's possible that I'll be putting on the cute outfit just in time to turn the bed down for bedtime. Still, I'm making it a mission to set time and attention aside for myself.

I'm worth it.
I deserve it.
Add any other cliche you want.

Update:
Ok, had to stop by again to say that it is only 2pm and I got a shower, fixed my hair, put in makeup and cute outfit AND took a walk with baby, which put her to sleep. I'm having a quiet lunch and loving it. :-)

The rest of the list will come after lunch. Baby's awake!