I’m Retired–No Cleaning for Me
I decided today would be my cleaning day. Rip the sheets off the bed, get them in the washer, sort other dirty clothes, clear off all sorts of stuff from my kitchen counters, clear my desk, light my coffee scented candle—and that’s when I remember—I hate cleaning.
However, with the washer going and my bed needing clean sheets, I must continue—at least until everything on the bed now is back on the desk, in order for me to make the bed. Why is this so difficult? When I retired, I told myself, “Self, you will write to your heart’s content and keep the house clean at all times.” Why, oh, why did I make that promise? I can only assume it was made in a delirious moment of retirement glee. However, after only 8 months of retirement, I find myself way too busy to keep the commitment of a clean house.
Before retirement, many older and wiser people, already in the thick of their retirement days, warned me not to fill my social calendar too much. Knowing my personality along with their own experience of retirement, I should have heeded their words. But, alas, I did not.
So I now look to see what I can remove from my busy week. Monday and Tuesday nights, I meet with other authors to critique our writings. Tuesday morning, I write with two buddies at the coffee house. Then Tuesday afternoon, I teach a legacy writing class with some of the sweetest ladies who inspire me every time we meet. Wednesday morning is Bible Study. Thursday, I visit my mom for the day, and that night, out with the girls. At this point in time, I can’t think of anything I want to cross of my schedule. But wait…I have Friday open—to stay home and clean, ugh!
Perhaps I can come up with something for Friday and hire a maid. Are you retired and wishing for a maid?
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7 Comments
by Dorothy M. Carter
On March 14, 2014
Not retired, but my husband is. He has learned to vacuum.
by Maryella Vause
On March 14, 2014
I can certainly relate..
by Maryella Vause
On March 14, 2014
I can fully relate to each situation and feeling.
Thanks for expressing it so well.
by Judy Watters
On March 16, 2014
Thanks for the great suggestion, Al. I will need to hold a serious meeting with hubby about that.
by Judy Watters
On March 16, 2014
Awesome. My husband did the vacuuming in his 4 years of retirement, but when he went back to work, then I retired and the job came back to me. 🙁
by Linda Hoye
On March 18, 2014
Ah the great dilemma. I’ve been wrestling with myself since I retired a mere four weeks ago about whether or not I can justify continuing to have someone clean my house. Since we just moved and I am starting over I’ve chosen to do it myself for the time being. Once my calendar begins to fill up I may have to reconsider though!
by Judy Watters
On March 19, 2014
Hi Linda,
No doubt, your calendar will fill very quickly. I look forward to seeing you at SCN Conference.