I have a little problem in my house where everyone is not working together at a steady pace to keep the household running smoothly. I'm extremely frustrated with this, and feel like a fraud. I've written about house sharing situations and how to deal. It has worked out for the most part. Lately, however, there has been a distinct lack of co-operation. I am deeply exhausted and something has to give.
I'm going to be horribly mean. Yes, my decision will make it more difficult for me to pursue my interests, but I have to do something. Tomorrow morning I will be canceling my cable, Internet, and home phone. I will be forced to keep minutes on the track phone, and to blog at the library or a parking lot with WiFi after work. My husband will really miss his football. Perhaps without the electronic distractions all members of the household will find time to pursue work and help keep the house somewhat clean. I'm not asking for perfectionism, just to have the house comfortable and for everyone to show up at work.
That's enough of me griping. I just wanted to explain what is happening so when mail is unanswered for a few days you know why. I'm already down to once a week (if that) writing. In the fast paced world of blogging I'm surprised that readers keep coming back. A big "Thank You" to everyone who stops by my little blog.
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You do what you have to do! We will all still be here whenever you blog. Good luck with kicking their butts in to gear
ReplyDeleteJudy
It looks like you might get their attention. You deserve a presentable house at least for peace of mind. It would be easier on you to blog elsewhere. You know that you can write a blog in Word, sitting at home, and then go post, don't you. Blogger says that might cause a problem with the posting of the blog, but it never has for me.
ReplyDeleteTry getting cardboard boxes and put stuff in the boxes. Put dirty clothing, clean clothing, books, shoes, crap all in their. Don't fold, sort, or be careful, just toss it in. I know you are doing the work, but not all of it. Maybe when each sees the problem they create, someone will pitch in and do their part. I would put everyone's name on a plastic tumbler and let them use it and be responsible for washing it. Glasses drove my mother crazy when she had 5 grandchildren visiting, one grandchild living there, her and daddy's glass, and five children with 3 spouses. She did the name on the plastic tumbler, tall for adult and short for children.
Good luck. I will be watching for a post.
copy and paste the post into blogger or other blog site.
ReplyDeleteActually, I think that's a great idea. I'm leaning that way myself and my only roommate is a somewhat needy and hyper tabby cat. But my cable bill was $140 (WHAT???!!!???) and I cannot justify it; especially when the library with WiFi is right next door.
ReplyDeleteI keep coming back because I like your stuff!
I get your frustration. I hope you're able to get this off your chest and they respect your needs and fulfill their responsibilities. It shouldn't all be on you!
Hi WP: I'll visit even if you blog only once a month! You've had a tough year. Hopefully the economy will pick up next year and you can accomplish your dream of a new job, new location/travel. Your blog was one of the first blogs I ever read and it's still one of the best. In fact your blog got me hooked on blogs-damn you- just kidding :)! For a "recluse" there are a lot of folks across the country who would happily be your friend if you lived in the neighborhood. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI second everything said before. Not only that, I bet it will be more peaceful blogging at the library (and under a time limit is sometimes a good thing). Some of my better posts came from writing them in long-hand and just typing them quickly later. They seem more personal somehow.
ReplyDeleteIn the pre-internet days, I cut cable on more than one occasion because I was too lazy to monitor TV usage and it was getting excessive. I think my oldest is an avid reader partly because of that.
Sometimes mama bear's gotta do what she's gotta do.
I'll keep coming back, and I bet others will, too.
ReplyDeleteKick ass and take names. It's YOUR home and they are guests in it, even if they are family. You get to set the ground rules -- and I hope the first one is, "Everyone will do his part or everyone can go find different roommates."
Yep, I know the economy is tough. Well, you're part of that economy every day and the last thing you need is additional layers of aggravation when you walk through the door of what is -- again -- YOUR home.
Good luck, kiddo.
Donna hit the nail on the head. Make some rules and make them stick. They should be fighting over who gets to help out the most, not expecting you to wait on them hand and foot.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, it's pretty clear they won't respond to hints of any kind. Don't be afraid to spell out what is expected and what happens if they don't pitch in. You deserve to be treated with respect and consideration; don't be afraid to insist on it.
Best of luck to you.
Like everyone else, I will keep checking back. I've often thought that relying on the library for internet would make me more efficient.
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, you have to articulate your needs. A new baby throws everything into chaos.
Not only will the lack of "amenities" get their attention, it will also save you some money. Like another poster said, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
ReplyDeleteEveryone, thank you for the kind comments and thoughtful suggestions. I've gone without cable in the past. I've gone years without it in fact, so I will survive. I purchased minutes for the track phone, and I will even turn it on as soon as I find the charger. It will be fine, and one less bill will be a great bonus.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog and look for updates when I can. I don't keep mine as up to date as I'd like to either, but works calls, so I go. :)
ReplyDelete