I need these bright images, because today is the gloomiest, coldest day that could be experienced in late May. Except for tomorrow and the next day…
We can't talk about discipline all the time, because it takes too much out of me. By now you know me and you know that I will try to get to the particulars of these questions of raising children. Heck, I haven't even finished all I wanted to say about the laundry! But you are so patient…
Instead, let's look at my compost pile. You don't see that on everyone's blog.
But, on to today's main topic:
I don't know how my husband gets me to do things, but I get him to do things by making a Honey Do list.
Somehow, if it's written up there, he will get it done.
If it's not, it becomes one of those things that just is part of the landscape…you know the kind of thing?
Like the bare bulb at the top of the stairs…when you move in, you say, “Wow, how could those people have lived with a bare bulb at the top of their stairs? I mean, every day they saw that thing, didn't they? What was wrong with them?”
Then, ten years later, you go to sell the house, and you think, “We could just say ‘as is' and then we wouldn't have to deal with stuff like that bare bulb…”
— if you even see it any more, which is unlikely.
Usually those things “disappear” — except they don't. They are there, for all to see and wonder, “What is wrong with them, that they live like that?”
Well, when we moved in here, ten years ago, we hiked up this lamp with a little chain connector thingy, because it hung down too low. At first I hated this lamp and was sure that I would soon find something that went better in the room. So I just ignored it.
Now, after things in here have warmed up a lot, it sort of goes, and I don't hate it. I never thought I'd say that about it, when it's so…orange…and fake-Tiffany… and all.
If I found something better, I would replace it, but for now it's fine. There's just too much else to think about…
But that chain…how dirty. How lame. How mocking!
Now, the thing about the Honey Do list is that I don't always remember how well it works! So, yes, it took me at least 7 years to think of putting this chore on there! But… at last I did!
And he fixed it, fairly promptly. When it came down I gave the glass a good washing.
(Fortunately I took a before picture, because we couldn't remember how the parts went back together, and I even thought that piece at the top went down, rather than up! So now you see just how out of it we are…) (and you see by these pictures how dark it is…)
Decadent Housewife says
Your light is quite lovely. I replaced a gorgeous brass candlestick lamp with one similar to yours. It is easier to clean and gives off better light.
Small Means says
That list on the chalkboard is such a wise idea! I tell my husband about things, but I'm a verbal person and he isn't, really. Having it written down would probably help him and having it on a chalkboard in a prominent place would probably be even better.And — I LOVE the surface on the picnic table! That is such a beautiful color!
MomE says
We are finally trying the "sticky note nag board" and I feel like such a dope that I didn't try it before. He likes it…cuz he can check things off. He told me that he honestly just forgets what I ask/nag about. HA! Communication…ah, it's a wonderful thing! PS…I've really been enjoying your parenting stuffs too!
Anne R Triolo says
hmm, i just made a honey do list and posted it on the fridge, but it's not working that well. maybe i need to make shorter versious. right now it's two pages long. Although, to be fair, it also includes things for me to do…I'm going to try 3-4 item lists!
Mrs Bossy says
Some guys don't roll that way. My husband views his home as his only place to retreat, his safe place. Thanks be to God I am fully mobile, mechanically inclined, and able to read well. Read the chapter,(&/or watch a video ex: This Old House online) – attack the problem. I am so grateful to be able to stay home to love & instruct our children that I have learned many "manly" tasks: 1. framing – walls, a new roof, doorways, closets 2. installing doors, sheet rock and mud, tile, countertops and sinks, cabinets, DWV system for new bathroom, toilets, jacuzzi tub, sump pump, pool pump, railings & newel posts. I am most grateful to have one son, who is now old enough to be my apprentice (and spaceially exceptional). We ROCK!
Mrs Bossy says
Need a little caffeine this morning.* my son is spacially exceptional (… he can put together Anything).Next time I'll try the preview button before I send.