Victoria Carlson, October 1995
Victoria Carlson and I have been friends since I was a 13-year-old wayward teen (is there a worse age in your entire existence than 13?) Hers is one of the few friendships that have endured into my adulthood. Her wisdom and example have always been an inspiration to me and her wacky sense of humor has always been right up my alley. I lived with Victoria and her husband Ken when I met Dan, and she was my escort when I received my endowment in the Washington D.C. Temple.
Over the years, The Queen has given me lots of sage advice. I wanted to share something powerful she taught me when we spoke just a couple of weeks ago. You know how I've always struggled with keeping my house clean? It has started to be a point of contention between Dan and I and it has long been a source of shame for me. I have read several things about getting organized and I've tried to implement the principles taught by The FlyLady a few different times. But every time I start to get on a roll with housekeeping, I burn out and fall back into my old, overwhelmed ways.
I was talking to Victoria about it and she said, "What it boils down to is taking pride in your work. Early on I had to decide that keeping house was my job. Ken went out and made the money and I stayed home. That was my job and I decided that I was going to do it to the best of my ability. It's a lot of work, it's still a lot of work even now that my kids are grown, but I do it everyday and I take pride in making my home beautiful."
For some reason, that really struck me. I have been spending a lot of emotional energy feeling like it's too much for one person to handle, that there are too many distractions with little kids to be able to keep up with the messes. I've been self-indulgent in taking too much "me" time, convincing myself I "deserve" a break. Well, after talking to Victoria, I started working harder everyday to get the house in order and keep it that way. I told myself that there were no breaks allowed until at least the beds were made, the dishes were done, and the laundry was started. I've been sticking to that everyday and also working on something additional each day, like sweeping and mopping or straightening the girls' room or going through outgrown clothes to put in storage.
Something has finally clicked for me. It doesn't matter what "system" you use to keep your house neat. You just have to decide it's important and take pride in a job well done. I was telling Lori about my conversation with the Queen and she asked, "So, is your house going to be clean all the time now?" Probably not all the time, but I've been able to sustain a level of housework to where I'm at least not embarrassed if someone stops by.
I am happier, Dan is happier, and amazingly, Lily has started making a little more of an effort to keep things picked up. It's time I finally set the example.
It's been nearly 5 years since I've seen the Queen.
Victoria Carlson, me, Samantha Carlson Lee (aka The Dragonfly) Leesburg, VA Dec. 2004Tomorrow I will get to see Victoria, Ken, and all of their children as they celebrate the life of Victoria's brother Kirk Nelson who recently died from Mantle Cell Lymphoma. I am so excited to see them all, especially to meet their oldest daughter Melissa. The Carlsons are family and I can't wait to grab them all up in a huge bear hug.
Thank you, Queen Vee, for once again steering me in the right direction. I'll see you and all your beautiful buggies tomorrow!
7 comments:
I totally agree with the housework issue. It's always hard juggling cleaning up with little toddlers. Especially when you just get the room cleaned up and then come in and take out every toy you just picked up. I try to have the upstairs living room clean so at least if someone shows up they will think it's somewhat clean!
That Queenie, she's full of wit, wisdom and loving advice. You are too. Meeting you: so amazing!
I love Mrs. Carlson. She has always had sage advice and a wonderful attitude. I can't wait to see your clean house!
Sue, every day is a gift and a new start. Just keep picking up, making beds, doing laundry, dishes and also making time for yourself. House keeping can often seem dull and mundane as the same things have to be done each and everyday but most jobs are like that. Luckily, we have cleaning products, hot water, washing machines, vacuums, microwaves, wash and wear fabrics and many other things that make house keeping easy. It's all about routine and getting it done at the start of the day. And some days it will all fall apart and the house will be a mess, just remember the next day is a fresh start.
You will soon be a house keeping DIVA giving out your own sage advice to some young mom. Best of all, you are helping your children learn to work, contribute and take pride in their surroundings and processions.
We loved your hugs, visit and support this past Wednesday although all too short.
We love you Sue, you are family to us too.
Ahhh, cleaning the house and keeping it clean. The never ending job of the mom with busy kids.
Sounds like you're on a roll.
I think that's true of any endeavor, be it exercising, starting a small business, or whatever. It almost doesn't matter what your system is, you just have to FOLLOW THROUGH, and commit yourself to doing it everyday.
And I've learned the hard way, the more kids you have, the more it's necessary to delegate the tasks, appropriate to their age level. Kids have to learn how to clean, period.
My rational brain says, "Yes, that is all true." My emotional brain says, "Whatever, housework still sucks!"
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