I didn’t want to get up this morning after a busy and exhausting weekend, and then spent two hours moving chairs and choir risers and music stands and such to clear the stage to prepare for our Easter morning service. So now I’m really tired. It’s one of those times when it sounds appealing to be three years old and have someone tell me that I have to go take a nap, like it or not.
Oh well, there are advantages to being 36, I guess.
I’m also lacking a little motivation to write, because, well, this is difficult to bring up. OK, I’ll just say it. I’ve been getting a little depressed that I’m not getting many comments lately.
There. I said it.
I mean, I title a post “The Wonderbra Avalanche” and don’t even get a single comment??? Not even a rude one??? I think that right now I’d settle for a Chinese spammer.
Now, I am very thankful for the few that I’ve gotten, but sometimes when I’m tired my neediness increases. Yeah, that’s what it is.
But since I wasn’t feeling inspired to write, I decided to go sweep the kitchen. Hmmm. I figured if I at least did the things I’m supposed to do and posted about that, at least I’d have something.
Today I:
Stripped the bed. (It’s Monday – laundry day, after all.)
Emptied the dishwasher.
Cleaned the kitchen.
Swept the kitchen.
Did some general picking up.
I’ve also been working on laundry steadily. I started last night with a load of towels, since they always need extra drying time. I put them in the dryer before bedtime, and then dried them a little more while my first load was washing this morning. Don’t you wish you could dry as quickly as you can wash?
Oh, no! And I felt like I was getting annoying, always commenting on how you write exactly what I feel, only in better words. :>)
Dont' feel bad! I read your blog almost everyday, I just never comment! lol. Sorry! But the dryer thing really irritates me as well. It feels so wasteful to run the dryer 2 or 3 times just to dry a load of towels! I would do a clothesline, but all the pollen this time of year would just mean that I would have to wash them again. There go my eco-friendly dreams.
I don't usually comment, but thought I would today. You've helped me in my own journey of becoming a former slob.
One thing about the laudry- I have an awesome LG frontloader set where the dryer is actually faster than the washer. It's fabulous when I have to do a bunch of loads back to back. It also has a time feature which I use a lot to set the load to run just before I wake up, or to run just before i return home from work.
Thanks so much y'all! Wow, am I smiling to have three comments within 30 minutes of posting my little pity party.
Anon, I've heard about those dryers. It's hard to believe that the dryer could be faster than the washer. If I ever need a new dryer, I might have to look into how much those are.
Lenetta, I love your comments. ANy confirmation that I'm not the only one with these crazy thoughts keeps me going.
And Joanna, I totally agree about the pollen. I often consider outside drying, but I have terrible allergies and I don't think it would work for us.
Okay, first of all, setting the washer and dryer to start at a specific time? Awesome! I would love something like that…mental note for WAY in the future for when we need a new washer/dryer.
Aww! I'm sorry you have been feeling sad. I don't think I have ever commented before, but I totally agree with Lenetta. I follow you in my Google reader and often read your blog posts at work (oops) so that is why I don't comment on many people's blogs – ever. I have actually emailed several of your blog posts to my husband, mother, and sister with a note to "read this! This chick voices my exact thoughts!" Seriously, it is creepy how many thoughts I have had about being a slob that you have voiced almost word for word.
I know how you feel about the comments. My husband laughs at how excited I get when someone comments on my blog. I promise to try to be a better follower for you from now on 🙂
I've been reading your blog for just a few weeks, and I love it! I love your transparency. I am trying to work through change in several areas (diet, exercise, and household chores) and your blog inspires me to keep on keeping on. 🙂
I have been reading your blog for a while. We seem to have similar problems, and I am really admiring your approach to the problem. About your dryer–perhaps you need to take the back off and do some vacuuming in there. Lint builds up and slows the drying time. I have seen a noticeable difference when my husband gives the dryer a good clean-out. I find that it needs to be done once or twice a year, depending on how much laundry you do. I have a large family, so it gets done twice a year at my house!
Don't be discouraged. I read all the time and should comment more. I love that you just confront everything head on. I also appreciate your traveling with kids post from a couple of days ago. It will help us a lot. Keep it up.
Do you that in Google reader, it says you have SIXTY NINE subscribers? That's at least 69 people who receive your posts in their Google Reader daily. Unfortunately, using a feed reader often means that people (or me at least) don't click through to comment. I wanted you to know, though, that there are lots of people reading! 🙂
And yes… I wish clothes would dry as fast as they wash- it seems like it would be easier to keep up that way!
I know I've commented before, but haven't been commenting on many blogs lately. I, too, appreciate the honesty with which you share your cleaning adventures. As hard as it can be to remember, lurkers are out there reading and taking heart what you share.
One of the reasons I've slacked off on commenting on blogs is I've discovered several crafty blogs and have been really inspired to create projects and sadly, I've been neglecting my organizing blogs.
I wanted to be sure to pop in and THANK you so very much for sharing and letting me know I'm not alone in my efforts to keep the house running smoothly. Your efforts ARE appreciated!
So sorry you're feeling down, my friend. This whole commenting thing is a little out of my comfort zone as well, however, do know, that I read you almost everyday. And if I ever miss, I always read the "older posts". 🙂
I dont comment often but read your blog everyday 🙂
Jaim'e
I totally understand about the comments. They can be a real pick me up when you are feeling down. I feel like I am in the same boat as you sometimes when it comes to cleaning. And I have four kiddos at home with me all day so I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. I guess I am, but that is where I am. You are encouraging to me in your cleaning journey though.
I just found your blog about a week ago and have to say – I love love love it 🙂 My days with little ones are gone and now mine are teenagers but the house – is still a struggle and reading your blog gives me motivation to work on my own house. Keep up the good work!… and get some Rest 🙂
THIS IS YOUR MOM SPEAKING!
You already know how much I love you and how proud I am of you. I, too, read you every day and am appreciative of your candor and openness about your struggle. As I've told you before, I failed you in this area and I am sorry. You were not a rebellious teenager, but you were a challenging one! It was because of your creativity, I guess!
But I remember the day I decided to never again mention to you the condition of your room nor to nag you about it. I wanted to minimize the conflict between us and emphasize WHATEVER IT WAS that seemed more important at the time.
But all in all, I think you turned out FANTASTIC. Some of that was the parenting you received, but mostly it was by the grace of God and the many good decisions you have made. . .
And this is my first time to comment because I tried before and didn't get it right. You know I am definitely techno-challenged.
“But I remember the day I decided to never again mention to you the condition of your room nor to nag you about it. I wanted to minimize the conflict between us and emphasize WHATEVER IT WAS that seemed more important at the time. ”
you, my friend, are a very wise mama!! thank you for raising such a wonderful young woman who is an inspiration to so many! even old ladies like me who STILL struggle with many of the same issues!
If I am fantastic in any way, it is greatly due to your parenting, mom. Thanks for always being supportive and thinking I'm wonderful. I definitely know that you tried to help me in this area, but as I'm learning, it's not what I do or don't know, it's about me actually doing it.
Wow!!! 16 posts. I'm impressed, and your spirits, hopefully, are lifted. Looking forward to seeing you next week.
Me Again, with the Lg washer and dryer- you really do need the set- the washer spins at a rate so much faster than a regular top loader washer. The clothes are much drier coming out of this washer than my old washer. One of the best investments we ever made. We got them initially so we could stack them- love that space saving feature. We've had them for about three years now. They'll set you back a bit, but are worth every penny!
just so you know, nony, i rarely comment because i’m still so far behind in your blog that it seems irrelevant to do so. i try to read several posts each day and i just noticed yesterday that i am almost only a year and a half behind now! 🙂
also, just so you know, YOU are one of my permanent tabs at the top of my page. i keep you close at hand so i can read a bit whenever i have a few minutes of down time.
also, just so you know, your mom’s post above TOTALLY made me cry just now!
love you, girl! keep up the good work!
Shirley, I LOVE comments on older posts, and your comment(s) made me tear up!
I emailed my mom the link to your comment!
I am reading this post in 2022 and Dana’s mom’s comment made me tear up too!
As your then future self now knows, Dana, you have been and continue to be quite inspiring and extremely helpful to so many! And quite entertaining, thank you very much! Thank you! 😃
And I’m telling you this as someone who tends to be a bit introverted and therefore doesn’t comment on many posts. So that should tell you something. 😉
Hello Dana,
Like so many before, I started to read your blog from the first post, am loving it and the tab stays open so I can read a little more whenever I have a moment. I recognize myself in many of your struggles but never commented. This post reminded me how important it is to do this even if it is ‘just’ to thank you for such a useful and entertaining content. And your mom’s comment is so moving… I’ll keep a tissue at hand going forward to avoid the ‘Wonderbra avalanche’ 😉
Happy holidays!
Awww…. Now where did my Kleenex go??? I know they’re in a pile around here somewhere……
Ok, you need to do the lint check on that dryer! This happened to me even with a standard top loader and normal dryer. One load started to take 90 minutes to dry!!! ALERT ALERT! Once it was lint and once a gallon of water had backed up into the vent leading from the dryer. A few times it has been the vent on the outside of the house, I had to climb up (upstairs laundry) and vacuum it out and huge wet gobs of lint were trapped in there completely ruining my air flow!!
I don’t know how old your dryer is but I got the cheapest dryer from a warehouse store and it dries a huge load in about 20-25 minutes. Just don’t carry it up a flight of stairs with just a husband helping cuz you are too impatient to wait for delivery-you will regret it immensely:)
BLARG! I better get to work! Thanks Nony!
oops, bad spelling.
Yeah, if you haven’t done it by now, you should definitely check out your dryer vent situation. Our last house vented up through the roof and I got one of those flexible dryer vent cleaners and was amazed at everything I got out of there. Huge fire hazard!
Almost four years later, but I must say I really love your blog. I started at the very first post and am working my way to current. I follow you on FB and I enjoy your new stuff too. This blog is so motivating and encouraging to me. I hope you’re still writing it ten years, encouraging everyone to keep going.
Oh thank you so much for this comment, Kate!
I am yet another failed FlyBaby who is reading from the beginning, and I am enjoying every minute – to the extent that I must have my ‘Nony fix’ daily!
Could I just ask that everyone read what FlyLady has to say about cleaning out your dryer (ALL of it) and its’ vent, and also about running your dryer when out of the house or asleep.
VERY enlightening.
(And I don’t even have a dryer!)
This post seems as good as any to leave my first comment! I’ve been an on-and-off ready for the last few years, but stopped keeping up (with the blog & my house!) several times over. Of course, I’ve also ready every book, made a MILLION lists & plans, subscribed (& unsubscribed…) from flylady… & I still can’t manage my house. BUT, your blog gives me hope. I’m 23 (I think one of your youngest readers). I’m finally working to build better habits, so that hopefully I can get my house- & my life- under control before starting a family.
I’m reading your blog at work each day- I’m a nanny, so I have some free time during naps- & making my to-do lists for the nights I go straight home. I’m also a waitress, so those nights are really hard.
I’m finally realizing that, hard or not, whether I’m busy or not, it’s my responsibility to keep up my house. Mine, no one else’s. So, THANK YOU! You’ve given me a new perspective, & I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I love hearing this! And go you for accepting all these things at 23! I was still totally delusional at that age!
Hi. I’ve been reading your blog whenever I get a chance through my day since I saw u on Pinterest I think a week or two ago. Like so many of your commenters I had no idea there were other people like me.
I started doing better about a year and a half ago. I got pregnant with my first baby like two weeks before the recession started hitting hard in 2007 and my husband lost his job when the baby was a few months old. We moved in with my parents so I could still stay home with my baby like I wanted (and was a prerequisite to having a baby in the first place). My mom is a little bit hoarder-ish and our personalities clash a lot.
Growing up I was always messy, but whenever I cleaned my room I was always like, omg, I have way too much stuff and I’m like 15, I don’t need all these stuffed animals, I’ll just throw them away and my mom would take the stuff out of the trash and tell me I couldn’t just throw things away…so I gave up. like, forever.
We moved from my parents house to my in-laws when I was pregnant the second time, this time with twins. That was a complete shock. My mil is ruthless with stuffand expected her house to beclean when she got home since there were four grown people living there besides the people who were supposed to be. I was such a butthead and so resistant to anyone telling me what to do. I felt bad for myself for having to do her housecleaning so I didn’t, plus I had a high risk pregnancy.
We moved back out and back in (they have a huge house with my husband’s grown brother and sister also still living at home). This time was a lot different. I got in the habit of daily housekeeping out of self-preservation and the need to have a roof over our heads. I started to understand the importance of it and it felt good to see what I had done. My mil was appreciative and I think I might be her favorite child now.
I think she’s been my biggest motivator now that we’re finally back on our feet and have a place of our own and my kids are six and three year old twins. when I clean up I look around and say to myself, if Samantha was to walk in the door right now, what would she see…and then I go clean it up. I can’t see it without putting her eyes on first.
From reading your posts and the comments from your readers, I totally think there should be a study done on what cog we’re all missing. there was one post u did about bringing in the folding chairs when u went to get something else and all ur readers shared their stories. One said she couldn’t drive and talk at the same time. Me too.
But thank u for sharing your stories. The biggest thing is that we all can say, yep, that’s me, but we all have to just do it and u putting yourself out there doing it is a good thing. for all of us. so thank u again and much love!
Oh I love this comment, Mercedes! And what a great story of progress.
So not a Chinese spammer, possibly an Australian empathiser.
Please let your mum know that her comment made me teary. I came to loathe, “I just don’t understand you.” Acceptance is more what I was after. I have been reading your posts from the start and only tend to post if I feel I have something to contribute.
I admire your honesty and public blog bravery. My domestic hole is still deep enough that I keep quiet.
Looking forward to (eventually) hearing how your current day is going.
My blogs hardly ever get any comments 🙁
Katia, what is your blog? When you comment here, you should put your blog’s url in the website box and then state your name as “Katia of Your Blog Name.” It’s one small way to get your name out there and get more people to click over to your blog. Not that it will drive tons of traffic, but there are many people who read all the comments as they read through the blog, and you may very well find some kindred spirits!
Whenever you need a virtual hug, just ask. In my family we know that we will get one.
I try to wash and dry laundry loads in order of least drying time. So, towels are usually the last thing I wash and dry as they take the longest.
For example, delicates take the least amount of drying time, and many of them get hung up to dry (like bras), so I tend to wash them first. Then the next lightest load, etc.
Better late than never,, someone once said. I’ve read your blog backwards but I somehow missed this one . Nony.. I’m commenting now for you.My Laundry routine was NOT a routine until I started following your blog and journey. I also have several spots in my house of clothing that can be worn again but is not hung back up. There’s a song about being the King of Wishful thinking …. and I must be the Queen cause that’s what I think when I say to myself “ I’ll hang them up in a minute “
And the 39th comment comes in 2019! I am a stay at home mom of an almost 7 year-old, newly 5 year old, and 7 month old. This is the first blog I have ever followed because I desperately need it to find encouragement and keep on keeping on!
I felt the same way about the dryer taking longer than the washing machine. Then our dryer died and we decided to just go for gas instead of electric. I had heard they were cheaper to run and easier on your clothing. Another fun fact, you can pick up nice used ones for cheap because people sell them when they move somewhere without gas hookups. What we saved on buying a new dryer we spent on having the hookup installed and the best surprise of all is that my dryer is SO FAST. It’s as fast as the washer on most loads and almost as fast on towels and jeans.
Hi Dana!
I’m reading from Day 1 as suggested. I glance at comments occasionally but mainly focus on your writing. The most recent comment I’ve noticed was August 2024. I don’t recall the date of the post (sorry).
Last night when I closed my Ipad the post I was reading was inadvertently closed as well! So this morning I had to start from Day 1 again. But I am forging forward still!
This is the first time I’ve commented on a blog post and I’m not an avid reader of blogs at all. I’ve often joked “I could write a book on my declutter journey”. When I finish reading your journey I will share my story with you. As a hint: I began with making my bed.
A BIG FAN who lives southeast of you (in the land of gumbo, crawfish and Mardi Gras). 😉🧑🍳