This week has been so much better than last week. Still, it’s a little wild. Yesterday and today were spent completely away from home, running errands, going to the final Bible Study of the year and an impromptu lunch out with friends, grocery shopping in a hurry because the lunch went long . . .

Housework? What’s that?

So, in an attempt to survive, I’m focusing on that subtle (and completely unnatural to me) art of . . . noticing.

Noticing things like the fast food cup in the back seat of the Suburban from the restaurant where we ate . . . last Friday. Noticing that when pulled out, it seemed to have ice in it. Taking the time to realize that would be scientifically impossible. Removing the lid and noticing that someone had put rocks (likely removed from his shoes after playing baseball) into this cup with liquid still in it. Noticing that the liquid is now reddish brown as I pour it out into the flower bed before depositing the cup in the trash.

Noticing that the washer lid is down, and taking the time to consider that perhaps I never put the last load from Monday’s Laundry Day into the dryer. Noticing that I am right, and starting the dryer.

Noticing that the breakfast table is covered with two days worth of cups, and that the dishwasher is dirty, making it ultra quick and easy to have a semi-clean kitchen.

Noticing that the bananas – that would be soooo perfect for making banana bread – are getting riper and riper (blacker and blacker) on the counter.

Noticing is difficult for me. Noticing my home seems especially difficult in the midst of “more important” (and fun) things going on.

But one thing I’ve learned in this journey to an orderly home, its that it’s the noticing that makes the difference.

Don’t forget that tomorrow night I’m going to be putting up my first Focus Check Friday post with linky.