I am getting off work at 5 and going to pick up my littles. I need to stop by the store for a few basics. Then I need to do the dishes, figure out what's wrong with my washing machine, lay out to dry all the laundry, blankets, towels that were on the floor of the garage and my bedroom when my washing machine overflowed and flooded my house yesterday. I need to rent a carpet shampooer and pull everything out of the closet to air out and clean to get that awful mildewy smell out of the house. I wont be doing that today, because I have a broken arm and my husband has left town for a month! So, that will have to wait. Today I need to get the motivation to tackle this mountain of wet clothes, before they mildew and take care of my littles. All this needs to be done one handed in the next few hours so I can get some sleep and be back here tomorrow. Is there anything you can say to motivate me, when all I really want to do is pick up some take out, spray some air freshener, and lay on the couch with my arm elevated.
I messed with the load level switch, unplugged it, shook it by bumping it with my hip, turned it off and on and finally got it to agitate and drain, Im heading to the store for milk, bread, eggs and 5 hour energy! Then Im going to feed my kids cereal and put them in the bathtub while I put a load in to wash and wash the dishes. Then, yes a glass of wine once kids are in bed. Tomorrow I will be able to do a few more loads of laundry, then on payday, I'm hoping to rent a shampooer and maybe enlist my daughters help or maybe someone from my church. I hate to ask for help, but I would do it for them.
Break it up into little pieces like the other moms said, and send out an SOS on facebook. Maybe you can get some help from someone :)
T.,
Let someone at church know you need help. I can't imagine someone wouldn't come to your rescue. If I knew you and you didn't let me know you needed help, I would be disappointed.
wow!!! talk about a full plate!!! When my son was living in the hospital as a baby and I was going through a divorce this quote kept me moving, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have"
Here's another good one, "The phrase working mother is redundant" Jane Sellman
Good luck!! Hope you get all your chores done and get to rest that arm!!! :-)
just think of all the calories you'll burn???? =)
I know you are home in the midst of it right now... but try to only focus on the item/task at hand at that moment. It is overwhelming to think of it ALL all at once...
And go online and look up the make/model of your washer. Usually you can find some self-help info that will walk you through, and even have illustrations! I found mine when mine wouldn't drain. The illustration showed everything I needed: Which panel to unscrew, what I'd find inside, how and what to open up in there (and what to leave alone). Turned out to be a piece of cake. Found some interesting "treasures" in my drain filter, too. ;)
When you get as much done as you can, pour yourself a half glass of wine (when I'm really wiped out I can never finish a whole one!) and put your feet (and your arm) up. Try to get to bed early if you can. No worries about the clothing that doesn't get done. There is always another day for that...
I'd worry about the carpet shampooing tomorrow. Just keep the a/c set fairly cool in the meantime, to help stave off odors.
YES let the church know! Like you, I don't like asking for help, I'd rather be helping someone else... so that didn't even cross my mind. Call your church secretary or elder and let them know you could use ____. The more specific you are the better. Even if it is just asking if a couple of moms could stop by and pick up a load of wash and do it and drop it off at the church for you when it is done. All you laundry could be done in one shot. And the ladies will LOVE being able to help you in this way!
(The only time I am not just totally annoyed by laundry is when I am doing a favor for someone else. Then, it brings me joy.)
One pile at a time! Same thing happened to us a few months ago...
I separated and started one load...then went to make dinner, then first load in the dryer and second in the wash and then cleaned the kitchen...just kept breaking it up and not worrying too much about it...
We are only moms!
Here's my vote: Get take out anyway (less dishes later), go home and dry the laundry (get as far as you can), then relax. Dishes can wait until tomorrow.
If you decide to tackle it all, go get 'em tiger! I'm worthless on Monday's as it is. :)
Take the kids to McDonalds and eat and let them play until they are tired.
When you get home, have the kids help with the clothes (if they are old enough) and if not, just toss them on the back porch, Its 100 - they will dry.
Lay on the couch and rest.
get a 5 hour energy!
Some thoughts:
Try to take tomorrow off or at least a half day. And still drop your kids off so you have the house to yourself to pull out everything and wash the rugs.
call a washing machine repair guy. Explain to him what is going on and let him know you have a broken arm...be the damsel in distress and maybe he will talk you through it on the phone if it is an easy fix.
Don't worry about the dishes until tomorrow. Your kids won't mind.
Get takeout for sure.
If you really must get it done tonight try a half of an energy drink. I love Rock Stars and they really do perk you up. Drinking the whole one may keep you up though.
Hire someone to come out and do it for you or solicit the help of your family
