Last Week...I fell Off The Wagon

Actually, I didn't "fall" off... I jumped!! FlyLady would NOT have been proud of me. Yes, it is true... I was living in CHAOS! (can't have anyone over syndrome) Mount Washmore was piled high, my "hot spots" weren't just "spots" anymore and... a shiny sink? Ha! What sink... it's view was obstructed due to the piles of dirty dishes on the counter. No Proverbs 31 Woman delusions on this end!! I will spare you most of the sordid pictures as I choose not to embarrass myself any further.

What was the problem?? The BIG FIVE reasons:

1) My dear hubby was in Atlanta on business, so I was in mourning over his abscense.

2) Week before last we were in Phonix visiting Brad's parents. I ALWAYS get a little off kilter after a vacation with family. Doesn't matter whether we go visiting, or they come here... I really enjoy our time spent together and get rather meloncholly for a few days after we part. I miss the "fam". Which leads me to reason #3...

3) I think I had been taking FLYLADY'S "Pamper Yourself" missions just a little TOO seriously! I have learned over the years that I just need to give myself a little space after a visit or vacation... but... well... let's just say I was "given an inch, but I took a mile!" I guess since we recently have enjoyed: a three week visit from my parents, a one week visit from our youngest daughter, and then spent an enjoyable 9 day vacation recently with Brad's parents... I've had a slow time getting back into my routines!

4) Our dishwasher broke back in March. Actually, I've been a good sport about handwashing dishes for the past 6 weeks. Yep... I made it through a dinner party with 25 guests, through Easter, and through weeks of daily chores. But I have to admit, last week I cracked. I went on a dishwashing strike. It was a sad state of affairs over here! Actually, our new dishwasher was delivered last Monday, but since hubby was out of town, all I could do was stare at it longingly all week. There is sat... quietly hidden away in it's big cardboard box awaiting the day when I could load each and every dirty dish inside my new servant...push a few buttons...and walk away! You know, a dishwasher is one of those things that it's easy to take for granted. I think I have a new appreciation for the priviledge of owning one.

So you ask...what HAVE I been doing? Among other things, the THREE R's: Read'n, wRiting, and Restauranting. Yep, it's true. While hubby was gone I treated myself to a ban on housework. I played on the computer... alot... doing some bloggityville reading, doing some bloggityville writing...and cleaning up photo folders and files. Actually, I've had alot of stuff floating around in my head that I've wanted to post here...so last week I did a "brain dump" into my draft folder and now have a headstart on future posts. Do any of you ever do that? I also wanted to post a few pics from our trip to AZ... hopefully within the next week or two.

Last Monday night it was fun meeting with some friends to help our MOB (mother of the bride) address wedding invitations. She made us a wonderful dinner and we enjoyed fun fellowship. Also, I enjoyed lunch outings with both Erin and Megan this past week. So, you see, I HAVE been busy. Just not exactly keeping up with the whole housework scene.

But... this week is a new week and I can start fresh!! Hubby is back home (yeah!!!) Thankfully, he installed our new dishwasher over the weekend, so I ended my moratorium on chores and hand washing dishes. Now this week I have a fresh start...a new outlook! My chores are up-to-date and life feels much more "in order" now.

I am actually VERY EXCITED as today my sister comes in for a week long visit!!! (you wouldn't know her... as she doesn't blog...which, by the way, is in my "serious injury file") It will be great to spend some time together in R&R. I hope to provide a fun and relaxing break from her normal routine. She is in a busy stage of life right now; homeschooling two teenagers, playing "taxi", managing her husband's band, and generally busy with all things related to being a keeper of the home. So this little "get away" is a well deserved break for her. While she is here I may try and razz her some more on how much fun we would have if she started her own blog. (Maybe you could help me by leaving her some sweet comments, encouraging her to venture out into bloggityville. Maybe tell her why you enjoy blogging so she can become inspired!! :-) In all honesty... I remember all too well that stage of life. I can see where blogging may not fit into her schedule at this point in life. Well, we'll see. I'll keep you posted!

Also... I have a VERY SPECIAL announcement!!!! This post marks my 100th POST!!!! Somehow that kind of feels like a milestone! I've enjoyed having this outlet for my thoughts, rants and raves. Thank you to those of you who have been visiting me here and leaving comments, as I have been blessed and inspired by reading so many of your blogs and getting to "know you" through the blogosphere.