Thursday, January 06, 2022

Critical mass mess


I've reached it. Between the state of the inside of the house and the outside of the house, I am feeling agitated and overwhelmed. Living in the country is messy; burning wood for heat is messy; winter weather is messy; holidays are messy; the males I live with are messy (especially one).... There is no way I can keep up with it all, and sometimes I want to throw an absolute hissy fit – or throw in the towel. Neither would accomplish a thing, though, so I keep at it like a maid with a mop on the Titanic. If my blogs go silent, you know I've gone down with the ship.

Listing badly at . . .

12 comments:

Mama Pea said...

I can commiserate with you completely as I have gone through those periods of "critical mass" many times. Fortunately, they do pass and we strong women (and we ARE strong) survive to experience better times. Sometimes I think it's just an integral part of being a woman. Know that you are supported by many of us because of the peeks into each others' lives we bravely share. Even though you are listing, many of us are here to prop you up. Hugs.

Michelle said...

Mama Pea, you made me cry....

Debbie said...

And I agree with Mama Pea, know that you are supported by many.

Adjust the main sail, we'll prop you up along the way if the ship lists. You're on the Boulderneigh Mist and she's not going down (unlike the Titanic)!!

sending hugs



Fat Dormouse said...


Oh my! All that mud!! I can't really help - I'm afraid I have a high tolerance level for mess and grubbiness, but I can sympathise.

Maybe take a day off when you just let it all hang loose, and you can recuperate your mojo (or would that just add to the stress?) Or look at it a job at a time, rather than a critical mass? "I'll just wash the mud off the floor and then I'll have a hot drink/ lunch/ nap" That works for me (sometimes)

Wanda said...

Oh Michelle, it’s the pits when everything seems to conspire against you and your sanity.
Mama Pea is right!
I’m praying that you’ll have the necessary grit, endurance, wisdom, and coping skills.
God and friends are propping you up.

Helen said...

Deep breath, find the quietest/cleanest corner, with a cup of hot tea (or beverage of choice), a little something to nibble and your favorite book or magazine and to #$!! with the rest of the world for as long as it takes. It is pretty amazing that women don't commit more murders. One thing about housework and cooking for a family...it NEVER ENDS. It still amazes me that mother was able to keep it up for all those years. (I did help once I hit the jr hi years and could safely be left to run things in the kitchen, but someone still had to think through a menu and stock the ingredients.)

marlane said...

When we lived in Northern California, we had mud too. The main aggravation for me was the two dogs coming in and out through the dog door, the floor by the door was black and white vinyl tile. There were muddy footprints almost all winter long. I am a fastidious house keeper and was hoping a new mat by the door, that was advertised as stopping this, would work, It did not. Now it is just my husband and me and one cat and in So Cal with not much mud.

Retired Knitter said...

I know exactly how you feel about living with clutter and mess. It makes me cranky and confused when I am somewhere where stuff is all over the place. It's gotten so bad that I wonder if I am becoming mental about it.
Living with a blind person, order has become compulsory for both of us. Stuff needs to be where he expects it to be or he gets aggravated. I get pulled away from what I am doing into searching for the item he is looking for which is aggravating for both of us ... or worst he gets injured by stepping on an item on the floor or walking into a door that is ajar that he expects to be closed but it is open. At least we are both living with similar needs for order.

Any chance you could identify maybe 2 rooms (kitchen, craft room) that would become clutter free zones - that they would agree to live orderly there so you have a space that is comfortable for you? Probably not, but maybe worth a try.

wyomingheart said...

Coffee in the horse stall used to help me a lot… now it’s just coffee and staring at the beautiful sky! You got this … Chuckie would love for you to share a cup of goodness with him! Sending strength and clean up angels!

Mokihana said...

Oh yeah, clutter and mess. It's definitely overwhelming and I wish there was a magic wand to help you with yours. Sending you a big hug.

Sharon said...

I’ll probably be on that ship with you and I don’t have two messy males. Daily walks is my usual salvation but walking in mud doesn’t serve any sane purpose. I don’t have a horse stall but I’d opt for coffee in it if I had one.

A :-) said...

That definitely looks like Mudville. Hang in my friend. These are definitely the times that try (wo)men's souls - in more ways than mud and soot. Know that I'm thinking about you.