Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Works-for-me-Wednesday: Laundry Bling

I'm forgetful. And maybe that has something to do with the four little people who are with me all day and distract me with their questions and needs and general cuteness...

And maybe my tip is a little like the archaic tradition of tying a string around your finger, but it works for me. And I know I'm not the only one who needs it!

I start my laundry. And then promptly forget it. This is partly because my laundry room is tucked back in an area that, frankly, I don't go into very often during the day. And actually, it's not even a laundry "room", more like a pass-through hallway. (I love it, by the way. It's just obscure.) The only other rooms back there are the playroom, the boys room, and another bathroom.

I've tried using a timer, but if I can't immediately tend to the laundry when I hear the ring, that's it. I forget again.

So what happens when my husband is out of jeans? And my boys are out of socks? And Eliana is out of dresses because she wore them all yesterday? Can I afford to just *forget* the laundry for an entire day full of teaching and cooking and cleaning and reading and wiping and cuddling and planning and loving? I tell you, it is so disheartening for me to reach the end of a full day and climb into bed, only to remember that there are at least four loads of laundry still piled on the table, waiting for their sorting and spraying and scrubbing.

I really came up with this idea when we invested in cloth diapers for Gideon- those things take some consistency in keeping up with the cycles. Rinse. Wash in cold. Wash in hot. Rinse again. Dry inserts, air dry outers. I really can't afford to forget them. Literally.

So here's what I do. Get ready, it's ground-breaking.

I put on a bracelet.

Well, I just don't wear jewelry during the day! So this pretty trinket constantly jangles on my wrist, reminds me of the dear friend who sent it. It gets in the way, draws my admiring glances, brings up sweet memories... it reminds me of something. What was it? Oh, yes! Time for the next rinse! Or time to switch! Or time to throw in the whites!


And my girl knows when she sees it: Oh, it's laundry day, isn't it, Mama? Yes, my darling. And now I don't have to worry about forgetting it while I chase you down for a tickle. Or a story. Or... well, you understand, don't you friends?

It works for me. It really does.

8 fellow travelers shared:

Stacy said...

I forget too, so I set the timer.

But a bracelet is a much nicer idea. :)

Christine said...

Great idea!

I just love your blog, by the way. Your gentle and quiet spirit always comes through. I find it inspiring, because homeschooling, on top of taking care of four young children, doesn't bring out my inner gentle and quiet. I need reminders for how I'm supposed to behave!

Precision Quality Laser said...

I forget my laundry for days at time! But I would be constantly wearing a bracelet because I have to do laundry every day to keep up with it :)

And then the novelty of it would wear off and I would be back at square one again...love the idea though...it is much nicer than a timer :)

Carrie said...

Such a fun, sweet idea. Thanks for sharing, my friend.


We have so enjoyed the Thanksgiving books you have shared... would you indulge us with a Christmas edition? :)


Sending love....

Beverly said...

Love the idea! I think I'll try it. I forget my laundry ALL the time. I remember it every night ... when I am neatly tucked into bed. Maybe this new idea will help!

Dionna said...

Your music is very perky. I like it. :)

Beverly said...

Happy Thanksgiving, dear!

Kathy said...

I'm with Beverly - I remember the laundry every night as I settle in bed. (sigh)

I'm trying this! Thanks for the idea!

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