Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Littlest of Things

As a family of six, I run my dishwasher everyday.

Sometimes, twice a day.

But at least once a day, my house is filled with the quiet hum of yucky dishes being turned into sparkly dishes.

I am thankful for a dishwasher.

But I hate that thing.

Because every morning, right after hobbling down the stairs and donning my hat as short order cook ("Hot cakes right up!" "Oatmeal's ready!" "Cereal with blue milk instead of red milk, coming your way!") I have to empty the dishwasher.

So my morning goes like this:

-Slide out of bed at 5:45
-Have my arse handed to me by some ultra-fit Wii Nazi who thinks squat holds are a grand way to start the morning
-Cook for the troops
-Empty the dishwasher

And every day it's the same.

Since I have this little game I play with myself each morning, aptly called Can I Have The Whole Kitchen Cleaned Up Before The Carpool Charade Begins, I hate, HATE, leaving the house in the morning with an unclean kitchen. If I have to come home to grimy counters and a sink full of dishes, I might as well just crawl back into bed right then and there.

I. HATE. IT.

So this morning, when I began the dance of all mothers-in-the-morning, I opened the dishwasher, prepared for the worst, and found the best present ever.

It was already empty.

And waiting for all my dirty dishes.

Victory!

Some little elf did that yucky little job for me and in turn, my day is off to a kicking start. I'm thrilled. Overjoyed. Completely ready to tackle the day ahead which is great, because it's a doozer.

It's silly, really, how something so small can make such a huge difference in my mood. But it did. And it does. And I'm ready to take on the world.

Thanks elf.

11 comments:

Kelly said...

I totally agree... An unexpected empty dishwasher is a glorious thing. Sometimes, elves just know the right time to jump in and help!

tharker said...

Sweet!

I too cannot stand to leave a messy kitchen in the morning.

Sarah said...

I would love for that to happen too. I hate putting dishes away. What a great way to start the day!

Amy said...

ALmost every mother I talk to HATES putting dishes away. And I'm one of them. My husband and kids think I'm insane, and they all would rather empty the dishwasher then load it. WHich is fine by me. I think there is just something so deeply satisfying about watching the dirty dishes disappear from sink. While a full dishwasher, even clean, represents more work somehow. This was a fun post. So timely to my day somehow. I love you Karen!

Sara said...

I love little elfs who surprise women with heartfelt help. Love it.

Cathy said...

Okay, I had to post a comment because you made me laugh out loud, from my belly - so thanks. It was the unexpected I.HATE.IT. right after the, "I am thankful for my dishwasher" that got me. I feel the same way. I am also rejoicing in your happiness at a surprise empty one. I totally get that.

vwbabe said...

That is a lovely treat. I am glad that you had such a great experience. I hope that was not the last!

Amy said...

Lucky.... (said in my best Napolean Dynamite voice)

dandee said...

I now I'm in the minority, but I don't mind putting the dishes away. Ryan doesn't mind the loading, so we make a pretty good team.

Sounds like you've got a pretty good team too. ;)

Lisa Christine said...

Ugghh...emptying the dishwasher is the worsed.

Can your elf come stop by my place? My kitchen could use some help too.

Melanie said...

What a wonderful morning surprise!!! What a wonderful elf!!!