Monday, June 2, 2008

Withdrawals?

As most of you know, I am a creature of habit. Deeply, deeply, ingrained habit. After a lot of work, I was able to kick the worst of my to-do habits (i.e. writing something on after I finished it just so I could cross it off) and schedule regiments (having 6 kids made that more than difficult). In fact I don't always use a to-do list and keep to a loosely held schedule that I write down some weeks and just follow others.

Even though I don't always write it down anymore, and don't schedule my days down to the quarter hour anymore, I still hold to pretty strong routines. From the order I clean the house to the way I fold the laundry it is always done the same. And there is one routine that is as deeply ingrained as initials cut into a tree: when I do my shopping. For the last 12 years, I have always shopped on Mondays. Sure, I may skip a Monday holiday or happen to be sick, but I bet I could count those exceptions on my hands (maybe I would have to borrow a few toes, too!). In fact, last summer I brought all 6 kids with me (instead of waiting for a time when Peter was home and could help out).

Well, starting last week (Monday holiday, remember?) I have decided to throw caution to the wind and change my routine. One whole day. That's right, I am going to try to move my shopping day to the less busy, better stocked Tuesday. That way I can do my housecleaning Monday and shopping Tuesday and have two cleaner house days. The problem? I think I am in withdrawals. I feel jittery. Not myself. Things just feel out of sorts. From Peter asking me to pick something up when I went out to making sure the kids didn't finish off the food this weekend because it has to last one more day, it feels off-kilter. But I am determined. My to-do list today includes mopping and scrubbing, not grocery lists and bagging. How long will it take to erase a 12 year schedule? I guess I am about to find out!

7 comments:

  1. Wow, I commend you on your bravery! I'm sure it will be weird today, but just think how much happier you will be tomorrow. It will all be worth it, just hang in there!

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  2. I use to be the same way and in some things I am like I wash my hair only on Wednesdays and Sundays, always do laundry on wednesdays and saturdays things like that. It is hard to change but change is good. Good luck and stick to it. You are doing a great job.

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  3. Um.. wow when did Gordon start to do laundry, that is what I want to know!

    When Charlotte and I lived by each other we used to go shopping to gether, our budgets were similar and we always went on Mondays, I tried changing my day to Saturday, but went back to Monday, but Charlotte and I still shop together (via making lists together over the internet in IM) and talking to each other at the store (via cell phones) And I have to admit......Changing to Tuesdays was TOTALLY my idea, thats right I am changing to (changing a day to shop on is one thing but changing shopping partners?? That is different all together!)

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  4. Wow you guys are weird. JK I wish I could be more organized. I guess I am not really a Tucker girl because I shop on a different day every month. (I generally stick to the same day all month though). You have inspired me to be a little MORE organized. Good luck though, I konw how hard it can be to change routine.

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  5. Brenda did plant the seed for change. That way we can still shop "together" even though a continent seperates us!

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  6. I used to always shop on Saturday nights with Ken...now I shop whenever CVS has a good sale! Ha ha...just kidding. We actually still feel awkward about things if we don't take a trip to WalMart on Saturday night. Ken likes to come shopping with me.

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  7. w also shop saturdays. i ally need to remember to log off moms computer... she doesnt even notice that she is posting as me

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