I used to detest ironing. I bought all clothing with the consideration of whether or not it would need ironing, if so, how much and how often. As a rule, I don't buy anything for myself that needs ironing. It's just simpler that way. It would infuriate me when a cute baby 'cloh' would come out of the wash needing ironing, and on principle I didn't do it. Rather than iron something, I would try to rewash and dry it with the hopes that I could instantly retrieve it and salvage it before wrinkles set in. That only worked occasionally. Ironing was for special events, church shirts for Timm- which he had to do- and only done under extreme duress.Then when Timm started teaching last year we were both surprised that his dress code was so 'fancy'. Absolutely no jeans, and a button-down shirt and tie every day. Sheesh. Since when do high school teachers have to dress up so much? I admit, he does look good everyday. But it forced me to take up ironing.
I decided that ironing Timm's clothes was the least I could do for a man who worked so hard and so much. He has to get up at 5 to get to work on time, and I have a comparatively leisurely schedule. I made the goal to iron once a week so it wouldn't overwhelm me and so that Timm would have have choices. I've gotten much better over the last year and I can now say that I don't 'hate' ironing. Once I get in the groove, it's not too bad and I'm not too bad at it. I'm not crazy like my grandma, Denise, or my mom- in that, I don't iron my sheets, jeans, or t-shirts. Ever. I still stick to the basics and the necessities only.
I seriously let the ironing go over the summer when Timm wasn't teaching, and in preparation for his first day of teaching last Monday I spent three ironing sessions catching up. I procrastinated it for weeks, but then put on a few episodes of Monk and dived in. It totaled to: 19 shirts, 2 pair of dress pants, 2 of Bella's shirts, and 3 of Bella's dresses. I had that feeling of satisfaction that comes when you finally do some mundane task that you've procrastinated doing for far too long.
I say this all to remind myself that I can do 'hard' things, and maybe even learn to like doing some of the household tasks that I currently avoid and make into domestic mountains.
It's a good thing that Shell gave me her old Rowenta iron to replace my cheap one. It was some unrecognizable brand and felt like a toy. Now for a new ironing board that doesn't precariously wobble...
*Happy 21st Birthday Charlotte!!!*
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8 comments:
I like the term 'domestic mountains', it describes a few things around here and makes me want to conquer them!
This post is motivating!
Getting a steamer CHANGED my life.
Good job on all the ironing! You did a fabulous job!
I still don't really like to iron. Marc does his own shirts. I iron only when necessary.
I have some domestic mountains of my own. I tackled my shutters yesterday -- finally -- and it was very satisfying.
I want Bella's dress!
have you tried "pay to post". Your are such a good writer and I think you bring an interesting point of view that people enjoy. I dont know you or anyone else you know, but I enjoy reading your blog, kinda like a daily nespaper column. I dont know the specifics, but I think if you get good numbers on your blog, you can make a decent amount of money...little at first but some people make a thousand or so a month! Just a thought from Helpful Hank...
I sort of hate to get the word out that I actually kind of enjoy ironing. Too bad that doesn't equate with being caught up with my ironing. It is so much more enjoyable, however, with the right equipment, i.e., a decent iron with good steam, a good water spray bottle, and Magic Sizing.
I think the thing I like about ironing (other than the satisfying piles of neat clothing and linens) is that it is completely mindless work that you can do while enjoying a good movie or TV show, but you feel like you're accomplishing something.
Wow, I am seriously impressed because I LOATHE ironing, and take many measures to insure that I very rarely have to do it! This is kind of embarrassing, but if something is just mildly wrinkled I just spay it with a spay bottle and let it hang dry. Is that pathetic? Oh well, it seems to work okay...
I love conquering those 'domestic mountains!' Good for you to do all that ironing-when you are expecting, no less! Inspiring.
I detest ironing! I avoid my clothes that need to be ironed and only end up wearing them for special occasions, so practically never.
Good for you for taking care of Timm this way and for learning to like it.
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