April Awakening: Day Eighteen ☁️🌧️☁️
Today I took off work. I’m not sick or anything, I just needed a day to myself to get some things done. I finally did the deep cleaning I’ve been meaning to do for a while, which included reorganizing the kitchen cabinets. I know that sounds as exciting as used dishwater, but it’s what happens when I dedicate a day structured solely around myself. This was my first day off since February, and I was going to make the most of it. I have a couple more coming up in May, but I’m using them to help my dad clean up the Jersey house. I want to do for him things I did for myself today, and I can only do so if I set the standard for myself first.
After waking up at 6:00AM, still programmed into my morning show lifestyle, I had some brunch before grabbing my Amish bedstep and bringing it into the kitchen. I stepped up and opened my cabinets, not entirely unsatisfied with how they looked, but knowing there were some expired items that clearly needed to go. I pulled everything out, gave the shelves a once-over with a multi-surface wipe, then got rid of all the things I didn’t need. There was some years-old distilled white vinegar that I was ready to pour down the drain, but used it to clean my microwave instead. I took note of other products that needed replacement, finding a good excuse to begin my Thrive Market subscription service. After a solid two hours of work, I brought my kitchen up to code I think will be accepted by anyone who crosses my threshold.
Although there’s still dishes that need to be done, I did what I set out to do. I’m so proud of how I organized the cabinets that I keep flinging open the doors each time I pass the kitchen. I like to imagine what other people may think if they’re curious enough to see what else I’ve got cooking in here. Because I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately; How someone will see how I live and want to incorporate my criteria with theirs.
If this new feeling didn’t happen to find its way into my life, this is exactly what I’d be doing regardless; working toward the betterment of myself and the home I choose to live in. But because I’m cultivating some kind of relationship here, the desire to dictate the new norm for myself is happening out here more and more.
So maybe I’m not actually doing as much cooking as I should be. But my kitchen standards sure are on the rise. And if I apply the new benchmark to other parts of my home, I’ll have a place that’s inviting enough for two one day. Maybe three if I’m lucky. I’m not opposed to more mouths to feed.