tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post8222435863617903968..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Housework - because I want to and I like itUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16269693427626139932013-02-13T12:32:21.757+10:002013-02-13T12:32:21.757+10:00Ohh I love this question and your answer. I just f...Ohh I love this question and your answer. I just found your blog and I really love it. I have been making small moves in line with your philosophy for about a year and reading your blog is going to help me learn more, so thank you. I have a very small space within which to work but have been quite productive. It's so rewarding and we are teaching our daughter valuable skills. It's small steps for us but any step is a good step. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05016269317615138311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75522956577564250632013-01-22T06:16:39.944+10:002013-01-22T06:16:39.944+10:00Thank you for this post Rhonda! I'm the one wh...Thank you for this post Rhonda! I'm the one who sent you this question, and I'm so grateful for your response, as well as all of the kind responses in the comments. It helps so much to know that there are others out there that 'get it' and I've taken all of your words to heart. I know the support here will help me explain myself to my family and friends, and give me strength even if they take a long time to 'get it.' Thank you all!Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07472277509884436389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32650369195615582422013-01-18T05:24:21.741+10:002013-01-18T05:24:21.741+10:00Um, it's ok if you spend your day attending to...Um, it's ok if you spend your day attending to housework and baking meals from scratch, but it is also ok if you skip the dusting but once a week and lounge around in pj's reading books and eating snacks!!! You do NOT have to justify staying at home instead of going to a paid job by trotting out a list of everything you do all day that someone else is going to "count" as being acceptable work. If you have the time to fill your day with fun and leisure, so what?! People say things like "it must be nice to __ ". Actually, yes it is! And I'm really grateful that I am able to stay at home, take care of the house & the kids & putter in the garden and do fun things. Sometimes our life is an absolute hectic mayhem of stressful schedules, but other times? I get to sit all day long in pj's if I want to! And I count that as a definite perk to being an at-home mom & wife. yasraenanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79583781088034603852013-01-17T22:00:06.753+10:002013-01-17T22:00:06.753+10:00I am glad that my hubby earns enough for me to at ...I am glad that my hubby earns enough for me to at stay home. I love what I do and I think my role is important.<br /><br />xTaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10176661940614462611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23433075082324044992013-01-17T03:22:49.852+10:002013-01-17T03:22:49.852+10:00First off, wonderful news about Hanno. Like all yo...First off, wonderful news about Hanno. Like all your readers, I've been concerned about him.<br /><br />I think your advice to "Mary" is sound--no surprise there, as you are one wise lady. The one thing I'd suggest is for her to find a volunteer activity or class--something to provide companionship and community since her husband will be away from home a lot and she may find the house awfully quiet. (Unless she's a true introvert and happy spending a lot of time alone. I know people who'd consider days at a time with "no one to bother them" and plenty of uninterrupted time to do their projects to be heaven.)Teresahttp://www.teresanoelleroberts.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51702763636344971452013-01-16T18:08:40.371+10:002013-01-16T18:08:40.371+10:00Great news about Hanno!
I used to get ridiculed f...Great news about Hanno!<br /><br />I used to get ridiculed for choosing to be a mum and homemaker at such a young age. When all my friends were heading off to University, travelling or just entering the work force I was expecting the first of our five children. I have never worked a full time job outside of the home and I have no regrets whatsoever. While choosing to stay at home has been challenging at times, it has been greatly rewarding and a choice I would make again in a heart beat.<br /><br />I often get asked what I will do once our youngest starts school and whether it scares me having no 'work experience' so to speak and I have no hesitation in saying that I will continue to work in and around our home till I am no longer able because it's what I love to do.<br /><br />Mary, I admire that you have decided to stick with what you enjoy doing :)dear mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03265660691017367509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18095801038837886942013-01-16T17:15:27.931+10:002013-01-16T17:15:27.931+10:00Mary - you are at home because you can be. I woul...Mary - you are at home because you can be. I would love to be able to offer that explanation, unfortunately, like many, I work because I have to. Not to provide material "stuff" but to pay bills. First chance I get, once my mortgage has gone, I'm cutting down the hours to spend more time doing things I want to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61441683607853301282013-01-16T11:24:58.971+10:002013-01-16T11:24:58.971+10:00Glad Hanno has got the Ok. I agree totally and be...Glad Hanno has got the Ok. I agree totally and being a mum with 2 children at home with hubby at work my addition would be " beacause i want to, i like it and I can"Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08369794560233978758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37839582998594169032013-01-16T10:33:49.152+10:002013-01-16T10:33:49.152+10:00It always nice to visit here Rhonda and read your ...It always nice to visit here Rhonda and read your posts and I enjoy the comments from your followers as well. You lift my spirits. Thank you everyone.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11639277171611783456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78450075220374909662013-01-16T09:18:15.687+10:002013-01-16T09:18:15.687+10:00Hi Rhonda...it's wonderful news about Hanno......Hi Rhonda...it's wonderful news about Hanno....YAY!!!!!!<br /><br />Thank you for a lovely post which really 'spoke' to me as I felt included as I am a Carer turning 60 this year looking after a daughter with a disability. My Husband will be retiring in a couple of years and is looking forward to 'working' at home which to him will be to help out with our beloved daughter so I can have a bit more free time. I have been a stay-at-home Mum (with a few small casual jobs in years gone by) and I find sometimes that there are never enough hours in the day!<br /><br />There is a lot of satisfaction being at home so GO MARY!!!!Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcherieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07450454650624806716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9075713892461243102013-01-16T02:24:51.605+10:002013-01-16T02:24:51.605+10:00So glad about the good news for Hanno!So glad about the good news for Hanno!momma-lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975411711120382015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77302986720376241702013-01-16T01:43:21.406+10:002013-01-16T01:43:21.406+10:00I am afraid no one praises me for my house keeping...I am afraid no one praises me for my house keeping business. Most people ask me why I do it when I can do so much more!hopflowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85099343383578369122013-01-16T01:41:53.430+10:002013-01-16T01:41:53.430+10:00So glad to hear of Hanno's wonderful prognosis...So glad to hear of Hanno's wonderful prognosis. I am sure it is a great relief to both of you. First, i clean people's homes for a living now; and most people do not praise me for it. In fact, a lot of people ask me what ever would I 'really want to do a thing like that for'(?). I reply that I get a great deal of satisfaction helping to make a clean and orderly, peaceful place for those who do not have time or cannot or don't want to do it for themselves. I know how I feel when my home is the way I want it; and can enjoy it immensely. I started my business because I had never had my own home, do appreciate the work in one, and also appreciate and the fact that we are all different in many ways.<br /><br />We find joy and pleasure in life when we live it for ourselves and appreciate our own talents; not live it for someone else's idea. hopflowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15385363917946690122013-01-16T00:13:41.749+10:002013-01-16T00:13:41.749+10:00I'm joining the collective sigh of relief! So ...I'm joining the collective sigh of relief! So glad about Hanno's test results and that the blockage can be treated with medication.<br />It's a shame that in our present society we are only valued as "good citizen" or "good people" if we have paid job. Everything centers around paid employment. <br />As we adopted a new, young dog from a Spanish shelter which likes to meet and play with other dogs, I've met quite a few new people recently. One of the first questions those peopled asked was: "What's your job?" Oh my God, what's happening to this world? Just imagine the situation: your're standing in the middle of a large meadow, a pack of dogs is frolicking around you and people don't talk about their doggies or kids or home, but about their jobs. <br />I really do prefer our French neighbours. When French people meet, they generally talk about food! Good, home made food, made from scratch, with care and love. The French (at least in the rural areas) still value homemakers.<br />My advice to Mary is: We all should listen to our hearts! That,by the way, helps to keep our hearts and bodies healthy.<br />Best wishes from the South of Germany.<br />Heike<br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29156931688247975112013-01-15T23:50:16.814+10:002013-01-15T23:50:16.814+10:00Praise be God for the good news for Hanno. With t...Praise be God for the good news for Hanno. With the end of 2012 I decided that I needed to cut down, way down, on the number of blogs I follow. As I went through my list and carefully considered things I came to the conclusion that your blog is the only blog I need or want to follow in 2013. You are like a beloved Aunt or dear mentor to me, teaching me the basics that I never learned before (probably because I was too stubborn and impatient). Every time I read your blog or the forum I learn something new and I leave feeling like I just had a nice long chat with a dear friend. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87613176760998140962013-01-15T21:40:35.350+10:002013-01-15T21:40:35.350+10:00You don't know how many times I have been aske...You don't know how many times I have been asked when I will be returning to work. I have three children, and the youngest is only 3!! People automatically assume that as he is old enough to attend preschool, I will be returning to work. This is absolutely not the case. I am at home because it is where I want to be, and because it is where I am needed. As a couple my hubby and I worked hard early on in our relationship to reduce our debt significantly. We are now in a position that we can afford for me to be at home, and that is what we both want.<br />When people ask me when I will be going back to work, I simply answer them with..."I enjoy being at home, we can afford for me to be at home, so Why should I take a job away from someone who needs it?" It usually makes them stop for a minute, and a least consider what I have said.<br /><br />Also great news about Hanno!!<br /><br />Great post as always<br />CassandraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18729910034783226442013-01-15T20:15:13.667+10:002013-01-15T20:15:13.667+10:00Hi Rhonda, I'm so glad you raised this. We do ...Hi Rhonda, I'm so glad you raised this. We do not have children either. At the moment I am the main bread winner...and my husband is at home. He is working on his writing. We share the cooking.<br /><br />Although I have a full-time job I still do a lot of cleaning at home and have allotments where I try to grow some of our food. All of this has to be fitted in around work....except when I'm on holiday and then I have the time to do it all justice...and it is a full-time job in itself this home-making! So Mary I don't see any need for you to apologise for that. <br /><br />Compared to the consumer society we live in, which is doing so much harm to the planet....you should be proud that you are working toward something more valuable.<br /><br />Hope you continue to enjoy it.<br /><br />Love Carolemc.Carolemchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15207632555974755500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31557097195335031832013-01-15T19:11:12.532+10:002013-01-15T19:11:12.532+10:00Hello Rhonda, so pleased to hear about Hanno, I...Hello Rhonda, so pleased to hear about Hanno, I'm sure it's a great relief for you all.<br /><br />Great advice to Mary, as always, but it sure is a shame that she should have to justify her choices to others.<br /><br />When I was a child growing up the the mid 50's/early 60's all the women in our street only worked seasonally (fruit picking) and this was considered 'earning pin money', their proper work was considered to be in the home! How times change in a such a short time and, I think, the natural balance of a woman's role.<br />Jak x<br /><br />Jakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01208269163297762265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37385764239835897762013-01-15T18:46:10.363+10:002013-01-15T18:46:10.363+10:00It sounds as though you know what you want out of ...It sounds as though you know what you want out of life, and how you want your life to be -that is great. There is so much pressure in society, and expectations. But it's your life, no one else's. If you chose to be a career woman, your life would be hectic, particularly when your husband is away also. For a home to function, something has to 'give'. Your husband I am sure, will appreciate having a warm and cosy nest to come home to, instead of a woman crazily running around, trying to do it all. If being at home makes you happy, I'm sure your husband will also be happy. Why are expectations so different just because you coose to have no children? A home still needs to be tended to - kids or no kids. A garden, a car,clothes washed etc, pets walked and bathed.Be true to yourself, and keep the homes fires burning!robtrevnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28872929742692120402013-01-15T18:36:25.286+10:002013-01-15T18:36:25.286+10:00Fantastic news about Hanno.....
But Mary's qu...Fantastic news about Hanno.....<br /><br />But Mary's question is on one subject that makes my blood boil!<br /><br />Why oh why should anyone go out to paid work if they are able not to and don't want to......I have not worked for pay for 12 years, have no children and am fast approaching 50. I'll admit that I'm lucky as my husband has a well paid job in IT, but if he can't support the two of us on one wage then the world I live in is a very sad place. <br /><br />I have often been asked 'when are you going to get a job?' Sometimes I want to answer by saying that by not working I'm letting someone that really needs the money to have that job. As for being labelled as being 'selfish' for not having children, which I have been, I reckon its actually the least selfish option. The population is doing well enough without me adding to it. <br /><br />Recently I realised that as we do not have children we do not need to leave a legacy. We are not spending a fortune to get children through school/university, making sure they have a roof over their heads forevermore, nor trying desperately to leave enough money when we go to make it worthwhile to each child after inflation has kicked in. And when I realised that it changed a few things for me. It doesn't mean we're out spending our money wastefully but I can choose to be a homemaker, allowing my husband to work at his job without having to worry about any of the chores around the house and leave time for us both to enjoy what we have. Isn't that what most people say they're after?<br /><br />So Mary, I believe it's your life, no-one else's. Choose to live it as you wish.<br /><br />Hooliganhound (was in Sydney but now getting used to a very different lifestyle and 5 acres :-))Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68743727811092642662013-01-15T18:29:36.288+10:002013-01-15T18:29:36.288+10:00Great news about Hanno! What a relief! And as fo...Great news about Hanno! What a relief! And as for Mary, I loved her original reply. It's assertive,honest and a very good reason to give.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10975556587020883049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12814451509477468942013-01-15T18:20:00.967+10:002013-01-15T18:20:00.967+10:00A wonderful blog post and reply to Mary! I am in a...A wonderful blog post and reply to Mary! I am in a very similar position after leaving a stressful job that caused me many tears. Now I look after house, home, husband & dog and love it! We are both healthier & happier. We don't spend a lot on "stuff" because we feel we have all we need but not a day goes by that we are not thankful for the life we are leading.<br /><br />Very happy to hear Hanno is better!<br /><br />Rhonda, you are such an inspiration!<br /><br />Much love,<br />Kirsten @ The Happy LarderKirstenInWaleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17569348238616439719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24419549662089264012013-01-15T18:08:27.269+10:002013-01-15T18:08:27.269+10:00What an exellent answer, Rhonda!
And Mary, I'...What an exellent answer, Rhonda!<br /><br />And Mary, I'd like to add that those who ask - they are humans too... I mean there's envy involved (misery loves company!)... Or, they might be confused - what to talk about with you when you are not working anymore. They might feel they can't share with you how tired they are after *working* all week, how behind they are with their home making etc<br /><br />Stay firm with your decisions. You and your husband know what's best for you.<br /><br />Lady Lydia has some good posts on staying at home and what to answer to those who keep asking(It's a christian blog):<br /><br />http://homeliving.blogspot.fi/<br /><br /><br />Miriamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03130669456548942894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31903417597564556942013-01-15T18:04:50.653+10:002013-01-15T18:04:50.653+10:00This page spoke to me! I have recently moved to a...This page spoke to me! I have recently moved to a more rural environment and finally have the time, space and opportunity to do lots of things I've wanted to. I now have bee hives, am building a chook shed, am fencing and clearing parts of our property, learning how to cook without using convenience food, baking my own bread for the first time, and want to start making my own cleaning supplies... basically everything this blog is about - and I'm also unemployed. By choice. With no kids. <br />I hear you Mary, I've had quite a bit of judgement thrown at me. It's easy to ignore those you don't care about, but when it's coming from loved ones it's another story! <br />I find the cheerier and chirpier about your life you can be, the better. If you are always filled with interesting and upbeat news about the things you are doing, your loved ones will start to realise that you are happy and fulfilled... and you will often hit on something that makes them say "I've always wanted to try that!", and the penny will drop that you are doing good works even if it doesn't sit in the normal consumerist mindset. People don't tend to talk about the things that fulfill them, but it does shine through if you are happy :-)<br />Good luck Mary!<br /><br />And thank goodness Hanno is ok!<br />Cathtastic (long time reader, first time poster!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57009720976088684782013-01-15T15:52:19.357+10:002013-01-15T15:52:19.357+10:00I completely agree, Rhonda. I am in the same situa...I completely agree, Rhonda. I am in the same situation as 'Mary', except that my fiance and I are older. When we marry the plan is that I will not be in paid employment. I am looking forward to it very much, because we will still be a family, albeit a small one - just us. It is important to create a home. Many people have a house (some of them are very nice), but it takes real commitment to make a home. A home conveys the essence of who you are as a couple. But, it is more. I think we have lost the value of neighbourhood. I have begun to get to know my future neighbours. I want to know then and keep an eye out for them. Some of them have busy and difficult lives. It will be good to cook something for them, or harvest something for them at times. I want them to know me and know they have a friendly neighbour to whom they can turn if they ever need to. I want to be able to be available to my extended family and be involved. That's me; that's my life: creating a home. There is great value in that.<br /> So glad to hear about Hanno. <br />Juliewattle_girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04959038649910801104noreply@blogger.com