The Chore Swap-And on Day 2, I picked up poo...

Day 1 was fun.  I mowed the lawn.  Well, okay, I mowed and edged the FRONT lawn.  It took me just over an hour.  I was South Florida sweaty and my arms felt like noodles afterward but I had just enough strength to lift a beer when I was done. Thank goodness for small miracles. Before I could enjoy a beer, I had to vacuum the dog hair off of the patio furniture and the patio area.  I needed somewhere to sit and enjoy.  Right?

How did I do?
My edging skills need A LOT of work.  Not an easy task at all. Takes much more patience than I have and a steady hand. I've got mowing down but could get a little faster.  All in all, it was an enjoyable experience.  There is just something very satisfying about standing back when you are done and saying, I did that and it looks great. 

How did Mike do?
On Day 1, Mike dusted the entire house, cleaned the toilets, and cleaned the bathroom counters in less than an hour.  I found it highly unlikely that he could do an adequate job in the short period of time but he encouraged me to look around and I was impressed with what he had done.  Not that I didn't think he was capable but one hour?  Pretty impressive.  I did notice a few missed spots but nothing to really point out. He did a great job and he knew it. He gleamed with pride.

Interestingly, Mike had a few things to say about how much the girls aren't doing and could do.  He grumbled playfully with them and one of the girls said, "Dad, you can't complain because Mom just does it, she doesn't complain. Well, sometimes she complains." The other princess said, "Dad, I knew you were going to get like this and make us do more."  I have to say, it was music to my ears to hear him say that they need to do more.  They do.  They do a lot but, like most kids, are often reluctant to jump in and be helpful without being asked.  I would love for them to see someone working hard and offer to help. I hope that someday it is just their natural reaction to be graciously helpful. Someday. It's a goal to work toward.

And on Day 2?

I picked up poo...in the rain.  I picked up a bucket full of dog poo. I did it with a smile because what else can I do?  That's it for the day.  I tackled a messy junk drawer and read but I don't need to mow the backyard until Monday, so, for now, I will just enjoy the vacation.  Mike, on the other hand, was scurrying about this morning vacuuming the entire house.  Again, he mentioned that we all need to help out more. "Jen, when is your day to help with vacuuming?" This, again, is music to my ears.  I totally agree.  It's frustrating to be scurrying around the house, doing what needs to be done, while the rest of your family is lounging about playing Minecraft, drinking coffee and reading.  I nodded in agreement, and I so very much wanted to help, but for the purpose of this experiment, I am sticking to my chore list,  and today, that means I pick up poo, and that's it. So, today, I picked up poo...in the rain. It was oddly therapootic.

What's next?

A bloggy break.  I'll update in a few days.  I figure it's good to let a few days pass to really LIVE the experiment.  Until then...happy experimenting! Enjoy your weekend!