Domestic Realizations

So after graduation, I've been spending a significantly increased amount of time at home. Probably the most time home since summer of 2009. Also, Dave's studying for the MCAT right now (he takes it in one week!!), and after my persistent request for things that I can do to help him in his studying, he finally said he thought having good meals and a cleaner house might help. I totally understood that. I'm always happier with a full belly and in a clean space. Unfortunately, these have never been my strong suit. During this time I've come to some realizations about the being-in-your-home-all-day life.

Realization #1: Being home all day is unfortunately good motivation for housecleaning. It is harder to ignore your messy house when you are actually living in it. It just stares at you, jabbing at your conscience until you do something about it.

Realization #2: Having a home cooked meal every night makes me feel healthier, and happier(not to mention, makes our budget happier). What? there isn't an insane amount of sodium in everything I eat? Awesome. I like the fruits and veggies too. No tipping either.

Realization #3: Making dinner every night creates a lot of dishes to be done. Where did they all come from? How do they multiply in my sink when I'm not looking? How come my dishes pile no longer consists of just cereal bowls and spoons? (we used to only be home during breakfast...)

Realization #4: Creating/maintaining organization is harder than it looks. The last two weeks I've been trying to go through piles of things that we've just kind of ignored since we've been married. Like my collection of art I've done since I was 5. And our extra room that was the "don't want to throw it away because I might want/use this later" storage room. I had to clean it out in order to make it a studio. And somehow, after all the work I've put into cleaning that room, I still find myself depositing things in there.

Realization #5: Basement apartments are not quite like having your own personal studio. Although it is more comfortable to be close to the kitchen and the couch (naps on chairs are not quite like the living room couch...) I miss the open space, the view (I had this amazing view of Timp right out my window), the creative community, the critiques (never thought I'd say that), my friends, and the junkie sink that you don't have to worry about keeping spotless. I might even be missing the glitter from my studio neighbor that got on everything I did. How will anyone recognize my art anymore with out the shiny dots of reflection?

All you mothers and graduated artists out there are probably thinking something like, "Haven't you been married for two years already? Welcome to my life!" Guess I got a late start. Hopefully I'll catch up soon.

One benefit to all this was the discovery of several delicious recipes this week.

Monday: Homemade Vegetarian Chili. Thanks Linda.

Tuesday: Beef Sukiyaki. This one came from a Cook(that's my mom's maiden name) wedding shower.

Wednesday: Honey Lemon Salmon and Mushrooms with a sweet brown sugar glaze. Costco cookbook.

Thursday: Italian Baked Chicken. This was from the Evans family cookbook. Thanks Lark!

All were super delish. Let me know if you want a recipe. All winners.

Last thought: is anyone else wondering if we're going to need an ark anytime soon? This rain is relentless!