Saturday, January 18, 2014

Washing Dishes by hand, hold-out!!!!

I unwrapped the big box and between thrill and shock  was a tear for a time I knew would be passing soon. A big, beautiful dishwasher stared at me from the wrapping paper and I oohed and ahhed as a small tear tried to make its way down my cheek.

It took another week to get it installed and as the excitement mounted for my using it the first time, I made sure to dirty a lot of dishes for my final washing by hand.

I'm probably the only human being in the world to absolutely love washing dishes. Over the years getting to the dirty dishes in the sink has given me that rare moment of time to think, to reminisce over wonderful and sad moments in my life, to be totally undisturbed by husbands, children or dogs because they were all afraid I'd make them do the dishes.  The sink knows my every thought and has handled more problems than most psychiatrist get in a year. I kept it polished, bought beautiful fixtures to adorn it as it was my sanctuary in life. Running water would drown out my sobs or my laughter, steam would make me think of a spa, cold would make me feel cool in the hottest heat.

I did one last wash and I told my friend I would still be there everyday but maybe not for as long. Changes have to come and I would still need the sink for vegetable washing, soakings, draining and so many things and it would now always be free of dishes to be used for other things.

The big dishwasher has now gone through it's first cycle and it was so quiet.  The dishes were sparkling clean and the smell was pleasant emanating from the opened door.  I did notice while the dishwasher was doing the dishes, I had time to sweep and mop the floor after I had wiped down all the cabinets. This was a plus so far.  I took the time I usually think my thoughts at the sink and used it to actually talk to others about what was bothering me. Interesting concept and maybe I won't have so much to think about.

So, hello, new friend and sometimes when I am loading you, I may mutter under my breath until I feel comfortable enough in knowing you to let you in on my thoughts. We will work together to make this union work and this creature of habit will embrace this change with open arms.