The Little Things

I have a pretty empty task list today.

I wish the task list was empty because I had a free day. (What would I do? Read a novel? Write? Sleep? Make cookies? Oh, free days, how I miss you!) Instead, my day is mostly free because the kids get off school at 11 a.m. tomorrow for the holidays, so today has been designated for cleaning the house to prepare for our Christmas guests and holiday celebrations.

Before I tackle that list, though, some things are annoying me.

When putting my satsumas (a Louisiana version of a tangerine) in the fridge, I noticed my lemons are about to get old. I rarely use a lemon, but need one for a recipe every now and then. I cut them and put them in the freezer. (My kitcheny friend says that will work. We shall see. I hope she is right.)

I had a couple of plastic grocery bags on the counter. I mostly use reusable bags, but every now and then get plastic to line my small trashcans. I put those in a bin and stored them with the trashcan liners.

I put away my hair pins that were hanging out on the counter, decided that my dish rags were gross and threw them - with hand towels from all the restrooms - into the wash, and I downloaded some pictures. I refilled the hand soap dispensers and did a quick load of dishes.

I called the insurance instead of recopying the reminder to call them for the third day in a row. (The lazy is strong, people. Strong!)

I wrote a controversial Facebook status.

I did all the little things that were bothering me.

It only took a few minutes, but it will have a huge affect on my life today. I feel accomplished and free. I can read a little (if I knock out those still-not-touched chores). I can relax. The clutter is gone, at least for the moment. The house and the planner are restored to calm.

Just for today, do the little things so that you are free from them.

Etcetera.