House Games

That's the Hunter-Dawson House in New Madrid, Missouri, a neat and tidy, but (or should I say, because) uninhabited early nineteenth century mansion.

While I'm struggling to meet deadlines, I thought I'd post a few more fun games. Anyone reading this blog (if indeed there is anyone, which I doubt) will probably have figured out by now that I see life as a circus, an opera bouffe, or a slightly absurd, occasionally tragic carnival side show. I can only force myself to concentrate and behave like a responsible adult if I make jokes at my own expense, turn obligations into goofy games, and ignore anything that might upset me.

I'd like to say more about all of that some time, when I have a little more air and freedom. For now, here's another little game.

Over the years I've developed dozens of little diversionary tactics whose sole purpose is to get me through a boring or difficult task. I'll be the first to admit that while I love a clean house, I am not naturally inclined toward immaculation. (Is that a real word?) And I have a short attention span.

I was vaguely inspired by some of the FlyLady's routines -- but I confess I find that site frightening, cultish, bossy, invasive, and downright overwhelming. When I began to receive--literally--a dozen emails from the group exhorting me to lace up my shoes, I fled in terror.

Here's one way to reduce the tedium of clearing up about a week's worth of accumulated clutter.

Pick-ups. This is a fun little game that takes only seconds whenever I do it. For one afternoon or one evening, I tell myself that I will never leave a room without picking up one thing that belongs somewhere else. All I have to do is to pick up one item that doesn’t belong in that room and to drop it off either at a collection point or else in the room where it does belong. I don’t have to put it away. That’s part of a different game. For example, say I took off my shoes by the front door; I pick them up on my way out of the living room and drop them in the bedroom, and that’s it. Then as I head out of my bedroom I’ll pick up one item and bring it somewhere else. Then the game is over, unless I want to keep it going. Takes seconds; and if I do it a few times while I’m doing something else, eventually the effects will accumulate and the house stays tidy. It really does – believe it or not.