Housework: Whose job?

Not long after we were married we meet a couple whose premise was, "If you are both working fulltime, then $20-$30 a week for sometime to clean your house is not much for the weekend relaxation & peace of mind it gives -- especially for the wife!"  We both thought this was a great idea & although only once in our lives so far have we done this, I must admit, it was really nice when it happened.
As you know I have been thinking a bit lately about productivity & the new role I find myself in as a stay at home Mum.  It is a role & job & I have heard often the classic -- "Mothering is a fulltime 24/7 job, you are a counsellor, teacher, nurse, taxi driver, you do this & that & whatever, lade da de da."  I dont disagree with that but at the same time it makes me cringe because it seems as though it comes from the need to justify your work & make yourself feel a bit better about a job that no one really likes to do.  I wonder if we have our thinking a bit out of whack on this one.
I read this article the other day "Strong marriages depend on dad's involvement with kids and chores."  I enjoyed what it had to say & got me thinking back to paying for a housekeeper if you are working fulltime.  I also was reflecting on another article " Motherhood is a calling & where your children rank"  and although I dont fully agree with everything in either articles it really made me wonder about how we view being a stay at home Mum.
Here's where I am heading...  My job used to be school teaching.  I would be at school from about 8-4 (approx) each day (or the days I worked).  I would sometimes have extra work to do but mostly my job fitted within those hours.  Before & after school my life consisted of pretty normal things such as grocery shopping, cooking & general living stuff.  I would also have hobbies, time with friends, volunteering in the community & down time relaxing.

Said no one ever!

Now I have changed careers -- I am now instead of a school teacher a mother.  I am with my child for about (at the moment) 8-10 or so hours a day (the rest she is sleeping) and in those hours I have differing tasks that need completing & stuff that needs to happen -- that is my job.  It does seem a lot longer hours than I am used to, but like any new job it takes awhile to adjust to & learn the ropes.  The rest of my life should still have the other things in it, like it used to.
My job is not to keep the house clean, or finish all the washing or make sure the loo is cleaned & baking is in the tin -- these are things that I do because it is part of my general living stuff.  If my fulltime job (being a Mum) gets in the way of these things, then maybe we need to look at hiring some one for a few hours a week.
Maybe for some this is no big deal -- but for me this is a new way of thinking, a revelation that has changed the way I perceive what I do.  I hate cleaning & would never voluntarily become a cleaner -- and being a stay at home Mum is not that -- I am a mother -- that is my role/job.  I find this rather freeing & helps me to see my day in a different light.  And just in case you are wondering -- I love my new job :-)
Well that's what I reckon -- what do you think?

Housework: Whose job?

Recent books

Well, probably not so recent actually, the reading has slowed down lately, so here's what I have enjoyed in the past 5-6 months.                                                                                                                 


Long Way Gone -- Ishmael Beah 
I found this book very sad and moving.  I was touched by the aid-workers who never gave up.  A compelling read, that opens your eyes and gives you reason to be thankful.  *****




Castaway Kid -- R.B. Mitchell
This book was a great insight into the life of an unwanted child.  His thoughts and feelings were heartbreaking at times.  It shows how the way people can love & help is so important.
****


                              
A Message from God -- Retha & Aldo McPherson
This book bought me to tears and challenged my thinking.
It is a very personal book that tells the story of how God broke and remade her heart.
****


Catcher and the Rye -- J.D. Salinger
I persevered with this book because I heard it is a classic and good read, but I fount it very weird and at times a little disturbing.  I'm not sure what the point of it is.
**  




Just do Something -- Kevin de Young
I really enjoyed this book and was also challenged by it.  His ideas and thoughts are "no-nonsense" practical and helpful.  Everyone should read this book.
****
                                                                            

Recent books

Summer reading

Heres what I have enjoyed reading this summer...

1. Captivating -- Stasi Eldredge
A little hard to start with, but great book that every women should read -maybe also the men! ****


2. Velocity -- Dean Koontz
A fast-paced crime thriller. A little crazy at times, but a good read. ***3. To Kill a Mockingbird -- Harper Lee
Really enjoyed the viewpoint of this book. Very different from the movie. Great insight into small town life in USA. ***



4. Epic: The Story God is Telling -- John Eldredge
A well written big picture story of history & what God is doing. ****5. Open House -- Sheridan Voysey
A selection of interviews from a huge range of people. Been reading this over a long period of time, but enjoyed every part. Great inspiration. ****



6. The Shack -- William Young
A different take on how we view God. Great discussion points and challenged my thinking. ****



7. Spud -- John van de Ruit
Really funny story about a South African boarding school. LOL hilarious at times! ***8. Faith Like Potatoes -- Angus Buchan
This book gave me a huge faith boost. A great example and testimony!*****

Summer reading

Summer Holidays & Novels

With the summer holidays fast approaching, the novel seems to beckon. And it seems I have been getting some good practice for the summer days in the hammock with some great novels already polished off.
Here's what I have been reading lately...

1. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas -- John Boyne
A great take on World War II from a child's perspective. Very powerful and moving. ****


2. A Thousand Splendid Suns -- Khaled Hosseini
Journey of two woman's lives in Afghanistan. Very well written and captivating. *****


3. The Crown & the Crucible -- Michael Philips & Judith Pella
First book in 'the Russian' series. Slow to start, good history, but too much detail. ***



4. Things We Couldn't Say -- Diet Eman
Diary excerpts & stories of a girl who was part of the resistance in Holland during World War II. Insightful book to remind you to be thankful! ***


5. Vanish -- Tess Gerritsen
2-3 CSI Episodes all wrapped up together in one book. Portrays the horrors of human traffic-ing. Can't put this book down. ****

Summer Holidays & Novels

Books I have been reading... (July 05 - April 06)

Man I have been chomping through the books lately, here's what I have been reading... (chronologically from latest to oldest)

The Da Vinci Code -- Dan Brown

I quite enjoyed this book, and finished it in 1 day. It has a twist near the end that takes a bit to get your head around, a lot of religious history that is interesting, thought provoking but also rather strange at the same time. Im not quite sure what to think about some of it's ideas, although I do think the author really only wants it to be fiction to provide a story. It makes you think about what you believe without testing it, only because it has been passed down to you. I think some further study in this kind of area maybe required. A great yarn, fast paced and cleverly written.

Plain Truth -- Jodi Picoult

This was a story based on an Amish farm. It was quite interesting to gain insight into the Amish worldview etc. but I found the plot rather disturbing and the ending a complete contradiction to the whole point of the book. It was a read that kept you going, and one you couldn't put down!

By the Light of a Thousand Stars -- Jamie Langston Turner

This was a fictional book based around a couple of families who were neighbours and how they interacted. Was very descriptive and also quite compelling as to how to really love your neighbour. Took a bit to get into, but was interesting none the less. Quite a good insight into how people think and act, especially good for mothers with kids!

Where is God on Mondays -- Alistair Mackenzie & Wayne Kirkland

This book really gets you thinking about commonly held views of work, and where it all fits in Biblically. A really good book to challenge and help you define what it is that God really wants us to accomplish in our lifetime on earth. It also has questions at the end of each chapter, so could be used for a study guide within a small group setting. Small chapters and easy to read with everyday examples.

On the Anvil -- Max Lucado

This book has some really good challenges, and really easy to read. The chapters are separate stories, little gems that I just read one of a day. Great author who has written stories and real life challenges that he has experienced. Great to be given a shove in the right direction and reminded of what is important.

Anger -- Tim La Haye

Although this book is quite theoretical, I found it quite helpful as I read it, although I would struggle to recall a lot of it now. Would be quite good as a resource.

The Robe --

This is a historical novel about the soldier who was in charge of the crucifixion. A very well written book and quite a compelling read. It clearly describes and portrays what it would have been like in Jesus time, and the impact he had on small town Israelites. Provides a fresh take on His life and the culture of the day. A great plot, exciting and suspenseful at times.

The Temple -- Matthew Riley

I also read this book in 1 day, as I couldn't put it down. Set in the history of the Incan trail in South America, and provides insight and background of those times. Although at times it was a little far-fetched, there were a few twists that had your mind reeling and some scary stuff that had your heart pumping. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it!

Out of the Comfort Zone -- George Verwer

This book has some great principles and challenges. Written by the founder of OM (Operation Mobilisation) it portrays a man who is 100% passionate about missions. There are some great parts in here to make you think about missions in general and you cant but help catch his enthusiasm.

Is that really you God? -- Loren Cunningham

This book really challenged and inspired me to dream big for God, and the power of prayer. This guy was the founder of YWAM (Youth with a mission) and was a pioneer of his time with ground breaking moves. Totally challenged by what he accomplished because of his faith in God, which was immense. A huge pillar of faith that has gone on before.

No Compromise -- Melody Green

Man this was the book that started me on next 2 that I read. I really found this book to be a great encouragement & was inspired by Keith's no compromise life. He also was a pioneer of his time, and stood up for what he believed no matter what. What he accomplished for God was awesome. The challenge here was do I really want this as my lifestyle or would I rather dream about it.

Books I have been reading... (July 05 - April 06)