January 1st, New Year’s Day, is a time for new beginnings, even though it’s just the day after December 31st. Like the first day of school, it’s an occasion to start a new page. Such as, this year, I resolved that I will have better time management skills. I will attempt to put things away as soon as I am done. Most importantly, I am going to figure out how to do the Dishwasher within the strict parameters of what Mitch thinks is good placement. We have a daily Dishwasher Duet – Fastidious Tetris Style VS Chaotic Mess (it all gets clean in the end.)January 1st, New Years Day, a time for new beginnings even though it’s just the day after December 31st . Like the first day of school, it’s an occasion to start a new page. Such as, this year I resolve that I will have better time management skills. I will attempt to put things away as soon as I am done. Most Importantly I am going to figure out how to do the Dishwasher to the strict parameters of what Mitch thinks is good placement. We have a daily Dishwasher Duet – Fastidious Tetris Style VS Chaotic Mess (it all gets clean in the end.)

Yesterday I saw a meme that said in every relationship there is one person who stacks the dishwasher like a Scandinavian architect (Mitch) and one who stacks it like a racoon on crystal meth (Vickie) – Yep that’s us!

Here’s the truth, I actually attempt EVERY SINGLE DAY to do a load correctly. Glasses placed on top level but do they go between the prongs or do you put the glass on the prong? Plates on the lower rack? Horizontal? Vertical? And what about those knives, point down. Geez, why do I keep forgetting that one – or maybe, Hmmm….
I read somewhere that one must divide the dishwasher into zones. Do they mean each dish, cup, bowl and glass should have their own neighborhood?

I could take lessons. Yes, I’m always up for a new challenge. But, really a better solution is to leave the dishes in the sink for Mitch.
Batting my eyelashes and with a sweet smile, I will yield to the master. ”Mitch you are so good at loading the dishwasher, I defer to you on this task with respect and admiration.” Problem solved!“
Now to the laundry. If Mitch isn’t careful, he may end up doing all the chores because he is THAT GOOD!
For inspiring stories about Raising a Child with a Rare Chromosome Deletion, check out the 3-time award-winning memoir Raising Jess: A Story of Hope!





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Very funny I am sure his fishing gear is the same way
YES!!! LOL
I think you should let Mitch do all the chores, because he’s clearly very good at it! 😆 You could sell it to him like that and see what he says!
Excellent idea!!!! 😆 When it comes to kitchen and other details (NOT COOKING), I believe he would gladly accept my offer!
This is so perfect…you raised the most tossed about issue in our house. I load the dishwasher ‘with abandon’ says the hubster…with no regard for the optimum placement of dirty stuff. I figure if it’s in there — that’s pretty darn good. He can’t help himself…for a while he secretly re-loaded after I cleaned up the kitchen and now he just gives me a look…and I back away. If ‘good enough’ isn’t…good enough…he can do it and save me the step! So relatable, Vickie. xo! 🥰
😂 see we have even more in common!!!!
Why am I not surprised! Dishwasher wars – LOL!
I just started reading “Raising Jess”…I bet I’ll find more common threads. Thank you, dear Vickie! 🥰
I am on 90% and plan on finishing your book today!!! ❤️
Oh my goodness. You’re so sweet. I promise I’m not reading yours ‘just because’. It’s rare to find people who understand all the layers. Grateful that we connected. xo! 🥰
Me too! I was very intrigued about your not just because we have the same name. All the experiences you describe are incredible!!! Especially love the resilience of the two sisters, Victoria, and Lisa ❤️
I’m sure I’m going to learn so much more as I read your book, but there are warriors within us, aren’t there – especially when we’re protecting the ones we love, no matter what. Love wins! Sending big hugs to you. 🥰🥰🥰
I just finished your wonderful book!
I am in awe of your ability to continue to be on Sue’s team given the experiences you had throughout your life. It is extraordinary to me.
My mom also had Alzheimer’s, and as you mentioned in the book, it’s worrisome as daughters.
So many psychologist, therapist and service providers, choose their field because of their experiences growing up. You took some of the lemons and definitely made lemonade and you were sharing your wisdom with others.
I am glad that Lisa is thriving and that everyone is doing well. Signed, the other V
Oh my, Vickie — I just finished “Raising Jess” last night. Thank you for bringing readers into your family and introducing Jessica to me. Your book was a beautiful, insightful read and of all the threads, I really connected with the ‘found family’ aspects and your powerful advocacy. The photos were a delight and I loved learning about Alex and Carly’s stories as siblings. Beautiful! And Mitch walking Nan down the aisle? It truly struck me as a moment of embracing the people who come into our lives unexpectedly. You saw that happen a few times – the Universe (or as you put it so perfectly — the ‘master coordinator’ at work). Grateful that we ‘met’ and I had the opportunity to read. Big hugs to you and the whole family. 🥰
Thank you!!!! You made my heart shine!!!! ❤️😀
🥰🥰🥰
I just put an Amazon review on your page page
Oh my goodness – thank you. I only have a few on Amazon — that’s so lovely of you. Thank you for the reminder. I’ll do the same on your page. xo! 🥰
Men with OCD-like skills (type A) make great husbands!
But after years of debate about the dishwasher, I can see that we have both given in a little. I stack more uniformly now, most of the time… ok, some of the time…. and John doesn’t redo my loads. A little compromising goes a long way… and after all, there are bigger battles to be ….. hold it, wait, what am I saying? It’s all ‘small stuff’ anyway.
But…..on the subject, John is the same way with his clothes. All the blue long sleeve dress shirts hung together, then the white, black, etc., you get the idea. And on the shelves, only short sleeve tee shirts without collars in one pile, with long sleeves in another, by color, etc. And all folded the ‘only correct’ way, so that their folded dimensions are all identical to achieve a symmetrical pile. I gave up folding his clothes early in our relationship, and now the dryer is emptied in two distinct piles. It’s a plan that works!
Oh Deb! Oh John!!! My mother and cousin Andrea can relate to John’s organization ! My cousin taught me how to color code my closet, and I am always trying to do that. But never achieved her level. Glad there’s always compromise ❤️
Love this as well as all of your blog entries! Btw, I’m the “Mitch” in our household. lol
Then I feel very comfortable leaving the dishwashing duties to you while I’m not home. Lol! 🥰
My husband and I got a good laugh out of this – we have the same roles when it comes to our dishwasher. I like your idea of letting him do it! My other thought on looking a Mitch’s dishwasher is – that was some big dinner party you had!
Thanks, Susan – I appreciate your comment and you both reading – That photo of the dishwasher was courtesy of google! big parties like that deserve only the best paper products! LOL