using Modern conveniances to simplify life:

**canadian gardener** · 07-14-2004, 02:53 PM

Trading Money that you earn, FOR savings in Time and Energy. We all know that saying, when you have the time, you don't have the money and vice versa.

Suppose you have a friend thinking of taking on a job, but that friend suffers from Chronic Fatigue symptoms and is really tired.

A friend of mine on another board asked that the other day, and asked what we would advise her on how to make her life simpler, what could she do, and in some instances she is ready to trade money (that she could earn by going back to work) for somewhat more expensive conveniances (to free up her time and energy).

I thought it would make an interesting and thought provoking discussion.

What modern conveniances would you suggest?

Things like Chlorox ready wipes, disposable Swiffer products or big purchases like dishwashers or services like a cleaning lady.

So what would you do in her shoes?

Remember she has NOT got the energy for doing all the money saving frugalities once she goes to work but she doesn't want her whole pay cheque and then some to evaporate.

**canadian gardener** · 07-14-2004, 02:56 PM

Oh and she is leaning to having to work in spite of the medical condition, due to needing better benefits plus they can't survive on her dh's pay alone.

That is not uncommen to see this kind of situation in frugality circles, I know many of you have already faced that sort of thing.

**guest2** · 07-14-2004, 03:09 PM

I think that I would advise her to still try and use natural products for cleaning since she has CFS because those chemicals in some of the cleaners will only make things worse for her.

To make her life easier, I'd be stocking up on cheap paper plates and napkins for those nights when doiing the dishes is the last thing that she has energy for. If she does not already have a crockpot, I'd advise her to get one and make good use of it so she could come home to a nice cooked stew, chicken, lasagna, etc.. How about OAMC having her family help her out with it. Also, delegate chores to the whole family. There is no reason that she has to do it all.

**canadian gardener** · 07-14-2004, 03:51 PM

good points. I love the 5 to 15 minute time limits, you get more done when you set a timer and you don't get exhausted as easily, when you take regular breaks, allowing yourself to call it a day on one task when you've done the day's allotment for it.

and yes, didn't notice that about CFS and the chemicals but you are right.

**guest2** · 07-14-2004, 03:57 PM

Margery,
You should print this off or at least forward our answers to your friend.

**canadian gardener** · 07-14-2004, 04:09 PM

I'll make a copy into Word if you don't mind and forward the responses but I was so fascinated with the whole question yesterday that I wanted to see a discussion here.

So leaving a real person out of it-- that was simply explaining where I got the idea,

--what sort of compromises between time and money would you consider in your own lives?

If one of your friends who struggles -- not even diagnosed with anything, just low energy, what would you tell her to consider and why?

How would you advise her to simplify her life so she could take an outside job to provide needed funds for the family and the medical benefits.

**pip** · 07-15-2004, 12:07 AM

My mind is feeling a bit like rubber, but here goes. If she can find a couple/few times a day where she could just lay down and take a bit of a mental/physical break, she might be able to generate a bit more energy to deal with things. Also, I have found it helpful to let the need for perfection slide. I've decided that it is not a terrible thing to eat cereal and toast for supper once in a while, or a simple sandwich either. I don't think one must absolutely wash sheets every week, and if you have a comfy comforter to just pull up over the sheets, that's OK, too. Five minute room pick- ups are helpful. You can get a lot done in just five minutes. How about keeping a box of cheap baby wipes in the bathroom and a toilet brush sitting in soapy water beside each toilet, and once a day, swish the toilet a bit, wipe sink and toilet with a baby wipe, and things won't be that filthy. I think that figuring out a weeks worth of suppers ahead of time really helps, too. Easy suppers, like eggs and toast, a green salad with hard boiled eggs and cheese, etc. are not that expensive. Anyway, that's what comes to mind right now.

**pip** · 07-15-2004, 12:27 AM

I had another thought. I t would be a big time saver to purchase a few frozen dinners, like a lasagna or even frozen pizza. These would still be cheaper in the long run, than picking up fast food or eating out when one is too tired to cook. And, I agree that a crockpot is one of the coolest appliances ever invented. You could throw in a cheap roast or a vegetable soup at the beginning of the day, and dinner is as good as done.

**canadian gardener** · 07-15-2004, 05:19 PM

pip you have some great ideas. I agree with the ready made OAMC like that too. When I was getting ready for my surgery last summer dh and I invested in a bunch of ready made frozen dinners. Freed me up to just rest before and after.

I wouldn't do it always-- but I also am not trying to hold down a job plus right now I have the time and energy to do a bit of OAMC stuff, but when you don't have much time, it's much better to spend a bit more than do take out.

I LOVE that idea about the baby wipes and the bathroom sink!!! CLEVER!!!!

I read your reply this morning and went out to Walmart and you know those baby wipes are half the cost of the lysol or chlorox wipes.

thanks pip.

**canadian gardener** · 07-15-2004, 05:23 PM

and not so hard on the hands either!!!!

Again I don't use them, haven't tried them, but I've always wondered what the lysol wipes and clorox wipes do to your hands when you use them.

Baby wipes now, that is a different story!