Throughout my life, I’ve been casually crossing things off that illustrious scroll. These days, my targets are modest, NOT from having done it all, but because I’m comfortable. Yet, once in a while, I’m surprised when a thought consumes me, one that sneaks into my bucket list. It all began a couple of Fridays ago.
I’d pulled an all-nighter binge-watching ‘The Crown’. Saturday morning breakfast was going to be dinner. I absolutely craved an old-fashioned meatloaf with mashed potatoes, maple-roasted carrots, a cucumber salad and — of course — garlic bread au gratin. The meal was delicious, but the cleanup (I no longer own a dishwasher) required a commitment too tangled for my tired brain. I left everything where it was, piled on the counter next to my two sinks.
And THAT’S when things went off the rails. A lazy ‘laissez faire’ attitude conspired with apathy, then bloomed into an idea that moulded a plan — and shaped this question.
Could I use every single knife, spoon, fork, plate, cup, pan and bowl that I own, without washing ANYTHING — for the next two weeks?’
I mean — what’s the point of keeping all this stuff clogging my cupboards if I’m never going to use it? My NEW bucket list pin had materialized. The only rule in this challenge was — the sinks could NOT be used for stacking. One needs some minimum standards.
When the kids lived at home, we’d regularly entertain a half-dozen people, and on special occasions many more. Yes, we passed out paper plates for our BBQs, but at other times — the dishes and cutlery came out. My crammed cupboards were undoubtedly jonesing for those long-gone crowds; I imagined the kitchenware pulsing, eager to please and be touched once again. Those were my thoughts back then.
Now picture what my counters looked like after a week. I almost gave up, but I persevered because — I’m not a quitter. Nearing the end of week two, everything everywhere was piled precariously high. I would walk by my kitchen slowly, so as not to cause a breeze. And, there was that miss-hap with (I’d forgotten I had any) a glass plate.
I understand now why my ex-wife left those buggers for me. Ever break one of them? You’re picking shards and slivers of glass off your floor for days. Last Saturday afternoon, I finally used my last bowl. I looked into my bare cupboards and drawers, and at the horrendous mess in my kitchen and confirmed — my goal had been reached.
I had this satisfied smirk on my face as I crossed my arms and surveyed the carnage. Then I realized — FFS — I’d have to start cleaning up all that crap. It wouldn’t be an easy task. Pre-soaking in hot water was compulsory, and so was double washing. I lost track of how many Brillo Pads I went through or the hours it took, but eventually — I got that job done. My kitchen is sparkling clean and looks great. Well, at least as good as it did before. And I discovered some new favourite bowls and plates.
Will I ever try this again — never! I can hear some of you suggesting I get a life; point taken. I could probably target other items on my bucket list — but walking the Great Wall of China doesn’t interest me anymore. I’ve morphed into a homebody, but definitely not a boring one.
I’ve been drinking coffee while writing this blog; hang on a sec — I’m going to wash my empty mug… I’ll be right back.
What’s on your list?