Saturday, February 9, 2013

The 21st Century Dilemma: Housework Is Easier Thanks To Technology And I still Hate It-Part 2

 Expert Author Miriam B Medina

By Miriam B. Medina (Ezine Expert Diamond Author)

"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." --Phyllis Diller

Some people like housework and some don't. Most women today are not turned on by the H word because they find it to be a dull, endless and thankless job, one which requires no serious thought or deliberation. Their main gripe is that, with so much to do, they never have time for themselves. This is the same for men who have to perform household chores, they're just not accused of complaining as much as women, but we all know that this isn't the case. In this, part 2 of a 3 part series, we'll explore the role of homemaker in today's world, no matter which sex holds the title.

As a result of today's poor economy, many women are going back to work, taking their careers to new heights. In some family situations, when a mate loses his job or decides to attempt self-employment, women have had to seek employment outside of the home, working unpredictable hours. Many women who pursue careers find it difficult to leave their work role at work so they can enjoy quality time with their family at home. They certainly don't look forward to going home so they can do domestic chores, their weekends filled up by a to-do list. Nonetheless, they continue to feel responsible for their family's well-being, so they make adjustments to their schedule.

Most women take interest in the decorating of their homes, giving their personal attention to such tasks with relatively small amounts of money. Because the working woman is in a better financial position, she is perfectly willing to pay for the services of a cleaning lady on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. But this is not always the case. In this 21st century, as a result of the economy, sex roles in many American homes have switched. The wife becomes the bread-winner while her unemployed husband stays home to keep house. In order to save on babysitting expenses, the unemployed spouse becomes Mr. Mom, the multitasking parent, and his wife gets the high paying job.

Mr. Mom is in his glory, all of the latest modern appliances in his home, within reach of his fingertips, and HOUSEWORK? Is this what she was always bitching about? It's a piece of cake. Mr. Mom gets it down to a science. He even finds time to watch ESPN while folding the laundry or vacuuming the floors as he wipes runny noses and changes stinky diapers. He can whip up a home cooked meal instead of a microwaved one. So when Mrs. Dad comes home, supper's ready, homework's done, and the kids are all in bed, bathed. She is quite surprised and loves this turn of events. Men are just as capable of taking care of their kids, folding the laundry and cleaning the bathrooms. Of course, the more men share in the burden of child care and housework, the more they become stressed out and ticked off.

"Don't push your luck lady."

Now that Mrs. Dad has relaxed a bit and is feeling quite refreshed, after a few glasses of wine and the aroma of burning candles, she looks forward to a moment of great passion. What is Mr. Mom's response? "Not today honey, I have a headache. I'm just too tired for sex." Doesn't that sound familiar ladies?

Since we are on the subject of housework, I thought it would be an opportune moment to take a backward glance at the history of some of those products that have made Housework easier. For example, doing laundry today might not be fun, but the success of laundering in the nineteenth century relied on BACK-BREAKING ARM POWER.

Advancement in technology is constantly playing a significant role in our daily lives. As a result of modern technology, we are able to live our lives in an easier fashion, enjoying more comfort. There have been many changes since the 19th Century. The most notable change was the easing of housework drudgery thanks to new household appliances.

In the final part of this 3 part series, we'll explore the history of inventions that have helped make the H word an easier task, even though no one ever really wants to do housework.
Miriam B. Medina loves nothing more than sharing what she learns, creates, and thinks about, and that's why she loves to write. Be sure to check out her I Hate Housework humor at: http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2013/02/housework-lovehate-relationship.html where you can enjoy music, images and articles that are guaranteed to make your visit worthwhile.

So find yourself a comfortable chair, get a glass of wine or a hot cup of coffee, and you'll be all set to take an informative, enjoyable trip with her. Happy reading.



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