We have now been without a functioning kitchen for about three and a half weeks. We’ve also been living in three bedrooms and using one bathroom for the same period of time.
I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a pain. And by pain I mean we’re kind of going insane. But also, weirdly, kinda not.
Eye opening – that’s what this is.
No Dishwasher, No Kitchen Sink
We’ve been doing dishes in two recycle bins in the tub, camp style. And by we, I mean Stephen. One for washing, one for rinsing. The dishes are lined up on a towel in the bathroom to dry. And we haven’t been using a ton either. More than is honestly necessary, but way less than we actually own.
Makes you wanna go, Hmmmm……
Cooking
When we thought we’d only be without a kitchen for a couple of weeks, we ate out a lot. Not ideal, but something you can deal with for a couple of weeks. But, we grew tired of that very quickly. (I actually love cooking and prefer to make food from scratch.)
During this time we learned that Stephen carries the gene for celiac disease and is gluten intolerant, so we had to find gluten free restaurants. We’ve located several, but honestly, pinning down more variety in restaurant choices isn’t on the top of the priority list at the moment. And we got sick of eating at the same 4 or 5 places.
Insanely Long Gluten Free Tangent (Bear With Me, Otherwise Skip It)
We’re still learning about celiac disease and gluten intolerance, but we know we will have to convert our house to a gluten free (GF) one. Because we don’t have enough other stuff going on. And honestly, right now it’s making us laugh. Sort of a deranged psychopath laugh, but still. Because otherwise? Filling up the river De Nial with our own tears.
Anywho.
Stephen quit eating gluten about two or three weeks ago and is starting to feel a lot better already. More tests are coming, for the kids as well, but we’re relieved to have an answer. Even if that answer means short-term complication while we educate ourselves. But I digress.
End of GF Tangent, You Can Start Reading Again Here
Continuing with no functional kitchen (the oven works but no cooktop and as of this week no microwave), we Stephen decided to schlep himself to Lowe’s and pick up some propane for the grill.
We’ve been using that bad boy regularly. Stephen even made scrambled eggs on it this weekend. Plus, we eat outside by the pool for a change of bedroom scenery. This is actually the first time I’ve really enjoyed the back yard. In five years. Pitiful.
Plus, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually been in the pool. For realz.
Coffee
Our coffee pot is on the bathroom counter. Because coffee is Man. Da. Tory.
Pantry
Since the kitchen is useless to us and we had to remove everything from it, we relocated pantry items to our bedroom. And since Stephen has been purging his clothes, that opened up some space in his armoire. We are now using part it as a pantry.
Our Micro Pantry
And you know what that shows me? We don’t need a lot of space for food storage.
We’ve been buying what we need for the week. And it all fits. Because that’s all the space we have.
Funny how that works.
The Future Kitchen
When the kitchen is put back together, it will definitely be a minimal one. This experience has taught us what we use and need. All that other stuff is superfluous. When I can actually cook again in the kitchen, I’ll be able to use pots, pans, cookie sheets, etc. But all of the five million plates, utensils, coffee and tea mugs? Not so much.
Random True Confession Time
And, as I write this horizontal in my bed, I’m looking out my bedroom window. At someone else’s cleaning lady wiping down the windows and sweeping the front porch. I’m not ashamed to admit that I miss the help with housecleaning. I’m not gonna lie. But seriously, who wouldn’t?