Ow, I Need Help in the Kitchen!

My therapist half-jokingly told me I could use the OCD-list-fiend part of my brain to work out the inefficiencies I have in my day so I can best maximize my energy. I'm a total slob and could give a crap less about details (this page has a description of Pure Obsessional OCD, which is the type I seem to fall into), but I have a thing about making lists and charts that's beyond the usual. They're just so nice and tidy...


I made a pretty awesome, husband-approved dinner tonight that left me in too much pain but so delightfully full. Having had a sleep-a-thon today after the multi-state car ride on Saturday, I had a little energy to use.


Cooking felt laborious, but making a mental list of what I did and how much time was spent actually cooking made me realize how much time I waste while making dinner. I get exhausted from cooking, so I avoid cooking. I avoid cooking, and I end up eating Annie's macaroni and cheese and chewable iron with Vitamin C for dinner.


Here is my list of kitchen pitfalls:

1. Not knowing the location of anything. There is no reason to spend five minutes looking for salt. 
2. Not delegating. If my husband wants dinner, there are plenty of tomatoes and a sink waiting for him.
3. Large things in the way. I have a 900 square foot house. Portable dishwashers are a moot point if they stay in front of the sink permanently. 
4. Failure to organize tools and ingredients prior to prep and cooking. Grabbing multiple items from the fridge and utensil drawer in one or two swoops is more effective than the pseudo-square dance I have going on at dinnertime. 
5. I need a anti-fatigue mat. Or a levitation device.
   

On the plus side, there are things I do that are helpful:

1. I use a knife only found in nightmares. Or Eastern Asia. I think I read somewhere that knives that allow rocking are easier on the hand joints. Those are expensive. I opted to hit the Eastern Asian market and buy a cleaver (Cleverest Son's Wife brand, cost around fifteen bucks). So sharp and heavy I barely have to do anything. It's like the knife falls through my potatoes. It and a paring knife meet all of my knife needs. 
2. Speaking of knives, I keep the cutting to a minimum. As long as the food fits in my mouth, it is cut small enough.
3. Mandolins are awesome. They slice. Good for potatoes. 
4. I bother to wear shoes. I had to drop a plate on my foot to become diligent about this. Crocs are good because they can be wiped off. I have the medical ones that are even more atrocious than the usual ones, but they're good for around the house.
5. Screw the Earth, throw those plates away! I use paper plates and plastic forks. Yes, Mother Earth weeps during my family meals. I never thought I would be the person who uses paper plates, but it's part of my effort to stay away from takeout places that use more packaging. Yep, that's how I sleep at night.
   

My task list for the week:

1. I need easy access from my stove to salt, pepper, and vegetable bouillon; olive and Canola oil in bottle and spray form; spoons and spatulas; and paper towel.
2. Other spices need to be closer to the stove.
3. Dry goods need to be closer to eye level - I'm short, so chin up slightly level is more accurate.