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Often, it only takes a minute to forget how much the amenities in life have revolutionized our lives.

It wasn’t too long ago that women rose before dusk to get the fire started, the water drawn, the bread kneaded, the lye ready for the making of soap, the loom in working order, not to mention taking care of the animals and the gardens. Toiling from sun up till sun down, and the work was still not completed.

There was no break for computer time. There were no hours available to view “TV,” and certainly no vacation days.

So when I began to complain mightily about a sink full of dishes because my old dishwasher had been disconnected, and I was waiting instillation of our new one, I needed a good attitude adjustment. So someone please kick me…just do it. I admit for two weeks, I took for granted the amazing blessing of technology, and just thought it was my right to have my dishes washed for me. I didn’t rejoice in a cozy, candlelit time of washing together with my children after dinner. No, quite frankly, the sink looked like this more times than not.

I am so thankful because I have a whole new appreciation for my “want”, not my need.

What a blessed people we are to live in an age of invention where the physical work and toil of old has been outsourced for us….

(And quite honestly…I am all for that kind of outsourcing, and will prioritize it in my list of wants – any day.)

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I wrote those thoughts when I was still dishwasher-less, but never posted it. I think it’s a perfect segue to introduce my new found kitchen joy. I haven’t named her yet, but I should because I do NOT take for granted the huge amount of time she saves me on a daily basis.

I realize, thanks to Frigidaire, that not all dishwashers are created equal. The first few times we turned her on, I actually had to open the door to make sure it was working correctly because she was so quiet, but yep, the water was flowing freely.  She also uses at least 41% less energy and 40% less water than was used just 10 years ago, which saves every one so much money at the bottom line. That is just a frugal fact I love to stand behind.

I am feeling all fancy schmancy with my stainless steel Frigidaire dishwasher, and it’s leading me to a DIY project that requires sweat equity with the cabinets and painted wood trim. (But that’s a few projects down the road.)

I can’t wait to show you everything else, but one thing at a time. 🙂

Stopping now to take another moment of gratitude because I don’t want to get comfortable taking any of these things for granted (especially when I was reminded of our forefathers.)

(Posted at: Finer Things Friday)

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“I wrote this while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and will receive a Frigidaire Refrigerator, Range/Microwave, Washer/Dryer set, and a Dishwasher to facilitate my review.”