What Have I Done?

A home schooling mom works so hard to refine her children's abilities to write persuasively.  Today Arwen informed me that she had composed an essay on her current chore, which she makes no pretense of hiding her dislike of.  I share with you this little gem:

 Doing the Dishes: An abhorrent chore

By: Arwen

            My least favorite chore is doing the dishes. There are many reasons why I find dishes duty distasteful. One reason is that doing the dishes is time consuming. With multiple members in the family, all with hearty appetites, there are frequently heaps of disgusting dishes piled haphazardly in the sink and on the counters. Thus, it takes a somewhat lengthy space of time to deposit all of the tableware into the dishwasher. Also, there are many unpleasant consequences to doing the dishes. One of these is that one must roll up one’s sleeves because one’s hands and forearms commonly become saturated. In addition, the state of affairs in the kitchen is cramped and ill-designed. It is difficult to maneuver properly, especially if others are passing through the crowded room as well. Moreover, without adequate space, dishwater splashes messily upon the counters and floor, transforming both into a wet, gunky mess. The worst of these consequences is that one inevitably becomes wet from the splattering, dripping liquid. The most terrible component of dish washing is the leftover food one should encounter upon each plate and bowl. Generally, forks and spoons are liberally coated in saliva and crumbs. In addition, cups are sometimes filled with detritus and one may stumble across an occasional pile of masticated matter. The most revolting form old food can take is when it is left sitting in water. Dairy products thicken and befog the swirling waters. Ground beef crumbles and floats on the surface, while chicken sits in a slimy heap at the bottom. Fruits melt and vegetables turn to mush. When in a sink, once-delicious victuals become loathsome. Therefore, the chore of doing the dishes is often held in low esteem.