Housekeeping chores are way, way down on my list of favorite things to do. The only reason washing dishes, dusting furniture, mopping floors and tasks of that sort are even on the list is because of the results—the rooms are cleaner, healthier, and more appealing to spend time in—at least for a little while. I confess some days are more difficult. Just knowing the desirable results fails to give me motivation. I need something else to get my feet moving.
Those are the days I run (yes, run) to my computer, turn it on, go to Music, select the “Dishwashing and Dusting Playlist” I made, turn it up high, and sure enough, the music gets me into action.
What’s on the playlist that overcomes my inertia? Well, for starters—
“Take Five” by Dave Brubeck (jazz)
“Discovery Launch” (Launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery) from Mannheim Steamroller
“Dancin’ In The Stars” by Mannheim Steamroller
“Mars, the Bringer of War” from Gustav Holst “The Planets”
“Star Wars”—the Main Title
“Star Trek” theme from the tv show
“Rise” (disco-inspired) from Herb Alpert
“Vacation In The Sun” by Dino Kartsonakis
“We Bring The Sacrifice Of Praise” on Dino Kartsonakis’ CD “Vacation In The Sun”
“Mexican Road Race” (Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass’ Standing Room Only album)
“The Work Song” (Herb Alpert and the TJB, SRO)
“The Wall Street Rag” (Herb Alpert and the TJB, SRO)
“Bean Bag” (Herb Alpert and the TJB, SRO)
“Southlands” (Hallmark specialty CD)
“Allegro” from “Eine Kleine NachtMusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
I have a few more on the playlist, but the above is a fair sample. All these songs have elements that pep me up and keep me moving until the chores are done. Music is motivating for me!
©P. Booher
Country Ripples 
I love this playlist, I haven’t heard Dave Brubeck or Herb Alpert for years. Have you heard Ronan Keatings album “When Ronan met Herb” ?
No, Alan, I haven’t, but I’m sure it’s good!
I read an article about Herb Alpert a couple years ago. He and his wife donated a lot of money to help kids who want to play music. (If I remember correctly, it was to a school in Los Angeles.) I thought that was so kind. Music education isn’t being supported in school districts the way it used to be.
I like your playlist, too! Dave Brubeck is one of my favorites, especially “Take Five.”
I got the CD “Time Out”, especially because “Take Five” is on it. The liner notes for the CD said that Dave got a lot of flack because Eugene Wright, an African-American, was part of the quartet. But Dave didn’t give in, and made sure Eugene played.