Laundry Lament

I'll admit it, compared to many others, I have lived a priviledged life. I have never before had to go to a laundry mat, I have always had my own washer and dryer. I have been without a washer for close to a month now and I can't stand it!! We have been struggling with the repair company, of course they only come to our area once a week, and they had to order a new part. Add to that they ordered the wrong part last time, we had to wait for the next part to come in, and their part delivery happens on the same day they usually come to our area, so we are supposed to wait until the following week for the actual repair. Now the repair won't happen until next wed. and we don't even know if this will fix it. The transmission might be kaput, then they will take my washer with them and it'll be another 2-3 weeks before it is back. FRUSTRATION!! I used my mom's washer one round, had my washer with limited function for one week, and now have used the laundrymat for two rounds. I have realized that My kids go through a lot of clothes, roughly 10-12 loads every 5 days. The laundrymat costs me about 20-25$ each time, but I am able to get washed, dried, and folded in about 2 hours. If only I could have that speed at home instead of washing all day long.

Of all the "modern" appliances we have in our homes, which do you think you could do without? I have lived without a dishwasher in the past, and would give it up again if needed. Microwaves have become just about a necessity in most houses. Many do go without washing machines, but I don't know how they do it. I can't imagine living routinely without a home washer, especially with a family, having to go the laundrymat each week. I know I'm spoiled, but wow, what an inconvienience! Having to load the vehicle with all the laundry, drive to the laundrymat, unload and carry it inside, get the washers going ( I run 2 jumbo machines and 2-3 regulars at a time), entertain the kids, switch to the dryer ( I do 5-6 dryers at a time), then sort as they dry and fold. Finally you get to carry it back out to the vehicle, corral the kids, and drive home, only to carry it into the house and put it away. I want my washer back!!

We have been researching and trying to decide if we should continue waiting for the repairs and pay that cost or just go buy a new machine. We invested about 900$ for this machine, only 3 1/2 years ago, who would think it would die already? We have now learned that our model was only produced for 3 years because of the problems they were having with it. What to do, what to do?!

Sorry, enough of my griping. I'll update later with actual fun stuff.