Paper: you don't necessarily have to recognize it as "this is going to be one of those stretches". When the sink is already at some pre-designated state (N items, M days, whatever), then cut over to the paper and plastic to not make it worse (beyond pots etc, of course). That's better than the alternative, even if it's not the optimal solution.
Ideal kitchen: would be nice. No one gets an ideal kitchen; it's in the rules. :-)
What are your countertops made out of, by the way? If they can stand boiling water, a tea kettle's worth poured over your work surface should eliminate mouse fears so you could set utensils down. Yes, this means you have to mop it up off the floor (or pour carefully, or live with puddles until they dry), but it might be worth it.
(no subject)
Paper: you don't necessarily have to recognize it as "this is going to be one of those stretches". When the sink is already at some pre-designated state (N items, M days, whatever), then cut over to the paper and plastic to not make it worse (beyond pots etc, of course). That's better than the alternative, even if it's not the optimal solution.
Ideal kitchen: would be nice. No one gets an ideal kitchen; it's in the rules. :-)
What are your countertops made out of, by the way? If they can stand boiling water, a tea kettle's worth poured over your work surface should eliminate mouse fears so you could set utensils down. Yes, this means you have to mop it up off the floor (or pour carefully, or live with puddles until they dry), but it might be worth it.