Housekeeping - You Complete Me

My cleaning is done and now I can enjoy the summer months.

What motivated me to go into a housework mode was the fear that company would soon arrive and I’d be caught with my pants down. I’ve waited since the first of the year to polish/dust/vacuum/organize and shop for accessories. My excuse being I work two part-time jobs and I’m too pooped to clean when I get home.

I began by cleaning the mini blinds over the kitchen sink. Once they were bright and grime-free, I realized the other blinds needed to be done as well. I then thought, “Why not do the ones in the living room and guest bedroom?” My frenzy was in full swing and there was no stopping me now.When all were complete I mopped my brow, took a ten-minute break (to get my heart rate down) and started a plan to attack the master bathroom.

I climbed into the tub and scrubbed from top to bottom. I dusted all the light fixtures and oiled the oak cabinet. I even took down the grate over the fan, vacuumed the mystery dust and webs, and then replaced the grate (which now sparkled like my right hand ring). I stopped, drove to the department store and purchased a shower curtain liner, toilet seat and selected “thirsty towels” for the company. I did not purchase towels for my deserving husband.I bought a mattress cover and then drove back home like a bat out of hell and started the real work. I dusted each item with tender loving care while thinking, Lord, when will it end?

I wanted friends and family to be comfortable and displayed items I thought important. In example: TV remote; telephone; alarm clock; toothbrush holder; new bar of soap; expensive toilet paper; a can of air freshener and blue tabs for the toilet bowl. Now I’m tired, now I’m angry, and I know full well that I’m obsessed. I haven’t done the grocery shopping, and I have a migraine while trying to type up a daily agenda for our guests. I make sure to go to the bank and empty out the savings account, because I need to show them a good time. But you know what happened? No one showed. But the house looks like a model home; the husband is proud as the proverbial peacock, and even the pets enjoy the fresh new environment. My shark-like frenzy might have been unnecessary, but it was a good cardio workout and any form of exercise is important for a woman of fifty-seven.

And, by the way, if my company shows up at your door, put down that mop; tuck the broom away; fluff those hand towels; sit down and enjoy the day. They won’t be strangers for very long.