When I get down to cleaning, I really go all out. A true dust slayer—those little nooks and crannies better watch out. Dirt, I’ll find you!! That was me before the two little rascals who love to pull out every single Disney princess accessory we own. Before the never-ending piles of laundry and the mornings that are way too early to be called that (dawn…which also reminds us of pain…). Back then, my house always looked like it belonged in a Mr. Net ad!
Now, this relentless battle against dust takes place once a week, usually between grocery shopping and a trip to Walmart. Yes, I still get into the nooks and crannies (more often than some hockey players, even!!) and make sure everything’s nice and clean for the weekend, but if I don’t manage it, I don’t beat myself up over it either.
My priorities have changed; the mad rush of work, school, lunches, laundry, and housework wouldn’t let me spend as much time as I’d like with my girls. That often leads to cleaning sessions that are so fast and efficient… too efficient, even!
Have you ever found a document for your tax return tucked inside a box of chocolates?? (I’m serious.) After weeks of searching, a chocolate craving hits you and poof! MAGIC! There they are, right inside. Don’t ask me how or why. And just recently, Baby No. 2’s birth certificate. Used for his baptism, it was in Dad’s jacket pocket. Before I forget it’s there, I take it out and file it away with the other important documents. We’re talking about going to the United States—we need that document to cross the border… but it’s not with our passports. PANIC! Well, after two weeks of stress (I ate my emotions away), I found it at the very bottom of a spot I’d already checked 16,000 times. Seriously…
At least I saved myself a phone call to the Quebec government (read: wasting two hours of my cleaning time!) and I promised myself I’d make a real effort to keep our home clean!