More things about me - inspired by the basement reno mess...

Because I have already spent the last two days constantly sweeping and mopping sawdust, I thought I would share some of my more "unique" quirks re: cleaning:

1. I clean something everyday.
2. I hate cleaning the toilets. They make me dry heave. I make the kids clean the toilets while I stand over them and direct.
3. After I sweep up, I get down on my hands and knees and literally pick up individual grains of sand/dirt/dust that get left behind. I hate grit on the floors.
4. I scrub the sink after each and every use.
5. I cannot stand dishes or cups in the sink. Dishes must be done after each snack/meal and put away.
6. I will clean the counters 3 or 4 times a day - and I am not home all day... So I clean them all night long basically...
7. I hate fingerprints on anything - fridge, stove, counters, mirrors, doors, etc. etc. I am forever going around with a cloth and spray cleaner to take care of fingerprints.
8. I use white vinegar and hot water as my all purpose cleaner. I love the smell of vinegar - just smells CLEAN.
9. I dust the blinds every day. I hate dirty blinds.
10. In my house there is a place for everything and everything must be in its place. If not, I WILL throw it out. Whatever it is. I don't care.
11. I scrub the shower with an old toothbrush to get in between the tiles. I hate grit and grime.
12. I have a squeegee in the shower and whomever uses the shower last must squeegee the doors and walls and get rid of all excess water. Helps prevent gross water build up and mold.
13. Having said that, I HATE cleaning the shower almost as much as the toilet. I can't stand the hair build up in the drain... To touch it makes me gag. Never ending circle...
14. When we have company in the house, I am forever going around to make sure there are no glasses on the floor, or on the tables without coasters under them. Rings - you see.
15. Continuing with #14 - I will clean the house AFTER my company leaves. Within an hour of having company, you would never know that anyone was in my house. I sweep, dust, vacuum - whatever it takes to erase all evidence of company. And I can't go to bed unless this is all done. I NEVER would sleep knowing there is a mess in my house!
16. After the beds are made in the morning, no one is allowed on them until bed time again. I hate wrinkled sheets/duvet covers. They drive me crazy. The kids have learned to love the floor. Deal.
17. Crumbs on the couch make me crazy. I will pick them up with my fingers if necessary.
18. Crumbs on the area rug also drive me around the bend. You will often find me on my hands and knees picking up "boogies" off the area rug.
19. I use a q-tip to clean around the base of the toilet and on the hinges of the toilet seat. My kids don't clean these areas good enough. And I can't use the toilet unless I know these areas are clean. Hence my fear and loathing of public toilets - I KNOW these other people don't do this level of cleaning!! Oh, the germs... GAG.
20. I throw away all the bed pillows each month and buy new ones. Dead skin cells, sweat, drool... Ick.
21. I vacuum the mattresses every week.
22. I wash all the quilts every week.
23. I change the sheets on all the beds every five days.
24. I wash the inside of the dishwasher with vinegar and hot water. It is filthy in there. Take a look in yours!
25. I also wash the inside of the washing machine. Again, dirty. Take a look in the corners of your machine and you will be grossed out with the dirt and grime that has built up. Go ahead!

Okay, now that I have frightened you away, I think I will stop.

Ciao all.

Why oh why....

Did I agree to finishing our basement?? I now remember why I vowed the last time around (we did our basement in our last house and then promptly sold it...) to NEVER do this again... We are only at the framing stage and already the dust that is on the main floor is unbelievable. I can't even imagine what horrors will await when we start to dry wall and sand... And the noise. Oy. Driving spikes into concrete to secure the frames is deafening... And I work out of the house all day. I feel bad for Marc and the kids who are home while this is going on. Trying to keep my eyes on the prize - more room in the house. Very hard right now to do... All I see is mess and dust and mess... Why oh why...

Some things about me...

Here are a few fun facts about me -

1. I always have fresh fruits and fresh vegetables in the house.
2. I always have some kind of dessert or treat in the house.
3. I never wear socks. Ever. Not even in winter.
4. I do laundry every single day.
5. My feet are never still. Even if I am watching TV, my feet will be moving.
6. I don't dream. Or if I do, I never remember my dreams.
7. I can speak/understand 5 languages.
8. I don't like to read instructions. I don't have the patience for them.
9. I can't be bothered to organize my Tupperware cupboard. Really, just can't.
10. I never pay full price for anything. If I can't get a bargain, I won't buy it.
11. My toes are always pedicured/painted (see #3 above).
12. I can't stand long finger nails and always keep mine cut short.
13. I have to learn something new each day, otherwise I feel the day has been wasted.
14. I can't leave the house unless all the beds are made, and made MY way.
15. I have a terrible fear of being homeless and/or poor. Completely irrational.
16. I hate Rod Stewart songs because they all seem to be about teenagers running away and getting pregnant... Why?? They cause me to panic...
17. I hate all country music. Just don't even bother.
18. I am not friendly by nature. But when I get to know you, then I open up to you.
19. I don't like candy.
20. I don't really like chocolate on its own. Baking with it is fine.

That is enough craziness for now.

Ciao all.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend...

My hint to my hubby... Coming up on our 17th wedding anniversary. Just saying...

The Big FOUR-OH

 

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband.

Do you like my sense of humour?? hee hee

Love you Marc!

The past...

I have had people in my life that are no longer in my life. Not because they are deceased, but because they have made choices that have taken them away. I want them to know that I think about them almost everyday. And that I still keep tabs on them, any way I can. And now I am wondering if it is time to reach out again and ask them to come back into my life... Scary decision for me. I don't like to be out of my comfort zone. And this takes me WAY out of my comfort zone... Now I know I am sounding mysterious about this, but I don't want to mention names or circumstances. And the choices made had nothing to do with anything illegal or out of sorts. Just life choices/perceptions/beliefs that drew us apart. Now that I am about to turn 40 (gag!!) I am feeling that it is time to mend bridges. I don't know. Maybe the past should remain there - in the past... Or maybe I should take a leap of faith and reach out... Much to think about.

Ciao all.

Gifts of Gratitude

Time for another list of things I am grateful for:

*spring break
*travelling
*baked goods
*dinner out
*my anal/obsessive need to organize
*my sense of style
*my sense of humour (needed when you are developing a sense of style!)
*fresh fruits and vegetables
*my ability to cook
*my desire to learn new things all the time
*good books
*steamed milk with hazelnut syrup and choc cookies from Italy - best night time treat
*losing weight (but not when I am drinking milk and eating choc cookies!)
*my quiet neighbourhood
*my safe neighbourhood
*my car - it is a good car - it is a safe car - it is a pretty car
*my degrees (yes, plural - I would not be me without them)
*my husband's degrees (again - plural - going on his 5th one)
*my baby sister - she is just so awesome
*my niece and nephew - they are jewels and I adore them

That is about it for now.

Ciao all.