I Could Wish I Was House Proud

[poliphilo]

Nakisha from next door came in and spent some time with us last night because she'd forgotten her key and her mother wasn't home. We looked at our house through her eyes and were a little ashamed of how cluttered and untidy it was. This is a big house, but (especially in winter) we do all our living in the one room. Perhaps- if we have the energy (which isn't a cert)- we'll try and tidy up today.

Actually, I've made a start. I just picked up a cardboard box that's been standing in the corner for months and put it in the recycling. 

Comments

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

We find that we just don't care so much, most days, unless someone is coming 'round, which happens with such infrequency that it's hardly a motivator.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Most of the time I don't care. I have selective vision and don't see the squalor. Then we have someone pop round and I find I'm apologising.

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

One gets comfortable with one's own surroundings and our eyes are blind to what others might see. That's one of the reasons why I like having visitors because it impels me to do something about dust and clutter. Having somebody come by unexpectedly is another matter.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

We have a big house, too. We try to keep the public area (aka the ground floor) tidy and neat, although the tile floors are less than sparkling at the moment. I unleash my inner slob upstairs.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I find it very hard to tidy things up, because- you know- they're all there for a reason.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

We have one room we keep in pristine condition, but it's a bit like a waiting room. We couldn't have ushered Nakisha in there without it seeming unfriendly.

[faunhaert.livejournal.com]

bet she thought it was homey
and her gratefulness saw it differently than you.

take pictures you'll see it differently too.

good for you
i should clean more too!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

All this made me hyper-aware of how unspeakably grimy the kitchen floor actually was. "Less than sparkling" was a serious understatement. So when I went downstairs to make my omelet, I also had at the floor with a mop and some spray cleaner. It still doesn't sparkle but it's better.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I dropped a roast chicken on the kitchen floor today- and was down on my hands and knees mopping up the grease.

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

Exactly so.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

Eeeuw. The only thing worse that I can imagine at the moment is dropping a roast duck.