So my friend had a baby yesterday. She has not been able to clean as well as she wants to because of her tummy being in the way, a pinched nerve that was bothering her, sciatica, and just plain "I'm fed up with being pregnant" syndrome. Been there, done that.
She has a big Jacuzzi tub in her master bath that has a wide deck filled with kids' toys, so it just needed the toys moved and a good wipedown. Toilets needed cleaning. Her kitchen floor needed to be hand washed. Vacuuming, dusting, a general wiping down of stuff you don't always get to because of time or other priorities.
Nothing I cleaned was as bad as the worst days of cleaning at my house, and I definitely am not judging her for the cleanliness or lack thereof in her house.
It just happens that I am anal, and she knows this. She knows my standards of cleaning are high. And she has mentioned many times over the last few weeks, I want to get this done, or that really needs to be done, but I just don't have the energy, time, whatever.
So I went to her house and cleaned the stuff that was bugging her the most. And it looks pretty good, in my not-so-humble opinion. And I know it will make her smile to come home to a clean house with a new baby, and she will be able to enjoy her beautiful kids without that little nagging voice in the back of her head, saying, "I should get up and clean that."
I don't mind -- I enjoy cleaning, and I feel great about what I got done over there. I like to do stuff where there is visible, tangible progress. Kitchen counter not clean? Okay, now it is. Yay. I'm easy.
Plus when I had each of my babies my mom came to my house and cooked and cleaned for a week. She is more anal than I am (and that, my friends, is saying something). My friend does not have that option, so I appointed myself "mom." I am bringing a late dinner for the two of them tomorrow night after they've put their older kids to bed. This is just stuff I like to do. Making my friends happy makes me happy.
And Mom? If you're reading this, well, it's been 4 and a half years since my last baby and the picture window in the living room really needs cleaning. LOL
I crack myself up.
Mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. Scrapbooker, family historian, reader, cook, photographer. Volunteer. Political junkie. Springsteen fan. Loves deeply, strives daily to be a cheerful, kind and generous person. Fails regularly. Snarky, judgy and more than a little blunt. Some people don't appreciate my style. If you're one of them, that's ok. Get your own blog.
You're the best kind of friend - one who pitches in when and where you see the need!!! As far as an anal cleaner - I'll own that and frankly, I'm proud of it - there is such a visual reward after cleaning. Your picture window - yah, yah, yah, I'll do it the next time I'm there! As with you, no judgment, just pitching in when and where I see the need. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteYou are such a great pal--that is the best gift ever to a new mom.
ReplyDeleteThe crop was cancelled and I am kind of bummed. I was trying my hand at something and poof--gone.
Oh well, I am sure there will be others.
Soooo, I wasn't being judgemental on my comment...I'm not sure if that was translated in the sometimes crappy written word. I was merely, ummmm, commenting?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you know your friend and what she would appreciate! And, like I said, I'd appreciate it too, but I have that Mom GUILT. You've met her haven't you? So I'd be thinking, "Oh crap Heather, you did it again, you didn't have that toilet scrubbed just right."
It's purely my problem.
And I know that you don't REALLY care that much about my opinion. I mean, you're Jennifer H., the mighty Jennifer H. of PAIIR. I was sort of oddly afraid of you when I worked there.
Yes, I have many issues.
Glad you're back in MN.
I'm with Heather on this one -- would love the help, but feel the guilt! I have issues too, but I'd still love for you to clean my house...I can deal with the guilt later with a piece of that pumpkin pie you're planning to make.
ReplyDeletehow nice are you! anyways, I loved the last comment....you crack me up, too! LOL. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThat was terribly kind of you to do that for her. I know she will be very happy that you did!
ReplyDeleteI wish you'd have asked me to help though, I'd have come if I hadn't been traveling!
(must go see that little one myself asap!)