Cleaning

I came to an interesting realization yesterday - I actually think I like to clean. Well, maybe I just like things to be clean so I don't mind cleaning? I'm not sure. Maybe I am having trouble reconciling myself to the idea that I like to clean because technically cleaning should be a distasteful activity. I think cleaning is really theraputic for me. I handle disorganization in my house for a while, but then - out of nowhere, it will bother me and I will have a mild "explosion" and poor Nick is dragged into my mad "must get the house clean" tirade. I realized I have this, deal with messes / explosion cycle, so I have fixed it by consistently keeping things clean so as not to allow the cause of the explosion to come to fruition. I find that when things are already mostly clean, I enjoy the task. I love to mop my floors, the Murphey's on the hardwoods is so pretty and smells so nice. I love to vacuum and see the result when I empty the bag. I love dusting and organizing. I am sure my mom will be pleased to read that I have changed my disasterous ways. I find that I am not a peace and can't sit still if there is clutter and messes. I love the look and feel of a sparkling bathroom and kitchen.

I may have taken this a little far. Trooper loves to play in the yard but he gets quite dirty. The benefit to having an 11 lb dog is his amazing portability! Dirty paws do not belong in my house or on my Murphy shined floors. He grudgingly has allowed me, daily, to carry him to the tub and rinse is filthbucket paws. Pool little guy. He puts up with it so well! Speaking of my little punk of a dog - he has taken to not coming in when called, so now we have to get the stupid jar of peanut butter out. If you click the lid against the jar, suddenly his ears work marvelously and he comes running. At this point, I think he does it on purpose because he has figured out if he doesn't come, he gets peanut butter.

Nick and I had a wonderful Valentines Day. He picked out some beautiful earings from Twist and chocolates from Moonstruck. We went to breakfast at the Cup and Saucer and then had a lazy day at home. We made a quick trip to Home Depot and got paver stones for my garden path and Target for a bedskirt for the guest room, which is coming together quite nicely if I do say so myself!

I just need to throw 2 more things in here: I ran 1.5 miles at 6.3 to 7.0 (9:30 - 8:50 pace) yesterday (boo for not being better about running) and 9.5 weeks to Hawaii!