Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sunday Renewed

Something about Sunday's screams NEW WEEK.

I have been trying to approach things with a better, and more balanced perspective. Looking at all sides, allowing for mistakes but also giving myself credit to try things outside of my comfort zone in order to learn from them or at least give them a chance.

I am set in my ways - I like to think that I am adventurous but in reality I can be very (and I mean VERY) specific. This point was proven in yesterday's trip to the mall.

Let me give some context - I have been "looking for a new wallet" for 5 years. Each store I visit with wallets I look , inspect, debate and eventually leave behind a perfectly good wallet. Anyone close to me knows better than to purchase clothing or accessories for me as I am very particular. Although in a side note, I must say Dave is getting increasing better - especially with shoes! Okay back to the backstory - my currently wallet has nothing extremly special or meaningful about it. 6 or 7 years ago on a random trip to Aldo I purchased this red leather wallet - it was sturdy, held the appropriate amount of cards and just suit me. Fast forward to present date - I just can never seem to find one that lives up to the history and ability of the red wallet.

So - yesterday, Dave and I ventured to Yorkdale (the zoo) in search for men's blazers, a stylish yet business like messenger bag and of course anything that catches my eye. Luck have it I picked out a great bag for Dave from Danier that happened to be marked down and an additional 15% off. $180 down to $99 and then 15% off that! SOLD! As we were in line waiting I noticed a teal wallet, soft leather, similar style to my red Aldo wallet but just in an awesome colour. I did my usual "dance" and finally Dave said "it's 40% off - get it" - so I did. This is not unusual - most of my purchases work like this, however the after affect is usually a very deep buyer's remorse followed by a return and a chorus of "I told you so!" from Dave and my family.

I began to reassure myself in the usual way - by telling those around me how "perfect" the item is: "It compliments my new bag!", "It's a fun spring/summer colour!" and so on...

Walking to the car, I talked about it so much and Dave repeated his usual "keep the tags, if you are really worried we can return it" but this time was different, I didn't want to repeat my usual routine. In the car I organized my new wallet, and said "I am going to keep it - I think it's a good idea to try something different". Needless to say Dave was shocked with my response but with an encouraging "good idea!" I was set. I was battling in my mind, but I was determined.

So long story short - I am trying. I am serious trying. In a moment of "signs" I opened my new purse and noticed the teal colour of my wallet, is the exact same as the interior satin of my purse. WHAT A SIGN!

Ok, rant over. Time to tackle the Sunday "to do" list.

Monday, March 14, 2011

The Cleaning Brigade

I just realized that I never posted this! Oh well...Enjoy now! (Wednesday)

This is the first official day of my March break and to start it I decided "SPRING CLEANING!" one of my favourite hobbies. We are putting our house on the market after Easter and I decided what better way to spend my week off then by really cleaning things up.
I really wanted to use my new hand held steamer. After witnessing the power used on the baseboards I decided to try it out in the bathtub, attack the soap scum caused by hard water! I noticed that there was steam coming from the top cap and when I went to tighten it the cap came loose and 135 degrees of hot steam blasted on hand. I yelped in pain and rushed to get cold water. Luckily now, hours later I have no blisters but my hand is still tender. I guess I just wasn't ready for the big leagues.

I have often been asked how I go about cleaning (since I do have a pretty specific routine) and since a blog seems like the correct place to share this type nonsense - here you have it.

Step One: My normal "weekend clean" which was deferred this week due to weekend plans.
  1. Sort laundry downstairs, and pre-treat/soak any necessary items - I use the timer on my phone to warn me when to switch since I want to get laundry done and out of the way!
  2. Gather any stray glasses/mugs/traveling water bottles - Dave always notes how I am like the young girl in the terrible M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong movie, "Signs". I constantly leave half full glasses of water everywhere!
  3. Wash dishes (if any) if enough, load dishwashers
Step Two: Upstairs
  1. Fluff pillows, make bed (change sheets every other week)
  2. Using homemade vinegar/water cleaner - wipe down all surfaces, including fan.
  3. Scrub toilets, sinks and tubs
  4. Once a month - wash the shower curtains
  5. Vacuum floor and stairs (don't forget under the bed and dressers!)
  6. Wash the floor and stairs
Step Three: Downstairs
  1. Using same homemade cleaner - wipe down all surfaces
  2. Dust the media center and swiffer underneath
  3. Scrub toilet and sink
  4. Wipe down front hall mirror
  5. Wash boot tray
  6. Vacuum floor
  7. Wash floor
Finally....
Light a few candles
Admire clean, disinfected, organized home