For the last couple of days, I’ve had difficulty focusing on the tasks at hand. After a bit of soul searching, I identified the problem, though the solution, although dirty, is hardly quick.

First, let me preface this by saying that, although I am not the world’s worst housekeeper, I’m a lot closer to the bottom of the housekeeping heap than I am to the top, where my mother, the Queen of Clean used to reign. However, since the kids moved out, I’ve been a lot better about vacuuming regularly and keeping the kitchen clean. I’ve eliminated a lot of the clutter as well, and I can no longer make another cat out of the dust bunnies.

Where I’m not so diligent lies in the realm of serious cleaning; things like dusting and mopping floors. So this is where tonight’s story begins.

Today, I realized that the root of my problem was the sad state of my home. In order to move forward with my writing and studying, I had to take mop in hand and scrub floors! EGAD!

There comes a time when one must simply meet the dreaded foe head on!

Today, after traumatizing three cats and amusing one (I swear Dylan stood on top of the bookshelf and laughed at my clumsy but well-meaning efforts!), I hauled out the vacuum in preparation for the main event. I honestly believe I heard the floor in my office whimper as I laid mop to a floor which had last seen such an instrument in a time I remember fondly as Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Aside from stains which will require a cleaning fairy as big and strong as Mr. Clean, the floor actually looks pretty good. I also sweated off at least part of this morning’s bowl of cereal and racked up over 2700 steps on the one room alone!

And a good time was had by all.

By the time the need to clean had died a death none in this household will mourn, another 2000 steps had been incurred amid copious sweats of my brow. The floors in both bathrooms and the kitchen had been scrubbed to within an inch of their lives and the cats got their clean sand an entire day early! (Mr. Dylan, the Particular is especially pleased!) Admittedly, I’m happy with the results and expect to find my motivation for writing and studying back to levels which ensure a productive week. I have definitely earned my second Shakespeare in the Park evening out tonight!

As this productive and enjoyable day draws to a close, I look forward to both the impending productivity (my meditation today was rather challenging as ideas for my copywriting project were flying around in my brain like crows on crack) and week two of returning to my gym routine, still sore muscles notwithstanding.

Tonight, my gratitudes are:
1. I am grateful for a much cleaner house.
2. I am grateful for a night out with friends.
3. I am grateful for being able to get out of my low chair tonight without benefit of a hill.
4. I am grateful that I am still able to do things to make my muscles sore.
5. I am grateful for an upcoming visit from my daughter, son-in-law and grand puppy.

Love and light