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The Cleaning Lady, Costco and Catholic Guilt
I’ve sunk to a new low. I tried to pull off the cleaning lady’s work as my own. When Hubby got home, he gushed how nice the house looked and I took full, unabashed credit. But he caught me. Poking his head in the hall bathroom he immediately called my bluff. “Oh, wait. Today was Cleaning Lady Day wasn’t it?” I still clung to my sinking ship, determined to go down with it. With mock indignation I countered, “I resent that! What makes you think I didn’t clean that bathroom to sparkling perfection?” His reply was mocking laughter the rest of the way down the hall. ☺ ☺ ☺ I used to be one of the few, the proud, in my mommy’s playgroup who did not have a cleaning lady. However, I wasn’t proud of the fact that my house looked like it. Then one day, scrub brush in hand vigorously cleansing the toilet, grumbling about little and big boys needing to improve their aim, I snapped. As my sweet mother-in-law (MIL) and Hubby were heading out the door to shop at my favorite you’ll-never-guess-what-I-got impulse buy store (without me!), MIL asked me a normally unloaded question. “Is there anything we can get you at Costco?” Without lifting my head out of the toilet I growled, “Yeah. A cleaning lady.” Later, when Hubby returned from the store he very seriously pulled me aside. “I tried to tell Mom you were kidding, but she is insisting on paying for a cleaning lady to come once a month to do the kitchen and bathrooms.” I felt like a bad puppy who just got smacked with a rolled newspaper for biting too hard in play. Like a puppy, I didn’t know whether to wag my tail or hang my head with this mixed message. Unable to hold back his smirk, Hubby threw me a bone, adding, “I told her you’d be totally against it, because of the sheer joy you experience cleaning bathrooms.” After punching Hubby in the arm for perversely stoking my Catholic guilt, I did a happy dance all around the house and spit out some good tongue wagging raspberries at the bathrooms I would never deep down scrub again. Did I not tell you Costco is the greatest? Who knew they sold cleaning ladies there too?! 7 comments from 7 users
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posted by
ktja
on Apr 15, 2008 at 01:56 AM
I can't share in the excitement of having a cleaning person (wish I could) but I'm totally with you on salad in a bag and already grated cheese. Rock on! posted by
kellimwheeler
on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Thanks for the support ladies! Together, soon we can all feel better about buying salad in a bag and already grated cheese! Please don't tell me I'm alone on this one...
posted by
Rinkus68
on Apr 12, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Right on!!!! Hey - my ex-mil used to pay for my front yard to be done once a week. When she first set it up I was insulted - (but then again - it would have been ME mowing the front lawn if you know what I mean)... Then I took it as her apology for raising a lazy son! HA! Take it as a wonderful gift and enjoy!!!! (I have made my list for the day and of course - it includes ... CLEAN THE BATHROOM! uggghhh!). Loved the blog - thanks!
posted by
hmoeckli
on Apr 12, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Your post was hilarious! You have a nice style of writing.And don't feel guilty about getting some help. If I could afford it, I would have help too. (Or, rather, I would get help for my husband, because I'm horrible at cleaning. He does most of the housework.) posted by
HELENSWITZER
on Apr 11, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Great story, thank you so much for your post, we're always under such stress to prove we can do everything, and that its ok to ask for help sometimes. We recently celebrated Easter and just before Easter I was busy planning for the big feast I would be cooking when that internal voice was saying I'd rather spend that time playing with my children at the park etc, I was then going around Raleys collecting various easter foods when I saw this great big sign above the take home meals, they were selling a ham & scallop potatoes, honey glazed orange carrots, and brocolli dish, and I thought to myself that our family could enjoy a good tasty meal (not junk food) and I could have that extra time playing with my children instead of checking the oven or something and missing out on those growing up moments with my children. I could feel that voice in my head (my mother) trying to make me feel guilty somehow, and I thought to myself, its ok, its just ok. So I enquired into this meal, they had one left, I was so happy I was almost skipping like a bunny home. Easter Sunday was this delicous meal in the garden with our patio table under the umbrella, watching my children race around and have fun. I think in these modern days where moms and dads are so very busy whether they are working or not that if there is an easier route sometimes just take it! Children grow up fast and none of us want to miss out on it. Thanks again for your post. You've also prompted me to get a cleaning lady now too! Thanks for making it ok. posted by
munchkinsmom
on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Very funny blog!! I'm going to have to try that one...
posted by
NoshNBasket
on Apr 11, 2008 at 03:25 PM
I have GOT to try that trick.. Cosco you say huh? You should be proud and your head held HIGH. As a mom who scrubs three toilets a week I am proud of you and at the same time envious. Patricia
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