My New Obsession

Just when I thought cleaning couldn't get any better, I go and buy a steam cleaner, and discover a whole new level of cleaning satisfaction! Suffice it to say, I have found a new obsession--my Euro-Pro Shark Super Steamer!

I've always loved watching the infomercials that demonstrate the power and effectiveness of steam cleaning (I'm such a sucker for infomercials). So when Chris and I were shopping at BB&B with our wedding gift cards, I decided to splurge and buy something that I wouldn't normally buy. And I'll tell you what, my friends, that was the best purchase I've made in a long time.

I have been wanting to use my steamer for quite awhile, but I've never found the right time to do so. Our walls and baseboards have been in dire need of cleaning ever since we moved in, especially because our apartment was previously occupied by a family with 2 year-old triplets. I bet you can imagine the grit and grime that are present in the nooks and crannies of our home.

Well, in preparation for our ice cream celebration this weekend, I decided now was as good a time as any. After work last night, while Chris and I were enjoying a romantic dinner at home (okay, not really romantic), I told him of my plans for busting out the steam cleaner. Instead of sharing in my enthusiasm and excitement for cleaning, however, he decided to go camping with his buddy. Typical.

After doing the dishes, paying the bills, and switching the laundry, I decided it was time to pull out the steamer. I was a little apprehensive, mostly because I wasn't really sure what to expect and I didn't want to be disappointed if my results weren't as great as the ones they portrayed on TV. Honestly, I couldn't have been more pleased.

I am proud to say that I successfully steamed and cleaned the door and all of the baseboards in my bathroom (which, by the way, were the absolute worst). And to my joy and satisfaction, they are cleaner than I ever thought possible. It was like I had reached a new cleaning high! I am convinced that with a little steam and a quick swipe of a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, just about any surface can and will be completely transformed.

I awoke this morning with a new outlook on cleaning, and smiled to myself each time I admired my work. I just can't wait to go home and do some more. I'm afraid Chris is in for a rude awakening when he realizes what I want to do all weekend :)

Personal Rejuvination

I wish I could share this incredible experience that I've had recently with personal rejuvination, but instead, I am going to plead for some ideas on how to obtain it. Now, before I go any further, let me just clarify that I'm a happy person and I enjoy most aspects of my life most of the time :)

To say that I'm exhausted is an understatement! I have reached a point in my life where I feel like I am quickly losing control. I have so many obligations to fulfill and simply not enough time to do them all. Between work, household chores/projects, Young Womens, babysitting, couple time, family time, social time, errands, etc., I am completely spent (and I don't even have kids yet!). There are very few days when I feel like I've completed all that needed to be done, and more often than not, I start off my day feeling overwhelmed.

Like I said before, I am a happy person and I am very pleased with this stage in my life. But I've also realized that I have allowed my life to control me, instead of me controlling my life. I feel like I have given up on many things I like to do, so that I have enough time/energy to do the things I need to do. Case in point: I haven't had a day off work (excluding holidays) since our wedding. And quite honestly, that wasn't much of a vacation. So really, it's been a year since I went to Florida last summer, and that was the last real "vacation" I've had. I was finally able to convince Chris that we needed to get away for the weekend, so we are going to St. George in August. Other than that, my friends, I have nothing to look forward to. How sad!

So, it is with deep sincerity that I plead for your help. I need some ideas of how to find and spend more time for myself, without having to jeopardize any of my obligations, or feeling guilty about it. And I would love to say that I'll just give up on everything else for a few days, but you all know that I could never do that (my OCD would kick in before I was able to enjoy anything!).

Feel free to leave your suggestions and comments. I would love to hear how you cope with the various stages of your lives.