Going for the clean sweep

A last-minute gift of the day off turned yesterday on its head. What would I do while unplugged?

Anyone who knows me even a little knows I didn’t soak in the tub, lie on the couch reading all day, treat myself to a shopping expedition or a movie. (Yes, Jacquie, I hear you groaning.)

Nope, I turned to my “other” to-do list, the one that rivals the list I use for work. It is formidable, many of the tasks on it old and hanging over my head like anvils, their pulsing reminders messing with my inner peace.

First there were some routine activities — the grocery shopping and at least some of the weekly chores.

These days He Who is No Longer at Work is here. All the time. So I had company in the market.

After 20 minutes of repeatedly saying, “No we don’t use that,” “No, we don’t need that.” “We use this brand.” “This is the one I have a coupon for.” “Let’s first finish up what’s in the cabinet,” and circling back to find He Who is No Longer at Work oogling the steaks, I walked around a corner and found a mirror image of my pinched, irritated expression in the face of an older woman who also had her retired husband in tow (and who, like me, was also walking at a fast clip, 20 yards ahead of her dawdling spouse).

Let’s just say the experience brought a bit of clarity I wasn’t quite ready for.

But I digress.

Before and after we later headed out with a fist full of Bed Bath & Beyond coupons for new pillows for all (and while He Who is No Longer at Work played computer games and watched TV) I tackled some of the stuff on the list.

First I took the couch cushions apart and gave them a good vacuuming, learning that no one is apparently following the “don’t eat in the living room” rule.

Next, I cleaned the washing machine filter (based on my experience, if you haven’t done yours in a while, head to the laundry room with your rubber gloves after you finish reading this, and don’t try it on a full stomach).

I cleaned out the dryer vent in the hopes that the darn thing might actually begin drying things.

And the piece de resistance of the day? Cleaning the coils beneath the fridge, a job that required quite a bit of patience, all the flexibility my 5-foot-2 frame could muster, and a strong dose of Claritin. I must say, the fridge is much quieter since, however.

All in all a productive day.

I woke up this morning a little tired and sore from all my contortions.

And glad it’s Saturday.

I really need a day off.