When I’m at my in-laws house, I’m a cleaning fool.
Not that they don’t know I have “issues.” There have been enough less-than-two-weeks-warning visits over the years that my secret isn’t completely safe.
But when I’m at their house, I’m Queen Dishwasher.
See, for the first few years we were married, I was lost over how to help out. My mother-in-law was a working mother and is a master of cooking ahead. She would do lots of cooking on the weekends, and they would eat “leftovers” all week. So, with her style of cooking, there are no last minute cooking tasks to help with. Dinner is always completely done when we arrive.
Of course, it took a while for it to occur to me (as a slob) that cleaning the kitchen could be my way of earning the title of the Favorite Daughter in Law. (It’s OK to say that since I’m her only daughter-in-law.)
So now, it’s my “thing” to clean the kitchen. Sometimes someone else gets to it first, but generally I just saunter in there, fill the sink with hot soapy water (since she doesn’t use her dishwasher), and get to washing. I even wipe down the counters . . . and use a dry paper towel to shine the sink when I’m done.
I know. Crazy.
I don't know about fakin' it. i am a slob as well, but I like to clean, and I especially love to clean other peoples' houses! hmmm…maybe I should look into another line of work? I can't dealw ith THEIR clutter any better than my own, but I really enjoy cleaning new places. weird, huh?
Nope. Not crazy. As a slob myself, I have no problem cleaning anyone’s house but mine. At least you’re not alone.
I’m the same way. I would love a job helping other people sort and garage sale their junk. My junk on the other hand is overwhelming and best left in place. When I visit my mom I always end up cleaning something or helping her catch up on projects. It is so crazy that I can’t do that at home.
This is old and I know you’re busy with the book release, but if you get a spare moment would you please ask your mother in law to write up how her weekend cooking plan works? Thank you!!!