The Merry Maids lady and I had a great visit yesterday. I walked her through the house for her thorough investigation. She rubbed window sills, climbed into the bathtub, scratched stains, found a cobweb. That gal was sho nuff thorough.
In the process, she stopped to admire all my quilts that she came across and kept asking me if I really made them all. I guess we’re all familiar with non-quilt people calling them “blankets.” That bugs me no end. But this woman, until I corrected her (I just had to), referred to them as “rugs.” Rugs, mind you. Have you ever heard that?
She loved the animals, although she was a bit nonplussed by Taco’s big eyes. “He looks like he wants to attack me,” she said at one point. I assured her that he was the friendliest of cats and would not think of attacking her. The only person he ever attacks is Andy, and we haven’t figured out why he does that.
Except for the rug comment, Michelle the Merry Maids Lady was charming. With a deliciously thick southern good-ol’-girl accent, she gave me all the details, and more numbers than I could keep track of. She was not at all high-pressure, a thing that I especially value.
In the end, I decided to sign up for 12 months of service at a not-so-nominal fee. (I can opt out at any time, but if I cancel before the 12 months is over, there’s a fee.)The service will begin with a “deep cleaning,” which is especially needed, then every other visit will be a deep cleaning. The others will be regular. It remains to be seen the quality of the service, but the sales pitch was most agreeable--as there was no pitch at all, just information.
Watched two Netflix movies of note last night: “El Camino,” which is the continuation of the embattled life of Jesse Pinkman, one of the main characters from “Breaking Bad,” and “Fractured,” a real nail biter of a psychological thriller.
I needed the distraction of good entertainment last night as the Pain Monster was on me like a duck on a june bug. I guess I should have opted for something more serene and calm than the two I picked, but strangely, I am much more distracted by thrillers than more jolly movies and books. The pain has let up a little bit this morning--as long as I sit still or lie on the couch. But, as usual, that old monster doesn’t like me to be on my feet.
I’ve come to feel quite the slacker. I read these women’s comments and posts on the Facebook pages peopled by chronic pain sufferers, and they don’t seem to feel a smidgen bit of guilt because of their inabilities to keep up with their normal responsibilities. Then why do I? I could blame it on my first husband, who has been known to come home and run his hands above the door frames to see if there was any dust. But that was years ago. I should be over all that nonsense by now. I think I must just have a guilt gene.
Happy whatever day this is to all.
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On 10/16/2019, Deb said ...
Funny maid story! I've never had a thorough house cleaning but it sounds like something I would love (and need!). Hope it works out for you and it will be money well spent!
On 10/17/2019, Barbara Anne said ...
Am glad you tried to educate this woman as all good Southerners should know a quilt when they see on - no matter the size or location! Hope the Merry Maids are as good in Leeds as they were when I hired them long ago in Memphis.
Now, honey, I used to work with a nurse who felt guilty over absolutely everything for having to work to provide for her baby to should have done laundry to hang out before coming to work, to having the wrong color nail polish on. I decided then and there that feeling guilty is a choice in most situations. You didn't vote to have fibro. and the limitations it causes,it was done unto you without your say so. Therefore, no guilt!!!
Hugs!
On 10/22/2019, Wendy said ...
Oh my - I cannot even imagine my husband thinking of checking the door frames for dust. Best to put that memory way behind you. I think maybe it isn't slacking that you feel but a desire to do more than you are able and that is frustrating! Chronic pain is exhausting and wearing both physically and mentally. Maybe just try to be gentle with yourself with your inner dialogue. You are doing all you can under your current circumstances and that is all you can do. I would certainly use my energy to quilt instead of house cleaning! You have made some very beautiful quilts.
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