Marathon #2

Without training or planning or much forethought, I've embarked upon my second marathon.  But Kate, you haven't been running, I hear you say.  Never fear...it's a cleaning marathon, and I haven't been doing much of that lately, either.

My oldest son, who was starting kindergarten just yesterday, is graduating from high school tomorrow.

Daniel (on the left) with Nathan.  Possibly the last time they willingly stood this close to each other.

Graduating.  From high school.  Tomorrow.  This is insane for two reasons.  First, that my child is old enough to graduate from high school.  Second, that I am old enough to have a child old enough to graduate from high school.    What???? I'm not even 40!

But wait, enough about me.  We were talking about cleaning.

More specifically, we were talking about not cleaning.  Which is what I've done for the past few weeks.  Somehow I've managed to block out the fact that we're having 40ish guests over at our house tomorrow and I have to feed them and they are unlikely to eat food if it's served to them in a place that looks like the health department could condemn it at any time.  Granted, if they refuse to eat, it'll mean leftovers for us for a looooong time, but it also means that they might take off early and leave me to plot the death of entertain my former mother-in-law.

Left with the minor disaster that is my house, I had few options: 1) move; 2) rent a hall; 3) brave an outdoor party; or 4) burn the house down clean.  Since I didn't really start cleaning until Wednesday night, the cleaning has been something of a marathon effort.  Similar to a running a marathon, my lack of training has definitely impacted my pace.  I'm simply not in good cleaning shape.  Perhaps I should consider hiring a maid coach. Like an undertrained marathoner, I may not be happy with the results, and I could possibly incur an injury (or possibly inflict one, if the stress starts to get to me).

Thankfully, this marathon allows outside help in the form of my children and husband, who did a lot of cleaning while I was still at the gym after going to lunch after leaving work.  This take far longer than running 26.2 miles, so I might consider it an ultramarathon, instead.  And the only finisher's medal I'll receive is the dubious praise of family members who gush, "Wow, your house looks really.....nice?" and look outside to check and make sure they've arrived at the correct address. 

On the other hand, though it awards no bling to wear around me neck, I will win a house that's clean, comfortable, and something I can be proud of.  At least until the kids get up.