Ok - I've always had quite a low tolerance for dirt, grime or general lack of hygiene. If the benchtops are grotty, the floor is sticky or the bathroom is smelly, I must clean it pronto. That hasn't changed, thank goodness.
My tolerance for clutter, on the other hand, appears to have skyrocketed somewhat since Jahan came along. I don't even seem to notice the clutter anymore. Occasionally I catch myself casually sidestepping a stack of blocks lying in the middle of the room, or subconsciously circumventing a train-wreck of toys in front of the door. And I have to consciously remind myself that the remote control does not usually live in the toy cupboard and my measuring spoons don't belong in the lego box - even though it often seems easier to leave them there because you know they'll eventually find themselves back there anyway.
It's usually when we are expecting guests that the reality check hits home. Suddenly, momentarily, motherhood practicality reverts to domestic propriety, and I allow myself the futile luxury of restoring some civility to the disaster zone I call home.
And in the morning, my little hurricane is unleashed once more.
Posted by Dayan at November 30, 2004 10:23 PM