To Vacuum or Not to Vacuum? That is the Question.

I am not afraid to admit that I’ve been accused of being slightly (or greatly) neurotic about the order and cleanliness of my house. I’ve let A LOT go since having our 3rd son two years ago. However, I found myself vacuuming this morning. You may ask what is so neurotic about that? Well, let me tell you:

The majority of our downstairs is concrete. We are in the middle of removing the carpet and tile in order to install bamboo flooring. There’s a small amount of carpet remaining in the family room. I gave it a few days thinking that it would come out quickly, but then Kevin hurt his back and the project came to a standstill. And I must confess that I just can’t stand the mess. And yes, I’m neurotic about it.

I had a running debate in my head. It went like this:

Neurotic Katie: This carpet is getting disgusting! I MUST vacuum! I MUST vacuum! I MUST vacuum!

Laid back Katie: Don’t vacuum you crazy lady! It is coming out anyway.

Neurotic Katie: But there are crumbs and dog hair visibly showing at this point.

Laid back Katie: As soon as you vacuum, it will get filthy all over again. HELLO! You have concrete floors and layers of dust from taking out the tiles. Stop the madness.

But I just couldn’t resist the urge to vacuum that ridiculously small strip of carpet. I am a nut.

But really, it is like most things in life. When things are in disarray, we can either sit in the mess and feel frustrated or we can make the best of it, help to clean it up, and feel a tad bit relieved by the effort.

So, yes, I felt a little ridiculous lugging out the vacuum this morning. But, I feel better and the disarray looks slightly less horrendous. Neurotic works for me.