Vicki Batman – sassy writer

You may be wondering how clean-up, especially doggie poo clean-up, is inspirational? It’s a stretch. LOL. Hang on, and let’s think a bit.

Recently, I participated in a Zoom chat with friends. The topic segued into a discussion on I “hate” projects. The “H” word was used multiple times, and my thinking turned to—I don’t use the word “hate” anymore.

Hate. From Dictionary.com came this definition: to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest.

Do you say “I hate” this or “I hate” that?

What stood out in the definition was the emotion associated with the “H” word-intensely, passionately, extreme aversion or hostility. None of those make me feel great. Did I want to waste myself in negativity?

Not really.

Don’t get me wrong. I truly “H” word some things, and some people will truly roast in purgatory. So what does the “H” word have to do with doggie poo clean-up?

I do not like picking up doggie poo. Intensely dislike. The “H” word. Not many of us like to. When Handsome and I walked our Adora-poos, we would watch and do clean-up. Kinda takes the fun out of walking. But we do it. Dogs and Parents get exercise in the great outdoors. Nothing better. We have residents in our garage apartment, and their loveable large–I mean, LARGE–dog does…well, you know. Just gross. But I did the clean-up for the greater good.

All of us do unfun chores.

We didn’t want to tackle the project, but the work had to be done. I adapted to something else. I focused on a flippy–the end job and what awaited me afterward.

For the longest time, I put off and put off a biggie on my To-Do list-clean the bathroom cabinets. This meant sorting through seventeen years of junk, vacuuming the dust, spray with cleaner and make the gunk disappear, then put the organized accumulation back. Sounds easy peasy—right?

Did I say how much I dislike dusting?

I “H” word it. Several hours would be involved in this job, taking a large chunk from my weekend of pleasing myself. I would rather stitch, read, and rewatch Downton Abbey than tackle that project.

So, to flippy it with a better spin-tude, I challenged myself, “Vicki, right after breakfast, spend two hours cleaning. Make piles. And then, do what you want the rest of the day, guilt-free.”

I walked several miles, ate breakfast, and followed with the two-hour cleaning. In the end, I was super tired but glad I finished the task. The cabinets looked so much better. Everything smelled lovely. Organized. Dust-free.

After my own soap-rinse-dry cycle, I plopped on the couch with a real Dr. Pepper, a great mystery, and no guilt, but more importantly, no hate. The dreaded To-Do item had been done. I felt great. Actually, felt freeing.

The big win happened when Handsome came downstairs and asked, “What did you do to the bathroom? It looks amazing.”

I smiled. “Oh, this and that.”

Share with me!

Do you have a project you intensely do not want to do? One you “H” word? Do you use the “H” word? How do you feel when you do?

I said hanging out with my favorite beverage and a great mystery is a fun reward. Here’s a book sure to tickle your funny bone:

Great job. What man? And murder. Newly employed at Wedding Wonderland, Hattie Cooks is learning the industry from a woman she greatly admires. When her former brother-in-law is found dead in his luxury SUV, all fingers point to Hattie’s sister, who is planning her own I Dos.

Detective Allan Wellborn is caught between a rock and a hard place—Hattie’s family and investigating the murder of a well-connected Sommerville resident, the same loser who was once married to Hattie’s sister. Determining who’s the bad guy—or gal—isn’t going to be easy and sure to piss off someone.

Can Hattie beat the clock to find out who murdered Tracey’s ex before she is charged with the crime and her wedding is ruined?