It is pointless for me to remark about how busy I've been.  This week marks the beginning of my lunch shifts at the restaurant, as I take over for another waitress who is directing a local summer camp.  I'm also still cleaning, hoping to acquire a few more clients.  I've actually probably bitten off more than I can chew---I launched a "website" on Facebook.  This provides me with the opportunity for free advertising---word of mouth seems to be the most successful marketing I've done.  Clean by Carrie is now on the web:  https://www.facebook.com/CleanByCarrie

Once again, I'm sure I've bit off more than I can chew.  However, I've very excited about the potential for business, and more opportunities.  We'll see what happens.

Happiness on Memorial Day Weekend:

1.  Finding Fat Tire on clearance at Target.
2.  Temperatures BELOW 80 degrees.
3.  Finally catching up with all the laundry.
4.  Enjoying some family time after nice trip to the zoo.
5.  Completed a lighting project that I started MONTHS ago.  Pinterest.
6.  Found some great deals at Kroger and Target, and I had coupons.  Cha-ching.
7.  Today is Dougie Fresh's birthday, aka, Doug Monforton.  He is younger than 70 but older than 22.
8.  Dave's brother Ben, the baseball brother, made it to the NCAA tournament in Oregon. 

And most importantly, I am forever grateful for all of the men and women who currently serve, have served, and lost their lives in the military.  I never take my freedom for granted.

With the help of my first house cleaning client in Fort Wayne, I now have three clients.  While I was very apprehensive about become a "cleaning lady," it has actually turned out to be a pretty good gig.  I am my own boss, I make my own hours, I don't have to "deal" with anyone, and I know I am good at cleaning.  (Thanks to Mrs. Goble and Shannon Lalain---the queens of cleaning 101). 

I acquired my most recent client today, thanks to my first clients' referral.  While I'm sure my plate is pretty full, I think one more would seal the deal.

Here's a cleaning tip:  Real Windex (with ammonia) is the best grease cutter.  The Works toilet cleaner is the best toilet cleaner.  They have both at the dollar store.  None of that $8 dollar stuff. 

Also, it is best to go from top to bottom---dust on furniture and fans settle to the floor when disturbed (that doesn't stick to a dust rag).  Vacuuming should be the final (or best part) of cleaning a room.  Also, I use the crevice tool constantly---tons of dirt and dust settle right between the carpet and the base trim.

Getting a gross tub or shower takes several attempts of cleaning to make it look sparkling---layers of soap scum and build up is very hard to remove when you only have 4 hours to clean a whole house.  Hot vinegar and dawn dish soap (equal parts) help, but nothing works better with that than a plastic scouring sponge and elbow grease.  And a lot of it.

Happy cleaning!

I am about two weeks into my new "working mom" lifestyle, and I must say, it sucks.  I do enjoy working, and getting a paycheck,  but there are many a' things that are suffering......laundry....home cleanliness.....meals planned for the week......Thankfully, Dave's parents have been super helpful, along with some great girlfriends, ensuring Greta is well taken care of while I'm busy cleaning OTHER people's houses and serving OTHER people food.  Good Times. 

Spring has sprung on Woodchime Court, only revealing a major lack of landscaping at our friendly abode.  NO perennial flowers, and some some landscaping shrub choices.  I've made many attempts to befriend locals gardeners (craigslist, upcycle.com, etc.) and I've come up empty handed.  I seriously may have to resort to my "go-to" flower lady:  Mrs. Goble.  Her yard is filled with a lush assortment of shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals.  It makes for great visits to Michigan, as there is always something new happening in her yard.  Right now, I'm trying to get a handle on the lack of trees in the yard, hoping to capitalize on the "garbage pile" of greenery at Walmart and Meijer--I've found some pretty fabulous plants in this area.  I highly recommend a visit. 

We had a garage sale on Saturday and we made out like bandits-$214 big ones.  Now, if we could only sell an old heavy kitchen table, a bathroom vanity, and an armoire, we'd be in business.  I'd like to buy a tv for the basement as well as some plants for the yard.  In the meantime, craigslist postings will have to do.

Here's to a week of more hustling, slinging club sandwiches, and mopping floors.  (But in all honesty, I do enjoy my schedule.)