7:33 pm and I'm finally able to sit for a minute and catch my breath. I've survived off of a Nutra Grain bar, a Mello Yello and a large (decaf) sweet tea....since getting home I took my heart meds (3 hours late), drank another Mello Yello (I know, it's not healthy....but people, this is my coffee....can't go on without it), threw on a load of laundry, chatted with my sister for a minute (a very brief minute), said a passing hi to my dad and am now blogging before I relax and settle down for the evening.
Today was a rough one. The day started out with disappointment over not being able to wake up to a winter wonderland. This time last night we Chattanoogans were bracing for our first winter storm in a VERY LONG time.....a blizzard, no doubt! The possibility of having a day at home while enjoying old man winter had us all running to our windows hoping to catch a glimpse of the joys that awaited us! In Chattanooga (probably Chattanooga ONLY) anything close to 1 inch of snow would be devastating enough that our city would shut down for the day. Schools closed, business closed, day cares closed.......we essentially bunker down even well after the snow melts off (which usually lasts 2-4 hours before it all thaws). No, last night we were in for a BLIZZARD. That meant we would have a projected 1 inch of snow and it would remain on the ground for close to 60 hours before thawing out. Without a doubt we have the temp to warrant the snow and ice, but unfortunately we lack the moisture. Timing was off so majority of us experienced rain. So alas, I woke to green lawns and frozen car doors. It's even colder this evening, and we are expected to go even lower tomorrow (reaching record breaking lows and negative windchills). Yes, Chattanooga, Old Man Winter is knocking on our doors, just not the way we'd hoped.
Today was a rough one. The day was delayed due to frozen car doors and a very cold engine that took a while to come to life. My morning appointment cancelled so I went to what would have been my second house for the day. I was able to work alongside a couple of good ol' country boy painters who were putting the finishing touches of paint on the walls. I was there to clean so that it would be ready for the family to move in soon. Took me much longer than I'd anticipated. If I'm being honest I wasn't prepared for the condition of the home or well equipped with the right cleaners to get everything done (the cleaners I brought weren't strong enough for some things). Add those two things with the fact that I am a VERY detailed person, and more likely than not I spent too much time on things or did more than expected (I am a habitual offender of both). Add all that to a physically slower moving Jen (heart is working a little hard right now) you've got the makings of a slower and drawn out work day. The kind that by the time I get home all I want is a hot shower to ease these tense (and aching) muscles and wash the "dirty" feeling away.
Today by all accounts should have been more efficient (and effective) than it really was. I fully acknowledge that and recognize areas in need of improvement. I should be feeling discouraged and worn out, but really I have a more positive feeling about today. A family gets to move into their new home this week.....not just a new home, but a CLEAN home. One they can come in night one and take baths, cook a meal, walk barefoot across the floors.........I tried to give them the smoothest of transitions where the job we did for them is concerned. I also got to work alongside two good ol' country men from the Cleveland area who were putting the finishing touches on the newly (and completely) painted home. Today we worked together for the same reason, and I think it's awesome to be given the opportunity to team together with others we would not normally meet. These guys also took away one of our business cards, mentioning their wives may like to have their houses cleaned so there is the added bonus of being able to spread the Good Life name a little further.
On a personal level I was able to earn another penny for our family and get a good physical workout at the same time (one that is safe for my heart). I got a single "I love you" text from my husband (aka Dannyboy) which brought a smile to my face, and Hunter got his new phone case. All in all I think today fulfilled my physical, emotional and spiritual needs. How can I not call that a success?
I am off for the evening now, friends (officially). Time for a shower, a homemade quesadilla (with sour cream and salsa...yum!), finish my laundry and watch a little Juan Pablo before going to bed. Looking forward to Dannyboy getting home....I've missed him today.
Here's to steppin', friends.
