I have been on a cleaning spree lately. I’ve been working in every room and really pulling things out and throwing stuff away. I want a clean house, I just don’t want to spend my whole life cleaning.

People lied to me when I was a kid. They told me when I got to be an adult I could do whatever I want. That’s not true! Well, I guess it is true if what you want to do is go to work, clean house, do the laundry, go grocery shopping, cook and start all over again! I mean really? I got to do more of what I wanted to do when I was a teenager than I do now. Back then I had a curfew but I had very few bills. I had a few chores but I didn’t have to do all the hard stuff, like make appointments and plan ahead.

I used to be organized, then I had kids, went to work and started writing full time, and well…I want a clean house but I want to write stories. I want my office organized but I want to go off with my friends. I want to put everything where it belongs but I want to play games with my family and they are only here for a little while.

I have learned to keep the house clean enough. Keep up the dishes and the laundry. Keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean. Smack down the cobwebs when they get too bad. Beat back the dust bunnies when they threaten to revolt, and clean up your mess as you go and things won’t be too overwhelming.

But no one’s tombstone ever read she kept a spotless house, her laundry was always done or she should have worked more. No, we’re remembered by how we made others feel. Did we stop and listen? Did we make time to visit? Did we play a game or sing a song?

Life is too short to worry about the small stuff. I want a clean house but today I think I will go dancing in the rain.