Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Out damn spot!

Cleaning is not my favorite task. A long time ago, I figured something out - the dirt always wins. So really the question becomes one of dirt tolerance. Since, our planet being made of it and all, the dirt returns relentlessly, each person ends up with some kind of guide as to what dirt level is acceptable. Mine and spouse's differ, though not so much to cause (many) rows. Also over the years I've worn Serge down by convincing him that all our dirt woes are dog related and that's just the way it is. Dog in house equals dirty house. (It's true you'll find doghair even in our freezer.)

Serge is also one of those people, perhaps like you, but certainly not like me, who having seen some flaw in the paint/carpet/whatever, can never NOT see it again. Nagging at him and taunting him, the flaw eventually sets him into action. That's what happened yesterday, and I caught him in the act.

24 comments:

tornwordo said...

Check back later if the video hasn't finished processing on Youtube.

Snooze said...

That's hilarious. I wouldn't notice a black spot on the floor inside my apartment, much less something on the deck.

Anonymous said...

Tell Serge that he can join us in the "Magic Eraser Fan Club". Those things are amazing!

I guess I can be more like Serge. If I do not notice a spot, I'm fine (like you, Torn), but once I notice a spot I am anal about removing it.

But I want to know where the glass slipper is?

Lacey said...

Oh, yes. I love the magic sponge. You should see what it does to soap scum in the shower.

dpaste said...

I'm with you. And if I did notice it, I'd put a potted plant there to cover it, even if the spot was in front of the door. But scrub it?

Anonymous said...

Can you send him over? I've some spots to clean from a chihuahua that is not always as clean as his white coat would make your think he is.

Chunks said...

I am the Serge in our family. I buy the Magic Erasers in bulk at Costco, I love them so much. Hubby blames his inability to see dirt on his color blindness. Whatever!

bardelf said...

Alas, I am as anal as Serge when it comes to cleaning. Dust, however, is one thing I can live with. So my home always has an aire of dusty old museum or library about it.

r said...

Add me to the list of Magic Eraser fans.

Those things are fabulous for getting the black from a candle that burned too close to the wall, off that wall.

Although you know, I'm with you on the tolerance of disarray.

I lucked out though; Charlie doesn't shed.

GayProf said...

I consider myself a pretty tidy person. Still, it wouldn't occur to me to clean the outdoors.

This would make Serge irreplaceable in my book.

dantallion said...

Ok, that was hilarious. Serge's (very contained) reaction when he realized you were filming was absolutely classic.

Doug said...

So how does Serge get revenge for you making fun of him on your blog? ;)

I've never had a magic eraser. Does that mean I don't get two poops about a spot on the floor?

Curtis said...

You don't think a scatter rug would have been easier?

Anonymous said...

The vidoe is super great. Now Cinderella gets to go to the Ball.
Might I suggest an Electric Sander and some Sealer afterwards so the spot won't come back?

Polt said...

I'm totally in sinc with you on the dirt issue, but how Serge keeps from hurling the magic eraser at your forehead is beyond me. :)

HUGS...

This Boy Elroy said...

Does Serge LOVE Mommie Dearest as much as I do? I bet he does.

A Lewis said...

You know what I love about cleaning? Having a clean house! My honey is obsessive compulsive too....cannot, simply won't, let it go once it's noticed. It's terrible...and horrible....and adorable. But very annoying.

dawn said...

Man, I could use a Serge around the house. How do I get one? Maybe Craigslist?

Willym said...

I'm with Serge - I saw a small nick in the refinishing job on the staircase and it has been driving me crazy for the past month - my solution - we sold the house! Okay there were other reasons but at least I won't have to look at that bloody nick...

abnitude said...

too funny!send serge to my house,he can focus on a lot and create a flawless environment in upstae ny.(lol)

Patricia said...

along the lines of dr. pepper... i'm a serge, they're a serge, wouldn't you like to be a serge, too?

i can't not see something, either. and it gnaws at me until i deal with it. i wish i could put blinders on but i just can't seem to do it. and if i do, i notice the smudge on them.

Mark in DE said...

You are SO right! Dog = dirt. When I am vacuuming I am completely amazed every time at how much dog hair accumilates in the house. But as you said, it really becomes a question of dirt tolerance rather than dirt irradication.

S said...

Serge and I would get along so well with our neurotic cleaning.

Has he ever considered opening up a Mary Maid service?

Elizabeth McClung said...

I agree with Polt, all I can do while watching that vid is think of my brother who mocked me for cleaning, and your video takes on the tension of Psycho as I wait for Serge to snap and the video to end up sideways showing a potted plant while all we can hear are strange sounds of choking.