spring cleaning

I have been so obsessed lately with getting those "not usually reached" places clean.  I guess you could call it spring cleaning ... but whatever you call it, I am feeling so accomplished!  It all started when Billy's allergies flared up.  He's only allergic to a couple of things ... pet dander (and we have no pets) and dust/mold.  I guess that opened my eyes to a few things.  I realized that I hadn't changed our air filters in nearly 5 months.  I needed to get those changed, and continue to keep them changed, every three months!  Then ... I started obsessing with getting places clean that hadn't seen a dust rag, vacuum, or mop in a while.  I have washed all of the fan blades.  I have dusted everything I can think that needs dusting ... including all tops of doors on either side of every door.  I started washing all of the plantation shutters.  I cleaned out my fridge ... wiped down each shelf, drawer, and side holder.  I threw away old food and organized the entire fridge.  My conclusion ... houses get dirty.  They get a lot dirtier than what you can clearly see ... and what gets cleaned every week.  It was gross, but it gave me a huge sense of accomplishment.

So ... that got me thinking.  It had been a while since I had looked at my blog ... I mean, more than just blogging in the "edit" section.  I never really liked the header on my last layout, so I set to work today making it something that I love.  Spring cleaning came for Tasha's Chat'n'Chew today ... and I'm so glad for it!  I love how the new layout looks, and I am feeling that same sense of accomplishment today.  I love spring ... and I love cleaning!

On another note, I have been reading this book the past couple of days.  Billy has been bugging me to read some of the books he has been reading ... I guess, he has been itching to talk to someone about his thoughts on his books.  I have been putting it off ... declaring that I am way to busy and way to tired to read a book!  That's a lie I tell myself.  I decided to lie no more ... I delved in to this AMAZING book by Laura Hillenbrand.  It's called Unbroken.  It's a WWII story of a man ... who is, let's face it, INCREDIBLE!  I don't want to divulge too much, in case you want to read it.  But it's a story of survival, resilience, and redemption ... according to reviews.  It is a great read ... according to me!  Reading this book has made me realize two things: #1--I love to read, and I can't believe I ever thought I didn't have the time. Priorities, people!  #2--I love history!  I am in love with learning about our past and how it has shaped our future.  That's what I long to do in life ... study how the past has made us who we are today.

Anyway, if you're ready for a read, this one is it: