Me on Monday

I've admitted this before. I’m spoiled. But you might not know that I can throw bratty fits. Not the kind where I throw myself on the floor kicking and screaming, but more the kind where I go silent and become unreasonable. I know this, but when I'm in the midst of it, I can't talk myself out of it. I want what I want and I want it NOW! 

I had an "episode" this week. 

First, the background. You know I like white. White makes everything look clean and fresh--until it's not. Our house is trimmed in white and we have white columns. In the spring, everything is disgustingly filthy. Everything white is dirty. Besides the dirt, everything is covered with thick, sticky, pollen. Everything has to be cleaned--and I mean everything. 

There is so much work to be done to get the pool, patio, and porch ready for the season. Here's the list:

Clean out the pond.

Pressure wash the patio.

Pressure wash the pool deck.

Clean out the pool shed.

Blow up the floats.

Clean all the furniture.

Clean and put out cushions.

Move plants from the sunroom to the patio.

Wash all the window frames to get rid of spider webs, pollen and general dirt.

Buy flowers and plants.

Re-pot plants.

Fertilize.

That's just out back.

In the front, the porch has to be cleaned.

The 6 white columns have to be cleaned.

Cushions need cleaning.

Furniture needs cleaning.

The 4 sets of French doors need cleaning to remove dirt and spider webs. Which leads top mopping up the mess inside since the doors are not air tight. It's a mess!

So here's what happened last week. 

Butch and I were having Happy Hour on the front porch. I started to "wig out" about how filthy everything is. I also freely admit, I am over-the-top about this. But, I was getting myself worked up feeling like there's so much work to do and we're way behind. Nevermind that we were in England for the past two weeks--or at least I was. I guess I thought Butch would have it all done before he met me there. Well, he didn't and that's when I had my "fit." I was feeling so overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done, that I got myself all worked up and took it out on Butch--as usual. It's unfair and I know it. But when I get like that, I can't help it. 

So, we started in the next day and got quite a bit of it done. But, I hated doing it. My back was killing me--it even cramped up on me in bed that night. We're too old for all of this back-breaking work! I've hired Mitchell to come do the pressure washing out back. 

Also, I need to remember that it's pretty typical of me to feel tired and defeated at night with all that needs to be done. In the morning, I'm ready to tackle the world. I don't know how Butch puts up with me, but he has for nearly 54 years now. I'm so glad he does. 

And then there's this. I've always talked about how well he takes care of me. My favorite thing he does is serving my tea in bed in the morning so I can read for about an hour before I get my day started. He does it in hotel rooms too. 

Anyway, when we were in England, we were out and about. My hands were feeling dry. I asked Butch if he had any hand lotion--not really expecting that he would. I mean, I didn't have any since I use a smaller purse when traveling. How did I think he would? He pulled this out of his backpack:

OMG! He pulled this out! Not only did he have hand lotion, he also had mosquito repellent and a wet towelette! I've always said he can live out of his car with all the stuff he carries--including snack bars and water. Truly it's a survival kit on wheels. Well, I guess now I need to add his backpack to that list. One of these days, I'm going to make a list of everything he has in there. Oh and did I mention he has Equal in his backpack too? Like I said, he does a good job of taking care of me! 

I need to quit being such a brat!