Topsy-Turvy

I was thinking how like the Mad Hatter women are - madly donning different hats to fulfill our many obligations. We've gone crazy even as we are hosting tea parties.

One of the hats I thought I was wearing with pride, or at least a sense of accomplishment and that I am fulfilling my duty in taking care of my family, is that of the housekeeper. I thought I kept a pretty clean house.

Today, we are getting our ducts cleaned. The Man initiated this cleaning because I've had a cough for at least six months now, and after trying all kinds of medication, the cough won't go away.

The duct cleaning guys are in the house now, piping into the house with their suction hoses and vacuum truck. It's noisy. And embarrassing. They've moved some furniture around to gain access to the furnace. I had no idea how much dirt, dust and debris could collect along the edge of the wall where a dresser has been sitting. I've never thought to vacuum around the furnace.

As I hear things being sucked out of the ducts, the workmen are saying to me, "Hear that? There are rocks in your ducts." Rocks? Must be drywall pieces The Man left here and there when he does repairs around the house.

Worse, these guys are pointing out all the fire hazards in my house! From our plastic dryer exhaust vent (should be metal, the plastic is coated to burst into flames) to the dresser in front of the furnace (should leave at least 2 ft clear because that's how far fire jumps if the furnace bursts into flame).

So while the workmen were here, they sold me on cleaning the furnace and the air conditioner, and sanitizing the ducts. I had the works done. The house is visibly messy now. I need to clean up after they leave. I need make dinner soon. I have research to do. I haven't had lunch yet. I feel like a mad woman trapped inside a hat box.