Best of OM :: The Maid

I’m off with my family on a winter break for a week, but thought it would be a good idea to showcase the best of my OM [one moment] posts.


OM is a meetup every Friday to reflect on one moment that is meaningful to you. The moments the participants have shared are funny, poignant, silly, deep… a whole range of experiences and emotions that really showcase how much common ground we share. I urge you to join this meetup, created by the simply awesome, Linda of a la mode. I look forward to the writing and reading of moments every week and I hope you will too.

Originally published May 14, 2010

Q: Do I have a maid?
A: Yes, in that fantasy life the other me gets to live.

Q: In this reality?
A: You guessed it – I am The Maid.

I’m not writing to complain. Although living with three boys and one furry creature does provide much material to boo-hoo about. But complaining doesn’t accomplish anything at all.

My moment happened in the grocery store. I was walking down the cleaning products aisle with my 4yo safely tucked in his race car/shopping cart playing his Leapster. I saw a product that made the angels sing in my head – a product that cleans the toilet. By. It. Self. I read the package for so long, my 4yo popped out of his reverie and asked if we were going to move anytime soon.

My moment is not finding a miracle product. My moment is realizing that I look for that *magic bullet* for the inadequacies in my life. And then think it will be the one thing to get me where I want to be. It is the reason why I can watch an infomercial and almost believe everything the *real people* are saying. I don’t often buy from the infomercials, but when I do, it’s usually a cleaning product or a weight loss solution. Hello, Dr. Freud!

Instead of being embarrassed by my *magic bullet* theory, I need to expose it and really think and rethink this process. I know in my head that losing weight or organizing my home takes time and commitment and a plan. I don’t think I want to admit that I might struggle with both these issues for a lifetime. An overwhelming thought, but pretty realistic. My moment this week reminded me that I need to take one step at a time – no speedy bullet, just a slow rolling ball.

Q: So, did I buy the cleaning product?
A: Absolutely.

Q: Will I use it?
A: 5 words :: By. It. Self! nuff said.